cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Describing and Analyzing Data

Statistics is complicated—no doubt about it—especially for neophytes and for non-statisticians. I am not a statistician, but I had a great teacher. He organized things for me, and it made sense. He said that, really, for the type of data we want to analyze in health care, we really have only two types of data to worry about: counts (e.g., number of skin lesions) and continuous measurements (e.g., size of each skin lesion). He said counts take care of themselves, because either they are very large (e.g., number of white blood cells) or they only can be an end to themselves—viz., no extrapolation can be made beyond the fact that this group of patients has twice the number of lesions as that. This chapter discusses the case of analyzing continuous measurements (or very large counts), and the last section discusses analysis of counts. So, my teacher said, “…here we are: what can we do with continuous measurements obtained from a sample? well, we know what we would like to be able to do....” That is, to use the data we have to describe and explain the population from which we obtained the sample. That step is called parametric statistics and can only be done if the data verify three fundamental assumptions, which are described in this chapter. So then, we must ask ourselves another question: what are we after? Are we comparing different groups—how many groups, or are we trying to predict outcomes in one or several groups? Regardless, whatever we want to do, there will be a choice of either parametric or nonparametric tests. We as investigators need to know which to use when. That is what this chapter is all about; it describes and explains what the appropriate test is under what specific circumstances—what is gained and lost in stringency and power.
Cultural Differences in Social Media: Trust and Authority

Sociologists and psychologists study how humans evaluate trust and reputation of people, documents, institutions, etc. in the real-world. Their studies of interactions between people from different cultures have contributed to the appreciation of diverse viewpoints. While the sudden emergence and proliferation of the internet has altered the landscape of relationships and social interactions, there has not been sufficient time to revisit and study cultural and demographic differences in perceptions of trust and reputation in the cyberspace domain on a grand scale. Studies that have been conducted to-date have been limited in scope with respect to number of countries, types of behavior, and size of data sets. This chapter reviews studies on cultural differences in behavior in cyberspace, with particular attention to the concepts of expertise, quality, and trust. It discusses applications that can benefit from these studies, such as: targeted marketing, crowd sourcing applications, and enhancement of security systems. It concludes with a discussion on open data and how Wikipedia data provides an opportunity to examine behavioral differences in different communities.
Compressed sensing millimeter-wave compact radar range data acquisition and imaging

Compressed sensing is a signal processing paradigm enabling the acquisition and successful reconstruction of a sparse signal from a reduced set of measurements, potentially in violation of the Nyquist sampling criterion. In this paper the results of preliminary investigations into Compressed Sensing applied to the acquisition of wide bandwidth millimeterwave compact radar range data are presented. Primary motivations for application of Compressed Sensing to compact radar range acquisition and imaging include increasing data acquisition speed as well as reducing required data storage. In this work only signal reduction in the frequency domain is examined. Compressed Sensing fully-polarimetric compact range data acquisition and imaging for both a simple canonical target (cylinder) and a complex target (Slicy) are presented as radar cross section (RCS) measurements and interferometric inverse synthetic aperture radar (IFISAR) images. Correlations of compact range data provide a measure of error between the reconstructed and complete data sets as a function of target complexity and sub-sampling rate.
Scaffolds for tissue engineering in optic nerve regeneration

Abstract Many advances have been made in the field of scaffold-based tissue engineering applied to the eye through therapeutics and regenerative strategies before implantation. Three-dimensional scaffold frameworks provide an optimal conduit substrate for cellular migration and adhesion, promoting the increased survival of implanted cells to target tissue. Natural, synthetic, and hybrid scaffold models exist for the purpose of cellular delivery in the eye and have been extensively studied in a variety of approaches, from promoting retinal adhesion to the pigment epithelium to the attempted creation of the most successful environment for retinal and corneal restoration through cellular implantation technology. Of major clinical and translational consequence, the optic nerve in particular does not regenerate well when affected by neurodegenerative disease or traumatic injury. Permanent visual loss results from the failure of regrowth of vital retinal ganglion cell axons coursing through the optic nerve to carry the essential visual circuitry to the occipital cortex of the brain following injury, inevitably leading to axonal degeneration. With a growing burden of visual loss worldwide, regenerative scaffolds for optic nerve regrowth show tremendous promise as a potential stimulatory framework for successful optic nerve revitalization.
Risk evaluation of uncertain systems with rectangular random walk

In this paper, we develop a rigorous and efficient method for risk evaluation. Our risk evaluation method is an adaptive Monte Carlo estimation method implemented as a rectangular random walk, which is derived from a mixed error criterion and the concept of relative entropy from information theory. Our proposed method of risk evaluation can be orders of magnitude more efficient as compared to existing methods in literatures and widely used softwares. This new method makes it possible to evaluate risk of systems so that in a strict statistical sense, either the absolute error can be controlled below 10−6 or the relative error can be controlled below 0.01, that is, the error of risk evaluation can be rigorously certified at extremely low level, which is impossible by using existing methods.
Determination of ibotenic acid and muscimol in plasma by liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry with bimolecular dansylation.

