cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
BreGMN: scaled-Bregman Generative Modeling Networks.

The family of f-divergences is ubiquitously applied to generative modeling in order to adapt the distribution of the model to that of the data. Well-definedness of f-divergences, however, requires the distributions of the data and model to overlap completely in every time step of training. As a result, as soon as the support of distributions of data and model contain non-overlapping portions, gradient based training of the corresponding model becomes hopeless. Recent advances in generative modeling are full of remedies for handling this support mismatch problem: key ideas include either modifying the objective function to integral probability measures (IPMs) that are well-behaved even on disjoint probabilities, or optimizing a well-behaved variational lower bound instead of the true objective. We, on the other hand, establish that a complete change of the objective function is unnecessary, and instead an augmentation of the base measure of the problematic divergence can resolve the issue. Based on this observation, we propose a generative model which leverages the class of Scaled Bregman Divergences and generalizes both f-divergences and Bregman divergences. We analyze this class of divergences and show that with the appropriate choice of base measure it can resolve the support mismatch problem and incorporate geometric information. Finally, we study the performance of the proposed method and demonstrate promising results on MNIST, CelebA and CIFAR-10 datasets.
Jack’d dating application motivations, experiences, and sexual risk behaviors: a qualitative pilot study

Introduction: Little is known about geosocial networking dating application use among young Black gay and bisexual men (YBGBM), a group severely affected by HIV in the United States. The purpose of...
Decentralized Merging Control in Traffic Networks with Noisy Vehicle Dynamics: a Joint Optimal Control and Barrier Function Approach

We address the problem of optimally controlling Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) arriving from two roads at a merging point where the objective is to jointly minimize the travel time and energy consumption of each CAV subject to a speed-dependent safety constraint and to speed and acceleration constraints. Implementing the decentralized solution to this problem obtained in prior work is limited by the computational cost when constraints become active on an optimal CAV trajectory and by the presence of noise in the vehicle dynamics. In this paper, we combine the unconstrained optimal control solution (treated as a reference trajectory for each CAV) with control barrier functions (CBFs) that guarantee the satisfaction of all constraints and provide robustness to noise. To accomplish this, we design a joint optimal control and barrier function (OCBF) controller where a CBF-based controller tracks the optimal control trajectory for each CAV in the presence of noise. In addition, when considering more complex objective functions for which analytical optimal control solutions are unavailable, we adapt the CBF method to such objectives. Simulation examples are included to compare the performance of the OCBF controller to optimal solutions (when available) and to a baseline provided by human-driven vehicles with results showing significant improvements in both metrics.
An Examination of Higher Education Institutional Level Learning Outcomes Related to Sustainability

In light of the rapid growth of the movement for educating students about sustainability, this study sought to understand the content and context of sustainability-related learning outcomes in higher education institutions in the United States by using data from 47 institutions. Findings show how institutions operationalize learning for sustainability, a continuum of location of these learning outcomes, and a range of pedagogical beliefs about learning for sustainability. Implications include the potential for a new schematic definition for sustainability in learning, and we identify theoretical tools to help define and measure learning for sustainability and provide suggestions for innovative ways for institutions to shape learning about sustainability.
Are women adult human females

Are women (simply) adult human females? Dictionaries suggest that they are. However, philosophers who have explicitly considered the question invariably answer no. This paper argues that they are wrong. The orthodox view is that the category woman is a social category, like the categories widow and police officer, although exactly what this social category consists in is a matter of considerable disagreement. In any event, orthodoxy has it that woman is definitely not a biological category, like the categories amphibian or adult human female. In the first part, a number of arguments are given for the view that women are adult human females; the second part turns to rebutting the main objections. Finally, a couple of morals are briefly noted, one for activist sloganeering, and one for ameliorative projects that seek to change the meaning of ‘woman’.
Approaches to Study Wellbeing

Because the concept of wellbeing encompasses so many different domains and disciplines, virtually any research method can be applied to its study. As such, this chapter is essentially an overview of the research methods relevant to the biomedical and social science fields in the broadest sense. A sound understanding of the benefits and limitations of different methods is critical in evaluating the potential merits of a study. Observational studies seek to describe the world and can be either quantitative, involving measurements and mathematical relationships, or qualitative, involving stories about personal experiences. Mixed methods designs incorporate and integrate both approaches. Correlational studies assess for relationships between variables. Interventional studies involve the manipulation of an independent variable, and if they involve randomization, are the closest researchers can come to proving causation. The chapter concludes with a discussion of design-based research and action research, which show how such inquiry can be used not just to study but also actively solve problems.
Effect of Mg Content in Melt-Spun Mn–Bi–Mg–Sb–In Alloys on the Structure and Properties of Field-Annealed Magnets

