cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamics of Complex Systems

Complex systems use flows of energy to keep existing functions going while still having enough reserves to learn, grow, develop, and heal. In this chapter, thermodynamics is introduced as the study of energy flows. The basic ideas of energy, entropy, work, phase transitions, and the laws of thermodynamics are introduced through intuitive examples. These concepts are expanded beyond the usual heat-specific formulations to include any kind of gradient that might drive flows and perform work. An emphasis is placed on Gibbs’ formulation that makes a distinction between total energy and the energy available for work. The problem of precisely defining order and disorder in complex systems is also addressed. A major component of the chapter is how complex systems are often energetically open to their environment. Metabolism is discussed as a general principle whereby high-quality energy enters the system, is used to perform work, and then exits the system as lower-quality energy. In this context, dissipative and far from equilibrium systems are discussed. The possibility of doing work on the environment is considered, but then turned inward to explore how a system might become a structurally adaptive system that can heal, learn, and grow. A proposal is also made for the kinds of basic functions that seem to evolve inside of complex systems. Applications come from traffic flow, ecosystems, autocatalytic reactions, and business and political systems. More provocative issues taken up are what it might mean for a system to be alive and the nature of a mind. The chapter concludes with questions for either reflection or group discussion as well as resources for further exploration.
A new synthesis of alkyl (E)-(3-dimethylamino)acrylates

A highly stereoselective one-step method for the synthesis of alkyl (E)-(3-dimethylamino)acrylates from N,N-dimethylformamide and ketene acetals is reported.
Abstract 964: The association of meat intake, meat cooking methods, and meat-derived mutagen exposure with the risk of sessile serrated polyps

Colorectal polyps are the precursors of colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Red and processed meat intakes have been associated with an increased risk of conventional colorectal adenomas and are classified as carcinogens by the World Health Organization. The mechanism for the relationship between red and processed meat intakes and adenoma risk remains unclear. An explanation may be the exposure to mutagens derived from meat including heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are formed by cooking meats at high temperatures. Although intakes of these meats and mutagens has been associated with risks of conventional adenomas including in our study, no previous study has evaluated risk of sessile serrated polyp (SSPs). SSPs, a more recently recognized precursor lesion for microsatellite instable cancer, were strongly associated with red meat intake in our earlier study. This new study builds on that work by evaluating the associations between meat intake, meat cooking methods, and meat mutagens with risks of SSPs and compares the risks to conventional adenomas and hyperplastic polyps. The analysis is conducted in the Tennessee Colorectal Polyp Study, using polytomous logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Dietary information was collected by a self-administered food frequency questionnaire and telephone interview to ascertain meat intake and doneness. This information was used to estimate the intakes of meats, well-done meats, PAHs, HCAs, and mutagenic activity. Several measures of meat intake were strongly associated with risk of SSPs. Highest quartile levels of total meat intake (OR=2.04; 95% CI: 1.24-3.36, p for trend=0.002), red meat intake (OR=2.32; 95% CI: 1.37-3.91, p for trend Citation Format: Dominique A. Mosley, Harvey J. Murff, Reid M. Ness, Walter E. Smalley, Wei Zheng, Martha J. Shrubsole. The association of meat intake, meat cooking methods, and meat-derived mutagen exposure with the risk of sessile serrated polyps [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 964.
Preemption choice in context

Preemption law, not so long ago a province of legal technicians and policy specialists, has become the subject of an increasingly voluble and contentious debate. Intense political and interest group fights over the preemptive scope of federal law, in areas from global warming to financial regulation to consumer products, have been covered in the popular press. Preemption cases form a core part of the Roberts Court's docket of "business cases," itself a matter of considerable controversy and commentary. Scholarly books and articles on preemption have proliferated in recent years."Preemption Choice", a collection of essays expertly organized and edited by William W. Buzbee, promises to add to the debate and the burgeoning literature by contributing "to the development of normative arguments against preemption" (p. 3). "Development" is a bit of an exaggeration. Most of the authors have elaborated their positions against preemption elsewhere, often, and in much greater detail; the book's virtue lies in compiling concise, accessible summaries of their views.
A Climate Model Intercomparison for the Younger Dryas and its Implications for Paleoclimatic Data Collection