Abstract Ibotenic acid (IBA) is an amino acid and muscimol (MUS) is the decarboxyl derivative of IBA. They are mushroom neurotoxins with high polarity and low molecular weight. Only one transition (159–>113 for IBA and 115->98 for MUS) can be found when directly measured by high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Therefore, the identification and quantification of trace amount of the toxins in biomaterial are difficult. A highly sensitive and accurate analytical method for IBA and MUS in plasma was developed by LC-MS/MS with the application of bimolecular dansylation and internal standard calibration. Acetonitrile was used for protein precipitation and for toxin extraction from plasma. The toxins and internal standards (L-tyrosine-13C9,15N for IBA and tyramine-d4 for MUS) were derivatized with dansyl chloride (DNSCl). The reaction conditions of the bimolecular dansylation were optimized and the fragmentation pathways of the derivatives in MS/MS were studied. Method validation was carried out according to the Bioanalytical Method Validation Guidance for Industry (FDA, USA, 2018). The limits of detection for IBA and MUS in plasma were 0.3 ng mL−1 and 0.1 ng mL−1, respectively. The linear ranges in plasma were 1–500 ng mL−1 and 1–200 ng mL−1 with the correlation coefficients of 0.998 and 0.999 for IBA and MUS, respectively. The recoveries at three spiked levels were 90.7–111.4% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 6.4–10.3% for IBA and the results were 85.1–94.2% with RSDs of 5.0–8.9% for MUS. The toxin levels in patients’ plasma samples under different poisoning degree were presented.
Role identities: Measurement and outcomes of conventional vs. idiosyncratic balance

Social psychologists have noted that role identities contain both conventional (culturally influenced) and idiosyncratic (uniquely interpreted) meanings. To this point, this distinction has mostly been theoretical, and little empirical research exists that addresses how individuals define role identities in conventional or idiosyncratic ways. In this study, we create a scale that captures the conventional vs. idiosyncratic balance of role identity meanings and report the results of a study that examines the relationship between this balance and identity prominence and salience. We administer a survey to 934 study participants that measures the conventional/idiosyncratic balance, prominence, and salience of the student, worker, and friend role identities. Our results show that the more conventional one’s role identities, the more prominent and salient the identities.
TE-SAT: Transactive Energy Simulation and Analysis Toolsuite

Transactive Energy (TE) is an emerging discipline that utilizes economic and control techniques for operating and managing the power grid effectively. Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) represent a fundamental shift away from traditionally centrally managed energy generation and storage to one that is rather distributed. However, integrating and managing DERs into the power grid is highly challenging owing to the TE implementation issues such as privacy, equity, efficiency, reliability, and security. The TE market structures allow utilities to transact (i.e., buy and sell) power services (production, distribution, and storage) from/to DER providers integrated as part of the grid. Flexible power pricing in TE enables power services transactions to dynamically adjust power generation and storage in a way that continuously balances power supply and demand as well as minimize cost of grid operations. Therefore, it has become important to analyze various market models utilized in different TE applications for their impact on above implementation issues.In this demo, we show-case the Transactive Energy Simulation and Analysis Toolsuite (TE-SAT) with its three publicly available design studios for experimenting with TE markets. All three design studios are built using metamodeling tool called the Web-based Graphical Modeling Environment (WebGME). Using a Git-like storage and tracking backend server, WebGME enables multi-user editing on models and experiments using simply a web-browser. This directly facilitates collaboration among different TE stakeholders for developing and analyzing grid operations and market models. Additionally, these design studios provide an integrated and scalable cloud backend for running corresponding simulation experiments.
Utilization of Polychromatic Laser System for Satellite Power Beaming

