cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Energetically Demanding Transport in a Supramolecular Assembly

A challenge in contemporary chemistry is the realization of artificial molecular machines that can perform work in solution on their environments. Here, we report on the design and production of a supramolecular flashing energy ratchet capable of processing chemical fuel generated by redox changes to drive a ring in one direction relative to a dumbbell toward an energetically uphill state. The kinetics of the reaction pathway juxtapose a low energy [2]pseudorotaxane that forms under equilibrium conditions with a high energy, metastable [2]pseudorotaxane which resides away from equilibrium.
THYROTOXICOSIS DUE TO "SILENT" THYROIDITIS

3 patients (2 male, 1 female) presented with symptoms of thyrotoxicosis associated with elevated blood-levels of thyroid hormone and a markedly depressed thyroidal uptake of 131-I. The male patients (aged 59 and 47) each had a cardiac arrhythmia, but did not have any thyroid pain or swelling. The female with a goitre had no discomfort in the neck. Thyrotoxicosis factitia was excluded by history. The subsequent course of their disease was typical of subacute thyroiditis. The elevated thyroid-hormone levels spontaneously fell to normal over a few weeks. In 1 patient, however, chemical hypothyroidism developed. These patients could have been diagnosed as having hyperthyroidism, rather than subacute thyroiditis, since thyroid pain--and swelling in 2 of the cases--was absent. The correct diagnosis was suspected only after finding a thyroidal uptake of 131-I near zero. The thyroidal uptake of 131-I is still important as a routine diagnostic aid in thyroid disease.
Perception and experience of types of social stress and self-image among adolescents

Eighty-four 16–18-year-old male and female volunteers were sampled to test the relationship of ratings and experience of four types of social stressors (developmental transitions, induced transitions, daily hassles, and circumscribed events). Also the relationship of self-image as measured by the Offer Self-Image Questionnaire to each type of stressor was studied. Contrary to previous research, we did not find correlations between ratings and experience, and observed minimal gender differences in ratings, experience levels, and psychopathology. Several differences in impact were found when stressor types were differentiated. Apparently, developmental transitions are least stressful for adolescents and daily hassles are most influential on their self-image. Gender differences were noted in the perceived change required by types of stressors and the manner in which stressors impacted on self-image. These results suggest that it is important to distinguish type of Stressors by type of adjustment process required, and that previously reported gender differences are less a matter of global differences or affects of specific Stressors than a matter of variations in perceived adjustment required and aspect of functioning impacted.
Histopathologic study of X-linked cone-rod dystrophy (CORDX1) caused by a mutation in the RPGR exon ORF15

Purpose To evaluate the donor retina of a patient with X-linked cone-rod dystrophy caused by an RPGR exon ORF15 mutation. Design Histopathologic study of the retina. Methods The eye of a 69-year-old man was fixed at 1.6 hours postmortem and processed for histopathology and immunocytochemistry. Results Grossly, the macula was atrophic with a bull's-eye appearance. The remaining retina showed postmortem edema but no intraretinal pigment. Microscopically, the macular retinal pigment epithelium was absent focally and had pigmentary changes elsewhere. Cones and rods were absent from the perifovea and reduced with shortened outer segments elsewhere in the macula. In the remainder of the retina, cones but not rods were reduced and all photoreceptor outer segments were shortened. Conclusions The abnormalities in both cone and rod photoreceptors confirm the importance of RPGR in both cell types but leaves unresolved how various exon ORF15 mutations lead to different clinical phenotypes.
‘A Speculative Idea’: The Parallel Trajectories of Financial Speculation, Obstetrical Science, and Fiscal Management of Female Bodies in Henry James’s Washington Square

This essay teases out the intimate connections between the scientific and fiscal realms in the context of American germ theory and obstetrics. By uncovering the economic and medical contexts of Henry James’s Washington Square—set during the infancy of germ theory and the heyday of American obstetrics—this essay exposes a previously unexplored subtextual history of contagion in the text. Although this scientific history seems relegated to the novel’s margins, understanding the changing scientific cosmologies and professional organizations in the context of the novel’s setting and composition reveals that these tiny infectious particles and their vectors fundamentally shape the plot of the novel.
Implication of Ia-positive bone marrow interstitial stem cells in the induction of unresponsiveness to canine renal allografts

