cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metabolism and autophagy in the immune system: immunometabolism comes of age.

Two of the most fundamental ways in which cells and animals interact with their environment are through obtaining nutrients sufficient to sustain life and defending against attack of potentially pathogenic organisms. It is not surprising with some reflection, therefore, that immune cell metabolism and function are linked and that the immune system as a whole is connected and closely interacts with basic metabolic tissues and processes. This basic premise is now well accepted, but, until recently, was overlooked in both studies of the immune system and in studies of nutrition and metabolism. It had been apparent nearly one hundred years ago, however, that nutrition and immunological state could be associated, as malnutrition was clearly defined as an immunosuppressive condition, with increased infections in poorly fed populations (1, 2). Evolutionarily, it appears that the highly energy-dependent process of immune protection was simply selected as a system to be quickly sacrificed in times of famine, so as to maintain enough energy for immediately vital functions, such as neuronal and cardiovascular systems. This nutrition and immunity association now provides context for the rise of immunometabolism as a field. Current thinking acknowledges that the links between immunity and metabolism are not limited to malnutrition and include basic cellular processes as well as close interactions between immune cells and metabolic tissues. In particular, immune responses are highly energy dependent, and how lymphocytes obtain their energy offers a new approach to modify immunity and define specific immune functions. Metabolic stress response pathways, such as autophagy, are also intimately tied to immunity, to activate the innate immune response, to allow adaptive immunity, as well as to directly eliminate some pathogens. In addition, the growing incidence of obesity and the metabolic syndrome in the western world are now known to have inflammation and overactive immunity as a root source of pathology. As recognition of the importance of these areas grows, the field of immunometabolism is now of broad importance in basic biologic understanding of immunity as well as in a variety of pathological settings. This volume includes reviews to discuss current literature and thought on each of these topics and to point toward future directions how metabolic links with immunity ultimately may be exploited to treat a wide array of metabolic and immunologic diseases.
Passive target location using bearings from a platform whose track is uncertain (Corresp.)

Suppose that a moving platform measmw the relative bearings of a number of distant targets. If the platform track is precisely known and the targets are stationary, then two sucsessive bearings are sufficient to identify the location of a given target using triangulation. As there is always some error in the bearing estimates, additional bearings are needed to obtain a more accurate estimate of each target's location. If the position of the platform is ancertaiq then the target location problem is more complicated. Simple ad hoc estimators of target coordinates when there are significant random errors in the measurem ent of the platform track are presented. The only assumption made about the platform track is that it is distant from the targets.
A boundary element formulation for the inverse elastostatics problem (iesp) of flaw detection

A boundary integral formulation is presented for the detection of flaws in planar structural members from the displacement measurements given at some boundary locations and the applied loading. Such inverse problems usually start with an initial guess for the flaw location and size and proceed towards the final configuration in a sequence of iterative steps. A finite element formulation will require a remeshing of the object corresponding to the revised flaw configuration in each iteration making the procedure computationally expensive and cumbersome. No such remeshing is required for the boundary element approach. The inverse problem is written as an optimization problem with the objective function being the sum of the squares of the differences between the measured displacements and the computed displacements for the assumed flaw configuration. The geometric condition that the flaw lies within the domain of the object is imposed using the internal penalty function approach in which the objective function is augmented by the constraint using a penalty parameter. A first-order regularization procedure is also implemented to modify the objective function in order to minimize the numerical fluctuations that may be caused in the numerical procedure due to errors in the experimental measurements for displacements. The flaw configuration is defined in terms of geometric parameters and the sensitivities with respect to these parameters are obtained in the boundary element framework using the implicit differentiation approach. A series of numerical examples involving the detection of circular and elliptical flaws of various sizes and orientations are solved using the present approach. Good predictions of the flaw shape and location are obtained.
Molecular forms of human urinary mucoprotein present under physiological conditions

Abstract Under physiologic conditions the human urinary mucoprotein of Tamm and Horsfall has been shown to exist in two molecular forms. The predominant form has a molecular weight of 28·106, a length of 12·103 A and a width of 80 A. These molecules are each composed of four molecules of the 7·106 molecular-weight form arranged two side by side and two end to end. The molecules are somewhat flexible. The larger molecules dissociate irreversibly into the smaller ones, more rapidly in more dilute solution. The fine structure of these molecules and some aspects of their behavior in normal urine are discussed.
Solubility and bacterial studies of hexachlorophene.

