cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acquisition of free-operant (Sidman) avoidance in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) and albino rats

Mongolian gerbils were generally superior to albino rats in the acquisition of free-operant avoidance. Members of both species learned to avoid much more successfully when the shock-shock interval was of shorter duration than the response-shock interval, as compared to acquisition when these intervals were equal. As a whole, the results extend the generality of data obtained from albino rats in avoidance situations.
Hepatic ACAT activity in African green monkeys is highly correlated to plasma LDL cholesteryl ester enrichment and coronary artery atherosclerosis.

Previous studies and this study of African green monkeys show a strong positive correlation between plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) size and the extent of coronary artery atherosclerosis (CAA). Increased LDL size was principally due to the accumulation of cholesteryl oleate molecules within the particle core, suggesting that many of these cholesteryl esters were of tissue origin, i.e., from the acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) reaction instead of the lecithin:cholesterol acyl-transferase (LCAT) reaction. The current study was conducted to test the hypothesis that ACAT in the liver is the source of the increased numbers of cholesteryl oleate molecules in plasma LDL particles that appear to increase the atherogenic potential of LDL. Monkeys were fed diets rich in fat (lard, safflower oil, or fish oil) and cholesterol for 3-6 years before liver perfusion, ACAT assay, and evaluation of CAA. Hepatic ACAT activity was positively correlated with hepatic cholesteryl ester secretion (r = 0.61, p < 0.001), plasma LDL cholesteryl ester content (r = 0.60, p < 0.0001), and the extent of CAA (r = 0.62, p < 0.0001). The number of cholesteryl oleate molecules within LDL increased proportionally with LDL size in each of the diet groups. Hepatic cholesteryl oleate concentration was correlated with the accumulation of cholesteryl oleate in liver perfusate (r = 0.72, p < 0.01) and with plasma LDL cholesterol oleate content (r = 0.73, p < 0.0001). Our interpretation is that these data, obtained in a relevant primate model of CAA, suggest that hepatic ACAT increases the atherogenicity of LDL by augmenting both the secretion by the liver and accumulation in plasma LDL of cholesteryl oleate.
BMP stimulation of alkaline phosphatase activity in pluripotent mouse C2C12 cells is inhibited by dermatopontin, one of the most abundant low molecular weight proteins in demineralized bone matrix.

Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is a complex mixture of osteoinductive bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), as well as BMP-binding proteins that regulate BMP bioactivity and localization. Our aim was to use modern proteomic methods to identify additional BMP-binding proteins in DBM, with initial emphasis on the most abundant. Relatively large, water-soluble noncollagenous proteins (NCPs) were preferentially extracted from DBM with alkalinized urea. The insoluble residue, which contained the BMP activity, was extracted with GuHCl/CaCl2, dialyzed versus citrate, defatted, resuspended in GuHCl, dialyzed sequentially against Triton X-100 and water, pelleted, and lyophilized. The proteins in this pellet were fractionated by hydroxyapatite affinity chromatography. Proteins that copurified with BMP bioactivity were separated by SDS-PAGE. Distinct bands were excised, and the proteins in them were reduced and alkylated, digested with trypsin, eluted, and subjected to MALDI/ToF MS (matrix-assisted laser-desorption i...
DLTS characterization of precipitation induced microdefects

Capacitance DLTS measurements have been performed on heavily precipitated n- and p-type silicon wafers. The results indicate heavy metal gettering with a mid-bandgap deep level (0.55eV) for n-type silicon. The results for p-type silicon show a band of states present in the lower half of the bandgap. This band of states correlates well to the band of allowed energies found in heavily dislocated p-type silicon.
Design method and automation of comparator generation for flash A/D converter

The design methods and the automation of the comparator circuit layout generation for a flash A/D converter are presented in this paper. The threshold inverter quantization (TIQ) based A/D converters require 2/sup n/ - 1 comparators, each one different from all others. Optimal design method of the TIQ comparator presented in this paper significantly improves the linearity of the A/D converter against the CMOS process variation. Especially the DNL dependence on the CMOS process variation can be almost eliminated. The design method has been incorporated into a software package and the 2/sup n/ - 1 optimized TIQ comparator layouts are generated as an output of the software package. The simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of the design methods. Also, the prototype chip has been fabricated, with initial test results confirming the DNL reduction.
Evaluation of the limit of detection of the BD Veritor™ system flu A+B test and two rapid influenza detection tests for influenza virus.