The removal from stored autologous host bone marrow of a monocytoid cell population by exposure to methylprednisolone is associated with successful introduction of unresponsiveness to renal allografts in irradiated recipients reconstituted with such treated marrow. The eliminated cells are a prominent component of the canine long bone marrow interstitium and share a number of important properties with dendritic cells (DC), including size and shape; poor or nonadherence to plastic or glass surfaces; negative staining for neutral esterase, acid phosphatase, or peroxidase; nonphagocytic; Ia positive, but negative for IgG or IgM; ability to act as accessory cells in augmenting the intensity of allogeneic mixed-lymphocyte reactions. Both cell types are of bone marrow origin and are susceptible to steroids in vitro. The results suggest that the bone marrow interstitial cells identified in the course of this study may be enriched with populations of canine dendritic cell precursors and dendritic cells at various stages of differentiation. The detection of a receptor site for Helix promatia on the surface of such cells may be of usefulness in their further characterization and in the analysis of their precise role in the modulation of allogeneic unresponsiveness.
The Gas-Phase Pyrolysis of 2,2-Dinitropropane: Shock-Tube Kinetics

The thermal decomposition of 2,2-dinitropropane (DNP) was investigated in a shock tube over the temperature range 970−1200 K, under high dilution in argon at total pressures 4.5−5.5 atm. The decay of DNP and the production of NO2 were followed spectrophotometrically at 280 and 405 nm, respectively. The derived unimolecular rate constant for dissociation is kuni = 1013.1 exp(−23 000/T) s-1. The products of pyrolysis were identified and quantitated using FTIR, GC, and GC/MS. The principal products are CO, NO, acetone, CH3C⋮H, CH2CCH2, CH3CN, CO2, CH3OH, CH4, H2O, and CH2O. The first step in the decomposition appears to be C−NO2 bond fission. However, the temporal profiles of NO2 during the decomposition are distinctively different from those recorded during the decompositions of CH3NO2 or 2-nitropropane, thus pointing to distinctive features in the mechanism. A compilation of 90 elementary steps is proposed. Numerical simulations based on this mechanism reproduce quantitatively the experimentally determined...
Making Intangibles “Tangible” in Tests of Resource-Based Theory: A Multidisciplinary Construct Validation Approach

The authors identify theoretical disconnects among resource-based theory (RBT), conceptualizations of intangible resources (intangibles), and measures of intangibles. Specifically, the authors’ survey of 186 recent empirical tests of RBT suggests that measures of intangibles are often assigned with little theoretical conceptualization of the intangible construct or connection with RBT. This lack of theoretical justification undermines confidence in measures and empirical findings, leaves central RBT questions unaddressed, and constricts the usefulness of RBT. Furthermore, their survey suggests that the dominant approach to measuring intangibles is mechanical and unidisciplinary (i.e., rooted in either economics or psychology). The authors argue that the challenge of measuring intangibles is primarily theoretical. Thus, mechanical and unidisciplinary approaches are problematic for they sustain theoretical disconnects among RBT and intangible conceptualizations and measures. Moreover, a multidisciplinary co...
Evidence for the Influence of School Context on College Access.

Since the release of the Coleman Report in 1966, studies (such as Sirin, 2005; Radford, Berkner, Wheeless, and Shepherd, 2010) have continued to find an association between socioeconomic status and educational attainment. Wyner, Bridgeland, and Diiulio (2007) observe that a progressively lower proportion of low-income, high achieving students remain successful as they advance from elementary school through college. The present study considers college enrollments from a college preparatory charter secondary school serving low-income students. The study finds that alumni enrolled in four-year colleges at a higher rate than did lottery-assigned comparison students. These four-year college enrollment findings held for Hispanic, African American, and Asian American students. At the same time, the overall college enrollment rates, meaning enrollment in two- and four-year colleges in contrast to no college enrollment, were quite similar for the Preuss School and comparison students. These results were achieved, this study suggests, through numerous academic and social supports that increase college eligibility rates and institute four-year college and financial aid applications as part of coursework. The four-year college enrollment findings offer the promise that schools can be arranged to increase academic opportunities for low-income students.
Flexible plasmonics on unconventional and nonplanar substrates.

Flexible plasmonics and metamaterials on polymeric and nonplanar substrates are demonstrated using nanostencil lithography. High-resolution fabrication with 10 nm accuracy is achieved at high throughput and low cost in a single fabrication step. Optical tuning is shown with mechanical stretching of the polymer substrate. Patterning of nanostructures on curved surfaces, including optical fibers, is demonstrated.
Noninvasive Measurement of Mouse Myocardial Glucose Uptake with 18F-FDG

TO THE EDITOR: I read with interest the recent publication by Thorn et al. ([1][1]) using vena cava image-derived input functions for quantification of myocardial glucose uptake (MGU). The authors demonstrated that using vena cava PET image–derived input functions permits reproducible noninvasive
The relationship between fish condition and the probability of being mature in American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides)

Fish condition can be related to a population's reproductive potential in a variety of ways. The relationship between condition and the probability of being mature (adult) was examined in three populations of American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides). The effect of condition was tested after first removing the known effects of age and length. Neither relative liver condition nor relative body condition significantly affected the probability of male American plaice being mature, but there was a significant positive effect of both condition indices on the probability of being a mature female. However, the additional variation explained by female condition was small when compared with the combined effect of age and length. Condition is related to the age and size at which fish attain adulthood. Variation in fish condition will have a direct impact on the spawning stock biomass of a population through differences in the maturation schedule of cohorts with differing condition.
Psychosocial risk, prenatal counseling and maternal behavior: findings from PRAMS, 2004-2008.