The diphenolic compound, hexachlorophene, has been shown to be a very effective germicide. Continued use of the compound in soap appears to reduce the bacterial population of the skin to as low as 5 per cent of normal. This high degree of effectiveness, coupled with a low degree of toxicity and a low sensitization index, suggest the use of hexachlorophene in dermatological pharmaceuticals. Hexachlorophene was rendered soluble by the use of Tween 20 and by Tween 80, which greatly enhances its potency. Three ofticial ointment bases containing hexachlorophene showed no significant differences in the widths of the zones of inhibition. Corn oil, olive oil, and cottonseed oil proved to be suitable solvents for hexachlorophene. It may be solubilized in liquid petrolatum with the aid of Span 85. It is insoluble in glycerin, but is freely soluble in the closely related solvents propylene glycol and the polyethylene glycols. Hexachlorophene may prove to be adaptable for use in ointments, lotions, and antiseptic oils.
On the OGY Control of an Impact-Friction Oscillator

An earlier paper by the same authors examined the dynamic behavior of an impact-friction oscil lator. It was shown that a variety of highly complex behavior was possible including chaos, and the re...
A Global Climatology of Temperature and Water Vapor Variance Scaling from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder

Abstract A global climatology of height-resolved variance scaling within the troposphere is presented using derived temperature (T) and water vapor (q) profiles from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS). The power-law exponent of T variance scaling approaches 1.0 outside of the tropics at scales >500–800 km, but it is closer to 0.3 at scales <500 km, similar to exponents obtained from aircraft campaigns, numerical modeling, and theoretical studies. The T exponents in the tropics at all scales become less than 0.3, with a similar pattern observed within the boundary layer in some extratropical regions. For q, the variance scaling differs substantially from T with exponents near 0.5–0.6 in parts of the tropics and subtropics with little to no scale break, showing some consistency with a very limited set of aircraft and satellite studies. Scaling differences as a function of land and ocean, altitude, and cloudy- and clear-sky scenes are quantified. Both T and q exponents indicate peak magnitudes in the mi...
Infrared spectra of CO adsorbed at low temperatures on Ni

Abstract At low temperatures (1.5K-40K), CO has been found to chemisorb into terminal, bridge, and three-fold sites on evaporated Ni films. The chemisorption takes place directly, rather than through a precursor state. At least two distinct terminal sites are occupied at high coverages. After the sample is warmed from 1.5K to 40K the infrared spectra change dramatically, showing substantial surface diffusion even at these low temperatures.
Cyanide bonding on AG (110) investigated by electroreflectance

Abstract Electric field modulation of the normal-incidence optical reflectivity (from 3.1 to 4.3 eV) of (110) silver with cyanide bonded to the surface is described. The spectra show an enhancement in anisotropy with respect to the orientation of the light polarization. It is suggested that this effect, together with the shift of structure to higher photon energy with increasing cyanide coverage, can be explained by CN - (σ)→Ag (sp) bonding with over-compensating Ag(d)→CN - (π ∗ ) back donation. Other interpretations are discussed and future applications of silver-electrolyte electroreflectance to help understand cyanide bonding are proposed.
Design optimization of reinforced concrete structures

A novel formulation aiming to achieve optimal design of reinforced concrete (RC) structures is presented here. Optimal sizing and reinforcing for beam and column members in multi-bay and multi- story RC structures incorporates optimal stiffness correlation among all structural members and results in cost savings over typical-practice design solutions. A Nonlinear Programming algorithm searches for a minimum cost solution that satisfies ACI 2005 code requirements for axial and flexural loads. Material and labor costs for forming and placing concrete and steel are incorporated as a function of member size using RS Means 2005 cost data. Successful implementation demonstrates the abilities and performance of MATLAB's (The Mathworks, Inc.) Sequential Quadratic Programming algorithm for the design optimization of RC structures. A number of examples are presented that demonstrate the ability of this formulation to achieve optimal designs. This paper presents a novel optimization approach for the design of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Optimal sizing and reinforcing for beam and column members in multi-bay and multi- story RC structures incorporates optimal stiffness correlation among structural members and results in cost savings over typical state-of-the-practice design solutions. The design procedures for RC structures that are typically adapted in practice begin by assuming initial stiffness for the structural skeleton elements. This is necessary to calculate the internal forces of a statically indeterminate structure. The final member dimensions are then designed to resist the internal forces that are the result of the assumed stiffness distribution. This creates a situation where the internal forces used for design may be inconsistent with the internal forces that correspond to the final design dimensions. The redistribution of forces in statically indeterminate structures at incipient failure, however, results in the structural performance that is consistent with the design strength of each member. Although this common practice typically produces safe structural designs, it includes an inconsistency between the elastic tendencies and the ultimate strength of the structure. In some cases this can cause unsafe structural performance under overloads (e.g. earthquakes) as well as unwanted cracking under normal building operations when factored design loads are close to service loads, (e.g. dead load dominated structures). This inconsistency also implies that such designs are unnecessarily expensive as they do not optimize the structural resistance and often result in
Lyotropic numbers of anions from cloud point changes of nonionic surfactants

