cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Work, Play, and Civic Engagement

It has been common to make a three-way distinction: civic engagement/politics vs. work vs. play. When you’re on the job or having fun, you are not involved in politics or civic engagement. Harry Boyte and others reject the distinction between work and politics. For Boyte, politics is Public Work (and not play). Josh Lerner, Eric Gordon, and others reject the other distinction: between play and politics. For them, politics ought to be like play, but it is unfortunately too much like work. In this chapter, I explore the value in both of these critical positions, but I also raise some doubts about whether work and play are really so different. I conclude with a warning that democracy may depend on work because work allows masses of people to build power. As work shrinks, democracy may falter even if opportunities for play expand.
SARS-CoV-2 Nsp14 activates NF-κB signaling and induces IL-8 upregulation

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection leads to NF-κB activation and induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, though the underlying mechanism for this activation is not fully understood. Our results reveal that the SARS-CoV-2 Nsp14 protein contributes to the viral activation of NF-κB signaling. Nsp14 caused the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Nsp14 induced the upregulation of IL-6 and IL-8, which also occurred in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells. IL-8 upregulation was further confirmed in lung tissue samples from COVID-19 patients. A previous proteomic screen identified the putative interaction of Nsp14 with host Inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase 2 (IMPDH2) protein, which is known to regulate NF-κB signaling. We confirmed the Nsp14-IMPDH2 protein interaction and found that IMPDH2 knockdown or chemical inhibition using ribavirin (RIB) and mycophenolic acid (MPA) abolishes Nsp14-mediated NF-κB activation and cytokine induction. Furthermore, IMDPH2 inhibitors (RIB, MPA) efficiently blocked SARS-CoV-2 infection, indicating that IMDPH2, and possibly NF-κB signaling, is beneficial to viral replication. Overall, our results identify a novel role of SARS-CoV-2 Nsp14 in causing the activation of NF-κB.
Impact of Extreme Disturbances on Suspended Sediment in Western Florida Bay: Implications for Seagrass Resilience

Seagrasses are threatened worldwide due to anthropogenic and natural disturbances disrupting the multiple feedbacks needed to maintain these ecosystems. If the disturbance is severe enough, seagrass systems may undergo a regime shift to a degraded system state that is resistant to recovery. In Florida Bay, Florida, USA, two recent, large-scale disturbances (a drought-induced seagrass die-off in 2015 and Hurricane Irma in 2017) have caused 8777 ha of seagrass beds to degrade into a turbid, unvegetated state, causing a large sediment plume. Using satellite imagery digitization and long-term seagrass cover data, we investigate the expansion of this sediment plume between 2008 and 2020 and the potential interaction of this sediment plume with seagrass recovery in two focal basins in Florida Bay affected by the die-off, Johnson and Rankin. The average size of the sediment plume increased by 37% due to the die-off and Hurricane Irma, increasing from an average of 163.5 km2 before the disturbances to an average of 223.5 km2. The expansion of the plume was basin-specific, expanding into Johnson after the 2015 seagrass die-off with expansive and long lasting effects, but only expanding into Rankin after Hurricane Irma with less severe and short term effects. Furthermore, the sediment plume was negatively correlated with seagrass cover in Johnson, but held no relationship with seagrass cover in Rankin. Thus, different disturbances can act upon seagrass ecosystems at varying scales with varying consequences. These findings highlight the importance of investigating disturbances of seagrass ecosystems at various scales to increase seagrass resilience against future extreme events.
Are the Futures Computable? Knightian Uncertainty & Artificial Intelligence

The growing sophistication of artificial intelligence (AI) tools promises to revolutionize organizing processes in the near future, transforming how firms identify, gather, analyze, and utilize inf...
Complications from ankle arthrodesis in diabetes-related Charcot foot syndrome.

Abstract Introduction Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) is an inflammatory arthropathy associated with bony destruction, dislocation, and deformity in patients with neuropathy. Surgical procedures involving foot and ankle in CN for deformity correction have been shown to result in high rate of complications. The purpose of this study was to compare post-operative outcomes and assess odds of complication after ankle arthrodesis among patients with diabetes-related Charcot neuroarthropathy, non-Charcot patients with diabetes, and non-Charcot patients without diabetes. Methods The PearlDiver Patient Records Database was queried for patients who underwent ankle fusion and maintained at least one year of post-operative follow-up. The following post-operative complications were assessed among groups: overall nonunion and amputation, one-year nonunion, amputation, and hardware removal, 90-day and 30-day surgical site infection, dehiscence, acute kidney injury, and pneumonia, and 90-day myocardial infarction and deep vein thrombosis. The odds and prevalence of each complication for each group were assessed and compared. Results Higher rates of amputation (OR 3.43, CI 2.89–4.06), hardware removal (OR 1.63, CI 1.45–1.83), wound dehiscence (OR 1.75, CI 1.44–2.13), acute kidney injury (OR 2.87, CI 2.32–3.54), pneumonia (OR 1.53, CI 1.13–2.07), and surgical site infection (OR 2.46, CI 2.12–2.85), were observed in patients with diabetes-related CN compared to non-Charcot patients with diabetes. In patients without CN, higher rates of nonunion (OR 1.38, CI 1.19–1.61), amputation (OR 2.26, CI 1.74–2.93), surgical site infection (OR 1.57, CI 1.30–1.90), and acute kidney injury (OR 1.57, CI 1.18–2.09) were observed in patients with diabetes compared to patients without diabetes. Time to hardware removal was significantly shorter in diabetes-related Charcot patients compared to non-Charcot patients without diabetes (368.0 ± 446.7 vs 438.5 ± 487.5 days, P Conclusion Patients with diabetes demonstrated increased odds of nonunion, amputation, surgical site infection, and acute kidney injury compared to patients without diabetes. In the population of patients with diabetes, odds of most of these complications were further increased with the addition of Charcot diagnosis compared to patients without diabetes. Other local and multisystemic medical conditions, including pneumonia and wound dehiscence, also demonstrated increased odds in patients of CN. Level of evidence: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.
Scaling Blockchains Using Pipelined Execution and Sparse Peers