Objective To determine the impact of prenatal counseling regarding psychosocial risk factors on maternal behavior. Study Design We analyzed data from 198,323 women participating in the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). The χ 2 and logistic regression analyses assessed the relationship between psychosocial risk, prenatal counseling and maternal behavior. Results The odds of receiving risk-appropriate prenatal counseling were significantly greater for participants who used alcohol (odds ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.08−1.17) and tobacco (odds ratio, 2.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.91−2.13). After receiving counseling, women quit using alcohol (72.9% vs 27.1%; P P P P = .09) between women who did and did not receive counseling. Conclusion Counseling regarding psychosocial risk factors during pregnancy may positively impact maternal behavior.
Assessing the teaching of procedural skills: can cognitive task analysis add to our traditional teaching methods?

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to determine if a cognitive task analysis (CTA) could capture steps and decision points that were not articulated during traditional teaching of a colonoscopy. Methods Three expert colorectal surgeons were videotaped performing a colonoscopy. After the videotapes were transcribed, the experts participated in a CTA. A 26-step procedural checklist and a 16-step cognitive demands table was created by using information obtained in the CTA. The videotape transcriptions were transposed onto the procedural checklist and cognitive demands table to identify steps and decision points that were omitted during traditional teaching. Results Surgeon A described 50% of “how-to” steps and 43% of decision points. Surgeon B described 30% of steps and 25% of decisions. Surgeon C described 26% of steps and 38% of cognitive decisions. Conclusions By using CTA, we were able to identify relevant steps and decision points that were omitted during traditional teaching by all 3 experts.
Effects of ambient UV-B radiation on the above-ground biomass of seven temperate-zone plant species

Variations in the amount of solar ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) reaching the biosphere may alter productivity in non-agricultural plants. We examined how ambient levels of UV-B modify the biomass of seven temperatezone species including three grass species (Echinochloa crusgalli, Setaria faberi, Elymus virginicus), three forbs (Verbascum blattaria, Lactuca biennis, Oenothera parviflora), and one tree species (Quercus rubra). Plants were grown outside in enclosures near Morgantown, WV, USA (39 N, 79 W) for one season under near-ambient or no UV-B conditions. The different levels of UV-B were achieved using filters which differentially transmit UVB irradiance. There was a trend towards reduced above-ground biomass in L. biennis (14%) and significantly increased above-ground biomass in O. parviflora (10.2%) under ambient UV-B. The partitioning of biomass between individual plant parts was altered by ambient UV-B in O. parviflora. Leaf biomass was significantly increased (18%), and there were trends toward increased stem (6.7%) and reproductive (9%) biomass. In addition to biomass stimulations, O. parviflora grew significantly taller (5.3%) under ambient UV-B. This study provides evidence that some non-agricultural plants exhibit species-specific growth responses to variable UV-B, with shortlived forbs appearing to be the most sensitive. If the biomass and morphological alterations observed for the forbs in this study were to persist over several years, they might modify population dynamics, competitive interactions, and productivity in ecosystems as UV-B levels fluctuate in the future.
Lower-Extremity Overuse Injury and Use of Foot Orthotic Devices in Women’s Basketball

One hundred thirty-two female basketball players were observed for lower-extremity overuse injury between 1993 and 2004. Athletes studied between 1993 and 1996 did not receive foot orthotic devices and composed the control group. The treatment group comprised athletes studied between 1996 and 2004. Athletes in the treatment group were given a foot orthotic device before participation in basketball. Data analysis included lower-extremity overuse injury rates and the effect of foot orthotic devices on lower-extremity overuse injury rates by means of an incidence density ratio. The control group had a lower-extremity overuse injury rate of 5.37 per 1,000 exposures, and the treatment group had a rate of 6.44 per 1,000 exposures. The incidence density ratio was not significant (P = .44). This study rejects the concept that foot orthotic devices may assist in prevention of lower-extremity overuse injury in female basketball players.
The Wavenumber Spectra of Scatterometer-Derived Winds

