cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of dietary energy density and lysine:calorie ratio on growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing-finishing pigs.

We conducted two experiments to evaluate the effects of dietary energy density and lysine:calorie ratio on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing and finishing pigs. In Exp. 1, 80 crossbred barrows (initially 44.5 kg) were fed a control diet or diets containing 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, or 6.0% choice white grease (CWG). All diets contained 3.2 and 2.47 g of lysine/Mcal ME during growing (44.5 to 73 kg) and finishing (73 to 104 kg), respectively. Increasing energy density did not affect overall ADG; however, ADFI decreased and feed efficiency (Gain:feed ratio; G:F) increased (linear, P .10). Increasing energy density increased ADG and G:F and decreased ADFI of pigs from 29.5 to 72.6 kg (linear, P < .05). Increasing lysine:calorie ratio increased ADG and ADFI (linear, P < .01 and .07, respectively) but had no effect on G:F. From 72.6 to 90.7 kg, all pigs were fed the same diet containing .90% lysine and 2.72 g lysine/Mcal ME. Pigs previously fed with increasing lysine:calorie ratio had decreased (linear, P < .02) ADG and G:F. Also, pigs previously fed increasing CWG had decreased (linear, P < .03) ADG and ADFI. From 90.7 to 107 kg when all pigs were fed a diet containing .70% lysine and 2.1 g lysine/Mcal ME, growth performance was not affected by previous dietary treatment. Carcass characteristics were not affected by CWG or lysine:calorie ratio fed from 29.5 to 72.6 kg. Increasing the dietary energy density and lysine:calorie ratio improved ADG and G:F of growing pigs; however, pigs fed a low-energy diet or a low lysine:calorie ratio from 29 to 72 kg had compensatory growth from 72 to 90 kg.
The Revenge of Analog: Real Things and Why They Matter,

As digital technology has continued to revolutionize and disrupt human lives, books dealing with the ramifications of the digital world have become commonplace. The Revenge of Analog: Real Things a...
Climate, forest growing season, and evapotranspiration changes in the central Appalachian Mountains, USA.

Abstract We analyzed trends in climatologic, hydrologic, and growing season length variables, identified the important variables effecting growing season length changes, and evaluated the influence of a lengthened growing season on increasing evapotranspiration trends for the central Appalachian Mountains region of the United States. We generated three growing season length variables using remotely sensed GIMMS NDVI3g data, two variables from measured streamflow, and 13 climate parameters from gridded datasets. We included various climate, hydrology, and phenology explanatory variables in two applications of Principle Components Analysis to reduce dimensionality, then utilized the final variables in two Linear Mixed Effects models to evaluate the role of climate on growing season length and evapotranspiration. The results showed that growing season length has increased, on average, by ~22 days and evapotranspiration has increased up to ~12 mm throughout the region. The results also suggest that a suite of climatic variables including temperature, vapor pressure deficit, wind, and humidity are important in growing season length change. The climatic variables work synergistically to produce greater evaporative demand and atmospheric humidity, which is theoretically consistent with intensification of the water cycle and the Clausius-Clapeyron relation, which states that humidity increases nonlinearly by 7%/K. Optimization of the evapotranspiration model was increased by the inclusion of growing season length, suggesting that growing season length is partially responsible for variations in evapotranspiration over time. The results of this research imply that a longer growing season has the potential to increase forest water cycling and evaporative loss in temperate forests, which may lead to decreased freshwater provisioning from forests to downstream population centers. Additionally, results from this study provide important information for runoff and evapotranspiration modelling and forest water management under changing climate.
Association between Uterine Tachysystole during the Last Hour of Labor and Cord Blood Lactate in Parturients at Term Gestation

Objective To assess whether uterine tachysystole (UT) in labor causes an increase in cord blood lactate. Study Design Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of all consecutive singleton gestations ≥ 37 weeks admitted for labor to a single tertiary care institution with universal cord gas policy. Patients with UT in the last hour (“always”) were compared with those without UT (“never”). Primary outcome of interest was cord blood lactate ≥ 4 mmol/L. Secondary outcomes included pH ≤ 7.10, base deficit ≥ 8 mmol/L, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the risk for elevated cord blood lactate after adjusting for maternal age and body mass index. Results Of the 8,580 patients included in the analysis, 513 experienced UT 1 hour before delivery (5.9%). UT was significantly associated with elevated cord blood lactate in the “always” (33.5%) compared with the “never” group (26%) (adjusted odds ratio 1.47 [1.17, 1.86]; p Conclusion UT in the last hour preceding delivery increases arterial cord blood lactate suggesting that UT proximate to delivery should be considered as a variable when interpreting cord blood gas values.
Faculty Members and College Counseling: Utility of The REDFLAGS Model

A growing body of literature has established outreach, education, and consultation with counseling referral agents as a key role of college counseling practitioners. The aims of the present study w...
Reflection-In-Action in Land Use Planning: Can We Do Better?