It has been suggested by a number of paleoclimatologists that formation of a low salinity meltwater layer in the North Atlantic ocean during the period(s) of most rapid volumetric glacial retreat following the Wisconsin glacial maximum could have led to an extension of North Atlantic sea ice sufficient to cause a temporary, regional (at least) reversal of the longer term deglacial warming trend. In particular, it is speculated that such an extension of North Atlantic sea ice may have been responsible for the Younger Dryas (10,800-10,000 yr. BP) cold interval, evident in European proxy climatic records. Others have suggested (in the context of ice age initiation) that one feedback mechanism whereby equatorward extension of North Atlantic sea ice could amplify the regional high latitude temperature response is through a reduction in the poleward transport of heat by ocean currents as sea ice extends equatorward. At the same time, there is evidence that the Younger Dryas interval was not merely a European event, but may have been worldwide in scope. Some of the above-mentioned hypotheses and feedback mechanisms are quantitatively investigated using several energy balance climate models as well as general circulation model experiments in which (NCAR model) all oceanic grid points in the North Atlantic Ocean north of 45° latitude will be considered ice covered and sea ice; or land and sea ice as well as orbital elements are imposed appropriate to 10,500 yr. BP (GISS GCM). All of these results are intercompared. All sets of results show that there are substantial seasonal and regional differences in the climatic response for these particular forcings. Because the climatic signals are so different from season to season and from place to place, these model results help to suggest a priority list indicating where paleoclimatologists might dig through the geologic record in order to uncover remains which might help to tell us the seasonal and regional distribution of past climates. As that field evidence becomes available, then not only will we have an opportunity for an explanation of a very intriguing, rapid and dramatic past climatic change, but we will have another opportunity to independently verify the fidelity of our climatic models.
Identification of Sexual Minority Youth in Pediatric Primary Care Settings Within a Large Integrated Healthcare System Using Electronic Health Records

Abstract Purpose The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of sexual minority youth (SMY) within an integrated health care system using a standardized questionnaire. Methods This study assessed SMY status in youth aged 12.5–18 years using a previsit Well Check questionnaire at Kaiser Permanente Northern California facilities in 2016. SMY was defined as self-reported attraction to the same sex or both sexes. Results A total of 93,817 youth (87.3%) self-reported sexual attraction, and 5% (n = 5,329) of respondents (N = 107,532) identified as SMY: 1.7% were attracted to same sex, and 3.2% were attracted to both sexes. There were youth who responded neither (1.5%) and unsure (2.4%). Females were 2.8 times (95% confidence interval 2.6–2.94) more likely to be SMY than males. SMY status significantly increased with age. Nonwhite youth were significantly less likely to be SMY compared with white youth. Conclusions This is the first study to examine SMY prevalence in pediatric primary care. Primary care providers can use previsit screening before preventive visits to identify and support sexual minority adolescents, facilitate family acceptance, and promote healthy behaviors with care coordination.
An Improved Fault-Tolerant Power Converter for Electric Vehicle Propulsion

In this paper, an improved fault-tolerant power conversion system for Electric Vehicles (EV) propulsion is presented. An open-switch fault in EV propulsion power converters is detected using combined fault detection methodologies. An improved fault-tolerant control is proposed by bypassing the gating signal of the faulty switch to the fault-tolerant switch. The novel part of the proposed topology is the reduced number of bypassed TRIACs. Besides, the fault-tolerant capability is introduced not only in the inverter side but also in the DC-DC boost converter side. The circuit configuration, operation, and analysis are performed in PSIM software. To prove the practical feasibility of the proposed fault-tolerant control, real-time Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing of a DSP controller is performed and its results are presented.
Type of measurement used influences central and peripheral contributions to quadriceps weakness after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction

Abstract Objective The relative contribution of muscle size and voluntary activation (VA) on quadriceps strength after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains inconclusive. Here, we aimed to determine the contributions of muscle size and VA on quadriceps strength in ACL-reconstructed patients and determine if contributions were similar if unilateral outcomes (i.e. ACL-reconstructed limb) or the LSI was used. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting A university research laboratory. Participants Sixteen individuals 6–12 months after ACL reconstruction (Age: 22.3 ± 6.0yr, Height: 1.7 ± 0.1 m, Mass: 68.7 ± 11.5 kg) were recruited. Main outcome measures Quadriceps isometric strength and VA, via the interpolated triplet technique, were assessed bilaterally. Ultrasound images were acquired of the vastus lateralis to calculate cross-sectional area (CSA) in both legs. LSI’s were computed for all variables by expressing values of the reconstructed leg as a percent of the non-reconstructed leg. Separate stepwise linear regressions were performed to examine the contribution of VA and CSA on quadriceps strength. Model 1 used LSI for all outcomes and model 2 used outcomes from the reconstructed leg. Results We observed between limb deficits of 27.78% in quadriceps strength, 13.61% in vastus lateralis CSA, and 13.18% in VA (P Conclusions The contributions of VA and CSA on quadriceps PT differed greatly if LSI or reconstructed leg outcomes were used. Evaluation of VA and CSA in unison may be provide a more holistic understanding of the sources of muscle weakness after ACL reconstruction.
Early Clinical Experience with Impella 5.5 at a Large Tertiary Care Center