The accuracy of scatterometer-derived winds using a frequency-domain analysis and simulation is studied. The wavenumber spectra of the Seasat-A-scatterometer (SASS)-derived wind fields have been observed to be accentuated relative to the input wind field. The results of extensive simulations designed to test this observation are reported. Actual SASS measurements of the normalized radar backscatter (NRB) over an orbit (rev) are used as a template to generate simulated NRB measurements. Pointwise estimation of winds from the simulated NRB measurements is accomplished with the ambiguity closest to the true wind selected as the unique wind vector estimate. For comparison, winds are also estimated using a new model-based approach. After wind retrieval, the spectra of the estimated wind fields are computed and compared to the input wind field. The high wavenumber portion of the spectra of the pointwise estimated winds was higher than the spectra of the true winds by an amount which depends on the wind speed variance.
The effect of stitching on the low-velocity impact response of delaminated composite beams

Abstract A numerical simulation is performed to predict the effects of stitching on the low-velocity impact response of stitched delaminated beams. The load/displacement relations during the impact are assumed to be the same as in the corresponding static problem. Hence a solution to the problem of a stitched delaminated beam under a static contact force is developed. The effects of stitches are modeled as a constant shear traction in the stitch bridging zone to account for the shear resistance offered by the unbroken stitches. From the static simulation the load/displacement and displacement/crack-extension relations are obtained. From the area under the load/deflection diagram the apparent fracture toughness due to the stitching is also estimated. The impact simulations provide information on the load at which the crack propagation initiates, the maximum contact force, and the extent of crack propagation at the end of the impact event. The results indicate that stitching does not increase the load at which delamination begins to propagate, but greatly reduces the extent of delamination growth at the end of the impact event.
InP/In/sub 0.53/Ga/sub 0.47/As/InP double heterojunction bipolar transistors on a GaAs substrate using InP metamorphic buffer layer

Summary form only given. We report InP-based DHBTs grown on GaAs using InP as the metamorphic buffer layer. While AlGaAsSb and InAlAs have also been explored as buffer layers, the InP layers grown in our laboratory have substantially better thermal conductivity-16.1 W/mK for InP, compared with 10.5 W/mK for InAlAs and 8.4 W/mK for AlGaAsSb. With a typical HBT geometry and 2/spl times/10/sup 5/ W/cm/sup 2/ dissipation, a thermal analysis indicates that the use of the InP buffer layer will reduce the operating junction temperature by 16-39 /spl deg/C, a difference which can have a substantial impact upon device reliability.
Identification of individual Eastern Screech-Owls Megascops asio via vocalization analysis

To more easily and non-invasively monitor urban Eastern Screech-Owl populations, we developed a method of distinguishing individual owls using their calls. A set of seven variables derived from recordings of ‘bounce’ calls taken from 10 known (either free-ranging birds recorded at a single site on a single night or identifiable captive owls) owls was tested using a model-based clustering analysis (Mclust) as a method of discriminating individual owls. The cluster analysis correctly classified these calls with 98% accuracy. A second set of calls from nine owls was used to further test the method and correctly classified 84% of the calls using the same variables. Four owls were recorded repeatedly from 2008 to 2010 to determine the extent to which calls changed over time; the cluster analysis correctly assigned 89% of the calls to the correct owl regardless of the year the recordings were made. Based on these results, we are confident that the Mclust analysis can be used to reliably and safely estimate abun...
Efficiently learning the accuracy of labeling sources for selective sampling

Many scalable data mining tasks rely on active learning to provide the most useful accurately labeled instances. However, what if there are multiple labeling sources ('oracles' or 'experts') with different but unknown reliabilities? With the recent advent of inexpensive and scalable online annotation tools, such as Amazon's Mechanical Turk, the labeling process has become more vulnerable to noise - and without prior knowledge of the accuracy of each individual labeler. This paper addresses exactly such a challenge: how to jointly learn the accuracy of labeling sources and obtain the most informative labels for the active learning task at hand minimizing total labeling effort. More specifically, we present IEThresh (Interval Estimate Threshold) as a strategy to intelligently select the expert(s) with the highest estimated labeling accuracy. IEThresh estimates a confidence interval for the reliability of each expert and filters out the one(s) whose estimated upper-bound confidence interval is below a threshold - which jointly optimizes expected accuracy (mean) and need to better estimate the expert's accuracy (variance). Our framework is flexible enough to work with a wide range of different noise levels and outperforms baselines such as asking all available experts and random expert selection. In particular, IEThresh achieves a given level of accuracy with less than half the queries issued by all-experts labeling and less than a third the queries required by random expert selection on datasets such as the UCI mushroom one. The results show that our method naturally balances exploration and exploitation as it gains knowledge of which experts to rely upon, and selects them with increasing frequency.
Cold Rydberg gas dynamics and the trapping of cold Rydberg atoms

We study n- and l-mixing dynamics of cold Rydberg atom gases at varying background radiation temperature and Rydberg atom density in a cryogenic magneto-optical trap.
Perceived risk of harm and intentions of future inhalant use among adolescent inhalant users.