Abstract We evaluated the limits of detection of 3 rapid influenza diagnostic tests—BD Veritor TM System for Flu A+B, Binax NOW® Influenza A+B, and QuickVue® Influenza—for influenza strains circulating in 2010–2012. Limits of detection varied by influenza strain, with Veritor TM Flu A+B test showing the lowest limit of detection for all strains.
Solid‐Liquid Equilibria in the System Si3N4‐AlN‐Si02‐A12O3

Solid-liquid equilibria at 1750°C and subsolidus phase relations in the system Si3N4−AlN-SiO2−Al2O3 were determined for the composition region bounded by the β-Si3N4 solid solution line and silica-alumina join X-ray diffraction and optical microscopy were used to determine the phases present in specimens cooled rapidly after equilibration. The extent of a single liquid-phase region and the tie lines for the βsolid solution + liquid field at 1750°C were established from quantitative X-ray diffractometry and lattice parameter measurements of βsolid solutions in equilibrium with liquid. The results were corroborated by optical microscopy and melting behavior observations. A new composition, Si12Al18O39N8, is suggested for the x1 phase. The lowest melting temperature in the system is ≅ 1480°C and the corresponding composition is 10 eq% Al-90 eq%O.
Ionic conductivity of KI colored with I2

Abstract When V 2 and V 3 bands are present in KI crystals additively colored with iodine, the ionic conductivity in the region from 90 to 200°C is found to be enhanced, but with an unchanged activation energy. A stoichiometric excess of iodine presumably gives rise to two cation vacancies and two holes per excess iodine molecule. The enhanced conductivity indicates that not all of the vacancies introduced are bound in the V centers. Some of them are free. The V 2 and V 3 center models of Seitz are not compatible with this result, but those of Hersh and Effenberger are, although the addition of one vacancy to their models would also be consistent with the conductivity increase. An interpretation of several earlier experiments on V centers is made in terms of the above models.
Cutting Edge: Nicastrin and Related Components of γ-Secretase Generate a Peptide Epitope Facilitating Immune Recognition of Intracellular Mycobacteria, through MHC Class II-Dependent Priming of T Cells

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), the antituberculosis vaccine, localizes within immature phagosomes of macrophages and dendritic cells (APCs), and avoids lysosomal degradation. BCG-derived antigenic peptides are thus inefficiently processed by APCs, and we investigated alternate mechanisms of Ag processing. Proteomics identified that BCG phagosomes are enriched for nicastrin, APH, and presenilin components of γ-secretase, a multimeric protease. Using an in vitro Ag presentation assay and BCG-infected APCs, we found γ-secretase components to cleave BCG-derived Ag85B to produce a peptide epitope, which, in turn, primed IL-2 release from Ag85B-specific T cell hybridoma. siRNA knockdown or chemical inhibition of γ-secretase components using L685458 decreased the ability of BCG or Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected APCs to present Ag85B. In addition, L685485 inhibition of γ-secretase led to a decreased ability of BCG-dendritic cells to immunize mice and induce Ag85B-specific CD4 T cells in vivo. Because BCG and M. tuberculosis sequester within APCs preventing immune recognition, γ-secretase components appear to fortuitously process the immunodominant Ag85B, facilitating immune recognition.
Cannabinoid modulation of drug reward and the implications of marijuana legalization

Marijuana is the most popular illegal drug worldwide. Recent trends indicate that this may soon change; not due to decreased marijuana use, but to an amendment in marijuana's illegal status. The cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor mediates marijuana's psychoactive and reinforcing properties. CB1 receptors are also part of the brain endocannabinoid (eCB) system and support numerous forms of learning and memory, including the conditioned reinforcing properties of cues predicting reward or punishment. This is accomplished via eCB-dependent alterations in mesolimbic dopamine function, which plays an obligatory role in reward learning and motivation. Presynaptic CB1 receptors control midbrain dopamine neuron activity and thereby shape phasic dopamine release in target regions, particularly the nucleus accumbens (NAc). By also regulating synaptic input to the NAc, CB1 receptors modulate NAc output onto downstream neurons of the basal ganglia motor circuit, and thereby support goal-directed behaviors. Abused drugs promote short- and long-term adaptations in eCB-regulation of mesolimbic dopamine function, and thereby hijack neural systems related to the pursuit of rewards to promote drug abuse. By pharmacologically targeting the CB1 receptors, marijuana has preferential access to this neuronal system and can potently alter eCB-dependent processing of reward-related stimuli. As marijuana legalization progresses, greater access to this drug should increase the utility of marijuana as a research tool to better understand the eCB system, which has the potential to advance cannabinoid-based treatments for drug addiction. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI:Addiction circuits.
Primary pneumonic plague contracted from a mountain lion carcass.

BACKGROUND Primary pneumonic plague is a rare but often fatal form of Yersinia pestis infection that results from direct inhalation of bacteria and is potentially transmissible from person to person. We describe a case of primary pneumonic plague in a wildlife biologist who was found deceased in his residence 1 week after conducting a necropsy on a mountain lion. METHODS To determine cause of death, a postmortem examination was conducted, and friends and colleagues were interviewed. Physical evidence was reviewed, including specimens from the mountain lion and the biologist's medical chart, camera, and computer. Human and animal tissues were submitted for testing. Persons in close contact (within 2 meters) to the biologist after he had developed symptoms were identified and offered chemoprophylaxis. RESULTS The biologist conducted the necropsy in his garage without the use of personal protective equipment. Three days later, he developed fever and hemoptysis and died approximately 6 days after exposure. Gross examination showed consolidation and hemorrhagic fluid in the lungs; no buboes were noted. Plague was diagnosed presumptively by polymerase chain reaction and confirmed by culture. Tissues from the mountain lion tested positive for Y. pestis, and isolates from the biologist and mountain lion were indistinguishable by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Among 49 contacts who received chemoprophylaxis, none developed symptoms consistent with plague. CONCLUSIONS The biologist likely acquired pneumonic plague through inhalation of aerosols generated during postmortem examination of an infected mountain lion. Enhanced awareness of zoonotic diseases and appropriate use of personal protective equipment are needed for biologists and others who handle wildlife.
Overview of simulation models for partial discharge and electrical treeing to determine feasibility for estimation of remaining life of machine insulation systems