Abstract The Hofmeister or lyotropic series arrange ions according to their ability to salt out polymers [1] and also according to their effects on various bulk, surface and interfacial properties of water, aqueous solutions and colloidal dispersions [2]. The quantitative assignment of lyotropic numbers to individual ions is based on a cumbersome procedure involving flocculation of agar or gelatin sols [3,4]. Nonionic surfactants owe their solubility to hydration of the polyoxyethylene moiety, which decreas with increasing temperature. On heating, they precipitate reversibly at the cloud point (CP). The CP is raised and lowered by salting-in and salting-out electrolytes, respectively (5–7). The CP shift values of anions were found to be related by a smooth curve to their lyotropic numbers. In view of the rapidity and accuracy of measuring CP's and determining the effect of anions thereon, anionic CP shift values can be used to obtain lyotropic numbers.
Diurnal variations in plasma Arginine Vasotocin (AVT) concentrations in the ovine fetus

Abstract Previously we have demonstrated the presence of AVT in the blood of fetal sheep. The source is not clear, but AVT has been identified in fetal pineal and pituitary glands. In view of the circadian secretory pattern of the pineal gland, we questioned whether fetal plasma AVT levels might vary diurnally. Plasma samples from five chronically catheterized ovine maternal ewes and fetal lambs 129–135 days' gestation were obtained at 3–19 hourly intervals for 1–2 days (mean ± S.E.M. = 35 ± 6 hours). Plasma AVT levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. Results were analyzed by nonlinear curve fitting procedures to relate hormone levels with time of day. Plasma AVT values for maternal ewes did not vary during the day in response to light/dark periods. The curve for mean fetal plasma AVT plotted against time showed oscillations with a period of about 25 hours (p
Demand for Prepared Meals by U.S. Households

Using the 1987–88 NFCS, a Heckman two-stage procedure was used to estimate the demand for prepared meals by U.S. households. Prepared meals were defined as those ready to eat and those ready to cook. Households headed by younger, more educated, and time-constrained managers were more likely to purchase prepared meals. Income elasticities ranged from 0.07 to 0.13, while own-price elasticities ranged from −0.23 to −0.66. Evidence exists to indicate that prepared meals and food-away-from-home are substitutes. The presence of teenagers in a household is positively associated with expenditures of prepared meals.
The influence of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor signaling on lymphocyte trafficking: How a bioactive lipid mediator grew up from an “immature” vascular maturation factor to a “mature” mediator of lymphocyte behavior and function

Since the initial observations that highlighted the importance of lymphocyte trafficking for immune responses, the pathways utilized by B and T lymphocytes to recirculate and properly position themselves have been intensely studied. Most of the chemoattractants along with their cognate receptors that affect lymphocyte trafficking have been identified. Some of their functions are promotion of lymphocyte ingress into immune organs, localization of cells to specific regions within those organs, maintenance of lymphocyte basal motility in immune organs, facilitation of lymphocyte egress from these organs, and control of migration and homing of lymphocytes in the periphery. Since the seminal discovery that agonism of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors evokes changes in lymphocyte homing and trafficking, considerable effort has been undertaken to characterize the mechanism utilized by these receptors to influence lymphocyte behavior. This review will focus on the influence of sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling system on lymphocyte localization, egress from lymph organs, and its effects on the lymphatic vasculature.
Interspecific territoriality in two sympatric species of Peromyscus (Rodentia: Cricetidae)

Aggressive behavior of two morphologically and ecologically similar sympatric congeners, Peromyscus leucopus noveboracensis and P. maniculatus nubiterrae, was studied in the field to determine whether coexistence between these two species could be mediated by interspecific territoriality. In intra- and interspecific paired behavioral trials conducted in the home range of one of the animals, resident animals won between 53 and 93% of paried encounters against opponents of either species. Thus, dominance was site-specific and not species-specific. Strong defense in centers of home ranges and lower levels of aggression on the periphery suggest that both species have defended core areas (territories) with peripheral areas of home range overlapping with neighbors of either species. Social organization of these two species is apparently based on mutual recognition of neighbors and intoleance and aggression toward strangers.
Chemiluminescence detection with a liquid core waveguide: Determination of ammonium with electrogenerated hypochlorite based on the luminol-hypochlorite reaction

Abstract A liquid core waveguide (LCW) based chemiluminescence detector, suitable for the measurement of chemiluminescence (CL) reactions, is described in this paper. The LCW acts both as a reaction cell and a light collector and terminates in a conventional, high numerical aperture optical fiber that carries the CL emission to a photomultiplier tube (PMT). The fast CL reaction of luminol with hypochlorite is used to test the performance of the detection arrangement. Ammonia can consume hypochlorite and thus reduces the background CL signal from the luminol-hypochlorite reaction when it is introduced in that reaction system. We introduce here a novel means of electrogenerating hypochlorite, utilizing flow-splitting at the center of a T-shaped electrolytic cell to separate the anodic and cathodic products. When this scheme is used for the determination of ammonium, a limit of detection (LOD) of 120–260 nM NH 4 + is achieved with an inexpensive PMT detector and a constant current source.
Biogenic Amines Regulate Avian Immunity