Abstract Objective To identify predictors of perceived (a) risk of harm associated with inhalant use and (b) intention to use inhalants among adolescent inhalant users. Method Participants were 279 lifetime inhalant users ( M age = 15.5, 84% male) identified in a statewide survey of 723 adolescents in Missouri Division of Youth Services’ residential care for antisocial conduct. Youth completed interviews assessing inhalant and other drug use, psychiatric symptoms, and antisocial traits/behavior. Results More than one-third (37%) of youth perceived experimental inhalant use as of slight or no risk; one-in-eight (11.9%) youth perceived regular inhalant use as of slight or no risk. Risk perceptions of experimental and regular inhalant use were not associated with intentions to use. Youth with friends/siblings who use inhalants were less likely to perceive risks associated with experimental and regular inhalant use compared to youth without friends/sibling users. Adolescents who were younger and those with more extensive substance abuse problems, prior problems with inhalants, greater current psychiatric distress, and friends/siblings who use inhalants were significantly more likely to report intentions of future inhalant use than their counterparts. Conclusions Assessments of substance use among youth, particularly those in the criminal justice system, should include an assessment of inhalant use. Intervention efforts should focus on developing strategies for managing social network influences.
LOOKING FOR THE SAME NEEDLE IN MULTIPLE HAYSTACKS: PERFORMANCE BOUNDS

We consider the problem of finding the same pattern in multiple sets. This problem can be applied in a variety of signal processing and machine learning problems including DNA sequencing and detection of electrical signatures. In our problem setting, each set contains only a single unknown pattern of interest among many other patterns. To understand the performance limitations associated with this setting,
Measuring near-field nanoparticle concentration profiles by correlating surface plasmon resonance reflectance with effective refractive index of nanofluids.

Time-dependent and near-field nanoparticle concentrations are determined by correlating the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) reflectance intensities with the effective refractive index (ERI) of the nanofluid under evaporation. A critical angle measurement for total internal reflection identifies the ERI of the nanofluid at different nanoparticle concentrations. The corresponding SPR reflectance intensities correlate the nanofluidic ERI with the nanoparticle concentrations. Example applications for evaporating nanofluidic droplets containing 47 nmAl2O3 particles demonstrate the feasibility of this new imaging tool for measuring time-resolved and full-field nanoparticle concentration profiles.
In vitro biomechanical evaluation and comparison of FiberWire, FiberTape, OrthoFiber, and nylon leader line for potential use during extraarticular stabilization of canine cruciate deficient stifles.

Objective— To compare biomechanical properties of 3 new generation polyethylene sutures (FiberTape [FT], FiberWire [FW], and OrthoFiber [OF]) with nylon leader line (NL) for use during extraarticular fixation of cranial cruciate deficient stifles. Study Design— In vitro biomechanical testing of suture loops under monotonic tensile and cyclical loading until failure. Sample Population— Constructs of FT, FW, OF, and NL. Methods— Twenty loops of each of 12 combinations of fixation and suture had monotonic tensile and cyclical loading. Two knotting techniques (square knot [SQ], slip knot [SL]) and a crimp clamp (CR) system were evaluated. Elongation, stiffness, and strength of constructs was tested. The main effects of group, loop material, and their interaction were evaluated. Results— Knotted FT, FW, and OF had less elongation than knotted NL under monotonic tensile and cyclical loading. Under monotonic tensile loading, knotted FT and OF were stiffer than knotted NL. CR FT, CR FW, and CR OF were stiffer than CR NL and CR FT, CR FW, and CR OF were stiffer than knotted FT, FW, and OF. FW and OF knotted loops were weaker than knotted NL. CR FT was stronger than CR NL. CR FT and CR OF were weaker than knotted FT and OF. Conclusions— Polyethylene sutures are stronger, stiffer and elongate less than nylon leader. Crimping suture alters the biomechanical properties of the loop. Clinical Relevance— FW, FT, and OF may perform better in reconstructive procedures, where increased strength and stiffness are considered to be beneficial.
Genetic and environmental influences on bone mineral density in pre- and post-menopausal women

