cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rhynchelmis subgenus Sutroa Eisen new rank, with two new species from western North America (Annelida, Clitellata, Lumbriculidae)

The lumbriculid Rhynchelmis subgenus Sutroa Eisen, 1888 new rank is defined for a group of Nearctic species having multiple diverticula originating at the spermathecal ducts and eversible penial bulbs. Characters are confirmed in specimens of the type species, Rhynchelmis (Sutroa) rostrata (Eisen, 1888), collected from the type locality. Rhynchelmis (Sutroa) klamathensis Fend n. sp. is described from open water benthic habitats in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, USA. It resembles other R. (Sutroa) species in the paired spermathecal diverticula, the spermathecal and penial bulbs, the histological structure of the atria, the nonfunctional anterior male funnels, and the arrangement of blood vessels. Rhynchelmis klamathensis differs from all Nearctic Rhynchelmis in lacking a filiform proboscis. The combination of large body size, the elongate spermathecal ducts with paired and usually unbranched diverticula, the highly contorted atria, and the complex male pores with conical penes also distinguish typical R. klamathensis from other Rhynchelmis species. Smaller specimens with otherwise similar morphology, from the Sacramento River Delta, California, are also assigned to this species. Rhynchelmis (Sutroa) diespluviae Fend n. sp. is described from several stream sites, mostly in northern Idaho, USA. Rhynchelmis diespluviae differs from closely related species in morphology of the conical penes, and in the structure and anterolateral position of the paired spermathecae.
Purification and Properties of a Bovine Brain Thyrotropin-Releasing-Factor Deamidase

A bovine brain thyrotropin-releasing-factor (thyroliberin) deamidase has been purified 1100-fold to apparent homogeneity. Molecular weight estimates by gel filtration and sodium dodecylsulfate gel electrophoresis indicate that the enzyme consists of a single polypeptide chain of molecular weight of about 62000–65000. The enzyme is inactivated by sulfhydryl blocking agents. Serine proteinase inhibitors, phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride and benzamidine, have no effect. Besides thyroliberin, the enzyme hydrolyzes peptide bonds involving the carboxyl group of proline residues in luliberin, tuftsin, angiotensin II, melanotropin, and neurotensin. Oxytocin, vasopressin, and bradykinin are not cleaved; they are, however, strong competitive inhibitors of thyroliberin deami dation. The specificity studies indicate that the enzyme is a ‘post-proline cleaving euzyme’ which hydrolyzes peptides of the general structure, Yaa-Pro-Xaa, in which Xaa = amino acid, peptide, or amide (not Pro), and Yaa = N-blocked basic amino acid or a peptide sequence in which the C-terminal residue (i.e. the residue prior to Pro) is a basic amino acid such as His, Lys, or Arg. The enzyme is compared to other post-proline cleaving enzymes.
Acute stress rapidly and persistently enhances memory formation in the male rat.

Previous studies, as well as the present one, report that acute exposure to intermittent tailshocks enhances classical eyeblink conditioning in male rats when trained 24 h after stressor cessation. In Experiment 1, it was determined that the facilitating effect of stress on conditioning could also be obtained in response to a stressor of acute inescapable swim stress but not inescapable noise or the unconditioned stimulus of periorbital eyelid stimulation. These selective responses arose despite comparable enhancements of the stress-related hormone corticosterone in response to tailshocks, periorbital eyelid stimulation, noise stress, and supraelevation in response to swim stress. Although corticosterone is necessary for the enhanced learning in response to stress (Beylin & Shors, 1999), these results suggest that it is not sufficient. In addition, the results suggest that the enhancement is not dependent on common characteristics between the stressor and the conditioning stimuli (stimulus generalization). In Experiment 2, it was determined that the facilitating effect of the stressor on conditioning occurs within 30 min of stressor cessation. Thus, the mechanism responsible for facilitating memory formation is rapidly induced as well as persistently expressed. In Experiment 3, it was determined that exposure to the stressor does not enhance performance of the conditioned response after the response has been acquired. Thus, exposure to the stressor enhances the formation of new associations rather than affecting retention or performance of the motor response. These studies extend the circumstances under which stress is known to enhance associative learning and implicate neural mechanisms of memory enhancement that are rapidly induced and persistently expressed.
Effect of fluorotelomer alcohol chain length on aqueous solubility and sorption by soils.

Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) are a group of polyfluorinated alkyl chemicals that have been widely studied as precursors to perfluorocarboxylates such as perfluorooctanoic acid and for which knowledge on their fate in soils is sparse. The solubility and sorption by soil of the homologous 4:2 to 10:2 FTOHs were measured in water or cosolvent/water solutions. For the smaller 4:2 and 6:2 FTOHs, solubility and sorption could be measured adequately in aqueous systems although transformation was apparent even in γ-irradiated and autoclaved systems. Sorption coefficients estimated by measuring both sorbed and solution-phase concentrations were not significantly affected by the biotransformation process. The use of cosolvents was employed for probing the behavior of the longer-chain FTOHs with limited aqueous solubility. A single log-linear correlation between aqueous solubility and modified McGowan molar volumes resulted for the n-alkanols and FTOHs. Soil organic carbon (OC) consistently appeared to be the key ...
A nonlinear controller for current source inverter induction motor drive systems

A new approach is presented for the speed control of PWM current source inverter-induction motor (CSI-IM) drive systems. This approach is conceptually based on the well-known feedback linearization technique in nonlinear control theory. Here, the commanded DC link current is generated as a specific nonlinear function of speed in the control algorithm so that the torque-speed characteristic of the CSI-IM system is forced to emulate the torque-speed characteristic of a separately excited DC motor. This is augmented by a feedback controller that slides the torque-speed characteristic along the speed axis in the torque-speed plain, in order to adjust the operating point to any desired value of speed. Meanwhile, it is shown that the proposed controller is highly robust in the presence of external disturbances.
An automatic parallelization framework for algebraic computation systems

This paper proposes a non-intrusive automatic parallelization framework for typeful and property-aware computer algebra systems. Automatic parallelization remains a promising computer program transformation for exploiting ubiquitous concurrency facilities available in modern computers. The framework uses semantics-based static analysis to extract reductions in library components based on algebraic properties. An early implementation shows up to 5 times speed-up for library functions and homotopy-based polynomial system solver. The general framework is applicable to algebraic computation systems and programming languages with advanced type systems that support user-defined axioms or annotation systems.
Nicotine acutely inhibits erectile tumescence by altering heart rate variability.

Objective To examine potential mechanisms underlying nicotine's effects on male sexual arousal by exploring the mediating role of heart rate variability (HRV). Methods The sample comprised 22 healthy, nicotine-naive men (mean age = 20.91 years; standard deviation = 2.43). Data were taken from a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial previously completed and published elsewhere. During each laboratory visit, time-domain parameters of HRV (standard deviation of normal-to-normal [NN] intervals, square root of the mean squared difference of successive NN intervals, and percent of NN intervals for which successive heartbeat intervals differed by at least 50 ms [pNN50]) along with the objective (via penile plethysmography) and subjective indices of sexual arousal were assessed. Results Acute nicotine ingestion (compared with placebo) was associated with dysregulated sympathovagal balance, which in turn was related to relatively reduced erectile tumescence. HRV did not mediate relations between nicotine intake and self-reported indices of sexual arousal. Conclusion HRV mediated the association between nicotine ingestion and erectile capacity. Findings suggest that dysfunctional cardiac autonomic tone may be an underlying mechanism by which nicotine exerts its deleterious effects on erectile health.
Molecular simulation of osmosis, reverse osmosis, and electro-osmosis in aqueous and methanolic electrolyte solutions

Computer simulations of aqueous and methanolic electrolyte (NaCl, LiCl, NaBr, LiBr) solutions undergoing osmosis, reverse osmosis, and electro-osmosis have been carried out using semi-permeable membranes. These studies used a novel technique developed by the present authors in which the atomic roughness of the membrane is preserved. In addition, the molecules that constitute the membrane are, allowed to vibrate. The effect of the important driving forces in these separations, viz., pressure, concentration, temperature and electric field strength, has been investigated. These results show that the water and methanol molecules cluster strongly around the ions in these simulations, and this plays a significant role in membrane based separations in both aqueous and methanolic solutions-an effect of which the importance was not previously recognized. In addition, studies have been made of the self-diffusion coefficients and density profiles in these systems. It has been found that external electric fields usua...
TEMPOROSPATIAL DISTRIBUTIONS OF ELK, MULE DEER, AND CATTLE: RESOURCE PARTITIONING AND COMPETITIVE DISPLACEMENT

Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni), Rocky Mountain mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus), and cattle frequently co-occur on landscapes in the northwestern United States. We hypothesized that niche overlap would be greatest between introduced cattle with either of the 2 native herbivores because coevolution between native elk and mule deer should have resulted in strong patterns of resource partitioning. We observed strong differences among species in use of space, especially elevation, steepness of slope, and use of logged forests. We used 2 temporal windows to examine both immediate (6 h) and longterm (7 days) effects of competition. We noted strong avoidance over a 6-h period among the 3 ungulates. That effect was weaker for the previous 7 days. Cattle were generalists with respect to habitat selection; the 2 native herbivores avoided areas used by cattle. Mule deer and elk avoided one another during the short temporal window (6 h), although spatial differences in habitat use often were not maintained over 7 days. Elk used lower elevations when cattle were absent and moved to higher elevations when cattle were present, indicating shifts in niche breadth and competitive displacement of elk by cattle. We demonstrated strong partitioning of resources among these 3 species, and presented evidence that competition likely has resulted in spatial displacement.
Gender and Disability: A First Look at Rehabilitation Syllabi and a Call to Action

This study provides an overview of recent scholarship in the area of gender and disability, as well as findings from an evaluation of syllabi from five core courses in graduate rehabilitation education programs. Findings from this exploratory study revealed a need for more attention toward integration of the topic of gender and disability into rehabilitation education courses. Study results showed that in only one out of three courses where there would be a reasonable expectation to see such topics was the content actually addressed. Specific recommendations for enhancing attention to gender issues within rehabilitation education courses are offered.
Social Lens: Personalization Around User Defined Collections for Filtering Enterprise Message Streams.