Partial discharge (PD) produces characteristic indications and patterns about the state of an insulation system, which can be studied via computer numerical simulations. Whilst experiments are critical to understanding how these PD patterns affect the aging of insulation systems through the formation and growth of electrical trees, they are also difficult and expensive to setup and actual physical effects sometimes take days and even months to show up. Accurate numerical simulation models can be a workaround, in such a scenario, to aid in studies related to condition monitoring of insulation materials. This paper is a prelude to research into developing prognosis tools for machine condition monitoring. Here we provide an overview of simulation attempts with respect to modeling partial discharge and electrical treeing. A comparison of different simulation approaches is given as per research objective and fidelity to reported experimental data. The reported studies have been used to explore the suitability of using models to extract information from these two phenomena to determine the health of insulation systems, especially in regards to rotating machines, on shipboard power systems with emphasis on the notional concept of an all-electric ship (AES).
Autoregulation of Cyclic AMP in Vascular Smooth Muscle: A Role for Adenosine Receptors

The concentration of cyclic AMP within cells is regulated by the activities of adenylyl cyclases and phosphodiesterases (PDE) and the receptors and G proteins that modulate their activities. The extent to which cyclic AMP accumulates in a given cell and activates protein kinase A (PKA) is subject to
Buspirone antagonizes the expression of conditioned taste aversion in rats

When the parameters of taste aversion conditioning and testing have been appropriately adjusted, benzodiazepines and barbiturates will markedly antagonize the expression of moderate taste aversions in rats. We call this the taste aversion conflict model of anxiety. In the present study, we investigate whether buspirone HCl (buspirone; p.o. and i.p.) is active in the taste aversion conflict model and whether buspirone will also increase unsuppressed saccharin (SACC) intake. We also investigated the effects of imipramine, desipramine, phenelzine sulfate, chlorpromazine, scopolamine and d-amphetamine sulfate in the taste aversion conflict model. To assess the possible effects of buspirone on the GABA-benzodiazepine supramolecular receptor complex, we compared buspirone with certain benzodiazepines, meprobamate and sodium phenobarbital on the antagonism of pentylenetetrazol-induced lethality in mice. Unlike benzodiazepines, meprobamate and phenobarbital, buspirone did not antagonize pentylenetetrazol-induced lethality. However, like those other anxiolytics, buspirone markedly antagonized the expression of conditioned taste aversion. All nonanxiolytic drugs tested had either no effect or very slight effects on the expression of conditioned taste aversion. These results suggest that the taste aversion conflict model is sensitive to novel anxiolytics and that it is selective for drugs clinically effective in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorders in man.
Correlating Notch Signaling with Thymocyte Maturation

The Notch receptor and its ligands are involved in many developmental processes. They are highly expressed in the thymus and have been implicated in the CD4 versus CD8 lineage decision. We identified the constitutively active intracellular fragment of murine Notch-1 as capable of rendering thymomas resistant to glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis. This effect was confirmed in other T cell lines and in CD4+CD8+ DP thymocytes. Activation of the Notch signaling pathway also upregulated a number of other markers that, like steroid resistance, correlate with DP maturation into both the CD4 and CD8 lineages. These results suggest that Notch signaling is critically involved in the maturation of DP thymocytes into both CD4+ and CD8+ SP thymocytes.
ACTIVITY OF JUVENILE HORMONE ANALOGUES ON HYMENOPTEROUS PARASITOIDS OF THE GYPSY MOTH

Two insect growth regulators, which are juvenile hormone (JH) analogues, I. Altozar® and II. Stauffer R-20458; 1-(4′-ethylphenoxy)-6, 7-epoxy-3, 7-dimethyl octene were tested against Ooencyrtus kuwanai (Howard) an egg parasitoid. Greater than 70% mortality occurred with 100 ppm treatments during the parasitoid late- and meconium-cast larval stages. Ca. 30% mortality occurred during the pupal stage. Developmental time was apparently decreased. JH I produced no mortality against Apanteles melanoscelus Ratzeburg, a larval parasitoid. However, increased developmental times were observed. Resume ACTIVITE D'ANALOGUES DE SYNTHESE DE L'HORMONE JUVENILE SUR DES HYMENOPTERES PARASITOIDES DE PORTHETRIA DISPAR Deux regulateurs de croissance des insectes qui sont des analogues de l'hormone juvenile: (JH I) “Altozoar®” et (JH II) Stauffer R-20458, 1- (4-ethylphenoxy)- 6, 7-epoxy-3, 7-dimethyl octene ont ete testes sur Ooencyrtus kuwanai (Howard) un parasite d‘œufs. Avec un traitement a une dose de 100 ppm, pendant le dernier stade larvaire du parasite et pendant le stade de rejet du meconium, on observe plus de 70% de mortalite; la mortalite n'est plus que de 30% environ durant le stade pupal. La duree du developpement est apparemment reduite. JH I ne produit aucune mortalite chez Apanteles melanoscelus Ratz, un parasite des larves; cependant on observe un allongement de la duree du developpement.
Are Explicit Apologies Proportional to the Offenses They Address