Mn–Bi alloys modified with Mg and other elements were recently developed into promising rare-earth-free permanent magnets through successive melt spinning, warm compaction, and short magnetic field annealing. This letter reports on the crystal structures, texture, and magnetic properties observed in Mn 50 Bi 49- $x$ Mg $x$ Sb 0.5 In 0.5 alloys ( $x$ = 0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5) throughout these processing steps. The Mg substitution favors MnBi-based intermetallic phases over the Bi- and Mn-based solid solutions and the stable α intermetallic phase over the metastable β ′ intermetallic phase. Magnesium increases the $c/a$ ratio of the α phase lattice parameters for all studied $x$ values, and it increases the degree of the field-annealing-induced texture for $x$ ≤ 3. The effect of Mg on coercivity is explained as a combination of a positive one via the α phase magnetocrystalline anisotropy and a negative one via the development of texture. The effect of the substitution on the maximum energy product additionally involves the decreasing density of the alloys; the optimum $x$ is found to be ≈3. Also reported are the thermal properties of selected alloys. The mechanism of field annealing effect on the coercivity is briefly discussed.
Ethnic differences in subclinical vascular function in South Asians, Whites, and African Americans in the United States.

Abstract Background South Asians are a high-risk ethnic group for cardiovascular disease despite having lower levels of conventional cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity and smoking. Ethnic differences in pulse wave reflections, arterial stiffness, and subclinical atherosclerosis as measured using augmentation index (AIX), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) may reflect some of this excess risk. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of pooled data from three community-based sources in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Data on 530 South Asians collected from local health fairs was compared with data on 507 White and 192 African Americans from the Emory Predictive Health Initiative and 351 White and 382 African Americans from the Morehouse and Emory Team up to Eliminate Health Disparities Study. Results Linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, smoking, MAP, fasting glucose, TC, HDL-C, creatinine, and body mass index were used to assess the relationship between ethnicity and vascular function measures. In fully adjusted models, South Asians had higher heart rate corrected AIX as compared with Whites and African Americans (by 5.47%, p Conclusions Systemic pulse wave reflections, independent of other risk factors, are higher in South Asians as compared with Whites and African Americans. Future research is needed to determine whether higher AIX explains the increased cardiovascular risk among South Asians.
“Supersessioning”: A hardware/software system for electrophysiology spanning multiple sessions in marmosets

Abstract We introduce a straightforward, robust method for recording and analyzing spiking activity over timeframes longer than a single session, with primary application to the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Although in theory the marmoset’s smooth brain allows for broad deployment of powerful tools in primate cortex, in practice marmosets do not typically engage in long experimental sessions akin to rhesus monkeys. This potentially limits their value for detailed, quantitative neurophysiological study. Here we describe chronically-implanted arrays with a 3D arrangement of electrodes yielding stable single and multi-unit responses, and an analytic method for creating “supersessions” combining that array data across multiple experiments. We could match units across different recording sessions over several weeks, demonstrating the feasibility of pooling data over sessions. This could be a key tool for extending the viability of marmosets for dissecting neural computations in primate cortex.
Utilization of cumulative antibiograms for public health surveillance: Trends in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae susceptibility, Massachusetts, 2008-2018.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is an urgent public health threat. Identifying trends in antimicrobial susceptibility can inform public health policy at the state and local levels. Objective: To determine the ability of statewide antibiogram aggregation for public health surveillance to identify changes in antimicrobial resistance trends. Design: Facility-level trend analysis. Methods: Crude and adjusted trend analyses of the susceptibility of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae to particular antibiotics, as reported by aggregated antibiograms, were examined from 2008 through 2018. Multivariable regression analyses via generalized linear mixed models were used to examine associations between hospital characteristics and trends of E. coli and K. pneumoniae susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone. Results: E. coli and K. pneumoniae showed inverse trends in drug susceptibility over time. K. pneumoniae susceptibility to fluoroquinolones increased by 5% between 2008 and 2018 (P 4% higher proportion of susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and a >3% higher proportion of susceptibility to ceftriaxone (P 3%) and ceftriaxone (>1.5%) in all regions when compared to Boston hospitals (P < .05). Conclusions: Cumulative antibiograms can be used to monitor antimicrobial resistance, to discern regional and facility differences, and to detect changes in trends. Furthermore, because the number of years that hospitals contributed reports to the state-level aggregate had no significant influence on susceptibility trends, other states should not be discouraged by incomplete hospital compliance.
Influence of Natural Sources on Mercury in Water, Sediment and Aquatic Biota in Seven Tributary Streams of the East Fork of the Upper Carson River, California