Electrical power generation is an important aspect of a successful space mission. Bigger spacecraft with large solar panels are able to generate enough power to perform their missions, but there are other mass and volume limited spacecraft that are also power-limited in their mission capability. Examples include small satellites with high-power payloads and deployed platforms such as rovers on the lunar surface. These platforms have limited available solar panel area and may have to operate in extended eclipse conditions. For these missions, a power beaming satellite can augment their power generation, greatly enhancing mission capabilities. Space Solar Power (SSP) systems have been investigated for over 50 years. Its potential to deliver energy to any location or to remotely power unmanned vehicles is worthy of development. Recent demonstrations have shown the practicality of transferring power in the terrestrial environment. Two major methods to beam power have been proposed using either microwave or laser energy. Microwave energy has minimal losses due to atmospherics and has a slightly better end-to-end transfer efficiency. When applied to space assets, where mass and volume is a premium, microwave system has a major drawback of requiring a dedicated receiving system just for energy reception that does not serve any other purpose. In contrast, the receivers for laser power beaming are solar cells where the receiving panel can also utilize the natural sunlight to generate electrical power. For space systems where the primary power generation is achieved using solar panels, this method of power beaming is ideal. This method becomes especially attractive for satellite-to-satellite or satellite-to-rover power beaming. Most modern space systems use multi-junction solar cells to better utilize the entire solar spectrum. Since a monochromatic laser does not match the solar spectrum, a multi-junction solar cell would not generate power efficiently from a single wavelength laser. This paper addresses the design for a polychromatic laser system to beam power to a multi-junction solar cell for space applications and the power levels needed of the different laser wavelengths to optimize the spectral response of a space-grade solar cell. Since the wavelengths will be selected to best match the spectral response of each junction and the currents matched across all junctions, the efficiency of the multi-junction cell would increase to 51% without concentration while still being able to use the solar spectrum for power production. Three matched lasers were able to beam power at a 38% increase over a single wavelength laser.
Incidence of Asymptomatic Brain Metastases in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

Abstract Background Current literature suggests that brain metastasis is an infrequent occurrence in metastatic colorectal cancer. Outside of rare autopsy studies, these retrospective reports describe the incidence of symptomatic brain metastasis and therefore lack a description of the incidence in asymptomatic patients. With improved survival and a lack of routine brain imaging, the true incidence of brain metastasis among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer is likely under-recognized. At our research institution, protocol criteria require brain imaging regardless of neurologic symptoms. Therefore, we aim to describe the incidence of asymptomatic brain metastases in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Patients and Methods This study included patients with metastatic colorectal cancer enrolled onto a clinical trial screening protocol at the National Cancer Institute that underwent brain imaging (n = 171) between 2010 and 2019. Results The median age of patients at initial colorectal cancer diagnosis was 48.1 years. Most had stage IV disease with synchronous metastases. Twenty-five (14.6%) patients were identified with brain metastases, of which 19 (76%) were asymptomatic. Those with asymptomatic lesions were more likely to have presented with synchronous metastases, have a shorter time from primary diagnosis to development of metastatic disease, and have smaller brain metastases. Conclusion We identified a high number of asymptomatic brain metastasis and subsequently a higher cumulative incidence of brain metastases in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer than historical reports would suggest. This may represent a heretofore unknown aspect of the natural course of disease now being exposed owing to an increasing life expectancy of these patients and could play a pivotal role in therapeutic decisions.
Emergent properties of downed woody debris in canopy gaps: A response of the soil ecosystem to manipulation of forest structure

Abstract Natural forest disturbance events can influence soil biogeochemical processes in two ways - by creating downed woody debris (DWD; fallen tree boles or branches) and by creating canopy gaps that alter forest microclimate. DWD represents a substrate for microbial growth and a persistent store of carbon and nutrients, but microbial activity is also sensitive to temperature and moisture. We studied the potential interaction of DWD and canopy gaps on soil microbial processes, and wondered if microclimatic conditions resulting from the manipulation of forest structure would be enough to inhibit production, thereby altering a critical ecosystem process. Gaps and DWD (>10 cm diameter) were added to a maturing, even-aged, second-growth northern hardwood forest (the Flambeau Experiment; N Wisconsin, USA) to enhance structural complexity and promote key ecosystem processes typically associated with late-successional forests. We investigated the influence of DWD and gaps on soil microbial community composition, extracellular enzyme activity and soil characteristics. Soils were sampled near intermediately and highly decayed DWD and 2 m away from DWD (control) in gaps and closed canopy a decade after manipulation. DWD decomposition influenced the surrounding soil differentially depending on decay class and canopy condition. Mean C- and P-potential extracellular enzyme activities (BG, BX and AP) were enhanced near highly decayed DWD in gaps. The relative abundance of bacteria (actinomycete, anaerobic, gram-negative and gram-positive) remained constant in gaps but decreased from May to August in closed canopy. In gaps, soil total exchangeable cations increased by 34.6%, available phosphorus by 152% and fungal to bacterial ratios by 23.3% but temperatures decreased by 3.42% suggesting that canopy condition continues to affect soil properties and microbial processes a decade after gap creation. These results highlight the contribution of DWD to the forest floor and the influence of decaying wood characteristics on belowground ecosystems critical to future forest productivity. Retaining or adding heterogeneously distributed DWD of varying decay status may be essential to maintain ecosystem functions associated with nutrient cycling and microbial community dynamics in managed forests.
On the relationship of continuity and boundary regularity in prescribed mean curvature dirichlet problems