ABSTRACTThe current wedge between planning education and practice on one hand, and planners’ crisis of identity on the other, call for developing more integrative teaching strategies with measurabl...
Predictors for the extent of pial collateral recruitment in acute ischemic stroke.

BackgroundPial arterioles can provide a variable degree of collateral flow to ischemic vascular territories during acute ischemic stroke. This study sought to identify predictive factors of the deg...
DEMENTIA CARE PROVIDERS’ PRACTICES, ATTITUDES, AND KNOWLEDGE IN TREATING LGBT COMMUNITIES

Introduction Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults face risk factors known to increase cognitive impairment and dementias such as social isolation, discrimination, poor health accessibility, limited social support and caregivers, and higher rates of chronic medical conditions. Although data is sparse, there is some research to suggest that LGBT older adults who are more depressed and/or with functional impairments have high subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Thus it is imperative that dementia care providers understand the unique associations between demographic factors, dementia risk factors, other health and psychosocial factors, and SCD among the LGBT community. Methods The 18-item LGBT Development of Clinical Skills Scale (LGBT-DOCSS) is an interdisciplinary self-assessment for healthcare providers. Past research has revealed a three-factor structure (i.e., 7 clinical preparedness items, 7 attitudinal awareness items, and 4 basic knowledge items) with each subscale averaged on a 7-point Likert scale. Additionally, the LGBT-DOCSS has strong internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity. While the LGBT-DOCSS has not never been used specifically for dementia care providers, its interdisciplinary utility is promising. Results Majority of respondents (N=25) were middle-aged (M=43.84, SD=9.22) and identified as male (52%), heterosexual (88%), and Caucasian (84%). Majority had an Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree (92%) and practiced in a variety of specialties including psychiatry (48%), neurology (24%), and geriatrics (16%) for several years (M=12.24, SD=9.71). Preliminary data suggest that while dementia care providers have moderate clinical preparedness (M=4.79, SD=1.35) and knowledge (M=4.83, SD=1.13), they have very high affirming attitudes (M=6.63, SD=0.85) about the LGBT population (Table 1). In particular, providers endorsed significantly less adequate clinical training (t(24)=-4.80, p Conclusions In this study, dementia care providers endorse only moderate clinical preparedness and knowledge about LGBT healthcare, especially transgender-specific care. Yet they do endorse strong positive attitudes about the LGBT population, which may invite an avenue to translate this appreciation into improvement (e.g., through patient panels and cultural competency training). This study will continue to collect data from many more dementia care providers across the country over the next year in order to evaluate LGBT-DOCSS scores as well as assess how these scales differ across various demographics. This knowledge will not only further the scope of knowledge and appreciation for dementia diversity research but also reveal potential gaps in cultural competency and the need for growth among dementia care professionals. This research was funded by: Not Applicable
A ticking clock for B cell tumors

Tumor-specific changes in DNA methylation are both acquired actively through transcription-coupled processes and passively accumulated over time. Analysis across B cell malignancies now shows that these changes provide insight into the cellular origin as well as the proliferative history of tumors and thereby have diagnostic value and prognostic value, respectively.
The Role of Anesthetic Management in Surgical Site Infections After Pediatric Intestinal Surgery

Structured Summary Background Although surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a significant health care issue, a limited number of studies have analyzed risk factors for SSIs in children, particularly the role of intraoperative anesthetic management. Pediatric patients are less likely to have major adult risk factors for SSIs such as smoking and diabetes. Thus children may be more suitable as a cohort for examining the role of intraoperative anesthetics in SSIs. Aim We examined an association between SSI incidence and anesthetic management in children who underwent elective intestinal surgery in a single institution. Methods We performed a retrospective study of 621 patients who underwent elective intestinal surgery under general anesthesia between January 2017 and September 2019, with primary outcome as the incidence of SSIs. We compared patients who were dichotomized in accordance with the median of the sevoflurane dose. We used propensity score (PS) pairwise matching of these patients to avoid selection biases. PS matching yielded 204 pairs of patients. Results We found that higher doses of sevoflurane were associated with a higher incidence of SSIs (9.8% versus 3.9%, P = 0.019). We adjusted for intraoperative factors that were not included in the PS adjustment factors, and multivariate regression analysis after PS matching showed compatible results (odds ratio: 2.58, 95% confidence interval: 1.11-6.04, P = 0.028). Conclusions Higher doses of sevoflurane are associated with increased odds of SSIs after pediatric elective intestinal surgery. A randomized controlled study of volatile anesthetic-based versus intravenous anesthetic-based anesthesia will be needed to further determine the role of anesthetic drugs in SSI risk.
Rifampin, Rifapentine, and Rifabutin Are Active against Intracellular Periprosthetic Joint Infection-Associated Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a major cause of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI); its intracellular persistence within osteoblasts may compromise therapy if that therapy is not intracellularly active. The intracellular activity of rifampin, rifapentine, and rifabutin was assessed against five rifampin-susceptible and two rifampin-resistant S. epidermidis isolates. Compared to no treatment, treatment resulted in a ≥2-fold log10 reduction of intracellular rifampin-susceptible, but not rifampin-resistant S. epidermidis These findings show activity of rifampin, rifapentine, and rifabutin against intra-osteoblast PJI-associated S. epidermidis.
Stress-Buffering Role of Social Support during COVID-19