Large cloud providers such as AWS and IBM now provide managed blockchain platforms, showcasing an active interest in blockchains. Unfortunately, blockchains provide poor performance and scalability. This is true even for the Execute-Order-Validate (EOV) style of blockchains which improves over the traditional Order-Execute architecture. We experimentally show that EOV platforms scale poorly using both vertical and horizontal scaling approaches. We find that the throughput is bottlenecked by the Validation and Commit phases, which poorly utilize the resources, limiting performance and scalability. We introduce three ideas to improve the performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency of EOV platforms. We first propose a provably correct way to pipeline the Validation and Commit phases. We then introduce a new type of node called sparse peer that validates and commits only a subset of transactions. Finally, we propose a technique that makes it possible for these systems to elastically scale as per the load. Our implementation provides 3.7x and 2.1x higher throughput than Hyperledger Fabric and FastFabric for the same infrastructure cost while providing their peak throughputs at 87% and 50% lower cost. It also makes dynamic horizontal scaling practical by providing 12-26X faster scale-up times.
Application of Forest Canopy—Atmosphere Turbulent Exchange Information

Models of regional-scale (and larger) transport and dispersion of air pollutants require large area average parameterizations of the exchange between the atmosphere and forest canopies. Such models typically attempt to simulate air concentrations at altitudes of several tens of metres, sufficiently low that source/sink distributions within the canopy are likely to be important. At present, relatively crude descriptions of surface exchange are popular and typically are based on a simple deposition velocity or on a resistance model that involves some straightforward manipulation of micrometeorological relations. However, the way in which the standard micrometeorological formulations can be applied to describe trace gas and aerosol exchange is not obvious. Even for the case of sensible heat, there is continuing uncertainty about the best way to formulate surface exchange. The questions involved are of considerable scientific interest since they bear directly on the current debate about how best to extend simple surface micrometeorology to conditions of complex topography and forest canopies.
Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed anxiety disorders among children presenting for treatment. A child with SAD experiences excessive anxiety concerning separation from home or from caregivers as well as persistent, unrealistic worry about harm to self or loved ones. Fears may manifest as an unwillingness to leave home, reluctance to be alone, physical complaints around separation, and frequent reassurance seeking regarding safety. This chapter provides a review of the current literature regarding the course and etiology of SAD, with a focus on genetic studies, environmental factors, and parenting. The link between childhood SAD, panic disorder, and other forms of psychopathology in adulthood is also considered. Assessment and treatment of SAD are discussed, with a review of the empirical evidence for the use of traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), camp-based CBT, modified parent–child interaction therapy, and psychopharmacological treatments. Research on assessments and treatments specifically for SAD has been scarce. Given the relatively high prevalence of this disorder, and its role as a predictor of later psychopathology, further study is warranted. Future research might examine treatments designed specifically for SAD or recruit a subject pool that would allow for independent investigation of results for those with SAD within a larger heterogeneous anxiety sample. Furthermore, additional attempts to understand SAD as a risk factor may lead to prevention of adult psychopathology in these children.
A typology for hospitality franchise systems: strategic choices for hospitality franchisees.

Abstract In spite of the high level of independence that exists in a franchise system, franchisees and franchisers are extensively dependent on each other. Because of this greater interdependence that exists in the system, financial success of one depends on the financial performance of the other. Therefore, any strategic choices made by a franchisee must always include the financial performance of the franchiser. A strategic typology based on the financial performance of franchisees and franchisers is presented in this paper. Potential strategic choices to the franchisees in different given financial performance scenarios are discussed. It is a conceptual paper offering a model and suggestions for future research on strategic management in franchising.
Reuse strategies and objectives for J-MASS