Alzet mini-osmotic pumps were implanted subcutaneously to administer norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) to 6-wk-old line UNH 105 chickens. Dose-time studies showed the most effective NE and E dose and exposure time on two chicken cellular immune responses: the phytohemagglutinin (PHA) wattle response and leukocyte migration. Administration of 1 microgram/h NE for 72 h suppressed significantly the wattle stimulation index [2.48 +/- .3 (SE)] compared to that of saline controls (4.1 +/- .3) but enhanced mean leukocyte migration (7.7 +/- .3 versus 4.9 +/- .3). Epinephrine at 1 microgram/h for 72 h significantly suppressed the wattle index (1.8 +/- .2) compared to that of controls (2.8 +/- .3) but E at 1 microgram/h for 48 h enhanced leukocyte migration (9.5 +/- .2 versus 6.4 +/- .2). Continuous administration of NE and E at physiological levels alters cell-mediated immunity and appears to have an immune regulatory role in the chicken.
Development of a warfarin-dosing algorithm in Asian patients: a pharmacogenomic approach

Evaluation of: Tham LS, Goh BC, Nafziger A et al.: A warfarin-dosing model in Asians that uses single nucleotide polymorphisms in vitamin K epoxide reductase complex and cytochrome P450 2C9. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 80, 346–355 (2006) [1]. Large interindividual variability exists in warfarin dose requirements and the development of genotype-guided dosing algorithms that accurately predict warfarin doses is of considerable interest. Tham and colleagues used specific CYP2C9 and VKORC1 polymorphisms, along with clinical factors, to build an algorithm to accurately estimate warfarin doses in a multi-ethnic Asian population. The final model accounted for 60.2% of the overall variability in warfarin dose requirements. In a separate validation cohort, the model accurately estimated warfarin doses with a correlation of 0.73 between actual and model-predicted doses. The next step in warfarin pharmacogenomic research is to take warfarin dosing algorithms, such as the one developed in this study, and use them in prosp...
Write the Wrong: Narrative Documentation

THE ELECTRONICHEALTH record (EHR) allows nurses to digitally capture their care in many different ways. Electronic care plans and expansive flow sheets have either replaced or replicated the paper documentation systems that existed before. One remnant of the paper world is the persistence of free-text, narrative nursing notes. The focus of this column is to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of digitally capturing care encounters using free-text/narrative note documentation for health care communication.
BlinkFS: A distributed file system for intermittent power

The ability to use intermittent power in data centers introduces numerous new opportunities for optimization, including i) using real-time markets to buy more power when it is cheap, ii) increasing the fraction of clean, but intermittent, renewable power, iii) capping power for long periods to extend UPS lifetime during blackouts, and iv) fully utilizing a data center’s power delivery infrastructure. The capability to run off intermittent power also moves us closer to the vision of a net-zero data center that consumes no net energy from the electric grid and has a small carbon footprint. However, designing systems to operate under intermittent power is challenging, since applications often access persistent distributed state, where power fluctuations can impact data availability and I/O performance. To address the problem, we design and implement BlinkFS, which combines blinking with a power-balanced data layout and popularity-based replication/reclamation to optimize I/O throughput and latency as power varies. Our experiments show that BlinkFS outperforms approaches that coopt existing energy-proportional distributed file systems (DFSs) for intermittent power, particularly at low steady power levels and high levels of intermittency. For example, we show that BlinkFS reduces completion time for MapReduce-style jobs by 42% at 50% full power compared to existing energy-proportional DFSs.
Counterexamples in unbalanced two-way analysis of variance

Recommended methods for analyzing unbalanced two-way data may be classified into two major categories:the parametric interpretation approach and the model comparison approach. Each approach has its advantages and its drawbacks. The main drawback of the parametric interpretation approach is non-orthogonality.For the model comparison approach the main drawback is the dependence of the hypothesis tested on the cell sizes. In this paper we provide examples to illustrate these drawbacks.
Chemical, Physical, and Electrical Characterizations of Oxygen Plasma Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposited Yttrium Oxide on Silicon

Understanding and controlling interface and bulk chemical stability of chemical vapor deposited high-k dielectrics is an important research issue. We report thin Y 2 O 3 films deposited by oxygen plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition using two yttrium diketonate precursors. Unacceptable large hysteresis in capacitance-voltage data, presumably due to the incorporation of fluorine. is observed for the films from the F-containing precursor. For films deposited with the hydrogenated precursor and exposed to air after deposition, transmission electron microscopy shows a triple layer structure after annealing, and electron energy loss spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy show the film to be stoichiometric Y 2 O 3 on top and yttrium silicate/SiO 2 at dielectric/Si interface. This structure is also confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy. Prenitridation of the silicon surface prior to dielectric deposition impedes the reaction with the substrate. promoting the Y 2 O 3 structure. A substantial consumption of silicon substrate is directly demonstrated by a carefully designed etching experiment. Possible mechanisms consistent with the observed results, including Si diffusion, crystallization of Y 2 O 3 , and reaction with absorbed OH, are discussed.
Consumer pre‐decision conflict and post‐decision dissonance