In order to reduce the high infection rate of COVID-19, individuals began to engage in self-isolation amid a time of uncertainty and worry. Given that social support can be protective against the negative effects of distress on mental and physical health, the lack of support may negatively impact individuals during their self-isolation. Thus, the current study examined the role of self-isolation on feelings of stress, the perception and reception of social support, and mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 405 college students were asked to report on the amount of self-isolation in which they were engaging, worry about COVID-19, psychological health, and received and perceived social support. Results indicated that when the length of time in self-isolation was taken into account, perceived social support buffered the connection between worry about COVID-19 and psychological health. These results indicate that social support, worry about COVID-19, and self-isolation may influence individuals' psychological health during times of stress.
Experiences of educators who identify as lesbian, gay, and bisexual.

The focus of the phenomenological qualitative study was on the lived experiences of U.S. educators who identified as lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB). Life story data regarding stress, coping, and ...
Performance of decoupled electroaerodynamic thrusters

Solid-state aerodynamic devices, which use electroaerodynamics (EAD) to produce a propulsive force, have the potential to make drones and airplanes significantly quieter and may provide benefits in sustainability and manufacturability. In these devices, ions are accelerated between two electrodes by an electric field, colliding with neutral air molecules and producing an ionic wind and a thrust force. The authors' previous work showed that a “decoupled” device architecture, which separates the ionization and ion acceleration processes, can increase thrust density and thrust-to-power compared to the prevailing corona-discharge-based EAD architecture, which uses a single DC potential for both processes. However, the discharge characteristics of this decoupled architecture have not been previously determined. Here, we experimentally characterize a decoupled EAD thruster with a wire-to-wire dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) ion source: an AC voltage drives the DBD, which ionizes neutral air molecules at the emitting electrode, while a separate DC voltage accelerates ions toward the collecting electrode. We determine the discharge characteristics (i.e., the DC-current-to-DC-voltage relationship) of this decoupled thruster as well as a model for the interaction between the ionization and acceleration stages: we find that the former takes the same functional form as the analytical solution for space-charge limited current in a thin collisional ion channel, whereas the latter is determined primarily by the power draw of the DBD ionization stage. We present a complete model for the thrust and power draw of decoupled EAD thrusters, enabling their quantitative design and optimization for use in aircraft propulsion and other applications.
Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cavities: Primary or Secondary?

Although non-small-cell lung cancer occasionally presents as cavitary lesions, it is rare for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) to present or progress in such a manner. If a cavitary lesion is seen in the setting of small-cell lung carcinoma, infectious etiologies must be excluded first. We present the case of a 43-year-old man with refractory SCLC that progressed despite two lines of therapy, and who was ultimately found to have recurrent adenopathy and numerous widespread cavitary lung nodules. Fine-needle aspiration of a hilar lymph node revealed extensively necrotic SCLC, while bronchoalveolar cultures grew Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans. The patient was subsequently treated with voriconazole; however, despite these measures, his overall clinical course deteriorated and the patient ultimately succumbed to his illness. Aspergillosis is a major cause of cavitary lung lesions, especially in immunocompromised patients. Our patient with refractory stage four SCLC was found to have several cavitary lung lesions. Before assuming that cavitary lesions are neoplastic, evaluation for aspergillosis should be conducted, particularly in SCLC patients. Although invasive fungal infections are often missed, it may be prudent to conduct such testing because aspergillosis is a treatable condition and the treatment can improve a patient's hospitalization and overall clinical course.
Torsional wave focusing in cylindrical structures with the conformal gradient-index phononic crystal lens