The Joint Modeling and Simulation System (J-MASS) is a standardized modeling and simulation environment that supports the development and integration of digital models into derailed simulations (for example, weapon systems, threat systems, and environmental effects). Reuse of the models and data developed by domain experts is fundamental to the J-MASS operational concept, J-MASS employs several strategies to facilitate reuse: a common methodology to design models, a common architecture to develop models, and a common repository to store and retrieve models. Reuse is inherent in the design process of developing J-MASS models. Models are designed to be reusable, and the J-MASS architecture promotes this design philosophy. The J-MASS Software Structural Model (SSM) is a design methodology that provides a framework for object-based model development so that developers can share a common reuse philosophy and method. The SSM methodology incorporates the use of standard structural templates to develop modeling components that execute in a standard runtime architecture. The J-MASS Simulation Support Environment (SSE) provides a common architecture and toolset to design, develop, integrate, configure, execute, and analyze models and simulations. The SSE is an open architecture that is populated with a standard set of development and analysis tools, and can also be extended with site-specific tools. J-MASS users benefit by sharing both models and tools. This paper describes how J-MASS is used to promote the sharing of information among model developers and analysts and to facilitate reuse during the model development process. The paper discusses how to meet the overall objectives of providing a common architecture to develop detailed and accurate simulations with increased reliability and reduced time and resources.
Steroid Regulation of the GABAA Receptor: Ligand Binding, Chloride Transport and Behaviour

Certain endogenous steroids are modulators of GABAA receptors. Tetrahydroprogesterone (THP, 5 alpha-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-20-one) and tetrahydrodeoxy-corticosterone (THDOC, 5 alpha-pregnane-3 alpha, 21-diol-20-one) behave as allosteric agonists of GABAA receptors whereas pregnenolone sulphate acts as an antagonist. THP and THDOC modulate ligand binding to GABAA receptors like barbiturates; they potentiate binding of the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol and the benzodiazepine flunitrazepam and they allosterically inhibit binding of the convulsant t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate. THP and THDOC also stimulate chloride uptake and currents in synaptoneurosomes and neurons. Pregnenolone sulphate acts principally as an allosteric GABAA receptor antagonist; it competitively inhibits binding of [35S] TBPS and blocks GABA agonist-activated Cl- uptake and currents in synaptoneurosomes and neurons. In behavioural experiments the GABA-agonistic steroid THDOC shows anxiolytic actions whereas the GABA-antagonistic steroid pregnenolone sulphate antagonizes barbiturate-induced hypnosis. Changes in physiological levels of GABAergic steroids may alter GABAA receptor function, influencing neuronal excitability and CNS arousal. For example, pregnancy and the puerperium are associated with alterations in GABAA receptor binding which might be attributable to steroid actions.
The mean composition of ocean ridge basalts

[1] The mean composition of mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB) is determined using a global data set of major elements, trace elements, and isotopes compiled from new and previously published data. A global catalog of 771 ridge segments, including their mean depth, length, and spreading rate enables calculation of average compositions for each segment. Segment averages allow weighting by segment length and spreading rate and reduce the bias introduced by uneven sampling. A bootstrapping statistical technique provides rigorous error estimates. Based on the characteristics of the data, we suggest a revised nomenclature for MORB. “ALL MORB” is the total composition of the crust apart from back-arc basins, N-MORB the most likely basalt composition encountered along the ridge >500 km from hot spots, and D-MORB the depleted end-member. ALL MORB and N-MORB are substantially more enriched than early estimates of normal ridge basalts. The mean composition of back-arc spreading centers requires higher extents of melting and greater concentrations of fluid-mobile elements, reflecting the influence of water on back-arc petrogenesis. The average data permit a re-evaluation of several problems of global geochemistry. The K/U ratio reported here (12,340 ± 840) is in accord with previous estimates, much lower than the estimate of Arevalo et al. (2009). The low Sm/Nd and 143Nd/144Nd ratio of all morb and N-MORB provide constraints on the hypothesis that Earth has a non-chondritic primitive mantle. Either Earth is chondritic in Sm/Nd and the hypothesis is incorrect or MORB preferentially sample an enriched reservoir, requiring a large depleted reservoir in the deep mantle.
Nutrient Sources of Provitamin A Carotenoids in the American Diet

The food sources of provitamin A carotenoids were estimated from data from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II) carried out in 1976-1980. Carrots contribute over 30% of total population intake. Dark green leafy vegetables and sweet potatoes are also major contributors. However, several items often omitted from questionnaires to assess carotenoids are also major contributors, including salad, orange juice, beef stew, and milk. Conversely, many foods often included on such questionnaires are unimportant contributors, including papayas, plums, okra, and grapes. Recent changes in databases or food habits might change some rankings, but are unlikely to change the items in a list covering the top 90% of provitamin A intake. Questionnaires should include the important sources and exclude trivial sources, to minimize misclassification.
Network control in future wireless information networks

Today's cordless and cellular telephones will evolve into personal communicators available to everyone. Wireless terminals will connect people to a host of advanced information services. As yet, the technology necessary to make this vision a reality is not available. Among the most difficult problems is the control of future wireless information networks. The article focuses on a network architecture based on packet transmission and switching. A cellular packet switch allocates control functions to dozens of interface units that collectively perform network management tasks that would overwhelm a centralized controller. >
Modality and suffix effects in memory for melodic and harmonic musical materials.