Dissonance theory and Lewinian theory offer conflicting predictions regarding an individual's psychological state after being exposed to discrepant information, and a classroom experiment was conducted to test those two theories. One hundred and twenty-eight subjects expressed their preference for essay and objective tests, were exposed to either supporting, discrepant or neutral information concerning their initial preference, and subsequently were asked to express their preference once again. Sixty seven subjects were also told that they were committed to their initial preference regardless of their subsequent preference while the remaining 61 subjects were told that their subsequent preference would bind them. Dissonance theory predicts that, when exposed to discrepant information, an individual becomes more convinced that his original preference was correct and expresses a greater preference for the original choice. This prediction was not upheld for both committed and not-committed groups. Both groups were influenced in the direction of the communication, as Lewinian theory predicts. Both theories do not specify the functional relationships among the variables under some circumstances, and did not predict outcomes under those circumstances.
A critical review of human endotoxin administration as an experimental paradigm of depression

The syndrome called depression may represent the common final pathway at which different aetiopathogenic processes converge. One such aetiopathogenic process is innate immune system activation. Some depressed patients have increased levels of inflammatory cytokines and other immunologic abnormalities. It is not known whether immune system activation contributes to the pathogenesis of depressive symptoms. Supporting this possibility is the observation that in both rodents and humans, exogenous immune stimuli such as endotoxin can produce symptoms that resemble depression. A new approach to depression research would be to use immune stimuli to elicit depressive symptoms in humans. Here we review each of the symptoms elicited in humans by endotoxin administration, and compare this model to two other immune depression paradigms: interferon-alpha treatment and typhoid vaccine administration, to assess to what degree endotoxin administration represents a valid model of immune depression. We also review corresponding behavioral changes in rodents and the potential molecular pathways through which immune system activation produces each symptom.
ASCORBIC ACID AS AN ANTIOXIDANT IN FISH FLESH AND ITS DEGRADATION

Various concentrations of ascorbic acid were mixed with light color, dark color and mixed (ground fillet) mullet flesh and stored at 2°C. Ascorbic acid degradation in dark or mixed flesh followed fist order kinetics. Zero order kinetics for ascorbic acid degradation was demonstrated in light color flesh. In light color flesh, ascorbic acid acted as an antioxidant with initial concentrations of 50 ppm and 500 ppm or higher over an 11-day storage period but acted as a prooxidant at 100 ppm between 4 and 11 days storage. Ascorbic acid showed an antioxidant effect in dark color flesh with initial concentration at 1000 ppm or higher over 9 days storage, but acted as a prooxidant with initial concentration of 50, 100 and 500 ppm after 3, 3.5 and 9 days storage, respectively. The antioxidant to prooxidant shift was observed in the mixed flesh at an added ascorbic acid concentration of 2000 ppm stored for 5 days. A hypothesis to explain these observations is presented.
General Electric CID Profile Camera

The General Electric Charge Injection Device (CID) can be configured to obtain X and Y profiles, an image profile defined as the summation of photocharge along a column (X) or row (Y) in the array. X and Y profiles are directly obtainable from a CID imager as the profile read operation takes advantage of unique non-destructive readout capability of the CID sensor. Profiles contain information which can be used to determine centroid, area, or other image features and represent a considerable reduction of data (i.e., a 512 x 512 array contains 262,144 pixels but only 512 X and 512 Y profile data points). Both profiles can be acquired in less than one (1) millisecond from a 512 x 512 array compared to conventional readout times of 30 milliseconds. This capability facilitates high speed videography, measurement and inspection applications.
Impact of increased character sampling on the phylogeny of Cetartiodactyla (Mammalia): combined analysis including fossils

The phylogenetic position of Cetacea (whales, dolphins and porpoises) is an important exemplar problem for combined data parsimony analyses because the clade is ancient and includes many well-known and relatively complete fossil species. We combined data for 71 terminal taxa (43 extinct/28 extant) to test where Cetacea fits within Cetartiodactyla, and where various fossil hoofed mammals (e.g., †entelodonts, “†anthracotheriids” and †mesonychians) are positioned. We scored 635 phenotypic characters (osteology, dentition, soft tissue, behavior), approximately three times the number of characters in the last major analysis of this clade, and combined these with > 40 000 molecular characters, including new data from 10 genes. The analysis supported a topology consistent with the majority of recently published molecular studies. Cetacea was the extant sister taxon of Hippopotamidae, followed successively by Ruminantia, Suina and Camelidae. Several extinct taxa were phylogenetically unstable, upsetting resolution of the strict consensus and limiting branch support, but the positions of several key fossils were consistently resolved. The wholly extinct †Mesonychia was more closely related to Cetacea than was any “artiodactylan.”“†Anthracotheriids” were paraphyletic, and, with the exception of one species, were more closely related to Hippopotamidae than to any other living taxon. The total evidence analysis overturned a highly nested position for Moschus supported by molecular data alone. The character partition that could be scored for the fossil taxa (osteological and dental characters) included more informative characters than most molecular partitions in our analysis, and had the fewest missing data. The osteological–dental data alone, however, did not support inclusion of cetaceans within crown “Artiodactyla.” Recently discovered ankle bones from fossil whales reinforced the monophyly of Cetartiodactyla but provided no particular evidence of derived similarities between hippopotamids and fossil cetaceans that were not shared with other “artiodactylans”. © The Willi Hennig Society 2007.
Disturbance stridulation and chemical defence in nymphs of the tropical cockroach Megaloblatta blaberoides