In 1976, Leon Simon showed that if a compact subset of the boundary of a domain is smooth and has negative mean curvature, then the nonparametric least area problem with Lipschitz continuous Dirichlet boundary data has a generalized solution which is continuous on the union of the domain and this compact subset of the boundary, even if the generalized solution does not take on the prescribed boundary data. Simon’s result has been extended to boundary value problems for prescribed mean curvature equations by other authors. In this note, we construct Dirichlet problems in domains with corners and demonstrate that the variational solutions of these Dirichlet problems are discontinuous at the corner, showing that Simon’s assumption of regularity of the boundary of the domain is essential.
Scalable method for groupwise comparisons and its application to chromatin accessibility among primates

Abstract Changes in transcriptional regulation are thought to be a major contributor to the evolution of phenotypic traits. We developed a new method to identify DNase I Hypersensitive (DHS) sites with differential chromatin accessibility between species. Our method replaces threshold-based multiple pairwise comparisons with a single quantitative test, which detects subtle differences while scaling well to multiple taxa. We applied this method to DHS sites in fibroblast cells from five primates (human, chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, and rhesus macaque). We identified approximately 90,000 DHS sites, of which 59% are non differential between species, 27% are differential and likely due to a single evolutionary change, and 14% are differential due to multiple evolutionary changes. We found that using closely related species in our analyses allows us to distinguish between accessibility changes that are specific to a single species and those that have experienced multiple changes in chromatin accessibility during primate evolution. The non differential sites are enriched for nucleotide conservation, while the species-specific changes are enriched for positive selection. Differential DHS sites with decreased chromatin accessibility relative to rhesus macaque occur more commonly in proximal regulatory elements, while those with increased chromatin accessibility relative to rhesus macaque occur more commonly in distal regulatory elements. Differential DHS sites overlapping proximal regulatory elements display less cell-type specificity than those overlapping distal regulatory elements. Taken together, these results identify several classes of chromatin accessibility, each with distinct characteristics of selection, genomic location, and cell-type specificity.
Multi-omic analysis of stroke recurrence in African Americans from the Vitamin Intervention for Stroke Prevention (VISP) clinical trial.

African Americans endure a nearly two-fold greater risk of suffering a stroke and are 2–3 times more likely to die from stroke compared to those of European ancestry. African Americans also have a greater risk of recurrent stroke and vascular events, which are deadlier and more disabling than incident stroke. Stroke is a multifactorial disease with both heritable and environmental risk factors. We conducted an integrative, multi-omic study on 922 plasma metabolites, 473,864 DNA methylation loci, and 556 variants from 50 African American participants of the Vitamin Intervention for Stroke Prevention clinical trial to help elucidate biomarkers contributing to recurrent stroke rates in this high risk population. Sixteen metabolites, including cotinine, N-delta-acetylornithine, and sphingomyelin (d17:1/24:1) were identified in t-tests of recurrent stroke outcome or baseline smoking status. Serum tricosanoyl sphingomyelin (d18:1/23:0) levels were significantly associated with recurrent stroke after adjusting for covariates in Cox Proportional Hazards models. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis identified moderate correlations between sphingolipid markers and clinical traits including days to recurrent stroke. Integrative analyses between genetic variants in sphingolipid pathway genes identified 29 nominal associations with metabolite levels in a one-way analysis of variance, while epigenomic analyses identified xenobiotics, predominately smoking-associated metabolites and pharmaceutical drugs, associated with methylation profiles. Taken together, our results suggest that metabolites, specifically those associated with sphingolipid metabolism, are potential plasma biomarkers for stroke recurrence in African Americans. Furthermore, genetic variation and DNA methylation may play a role in the regulation of these metabolites.
Effectiveness and implementation of a virtual versus in-person walking program among employees on physical activity, fitness, and cognition

Low-cost, effective interventions are needed to improve the health and productivity of employees. The purpose of this study was to determine the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effects of in-person and virtual walking group interventions on physical activity, physical fitness, and cognitive performance of employees at a large university. Methods. University faculty and staff participated in this quasi-experimental study. The intervention provided social support to encourage walking 30 min, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The in-person group walked together on campus while the virtual group wore a wearable fitness tracker and communicated through a group social messaging app. Implementation fidelity and acceptability was assessed through attendance, detailed records, focus groups and interviews. Primary outcomes included accelerometer-measured physical activity; secondary outcomes included cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility; and work-related outcomes of job satisfaction and cognitive performance. There was a significant group-by-time interaction for physical activity (total MET min/week, p = .0498; accelerometer steps/day, p = .036) with a greater increase in the virtual group compared to the in-person group. Both groups had improvements in body mass (p = .023), cardiorespiratory fitness (p = .037), muscular endurance (p = .045), and cognitive performance accuracy (p < .001). Small improvements in fitness resulted in both groups following four weeks of walking and both groups were feasible and acceptable methods to provide social support for physical activity to a convenience sample of university employees. Future research should assess long-term effects of virtual or in-person walking groups for health and wellness among university employees.
Comparative Evaluation of Several Classification Algorithms on News Posts Using Reddit Social Network Dataset