Abstract Four experiments examined modality and suffix effects in serial recall of musical materials. In the first two experiments, recall patterns for melodic and harmonic sequences were compared with recall for digits. Whereas melodic, harmonic, and language sequences all demonstrated strong primacy effects, the modality effect (superior recall at recency positions for auditory relative to visual presentation) occurred only for linguistic materials; for melodic and harmonic sequences, recency effects were of comparable magnitude regardless of whether the presentation modality was visual or auditory. In the third and fourth experiments, suffix effects for melodic and harmonic lists were measured, using either a single note or a chord suffix. Experiment 3 examined suffix effects for visual materials and Experiment 4 was the auditory analog of Experiment 3. For both modalities, note and chord suffixes resulted in diminished recency recall (the suffix effect) for melodic materials but only the chord suffix interfered with recall of recently presented harmonic items. Findings of recency and suffix effects for written music refute PAS (precategorical acoustic store), primary language, and static vs changing state theories of modality and suffix effects. Rather, these results support more general sensory or short-term memory theories.
Sulfur and trace metal relationships in nonurban and marine aerosols studied using proton induced X-ray emission

Abstract As an example of the application of the PIXE analysis technique to the study of sulfur and related trace metals in aerosol samples from nonurban locations, results obtained from a remote continental station in the Southern Hemisphere, Chacaltaya Mountain near La Paz, Bolivia, and a mid-ocean station in the Atlantic of the Northern Hemisphere, at Bermuda, are compared. In Bolivian filter samples, the proportions of Si, K, Ca, Ti, Fe, Rb, and Sr are within the ranges expected from the subaerial erosion of major rock types of the earth's crust. However, the proportions, relative to Fe, of S, Cu, Zn, As, and Pb are enriched 10–100 times in comparison with the compositions of major rock types. In Bermuda cascade impactor samples summed over all particle sizes, the ratio S/Zn and the relative of K, Ca, and Fe resemble those observed in Bolivia. Total Fe concentrations in Bermuda average about 60 ng/m 3 , similar to concentrations observed in Bolivia. However, the ratios S/Fe and Zn/Fe are 10 times greater in Bermuda than in Bolivia, and these ratios are greatest for smallest particles and decrease sharply with increasing particle size. The higher S and Zn concentrations in Bermuda may result from the combined effect of natural processes which control the atmospheric enrichment of chalcophile elements and of long range transport from pollution sources in urban and industrial centers.
An ‘internal” signal sequence directs secretion and processing of proinsulin in bacteria

Most secreted proteins, both eukaryotic and prokaryotic, contain an amino-terminal extension that is removed some time during transport (see ref. 1 for a review). The signal hypothesis2,3 states that these amino-terminal extensions (presequences or signal sequences) serve to bind the protein to the membrane and then to lead the protein through. We recently constructed a series of plasmids in which parts of the Escherichia coli prepenicillinase signal sequence4 were contiguous with the gene for rat preproinsulin, containing 21 of the 24 codons that code for the preproinsulin signal sequence. When Escherichia coli was transformed with each of these hybrid signal sequence constructions, an insulin antigen was secreted5 and correctly processed to proinsulin6 in every case. One of these constructions fused the first half of the prepenicillinase signal sequence codons to the preproinsulin gene; as insulin antigen was not secreted when the same codons were fused to the DNA coding only for proinsulin and hence lacking the eukaryotic signal sequence, we hypothesized that the eukaryotic signal sequence was sufficient to direct transport in bacteria. We could not, however, eliminate some minor but specific role for the amino terminus donated by the bacterial signal sequence. One way to do this is to replace the prepenicillinase sequences with that of a nonsecreted E. coli protein, for example β-galactosidase. We show here that E. coli harbouring a plasmid encoding a β-galactosidase–preproinsulin fusion protein efficiently secretes insulin antigen and processes the protein to proinsulin despite the fact that the signal sequence is internal to the amino terminus.
Alaskan Direct‐Market Consumers: Perception of Organic Produce

Perception of organic produce among Alaskan direct-market patrons (N = 417) was examined in a mailed survey. Response rate was 80%. Responsefrequency was tabulated, and relationships were delineated using chi-square analysis. Healthfulness of the food supply was a concern, despite a perception that quality and healthfulness of thefood supply had improved since 1987. These attributes were also important infresh produce selection. Organic produce preference was related to both environmental and personal-safety concerns. More than half of these consumers had purchased organic produce within the last year; supermarkets and direct markets were the primary sources. Although organic produce was not purchased exclusively, previous purchase increased the likelihood offuture purchase. A certification process was desired. Half preferred a government certification agent; 28% preferred public and private sector involvement. Information dissemination should address (a) pesticide usefor cosmetic purposes, (b) appearance and food safety, (c) flavor and shipping characteristics, and (d) production method and nutritive content.
Note on the power function of the X n test in genetics

Abstract 1. Introduction This note presents a numerical investigation of the power function of the X n or Haldane-Smith test for small samples. Some of the properties of this rank-order test were discussed in an earlier article [1] as an extension of the original genetic considerations.
Monte Carlo simulation of short range order relevant to CuAu

