cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cable-driven systems for robotic rehabilitation

Abstract Cable-driven systems are versatile, as they are inherently compliant to many types of human motion. Persons with impairments such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy have varied motor control pathologies that cannot always be accommodated by rigid-link exoskeletons due to the imposition of restraints on the user’s natural movement. The systems developed in the Robotics and Rehabilitation Laboratory offer cable-driven robotic solutions, adding negligible inertia and weight to the user, as well as applying robust and repeatable forces to achieve force assistance and trajectory adaptations with encouraging results from healthy and impaired individuals. Moreover, cable-driven robotic systems have an inherently adjustable workspace. This workspace depends upon the cable attachment points and the cable routing points, which allows forces to be applied in different directions and for different degrees-of-freedom depending on the requirements of the rehabilitative task. In this chapter, we go over the versatility of the parallel cable-driven systems developed at the Robotics and Rehabilitation Laboratory at Columbia University and highlight some of their applications in human movement training.
Recovery and Reuse of Composite Cathode Binder in Lithium Ion Batteries.

Here, we investigate the recovery and reuse of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binders from both homemade and commercial cathode films in Li ion batteries. We find that PVDF solubility depends on whether the polymer is an isolated powder or cast into a composite film. A mixture of tetrahydrofuran:N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (THF : NMP, 50 : 50 v/v) at 90 °C delaminates composite cathodes from Al current collectors and yields pure PVDF as characterized by 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). PVDF recovered from Li ion cells post-cycling exhibits similar performance to pristine PVDF. These data suggest that PVDF can be extracted and reused during Li ion battery recycling while simultaneously eliminating the formation of HF etchants, providing an incentive for use in direct cathode recycling.
Evolving role of FDG-PET imaging in the management of patients with gall bladder cancer and cholangiocarcinoma

1715 Objectives: There are limited number of reports in literature describing role FDG PET in the detection of the gall bladder cancer (GBCa) and cholangiocarcinoma initially and during the follow-up of these patients. The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of this technique to the management of patients with these cancers. Methods: Twenty-eight FDG-PET scans of 24 patients (mean age: 59.9 ±13.0; 16 F, 8 M) with GBCa and cholangiocarcinoma were retrospectively analyzed. Of the 28 studies, 8 were performed on the newly diagnosed GBCa and cholangiocarcinoma and were requested for staging the patients for metastasis while in 20 there was a suspicion of recurrence and/or distant metastases based on CT or MRI after the initial surgery and during the follow-up period. Whole body FDG-PET images were obtained approximately 60 minutes after the intravenous administration of FDG (5.2 MBq / kg of body weight). The degree of FDG uptake of the lesion was assessed by calculating the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax). The results were compared with the clinical follow-up and surgical results. Results: Of the 8 GBCa and cholangiocarcinoma lesions at the initial presentation, 6 were positive on PET and CT. The average SUVmax of the primary lesions detected was 4.8±1.1. CT demonstrated in 4 patients while PET showed in 3 nodal or distant metastases. The average SUVmax of the metastatic lesions was 5.1±1.8. On 20 follow-up PET scans, the presences of lymph node metastases were detected in 10 patients and distant metastases in 5 patients. The average SUVmax of the lymph node metastases was 5.0±1.6 and for other organ metastases was 4.4 ±1.5. On CT of these patients, the presence of lymph node metastases was detected in 7 patients and distant metastases in 5 patients. PET was positive for metastases for the 2 lesions that could not be differentiated from postoperative chances on CT. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that PET has similar results to those of the CT for detecting primary GBCa and cholangiocarcinoma. However, in follow-up period, PET is more sensitive than CT for the detection of metastatic disease and complements the latter modality in the management of these patients.
Population-based drug repurposing to treat thrombosis in COVID-19 patients

Introduction: Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have an increased risk of thrombosis. Our objective is to obtain population-level treatment effects of drugs on treating thrombosis in COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of Optum electronic health records (EHRs) with 34,043 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We identified case-patient with thrombosis (stroke, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and myocardial infarction) using PheWas codes. The propensity score matching was used to select comparable control patients who survived without any thrombosis based on demographics and admission status (temperature and SpO2 level). We computed the average treatment effect (ATT) for medication using advanced inverse propensity score weighting based on pre-treatment conditions (i.e., comorbidities in the last 6 months and medications in the last 2 months before hospitalization). Results: We identified 2,446 case-patients with thrombosis and 5,020 comparable control patients. There were a total of 540 drugs that were administered in at least 80 patients. We calculated the 540 drugs' ATT coefficient. As a result, 23 drugs had a positive ATT coefficient with a p-value of less than 0.05. After filtering out commonly prescribed symptomatic drugs (e.g., Acetaminophen, Guaifenesin, and Ondansetron), we highlight the following drugs with statistically significant treatment effects: Atorvastatin (ATT=0.34), Ceftriaxone (ATT=0.26), Levothyroxine (ATT=0.26), Albuterol (ATT=0.25), Azithromycin (ATT=0.23), Enoxaparin (ATT=0.20), and Metformin (ATT=0.20). Conclusions: In this preliminary work, we identified anti-thrombotic drugs (Enoxaparin) but also anti-inflammatory drugs (Atorvastatin, Metformin) and possibly antibiotics that have a significant treatment effect in COVID-19 patients that could reduce risk of thrombosis. We also observed that several anti-thrombotic drugs (Apixaban and Ticagrelor) had negative treatment effects, which was partly due to an imbalance in pre-treatment conditions. Our future work is to incorporate more extensive data (such as lab tests and vital signs) into the propensity scores to better capture the severity of admission status.
EPR of a VO 2 + -doped Mg( ND 4 ) 2 ( SO 4 ) 2 ⋅ 6 D 2 O single crystal: Origin of superhyperfine interaction in VO 2 + -doped hydrated Tutton salts