We present torsional wave focusing in cylindrical structures integrated with conformal gradient-index phononic crystal (GRIN-PC) lenses. The mechanical lens modifies the refractive characteristics of propagating waves along the axial direction such that the torsional wave energy focuses at a desired point with an increased amplitude. In this paper, our main goal is to exploit the GRIN-PC concept for amplification of the fundamental torsional wave mode, namely, T(0,1), which is especially favorable in the guided wave ultrasonic testing of pipelines and can extend important structural information over long-range pipelines. To this end, we first study d35 piezoelectric transducer arrays through multiphysics simulations coupling piezoelectric and solid mechanics models and determine the optimal number of transducers to achieve the excitation of torsional plane wave. Two-dimensional Fourier transform as well as the tangential displacement histories around the pipe circumference at various axial positions verify the pure T(0,1) excitation, which is validated with experiments. Next, we design, fabricate, and numerically and experimentally study the conformal GRIN-PC for T(0,1) mode focusing in a range of ultrasonic frequencies, from 30 to 50 kHz. Measurements show that the amplitude of the torsional wave mode is amplified by 39% at the focal point with the presence of the GRIN-PC lens.
Do Rural Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships Impact Choice of Residency Type and/or Permanent Community Practice in Surgery?

Purpose: Rural general surgery experiences during medical school appear to have influenced the decision of prospective general surgery applicants to pursue residency programs that provide rural surgery opportunities. This is an analysis of a single cohort, rural-focused, longitudinal integrated clerkship to determine if there is an association between type of residency program and completion of a rural-focused longitudinal integrated clerkship. Methods: An institutional database of de-identified, self-reported data was reviewed to identify rural-focused longitudinal integrated clerkship alumni who matched into a surgical residency program. Findings: Of the seventy-five alumni who chose a surgical residency program, 40 (53.3%) matched into a university-affiliated residency program, and 32 (42.6%) matched into an independent-academic program. There was no association between type of residency program and completion of a rural-focused longitudinal integrated clerkship. Conclusions: A rural-focused longitudinal integrated clerkship can help increase the rural physician workforce within both the state and region of the sponsoring institution. To facilitate heightened interest in rural general surgery, these types of programs should continue to be promoted.
Adaptive Behaviors, Evolution, and Ethnicity

In many ways the interpretations presented here of the archaeological record and its environmental contexts are based upon what are often seen as distinct—some even would argue oppositional—lines of inquiry. One thrust of the study traces the cultural history of this mountainous region along the southern edge of the Jordanian Plateau over a temporal sweep of some 70,000 years. Building upon information generated by this cultural history in the context of related natural and environmental evidence, certain ecologic patterns of the region’s prehistoric inhabitants are explored. Moreover, when examined diachronically, many of these patterns provide clues to understanding some of the cultural evolutionary trends of the region. This study thus incorporates by design a descriptive, cultural historic component and an explanatory, processual one.
The Status of Olefin-SO 2 Copolymers as Biomaterials

In the late sixties a new series of low cost monomers were commercially introduced as an industry response to the ban on non-biodegradable (hard) detergents. These linear alpha-olefins were available as individual monomers in the even-number C10 to C18series. When sulfonated these olefins yielded biodegradable surface active materials. Later these heretofore rare olefins were used as a base for the manufacture of synthetic lubricants with a projected industry capacity of twelve million gallons in 1985 (1).
A Family of the ODMG Object Models

A family of the ODMG Object Models is proposed as a solution to the problems of the ODMG Standard related to the type systems, the modelo f persistence, and the model semantics. This family is intended to replace the existing single and inadequate ODMG Object Model. Unlike the ODMG Standard, all the models in this family are equipped with orthogonal persistence. The most basic model in the family corresponds to the Java™ programming language. A strictly more sophisticated modelfeat ures the form of parametric polymorphism suitable for object-oriented database technology. The next model in the hierarchy is equipped with type-safe reflective capabilities. The most sophisticated model is enriched with a logic-based constraint language that is completely missing from the ODMG Standard. Each model in the family is well-defined and avoids the inconsistencies of the ODMG Object Model.
The impact of shifting cultivation on a rainforest landscape in West Kalimantan: spatial and temporal dynamics

To assess the role of shifting cultivation in the loss of rainforests in Indonesia, we examined the spatial and temporal dynamics of traditional land-use north of Gunung Palung National Park in West Kalimantan. We analyzed the abundance, size, frequency, and stature (by tree size) of discrete management units (patches) as a function of land-use category and distance from the village. Data were gathered from point samples along six 1.5-km transects through the landscape surrounding the Dayak village of Kembera. Most land was managed for rice, with 5p in current production, 12p in wet-rice fallows (regenerating swamp forest), and 62p in dry-rice fallows (regenerating upland forest). The proportion of land in dry-rice increased with distance from the village; rubber gardens (17p of the total area), dominated close to the village. The size of rubber trees declined with distance, reflecting the recent establishment of rubber gardens far from the village. Fruit gardens accounted for only 4p of the area. From interviews in Kembera and three other villages, we estimated rates of primary forest clearing and documented changes in land-use. Most rice fields were cleared from secondary forest fallows. However, 17p of dry-rice fields and 9p of wet-rice fields were cleared from primary forest in 1990, resulting in the loss of approximately 12 ha of primary forest per village. Almost all dry-rice fields cleared from primary forest were immediately converted to rubber gardens, as were 39p of all dry-rice fields cleared from fallows. The rate of primary forest conversion increased dramatically from 1990 to 1995, due not to soil degradation or population growth but rather to changes in the socio-economic and political environment faced by shifting cultivators. Although the loss of primary forest is appreciable under shifting cultivation, the impact is less than that of the major alternative land-uses in the region: timber extraction and oil palm plantations.
Scaling laws for the band gap and optical response of phosphorene nanoribbons