Abstract The Monte Carlo simulation method is employed to determine the Cowley-Warren short range order parameters for the first twelve nearest-neighbor shells on the Ising model relevant to CuAu. The Monte Carlo results are used to determine the free parameter in a mean-field-like class of theories described by Clapp and Moss. The ability of these theories to predict ratios between pair potentials is tested with our results. In addition, evidence of a region of heterophase fluctuations is presented in agreement with X-ray diffuse scattering measurements on Cu 3 Au.
Self-reported pigmentary phenotypes and race are significant but incomplete predictors of Fitzpatrick skin phototype in an ethnically diverse population

Background Fitzpatrick skin phototype (FSPT) is the most common method used to assess sunburn risk and is an independent predictor of skin cancer risk. Because of a conventional assumption that FSPT is predictable based on pigmentary phenotypes, physicians frequently estimate FSPT based on patient appearance. Objective We sought to determine the degree to which self-reported race and pigmentary phenotypes are predictive of FSPT in a large, ethnically diverse population. Methods A cross-sectional survey collected responses from 3386 individuals regarding self-reported FSPT, pigmentary phenotypes, race, age, and sex. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine variables that significantly predict FSPT. Results Race, sex, skin color, eye color, and hair color are significant but weak independent predictors of FSPT ( P Limitations Our study enriched for responses from ethnic minorities and does not fully represent the demographics of the US population. Conclusions Patient self-reported race and pigmentary phenotypes are inaccurate predictors of sun sensitivity as defined by FSPT. There are limitations to using patient-reported race and appearance in predicting individual sunburn risk.
Interaction of renatured histones f3 and f2a1

Abstract Ultracentrifuge measurements show that the individual histones f2a1 and f3 interact to form tetramers in solution. The conditions which facilitate renaturation are discussed.
FREEZING OF VEGETABLES BY DIRECT CONTACT WITH AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS OF ETHANOL AND SODIUM CHLORIDE

Aqueous freezant (AF 15–15) consisting of 15% NaCl and 15% ethanol with a −19.3°F solubility limit was developed for direct contact freezing of vegetables. Carrots (3/8 in. dice) and peas were frozen and cooled to 2.5°F in 1.5 min of immersion and beans (1 in. cut) and whole kernel corn were frozen and cooled to 2.5°F in 2.5 min of immersion. AF 15–15 frozen and blotted peas, beans and corn contained 0.72–0.82% NaCl and were statistically indistinguishable from air-blast frozen vegetables in organoleptic ratings. Air-blast frozen carrot dice were preferred over AF frozen dice which contained 1.77% NaCl. A mixture of all of the above vegetables frozen in AF 15–15 was slightly favored over an air-blast frozen mixture (6.7 vs 5.8 score). AF frozen vegetables showed a small (2.3–0.9%) weight gain, whereas the air-blast frozen vegetables showed losses of from 3.9–13.3% with respect to fresh weight.
Cytoplasmic male sterility in quinoa

The quinoa cultivar ‘Apelawa’ carries both normal and male sterile cytoplasms. Plants with male sterile cytoplasm produce flowers characterized by the complete absence of anthers and prominent exsertion of stigmas. Intraspecific crosses between male sterile quinoa plants and normal male fertile pollen donors consistently produced male sterile offspring under greenhouse conditions. Interspecific hybridization between male sterile quinoa plants and the related weed species Chenopodium berlandieri resulted in offspring with partial restoration of male fertility. The male sterile cytoplasm found in ‘Apelawa’ has potential for use in the production of quinoa hybrids, although a more complete restorer system than that identified in C. berlandieri would be desirable.
L-Deprenyl in the Treatment of Mild Dementia of the Alzheimer Type: Preliminary Results

Objective: To examine the short-term cognitive and behavioral effects of L-deprenyl in persons with mild dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT) over a 2-month period. Design: A 15-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial using a parallel-group design. This report deals with the first 2 months of the trial. Participants: 39 subjects with mild DAT (CDR 1) selected using NINCDS-ADRDA criteria. Measures: A battery of neuropsychological tests and clinical rating scales. Results: The placebo and L-deprenyl subjects were similar at baseline on the clinical and neuropsychological tests. There was no evidence of a L-deprenyl effect on any clinical or neuropsychological measures after 2 months. Conclusion: L-deprenyl did not have a measurable impact on behavior or cognitive function over a 2-month period in this group of subjects with mild DAT.
High-Current Compact FCG Seed Source Implementing Solid State Switching