Purpose The Impella 5.5 system is the newest temporary left ventricular assist device (LVAD) for the treatment of cardiogenic shock (CS). Impella 5.5 aims to improve deliverability and durability over Impella 5.0, but real-world experience with this device is limited. We aimed to report our clinical experience with Impella 5.5. Methods Clinical and outcome data of all patients treated with Impella 5.5 at our center between Feb and Oct 2020 were collected. AKI was defined as per KDIGO criteria, vascular complications as per VARC-2 criteria and severe thrombocytopenia as Results 13 patients with Impella 5.5 were managed at our center (9 (69%) male, median age 58y (IQR 52, 67). 5 patients were transitioned to Impella 5.5 from VA-ECMO, 2 from Impella CP, 2 from IABP, and 4 from inotropes. Etiology of CS was AMI in 6 cases, decompensated chronic HF in 5, suspected acute myocarditis in 1 and post-cardiotomy CS in 1 case. Median duration of Impella 5.5 support was 12 days (IQR 7-28). 2 patients required device removal due to complications: 1 with entanglement in the mitral subvalvular apparatus, 1 with migration into the ascending aorta. Device-related complications were hemolysis in 4 (30%) patients, severe thrombocytopenia in 1, axillary hematoma (minor as per VARC-2 criteria) in 3 (23%), and AKI in 2 patients (15%). No stroke, valve injury or limb complications occurred. Survival to device explant was 85%. 2 patients who were not candidates for durable LVAD or transplant died on support of refractory CS. Of the survivors, 2 required surgically implanted biventricular support for refractory ventricular arrhythmia, 4 were bridged to durable VAD, 2 were bridged to OHT, and 3 achieved ventricular recovery. At the time of analysis, 3 patients remain hospitalized (1 surgical BIVAD, 1 early post-durable LVAD, 1 recovered after device explant). Conclusion All patients supported with Impella 5.5 were critically ill in profound CS. Rates of procedural and device-related complications were favorable, and survival was high in this critically ill cohort.
Real-World Use of a New Hybrid Closed Loop Improves Glycemic Control in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes.

Objective: To describe real-world outcomes for youth using the Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ technology (“Control-IQ”) for 6 months at a large pediatric clinic. Methods: Youth with ...
Essential Oils & Burns: A Case Report of Second Degree Burns Following Bergamot Oil Application and Ultra-Violet A Ray Exposure:

Over the past decade there has been a dramatic increase in the consumption of complementary and alternative medicine. The market for supplements and topical agents has grown, with recent reports es...
Early postnatal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate causes sex-specific disruption of gonadal development in pigs.

Abstract Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a chemical commonly used as a plasticizer to render polyvinyl chloride products more durable and flexible. Although exposure to DEHP has raised many health concerns due to the identification of DEHP as an endocrine disruptor, it is still used in consumer products, including polyvinyl chloride plastics, medical tubing, car interiors, and children’s toys. To investigate the impact of early life exposure to DEHP on the ovary and testes, newborn piglets were orally dosed with DEHP (20 or 200 mg/kg/day) or vehicle control (tocopherol-stripped corn oil) for 21 days. Following treatment, ovaries, testes, and sera were harvested for histological assessment and measurement of steroid hormone levels. In male piglets, progesterone and pregnenolone levels were significantly lower in both treatment groups compared to control, whereas in female piglets, progesterone was significantly higher in the 20 mg group compared to control, indicating sex-specific effects in a non-monotonic manner. Follicle numbers and gene expression of steroidogenic enzymes and apoptotic factors were not altered in treated ovaries compared to controls. In DEHP-treated testes, germ cell migration was impaired and germ cell death was significantly increased compared to controls. Overall, the results of this study suggest that neonatal exposure to DEHP in pigs leads to sex-specific disruption of the reproductive system.
Simultaneous 3D-TOF angiography and 4D-flow MRI with enhanced flow signal using multiple overlapping thin slab acquisition and magnetization transfer

Purpose To investigate the fusion of 3D time-of-flight principles into 4D-flow MRI to enhance vessel contrast and signal without an exogenous contrast agent, enabling simultaneous in-flow based angiograms. Methods A 4D-flow MRI technique was developed consisting of multiple overlapping slabs with intermittent magnetization transfer preparation. The scan time penalty associated with multiple slab acquisitions was mitigated by using undersampled distributed spiral trajectories and compressed sensing reconstruction. A flow phantom was used to characterize in-flow enhancement, velocity noise improvement, and flow rate measurements against the single-slab 4D-flow MRI. In a patient-volunteer cohort (n = 15), magnitude-based angiograms were radiologically evaluated against 3D time-of-flight, and velocity measurements were compared pixel-wise against single-slab and contrast-enhanced 4D-flow MRI. Results Multiple-slab acquisitions, together with magnetization transfer preparation, substantially improved vessel signal, contrast, and vessel conspicuity in magnitude angiograms. Both clinical 3D time-of-flight and the proposed technique produced equivalent vessel depictions with no statistically significant difference (p Conclusion The vessel signal and contrast can be improved in 4D-flow MRI without exogenous contrast agents by utilizing in-flow enhancement, efficient sampling, and compressed sensing. The in-flow enhancement also enables simultaneous 3D time-of-flight angiograms useful for flow quantification and diagnosis.
Stress Distribution in Stiffened Panels Under Compression