We consider here Goffman's proposal of proportionality between virtual offenses and remedial actions, based on the examination of 102 cases of explicit apologies. To this end, we offer a typology of the primary apology formats within the dataset, together with a broad categorization of the types of virtual offenses to which these apologies are addressed. We find a broad proportionality between apologies and the offenses they remediate when the offenses to be remediated are minor; however, this relationship is not sustained among larger apologies and offenses. In the latter cases, relational and contextual contingencies are important intervening factors influencing apology construction.
Invited Editorial on “Influence of intercellular tissue connections on airway muscle mechanics”

airway smooth muscle in the lungs of healthy animals possesses sufficient force-generating capacity to close all airways ([2][1],[17][2]). This fact may at first seem to be unremarkable, but it is not easily reconciled with the observation that when healthy animals or humans are challenged with
Factors Influencing the Population Fluctuation of Pratylenchus penetrans in Soils of High Organic Content. I. Effect of Soil Fumigants and Different Crop Plants

Seven selected fields situated near Newland, Indiana, were sampled at monthly intervals during 4 growing seasons to determine the population levels of Pratylenchus penetmns (Cobb) Filipjev and Stekhoven. During the course of the study several of the fields in which sampling sites were situated were treated at various times with I or more of the following nematicidal chemicals: D-D®(1,3-dichloropropene and 1,2-dichloropropane mixture) , Telone® (dichloropropenes mixture), or Vorlex® (mixture of dichloropropenes, dichloropropanes and related chlorinated C3 hydrocarbons plus methyl isothiocyanate). During the first and second growing seasons following fumigation, the P. penetrans population tended to remain low irrespective of crop grown. In the absence of this “fumigation effect” the nematode developed high populations on all crops grown in the rotations, which included onion, corn, potato, spearmint, and peppermint. In a greenhouse test potato, peppermint, onion, and corn were grown in soil naturally infested with P. penetrans at 2 different levels of infestation. In this test the smallest buildup of the nematode occurred on onion.
Reply to “Letter to the editor: ‘A novel angiographic fractional flow reserve’”

reply: We thank Dr. Yang and colleagues ([7a][1]) for their interest in our angiographic fractional flow reserve (FFR) study. This FFR technique, based on first-pass distribution analysis, was validated in a swine animal model. We share their enthusiasm for this angiographic technique that enables
Macroscopic studies of platelet agglutination; nature of thrombocyte agglutinating activity of plasma.

Summary and conclusions1. Optimal conditions for platelet agglutination were determined in the dog by a macroscopic test. Most rapid agglutination was observed with Mg++ or Mn++, undiluted plasma, and a platelet concentration above 200,000/cmm. Frozen or heated platelets were not agglutinable. 2. The thrombocyte agglutinating (TAg) factor found in plasma was thermolabile and non-dialyzable. Under optimal conditions it caused gross platelet clumping in 5-15 seconds. This factor was active in the absence of fibrin coagulation, Ca++, fibrinogen, AHF, prothrombin and related coagulant factors, suggesting the TAg may act independently of the coagulation process.
Temperature-Dependent Exciton Properties of Two Cylindrical J-Aggregates

The temperature dependence of the steady-state excitonic absorption and emission spectral features of the J-aggregates of the amphiphilic cyanine dye 3,3′-bis(2-sulfopropyl)-5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′-dioctylbenzimidacarbocyanine (C8S3) was examined over the temperature range from 77 to 298 K. Two C8S3 J-aggregate structures were investigated: well-separated, double-walled nanotubes and bundles of agglomerated nanotubes that spontaneously assemble over long periods of storage. Absorption and emission spectral line broadening and Stokes shift are presented, and the responses of both aggregates are evaluated as a function of temperature. Both J-aggregates exhibit two fluorescence bands. We found that, across the measured temperature range, the ratio of the nanotube’s emission bands is well described with Boltzmann statistics, while that of the bundles is not. Additionally, the relative quantum yield of the nanotubes increased dramatically upon cooling, while the bundles’ quantum yield exhibited a significan...
Love and Un-Engineering