Genetic factors influencing acquisition of peak bone mass account for a substantial proportion of the variation in bone mineral density (BMD), although the extent to which genes also contribute to variation in bone loss is debatable. Few prospective studies of related individuals have been carried out to address this issue. To gain insights into the nature of the genetic factors contributing to variation in BMD, we studied 570 women from large Amish families. We evaluated and compared the genetic contributions to BMD in pre- and post-menopausal women, with the rationale that genetic variation in pre-menopausal women is due primarily to genetic determinants of peak bone mass, while genetic variation in post-menopausal women is due to the combined genetic effects of peak bone mass and bone loss. Bone mineral density was measured at one point in time at the hip and spine by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). We used variance decomposition procedures to partition variation in BMD into genetic and environmental effects common to both groups and to pre- and post-menopausal women separately. Total variation in BMD was higher in post- compared to pre-menopausal women. Genes accounted for 58–88% of the total variation in BMD in pre-menopausal women compared to 37–54% of the total variation in post-menopausal women. In absolute terms, however, the genetic variance was approximately similar between the two groups because the environmental variance was 3 1/2- to 4-fold larger in the post-menopausal group. The genetic correlation in total hip BMD was 0.81 between pre- and post-menopausal women and differed significantly from one, consistent with the presence of at least some non-overlapping genetic effects in the two groups for BMD at this site. Overall, these analyses suggest that many, but not all, of the genetic factors influencing variation in BMD are common to both pre- and post-menopausal women.
Is There Cross Talk Between Portal and Hypothalamic Glucose-Sensing Circuits?

The detection of hypoglycemia stems from sensors located in both the periphery and within the central nervous system and likely involves a complex circuit that incorporates information from both peripheral and central components. Glucose sensors located in each of these regions play a unique role in hypoglycemia detection that appears to be at least in part dependent on the rate of fall of blood glucose levels. Sensors that are located within the brain, particularly those located within the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), appear to dominate when glucose levels fall rapidly (1–3). While still speculative, it has been proposed that this may serve as a protective fail-safe mechanism that is put in place to prevent a sudden and potentially catastrophic depletion of fuel supply to the brain. On the other hand, glucose sensors located in the portal-mesenteric vein (PMV) have been proposed to be more important for detecting a gradual decline in blood glucose levels (4–6). Interestingly, it has recently been suggested that central and peripheral sensors appear to operate independently from one another as lesions that are made to PMV sensors do not influence the ability of central sensors to detect rapid-onset hypoglycemia but did prevent the detection of slow-onset hypoglycemia (7). This implies that these two sets of hypoglycemia sensors may exert differential roles in glucose sensation and glucose counterregulation and that they are not merely redundant mechanisms. Hypoglycemic signals from PMV glucose sensors that are transmitted to the central nervous system appear to use central pathways that are independent from those used by hypothalamic centers. Although much of our current understanding of glucose-sensing mechanisms stems from work that was conducted in the VMH of the brain (8), the existence of a relay circuit between PMV sensors, the brain, and the sympathoadrenal system has been postulated …
“Everybody Identitiefies with Smokey the Bear”: Employee Responses to Newsletter Identification Inducements at the U.S. Forest Service

This article is a study of employee responses to identification inducements in a newsletter at the U.S. Forest Service. A systematic analysis indicates that the Forest Service attempts to induce identification through strategies and tactics embedded in the newsletter. The data revealed four employee responses to the newsletter content. Nonidentification responses do not produce feelings of identification. Textual identification responses manifest feelings of identification, as readers link themselves to the organization through newsletter depictions. Contextual identification requires evoking memories of past organizational participation if the person is to manifest feelings of membership in response to the newsletter. Finally, disidentification responses are associated with feelings of separateness from the organization. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Wetland-Scale Habitat Determinants Influencing Least Bittern Use of Created Wetlands

Abstract. Southern Illinois mined lands were investigated to identify wetland-scale habitat parameters influencing the presence of a habitat limited species, the Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis). Total area (ha), open water area (ha), robust emergent (REM) area (ha), percent REM coverage, REM-open water edge length (m), edge:REM cover index and water depth parameters were measured at 35 wetlands (mean = 5.51 ha; range = 0.13–39.7 ha) to develop one- and two-regressor logistic regression models best explaining Least Bittern wetland use. Logistic regression models using open-water area or open-water area + edge index regressors ranked highest among candidate models, which distinguished our results from those obtained in previous studies. These data suggest that human-created basins supporting at least semi-permanently flooded robust emergent cover, ample expanses (>8 ha) of open water and high emergent edge lengths relative to flooded REM area may consistently meet breeding season requisites of Least Bitte...
Comparison of DIC and LDV for practical vibration and modal measurements