IN A S M U C H as it is one of the basic elements of monocoque construction, the allowable load and the stress distribution of a stiffened th in sheet panel under compression is of great importance to the designer. The use of an effective width of sheet acting with the stiffener has found favor with designers and this paper is primarily concerned with methods of calculating this effective width, not only a t the ul t imate s t rength of the panel, bu t also a t lower loads.
The Metaphor of Virtual Rooms in the Cooperative Learning Environment CLear

In the CLear project we develop a cooperative learning system for supporting learning and training processes of co-located and distributed groups. One of the fundamental concepts of CLear is the virtual room metaphor. We discuss divergent interpretations of this metaphor each appropriate for certain aspects of the learning process. We are exploring the implications of using such a metaphor for supporting collaboration, structuring hypermedia information and supporting the learning process in general. Our aim is to define a virtual room metaphor that integrates the collaborative aspects as well as the need to structure learning content contained within this system.
Prohibition in Search of a Rationale: What the Tax Code Prohibits; Why; To What End?

Each Presidential election renews the thorny debate over the appropriate role of churches and other religious organizations in American political life. Although churches are subject to other rearaints on political activity, the prohibition on church political activity tinder section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code is the harshest in terms of penalties. Faced with the extraordinary scope of the prohibition as interpreted by the IRS, and perceived ► o ► -enforcement of egregious violations, churches tend toward one or two extremes: they either ignore the prohibition and endorse candidates or they avoid legitimate i ► volvemetit with important policy issues. . . . has no sphere, and the river of serious belief cannot be dammed. The waters will flow where the waters will flow, because the Lord will go where the Lond will go. 1
Fibrovascular organization in the vitreous following laser for ROP: implications for prognosis

Untreated retinal detachment after laser treatment for acute retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) results in poor visual outcomes in premature infants. Predicting which eyes are at the greatest risk for retinal detachment would therefore allow early intervention and potentially improved visual outcomes. Several groups have studied ROP after laser treatment, including the timing of involution1 and retinal features predictive of progressive stage 4 ROP.2 These studies emphasized the importance of monitoring the tissue between the vascular and avascular retina, which has been clinically defined as a thickened ridge,2,3 adjacent vitreous,1 or fibrovascular organization.1–3 Vitreous state (the presence of haze, hemorrhage, or vitreous organization over the optic nerve) and plus disease predicted both progressive stage 4 ROP and outcome after surgical intervention for retinal detachment. However, the only feature that predicted progressive retinal detachment requiring surgical intervention was clock hour extent of the thickened ridge,2 which is referred to in this study as fibrovascular organization. Because fibrovascular organization was already shown to be a specific and important predictive feature, we were interested in the postmenstrual age (PMA) at diagnosis of fibrovascular organization following laser treatment for ROP to determine possible associations with outcome after surgery for retinal detachment. Fibrovascular organization can be better detected on clinical examination than with wide angle digital imaging. Current technology lacks the resolution to detect subtle fibrovascular organization and higher resolution imaging often requires infants to be imaged under general anesthesia to assure good focus. Fibrovascular organization can be quantified by clock hour extent and may be a practical feature to study in a multicenter clinical trial to determine the features predictive of progressive ROP.
Substantive Due Process Limits on Punitive Damages Awards: 'Morals Without Technique?'

In a series of cases decided over the last two decades, the Supreme Court has used the Due Process Clause to establish a procedural and substantive framework for awarding punitive damages. Initially, the substantive aspects of this framework were sufficiently clear and flexible that they required little change in the system and probably generated a helpful level of debate and uniformity as to some basic requirements for awards. However, in BMW of North America, Inc. v. Gore, the Court adopted an approach characterized by a lack of clarity and consistency, an inadequate basis in theory and policy, and ad hoc decisions. The harmful results of this approach are evident in the Court's recent decision, Philip Morris USA v. Williams, which requires states to instruct juries in terms of a distinction that the four dissenting judges refer to as elusive, unclear, and confusing. Even if one accepts the view that there should be, at some point, substantive due process limits on the amount of punitive damages, decisions like Williams are likely to make the process less fair and reliable. Therefore, the Court should abandon its current approach, which is both unnecessary and likely to do more harm than good, and should, instead, be more deferential to the state courts and legislatures, and be more concerned with developing a coherent framework.
SCHISM: a new approach for interesting subspace mining

High-dimensional data pose challenges to traditional clustering algorithms due to their inherent sparsity and data tend to cluster in different and possibly overlapping subspaces of the entire feature space. Finding such subspaces is called subspace mining. We present SCHISM, a new algorithm for mining interesting subspaces, using the notions of support and Chernoff-Hoeffding bounds. We use a vertical representation of the dataset, and use a depth-first search with backtracking to find maximal interesting subspaces. We test our algorithm on a number of high-dimensional synthetic and real datasets to test its effectiveness.
Mitochondrial DNA. I. Intramitochondrial distribution and structural relations of single- and double-length circular DNA.