This research investigates a comparative evaluation of the results of different classification algorithms applied on the Reddit News Social Network Dataset. A program, which is well described was written in C# Dot Net that could run the classification using different parameters. These parameters which were input to the program, include the data size to read, training and testing size, class to predict, vector representation and the classification algorithm including Logistic Regression (LR), Naive Bayes (NB), Decision Tree (DT), and N-Nearest Neighbor (NN). The classification was performed multiple times (various parameters). Also, the training and testing data were selected at random. That, to get a better judgment on the results. The performance metrics: precision, recall, accuracy, f-measure, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated for every time any classification algorithm is executed. Results showed that the precision for the classification Algorithms ranged from a value greater than 50 to 100%. Regarding the average precision results, in most of the results, DT had the highest average precision (4 times as the highest with one time together with LR but for different data size). Also, it was found that regarding the time required for a classification algorithm to produce results, for a data of size 200, all algorithms were fast (less than 5 s) except for LR (2–3 min). For a data of size 500, LR was the slowest with a time of 32 min. Then NN was the second slowest with a time of 2 min. All others including NB, NN and DT were the fastest (time in less than 5 s). For a data of size 1000, LR took 1 day and it was not even enough for the LR classifier to finish executing and produce any results. All remaining algorithms also did not complete the calculation of results in 1 day.
Quasibound States in the Continuum for Bidirectional Symmetry-Breaking Nonlinear Metasurfaces

We demonstrate an amorphous silicon metasurface featuring quasibound states in the continuum with both co-polarized and cross-polarized symmetry breaking for efficient third harmonic generation.
A new type of anchored homogeneous catalyst

Almost all previous attempts to design a “heterogenized homogeneous catalyst” involved first attaching the ligand to a solid support material and then preparing the heterogeneous catalyst using this solid ligand. In contrast, we have succeeded in attaching preformed homogeneous complexes to a solid support using a heteropoly acid as the anchoring agent. In this way, the heteropoly acid is first attached to the support material and then interacts with a homogeneous catalyst through the metal atom of the complex. We have now used such anchored rhodium and ruthenium complexes for a number of chiral and achiral hydrogenations. We have established that the amount of metal lost in these reactions is less than 1 ppm. Details of these reactions will be presented along with the data used to determine the nature of the interaction between the complex and the heteropoly acid.
An experimental model of idiopathic pneumonia syndrome after bone marrow transplantation : I. The roles of minor H antigens and endotoxin

Idiopathic pneumonia syndrome (IPS) refers to diffuse, non-infectious pneumonia that occurs after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). We have developed a model of IPS using a well-characterized murine BMT system (B10.BR-->CBA) in which lung injury after BMT can be induced by minor histocompatibility (H) antigenic differences between donor and host. Lung pathology and broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were analyzed in transplant recipients before and after both syngeneic and allogeneic BMT. At 2 weeks after BMT, no specific pathologic abnormalities were noted; at 6 weeks, both pneumonitis and mononuclear cell infiltration around vessels and bronchioles were observed only in mice receiving allogeneic BMT. This injury was associated with elevated BAL fluid levels of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]), neutrophils, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. No pathologic organisms were isolated from the respiratory tract of any animal. We also tested the role of endotoxin in the development of this injury. Injection of LPS 6 weeks after transplantation caused profound lung injury only in mice with moderate graft-versus-host disease; dramatic increases in BAL neutrophils and tumor necrosis factor alpha were observed, with alveolar hemorrhage occurring in 4 of 12 of these mice but in no other group. We conclude that (1) this murine BMT system is a potentially useful model of clinical IPS; (2) minor H differences between donor and recipient can be important stimuli in the pathogenesis of IPS; and (3) endotoxin in BAL fluid is associated with lung injury, and excess endotoxin can cause the development of alveolar hemorrhage in this model.
Evaluation of Perinatal Care Education Programs

Dr Kattwinkel, et al,1 are to be congratulated on their approach to improved perinatal care in rural community hospitals. They state that their study "represents the first attempt to systemically examine the problems hindering the delivery of optimal perinatal care in the community hospital and then to design a program around these problems." In June 1975, we published an article in this journal describing "an evaluation of perinatal care practices in Iowa community hospitals."2 The evaluations were accomplished by a perinatal team during visits to the hospitals.
Challenges for Cultural Studies Under the Rule of Global War

Based on a lecture delivered not long after the US launched its so-called war on terror in Iraq in the aftermath of 9/11, the paper addresses the challenges for cultural studies in the midst of “the emergence of a global network of quasimilitary states in tributary relations to the US super security state” and “the emergence of a global counter public or constituency.” With a note of urgency and particular attention to the Philippine context, the paper expresses the need “to interpret, articulate, and participate in the social struggles taking place in and through cultural practice” which begins with the recognition of “the continual subsumption of people’s labor—physical, mental, experiential, and psychical—into systems of domination and exploitation.” It asserts that “the realms of freedom” are “getting smaller” even as “small spaces of creativity and freedom are won,” thus, the challenge is “to locate and extend these spaces as well as their political potential and to extricate these cultural practices … from those that contribute to the containment, expropriation, and alienation of people’s labor, processes which operate everywhere, even in the most politically radical sectors.” In these spaces, cultural practice becomes “not only the means of a transformation” but “part and parcel of that very transformation we hope and strive for.”
An expert system for waste management