Shouldn't public management be motivated by love? Shouldn't the post September 11th P.A. community give priority to reflecting about administrative lovel Or, should we stick with motivation-as-usual, e.g., an efficiency ethic? Un-engineering is what management needs, I hope to suggest; approaches like reengineering should be abandoned. Through un engineering, the P.A. community should seek a fresh consciousness that focuses on knowing and embracing administrative love as a regulative ideal. Assuming that it should be motivated by love, should a loving management be fueled primarily by love for an ideal (like love for country, or love for the public interest)? Or, should it be powered primarily by love for each person as she is in herself (like Romeo for Juliet, and vice-versa)? I suggest that administrative love should include both of these aspects?love directed toward an ideal and love directed toward individual persons. At first blush, the idea of administrative love appears paradoxical, so sentimental and indeterminate that it borders on the nonsensical. Paradoxes rear their heads between love-as-it-is and administration-as-it-is, and they can be expressed in at least two ways.
Effect of yttrium substitution on the superconducting properties ofLa1-xYxO0.5F0.5BiS2

We present the effect of yttrium substitution on superconductivity in the ${\mathrm{La}}_{1\ensuremath{-}\mathit{x}}{\mathrm{Y}}_{\mathit{x}}{\mathrm{O}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{F}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{BiS}}_{2}$ system. Polycrystalline samples with nominal Y concentrations up to 40% were synthesized and characterized via electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, and specific-heat measurements. Y substitution reduces the lattice parameter $a$ and unit-cell volume V, and a correlation between the lattice parameter $c$, the La-O-La bond angle, and the superconducting critical temperature ${T}_{c}$ is observed. The chemical pressure induced by Y substitution for La produces neither the high-${T}_{c}$ superconducting phase nor the structural phase transition seen in ${\mathrm{LaO}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{F}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{BiS}}_{2}$ under externally applied pressure.
A Case Investigation of Collective Food Poisoning Accident Occurred in University Graduates

Objective To find out the source of collective food poisoning occurred in the university graduates. Methods Epidemiology investigation, clinical diagnosis and laboratory analysis were performed to investigate the source of food poisoning. Results Vibrio parahaemolyticus contaminated food was the source of food poisoning. Conclusion The hygienic management of the restaurants and dining-room, especially the supervision of the large-scale food and beverage service of the university must be strengthened, and it should avoid overloading the production line to ensure the hygiene and quality of the food.
DsRNA-mediated targeting of ribosomal transcripts RPS6 and RPL26 induces long-lasting and significant reductions in fecundity of the vector Aedes aegypti☆

Abstract Ribosomal transcripts produce critical proteins that are involved in most cellular production processes. Targeting ribosomal transcripts has produced mortality in mites and ticks but the effect of ribosomal transcript knockdown has not been thoroughly examined in mosquitoes. We examine the effects of triggers targeting four ribosomal proteins (RP) transcripts. Although no significant mortality was observed after dsRNA microinjection and subsequent blood feeding, significant contrasts were observed on fecundity. Triggers targeting RPS6 and RPL26 effectively reduced gene expression but more importantly, reduced reproductive output by more than 96% and 91% at the first oviposition while triggers targeting RPL1 and RPS2 did not cause a reduction although gene expression was reduced. Significantly reduced fecundity continued through a second oviposition cycle in dsRPS6 and dsRPL26 cohorts, although the effect was not as strong. Relative gene expression levels confirmed specific transcript knockdown up to 20 days post-injection in mosquitoes that did not oviposit or produced reduced clutch sizes. Dissections at 36 h post-blood meal indicated defects in oocyte provisioning. The strong phenotype produced by dsRPS6 allowed us to examine the effects in various tissues as well as the dose response, trigger format, delivery method and trigger specificity in Aedes aegypti. Strong knockdown was observed in the abdomen and the ovaries. Greater than 50 ng of dsRPS6 significantly reduced fecundity but not when delivered in a sugar meal or as an siRNA. Similar bioassays with mutated dsRPS6 triggers indicates that up to three mismatches per possible siRNA are still effective in reducing fecundity. These studies indicate that while active and effective triggers can be developed for vector species, the lack of an efficient delivery method is the biggest barrier to use as a potential control method.
An inventory of ambulance service regulatory programs in California.

INTRODUCTION: Ambulance regulation in California is the responsibility of numerous agencies on the state and local levels. OBJECTIVE: By identifying and analyzing the variety of programs used in one state, this study establishes a framework for evaluation of state and local regulatory programs elsewhere. METHODS: This study surveyed all California local EMS agencies (LEMSAs: California's equivalent of regional EMS organizations) to identify the types of regulatory programs used, the foci of these programs (e.g., equipment and personnel), and their application (e.g., public and private providers). All data acquired were analyzed using population parameters rather than inferential statistics. FINDINGS: A response rate of 100% was obtained. Among the regulatory tools used are ordinances, contracts, and franchises. Regulatory standards vary widely as do their applications. Large counties and those that operate their own LEMSA have more extensive regulatory programs than do smaller counties and those who participate in multicounty agencies. Many of the enforcement mechanisms available are weak. CONCLUSION: This study suggests several policy implications for California and other states. The wide variation in the types of regulatory programs and the standards that are used suggest that the purpose and impact of regulatory programs should be studied further. The decentralization of the ambulance regulatory program and the lack of integration of ambulance regulations into EMS system planning also raise policy questions. In addition, the role of multicounty EMS agencies, as it relates to regulation of ambulance services, should be reviewed.
Divided Allegiances and Disestablishment