Abstract The structure of the DNA of L-cell mitochondria was studied as it may relate to the organelle in vivo. Serial sections of mitochondria revealed two to three DNA-containing regions (nucleoids) per organelle; up to six regions were occasionally observed. Osmotic rupture of freshly isolated mitochondria released 2 to 4% circular DNA dimers (10.1μ, mol. wt 20 × 106) in a population of circular monomers (5.2 μ, mol. wt 10 × 106). The molecules were unbranched, usually folded in half, and either loosely coiled or extended. Most dimers were single circles, either lying free or attached at a polar region to another dimer or two monomers. It appears that each nucleoid may contain one to several monomers and dimers, to yield an average total of two to six molecules per mitochondrion. About 80% of the monomers were associated at polar regions with the mitochondrial membranes; experiments were performed that reduced the possibility of artifact formation. Osmotically shocked mitochondria of ascites tumor cells and adult rat and chicken liver were also compared. The observed membrane associations and the multiplicity of DNA molecules per mitochondrion or per nucleoid may be related to mitochondrial duplication; the high degree of variation in number of molecules per mitochondrion implies redundancy of informational content.
F3ildCrypt: End-to-End Protection of Sensitive Information in Web Services

The frequency and severity of a number of recent intrusions involving data theft and leakages has shown that online users' trust, voluntary or not, in the ability of third parties to protect their sensitive data is often unfounded. Data may be exposed anywhere along a corporation's web pipeline, from the outward-facing web servers to the back-end databases. The problem is exacerbated in service-oriented architectures (SOAs) where data may also be exposed as they transit between SOAs. For example, credit card numbers may be leaked during transmission to or handling by transaction-clearing intermediaries. We present F3ildCrypt, a system that provides end-to-end protection of data across a web pipeline and between SOAs. Sensitive data are protected from their origin (the user's browser) to their legitimate final destination. To that end, F3ildCrypt exploits browser scripting to enable application- and merchant-aware handling of sensitive data. Such techniques have traditionally been considered a security risk; to our knowledge, this is one of the first uses of web scripting that enhances overall security.Our approach scales well in the number of public key operations required for web clients and does not reveal proprietary details of the logical enterprise network. We evaluate F3ildCrypt and show an additional cost of 40 to 150 ms when making sensitive transactions from the web browser, and a processing rate of 100 to 140 protected fields/second on the server. We believe such costs to be a reasonable tradeoff for increased sensitive-data confidentiality.
A Standardized, Evidence-Based Massage Therapy Program for Decentralized Elite Paracyclists: Creating the Model

Background and Purpose: Evidence suggests that para-athletes are injured more often than able-bodied athletes. The benefits of massage therapy for these disabled athletes are yet to be explored. This paper documents the process followed for creating a massage program for elite paracycling athletes with the goal to assess effects on recovery, rest, performance, and quality of life both on and off the bike. Setting: Massage therapists’ private practices throughout the United States. Participants: A United States paracycling team consisting of 9 elite athletes: 2 spinal cord injury, 2 lower limb amputation, 1 upper limb amputation, 1 transverse myelitis, 1 stroke, 1 traumatic brain injury, and 1 visually impaired. Design: The process used to develop a massage therapy program for paracyclists included meetings with athletes, coaching staff, team exercise physiologist, and sports massage therapists; peerreviewed literature was also consulted to address specific health conditions of para-athletes. Results: Team leadership and athletes identified needs for quicker recovery, better rest, and improved performance in elite paracyclists. This information was used to generate a conceptual model for massage protocols, and led to creation of the intake and exit questionnaires to assess patient health status and recovery. Forms also were created for a general health intake, therapist information, and a therapist’s SOAAP notes. Discussion: The conceptual model and questionnaires developed herein will help to operationalize an exploratory study investigating the feasibility of implementing a standardized massage therapy program for a decentralized elite paracycling team.
Photoaffinity labeling of regulatory subunits of protein kinase A in cardiac cell fractions of rats.

Photoaffinity labeling in heart tissue of rats flown on Cosmos 2044 was used to measure the regulatory (R) subunits of adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase. A significant decrease of RII subunits in the particulate cell fraction extract (S2; P less than 0.05 in all cases) was observed when extracts of tissue samples from vivarium controls were compared with those from flight animals. Photoaffinity labeling of the soluble fraction (S1) was observed to be unaffected by spaceflight or any of the simulation conditions. Proteins of the S2 fraction constitute a minor (less than 10 percent) component of the total, whereas the S1 fraction contained most of the cell proteins. Changes in a relatively minor aspect of adenosine monophosphate-mediated reactions are considered to be representative of a metabolic effect.
AERODYNAMICS OF GLIDING FLIGHT IN A HARRIS' HAWK, PARABUTEO UNICINCTUS