Abstract We compare laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) and digital image correlation (DIC) for use in full-field vibration and modal testing. This was done using a simultaneously measured 3D displacement field on a flat 7-in. corner-supported metal plate using pseudorandom excitation via a shaker. We complete a detailed comparison between the techniques and discuss the pros and cons of each. The results show that either technique can be used for quantifying the modal information with the LDV providing better out-of-plane displacement resolution and equivalent in-plane resolution. The strain calculation is considered better in the DIC approach due to the direct tie to the surface displacements. While the LDV does not lose its place as the gold standard for modal testing, DIC has introduced a new and competitive approach that will have significant advantages in certain testing regimes.
Rangeland Grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acrididae) Community Structure: A Working Hypothesis

Interspecific associations of rangeland grasshoppers studied in Gallatin Valley, Mont., during 1988–1990 when regional densities were low, showed a great deal of spatial variation. Although ≥40 rangeland grasshopper species were collected valley-wide throughout this study, mean species richness at the habitat type level ranged from ≍10–17; results suggest that species replacement occurred over the gradient of habitat types sampled. Based on the results of this and previous research, it appears that rangeland grasshopper communities consist of facultative assemblages of species. At the valley level, it was possible to distinguish between species groups in terms of their general distribution characteristics (i.e., broadly, intermediately, or narrowly distributed). Although there appeared to be a maintenance in the proportion of the species in each of the three distribution groups among the six habitat types studied, proportions differed from those found at the valley level. Similar to other studies in plant and insect ecology, a positive relationship between species abundance and the number of sites collected was found at both the habitat type and valley levels. Because of the differences found in species composition at the habitat type level, the generalization of detailed experimental studies, beyond the habitat type level, must be done with caution. Lastly, it is clear that to understand rangeland grasshopper communities in general, large-scale observational studies designed to depict pattern must be conducted together with small-scale studies designed to elucidate process.
Sexual dimorphism in N-acetyltransferase activity, hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase activity, and melatonin content in the Harderian gland of Syrian hamsters: changes following gonadectomy

The activities of N-acetyltransferase (NAT) and hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT) and the melatonin content of the Harderian glands of intact and gonadectomized male and female Syrian hamsters were studied. NAT activity in intact male Harderian glands was twice that of the female. Prepubertal or adult castrated males exhibited a decrease in NAT activity to a level comparable to that seen in the female. Testosterone implants in the castrated males led to a recovery of the original male NAT levels. Intact male hamsters had very low levels of Harderian HIOMT activity and melatonin content in comparison with the glands of the females. Prepubertal gonadectomy but not castration of adult males raised the levels of HIOMT activity and the melatonin content to those of the females. Bilateral ovariectomy had no effect on melatonin content, NAT activity, or HIOMT activity in the female hamster Harderian gland.
Lower blood pressure associated with higher mortality in retrospective study of patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes

Commentary on Vamos EP, Harris M, Millett C, et al. Association of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and all cause mortality in people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: retrospective cohort study.BMJ 2012;345:e5567[OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2] Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in type 2 diabetes, which has led to increased focus on CVD risk reduction for patients with diabetes that emphasises blood pressure and cholesterol control.1 For most patients, clinical trial evidence supports treatment up to <140/90 mm Hg. In patients with increased CVD risk, such as the additional risk conferred by diabetes, the recommendation has been to treat up to <130/80 mm Hg, with the rationale that lower was better (which has proven more or less true for low-density lipoprotein (LDL lowering)). However, treatment at lower blood pressure levels is not without risk, particularly in older patients and those with multiple concurrent conditions, thus … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DBMJ%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1136%252Fbmj.e5567%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F22936794%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/ijlink?linkType=ABST&journalCode=bmj&resid=345/aug30_1/e5567&atom=%2Febmed%2F18%2F4%2Fe35.atom
An Information-Theoretic Approach to Optimally Calibrate Approximate Models

With the advancements in modeling and numerical algorithms, the decision supported by modeling and simulation has became more mainstream than ever. Even though the computational power is continually increased, in most engineering applications the problem of optimal design under uncertainty has became prohibitively expensive due to long runtimes of single simulations. The obvious solution is to reduce the complexity of the model by employing di erent assumptions and constructing this way an approximate model. The calibration of these simpler models requires a large number of runs of the complex model, which may still be too expensive and ine cient for the task at hand. In this paper, we study the problem of optimal data collection to e ciently learn the model parameters of an approximate model in the context of Bayesian analysis. The paper emphasizes the in uence of model discrepancy on the calibration of the approximate model and hence the choice of optimal designs. Model discrepancy is modeled using a Gaussian process in this study. The optimal design is obtained as a result of an information theoretic sensitivity analysis. Thus, the preferred design is where the statistical dependence between the model parameters and observables is the highest possible. In this paper, the statistical dependence between random variables is quanti ed by mutual information and estimated using a k-nearest neighbor based approximation. As a model problem, a convective-dispersion model is calibrated to approximate the physics of Burgers’ equation in a limited time domain of interest.
Use of a radioactive gas (Kr85) in diagnosis of cardiac shunts.