Abstract 1. (1) Megaloblatta blaberoides nymphs stridulate in response to disturbance. Sounds are produced by rubbing a pair of bilateral ventral files on the sixth sternum across opposing stationary scrapers located laterodorsally on the fifth sternum. The forward-moving file on one side and the backward-moving contralateral file generate sound simultaneously. 2. (2) Intact nymphs produce a broad frequency band noise (5–35 kHz). Due to superposition of signals and silent pauses produced by the bilateral organs, no regular pattern of amplitude modulation is measurable. The sound produced by unilaterally muted nymphs contains regular pulse-train groups (forward and back cycle) each of which is divided into a short forward motion and a longer backward motion. These are interrupted by a short pause. A longer pause occurs prior to the anteriorly directed motion of the intact file. 3. (3) Megaloblatta's proteinaceous tergal secretion is chemically and physically similar to that of Blatta orientalis. Coupling of acoustic warning, bright colour patterns, and chemical defence constitutes a multi-modal aposematic display which may be effective both nocturnally and diurnally against potential predators.
In vivo three-dimensional MR wall shear stress estimation in ascending aortic dilatation

Purpose: To estimate surface-based wall shear stress (WSS) and evaluate flow patterns in ascending aortic dilatation (AscAD) using a high-resolution, time-resolved, three-dimensional (3D), three-directional velocity encoded, radially undersampled phase contrast MR sequence (4D PC-MRI). Materials and Methods: 4D PC-MRI was performed in 11 patients with AscAD (46.3 ± 22.0 years) and 10 healthy volunteers (32.9 ± 13.4 years) after written informed consent and institutional review board approval. Following manual vessel wall segmentation of the ascending aorta (MATLAB, The Mathworks, Natick, MA), a 3D surface was created using spline interpolation. Spatial WSS variation based on surface division in 12 segments and temporal variation were evaluated in AscAD and normal aortas. Visual analysis of flow patterns was performed based on streamlines and particle traces using EnSight (v9.0, CEI, Apex, NC). Results: AscAD was associated with significantly increased diastolic WSS, decreased systolic to diastolic WSS ratio, and delayed onset of peak WSS (all P < 0.001). Temporally averaged WSS was increased and peak systolic WSS was decreased. The maximum WSS in AscAD was on the anterior wall of the ascending aorta. Vortical flow with highest velocities along the anterior wall and increased helical flow during diastole were observed in AscAD compared with controls. Conclusion: Changes in WSS in the ascending aorta of AscAD correspond to observed alterations in flow patterns compared to controls. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;33:589–597. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Examination of Systematic Durations of Presession Reinforcer Access on Functional Communication Training

In this study, we identified the latency to satiation with an activity that maintained problem behavior for a boy with autism. Next, functional communication training (FCT) was implemented. Prior to FCT sessions, the participant was exposed one of to two conditions of presession exposure to stimuli that served as the reinforcer during subsequent FCT sessions. Latency to satiation was used to systematically identify the two durations of stimulus access: (a) 25 % of the mean latency to satiation and (b) 50 % of the mean latency to satiation. Results indicate that while both durations of presession access to the preferred activity resulted in decreased problem behavior, independent manding during FCT was higher in the shorter duration of presession access. The implications of this research are that the presession exposure to stimuli can be systematically individualized to optimize its effect as a motivating operation.
Time and Length Scales in Rotating Rayleigh-Bénard Convection

We report experimental results for Rayleigh-B\'enard convection of a fluid $({\mathrm{CO}}_{2})$ in a cylindrical cell with radius-to-height ratio 40 and rotated about a vertical axis. Near the critical rotation frequency for the K\"uppers-Lortz instability and for small $\ensuremath{\epsilon}\ensuremath{\equiv}\ensuremath{\Delta}T/\ensuremath{\Delta}{T}_{c}\ensuremath{-}1$, we measured the frequency ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{a}$ and the correlation length $\ensuremath{\xi}$ of the pattern dynamics. They could be fit by power laws in $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ only when exponent values much smaller than those predicted from amplitude equations were used. Alternately, the predicted exponents could be retained if the threshold were shifted to negative values of $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$, thus yielding finite ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{a}$ and $\ensuremath{\xi}$ at onset.
An Intervention Study Comparing Traditional and Ergonomic Microscopes