The East Fork of the Upper Carson River (EFUCR) drainagebasin contains the Leviathan mine site, a known source of acidmine drainage, and numerous small prospects and mineralizedareas, some of which are enriched in mercury. In 1999 aninvestigation was undertaken to characterize total mercuryconcentrations in water, sediment, and whole aquaticmacroinvertebrates from seven tributaries of the EFUCR watershedon a seasonal time step. In the fall, methyl mercury in water,sediment and Stoneflys was determined for three sites. Both total and dissolved mercury in water at all sites, notimpacted by acid mine drainage, exhibited a seasonal trend withthe lowest concentrations occurring in the winter, higherconcentrations in the summer, and the highest concentrationsrecorded in the fall. Winter samples were taken during a periodof ice melt. It is hypothesized that the high fall concentrations were due to elevated mercury concentrations ingroundwater, which was recharging the stream under baseflow conditions and had interacted with substrate naturally enrichedin mercury. Mercury concentrations in Leviathan Creek wereelevated when acid mine drainage was being discharged directlyinto the Creek. Mercury concentrations in individual stoneflyscollected from specific stream reaches were similar, and methylmercury and total mercury concentrations in macroinvertebratetissue were roughly equivalent. Comparison of mercury bodyburden of macroinvertebrates between tributaries showed thatmacroinvertebrates in the Cottonwood Creek watershed had highermercury concentrations relative to the other sites. Thistributary had higher sediment mercury concentrations than allsimilar tributaries not impacted by acid mine drainage.
Time-resolved breath oxygen monitor for critical care - clinical prototype development

A small and lightweight oxygen sensor for continuous in-airway monitoring of breath. A measurement precision of <0.3% O2 (10ms integration time) is achieved, which is adequate to resolve oxygen concentration within a single breath cycle.
The Perceptual Illusion of Baseball's Rising Fastball And Breaking Curveball

The rising fastball and the breaking curveball are impossible according to principles of physics and physiology, yet many baseball players claim they exist. The simulation and model presented suggest that the rising fastball and breaking curveball are perceptual illusions caused by the batter misestimating the speed of the pitch. This model uses signals from known primary visual processes only. This model was enhanced by adding an acceleration term. The enhanced model more accurately predicts the position of the ball when it crosses the plate. These models are compared and contrasted to models by McBeath and Bootsma. Sensitivity analyses have shown that the model and simulation are robust with respect to their parameter values. The model is most sensitive to the estimated distance to the ball, and the simulation is most sensitive to the estimated speed of the pitch.
Thoracoscopic Sympathotomy with Sympathicolysis (TS) for Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis (PPH) in Children

Patients with primary hyperhydrosis suffer from abnormal, sometimes debilitating sweating of the hands. While most non-operative treatments are symptomatic and temporary in nature, the only longterm definitive solution is sympathicolysis. The thoracoscopic approach affords the least morbidity and is easily performed if the surgeon knows and respects the anatomical landmarks, using a two-trocar technique. Care must be taken to perform a full sympathicolysis of the sympathetic chain, starting from the second and extending down to the fourth rib. The stellate ganglion must be spared in order to avoid the complication of Horner’s syndrome.
High Torque Density Traction Motor Using Soft Magnetic Composites Material with Surface Ring-type Halbach-array PM Rotor Topology