We report the electronic structure and optical absorption spectra of monolayer black phosphorus (phosphorene) nanoribbons (PNRs) via first-principles simulations. The band gap of PNRs is strongly enhanced by quantum confinement. However, differently orientated PNRs exhibit distinct scaling laws for the band gap vs the ribbon width $w$. The band gaps of armchair PNRs scale as $1/{w}^{2}$, while zigzag PNRs exhibit a $1/w$ behavior. These distinct scaling laws reflect a significant implication of the band dispersion of phosphorene: electrons and holes behave as nonrelativistic particles along the zigzag direction but resemble relativistic particles along the armchair direction. This unexpected merging of nonrelativistic and relativistic properties in a single material may produce novel electrical and magnetotransport properties of few-layer black phosphorus and its ribbon structures. Finally, the respective PNRs host electrons and holes with markedly different effective masses and optical absorption spectra, which are suitable for a wide range of applications.
Tree seedling establishment with protective shelters and irrigation scheduling in three naturalized landscapes in Utah

We investigated the effect of irrigation scheduling and tree shelters on survival and growth of nine tree species during first- year establishment in three naturalized Utah landscapes with divergent soil and climate. Seedlings of nine species were planted at h igh mountain [MTN; 2180 m (7150 ft)], mountain foothills [FTH; 1350 m (4430 ft)], and alkali desert [DES; 1320 m (4330 ft)] sites. Half the trees at each site were enclosed with transluscent plastic shelters after planting, and all trees were irrigated when water loss, estimated from local evapotranspiration, depleted plant-available soil water. Tree condition was rated through the growing seas on, water potential was measured once in late season to assess plant water status, and the number of surviving trees were counted. Despite irrigation, tree condition at the DES and FTH sites declined through the growing season but remained high at the MTN site, resu lting in final survival of 35%, 25% and 80%, respectively. The effect of shelters on survival was minimal at all three sites. At the MTN site, however, sheltered trees were less water stressed despite receiving 60% less water than those without shelters. Protective shel ters and irrigation scheduling can benefit tree establishment in a naturalized landscape by reducing water stress provided soil and clim ate conditions do not inherently limit tree growth.
A Survey of Residents' Perceptions of the Effect of Large-Scale Economic Developments on Perceived Safety, Violence, and Economic Benefits.

Background. Emerging research highlights the promise of community- and policy-level strategies in preventing youth violence. Large-scale economic developments, such as sports and entertainment arenas and casinos, may improve the living conditions, economics, public health, and overall wellbeing of area residents and may influence rates of violence within communities. Objective. To assess the effect of community economic development efforts on neighborhood residents' perceptions on violence, safety, and economic benefits. Methods. Telephone survey in 2011 using a listed sample of randomly selected numbers in six Pittsburgh neighborhoods. Descriptive analyses examined measures of perceived violence and safety and economic benefit. Responses were compared across neighborhoods using chi-square tests for multiple comparisons. Survey results were compared to census and police data. Results. Residents in neighborhoods with the large-scale economic developments reported more casino-specific and arena-specific economic benefits. However, 42% of participants in the neighborhood with the entertainment arena felt there was an increase in crime, and 29% of respondents from the neighborhood with the casino felt there was an increase. In contrast, crime decreased in both neighborhoods. Conclusions. Large-scale economic developments have a direct influence on the perception of violence, despite actual violence rates.
Optimal searching algorithms for parallel-pipelined computers

A new class of optimal search algorithms is presented for the classical problem of searching an ordered list. The appropriate algorithm is selected as a function of the order, (s,p), of the target processor which may consist of p parallel processors each of which is an s level pipelined processor. The algorithms are structured according to a new integer series, the W-series. The algorithms include the binary search for processors of order (1,1), the Fibonacci search for processors of order (2,1), and well-known parallel searches for processors of order (1,p). Performance of the algorithms is evaluated. The algorithms are well-suited to computers with interleaved or parallel memory banks.
Single image based hazard detection for a planetary lander