Patriotism and loyalism, in the context of the American Revolution, defined two distinct and opposite political affiliations, one in support of and one in opposition to the colonists’ rebellion. According to the rebel maxim, ‘those who were not for them, were against them.’1 For some Anglican clergymen the choice was that clear, but for others this bifurcation of labels disguised a multiplicity of divided allegiances. A variety of factors influenced decisions to side with the colonial revolutionaries or Britain, including matters of conscience and oath-taking, regional and national affiliations, and a sense of duty to family and parish. These last two obligations came to the forefront particularly with the alteration of the church’s relationship to the state as a result of both independence and disestablishment.
The Evolution of Markets

The three vignettes provide a useful introduction to an analysis of the role of information in market societies, in part, because they clearly illustrate the heterogeneity of markets. In each vignette, the market is defined by different forms of social relations, by varying degrees of resource availability, and, finally, by the extent to which the ultimate decision is trusted to the market.
Novel Periodic-Aperiodic Routing to Mitigate Floquet Mode Resonances in Crosstalk Transfer Function Due to Periodically Routed Structures

Reducing cost in printed circuit board (PCB) layout has pushed designers to use broadside coupled layers to reduce the layer count. The traces are generally routed at an angle in zig-zag fashion to eliminate fiber-weave impact on the insertion loss (THRU) of the channel. If the zig-zag routing is periodic, then it can increase the crosstalk due to Floquet mode resonances. The Floquet resonances aggravate near-end crosstalk (NEXT) and degrade the insertion loss (THRU) profiles. Creating any random structure will not mitigate the Floquet mode resonance. The aperiodic topology created by making the each unitcell different in length did not mitigate the resonances observed in periodic structure but instead created additional resonances in the frequency range of interest. The other challenge for the layout engineers is to route the aperiodic topology that contains different unit cell blocks with different lengths and angles on a real board. In this paper, the proposed solution relies on "periodic-aperiodicity" to eliminate these resonances. The topology reuses the unitcell from periodic routing that have same lengths but only vary the spacing between each unitcell to create the aperiodicity. The proposed topology is easy to route as layout engineers can reuse the periodic routing and space them with aperiodic uncoupled segments.
DIF Analysis with Multilevel Data: A Simulation Study Using the Latent Variable Approach

The effects of mean ability difference (MAD) and short tests on the performance of various DIF methods have been studied extensively in previous simulation studies. Their effects, however, have not been studied under multilevel data structure. MAD was frequently observed in large-scale cross-country comparison studies where the primary sampling units were more likely to be clusters ( e.g. , schools). With short tests, regular DIF methods under MAD-present conditions might suffer from inflated type I error rate due to low reliability of test scores, which would adversely impact the matching ability of the covariate ( i.e. , the total score) in DIF analysis. The current study compared the performance of three DIF methods: logistic regression (LR), hierarchical logistic regression (HLR) taking multilevel structure into account, and hierarchical logistic regression with latent covariate (HLR-LC) taking multilevel structure into account as well as accounting for low reliability and MAD. The results indicated that HLR-LC outperformed both LR and HLR under most simulated conditions, especially under the MAD-present conditions when tests were short. Practical implications of the implementation of HLR-LC were also discussed.
Management of pregnancy in sickle cell syndromes.

Pregnancy has increased risk for women with sickle cell disease. Knowledge of the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease, comprehensive care programs, and prenatal monitoring has reduced morbidity and mortality. Certain complications occur during pregnancy, including painful episodes, urinary tract infection, acute chest syndrome, worsening anemia, toxemia, preterm labor and recurring perinatal mortality. Prophylactic transfusion therapy does not reduce the frequency of these complications, but blood transfusion therapy should be reserved for acute events and used aggressively. Each patient must be evaluated and treated as an individual.
Mediating Processes Studied by Successive Shifts in Adult Humans

3 experiments investigated mediating processes by giving Ss a series of successive reversal or nonreversal shifts. Experiment I, using physical stimuli through 10 shifts, revealed the strength of the mediating response and showed that the reversal group was superior because it was able to find the new basis for sorting immediately after the shift; the nonreversal groups were not able to do so, even though given enough information. Experiments II and Iii, using words as stimuli through 10 and 7 shifts on artificial dimensions, revealed the development of the superiority of the reversal group over the series of successive shifts. The results were interpreted as supporting a 2-stage model of learning.
Preparation of lipid nanoparticles with high loading capacity and exceptional gastrointestinal stability for potential oral delivery applications