1. A Harris9 hawk with a mass of 0.702 kg and a maximum wing span of 1.02 m glided freely in a wind tunnel at air speeds between 6.1 and 16.2ms −1 . The glide angle varied from 8.5% at the slowest speed to a minimum of 5% at speeds between 8.0 and 14.7 ms −1 . The maximum ratio of lift to drag was 10.9 and the minimum sinking speed was 0.81ms −1 2. Wing span decreased when either air speed or glide angle increased. Wing area was a parabolic function of wing span 3. Lift and profile drag coefficients of the wings fell in a polar area similar to that for a laggar falcon ( Falco jugger ) and a black vulture ( Coragyps atratus ). A single polar curve relating lift coefficients to minimum profile drag coefficients can predict the maximum gliding performance of all three birds when used with a mathematical model for gliding flight 4. The parasite drag values that have been used with the model are probably too high. Thus, the profile drag coefficients determined from the polar curve mentioned above are too low, and the predicted wing spans for gliding at maximum performance are too large. The predicted curve for maximum gliding performance is relatively unaffected 5. The maximum lift coefficient for the Harris9 hawk in the wind tunnel was 1.6. This value is probably less than the maximum attainable, since the hawk9s wings never appeared to stall. The best estimate of the minimum profile drag coefficient is 0.026 at a lift coefficient of 0.60.
Rat ultrasonic vocalizations demonstrate that the motivation to contextually reinstate cocaine-seeking behavior does not necessarily involve a hedonic response

Human self-reports often indicate that changes in mood are a major contributor to drug relapse. Still, arguments have been made that instances of drug-seeking following abstinence in animal models (i.e. relapse/reinstatement) may be outside of hedonic control. Therefore, the present study utilized ultrasonic vocalizations in the rat in order to evaluate affect during cocaine self-administration and contextual reinstatement of cocaine-seeking in a pre-clinical model of drug relapse (abstinence-reinstatement model). Results show that while subjects effectively reinstated drug-seeking (lever pressing) following 30 days of abstinence, and spontaneously recovered/reinstated drug-seeking following 60 days of abstinence, ultrasonic vocalizations did not increase over baseline levels during either reinstatement session. These results are consistent with previous results from our laboratory and current theories of addiction suggesting that cues that are weakly associated with drug consumption can motivate drug-seeking behavior that is outside of hedonic processing.
Observation of linewidth narrowing due to coherent stabilization of quantum fluctuations.

Quantum fluctuations of an optical transition moment are observed to be suppressed by strong coherent excitation of a weak auxiliary transition. The stabilization is manifest through the appearance of subnatural linewidths in the resonance fluorescence spectrum and is due to coherent mixing of atomic states. Our results are in quantitative agreement with the predictions of L. M. Narducci et al. [Phys. Rev. A 42, 1630 (1990)].
The lower paleolithic landscape of 'Ayoun Qedim, al-Jafr Basin, Jordan

The 'Ayoun Qedim locality includes seven deflated Acheulian sites within and around a limestone box canyon, Juwit el Ghuweir, in the northern al-Jafr Basin, Jordan. Survey of these sites identified dense scatters of Acheulian bifaces ( _ 1650) along with debris, cores, and reduction material from their production and maintenance. Although there is a clear Levallois component in the assemblages, reflecting a Late Acheulian occupation, strictly Middle and Upper Paleolithic sites are uncommon in this locality. Analysis of the geology and geomorphology of the northern al-Jafr Basin indicates the area is strongly influenced by shallow subsurface groundwater flow and discharge, and Juwit el Ghuweir displays classic features of a canyon formed by groundwater seepage and sapping, except for the lack of a perennial spring within the modern canyon. The authors suggest that the extreme density of Lower Paleolithic material at 'Ayoun Qedim is associated with perennial groundwater discharge at Juwit el Ghuweir during the Middle Pleistocene and that the dearth of later Paleolithic material is attributable to the cessation of perennial spring discharge. The cause of the spring's cessation is unknown, but may have been related to local geomorphic factors, such as head migration of adjacent streams, or to more regional geomorphic factors, such as the lowering of theregional water table in the area of al-Jafr Basin. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crop Sequence Affects Nutrient Composition of Corn and Soybean Grown under High Fertility

Although crop rotation may change soil mineral status, particularly N, there may also be a rotation effect beyond that which can be explained by soil mineral status alone. Research has shown that leaf mineral-composition can vary between crop sequences at high fertilizer levels. We hypothesized that the rotation effect observed in longterm sequences of corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] might be due to an increased nutrient concentration, not just an increased accumulation. A corn-soybean rotation study in Minnesota managed at high nutrient fertility was used to test our hypothesis. The high management level was appraised by soil test levels. Corn and soybean sequences evaluated were monoculture, first year, second year, and annually-alternated. These crop sequences were evaluated for their effects on plant nutrient concentration, accumulation, or both. The growth stage at which differences in plant nutrient concentration or accumulation might affect final yield was also evaluated. A positive effect of rotation on yield was observed in both crops. Shoot concentrations and total accumulations of N, P, and K were higher in first year corn compared to monoculture, suggesting that the increased corn yield associated with rotation may have been due to a general improvement in plant nutrition. Cropping sequence had less of an effect on soybean nutrient concentration than corn. Nutrient accumulation in soybean was not generally affected by crop sequence.
Modification of the fatty acid composition of L1210 leukemia subcellular organelles.