Abstract Management of hazardous waste is an increasing problem for both the companies that generate the waste and for the communities that eventually experience the consequences of the management decisions. Thus, both social and political aspects must be considered when solving these problems. It is thus important that waste management technologies are evaluated by a panel of experts with various backgrounds. The methodology for developing an expert system for waste treatment technology evaluation was discussed. An expert system was developed to select the “best” waste treatment alternatives. This expert system includes two different knowledge bases: one for the economic and technical parts of the problem and another for the social and political aspects. This expert system was developed on an IBM personal computer using Turbo Prolog™. The pulp and paper industry was selected as an example problem for developing this expert system, which system was tested using two example waste streams from the pulp and paper industry. The results agree with the current treatment facilities the companies are using.
There's More Than One Way to Scale a Synapse

TNFα has been proposed to underlie synaptic scaling, but the mechanism and functional significance of this remain unclear. In this issue of Neuron , Cingolani et al. demonstrate that TNFα can mediate scaling through the regulation of β3 integrins. Kaneko et al. show that TNFα-dependent synaptic scaling plays an important role in visual cortical plasticity.
Malignant mesotheliomas in spermatic cords: reports of two cases and a brief review of literature:

Primary malignant mesothelioma (MM) of spermatic cord is extremely rare. We presented two malignant mesotheliomas involving the spermatic cords; one was primary, one secondary. The secondary one represented the direct involvement by a peritoneal MM. No occupational exposure to asbestos was identified in either patient. Both of them presented with a painless inguinal mass. Microscopically the primary MM was epithelioid type with tumor nests infiltrating adjacent adipose tissue, while the secondary MM grew in mixed type. No tumor necrosis was seen in the primary MM, while extensive necrosis was seen in the secondary one. Rare mitotic figure was seen in the primary MM while the mitosis in the secondary tumor was brisk, and with atypical mitosis. Immunohistochemically the tumor cells were positive for calretinin and CK5/6 and negative for BER-EP4 and BRST3 in both cases. The reported cases of primary MM from spermatic cord in English literature were briefly reviewed.
Fractal dimension and fractal growth of urbanized areas

Based on a box-accounting fractal dimension algorithm (BCFD) and a unique procedure of data processing, this paper computes planar fractal dimensions of 20 large US cities along with their surrounding urbanized areas. The results show that the value range of planar urban fractal dimension (D) is 1< D <2, with D for the largest city, New York City, and the smallest city, Omaha being 1.7014 and 1.2778 respectively. The estimated urban fractal dimensions are then regressed to the total urbanized areas, Log (C), and total urban population, Log (POP), with log-linear functions. In general, the linear functions can produce good-fits for Log (C) vs. D and Log (POP) vs. in terms of R2 values. The observation that cities may have virtually the same D or Log(C) value but quite disparate population sizes indicates that D itself says little about the specific orientation and configuration of an urban form and is not a good measure of urban population density. This paper also explores fractal dimension and fractal gro...
Decentralizing decision support systems: a field experiment with drug and criminal investigators

Abstract Improving effectiveness in a highly decentralized organization can be elusive. In the case of largely autonomous drug and criminal investigators, working for a state patrol agency, it is extremely difficult. One possible solution was to develop and implement a case progression decision support system (DSS) for decision making support. This paper describes a field experiment undertaken to determine the effectiveness of using a decentralized DSS compared with a centralized one, as well as comparing the decentralized DSS with no formalized decision support system. The field experiment evaluated the investigators' attitudes toward the availability of information, accuracy of information, support in problem identification, perceived usefulness of the system, and its overall effectiveness. Results indicated that there is a significant difference between the participants' attitudes toward availability of information and support in identifying problems. Furthermore, the study showed that either the centralized or the decentralized DSS is considerably more effective than the current approach of not using a DSS at all.
Li2NaV2(PO4)3: A 3.7 V Lithium-Insertion Cathode with the Rhombohedral NASICON Structure

Abstract Li2NaV2(PO4)3 has been prepared in the rhombohedral NASICON structure via ion exchange from Na3V2(PO4)3. As a lithium-insertion cathode material, Li2NaV2(PO4)3 exhibits a specific discharge capacity of 96 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.50 mA cm−2 with a clear plateau near 3.7 V versus lithium metal. Approximately 10% of the capacity is lost through the first 50 cycles, after which the capacity appears to stabilize. During charge and discharge, the Na+ ions tend to remain immobilized in the A(1) site of the NASICON structure, suggesting a direct A(2)→A(2) lithium-transport mechanism.
Effect of lysolecithin on the smooth muscle stimulating activity of histamine, acetylcholine, 5-hydroxy-tryptamine, anaphylactic slow-reacting substance and bradykinin.