Autonomously landing a spacecraft safety in a hazardous area on a planet is a critical mission goal. To help achieve this goal, we developed a fast algorithm to detect hazards on a planetary surface using a single image from a descent spacecraft camera. This paper proposes a general approach of segmentation and classification for hazard detection and describes all implementation of this approach. The implemented algorithm uses local intensity clustering to segment the image into regions and then classifies these regions as hazards or part of the surface. We tested our methodology using synthetic terrain images as well as real images.
Dual Cholinergic Control of Fast-Spiking Interneurons in the Neostriatum

GABAergic interneurons appear to play a fundamental role in the functioning of the neostriatum by modulating the spiking of striatal projection neurons with great efficacy. The powerful and strongly divergent output of the GABAergic interneurons neurons suggests that modulation of their activity may be particularly effective at controlling the functioning of the entire neostriatal circuitry. Acetylcholine is one of the main modulators of striatal functioning. The effects of acetylcholine on fast-spiking (FS) GABAergic interneurons were studied with whole-cell recording in an in vitro slice preparation. Acetylcholine exerted two distinct effects on fast-spiking interneurons. Acetylcholine directly depolarized FS interneurons by acting on nondesensitizing soma-dendritic nicotinic receptors. In addition, acetylcholine attenuated the GABAergic inhibition of projection neurons by fast-spiking interneurons through activation of presynaptic muscarinic receptors. It is suggested that the nicotinic excitation of FS interneurons may play an important role in translating the effect of the brief behaviorally contingent cessation of firing of the tonically active cholinergic interneurons to the output neurons of the neostriatum. In contrast, the muscarinic presynaptic inhibitory mechanism may be engaged primarily during longer-lasting elevations of extracellular acetylcholine levels.
The Impact of the Threat of Terrorism on U.S. District Court Decisions During Wartime

Federal courts are key actors in the U.S. government's fight against terrorism because they adjudicate cases based on the USA PATRIOT Act, and accordingly make national security policy. We examine the extent that the terror threat influences judicial decisions in a dataset of 111 USA PATRIOT Act cases decided in the U.S. District Courts from 2001 through 2013, while controlling for other judicial decision-making variables. The results demonstrate that when a case involves a heightened terror threat, federal judges are more likely to defer to the government. We also discuss significant political variables that influence federal district judges' decisions, including the ideology of the president at the time of the decision, the ideology of the Senate Judiciary Committee at the time of the decision, and the region in which the case occurs.
Methoprene and Temperature Effects on Caste Differentiation and Protein Composition in the Formosan Subterranean Termite, Coptotermes formosanus

The utilization of multiple castes is a shared feature of social insects. In termites, multiple extrinsic factors have been shown to impact caste differentiation; for example, increased temperature has been shown to increase soldier production. Also, application of exogenous methoprene has also been demonstrated to increase soldier production. The objective of this investigation was to examine and correlate the effects of temperature variation and methoprene treatments on termite caste differentiation, and identify the resulting changes in protein levels. Our results indicate that worker—to—soldier differentiation is modulated by temperature, where a greater number of soldiers developed at a higher rate at higher temperatures compared to lower temperatures. We analyzed total protein by sodium dodecyl sulfate Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and N-terminal sequencing and found several changes. Specifically, four proteins affected by temperature change were identified: Hexamerin-1, Hexamerin-2, Endo-beta 1,4 glucanase, and myosin. These proteins were further examined for their response to temperature, assay length (time), and exposure to the juvenile hormone analog methoprene. Hexamerin-1 protein showed a temperature—and assay length—dependent effect, while Hexamerin-2, Endo-beta 1, 4 glucanase, and myosin protein levels were all affected by temperature, assay length, and exposure to methoprene. Our analysis allows the correlation of temperature, assay length, and presence of methoprene with specific changes in protein levels that occur during caste differentiation. These results can be directly applied to better understand the complex developmental factors that control termite differentiation and guide the use of juvenile hormone analogs to maximize efficiency of termite eradication in the field.
Pastoral nomadic voices: a Mongolian archaeology for the future

Abstract To explore the question of why archaeology matters to society, this study turns to the recent attempt to promote economic development in the eastern steppe nation of Mongolia. The past two decades have witnessed transformation of Mongolia's largely pastoral-based economy and society according to models advocated by international development agencies and adopted by the Mongolian government. The preconceptions of nomadic pastoralism embedded in policy decisions and resource allocations are unsupportable given the archaeology, history and ethnography of the region. As a result of these embedded assumptions about nomads, Mongolia's transition to free market economics has been devastating for the rural sector. Given the unique time depth and variation available through the material record, I argue that archaeologists have a responsibility to apply their research and ask salient questions of narrowly conceived agendas for development. In Mongolia, archaeology and the material record matter because they...
Electronic delivery of software: implementation of a robust, effective solution