X-band (\ensuremath{\sim}9.5 GHz) EPR measurements have been carried out on a single crystal of ${\mathrm{VO}}^{2+}$-doped deuterated Tutton salt, Mg(${\mathrm{ND}}_{4}$${)}_{2}$(${\mathrm{SO}}_{4}$${)}_{2}$\ensuremath{\cdot}${6\mathrm{D}}_{2}$O (MDSD), in the temperature range 113\char21{}410 K. A comparison of EPR spectra of ${\mathrm{VO}}^{2+}$-doped MDSD with those in the hydrated Tutton salts M(${\mathrm{NH}}_{4}$${)}_{2}$(${\mathrm{SO}}_{4}$${)}_{2}$\ensuremath{\cdot}${6\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O (M=Cd, Mg, Zn) confirms that the ${\mathrm{VO}}^{2+}$ superhyperfine splittings in the hydrated samples are, indeed, due to the interaction between the unpaired electron of the ${\mathrm{VO}}^{2+}$ ion and the ligand protons in the [VO(${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O${)}_{5}$${]}^{2+}$ complex.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Tobacco Use and Cessation Services among Individuals in Substance Use Treatment.

Few studies explore racial/ethnic disparities in tobacco use and access to cessation services among people with substance use disorders (SUD). We collected data from Hispanics (n = 255), non-Hispanic Whites (n = 195), and non-Hispanic Blacks (n = 126) across 24 Californian residential SUD treatment programs. Data were analyzed via regression models adjusting for demographics, cigarettes per day, past quit attempts, intent to quit in the next 30 days, and physical health status. Non-Hispanic Whites smoked at a higher rate (68.7%) than both Hispanics (54.9%) and non-Hispanic Blacks (55.6%) and smoked more cigarettes per day (M = 11.2, SD = 6.5). Hispanics were more likely than non-Hispanic Whites to receive a referral to a cessation specialist (adjusted odds ratio; AOR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.15, 4.78) and tobacco-cessation counseling (AOR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.28, 5.62). Non-Hispanic Blacks were also more likely than non-Hispanic Whites to receive cessation counseling (AOR = 3.61, 95% CI = 1.01, 12.87) and NRT/pharmacotherapy (AOR = 2.65, 95% CI = 1.57, 4.47). Despite their decreased smoking prevalence and severity, REMs were accessing smoking cessation services while in treatment, suggesting that SUD treatment could serve as a place to address tobacco-related racial inequities.
Cloning of kappa opioid receptors: Functional significance and future directions

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the molecular and anatomical studies of kappa receptors, a class of opioid receptors that mediates unique and distinctive functions, including the modulation of drinking, eating, gut motility, temperature control, and various endocrine functions. Kappa agonists are useful clinical compounds as neuroprotective agents and as antinociceptive drugs with little drug-abuse liability although they have been reported to produce negative subjective effects. In some instances, the excessive activation of kappa receptors has been deemed harmful, and the use of specific kappa antagonists has been put forth as clinically useful (for example, in trauma or spinal cord injury). To understand the functions of this interesting class of receptors, it is important to first place them in the context of the entire opioid system to which they belong.
Assessing the predictability of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation and associated fingerprints

[1] The North Atlantic is among the few places where decadal climate variations are considered potentially predictable. The physical mechanisms of the decadal variability are hypothesized to be associated with fluctuations of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC). Perfect model predictability experiments using the GFDL CM2.1 climate model are analyzed to investigate the potential predictability of the AMOC. Results indicate that the AMOC is predictable up to 20 years. We further connect AMOC predictability to readily observable fields. We show that modeled surface and subsurface signatures of AMOC variations defined by characteristic patterns of sea surface height, subsurface temperature, and upper ocean heat content anomalies, have a potential predictability similar to the AMOC's. Since we have longer observational records for these quantities than for direct measurements of the AMOC, our study highlights a potentially new promising method for monitoring AMOC variations, and hence assessing the predictability of the real climate system.
Fragmentation of the Intellectual Structure of Political Communication Study: Some Empirical Evidence