The permanent magnet (PM) traction motor is one of the feasible solutions to the energy crisis and environmental pollution. Due to the high demands in power and torque density with overall high efficiency, the permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) is mainly considered. Usage of soft magnetic composites (SMC) material in the machine parts helps to build a complex 3D structure and reduces the manufacturing cost. This paper presents the electromagnetic performance comparison analysis of a 7.12 kW radial flux PMSM with laminated steel and SMC stator core. Two different designs of 24/20 slot-pole and 12/8 slot-pole configuration using conventional surface permanent magnet rotor design are simulated using a 3D FEA software package. The comparison is mainly focused on the torque density, copper loss, core loss, and active weight of the machine. In addition, the ring-type Halbach-array PM rotor fabricated using cold spray additive manufacturing for 12/8 slot-pole is analyzed and optimized with the SMC stator core for high-speed electric vehicle application. The THD in phase back EMF and torque ripple is reduced by modifying the SMC stator tooth shape. Also, a scaled-down laboratory design of ring-type Halbach-array PM rotor with 12/10 slot-pole is simulated using FEA with different lamination thickness of rotor core.
VIDEO IMAGE QUALITY AND FACIAL RECOGNITION

VIDEO IMAGE QUALITY AND FACIAL RECOGNITIONHarry L. Snyder, Ph.D.Virginia Polytechnic InstituteIntroductionThe problem of determining the quality ofan image produced by a line -scanning systemreceived increased attention in the early1960's with the advent of low -light -leveltelevision and infrared imaging systems formilitary aircraft. In addition, the interestin manned lunar exploration, with the attend-ant need for better evaluation of the lunarsurface, made necessary the telemetering ofimage data by such systems as Lunar Orbiterand Surveyor. An understanding of imagequality became more critical once it was real-ized that digitizing of the video signal fortransmission introduced a different form ofnoise (the so- called "striping ") into thevideo signal. As a result of these severalmore -or -less simultaneous needs, research intothe nature of line -scan image quality and itseffect upon image interpretability was begunabout 1961, and has continued through thepresent.The early studies focussed upon the re-
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension in the USA: the role of obesity in establishing prevalence and healthcare costs

This study documents for the first time the extraordinary costs to take care of patients with a chronic, non-fatal, relatively rare disorder who have been incorrectly thought to have an insignificant and self-limiting illness. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) occurs worldwide and in all racial groups and is found predominantly in obese women (∼ 90%) of childbearing age. Although the incidence of IIH is increasing as a result of the rapid increase in obesity, the disorder in general receives little recognition, and no recognition of the extensive burden of healthcare costs placed on patients, their families and society. We established for the first time both the prevalence of IIH in the USA and the direct and indirect costs of IIH using a prevalence-based model. IIH patients had an exceptionally high hospital admission rate of 38% (in 2007), a partial reflection of unsatisfactory treatment options. The total hospital costs per IIH admission in 2007 were four times greater than for a population-based per person admission. Total economic costs of IIH patients exceeded $444 million. Programmes designed to reduce obesity prior to and after diagnosis and better therapeutics will have a tremendous economic impact.
IDENTIFICATION OF CORYNEBACTERIUM DIPHTHERIAE WITH FLUORESCENT ANTIBACTERIAL REAGENTS

Moody, Max D. (Communicable Disease Center, Atlanta, Ga.) and Wallis L. Jones. Identification of Corynebacterium diphtheriae with fluorescent antibacterial reagents. J. Bacteriol. 86:285–293. 1963.—Conditions are described whereby fluorescent-antibody reagents could be prepared and used to identify Corynebacterium diphtheriae in pure and mixed cultures and in clinical materials. The use of O and OK antigens for immunization of rabbits to prepare the antibody was compared. The most satisfactory reagents were those made from serum of rabbits injected with live (OK) suspensions of C. diphtheriae. Such fluorescent reagents were used successfully in direct and indirect fluorescent-antibody tests to identify both toxinogenic and atoxinogenic C. diphtheriae but not to differentiate the two kinds of organisms.
EFFECTS OF THE FACTORY RESET ON MOBILE DEVICES

Mobile devices usually provide a “factory-reset” tool to erase user-specific data from the main secondary storage. 9 Apple iPhones, 10 Android devices, and 2 BlackBerry devices were tested in the first systematic evaluation of the effectiveness of factory resets. Tests used the Cellebrite UME-36 Pro with the UFED Physical Analyzer, the Bulk Extractor open-source tool, and our own programs for extracting metadata, classifying file paths, and comparing them between images. Two phones were subjected to more detailed analysis. Results showed that many kinds of data were removed by the resets, but much user-specific configuration data was left. Android devices did poorly at removing user documents and media, and occasional surprising user data was left on all devices including photo images, audio, documents, phone numbers, email addresses, geolocation data, configuration data, and keys. A conclusion is that reset devices can still provide some useful information to a forensic investigation.
Genetic and Molecular Studies of Olfaction in Drosophila