The University of Pittsburgh offers central software license and delivery services in three key areas: general site license and volume discount programs, licensed software for a distributed faculty desktop computing program, and a licensed software pool for student use in campus computing labs. The site license program covers some 500 software titles from 35 publishers. An addition 200 titles are licensed under concurrent license programs for the faculty computing program.Delivery of software under University license and other programs has historically required the duplication of media, which was then delivered to the end user. Rapid growth in the number of programs and software titles available under these programs resulted in the duplication or purchase of more than 45,000 CD's annually. Anti-piracy efforts by major software publishers have resulted in restrictions on the duplication and distribution of many software titles, particularly as programs have been extended to include distribution to students. Newer software agreements may not permit the physical distribution of software media.Past attempts to develop electronic software delivery mechanisms have met with limited success due to limitations of available technologies. Drive mapping methods were limited by client setup requirements and low user enthusiasm. Web-based methods often involved domain restrictions in order to prevent access by unauthorized users. The development and implementation of the University's central directory and centralized user authentication (LDAP) services, allowed for the implementation of a robust system providing user access to no-cost software packages based on affiliation and independent of the point of network attachment.This paper describes a web-based five campus system for electronic software distribution in detail and describes the system's ability to provide remote access to license-metered software titles available to faculty for remote use.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS IN ORION'S VEIL. III. UV IRON ABSORPTION LINES TOWARD Θ1B ORIONIS

We have used archival Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) data in the range 2100-2500 A toward the Trapezium star Θ1 B Orionis (HD 37021) to estimate the Fe column density and other parameters in the neutral Veil of Orion. The Veil lies 1-3 pc in front of the Orion H+ region, it has an estimated volume density of 102.5-3.5 cm–3, and its H° column density has been previously measured via the STIS-observed Lyα line. We find N(Fe)/N(H°) = 4.4 ± 1.3 × 10–7, implying a log depletion of –1.81 ± 0.13 relative to solar. Our estimate of N(Fe) comes from direct integration of the moderate optical depth Fe II λ2249 and λ2260 lines. From this analysis, we are also able to estimate empirically new values for the oscillator strengths of the low optical depth Fe II λ2234 and λ2367 lines. N(Fe)/N(H) in the Veil is consistent with the most recent estimates of this ratio for the main Orion H+ region. Therefore, there is no evidence that significant Fe has been released from grains into the gaseous state in the H+ region via grain destruction processes. The Fe/H ratio in the Veil is also comparable to other Fe/H measurements made in the diffuse interstellar medium for lower density gas. Therefore, the present result suggests that depletion is not strongly correlated with local gas density at least up to n ≈ 103 cm–3. Finally, we have identified several outlying velocity components in some of the Fe II line profiles, components that have been previously identified in optical Ca II and Na I line profiles. These outlying velocity components are probably small concentrations of cold neutral material lying tens of pc or more in front of the Veil and unrelated to it.
Hazard ratios in cancer clinical trials—a primer

The increase and diversity of clinical trial data has resulted in a greater reliance on statistical analyses to discern value. Assessing differences between two similar survival curves can pose a challenge for those without formal training in statistical interpretation; therefore, there has been an increased reliance on hazard ratios often to the exclusion of more-traditional survival measures. However, because a hazard ratio lacks dimensions it can only inform the reader about the reliability and uniformity of the data. It does not provide practitioners with quantitative values they can use, nor does it provide information they can discuss with patients. Motivated by a non-scientific poll of oncologists in training and those with board certification that suggested only a limited understanding of the derivation of hazard ratios we undertook this presentation of hazard ratios: a measure of treatment efficacy that is increasingly used and often misused.
Family things: Attending the household disbandment of older adults.

Abstract When adults move to smaller quarters in later life, family members become involved in the management and disposal of possessions—some cherished, some mundane. Interviews were conducted with 14 family members who had participated in a household disbandment by elders. This qualitative analysis describes the various tasks that were undertaken by family members; how family members asserted themselves in the process; how they were an outlet for possessions; the way that some possessions are shared; and implications for family's story about itself. Household disbandment is a field for all sorts of family practices that can be summarized along three continua that characterize (1) the receiving of goods, (2) the location of agency between elder and family members, and (3) family's self-understanding.
Artillery/mortar type classification based on detected acoustic transients