This study applies a method of author co-citation analysis to examine the intellectual structure of political communication study. Fifty one influential authors were selected from active members of the Political Communication Divisions of the International Communication Association (ICA), the National Communication Association (NCA), and the American Political Science Association (APSA). The results of the multidimensional scaling analysis and cluster analysis of these 51 selected authors' co-citation patterns show that intellectual fragmentation exists in political communication research; scholars with different academic backgrounds exhibit specialties using particular research approaches to study certain subjects in the field; scholars do not have much information exchange, and thus they are intellectually separate and confined within the boundaries of each fragment. The findings of this quantitative study complements and cross-validates the assessment made by other traditional qualitative reviews about the field.
Acute hypercarbia increases the lower limit of cerebral blood flow autoregulation in a porcine model

Objectives: In the present study, our objective was to determine if hypercarbia would alter cerebral blood flow (CBF) autoregulation and reduce the ability of cerebrovascular reactivity monitoring to identify the lower limit of cerebrovascular autoregulation (LLA).Methods: Anaesthetised juvenile pigs were assigned between two groups: normocarbia (control group, n = 10) or hypercarbia [high carbon dioxide (CO2) group, n = 8]. Normocarbia subjects were maintained with an arterial CO2 of 40 Torr, while the hypercarbia subjects had an increase of inspired CO2 to achieve an arterial pCO2 of >80 Torr. Gradual hypotension was induced by continuous haemorrhage from a catheter in the femoral vein, and the LLA was determined by monitoring cortical laser Doppler flux (LDF). Vascular reactivity monitoring was performed using the pressure reactivity index (PRx) and haemoglobin volume index (HVx).Results: There were no sustained differences in ICP between groups. Autoregulation was present in both groups, despite eleva...
Development of finite ground coplanar (FGC) waveguide 90 degree crossover junctions with low coupling

Microwave and millimeter-wave integrated circuits and distribution networks often require two transmission lines to cross over each other. In this paper, experimental measurements and 3D-Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) analysis are used to characterize Coplanar Waveguide (CPW) and Finite Ground Coplanar (FGC) waveguide crossover junctions for the first time. It is shown that FGC crossover junctions have approximately 15 dB lower coupling than CPW crossover junctions with no degradation in return and insertion loss.
Minimal preferences on lotteries

Abstract Several important implications of the von Neumann-Morgenstern preference axioms follow from significantly weaker and psychologically more realistic assumptions. Four axioms that use convex linear combinations of probability distributions are discussed and criticized. Two of these, which permit indifference to be intransitive and do not imply a dilution form of the sure-thing principle, imply that the set of most preferred distributions includes at least one distribution that has probability 1 for a basic outcome and that every distribution not in the most preferred set is less preferred than some distribution in the most preferred set. Comparisons are made with previous weakenings of the von Neumann-Morgenstern axioms. The basic outcome set is assumed to be finite.
Separation of aminoacyl-transfer RNAs by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

Abstract A polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis system for separating E. coli tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNAs is described. The tRNA was separated into 6 discrete bands which contained varyin aamounts of tRNA and therefore varying numbers of tRNA species. In order to locate specific tRNAs, tRNA was charged with a 14C amino acid and the aminoacyl-tRNA was located by autoradiography. With several amino acids, 2 isoaccepting species were found. In total, 30 aminoacyl-tRNAs were located.
Initiation and propagation of stage-I cracks in copper single crystals under load control

Abstract The initiation and propagation of stage-I cracks determine the magnitude of the life in copper single crystals as the transition to stage-II behavior heralds the advent of fracture. The behavior of initiation and propagation of stage-I cracks under strain control is well understood. However, the PSB behavior and consequently the behavior of the stage-I cracks under load control is significantly different and requires an understanding before a unified methodology for predicting fatigue lives of copper single crystals based on the physics of the kinetics of stage-I crack growth can be developed. Stage-I cracks are found to nucleate in PSBs under load control. However, unlike in strain control, these cracks are almost exclusively found in micro PSBs. The cracks then grow along the PSBs with the occasional crack ‘skipping’ on a secondary slip system to an adjacent PSB. These cracks also show a tendency, similar to that in strain control, to ‘rob’ adjacent PSBs of strain and halt the growth of cracks in those PSBs. The extent of this ‘strain robbing’ region under load control is not known. The growth kinetics of the population of the cracks can be modeled as a function of the cumulative strain and leads to a Coffin Manson equation for predicting the fatigue life. It is seen that this Coffin Manson equation provides a lower bound for the fatigue life of the copper single crystals.
Interstate migration: a test of competing interpretations.