In recent years, manufacturers have produced new microscopes with claims of “ergonomic design” for reduced musculoskeletal stress among users. To test this claim, we measured posture of the neck, back, and upper extremities, and the prevalence of musculoskeletal and visual symptoms among cytotechnologists while using traditional microscopes (baseline) and again after the introduction of ergonomically designed microscopes. Participants were five full-time cytotechnologists, who used the microscope 6–8 hours per day and had reported discomfort while using traditional microscopes. Results showed the ergonomically designed microscopes were significantly more comfortable to use than the traditional microscopes for the neck and shoulders. Significant improvement in joint angles of the elbows (flexion) and shoulders (abduction) was noted with the ergonomically designed microscopes. These results suggest that ergonomically designed microscopes may reduce some of the risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD...
Disposition, elimination and metabolism of O-ethylO-4-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonothioate after subchronic dermal application in male cats

Abstract The metabolism, distribution, and excretion of the insecticide O -ethyl O -4-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonothioate (EPN) were studied in the male cat. Each cat was given a daily dermal dose of 0.5 mg/kg [ 14 C] EPN for 10 consecutive days. Fifteen days after the last dose, the cats had excreted 62% of the cumulative dose in the urine and 10% in the faces. No 14 CO 2 was detected in the expired air. O -Ethyl phenylphosphonic acid (EPPA) was identified as the major urinary and fecal metabolite. Phenylphosphonic acid (PPA) was the second highest metabolite. Only traces of the intact EPN were recovered in the urine and feces. The disposition studies performed 1, 5, 10 and 15 days after the administration of the last dose showed that EPN was the major compound identified in the brain, spinal cord, sciatic nerve, adipose tissue, plasma and kidney. Most of the radioactivity in the liver was identified as EPPA followed by PPA. The time course of plasma EPN, determined after the 10th daily dose was biphasic. The slower process had a half-life of 17.0 days. After tissue distribution was completed, tissue elimination was adequately represented as a single first-order process.
The effects of nuclear test-ban regimes on third-generation-weapon innovation

Under the rationale of assessing potential Soviet threats, several third‐generation— weapon concepts are being actively studied in the US. This paper presents a technical analysis of the physical principles and likely capabilities of three nuclear directed‐energy concepts (x‐ray lasers, nuclear kinetic‐energy weapons, and microwave devices) and describes the implications for their development of threshold test bans at thresholds above and below 1 kiloton. Inertial Confinement Fusion, specialized non‐nuclear weapon effects simulation, and seismically quiet containment vessels for low‐yield tests may complicate arguments about the verifiability and long‐term effectiveness of a test ban.
Patient acceptance of non-invasive testing for fetal aneuploidy via cell-free fetal DNA

AbstractObjective: To evaluate factors associated with patient acceptance of noninvasive prenatal testing for trisomy 21, 18 and 13 via cell-free fetal DNA.Methods: This was a retrospective study of all patients who were offered noninvasive prenatal testing at a single institution from 1 March 2012 to 2 July 2012. Patients were identified through our perinatal ultrasound database; demographic information, testing indication and insurance coverage were compared between patients who accepted the test and those who declined. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used as appropriate. Significant variables were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. The value p < 0.05 was considered significant.Results: Two hundred thirty-five patients were offered noninvasive prenatal testing. Ninety-three patients (40%) accepted testing and 142 (60%) declined. Women who accepted noninvasive prenatal testing were more commonly white, had private insurance and had more than one testing indication. There was no stat...
The Ruthenian Uniate Church in its Historical Perspective

To consider the Ruthenian Uniate Church in its historical perspective, and to encompass its complex phenomenon in a few pages is difficult for the historian who must treat this matter as an exception to the rule rather than an isolated historical event. It stands in sharp contrast to the historical precedent of the Kievan state whose inception and development, always represented politically, culturally, and ecclesiastically, the unity of all Russia. The division of Kievan Russia into principalities governed by members of the Rurik dynasty did not inhibit the cultural evolution, nor did it cut Russia off from contact with Western Europe. Rather, the cultural evolution developed in the general direction it had been given by Kiev, and contact with the West was further intensified in the principalities of Galicia-Volhynia and Novgorod. In addition to Kiev, several new centers of Russian political life developed in proportion to the number of principalities which increased as fathers divided their appanages among their children.
Exchange Rate Uncertainty and Trade between U.S. and Canada: Is There Evidence of Third-Country Effect?