Drosophila melanogaster, an insect amenable to convenient molecular and genetic manipulation, has a highly sensitive olfactory system. A number of Drosophila olfactory mutants have been isolated and characterized. The smellblind mutant has a defect affecting a voltage-gated Na+ channel. The norpA mutant, defective in a phospholipase C, has a reduced response to odorants in one type of olfactory organ, providing genetic evidence for use of the inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate signal transduction pathway in olfaction. Since the norpA gene is also required for phototransduction, this work demonstrates overlap in the molecular genetic basis of vision and olfaction. Interestingly, genetic analysis indicates that some olfactory information flows through a pathway which does not depend on norpA. Some mutants, such as ptg, acj6 and Sco, show odorant specificity, in the sense that some odorant responses are greatly reduced, whereas others are little affected, if at all. Some, but not all, mutations affect both larval and adult olfactory responses. Two tightly-linked Drosophila genes encode homologues of moth pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs). Genetic analysis may help determine whether PBPs facilitate transit of pheromones to or from olfactory receptor neurons. Information from Drosophila could be useful in designing means of controlling mosquitoes. It may also be possible to study olfactory genes, such as those encoding PBPs, from other insects by mutating them, introducing them into Drosophila and analysing their function in vivo.
An adenosine A3 receptor-selective agonist does not modulate calcium-activated potassium currents in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons.

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the effects of a selective A 3 agonist, 2 - chloro - N6 - (3 - iodobenzyl)-adenosine - 5' - N - methyluronamide (Cl-IB-MECA), are characterized on hippocampal CA 1 pyramidal neurons. The chapter examines the possibility that activation of A 3 receptors could lead to activation of protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), or calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaM-K), which might then induce significant changes in the activity of hippocampal pyramidal neurons. CA1 pyramidal neurons were recorded in the whole cell mode using patch electrodes, and the effects of adenosine agonists were determined on the holding current, and on the amplitude of the slow outward calcium-activated K + currents activated following a depolarizing step in the command voltage Z (I AHP ). The result discussed in the chapter suggest that either A 3 receptors are not present on the cell bodies of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons; that they are present but not linked to PKA, PKC, or CaM-K activation; or that they only activate these kinases in cell compartments that are not accessible to the ion channels that underlie the AHP response.
The PTH-Vitamin D-FGF23 axis

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) has emerged as an important regulator of phosphate and vitamin D homeostasis. It is important to understand how FGF23 interacts with vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in a FGF23-Vitamin D-PTH axis to regulate mineral homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the genomic structure, and transcriptional, translational, and posttranslational regulation of FGF23. We describe its interaction with PTH and vitamin D, disorders of altered FGF23 states, and emerging therapies for diseases of FGF23 based upon these findings. This discussion helps redefine the role of PTH and vitamin D in relation to a complex bone-kidney-parathyroid loop, and points to areas within this complicated field in need of further clarification and research.
Locally and Dynamically Controllable Surface Topography Through the Use of Particle-Enhanced Soft Composites

A new class of soft composite materials with dynamically tunable and reversible surface topographies is introduced that allows a wide diversity and local positioning of surface features. The particle-enhanced soft composites are comprised of a soft elastomeric matrix with relatively stiff particles embedded below the surface. Upon application of external stimuli, a surface that is originally smooth and flat (or of other initial topology) transforms to engineered surface topographies. Finite element based micromechanical simulations are used to design and study the hybrid material structures that govern the evolution in surface topographies. Physical prototypes are fabricated using multimaterial 3D-printing, and then experimentally evaluated to validate the accuracy of our simulations. It is demonstrated that a rich variety in periodic and random surface features including variable waves, crease-like features, flat apexes, and valleys can be attained by changing different dimensionless geometric parameters (e.g., relative particle size, shapes, spacing, and distributions). Furthermore, these surface features can be locally controlled by positioning of particles and do not rely on instabilities. The material design depends primarily on the geometry of the particles and the arrays, making this approach to on-demand custom and reversible surface patterning applicable over a wide range of size scales.
Maternal occupational exposure to ionizing radiation and major structural birth defects.