We have examined the extent to which it is possible to modify the fatty acid composition of subcellular organelles of L1210 leukemia cells. A polyunsaturated fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid, or a monounsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid, were added to the culture media. After 48 hr, the cells were ruptured and the subcellular fractions isolated. Fatty acid analysis revealed that nuclei, mitochondria, plasma membranes and microsomes of the cells grown in media supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid contained increased amounts of polyenoic fatty acids, mean number of double bonds and docosahexaenoic acid compared with cells grown in oleic acid. We conclude that it is possible to experimentally modify the lipids of multiple intracellular structures of L1210 cells by the addition of fatty acids to the growth media.
Ciliary Body and Choroidal Pseudomelanoma from Ultrasonographic Imaging of Hypermature Cataract in 20 Cases

Purpose To describe a series of 20 patients with opaque media, referred with uveal melanoma, but subsequently found to have pseudomelanoma from oblique imaging of hypermature cataract on ultrasonography. Design Case series. Participants Twenty patients. Methods Retrospective chart review. Main Outcome Measures Ultrasound imaging. Results All eyes had opaque media from hypermature cataract with no view of the fundus. All were referred because of suspected uveal melanoma, based on ultrasonographic imaging. The echogenic mass appeared to be in the ciliary body (n = 17) or choroid (n = 3). The median patient age was 54 years (range, 17–86 years). Most patients were white (n = 13) or black (n = 4). There was a history of eye trauma (n = 3) and ocular surgery (n = 1). Visual acuity was light perception to hand movements (n = 18) and 20/50 to 20/100 (n = 2). The cataract was in an anatomic position (n = 18) or subluxated (n = 2). On B-scan ultrasonography, the mass was dome-shaped (n = 10) or elliptical (n = 10), displayed an acoustically hollow center with a dense rim (n = 20), and was located in the ciliary body (n = 17) or choroid (n = 3). The mean thickness was 7.2 mm and the mean base was 9.3 mm. Features suggestive of cataract rather than melanoma included a lack of contiguity with the uvea (n = 20) on videoimaging using standard ultrasonography and ultrasound biomicroscopy, a lack of a transillumination shadow, and a lack of a sentinel vessel. For those in the ciliary body region, an additional feature was the ultrasonographic presence of mass in all 4 quadrants (n = 17), representing oblique imaging of the lens equator. For those in the choroid region, the pseudomelanoma shifted when the patient was imaged in a reclined compared with an upright position. After cataract surgery, the lack of melanoma was confirmed. Conclusions Dense cataract can preclude a fundus view, necessitating ultrasonography for imaging the posterior segment of the eye. Ultrasonographic confusion with a ciliary body and choroidal melanoma can occur because the dome-shaped cataract can simulate a dome-shaped melanoma. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Structural Diversity of Pentafluorophenylcopper Complexes. First Evidence of π-Coordination of Unsupported Arenes to Organocopper Aggregates

The binding behavior of arenes toward pentafluorophenylcopper was investigated. Crystallization of pentafluorophenylcopper from a mixture of 1,2-dichloroethane and cyclohexane affords the homoleptic tetrameric complex [Cu(C6F5)]4, whereas a π-complex, [Cu(C6F5)]4(η2-toluene)2, is obtained from toluene solution. The unique coordination of two toluene molecules in [Cu(C6F5)]4(η2-toluene)2 leads to major structural changes as the regular square planar tetramer is distorted toward a butterfly structure with one short and one long diagonal Cu···Cu distance of 2.5935(3) and 3.955(1) A, respectively. The toluene molecules are bound in an unsymmetrical η2-coordination mode with the shortest contacts observed between copper and the meta carbon atoms (d(Cu−C) = 2.271(2), 2.298(2) A) and slightly longer distances to the para positions (d(Cu−C) = 2.339(2), 2.455(4) A). Multinuclear NMR studies show that complexation to the intact tetrameric cluster species also occurs in neat solution of the aromatic species. Strongl...
The Challenge of Defining Techniques in Group Work

One of the most important functions a professional organization and its associated journal can endeavor to perform is to provide forums through which professionals can identify and describe concept...
Glutaraldehyde crosslinking analysis of the C12E8 solubilized H,K-ATPase.