Effect of Lysolecithin on the Smooth Muscle Stimulating Activity of Histamine, Acetylcholine, 5-Hydroxy-Tryptamine, Anaphylactic Slow-Reacting Substance And Bradykinin
Magnitude and significance of Miocene crustal extension in the central Mojave Desert, California

The newly recognized Waterman Hills detachment fault (WHDF) of the central Mojave Desert, California, is significant because it provides the first unambiguous evidence for large-scale core complex-style crustal extension in the central Mojave Desert, and because it has significantly rearranged the pre-Miocene paleogeography of the Mojave Desert. The WHDF places steeply dipping to overturned Miocene volcanic and sedimentary rocks upon mylonitic pre-Tertiary basement. The mylonites, which apparently formed during extension, are predominantly L-tectonites which manifest top-to-northeast shear. The WHDF dips to the northeast beneath dominofaulted ranges of the central Mojave Desert and detachment faults of the Colorado River trough, forming an imbricated early Miocene system of detachment faults. Extension continued in the Colorado River trough after extension had ceased in the central Mojave Desert. Tentative correlations of Mesozoic intrusions suggest about 40 km of slip across the WHDF, which carries eugeoclinal Paleozoic rocks in its hanging wall and cratonal/miogeoclinal Paleozoic rocks in its footwall. Restoration of 40 km of slip (1) removes a prominent kink in the boundary between eugeoclinal and cratonal/miogeoclinal facies, (2) aligns cratonal/miogeoclinal strata near Victorville more closely with the late Paleozoic continental margin farther north, (3) places cratonal/miogeoclinal rocks structurally beneath eugeoclinal rocks, implying that the facies were stacked by thrusting, and (4) straightens the western margin of the Late Jurassic Independence dike swarm.
Experimental determination of the dose kernel in high-energy x-ray beams.

A semiempirical method to characterize the pencil-beam dose kernel is presented. Results from measurements are described by mathematical models of the applicable physical processes. The measurements were made with 6 and 25 MV x-ray beams from a linear accelerator. Broad-beam notations were used consistently, and the pencil-beam quantities were obtained by differentiation. The results were compared to pencil-beam kernels calculated by Monte Carlo techniques. The analysis of the measured data included a number of approximations. It was assumed that all the constituent pencil beams in the field are parallel, i.e., the divergence is ignored. Furthermore, the lateral variations of the incident photon fluence and the energy spectrum were disregarded. Monte Carlo calculations, on the other hand, are based on an average energy spectrum over the field, and are free from divergence and variations in the incident photon fluence. Measured and Monte Carlo calculated pencil beams nevertheless agreed well, and the approximations mentioned caused at maximum 2.7% discrepancies for the largest field size at 6 MV.
Treatment Refractory Depression in the Elderly: A Possible Role for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Older patients with depression often have a limited response to antidepressant medications. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is effective for treatment refractory depression in late life, but the side effects and risks of ECT often limit its use. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an emerging, noninvasive treatment for depression that has shown antidepressant effects in younger patients with treatment refractory depression. Results to date in the elderly have been mixed, but TMS is likely to develop as a useful treatment adjunct for at least some older patients with treatment refractory depression.
On nonlinear neutron transport equations

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to investigate a class of time-dependent neutron transport equations in which the total and differential scattering cross sections are nonlinear functions of neutron density function. Sufficient conditions on the nonlinear cross sections are given to insure the existence, uniqueness and asymptotic stability of a solution in one, two, or three-dimensional space domains under various boundary and initial conditions. The approach to the problem is based on abstract analysis on nonlinear evolution equations which are closely related to nonlinear semigroup theory.
Physiological optimization underlies growth rate-independent chlorophyll-specific gross and net primary production