This study presents a model of net interstate migration in the United States during the 1970s. Of 5 composite dimensions derived from an exploratory factor analysis of 20 candidate predictors of interstate migration the greatest predictive power in an ordinary least squares regression analysis is attained by a set of quality-of-life correlates of migration. Composites of fiscal policy and labor relations variables more controllable by public decisionmakers are also significant. (EXCERPT)
Noetherian Domains Inside a Homomorphic Image of a Completion

Abstract Over the past 60 years, important examples of Noetherian domains have been constructed using power series, homomorphic images, and intersections. In these constructions it is often crucial that the resulting domain is computable as a directed union. In this article we analyse this construction and show that the Noetherian property for the associated directed union is equivalent to a flatness condition. Let R be a Notherian integral domain with fraction field L . Let x be a nonzero nonunit of R and let R * denote the ( x )-adic completion of R . Suppose I is an ideal of R * with the property p ∩ R = (0) for each p ∈ Ass( R */ I ). Theorem . The embedding R ↪ ( R */ I ) x is flat if and only if A ≔ L ∩ ( R */ I ) is Noetherian and is realizable as a localization of a subring of R x = R [1/ x ]. We present several examples where this flatness condition holds; one of these examples is a local Noetherian domain that is not universally catenary, but has geometrically regular formal fibers.
ATTITUDES TOWARD INTERGENERATIONAL EXCHANGES AMONG ADMINISTRATORS IN CHILD AND ADULT DAY CARE CENTERS

Previous attitudinal research regarding age has focused solely on adults’ attitudes toward children or, more commonly, societal attitudes toward older adults. This study examines a new area of attitudinal research, factors that affect attitudes toward intergenerational exchanges (events) involving young children and older adults. Child and adult daycare professionals were selected as the study group because their practice settings are increasingly popular, contemporary environments for intergenerational exchanges between these two intergenerational partners. The results of regression analyses demonstrate that administrators’ attitudes are positively affected by contact with existing intergenerational programming and suggest that future administrators’ attitudes may be positively influenced by exposure to intergenerational programs while in graduate and undergraduate programs.
Short-term exposure to lipopolysaccharide is associated with microvascular contractile dysfunction in vivo

The purpose of this study was to determine whether short-term exposure of resistance arterioles to lipopolysaccharide in situ is associated with changes in vasomotor tone. Using intravital microscopy, we found that suffusion of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (3 μg/ml) over hamster cheek pouch arterioles for l h was associated with a significant immediate biphasic response: vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation (p < 0.05). The former was attenuated by indomethacin, and the latter by SK&F 108566, a selective, non-peptide angiotensin II receptor antagonist (p < 0.05). The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, NG-L-nitro arginine, had no significant effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced responses. Allopurinol, a scavenger of reactive oxygen species, significantly attenuated lipopolysaccharide-induced vasodilation. Acetylcholine- and nitroglycerin-induced vasodilation were significantly potentiated after lipopolysaccharide. These responses were recorded in the absence of any significant changes in systemic arterial blood pressure. Collectively, these data suggest that short-term exposure of the peripheral microcirculation to lipopolysaccharide in situ is associated with an ischemia-reperfusion-like injury. These changes may contribute to end organ failure observed several hours after exposure to lipopolysaccharide.
Charisma: orchestrating migratable parallel objects

The parallel programming paradigm based on migratable objects, as embodied in Charm++, improves programmer productivity by automating resource management. The programmer decomposes an application into a large number of parallel objects, while an intelligent run-time system assigns those objects to processors. It migrates objects among processors to effect dynamic load balance and communication optimizations. In addition, having multiple sets of objects representing distinct computations leads to improved modularity and performance. However, for complex applications involving many sets of objects, Charm++'s programming model tends to obscure the global flow of control in a parallel program: One must look at the code of multiple objects to discern how the multiple sets of objects are orchestrated in a given application. In this paper, we present Charisma, an orchestration notation that allows expression of Charm++ functionality without fragmenting the expression of control flow. Charisma separates expression of parallelism, including control flow and macro data-flow, from sequential components of the program. The sequential components only consume and publish data. Charisma expression of multiple patterns of communication among message-driven objects. A compiler generates Charm++ communication and synchronization code via static dependence analysis. As Charisma out puts standard Charm++ code, the functionality and performance benefits of the adaptive run-time system, such as automatic load balancing, are retained. In the paper, we show that Charisma programs scale up to 1024 processors without introducing undue overhead.
The Earliest Chemical Dust Evolution in the Solar Nebula