Exploitation of lipid nanoparticles for oral delivery of nutrients and drugs is limited by their poor stability under gastrointestinal tract and low loading capacity, unless a high concentration of synthetic surfactants is formulated. The main objective of present study is to design a series of new formulations for solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) that are suitable for potential oral delivery applications, using natural biopolymers, i.e. sodium caseinate (NaCas) as emulsifier and pectin as coating, with minimal addition of a synthetic surfactant, Tween 80. Effects of pectin coating, concentration of Tween 80, thermal treatment (80°C for 30min), as well as two chemical cross-linkers on the particulate characteristics, stability, encapsulation efficiency, controlled release and drying feasibility were comprehensively investigated. The intermolecular interactions and cross-linking reactions were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Tween 80 at 0.15% (w/v) together with 0.15% (w/v) NaCas was proved effective to obtain stable cross-linked pectin-coated SLN (PSLN) under 200nm with high loading capacity for curcumin, while NLC prepared under the same condition failed to pass storage stability test. The 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) cross-linked PSLN exhibited superior characteristics than glutaradehyde (GA) cross-linked PSLN, especially for the stability and controlled release under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, with curcumin studied as a model compound. The feasibility of both nano spray drying and freeze-drying technologies were both investigated to transform of colloidal lipid nanoparticles into dry powders. Our results demonstrated a novel strategy to prepare small and homogenous SLN with exceptional GI stability and high loading capacity as a potential oral delivery system.
Medical management of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic autoimmune conditions of the gut affecting both pediatric and adult patients. Medical therapy is often successful at inducing and maintaining remission and preventing disease complications. The mainstays of treatment are medications and other therapies that reduce inflammation and suppress the overactive immune system. Here we review current medical therapies for pediatric IBD, discuss future therapeutics, and present current treatment goals and approaches.
COMMENTARY ON “MOVING THROUGH ADOLESCENCE: DEVELOPMENTAL TRAJECTORIES OF AFRICAN AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN AMERICAN YOUTH”

This commentary discusses Gutman et al.'s monograph on developmental trajectories of African American and European American youth. Conceptual and methodological strengths of the monograph are highlighted, and the historical context of the study, including societal and technological changes that have altered the experience of adolescence and advances in developmental science that have occurred since the MADICS was conducted, are discussed. Finally, several suggestions are offered for ways Gutman et al.'s analyses could be elaborated to address further questions about adolescent development in context.
Laser Phase Noise Tolerance of Probabilistically-Shaped Constellations

We numerically confirmed that required-OSNR gain was obtained by probabilistically-shaped 64/256 QAM compared with uniformly-shaped 16/64 QAM in not only arbitrary white Gaussian noise condition but also in phase noise condition.
Branching the Tel2 pathway for exact fit on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related kinases.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related kinases (PIKKs), are structurally related to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (lipid kinase), but possess protein kinase activities. PIKKs include ATM, ATR, DNA-PK, mTOR and SMG1, key regulators of cell proliferation and genome maintenance. TRRAP, which is devoid of protein kinase activity, is the sixth member of the PIKK family. PIKK family members are gigantic proteins in the range of 300–500 kDa. It has become apparent in the last decade that the stability or maturation of the PIKK family members depends on a molecular chaperone called the Tel2-Tti1-Tti2 (TTT) complex. Several lines of evidence have established a model in which TTT connects to the Hsp90 chaperone through the Rvb1-Rvb2-Tah1-Pih1 (R2TP) complex in mammalian and yeast cells. However, recent studies of yeast cells indicate that TTT is able to form different complexes. These observations raise a possibility that several different mechanisms regulate TTT-mediated protein stability of PIKKs.
Valuation of Mining Operation with Uncertainty and the Power of Waiting – A Real Option Method

Traditional Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) method has been adopted as a standard tool in the mining industry to conduct economic pre-feasibility and feasibility studies. However, DCF can be problematic in that it fails to regard the uncertainties embedded in economic parameters such as commodity price or operational cost, as well as the operational flexibilities such as postponing capital investment when the commodity price is low and expected to rise. Mining companies may choose to wait to start mining for a future higher commodity price. However, waiting too long may cause a suboptimal investment decision because of the timing effect of money, or even losing the investment opportunity. Therefore, there is an optimal timing of mining activation. Starting from gold spot price on Jan 1st, 2013 which is $1687.32/Oz., 10,000 simulations of price paths for future 35 years are generated to determine the optimal option-exercising threshold for gold price. The real option method provides a tractable and realistic scheme to evaluate the in-situ value of a mining project and a strategy to manage the timing of mining activities. This research implies that the ROV due to operational flexibility can be significant and should not be overlooked when triggering the mining investment decisions.
High-order adaptive arbitrary-Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) simulations of solidification

Abstract A high-order-accurate method for simulation of solidification is presented. The solidification front is tracked using a triangular, Arbitrary-Lagrangian–Eulerian moving mesh, and a mesh adaption algorithm is used to allow simulations of unsteady problems with large interfacial movement. An improved mesh coarsening algorithm is presented that maintains high quality deforming meshes while reducing the amount of interpolation needed to transfer solutions between meshes. An hp-finite element method is used to resolve the thermal and flow fields. This is combined with an A-stable diagonally-implicit Runge–Kutta temporal scheme. The method was demonstrated to give a temporal order of accuracy near 3 by comparing to a 1D analytic solution of melting. The spatial accuracy was calculated to be nearly 5th order for an approximation degree, p, equal to 4. Even for this simple case, the mesh adaption algorithm improved the accuracy over a simulation where the mesh only deformed. For a practical demonstration, the algorithm was used to simulate horizontal ribbon growth of single-crystal silicon and was able to resolve solutions where the solid layer thickness decreased by a factor of 20 over the course of the simulation.
Solid modelling—A 1988 update