Social media has led to a data explosion and has begun to play an ever increasing role as a valuable source of information and a mechanism for information discovery. The wealth of data highlights the need for methods to filter and sort information in order to allow users to discover useful information. Most traditional solutions focus on the user, either the user's social network, or a form of personalization based on collaborative filtering or predictive user modeling. This paper presents a novel algorithm to view information through a lens based on a user defined collection while excluding the attributes of the user from the analysis. As a result, the lens is transparent, tunable and sharable amongst users and, additionally allows both a reduction in information overload while discovering new related content.
Micropropagation of Zinnia

Herbaceous annuals in the genus Zinnia (family Asteraceae) are represented by a diverse array of classes based on flower heights, types, and colors. The popularity of Zinnia elegans Jacq. as a garden flower dates back to 1796, when it was introduced to Europe, and through decades of varietal selection it has become one of the top three choices for home gardeners (Mellon and Goldsmith 1985). While Z. elegans remains the most popular open-pollinated type in the genus, other species are gaining favor for certain landscape situations. Z. angustifolia HBK, which features excellent dwarf types, is currently soaring in popularity. The individual flowers of Z. angustifolia are quite petite and profuse, and this species is now widely used successfully in containers and as a bedding plant. An all-American selection of Z. angustifolia called Star White with a delicate, small white flower is typical of this species, called commonly the “classic zinnia” by growers and retailers. Z. marylandica (derived from a sterile hybrid of Z. elegans X Z. angustifolia, then restored in terms of fertility) is distinguished by superior disease resistance, as compared to Z. elegans. Hybrids are becoming increasingly popular, and most of the zinnias currently available are F1 hybrids. These are currently the specialty of some large seed companies. Zinnia combines the advantages of visual variety, persistent bloom, excellent cut-flower keeping quality, and rugged tolerance to sun and water deficiency. Zinnias are also popular as pot plants (Fig. 1).
Design of a New Superconducting Magnet System for High Strength Minimum-B Fields for ECRIS

Author(s): Xie, DZ; Benitez, JY; Hodgkinson, A; Loew, T; Lyneis, CM; Phair, L; Pipersky, P; Reynolds, B; Todd, DS | Abstract: A novel Mixed Axial and Radial field System (MARS) seeks to enhance the B fields inside the plasma chamber within the limits of a given conductor, thereby making it possible to raise the operating fields for Electron Cyclotron Resonance Ion Sources (ECRISs). The MARS concept consists of a hexagonally shaped closed-loop coil and a set of auxiliary solenoids. The application of MARS will be combined with a hexagonal plasma chamber to maximize the use of the radial fields at the chamber inner surfaces. Calculations using Opera's TOSCA-3D solver have shown that MARS can potentially generate up to 50% higher fields and use of only about one half of the same superconducting wire, as compared with existing magnet designs in ECRISs. A MARS magnet system built with Nb3Sn coils could generate a high strength minimum-B field of maxima of ≥ 10 T on axis and ∼6 T radially in an ECRIS plasma chamber. Following successful development, the MARS magnet system will be the best magnet scheme for the next generation of ECRISs. This paper will present the MARS concept, magnet design, prototyping a copper closed-loop coil, and discussions.
A WIDESPREAD SILENT POLYMORPHISM OF HUMAN CARBONIC ANHYDRASE III (31 ILE ↔ VAL): IMPLICATIONS FOR EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS

During amino acid sequence studies of carbonic anhydrase (CA) III, purified from a pool of human skeletal muscles, and electrophoretically undetectable (silent) variation was found at residue 31 which was either valine and/or isoleucine. To distinguish a simple allelic polymorphism from more complex models involving gene duplication, 11 separate CA III samples were purified from individuals of different age and racial backgrounds. Peptide mapping by high performance liquid chromatography and sequencing indicated that four were homozygous for 31-Val, three homozygous for 31-Ile and four were apparent heterozygotes. Since the ratio of Val/Ile at residue 31 was approximately 1.0 in the heterozygotes, the present observations are consistent with a simple allelic polymorphism model. Despite the small sample size, there are preliminary indications that the gene frequencies may differ among racial groups. The finding of this silent allelic polymorphism together with the finding of an electrophoretically detectable polymorphism of CA II permits us to test the linkage of the CA II and CA III genes which appear to have been formed by gene duplication more than 300 million years ago. The possibility that the Val/Ile variation may represent a neutral mutation is discussed.
Studies of plasma beta-globulin: sex difference and effect of ethinyl estradiol and testosterone.