Abstract A soluble porcine H,K-ATPase preparation was obtained with the nonionic detergent, C 12 E 8 . ATP hydrolysis by the soluble H,K-ATPase was stimulated with respect to the native preparation at pH 6.1, while the K + -phosphatase activity was comparable to the native enzyme. The soluble enzyme demonstrated characteristic ligand-dependent effects on ATP hydrolysis, including ATP activation of K + -stimulated hydrolysis with a K 0.5 of 28 ± 4 μ M ATP, and inhibition with an IC 50 of 2.1 mM ATP. The activation and inhibition of ATP hydrolysis by K + was also observed with a K 0.5 for activation of 2.8 ± 0.4 mM KCl at 2.0 mM ATP (pH 6.1) and inhibition with an IC 50 of 135 mM KCl at 0.05 mM ATP. 2-Methyl-8-(phenylmethoxy)imidazo[1,2-α]pyridine-3-acetonitrile (SCH 28080), a specific inhibitor of the native H,K-ATPase, competitively inhibited the K + -stimulated activity with a K i of 0.035 μM. The soluble enzyme was stable with a t 0.5 for ATPase activity of 6 h between 4 and 11°C. The demonstration of these related ligand responses in the catalytic reactions of the soluble preparation indicates that it is an appropriate medium for investigation of the subunit associations of the functional H,K-ATPase. Subunit associations of the active soluble enzyme were assessed following treatment with the crosslinking reagent, glutaraldehyde. The distribution of crosslinked particles was independent of the soluble protein concentration in the crosslinking buffer within the protein range 0.3 to 2.0 mg/ml or the detergent to protein ratio varied from 1 to 15 (w / w). The crosslinked pattern was unaffected by the presence or absence of K during crosslinking or nucleotide concentration. These observations suggest that crosslinking occurs in associated subunits that do not undergo rapid associations dependent upon enzyme turnover. Phosphorylation of the soluble enzyme with 0.1 mM MgATP produced a phosphoprotein at 94 kDa. A phosphoprotein obtained after glutaraldehyde treatment exhibited identical electrophoretic mobility to the crosslinked particle identified by silver stain. Glutaraldehyde treatment of soluble protein fractions resolved on a linear 10–35% glycerol gradient revealed several smaller peptides partially resolved from the crosslinked pump particle, but no active fraction enriched in the monomeric H,K-ATPase. This data indicates that the functional porcine gastric H,K-ATPase is organized as a structural dimer.
Comparative analysis of alternative spectral bands of CO2 and O2 for the sensing of CO2 mixing ratios

We performed comparative studies to establish favorable spectral regions and measurement wavelength combinations in alternative bands of CO2 and O2, for the sensing of CO2 mixing ratios (XCO2) in missions such as ASCENDS. The analysis employed several simulation approaches including separate layers calculations based on pre-analyzed atmospheric data from the modern-era retrospective analysis for research and applications (MERRA), and the line-by-line radiative transfer model (LBLRTM) to obtain achievable accuracy estimates as a function of altitude and for the total path over an annual span of variations in atmospheric parameters. Separate layer error estimates also allowed investigation of the uncertainties in the weighting functions at varying altitudes and atmospheric conditions. The parameters influencing the measurement accuracy were analyzed independently and included temperature sensitivity, water vapor interferences, selection of favorable weighting functions, excitations wavelength stabilities and other factors. The results were used to identify favorable spectral regions and combinations of on / off line wavelengths leading to reductions in interferences and the improved total accuracy.
The electrophysiological effects of intramuscular quinidine on the atrioventricular conducting system in man

Abstract The electrophysiological effects of intramuscular quinidine were evaluated using His bundle electrograms and the extrastimulus method. The mean mid-study plasma quinidine level was 4.6 mg. per liter. Our results show that quinidine tends to shorten A-V nodal conduction time while it routinely prolongs His-Purkinje and intraventricular conduction time. The refractory periods of the atrium and His-Purkinje system were prolonged by quinidine while the effective refractory period of the A-V node was consistently shortened. Those patients with evidence of infra-His conduction disturbances manifested no difference in their response to quinidine from the group as a whole. These studies suggest quinidine has antivagal properties which are of clinical significance. In addition, the effects of quinidine on His-Purkinje conduction and refractoriness may lead to the ventricular tachyarrhythmias implicated in “quinidine syncope” by a re-entrant mechanism.
On the Success of AmeriCorps Programs in Strengthening Communities: Evidence from Florida

Abstract In 1993 President Clinton signed into law the National and Community Service Trust Act, the centerpiece of which was a new national service initiative—AmeriCorps. The overall purpose of AmeriCorps was to promote community building through volunteer service. AmeriCorps was one high-profile program established in part to highlight government-nonprofit partnerships and their capacity to improve communities and service delivery to the most vulnerable in communities—poor children, frail elderly, and teenagers who are at risk of dropping out of school or getting into serious juvenile delinquency problems. AmeriCorps' programs nationally work to achieve three goals—Getting Things Done, Member Development, and Strengthening Communities. Few of the studies on AmeriCorps have explicitly studied their impact on community strengthening. This article reports on a two-year study of twenty two AmeriCorps programs in Florida from 1997–2000, emphasizing their objectives and success in community strengthening. Pro...
The Infrared Properties of Gold Smoke Deposits

An interpretation of the infrared optical properties of gold smoke deposits is presented together with new experimental results. This interpretation is based on an application of classical electromagnetic theory. The gold smoke deposits are assumed to interact with infrared radiation as if they were sheets of an essentially uniform material which is characterized by an average electrical conductivity small compared to that of ordinary metals. The electrical conductivity of gold black deposits is found to be ~10−5 times that of bulk gold, and the volume percent of gold in a gold black deposit is found to be ~0.2 percent.