Flux Compression Generators (FCGs) are some of the most attractive sources of single-use compact pulsed power available today due to their high energy density output and mobility. Driving FCGs requires some seed energy, which is typically provided by applying a high seed current, usually in the kilo-Ampere range for mid-sized helical FCGs. This initial current is supplied by a high-current seed source that is capable of driving an inductive load. High-current seed sources have typically been comprised of discharging large capacitors using spark-gaps and over-voltage triggering mechanisms to provide the prime power for FCGs. This paper will discuss a recent design of a self-contained (battery powered with full charge time less than 35 sec), single-use Compact Seed Source (CSS) using solid state components for the switching scheme developed at the Center for Pulsed Power and Power Electronics at Texas Tech University. The CSS developed is a system (0.007-m3 volume and weighing 13 lbs) capable of delivering over 250-J (~10 kA) into a 6-muH load with a trigger energy of micro-Joules at the TTL triggering level. The newly designed solid-state switching scheme of the CSS incorporates off-the-shelf high-voltage semiconductor components that minimize system cost and size as necessary for a single-use application. An in-depth and detailed evaluation of the CSS is presented primarily focusing on the switching mechanics and experimental characterization of the solid state components used in the system.
The late‐night talk show: Humor in fringe television

Although conflict and resolution are conventional functions in linear narrative genres, the joke format fails to resolve conflict. Thus, joking is one strategy for encouraging and sustaining resistance to ideological control. Using a cultural studies approach, this essay considers how the jokes of Johnny Carson, David Letterman, and Joan Rivers explore, support, and disrupt different elements of the American social experience.
Cavity Ring-Down Polarimetry (CRDP): A New Scheme for Probing Circular Birefringence and Circular Dichroism in the Gas Phase

Cavity ring-down polarimetry (CRDP), a new, ultrasensitive method for probing circular birefringence and circular dichroism, has been developed by extending the well-established technique of pulsed cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS). The concurrent incorporation of polarization elements into the stable resonator, injection optics, and detection train of a conventional CRDS apparatus is found to permit the quantitative measurement of optical rotation and differential absorption induced by the presence of chiral compounds. The sensitivity of this novel scheme is sufficient to allow (low-pressure) gas-phase species to be interrogated under ambient conditions, a fact highlighted by the direct determination of specific rotation at 355 nm for gaseous samples of α-pinene, β-pinene, cis-pinane, limonene, fenchone, and propylene oxide. Although usually precluded by the signal discrimination limits imposed upon traditional polarimeters, such gas-phase studies of nonresonant optical activity in the visible and nea...
The classically conditioned nictitating membrane response: The CS-US interval function with one trial per day

Acquisition rates for the classically conditioned nictitating membrane response of the rabbit were determined, using one paired presentation of tone and shock per day for 12 days, in Ss trained at a CS-US interval of either 250 or 1,250 msec. Although both groups displayed substantial conditioning, the 1,250-msec group was significantly superior to the 250-msec group, in marked contrast to the usual findings of experiments dealing with the CS-US interval parameter. Results are interpreted primarily in terms of the role of the orienting response in CR acquisition.
Intermetallic growth between lead-free solders and palladium

Intermetallic growth between Pd and the lead-free solders Sn-Ag and Sn-Ag-Cu has been studied. Diffusion couples were prepared by reflowing the solders on Pd and then aging the couples at 156°C, 175°C, 195°C, and 210°C. At the higher temperatures of 175°C, 195°C, and 210°C, PdSn4 made up most of the layer that grew between the solders and the Pd, although small regions of second phases were always found in the PdSn4 matrix, and it was sometimes possible to identify discontinuous regions of PdSn3 next to the Pd. The thickness of the intermetallic layer increased with the square root of time, consistent with diffusion-controlled growth. In couples annealed at 156°C, the morphology of the PdSn3 phase and growth kinetics differed depending on the composition of the solder.
Mechanical instability of normal and aneurysmal arteries

Tortuous arteries associated with aneurysms have been observed in aged patients with atherosclerosis and hypertension. However, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of aneurysms on arterial buckling instability and the effect of buckling on aneurysm wall stress. We investigated the mechanical buckling and post-buckling behavior of normal and aneurysmal carotid arteries and aorta’s using computational simulations and experimental measurements to elucidate the interrelationship between artery buckling and aneurysms. Buckling tests were done in porcine carotid arteries with small aneurysms created using elastase treatment. Parametric studies were done for model aneurysms with orthotropic nonlinear elastic walls using finite element simulations. Our results demonstrated that arteries buckled at a critical buckling pressure and the post-buckling deflection increased nonlinearly with increasing pressure. The presence of an aneurysm can reduce the critical buckling pressure of arteries, although the effect depends on the aneurysm’s dimensions. Buckled aneurysms demonstrated a higher peak wall stress compared to unbuckled aneurysms under the same lumen pressure. We conclude that aneurysmal arteries are vulnerable to mechanical buckling and mechanical buckling could lead to high stresses in the aneurysm wall. Buckling could be a possible mechanism for the development of tortuous aneurysmal arteries such as in the Loeys–Dietz syndrome.
Volume Relationships for C-S-H Formation Based on Hydration Stoichiometries

Volume changes can be calculated from the hydration stoichiometry of C3S if the composition of C-S-H is taken as C1.7SH4.0 with a density of 1.85 g/cm3. The results are in general agreement with the volume changes determined by Powers. However, the calculated evaporable water content is higher and the space-limiting water-cement ratio is calculated to be 0.42. The calculations can be applied also to the pozzolanic reaction and predict a marked increase in solid volume. In that case the composition of C-S-H is modified to C1.5SH3.8.
Wisconsin card sorting test performance in healthy, older adults: Relationship to age, sex, education, and IQ