Abstract The astrophysical aspects of the evolutionary path from dust to planets have been known for a long time but it was only recently that it could be followed by astronomical observations (Hubble Space Telescope). It was also recently that the mineral and chemical properties of dust around young starsqu in different stage of stellar evolution could be determined (the Infrared Space Observatory). Dust around these stars, including Vega-type stars that serve as an analog for the solar nebula, was identified as pure Mg-silicates (forsteriteenstatite), Fe-bearing and pure-Fe amorphous ‘silicates’, silica, Fe-metal, Fe-oxides (possibly Fe-sulfides) amorphous carbon and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. They are the same phases that make up the aggregate and cluster interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) collected in the lower stratosphere. Recent vapor phase condensation experiments showed that the original condensates were mostly amorphous, chemically ordered, metastable eutectic ‘FeSiO’, ‘MgSiO’and ferromagnesiosilica ‘silicate’dust from which the observed non-carbon mineralogy could have evolved during hierarchical dust accretion in the solar nebula. The hypothesis of hierarchical dust accretion uses the size distributions for the surprisingly limited number of non-chondritic dust types in aggregate and cluster IDPs as a measure of relative time. It predicts the accretion of gradually larger, relatively younger, dust aggregates with increasingly diverse chemical and mineral properties of increasingly larger crystalline grains that evolved from initially mostly amorphous dust. This early chemical and mineral dust evolution can be traced in the collected aggregate and in larger cluster IDPs and in even larger aggregate meteoroids that burn up during atmospheric entry flash-heating but whereof the resulting meteors contain information on the chemistry, grain size and texture of the original dust. These aggregate particles were protected against post-accretion, thermal or aqueous dust modification of the original presolar dust and the evolved mineralogy and chemistry during cold-storage inside icy protoplanets such as comet nuclei. The interplanetary dust particles provide ground truth to the properties and modification of the presolar dust in dense molecular clouds wherein stars, such as our sun, were born.
Ternary and Quaternary Interdiffusion in γ (fcc) Fe-Ni-Cr-X (X = Si, Ge) Alloys at 900°C

Interdiffusion in Fe-Ni-Cr (fcc γ phase) alloys with small additions of Si and Ge at 900°C was studied using solid-to-solid diffusion couples. Alloy rods of Fe-24 at.%Ni, Fe-24 at.%Ni- 22at.%Cr, Fe-24 at.%Ni-22at.%Cr-4at.%Si and Fe-24 at.%Ni-22at.%Cr-1.7at.%Ge were cast using arc-melt, and homogenized at 900°C for 168 hours. Sectioned alloy disks from the rods were polished, and diffusion couples were assembled with in Invar steel jig, encapsulated in Argon after several hydrogen flushes, and annealed atz 900°C for 168 hours. Polished cross-sections of the diffusion couples were characterized to determine experimental concentration profiles using electron probe microanalysis with pure elemental standards. Interdiffusion fluxes of individual components were calculated directly from the experimental concentration profiles, and the moments of interdiffusion flux profiles were examined to determine the average ternary and quaternary interdiffusion coefficients. Effects of alloying additions on the interdiffusional behavior of Fe-Ni- Cr-X alloys at 900°C are presented with due consideration for the formation of protective Cr2O3 scale.
Exploring the relationship between culture and family-friendly programs (FFPs) in the Republic of Korea

Summary As the percentage of females in the workforce and dual-income families has increased, there has been a parallel increase in scholars’ attempts to shed light on the effects of implementing family-friendly programs such as flexible time arrangements and child care programs in organizations. This empirical study examines the relationship between organizational and societal level culture in both public and private sectors organizations in the Republic of Korea and the utilization of family-friendly programs. Analyzing data from 30 in-depth interviews with public and private sector employees, our findings indicate that, despite national efforts to promote FFPs, these programs are not widely used in either sector. We proposed that a key reason for the lack of utilization is the lack of congruity between societal and organizational cultural values and the managerial values that undergird these programs.
Clostridium difficile–associated infection: a disease of varying severity

Clostridium difficile-associated infection (CDI) can have varying severity from asymptomatic carriage to fulminant colitis. Its incidence and virulence in North America are increasing. The increase in virulence is associated with emergence of the highly toxigenic North American pulsed field gel electrophoresis-1 strain. The major risk factor for CDI is exposure to antibiotics. Another major risk factor is hospitalization. The spectrum of CDI ranges from asymptomatic carriers to fulminant disease. Although asymptomatic carriers require no treatment, fulminant disease carries a substantial mortality regardless of management strategy.
Neonatal mice possessing an Sry transgene show a masculinized pattern of progesterone receptor expression in the brain independent of sex chromosome status.

To assess the relative roles of sex chromosome genes and gonadal steroid hormones in producing sex differences in progesterone receptor (PR) expression in the forebrain of neonatal mice, we used mice in which the Sry gene had been deleted from the Y-chromosome and inserted as a transgene on an autosome in both XX and XY genotypes. Levels of PR immunoreactivity (PRir) in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus, the medial preoptic nucleus, and the ventromedial nucleus were significantly higher in mice that possessed an Sry transgene compared with mice that lacked an Sry transgene, regardless of their complement of sex chromosomes (XX vs. XY). This result suggests that sexual differentiation of PR expression in these regions is likely controlled mainly by gonadal hormones, not by the genetic sex of the brain cells. No differences in PRir were detected between wild-type XY mice with the Sry gene on the Y-chromosome and XY mice with the Sry transgene, suggesting that testicular hormones produced in these tw...
Serotonin reduction early in life and its effects on behavior