SummaryA method is described for the use of tracer doses of krypton85 in the localization of left-to-right cardiac shunts. Fifteen studies were performed in 10 dogs with atrial septal defects. As the gas was inhaled, blood samples were drawn simultaneously from a vena cava, a right heart chamber, and a systemic artery. The samples were analyzed for their radioactivity. The diagnosis of a shunt could be made when the ratio of radioactivity in right heart or pulmonary artery samples to that in systemic artery samples exceeded 10%. The apparent advantages of the method and the possible usefulness of other radioactive gases are discussed.
Model Driven Process Design and Development for a Continuous Process

This paper presents a case study where kinetic models were used to drive process development of an amination reaction in a continuous process. The kinetic model was first used to optimize the process by minimizing impurity formation. Then, the kinetic parameters were put into a two-in-series CSTR (continuous stirred tank reactor) model and a separate PFR (plug flow reactor) model to guide reactor selection and optimize the reactor design. Once the model predictions were validated with experimental data, the simulated impurity profile from each reactor type was compared. While the results showed that both reactors delivered similar impurity profiles at steady state, the model was used to conduct perturbation analysis on the two reactors to assess the impurity and operational control strategy. The simulations showed that the CSTR can tolerate a process upset time up to 10% of its residence time with materials meeting product specification as compared to the PFR. Since the CSTR offers additional buffering ca...
The Post-1965 Trajectory of Race, Class, and Urban Politics in the United States Reconsidered

Comments by Larry Bennett, Cynthia Horan, Cedric Johnson, and Timothy Weaver prompted me to reflect on and connect my work on race ideology, the underclass idea, class dynamics in American politics, and the evolution of urban governance and the terms of black political incorporation since the 1990s. Race is best understood as a particular instance of a class of ideologies that work to justify existing hierarchies by reading them into nature. Understanding race in that way helps to see the notion of an urban underclass as also an ideology that seeks to naturalize hierarchy by attributing it to a population defined by durable cultural and behavioral defects, which make it impervious to social intervention. Proliferation of underclass ideology has rationalized retreat from social provision and underwritten a punitive turn in social policy. It has also articulated with the class dynamics driving black politics to generate a basis for an urban neoliberalism steered by an increasingly interracial or biracial go...
Introduction to Special Issue: Risk, Climate, and the Environment

This essay introduces articles in a special issue of Sociological Forum on “Risk, Climate, and the Environment.”
The A11 Lesion/Iron Deprivation Animal Model of Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common clinical condition defined by (1) an urge to move the limbs with or without sensations, (2) worsening at rest, (3) improvement with activity, and (4) worsening in the evening or night. Therefore, it is largely a subjective disease. Based on clinical symptoms, demonstrated reduced CNS iron in humans with RLS, and the robust treatment response to dopaminergics, we proposed that the little studied diencephalicspinal (A11) dopaminergic nucleus is involved in disease pathogenesis. Therefore, we lesioned this area and iron deprived rodents in an attempt to mimic human RLS. These animals consistently move more and appear generally agitated and pugnacious. Treatment with medicines known to improve human RLS also improves this phenotype, and medications known to worsen human RLS also worsen it. We have also uncovered some interesting relationships between the destruction of dopaminergic cells and the way iron is stored in the CNS, and noted some spinal dopamine receptor abnormalities with chronic therapy employing human RLS medications. Modeling a subjective human phenotype is always problematic, but we seem to have created an animal that needs/wants to move more, which is consistent with human RLS.
Evidence of morphological and functional variation among Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus populations across Grand Lake St Mary's watershed area

ABSTRACTA myriad of factors have been shown to influence the morphology of freshwater fish. However, studies that parse out where variation is coming from (e.g. body size, sex, and habitat) as well as what potential these changes have to influence function (e.g. swimming performance) are understudied. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to describe morphological variation of Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus across the Grand Lake St Mary's watershed area (northwest OH, USA) and test for covariation of morphology with size, sex, and habitat as well as to assess swimming performance to discern whether any differences in habitat (and morphology) correspond with functional aspects related to critical swimming velocity. Geometric morphometric methods were used to assess shape variation among individuals and general linear models were used to test for covariation of morphology with size, sex, and habitat. Analyses indicated that body size was the strongest driver of morphological variation followed by sex, ...