SummaryA sex related difference in the concentration of protein in a β-globulin band, separated from plasma by starch gel electrophoresis, was found, with normal women (391 ± 49 (SD) mg/100 ml) having significantly higher levels than normal men (315 ± 53 mg/100 ml). Administration of estrogens to normal men significantly increased both the concentration of protein in the β-globulin band and the percentage binding of testosterone in plasma while the administration of testosterone to normal women produced the opposite effect. The findings suggest that the concentration of protein in the β-globulin band may be related, in part, to the effect of the sex steroids.
Recognizing the risks of brain stimulation--response.

In their Letter, van den Noort et al. highlight the importance of considering safety issues in research and clinical interventions that use neurostimulation, particularly with older adults. Several of the papers cited in my Review did note the relative safety of these methods ([ 1 ][1]), even in
Current Status of FDI in Hospitals - A Review

Healthcare sector has been emerging as one of the largest service sector in India. As per a recent CII-McKinsey report, the growth of healthcare sector can contribute to 8-9% of GDP and increase employment by at least 3.5 million by 2014. The objectives of the study are to provide the current status of FDI in Hospitals and to identify some of the challenges and opportunities for Foreign Direct Investments in healthcare sector. The sectoral distribution of FDI is dominated by the service sector. The highest FDI equity inflows were received in this sector (financial & non financial services), amounting to 19% of the total FDI inflows, followed by drugs & pharmaceuticals (13%), telecommunications (8%) construction activities (7%) metallurgical Industries and power sectors (6% each), Misc mechanical & engineering industries (5% each), hotel & tourism and chemicals (other than fertilizers - 3% each). The balance of inflows (30%) was accounted for by other sectors. The FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) equity inflows have been of the order of Rs. 181,962 crore (US $ 32.2 Billion) during the financial year from April 2013 to October 2014, as against Rs. 94,179 crore (US$ 26.0 Billion) during the corresponding period last year, the cumulative FDI inflows from April, 2012 to December 2013 are Rs. 989,079 crores (US$ 258.1 billion). The FDI inflows in hospital and diagnosis sectors have received 0.03% growth from April 2013 to February; 2014. The percentage of FDI in hospital and diagnostic sector in total FDI in India has been increased from 1.72 in December 2013 to 2.80 June, 2014. However, as positive sentiment for doing business in India is resurfacing, in-flow of FDI in India is rising. Further, FDI in healthcare especially hospitals is understood to pay off rich dividends and good returns on investment in the long run. But yet, only time will tell how these investments would impact the core of the inadequacies and inequities of the Indian health system and whether the people would benefit from such measures. To conclude, the country should provide the quality health services by examining the challenges first and then the opportunities for commercialization of their health sector, rather than being sidetracking in to considering the level of foreign investment.
Effect of Acidified Sorbate Solutions on the Lag-Phase Durations and Growth Rates of Listeria monocytogenes on Meat Surfaces.

The surfaces of ready-to-eat meats are susceptible to postprocessing contamination by Listeria monocytogenes. This study quantified the lag-phase durations (LPD) and growth rates (GR) of L. monocytogenes on the surfaces of cooked ham as affected by sorbate solutions of different concentrations and pH levels. Slices of cooked ham inoculated with a four-strain mixture of L. monocytogenes (ca. 103 CFU/g) were surface treated with sorbate solutions of 0 to 4% (wt/vol) at pH 4.0 to 6.5, vacuum packaged, and stored at 4 to 12°C for up to 45 days. The LPD and GR of L. monocytogenes were used to develop response surface models. The models estimated that the LPD of L. monocytogenes in samples treated with solutions of pH 4.0 to 5.5 (no sorbate) were 0 to 11 days and the GR were 0.25 to 0.36 log CFU/day, respectively, at 4°C. With the treatments of 2 and 4% (wt/vol) sorbate solutions, the LPD were estimated to be extended to 2 to 26 days and 34 to >45 days, and the GR were reduced to 0.15 to 0.30 and 0 to 0.19 log ...
Determinants of health provider selection in a West Dallas, Mexican-American community.