Characterization of physiological variability in phytoplankton photosynthetic efficiencies is one of the greatest challenges in assessing ocean net primary production (NPP) from remote sensing of surface chlorophyll (Chl). Nutrient limitation strongly influences phytoplankton intracellular pigmentation, but its impact on Chl-specific NPP (NPP*) is debated. We monitored six indices of photosynthetic activity in steady-state Dunaliella tertiolecta cultures over a range of nitrate-limited growth rates (μ), including photosynthetic efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), O2-based gross and net production, 20 min and 24 h carbon assimilation, and carbon- and μ-based NPP. Across all growth rates, O2-based Chl-specific gross primary production (\( GPP_{{{\text{O}}_{2} }}^{*} \)), NPP*, and Fv/Fm were constant. \( GPP_{{{\text{O}}_{2} }}^{*} \) was 3.3 times greater than NPP*. In stark contrast, Chl-specific short-term C fixation showed clear linear dependence on μ, reflecting differential allocation of photosynthate between short-lived C products and longer-term storage products. Indeed, 14C incorporation into carbohydrates was five times greater in cells growing at 1.2 day−1 than 0.12 day−1. These storage products are catabolized for ATP and reductant generation within the period of a cell cycle. The relationship between Chl-specific gross and net O2 production, short-term 14C-uptake, NPP*, and growth rate reflects cellular-level regulation of fundamental metabolic pathways in response to nutrient limitation. We conclude that growth rate-dependent photosynthate metabolism bridges the gap between gross and net production and resolves a controversial question regarding nutrient limitation effects on primary production measures.
Photoemission study of CuYb thin films

Abstract We have studied annealed CuYb thin films with ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy. Anneals at successively higher temperatures result in the Yb valence changing from ∼3 to ∼2.2 where the spectrum is similar to that of YbCu 2 . Divalent Yb is always present on the surface. Within the limits of our experimental resolution we do not observe any features that can be attributed to a “Kondo” resonance. The 4ƒ 13 ( 2 F 7 2 ) peak does not extend to the Fermi level. We discuss the general problem of interpreting photoemission spectra from homogeneously mixed valent materials.
Viewer Responses to Character Race and Social Status in Advertising: Blacks See Color, Whites See Class

Research on minority appearances in advertising has suggested that racial minorities need to be not only more numerically represented but more appropriately portrayed in a variety of social class contexts. While studies have explored the impact of character race on viewer responses to advertising, little empirical work has been done to understand the impact of characters' social status portrayal on viewers' identification with advertising characters. This article focuses on how the social class portrayal of black and white characters influences advertisement evaluations and identification with advertising characters. Character race and social status is manipulated in print ads to examine differences in viewer response. Results indicate that black participants use race as the primary cue in evaluating a character, while white participants use social class as the primary cue. These findings are consistent with identification and distinctiveness theories. Additionally, evidence is found suggesting blacks use...
Leucine-Rich Repeat Containing 10 (Lrrc10) Protein is a Novel Regulator of Cardiac Cav1.2 L-Type Calcium Channels

Leucine-rich repeat containing 10 (LRRC10) is a cardiac-specific protein that plays a critical role in cardiac function. We have demonstrated that the Lrrc10-null (Lrrc10-/-) mice develop dilated cardiomyopathy. Our recent data indicate that Lrrc10-/- cardiomyocytes exhibit reduced L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) current (ICa,L). However, it is unclear how LRRC10 regulates ICa,L in the heart. To investigate the role of LRRC10 in the regulation of LTCCs, we co-expressed the Myc tagged LRRC10 (LRRC10-Myc), heamagglutinin tagged Cav1.2 (Cav1.2-HA) and the auxiliary Cavβ2C subunit in HEK293 cells and performed co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) on lysates using either anti-HA, anti-Myc antibody or control IgG. Western blot analysis demonstrated that Cav1.2 and LRRC10 associated with one another without the co-expression of Cavβ2C subunit. Also, the Cavβ2C and LRRC10 did not co-IP with one another suggesting that the LRRC10 may directly interact with Cav1.2 subunit. We then tested if a single point mutation H150A or triple point mutations Y104A, W127A and H150A would alter putative functional interaction sites in the LRRC10 and investigated if these mutations disrupt LRRC10 association with Cav1.2. Both LRRC10 mutants did not associate with Cav1.2. Additionally, co-IP analysis using mouse ventricular homogenates demonstrated that LRRC10 and Cav1.2 subunit are associated with one another. Finally, whole-cell patch clamp experiments performed in ventricular myocytes from Lrrc10-/- mice demonstrated a significant reduction in the ICa,L density (−2.5 0.2 pA/pF) and delayed inactivation, compared to WT myocytes (−6 0.6 pA/pF). In summary, we demonstrate that the LRRC10 and Cav1.2 subunit of LTCC may directly interact with one another and that mutations in LRRC10 residues, likely important for protein-protein interactions, disrupts this association. We conclude that LRRC10 is a novel and essential regulator of the LTCC function in ventricular myocytes.
Seed preparation diminishes cache loss in least chipmunks

Abstract Recent work with least chipmunks, Neotamias minimus, has identified a novel seed preparation process. N. minimus begins by hulling seeds and then creating a thick saliva-coated cluster that hardens once expelled. Scattered and undefended, these “bolus” caches are at risk for theft. However, the behaviors involved in the creation of a bolus may confer protection against such pilferage. In a series of laboratory experiments with sunflower seeds, we found that both the hulling and saliva-clumping processes significantly reduced pilfering of these caches by conspecifics and a competitor, Tamias striatus, under 3 cache depth conditions.