Abstract Rats given intracisternal administration of 5–6 dihydroxytryptamine (5,6 DHT) 5 days after birth were tested at two subsequent periods for alterations in locomotor activity and responsiveness to dl-amphetamine and scopolamine. Later in life they were given amphetamine while performing on an FR-6 operant schedule for food reward. Biochemical analyses revealed that the 5,6 DHT treatment produced reductions in forebrain serotonin content. There was no alteration in the treated animals in locomotor activity or in responsiveness to amphetamine in the open field. However, animals given the highest dose (75 μg) of 5,6 DHT neonatally showed open field activity increases at high doses of scopolamine significantly more frequently than the other groups of animals. Although treatment with 5,6 DHT did not affect response rates on the FR task under no-drug conditions, the rate-suppressive effects of amphetamine on the FR task were greatly enhanced in the treated animals.
Lost in Space POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY AND THE DEFENSE-GROWTH TRADE-OFF

This study examines the political geography of the linkage between military spending and economic growth for the period from 1985 to 1995. Exploratory spatial data analyses are used to determine ho...
Pressurized oxy-coal combustion : Ideally flexible to uncertainties

Abstract Simultaneous multi-variable gradient-based optimization with multi-start is performed on a 300 MWe wet-recycling pressurized oxy-coal combustion process with carbon capture and sequestration, subject to uncertainty in fuel, ambient conditions, and other input specifications. Two forms of flue gas thermal recovery are studied, a surface heat exchanger and a direct contact separation column. Optimization enables ideal flexibility in the processes: when changing the coal utilized, the performance is not compromised compared to the optimum performance of a process specifically designed for that coal. Similarly, the processes are immune to other uncertainties like ambient conditions, air flow, slurry water flow, atomizer stream flow and the oxidizer stream oxygen purity. Consequently, stochastic programming is shown to be unnecessary. Close to optimum design, the processes are also shown to be insensitive towards design variables such as the areas of the feedwater heaters. Recently proposed thermodynamic criteria are used as embedded design specifications in the optimization process, rendering it faster and more robust.
Why a copyright column

Copyright is integral to everything we do in digital publishing. This new column will examine a wide range of intellectual property issues using concrete examples from current projects. Since Internet‐based publishing is automatically international, the column will look at the British, European and other aspects, as well as US law. This first column deals with the question of whether a set of 1960s era Black Panther Party pamphlets are in the public domain under US copyright law. It also mentions the moral rights issues that would arise in a German context. The final section of the column reviews some of the information sources useful in answering questions of this sort.
Theoretical optimization of nonlinear chirped-pulse fiber amplifiers

The exploitation of nonlinear phase shifts (ΦNL) in chirped-pulse fiber amplifiers has been demonstrated recently. Systematic optimization of the performance of a femtosecond-pulse fiber amplifier in the presence of substantial ΦNL is a challenging multivariable problem. We introduce an approximate theoretical model that is valid as long as the ΦNL is not so large that the spectrum changes substantially. The model allows an arbitrary chirped-pulse amplification system to be described by a set of four universal curves. These reveal the scaling of performance and allow determination of the optimal values of residual group-velocity dispersion and third-order dispersion for a given pulse duration and energy.
Malignant mesothelioma: options for management

In the past, there has been a tendency to think of diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma as one disease in therapeutic terms, regardless of histological type and tumor stage. This does not happen with other tumors, yet it is equally illogical and inappropriate in mesothelioma. As with other tumors, early diagnosis-while the disease is still in stage I, or even at an in situ stage-must be the goal so that therapy can be maximized, particularly if immunotherapy or gene therapy is to be used. Patients with pure epithelial mesothelioma have a better prognosis and respond better to trimodality therapy. Stage I patients who meet fitness criteria should be offered the option of radical surgery in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Further research is required to determine the optimum neoadjuvant and adjuvant modalities, particularly the timing of individual drugs, use of hyperthermia, and route of administration. The place of immunotherapy and gene therapy as adjunctive treatments also remains to be defined. For example, it may be possible to reduce tumor bulk and perhaps downstage the disease with immunotherapy before radical surgery, if treatment is started early enough. Gene therapy may have a role either preoperatively or in destroying the microscopic disease that remains after radical surgery. These and other combinations of treatment need to be tested in well-designed clinical trials, probably on a multicenter basis (to enroll a sufficient number of patients). Finding the means to improve treatment for sarcomatous and mixed histology mesothelioma remains a challenge. At present, radical surgery does not seem worthwhile for these patients when combined with currently employed chemotherapy and radiotherapy; however, chemotherapy combinations used for treating other sarcomas need to be evaluated as adjunctive therapy before radical surgery is abandoned altogether as a mode of treatment. A collaborative approach involving thoracic surgeons, basic scientists and oncologists, and physicians with experience in treating mesothelioma is essential. Despite its increasing frequency, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare tumor, so treatment should be concentrated in relatively few supraregional centers to maximize expertise and allow innovative treatment combinations to be implemented with the greatest chance of success. Evaluation of new therapeutic approaches will be achieved more rapidly if these supraregional centers collaborate in multicenter trials. The nihilistic approach of simply waiting until the mesothelioma epidemic eventually begins to decline spontaneously in 20 or 30 years is untenable in view of the hundreds of thousands of deaths that will result if no effective treatment is found.
The Tuvalu Syndrome