We obtained Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) scores on 91 (35 male and 56 female) healthy, well-educated individuals aged 45 to 83. Women scored better than men on six WCST scores (categories, errors, perseverative responses, % perseverative errors, % conceptual level responses, and trials to first category), while subjects with more than 16 years of education outscored those limited to high school education on four measures (perseverative responses, errors, % perseverative errors, % conceptual level responses). Individuals older than 70 years of age scored less well than younger subjects on only two indices (errors, % conceptual level responses). Full Scale IQ was not related to WCST scores. Our findings suggest that WCST scores should be interpreted within the context of patient gender, education, and age.
THE DYNAMICS OF SEXUAL FIDELITY Personality Style as a Reproductive Strategy

As monogamy is a culturally prevalent ideal, patients often suffer shame and guilt to the extent that they fail to live up to that ideal though desiring to or to the extent they reject that ideal in favor of nonmonogamous arrangements. Recent research in social, personality, and evolutionary psychology can lead to a mode of thought that can be helpful in overcoming the cultural bias that only monogamy is adaptive and that nonmonogamous practices are most likely maladaptive and pathological. Monogamous and nonmonogamous orientations may be better predicted by personality variables than by gender and both orientations may function as adaptations for reproductive advantage, despite the costs. The implications of these ideas for clinical practice are discussed.
Bleb formation and F-actin distribution during mitosis and tumor necrosis factor-induced apoptosis.

The murine cell line C3HA has been used extensively in studies of the cytopathology that accompanies TNF-induced cytolysis. This cell line undergoes an apoptic form of cell death characterized by plasma membrane blebbing and cytoplasmic boiling. Since plasma membrane blebs also appear on C3HA cells during mitosis, in this report we have compared these blebs with those that appear during apoptosis to determine whether they represent related structures. Our results reveal several differences. During mitosis, the blebs that appear are smaller and more heterogeneous in size than are those that appear during apoptosis. In addition, during mitosis bleb formation is preceded by the appearance of microvilli on the cell surface. No microvilli are observed during apoptosis. The staining pattern with rhodamine phalloidin also differed between mitotic and apoptic blebs, indicating a difference in their content of f-actin. The blebs that form during mitosis stained in a bright, uniform manner, suggesting an association with f-actin. In contrast, apoptic blebs were stained only at their base, the bleb itself being devoid of f-actin-associated staining. This difference may help explain why mitotic blebs are reintegrated into the cell surface, while the blebs that form during apoptosis are not. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Relationship between baseline brain metabolism measured using [18F]FDG PET and memory and executive function in prodromal and early Alzheimer’s disease

Differences in brain metabolism as measured by FDG-PET in prodromal and early Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have been consistently observed, with a characteristic parietotemporal hypometabolic pattern. However, exploration of brain metabolic correlates of more nuanced measures of cognitive function has been rare, particularly in larger samples. We analyzed the relationship between resting brain metabolism and memory and executive functioning within diagnostic group on a voxel-wise basis in 86 people with AD, 185 people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 86 healthy controls (HC) from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). We found positive associations within AD and MCI but not in HC. For MCI and AD, impaired executive functioning was associated with reduced parietotemporal metabolism, suggesting a pattern consistent with known AD-related hypometabolism. These associations suggest that decreased metabolic activity in the parietal and temporal lobes may underlie the executive function deficits in AD and MCI. For memory, hypometabolism in similar regions of the parietal and temporal lobes were significantly associated with reduced performance in the MCI group. However, for the AD group, memory performance was significantly associated with metabolism in frontal and orbitofrontal areas, suggesting the possibility of compensatory metabolic activity in these areas. Overall, the associations between brain metabolism and cognition in this study suggest the importance of parietal and temporal lobar regions in memory and executive function in the early stages of disease and an increased importance of frontal regions for memory with increasing impairment.
The synthesis of cyclooxygenase products in ocular tissues of various species

In the present study we compared the synthesis of various cyclooxygenase products in albino rabbit, dog (puppy and adult), cat, cow and human ocular tissues from 14C-arachidonic acid (AA). Albino rabbit conjunctiva synthesized a substantial amount (47%) of cyclooxygenase products, while cat and dog (puppy as well as adult) conjunctival tissues synthesized lesser but significant amounts of cyclooxygenase products from 14C-AA. Cyclooxgenase activity in the anterior uvea of different species tested was in the following order of potency: cat>albino rabbit>dog>human>cow. Furthermore, human and cow anterior uvea synthesized significantly lesser amount of cyclooxygenase products from 14C-AA than amounts from an intermediate substrate, 14C-PGH2. Interestingly, cow anterior uvea synthesized PGF2α and 6-keto-PGF1α (a stable metabolite2α of PGI2) while human anterior uvea synthesized all cyclooxygenase products from 14C-PGH2.
Detrusor hyper-reflexia as a factor in spontaneous perforation of augmentation cystoplasty for neuropathic bladder.