Geometric modelling of physical solid objects is rapidly becoming a well-established interdisciplinary field, whose importance for robotics and automation is widely acknowledged both in academia and industry. The scientific literature in the field has increased dramatically, the first two textbooks that address solid modelling have been published [Mortenson 1985, Mantyla 1988], solid modelling systems offered by many vendors are being used industrially in increasing numbers, and market projections for the technology are bright [Brown 1986, Marks 1986]. The fundamental concepts of solid modelling, as well as the state of the art in the early 1980s are described in [Requicha & Voelcker 1982, 1983]. The present paper assesses the progress in solid modelling and its applications over the last five years. The literature citations below are meant to be representative rather than exhaustive.
Automation of a wheelchair mounted robotic arm using computer vision interface

Assistive robotic devices have great potential to improve the quality of life for individuals suffering with movement disorders. One such device is a robot-arm which helps people with upper body mobility to perform daily tasks. Manual control of robot arms can be challenging for wheelchair users with upper extremity disorders. This research presents an autonomous wheelchair mounted robotic arm built using a computer vision interface. The design utilizes a robotic arm with six degrees of freedom, an electric wheelchair, computer system and two vision sensors. One vision sensor detects the coarse position of the colored objects placed randomly on a shelf located in front of the wheelchair by using a computer vision algorithm. The other vision sensor provides fine localization by ensuring the object is correctly positioned in front of the gripper. The arm is then controlled automatically to pick up the object and return it to the user. Tests have been conducted by placing objects at different locations and the performance of the robotic arm is tabulated. An average task completion time of 37.52 seconds is achieved.
Genomic approaches to marker development and mapping in the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica

Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin) is the primary oyster species in eastern North America, with economically significant wild harvests and culture operations from Canada to Mexico. A century of decline resulting from overfishing, habitat degradation and disease has sparked interest in genetically improved lines for aquaculture and stock enhancement. In view of the limited success of traditional breeding methods, we hope to apply molecular breeding methods to accelerate the pace of selective breeding via identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL), marker-assisted selection and marker-assisted introgression. A first step in this process is the construction of a genetic linkage map for mapping QTL, which would enable focused selective breeding programs and identification of candidate genes for important traits. The map would also be relevant to parallel efforts in the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas), one of the most important aquaculture species worldwide. To further these goals, identification of both type I and type II markers is desirable. From a survey of 0.7MB of C. virginica genomic DNA, we discuss the distribution of simple sequence repeats and common repetitive elements. One repetitive element, CvA, is particularly abundant and contains a tetranucleotide microsatellite (ACRG)n.
Settle Withholding by the Dollars, Not Control

Current law requires withholding tax from compensation paid to employees but not to independent contractors. The current law definition of independent contractor is vague and arbitrary, with the standard using a tort standard of control. Withholding improves the efficiency of interim reports and tax collection, and increases tax compliance. Refunds improve the taxpayer’s attitude toward his government. The proposal discussed in this article would replace the employee/independent-contractor test with a bright-line rule. Withholding would be required of any employer with more than two fulltime workers. Households expected to pay more than $2,000 a month for one employee would also be required to withhold.The proposal is offered as a part of the Shelf Project, a collaboration of tax professionals to develop proposals to raise revenue without a VAT or a rate increase. Shelf Project proposals raise revenue while making the tax system more efficient and reducing deadweight loss.
The Expected Number of Intersections of a Four Valued Bounded Martingale with any Level May be Infinite

According to the well-known Doob’s lemma, the expected number of crossings of every fixed interval (a,b) by trajectories of a bounded martingale (X n ) is finite on the infinite time interval. For such a random sequence (r.s.) with an extra condition that X n takes no more than N, N<∞, values at each moment n≥1, this result was refined in Sonin (Stochastics 21:231–250, 1987) by proving that inside any interval (a,b) there are non-random sequences (barriers) (d n ), such that the expected number of intersections of d n by (X n ) is finite on the infinite time interval. This result left open the problem of whether for such r.s. any constant barriers d n ≡d, n≥1, exist. The main result of this paper is an example of a bounded martingale X n , 0≤X n ≤1, with at most four values at each moment n, such that no constant d, 0<d<1, is a barrier for (X n ). We also discuss the relationship of this problem with such problems as the behavior of a general finite nonhomogeneous Markov chain and the behavior of the simplest model of an irreversible process.
The role of D-raf in the terminal class signal transduction pathway in Drosophila melanogaster

17 INTRODUCTION 18 MATERIALS AND METHODS 20 Drosophila Strains 20 Basic Drosophila Techniques and Microinjections 20 Plasmid Constructioi\s 21 D-raf and Raf-1 Constructs 21 Site-directed Mutagenesis 21 Deletion Mutants 22 Expression of D-raf Proteins in Sf9 Cells 22 Phosphopeptide Mapping 22 Western Blot Analysis of Microinjected Embryos 23