Background Ionizing radiation (IR) is known to be carcinogenic and mutagenic, but little is known about the association between maternal occupational exposure to IR and birth defects. Methods We studied 38,009 mothers who participated in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study and delivered between 1997 and 2009. We assessed odds ratios [ORs] for the association between maternal occupations with potential exposure to IR and 39 birth defects. Results We observed significant odds ratios (ORs) for isolated hydrocephaly (adjusted OR [AOR], 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–4.2), isolated anotia/microtia (AOR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.0–4.0), isolated colonic atresia (crude OR, 7.5; 95% CI, 2.5–22.3), isolated omphalocele (AOR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1–4.6) and isolated anencephaly (crude OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.06–0.94). We also observed a nonsignificant OR for birth defects in aggregate (AOR, 2.0; 95% CI, 0.9–4.6) among mothers with potential occupational exposure to fluoroscopy. Conclusion We assessed 39 birth defects, observing that maternal occupations with potential exposure to IR were associated with a significantly increased risk for 4 birth defects and a significantly protected risk for 1 birth defect. These results should be interpreted cautiously because our measurement of exposure is qualitative, some of these associations may be due to occupational exposures that are correlated with IR and some may be due to chance. However, these findings serve as the first evaluation of these relationships in a large study and may be useful for generating hypotheses for future studies. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:243–254, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conivaptan: a step forward in the treatment of hyponatremia?

Hyponatremia is one of the most common electrolyte abnormalities linked to adverse outcomes and increased mortality in hospitalized patients. While the differential diagnosis for hyponatremia is diverse, most cases stem from arginine vasopressin (AVP) dysregulation, where hypoosmolality fails to suppress AVP synthesis and release. The physiological effects of AVP are currently known to depend on its interaction with any of 3 receptor subtypes V1A, V2, and V1B. Activation of V2 by AVP is the key in renal water regulation and maintenance of total body volume and plasma tonicity. Despite the long-recognized problem with excess AVP in euvolemic and hypervolemic hyponatremia, traditional therapeutic options have relied on nonspecific and potentially problematic strategies. More recently, a new class of drugs, introduced as “aquaretics,” has gained great attention among clinicians because of its ability to correct hyponatremia via direct competitive inhibition of AVP at V2 receptors to induce renal electrolyte-free water excretion. In this paper, we aim to review available clinical data on the only FDA-approved aquaretic, dual V1A/V2 receptor antagonist conivaptan, discuss its clinical indications, efficacy, safety profile, and comment on its clinical limitations.
1. Traumatic brain injury: Prevention, pathophysiology, and outcome prediction

Abstract This self-directed learning module highlights new advances in the understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying traumatic brain injury (TBI) and outcome prediction, and outlines effective strategies for the prevention of TBI and associated impairments and disability in children and adults. It is part of the chapter on brain injury rehabilitation in the Self-Directed Physiatric Education Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. In this article, cellular, biochemical, and genetic mechanisms that contribute to primary and secondary injury in mild and moderate to severe injury are discussed, with information on current neuroimaging and neurophysiologic tools for patient assessment. New advances described include investigations of the association between Alzheimer's disease and brain injury, and possible pathophysiologic correlates to the cognitive deficits seen in mild traumatic brain injury. New neuroimaging techniques may offer greater possibilities for correlation with clinical findings in patients with mild as well as more severe injury.
A revised amino group pKa for prymnesins does not provide decisive evidence for a pH-dependent mechanism of Prymnesium parvum's toxicity

Abstract A reconsideration of the pKa values proposed by Valenti et al. (Theodore W. Valenti et al., A mechanistic explanation for pH-dependent ambient aquatic toxicity of Prymnesium parvum carter. Toxicon (2010) 55, 990–998) suggests that the ionization status of the C-14 amino group in prymnesins will not substantially influence the toxicity of these compounds over a pH range of 6.5–8.5. A revised pKa value and ionization state distribution for the prymnesins in aqueous systems is proposed.
Incidental Pulmonary Nodules on Cardiac Computed Tomography: Prognosis and Use