Summary— In a series of 30 children undergoing cystoplasty for neuropathic bladder, 14 had a combination of a competent sphincteric mechanism and detrusor hyper-reflexia. All 3 cases of spontaneous perforation of the augmentation occurred within this latter group and it is postulated that excessive intravesical pressure due to high pressure hyper-reflexia was the causal factor. Strategies to reduce the risk of perforation are discussed.
Hepatitis b surface antigen (hbsag) in peritoneal fluid of hbsag carriers undergoing peritoneal dialysis

Samples of ascitic fluid and outflow dialysate were collected from HBSAg carriers undergoing peritoneal dialysis and tested for HBSAg by solid-phase radioimmunoassay. The surface antigen was detected in every sample from HBSAg carriers. This finding was not dependent upon the presence of occult blood in the sample. Surface antigen particles and possibly Dane particles were also observed in HBSAg-positive samples by immunoelectron microscopy. These results identify the outflow dialysate of HBSAg carriers undergoing peritoneal dialysis as a potential source of hepatitis B virus transmission.
Hesperozygis pusilla (Labiatae), a new species from Mexico

Hesperozygis pusilla Irving, a rare and apparently endemic species from Galeana, Nuevo Leon, is described. It is closely allied toH. ciliolata Epling. BothH. ciliolata andH. pusilla have chromosome numbers of 2n = 36.
Cracking the Codes

While a crystal ball may seem like an outmoded form of technology these days, it was more accurate than Science gives it credit for in foretelling major breaches in computer security for 1997 (Scorecard '96, 19 Dec., [p. 2041][1]). As was widely reported in the news, computer scientists cracked four critical encryption standards in 1997. A graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, using a network of 250 workstations, cracked a message encrypted with a 40-bit key in less than 4 hours. The next level of protection, 48 bits, took 13 days to crack by a Swiss-led team of researchers using 3500 personal computers (PCs) spread across Europe. The most significant encryption standard to fall in 1997 was the government's own 56-bit Data Encryption Standard (DES) algorithm, which has been extensively studied since its publication and is considered to be the world's best known and most widely used secret-key cipher. It took a team of university students, programmers, and scientists 140 days, using thousands of PCs through the Internet, to crack a message encrypted with DES. Most recently, an effort comprising over 4000 teams and tens of thousands of computers processed 72 quadrillion possible keys to decode a message encrypted with the RC5 algorithm and a 56-bit key. Even though these standards were brought down in response to the RSA Data Security Secret-Key Challenge ([1][2]), their significance for the security of data encrypted with any of them should not be underestimated. Encryption key sizes up to 56-bits, the only ones currently exportable from the United States without a license, were cracked by researchers armed only with their wits and Internet-accessible PCs. These examples demonstrate both the vulnerability of our most relied upon encryption standards for the near future and the antiquated state of the government's current cryptographic policies. 1. [↵][3][www.rsa.com/rsalabs/97challenge][4]. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.278.5346.2040d [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text" [4]: http://www.rsa.com/rsalabs/97challenge
Antineoplastic agents. 527. Synthesis of 7-deoxynarcistatin, 7-deoxy-trans-dihydronarcistatin, and trans-dihydronarcistatin 1

The synthesis of sodium narcistatin (8) was improved (88% overall yield) and the modified reaction sequence was utilized to synthesize three new 3,4-cyclic phosphate prodrugs, sodium 7-deoxynarcistatin (5), sodium 7-deoxy-trans-dihydronarcistatin (6), and sodium trans-dihydronarcistatin (7). The human cancer cell line inhibitory isocarbostyril precursors were isolated from the bulbs of Hymenocallis littoralis obtained by horticultural production or reduction of narciclasine (1a → 4) from the same source.
Evidence for a role of PTH in the reduced pressor response to norepinephrine in chronic renal failure.

Evidence for a role of PTH in the reduced pressor response to norepinephrine in chronic renal failure. Reduced pressor response to norepinephrine (NE) is present in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) and is responsible partly for some of the manifestations of autonomic nervous system dysfunction in these patients. PTH blunts the pressor response to NE in normal rats, suggesting that excess PTH in CRF may be responsible for this abnormality. However, the relative roles of uremia and of excess PTH in the uremic state in the genesis of this abnormality are not defined. The present study examines this question. Rats with chronic renal failure display reduced pressor response to NE administration, but this derangement can be prevented by prior parathyroidectomy and abolished by administration of indo-methacin. The role of PTH in the genesis of this abnormality can also be demonstrated in the hind limb preparation obtained from rats with CRF.Our data show that excess PTH and not other consequences of CRF plays a paramount pathogenetic role in the reduced pressor response to NE and that this effect of PTH is due to a direct action on the blood vessels. Further, this hormone action is most likely mediated through increased production of vasodilating prostaglandins. These observations are constant with the idea that PTH would contribute to the pathogenesis of some of the manifestations of autonomic nervous system dysfunction in CRF.