The focus of health policy has shifted since the late 1970s from emphasizing “equal access” to now considering cost-efficiency in health care as vital. This paper analyzes factors related to the selection of a health provider in a low-income community in West Dallas, Texas. Specifically, it looks at two sets of characteristics (population at risk and health provision system) as they influence the choice of hospital outpatient services as a source of health care. When subjected to multivariate analysis, it was found that health system characteristics, and convenience measures in particular, had the greatest impact on consumers’ choice of these services. The notion of “equity” for future health planners concerned with providing services to low-income communities will best be served by the more efficient use of existing hospital clinics rather than by continuing to provide health care systems that serve the poor exclusively.
Entrevista al narrador Tommaso Pincio

El autor Tommaso Pincio, seudonimo di Marco Colapietro (Roma, 1963), es sin lugar a dudas uno de los narradores de mayor proyeccion en el panorama literario de los ultimos tiempos. Iniciada su carrera en 1999 con M., ha publicado titulos como Lo spazio sfinito (2000) y Un amore dell'altro mondo (2002), en el que narra la vida de Kurt Cobain, lider del grupo Nirvana, a traves de la vision de un amigo imaginario. A estas dos novelas siguieron La ragazza che non era lei (2005), Gli alieni (2006) o Cinacitta. Memorie del mio delitto efferato (2008), ambientada en una Roma colonizada por los chinos y abandonada por los mismos romanos a causa de problemas medioambientales. Titulos como L'hotel a zero stelle (2011), un ensayo autobiografico en el que plantea dialogos ficticios con algunos de los grandes nombres de la literatura o la mas reciente Panorama (2015), le han hecho valerse un hueco provilegiado entre los nuevos narradores surgidos en estas primeras decadas de siglo. Justamente la publicacion de esta ultima novela, Panorama , ha servido de excusa al profesor Franco Zangrilli, gran conocedor de su obra, a plantearle algunas preguntas sobre temas clave de su produccion.
Reversible Palmitoylation in G Protein Signaling

Publisher Summary Numerous proteins involved in cellular signaling undergo reversible palmitoylation. This chapter focuses on reversible palmitoylation of G protein α subunits, briefly discusses some more general aspects of palmitoylation and depalmitoylation, and highlights recent evidence that many Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins are palmitoylated. Much of the interest in palmitoylation stems from its dynamic nature, and the resulting idea that this covalent modification is more than just a static membrane anchor. Numerous studies have demonstrated that palmitoylation is a reversible modification, i.e., attached palmitate often has a much shorter half-life than does the protein it modifies. Regulated palmitoylation implies that changes in a protein's palmitoylation state are carried out by regulation of the palmitoylation and/or depalmitoylation machinery in the cell, or by changes in the accessibility of the palmitoylated protein substrate to constitutive palmitoylating and depalmitoylating activities. Palmitoylation plays an important role in membrane binding and regulating interactions of signaling proteins. Future challenges include defining cellular pathways and enzymes that regulate reversible palmitoylation, and understanding how changes in a protein's palmitoylation are translated into functional changes inside the cell.
Evolving norms of protection: China, Libya and the problem of intervention in armed conflict

This article examines the influence of civilian protection norms on China’s response to the 2011 crisis in Libya. It argues that Responsibility to Protect—an emerging norm commonly associated with the Libyan case—did not play a major role in China’s abstention on Resolution 1973 (2011) authorizing international intervention in Libya. For China, Responsibility to Protect is merely a concept and could not serve as the basis for intervention. Instead, Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict, as a normative foundation for civilian protection endorsed by China, offers a more appropriate lens for understanding China’s vote. Protection of Civilians, however, does not accommodate China’s unprecedented evacuation of Chinese nationals from Libya. This operation proceeded from a third logic of Protection of Nationals Abroad, which poses dilemmas for China’s strict adherence to the principles of sovereignty and non-interference and brings to bear domestic interests and notions of protection.
Effects of Grapevine red blotch-associated virus (GRBaV) infection on foliar metabolism of grapevines

AbstractGrapevine red blotch-associated virus (GRBaV), which causes grapevine red blotch disease, is an emerging problem for grapevine production in the United States. However, little is known about how viruses, such as GRBaV, affect host physiology even though it is crucial to understanding host-pathogen interactions, symptom development, and potential effects on other pathogens and insect pests including potential vectors. Thus, foliar levels of amino acids, sugars, phenolics and terpenoids were examined in healthy or GRBaV-infected ‘Cabernet Franc’ (CF) or ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ (CS) grapevines both before and after development of red blotch symptoms, in July and September of 2014, respectively. Particular amino acids were increased both before and after symptom development in both cultivars, with some of these amino acids having previously defined associations with host defences. Fructose and glucose were increased in GRBaV-infected CF at both sampling times. However, for CS only, glucose was increased ...
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Government Mandated Performance Management Systems: A Field Experiment

The public sector has attempted to improve organizational performance by borrowing elements of performance management systems (PMS) from the private sector and imposing those systems on organizations. The health care sector has provided the setting for numerous implementations of such systems aimed at improving quality. However, the effectiveness of those PMS is unclear. We analyze the effectiveness of government mandated PMS by addressing two research questions. First, does the public disclosure of relative performance information (RPI) improve firm performance? Second, is there an incremental effect of mandated pay-for-performance (P4P) plans? We study two such concurrent initiatives in health care to tease out the respective effect of RPI and P4P: the reporting and public disclosure of relative performance measures by acute hospitals (implemented nationwide by CMS, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) and the Massachusetts P4P plan (implemented by MassHealth).Examination of process measures of quality used in the United States over a six-year period demonstrates the effectiveness of RPI. Yet, the Massachusetts P4P plan does not appear to be associated with incremental performance improvement. These results are consistent with our argument that the P4P plan implemented by MassHealth might have been crowded out by the CMS reporting and disclosure plan and did not provide sufficient motivation to individual employees to improve above and beyond the informational effect of RPI. Findings from this study are especially important as CMS is revamping its payment system and focusing on value-based purchasing.
EFFECTS OF SYNTHETIC MEAT COMPONENTS ON GROWTH OF CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS

The 16 ingredients used to fabricate synthetic soybeef (ground beef analog) were evaluated for stimulatory effects on growth of Clostridium perfringens. Four ingredients–beef-like flavor, corn flour, cocoa, and vegetable oil–stimulated growth of C. perfringens. The remaining 12 ingredients showed no significant effect. The most stimulatory ingredients, beef-like flavor and corn flour, were optimally stimulatory over a wide range of concentrations, Thus, control of growth of C. perfringens may not be obtained by manipulation of the concentration of these ingredients in the absence of other precautions.
Evaluation of the dynamic behavior of a Pelton runner based on strain gauge measurements

A reliable mechanical design of Pelton runners is very important in the layout of new installations and modernizations. Especially in horizontal machines, where the housing is not embedded into concrete, a rupture of a runner bucket can have severe consequences. Even if a crack in the runner is detected on time, the outage time that follows the malfunction of the runner is shortening the return of investment. It is a fact that stresses caused by the runner rotation and the jet forces are superposed by high frequent dynamic stresses. In case of resonance it even can be the dominating effect that is limiting the lifetime of a runner. Therefore a clear understanding of the dynamic mechanisms is essential for a safe runner design. This paper describes the evaluation of the dynamic behavior of a Pelton runner installed in a model turbine based on strain gauge measurements. Equipped with strain gauges at the root area of the buckets, the time responses of the strains under the influence of various operational parameters were measured. As a result basic theories for the jet bucket excitation were verified and the influence of the water mass was detected by evaluating the frequency shift in case of resonance. Furthermore, the influence of the individual bucket masses onto the dynamic behaviour for different mode shapes got measured.
Changing the frame: queering access to higher education for trans* students

AbstractCollege access and graduation results in significant life advantages, including higher lifetime incomes, better physical and mental health outcomes, and greater rates of civic engagement. Unfortunately, trans* youth have been systematically prevented from full participation in post-secondary education due to genderist practices and policies. Employing a queer theoretical frame, this manuscript identifies three critical junctures in the college access process where genderist norms inhibit college access and persistence for trans* youth. Five specific strategies for queering college access by ending or minimizing the impact of genderism are advanced, including cultivating the role of school counseling personnel as advocates, reformation of admissions practices, and attention to fostering gender-inclusive co-curricular activities and student communities.
Aerosol Charging and Neutralization and Electrostatic Discharge in Clean Rooms

This paper describes the role of electrical charge on particle transport and deposition and the neutralization of particle electrostatic charge by ionized air. The level of electrical charge on airborne particles and the rate of charge neutralization by bipolar ions have been reviewed and the effect of charge on particle deposition on semiconductor waters discussed. Finally, the use of high voltage ionizers for electrostatic control in clean rooms is discussed.
Advances in surgical management of muscle invasive bladder cancer

Introduction: Bladder cancer remains a disease of the elderly with relatively few advances that have improved survival over the last 20 years. Radical cystectomy (RC) has long remained the principal treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Methods: A literature search of PubMed was performed. The content was reviewed for continuity with the topic of surgical advances in MIBC. Articles and society guidelines were included in this review. Results: Despite the associated morbidity, even in the elderly, RC is still a reasonable option. Modifications during RC may have a positive or negative impact on survival and quality of life. The extent of pelvic lymph node dissection is one such factor which may positively impact survival outcomes. In addition, preservation of pelvic organs, robotic surgery and the adoption of enhanced recovery after surgery principles continues to improve the postoperative recovery and quality of life in RC patients. Conclusion: There are some ongoing studies in many of these areas, but overall the new advances in MIBC may improve patient quality and quantity of life. The advances in surgical treatment of MIBC are important and the focus of the review here.
Self-Handicapping and School: Academic Self-Concept and Self-Protective Behavior