Geoengineering research has historically been inhibited by fears that the perceived availability of a technological fix for climate change, such as the deployment of space-based deflectors, may undermine greenhouse gas abatement efforts. I develop a game theoretic model to show that the credible threat of unilateral geoengineering may instead strengthen global abatement and lead to a self-enforcing climate treaty with full participation. A ‘rogue nation’ may wish to unilaterally geoengineer if it faces extreme climate damages (as with Tuvalu), or if there are minimal local side effects from geoengineering, such as hydrological cycle disruption or stratospheric ozone depletion. However, the costly global side effects of geoengineering may make it individually rational for other countries to reduce emissions to the level where this rogue nation no longer wishes to unilaterally geoengineer. My results suggest a need to model the impacts of a “selfish geoengineer” intent only on maximizing net domestic benefits, as well as a “benevolent geoengineer” out to restore global mean temperature and minimize global side effects.
Dynamics of vitreous Ag-Ge-Se

The dynamic scattering function S(Q,E) for vitreous g-${\mathrm{Ag}}_{4}$${\mathrm{Ge}}_{3}$${\mathrm{Se}}_{9}$ at T=15 K has been measured by time-of-flight inelastic neutron scattering using an incident energy of \ensuremath{\sim}60 meV. The neutron measurements have been complemented by room-temperature Raman-scattering measurements. The data are presented and discussed in terms of the elastic structure factor ${\mathit{S}}_{\mathrm{el}}$(Q), the total structure factor S(Q), the neutron-weighted generalized one-phonon vibrational density of states (GVDOS), and the Q dependence of the dynamic structure factor S(Q,E) at selected energy excitations. Comparisons are made with experimental results for pure ${\mathrm{GeSe}}_{2}$ glass, and with calculations based on the method of normal-mode analysis to interpret the data. The introduction of Ag into the Ge-Se glassy network has a profound effect on the vibrational spectrum and the intermediate-range order. The ${\mathrm{GeSe}}_{4/2}$ tetrahedron, however, generally accepted as the local structural element of pure ${\mathrm{GeSe}}_{2}$ glass, remains a valid structural component also in the heavily Ag-doped glass. We find that the so-called companion line in the Raman spectrum for g-${\mathrm{GeSe}}_{2}$ disappears upon doping with Ag, indicating a change of the intermediate-range order. Moreover, there is a large increase in the population of vibrational modes below \ensuremath{\sim}200 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ in both the GVDOS and the Raman spectrum. These modes can be associated with vibrational modes of Ag atoms interacting with three Se in a nearly planar pyramidal arrangement. We derive 30 kdyn/cm for the Ag-Se stretching constant.
Fluharty Preschool Speech and Language Test

The Fluharty Preschool Speech and Language Screening Test was examined in terms of construct validity. Analysis of the test was based on results of 260 preschool children, aged 3–6. Although age differentiation was moderately demonstrated—as was the need for separate language subtests—results for internal consistency, discriminant analysis, and item difficulty analysis raised questions as to the usefulness and appropriateness of many test items. The test as a whole was not found to be racially biased; however, individual test items may be.
Toward effective pediatric minimally invasive surgical simulation

Abstract Background/Purpose Simulation is increasingly being recognized as an important tool in the training and evaluation of surgeons. Currently, there is no simulator that is specific to pediatric minimally invasive surgery (MIS). A fundamental technical difference between adult and pediatric MIS is the degree of motion scaling. Smaller instruments and areas of dissection under greater optical magnification require finer, more precise hand movements. We hypothesized that this can be used to detect differences in skills proficiency between pediatric and general surgeons. Methods We programmed a virtual reality simulation of intracorporeal suturing with modes that used motion scaling to mimic conditions of either adult or pediatric MIS. The participants consisted of pediatric and general surgeons who wore motion-sensing gloves. Metrics included time elapsed, penetration errors, tool movement smoothness, hand movement smoothness, and gesture level proficiency. Results For all measures, pediatric surgeons demonstrated superior proficiency on exercises conducted in pediatric conditions ( P Conclusion Pediatric surgeons possess unique skills compared with general surgeons that relate to the technical challenges they routinely face, reinforcing the need for a surgical simulator specific to pediatric MIS. This validates our simulator and the manipulation of motion scaling as a useful training tool.
Preliminary economic analysis for production of calcium magnesium acetate from organic residues