Feature extraction methods based on the statistical analysis of the change in event pressure levels over a period and the level of ambient pressure excitation facilitate the development of a robust classification algorithm. The features reliably discriminates mortar and artillery variants via acoustic signals produced during the launch events. Utilizing acoustic sensors to exploit the sound waveform generated from the blast for the identification of mortar and artillery variants as type A, etcetera through analysis of the waveform. Distinct characteristics arise within the different mortar/artillery variants because varying HE mortar payloads and related charges emphasize varying size events at launch. The waveform holds various harmonic properties distinct to a given mortar/artillery variant that through advanced signal processing and data mining techniques can employed to classify a given type. The skewness and other statistical processing techniques are used to extract the predominant components from the acoustic signatures at ranges exceeding 3000m. Exploiting these techniques will help develop a feature set highly independent of range, providing discrimination based on acoustic elements of the blast wave. Highly reliable discrimination will be achieved with a feed-forward neural network classifier trained on a feature space derived from the distribution of statistical coefficients, frequency spectrum, and higher frequency details found within different energy bands. The processes that are described herein extend current technologies, which emphasis acoustic sensor systems to provide such situational awareness.
Induction of mucosal and systemic immune responses by intranasal immunization using recombinant cholera toxin B subunit as an adjuvant

Intranasal (i.n.) immunization with Streptococcus mutans surface protein AgIII mixed with cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) containing a trace amount of cholera toxin (CT) induces strong immune responses in mucosal and systemic sites, but whether pure CTB alone has an adjuvant effect has been questioned. To determine the adjuvant effect of recombinant (r) CTB, mice were immunized with 10 μg of AgIII either mixed with or conjugated to 5 μg of rCTB, and antibody responses in saliva, nasal wash, gut wash, vaginal wash, and serum were assayed by ELISA. The results showed that AgIII either mixed with or conjugated to rCTB could induce both mucosal IgA and systemic IgG antibodies to higher levels than in mice similarly immunized with AgIII alone. Some responses, especially serum IgG antibodies, were enhanced by adding 5 μg of CT to the immunogen, whereas overall mice immunized with AgIII mixed with CTB contaminated with CT tended to generate the strongest mucosal IgA and serum IgG responses to AgIII. However, rCTB used as an adjuvant induced lower antibody responses against itself than CTB intentionally or inadvertently mixed with CT. These results show that rCTB can serve as an adjuvant for protein immunogens administered by the i.n. route.
Comments on “Some Realistic Modifications of Simple Climate Models"

Lindzen and Farrell (LF) in 1977 argued that the eddy diffusion is not a good parameterization of meridional heat flux in tropical latitudes and that model sensitivity could be altered drastically if a more 'realistic' (nondiffusive) parameterization of tropical transports were included. LF suggested modifications to the heat transport term in Budyko's (1969) zonal energy-balance climate model. The authors do not believe that the modifications suggested by LF are necessarily more realistic than the original formulation, and thus it is not believed that the quantitative results offered by LF can be demonstrated as more realistic than those they replace. Reasons for the belief are discussed.
Disaggregating immigration policy: The politics of skilled labor recruitment in the U.S.

Gary P. Freeman and David K. Hill argue that the U.S. system of multiple visa categories and the often distorting business interests behind these, point to a far from rational economic construction of policy. They indicate the difficulties of reform, even in the absence of strongly organized public opposition, and the degree to which path-dependence seems to determine overall outcomes in the policy process. Curiously, the authors suggest that highly skilled migration policy in the U.S. is a wholly self-contained national affair. National politics, rather than global economic pressures, drive the twists and turns of U.S. immigration policies, with key roles being played by high tech employers, professional associations, pro and anti-immigrant organizations, and even associations of immigration lawyers. There appears to be little space in their accounts for the kind of global legal/institutional influences signaled by WTO reforms or by the importance of global multinationals. Freeman and Hill offer useful analytical frameworks to differentiate between distinct forms of migration by technical workers, and the often contradictory state policies and the politics linked to them.
Optical Mirror-Mount Design and Philosophy

This paper highlights mirror-mounting philosophies, some present state-of-the-art mounting techniques, and a proposed mounting scheme for space application. Ideal mount-design objectives are listed as a design guide. The environmental design criteria for both earth and space applications are included in the discussion. The mounting techniques for earth applications include (1) three-point mount system, (2) more than three-point mount system, and (3) counterweight flotation mount system. The author proposes a mounting system consisting of a combination of a three-point support using spherical-ball-flexure straps and a uniform air pad for a large thin quartz mirror capable of being placed in orbit by a rocket.
Trade Reform in the CEMAC: Developments and Opportunities

This paper provides an update on the main elements of the reform agenda concerning the CEMAC trade regime as well as a tentative quantitative assessment of selected effects on tariff revenues and trade patterns. Notwithstanding data limitations, the key messages from the analysis are as follows. First, there is a need for a renewed political commitment to regional integration. In addition, key measures for improving compliance with the requirements for a customs union need to be introduced, including limiting tariff exemptions, phasing out remaining surcharges, strengthening the determination of products' country origin, and enhancing customs administration. There is also a need to improve transportation infrastructure and organization. Finally, there is a strong case for tariff reduction, with or without an EPA. Trade liberalization would help boost economic growth and poverty alleviation and limit risks of trade diversion with an EPA. Tariff reform should be complemented by improvements in domestic revenue mobilization.