In a recent article, we assessed the impact of exchange rate uncertainty on the trade flows of 152 industries that trade between the United States and Canada. We found that, in the short run, trade flows of almost two-thirds of the industries were affected by exchange rate uncertainty. However, in the long run, less than one-third of the trade flows were affected. Almost all industries that were affected by exchange rate uncertainty were found to be small, except for road motor vehicles—which make up to 20% of both imports and exports. Exports and imports of this largest industry were adversely affected by exchange rate uncertainty. We wonder how the results will change if we account for the “third-country effect,” especially the fluctuation of the U.S. dollar against the currency of the third member of NAFTA, Mexico. We find that, again, in the short run almost two-thirds of the industries are affected by exchange rate uncertainty. However, in the long run, only one-third of the trade flows are affected....
Clinical significance of erosive azotemic osteodystrophy: a prospective masked study.

Objective. To determine the relationship between joint symptoms and radiographically identifiable erosions in patients on maintenance hemodialysis for 4 or more years. Patients and design. A prospective study was carried out on 21 patients who underwent rheumatological evaluation and radiographic surveys of all clinically examined joints. The radiologist was masked to the clinical information and the clinicians were masked to the radiographic findings. Cuprophane dialyzers were used on all patients. The statistical analysis was performed by unpaired t-test and Fisher’s exact test. Results and conclusions. Ten men and 11 women comprised the 21 patients, of whom 10 had joint symptoms and clinical signs whereas 11 did not. Age, gender, and duration of hemodialysis did not differ significantly between the symptomatic and asymptomatic group. Of the 21 patients, 10 had radiological evidence of erosions and 11 did not. The average age of patients with erosions was 64.9 years; this was significantly different from the age of the group without erosions, which was 54.1 years. The group with radiographic evidence of erosions had been on dialysis for an average of 9.6 years, while those without erosions had received dialysis for an average of 6.4 years. Of the 11 patients without radiographic evidence of erosions, three were symptomatic. Of the 10 patients with erosions, seven had musculoskeletal symptoms, but only in four was there concordance between radiological findings and symptoms of the corresponding joints. The positive predictive value of radiographic erosions in predicting clinically significant disease was 40%. There was poor correlation between the presence of radiographic erosions and clinical signs and symptoms of joint disease.
CSMA/CD LANs with overload detection and protection

Abstract Classic Markovian models for CSMA/CD LANs are modified to handle a finite number of stations with dissimilar arrival rates among the stations. Simple rules are derived for overload detection and protection of a CSMA/CD LAN. It is demonstrated that a station can correctly determine the total network load and decide whether the medium is currently overloaded or not. A fair share algorithm is suggested for every station in a CSMA/CD LAN to protect the medium from being overloaded. With proper overload protection, it is shown that the expected penalty due to collisions for each successful transmission is geometrically distributed. In conclusion, this analysis shows that the performance of CSMA/CD LANs is significantly better than predicted by simpler models and it can be improved by a simple modification to the standard CSMA/CD protocol.
Below-cloud ammonia scavenging in convective thunderstorms at a coastal research site in Tampa, FL, USA

Abstract Sequential sampling of ammonium in wet deposition was conducted at a coastal research site in Tampa, Florida to determine and model the intra-storm variability of ammonium deposition to the Tampa Bay Estuary. Ammonium concentrations decreased with increasing precipitation depth according to an inverse power-law relationship of the form, C NH 4 = a D - b , where D is the cumulative rainfall and a and b are fitted parameters. These results show that during a precipitation event, the majority of ammonium is delivered to Tampa Bay during the initial stages of the storm. An aqueous-phase accumulation model was used to predict sequential ammonium concentrations at the Gandy Bridge site with reasonable agreement. A relationship between precipitation intensity and scavenging coefficient will facilitate the calculation of dry and wet deposition of ammonia to the Tampa Bay Estuary. The scavenging coefficients calculated with the Tampa Bay model compared well with those predicted with the Asman model.
Population differences in vision acuity: a review, with speculative notes on selection relaxation.

Abstract The contrast between the lower frequencies of vision defects reported among several different samples of hunting populations and the higher frequencies found repeatedly among populations with relatively long histories of agriculture and settled habitations points strongly to the relaxation of natural selection. Two rough estimates of the heritability of that conglomeration of genetic entities comprising “vision defects” are found in studies of MZ versus DZ twins and in studies of offspring of consanguineous parents versus those of unrelated parents. The hypothesis of relaxation of natural selection is plausible as man developed culture habitats more tolerant of persons with slight refractive aberrations. One can reasonably imagine that hereditary deficiencies accumulated sufficiently under such conditions to make possible quantitative estimates of differential population frequencies.
The use of interactive computer graphics in the conformal mapping area

Abstract The conformal mapping area lends itself very readily and easily to the use of interactive computer graphics. This is demonstrated by investigating with an interactive computer graphics system (the University of California at Santa Barbara On-Line Computer System) the conformal transformations applied to fluid flow problems. A description of the design philosophy of the system is given along with a variety of flow examples.