Abstract An engineering study was conducted to evaluate the engineering economics of producing calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), using different kinds of residue biomass as feedstock (sewage sludge, biomass, municipal solid wastes, industrial wastes etc.). This study focused on bioconversion of cellulose (as a model organic) to CMA based on ‘suppressed methane’ fermentation of the organic residue to produce acetic acid, followed by liquid ion exchange to recover the acetic acid from the fermenter broth, with subsequent reaction with dolime to form CMA, which is dried to a white crystalline salt. Preliminary economic analysis revealed that the base line production cost for CMA was $358 (metric) tonne ($325 per US ton). However, with the assumption of a ‘credit’ for the disposal of the residue biomass, CMA can be more competitive. For example, it was found with a credit of $1210 per t ($1100 per US ton) for disposal of sewage sludge, the costs result in a plus $825 per t ($750 per US ton) CMA produced.
Maximum likelihood estimators of population parameters from doubly left-censored samples

Left-censored data often arise in environmental contexts with one or more detection limits, DLs. Estimators of the parameters are derived for left-censored data having two detection limits: DL1 and DL2 assuming an underlying normal distribution. Two different approaches for calculating the maximum likelihood estimates (MLE) are given and examined. These methods also apply to lognormally distributed environmental data with two distinct detection limits. The performance of the new estimators is compared utilizing many simulated data sets. Examples are given illustrating the use of these methods utilizing a computer program given in the Appendix. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genesis of bursting oscillations in the Hindmarsh-Rose model and homoclinicity to a chaotic saddle

Abstract We present two hypotheses on the mathematical mechanism underlying bursting dynamics in a class of differential systems: (1) that the transition from continuous firing of spikes to bursting is caused by a crisis which destabilizes a chaotic state of continuous spiking; and (2) that the bursting corresponds to a homoclinicity to this unstable chaotic state. These propositions are supported by a numerical test on the Hindmarsh-Rose model, a prototype of its kind. We conclude by a unified view for three types of complex multi-modal oscillations: homoclinic systems, bursting, and the Pomeau-Manneville intermittency.
Iterated linear programming strategies for non-smooth simulation: A penalty based method for vapor—liquid equilibrium applications

Abstract We extend our iterated linear programming (LP) approach to two-phase vapor—liquid equilibrium problems, which are characterized by regions of continuous operation with nonsmooth boundaries. Here we show that a simple reformation allows us to handle the disappearance or reappearance of phases and thus allows us to solve a wider class of process problems. The proposed strategy uses a penalty function approach, called P enalty S imulation o f N onsmooth A lgebraic T erms and A ttributes ( P-SONATA ), to accommodate the nonsmooth nature of the system. To solve the vapor—liquid equilibrium problem, we also extend the theoretical results of our approach to characterize descent and convergence properties for P-SONATA . The performance of this formulation is demonstrated for process models involving phase equilibrium, such as transitions from one and two phases in flash and distillation problems, where mass and energy balances must be satisfied but the phase equilibrium expression can be relaxed. Isothermal flash problems with ideal and nonideal phase equilibrium relations are considered as well as a case which exhibits retrograde condensation behavior near the critical point. Finally, we examine limiting distillation cases including columns operating below the minimum reflux ratio (resulting in dry trays) and below the minimum reboiler heat duty (resulting in vaporless trays). Finally, we develop convergence properties for P-SONATA and discuss additional classes for nonsmooth problems. The results demonstrate that this approach is straightforward to implement, captures a wider range of phase equilibrium behavior and otherwise performs competitively with conventional Newton-based approaches.
Mobilizing professional communities.

John G. Bartlett, MDa Medical providers play an important role in planning for bioterrorism but have been reluctant participants in most of the planning. The purpose of this review is to summarize the role of practicing medical professionals for bioterrorism defense, identify the reasons for reluctance to participate in the planning process, and suggest methods that would correct the perceived deficits. The emphasis is on physicians because of the importance of their role and because this is the population with which I have the greatest experience.
High Resolution Phase-Sensitive Magnetomotive Optical Coherence Microscopy for Tracking Magnetic Microbeads and Cellular Mechanics

We present a real-time multimodal near-infrared imaging technology that tracks externally-induced axial motion of magnetic microbeads in single cells in culture. The integrated multimodal imaging technique consists of phase-sensitive magnetomotive optical coherence microscopy (MM-OCM) and multiphoton microscopy (MPM). MPM is utilized for the visualization of multifunctional fluorescent and magnetic microbeads, while MM-OCM detects, with nanometer-scale sensitivity, periodic displacements of the microbeads induced by the modulation of an external magnetic field. Magnetomotive signals are measured from mouse macrophages, human breast primary ductal carcinoma cells, and human breast epithelial cells in culture, and validated with full-field phase-sensitive microscopy. This methodology demonstrates the capability for imaging controlled cell dynamics and has the potential for measuring cell biomechanical properties, which are important in assessing the health and pathological state of cells.