Publisher Summary This chapter explains self-handicapping, school academic self-concept, and self-protective behavior. Self-handicaps are impediments to successful performance created or at least claimed by the person prior to performing. Self-handicaps come before the fact rather than after the threatening outcome has occurred, as in rationalization. In the terminology of attribution theory, the person is capitalizing on the attributional principles of discounting and augmentation. In the unlikely event of success, attributions to ability are augmented, or accorded greater causal importance because the good performance occurred despite the handicap. The self-handicapper then is willing to trade the increased likelihood of failure for the opportunity to protect a desired self-image. It is important to point out that the self-handicapper is willing to accept the drunkard or lazy label to preserve a more central label of competence and worthiness. A behavioral handicap involves actually doing something to sabotage one's performance, such as consuming alcohol or procrastinating. A claimed self-handicap involves a verbal declaration that the obstacle to performance is present. One of the most consistent findings in the self-handicapping literature is that males and females differ in their self-handicapping behavior. This chapter concludes that people self-handicap so that they may protect their self-images of competency in the event of failure and enhance these images in the case of success.
Precursor States, Myth or Reality: A Perspective from Molecular Beam Studies

In this short review we emphasize the perspective which can be gained with molecular beam techniques on the dynamical role of precursor states. By providing control over the initial state and measurement of the final state, molecular beams provide detailed information to help gain insight into the microscopic mechanism of chemisorption.
Abstract P175: Influence of Age and Estradiol on Blood Pressure Responses to Exercise

An exaggerated pressor response to exercise is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. The exercise pressor reflex, comprised of metabolic and mechanically sensitive skeletal muscl...
How Federal Deficits Could Hurt State and Local Governments

Comments on the role current federal deficits and recent policy have on state and local government budgets. Specifically, current policies and deficit levels may leave less room or political will for federal aid to state and local governments during the next economic downturn.
Opioid prescriptions for acute pain after outpatient surgery at a large public university-affiliated hospital: Impact of state legislation in Florida

Abstract Background In response to the growing opioid crisis, Florida recently implemented a law restricting the duration of opioid prescriptions for acute pain. Little is known about the impact of such legislation on opioid prescription practices at the time of discharge after surgery. The objective of this study was to determine whether Florida’s new legislation changed opioid prescription practices for analgesia after surgery. Methods Adults 18 years of age and older undergoing cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair, hysterectomy, mastectomy, or lymph node dissection were included in this retrospective cohort study at a large public university–affiliated hospital. We analyzed opioid prescriptions on discharge after these common outpatient surgical procedures between June 1, 2017, and December 31, 2018. Florida House Bill 21 was passed on March 2, 2018, and subsequent implementation of this law took place on July 1, 2018. The law restricts the duration of opioid prescriptions for acute pain to 3 days, which can be extended up to a maximum of 7 days with additional documentation. The outcomes studied included the following: the proportion of patients receiving opioid prescriptions on discharge, total opioid dose prescribed, daily opioid dose prescribed, and the proportion of patients receiving more than a 3-day supply of opioids. We colledted data on emergency department cumulative visits within 7 and 30 days after discharge. Drug doses were converted to morphine milligram equivalents and calculated for each selected procedure. Results A total of 1,467 surgical encounters were included. The cohort was predominantly female (963 [65.6%]) with a mean (SD) age of 49.6 (14.4) years. At 6 months after implementation of HB 21, the proportion of patients receiving opioid prescriptions decreased by 21% (95% CI 16.8% to 25.3%, P Conclusion Opioid prescriptions for patients undergoing common outpatient surgical procedures at a large public university–affiliated hospital in Florida were substantially reduced within 6 months after implementation of state legislation limiting the duration of opioid prescriptions. This reduction was not associated with an increase in the number of postoperative emergency department visits. The legislation should significantly decrease the amount of unused opioid pills potentially available for diversion and abuse. Secondary effects from the enactment of this law remain to be evaluated.
Synthesis and conformational properties of the M(4-6)(5-7) bicyclic tetrapeptide common to the vancomycin antibiotics

The vancomycin class of antibiotics, exemplified by vancomycin and orienticin C aglycons (1) and (2), is widely used in the treatment of infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.1 The complexity of these structures, the interest in their mode of action,2 and the emergence of bacterial strains resistant to treatment by this family of antibiotics3 warrant development of reaction methodology and strategies for their synthesis.4 In pursuit of this objective, we have developed the relevant asymmetric amino acid syntheses5 and oxidative bond constructions for the synthesis of the biaryl ether-6 and biarylcontaining7 vancomycin-related cyclic tripeptide subunits. In a previous study, we also described the synthesis of the M(24)(4-6)8 bicyclic hexapeptide that was essentially a biaryl bond construction away from the complete tricyclic heptapeptide. However, subsequent investigations have revealed the difficulties in integrating these methods into a synthesis of the tricyclic heptapeptide framework. The purpose of this paper is to describe the first synthesis and conformational analysis of a fully functionalized M(4-6)(5-7) bicyclic tetrapeptide (e.g., 3). With the exception of the chlorination pattern on the 6-position â-hydroxytyrosine constituent, all members of the vancomycin family share the M(4-6)(5-7) bicyclic tetrapeptide subunit 3. Accordingly, our efforts have been directed toward the construction of this moiety followed by attachment of the N-terminal tripeptide and closure to the tricyclic heptapeptide related to the vancomycin aglycon. By inspection, there are two approaches to 3 that differ in the ordering of the macrocyclization events. Since prior studies7 demonstrated that the M(5-7) tripeptide 4 exists as a mixture of biaryl atropisomers (89:11) as well as (5-6) amide isomers (Vide infra) that complicate further development,9 attention has been directed toward a synthesis where macrocycle assemblage follows the order M(4-6) f M(5-7). Amino Acid Subunits. The 4-position amino acid was derived from commercially available D-4-hydroxyphenylglycine, while the remaining residues were synthesized using chiral imide enolate methodology previously developed for this purpose.5 A differentially protected o-phenolic substituent on ring 5 was required to lower the oxidation potential sufficiently to induce intramolecular oxidative coupling. To suppress the lability of the C-terminal amino acid constituent, the decision was made to carry the carboxyl terminus through the synthesis as the N-methyl amide with the expectation that it might be selectively cleaved through a site-selective nitrosation/thermolysis10 late in the synthesis. Preliminary experiments with derivatives of 3 and 4 suggested that this was a viable option.
Incomplete neutralization and pragmatics in German

Earlier studies suggest that the neutralization of the voicing contrast in word pairs like Bund and Bunt is incomplete, but further research is required to evaluate the competing interpretations. Subjects here were given a range of different speaking tasks: reading continuous text, repeating spoken sentences (in circumstances where the concern of the experiment was carefully hidden), dictating the potential homophones to a German-speaking writer and, finally, reading from a word list. Discriminant analysis was used to combine the five spectro-temporal variables measured from sound spectrograms of these productions to categorize the tokens as voiced or voiceless in each condition. Correct categorization for discriminant analysis varied between 55% and 78% depending on the communicative task but was significant in all conditions. The data show that speakers can control the degree of neutralization depending on pragmatics and that information about the underlying contrast is distributed over much of the word. In Experiment 2, recorded productions from some conditions of Experiment 1 were played for a group of listeners. Through use of signal detection theory (and the statistic d′), it is shown that listeners discriminated the intended word with accuracy very similar to that of discriminant analysis. They even tended to make errors on the same tokens. Apparently, the variables we measured capture information that is roughly equivalent to that employed by native listeners. The absence of complete neutralization implies that the German syllable-final devoicing rule cannot be stated in terms of the same [− voice] feature that is employed in the lexical specification of words. Instead, syllable-final devoicing is an effect that resembles implementation rules (since it is graded) and operates directly upon a syllable-like representation.
How various material resources facilitate science identity work for girls in a research apprenticeship program

Situated learning experiences such as research apprenticeships can help connect girls to the sciences, ultimately helping to achieve gender equity in the science workforce. The material resources a...
Estimation of Wave Condition Number From Pressure Waveform Alone and Its Changes With Advancing Age in Healthy Women and Men.

Introduction The wave condition number (WCN) is a non-dimensional number that determines the state of arterial wave reflections. WCN is equal to HR × L eff /PWV where HR, L eff , and PWV are the heart rate, effective length, and pulse wave velocity, respectively. It has been shown that a value of WCN = 0.1 indicates the optimum state of arterial wave reflection in which left ventricle workload is minimized. The pressure wave, flow wave, and PWV are all required to compute WCN, which may limit the potential clinical utility of WCN. The aims of this study are as follows: (1) to assess the feasibility of approximating WCN from the pressure waveform alone (WCN Pinf ), and (2) to provide the proof-of-concept that WCN Pinf can capture age related differences in arterial wave reflection among healthy women and men. Methods Previously published retrospective data composed of seventeen patients (age 19-54 years; 34.3 ± 9.6) were used to assess the accuracy of WCN Pinf . The exact value of WCN was computed from PWV (measured by foot-to-foot method), HR, and L eff . A quarter wavelength relationship with minimum impedance modulus were used to compute L eff . WCN Pinf was calculated using HR and the reflected wave arrival time. Previously published analyses from a healthy subset of the Anglo-Cardiff Collaborative Trial (ACCT) study population were used to investigate if non-invasive WCN Pinf captures age related differences in arterial wave reflection among healthy women and men. Results A strong correlation (r = 0.83, p-value <0.0001) between WCN Pinf and WCN was observed. The accuracy of WCN Pinf was independent from relevant physiological parameters such as PWV, pulse pressure (PP), and HR. Similar changes in WCN Pinf with advancing age were observed in both healthy men and healthy women. In young, healthy individuals (women and men) the WCN Pinf was around 0.1 (the optimum value), and reduced with aging. Conclusion WCN can be approximated from a single pressure waveform and can capture age related arterial wave reflection alteration. These results are clinically significant since WCN can be extracted from a single non-invasive pressure waveform. Future studies will focus on investigating if WCN is associated with risk for onset of cardiovascular disease events.
Negligence in Sport

This article looks at a case that was filed on common law negligence, medical negligence, and violations of the Zackery Lystedt law, which is a law that was implemented in Washington to protect ath...