Abstract Background Small asymptomatic lung nodules are found frequently in the course of cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning. However, the utility of assessing and reporting incidental findings in healthy, asymptomatic subjects is unknown. Methods The sample comprised 1023 60- to 69-year-old subjects free of clinical cardiovascular disease and cancer who participated in the Atherosclerotic Disease, VAscular functioN and genetiC Epidemiology Study. All subjects underwent cardiac CT for determination of coronary calcium between 2001 and 2004, and the first 459 subjects were assessed for incidental pulmonary findings. We used health plan clinical databases to ascertain 24-month health care use and clinical outcomes. Results Noncalcified pulmonary nodules were reported in 81 of 459 subjects (18%). Chest CT was performed on 78% of participants in the 24 months after notification, compared with 2.5% in the previous 24 months. Chest x-ray use increased from 28% to 49%. The mean number of chest CT scans per subject was 1.3 (range, 0-5). Although no malignant lesions were diagnosed in the group who had pulmonary findings read, 1 lung cancer case was diagnosed in the group who did not have lung findings read. Among the 63 participants followed up by CT, the original lesion was not identified in 22 participants (35%), the lesion had decreased or remained stable in 39 participants (62%), and there was interval growth in 2 participants (3%). Conclusion Reporting noncalcified pulmonary nodules resulted in substantial rescanning that overwhelmingly revealed resolution or stability of pulmonary nodules, arguing for benign processes.
Identification of people with very early RA for optimal care: a public health challenge.

Detecting and treating rheumatoid arthritis as early as possible in the disease stage can mean that long-term treatment might not be necessary. In this Viewpoint, Dr Liang and colleagues propose a novel method for the identification of persons with symptoms of early rheumatoid arthritis in the general population.
Packaging of nitric oxide.

SIR—We were interested to read Glossman and Moebius’ letter on the unlicensed use of nitric oxide in Austria (Feb 15, p 509). By coincidence, the same week, the Health Committee of the outgoing House of Commons heard evidence on the use of unlicensed drugs in children. We have experienced difficulties with administration of nitric oxide and non-standardised cylinder colours which resulted in the wrong concentration of nitric oxide being
Acadian dextral transpression and synorogenic sedimentary successions in the Appalachians

The successive Seboomook-Littleton (northern Appalachians) and Catskill-Pocono (central Appalachians) clastic wedges suggest oblique convergence and southwestward migration of Acadian orogeny beginning in Early Devonian and continuing into Early Mississippian. Wrench-fault movement in Maritime Canada coincided with deposition of all but the earliest components of the Catskill-Pocono clastic wedge and continued into the Pennsylvanian. Contrasts between a thin, Lower to Middle Devonian shallow-shelf facies in the Alabama Appalachian fold-thrust belt and a time-equivalent, thick, shallowing-upward sedimentary to volcanic succession in the adjacent Talladega slate belt are interpreted to reflect a wrench-fault basin. A wrench-fault setting for Devonian rocks in Alabama integrated with manifestations of oblique convergence during the Acadian orogeny in the central and northern Appalachians can be accommodated in dextral transpression along the entire length of the Acadian Appalachian orogen.
"Perplex't paths": youth and authority in Milton's Mask.

This essay argues that John Milton's A Mask Presented at Ludlow Castle (1634) is influenced by early modern concepts of childhood in a way that critics have not recognized. Childhood was a problematic concept in contemporary religious, pedagogical, and legal discourses. Children were depicted as models of submission, but prone to impetuous indiscretion, and their path to adult agency was strewn with pitfalls, especially in the liminal period of youth. A Mask engages with and transforms these discourses. It rejects the political quietism routinely associated with childhood and shows that the child's unique sensitivity may offer a route to a particularly powerful kind of voice.
SALINITY AND NUTRIENT LIMITATIONS ON GROWTH OF BENTHIC ALGAE FROM TWO ALKALINE SALT LAKES OF THE WESTERN GREAT BASIN (USA)1

Enrichment cultures of littoral benthic algae from Mono Lake, California, and Abert Lake, Oregon, were grown under conditions of varied salinity and nutrient content. Field-collected inocula were composed mainly of diatoms and filamentous blue-green and green algae. The yield of long-term cultures (30 days) showed tolerance over a broad salinity range (50–150 g·L−1) for Mono Lake-derived algae. Algae from Abert Lake had a lower range of tolerance (25–100 g·L−1) Organic content and pigment concentrations of algae from both lakes were also reduced above the tolerated salinity level. Within the range of salinity tolerance for Mono Lake algae, initial growth rates and organic content were reduced by increased salinity. The effects of macro- and micronutrient enrichment on algal growth in Mono Lake water were also tested. Only nitrogen enrichment (either as ammonium or nitrate) stimulated algal growth. Although the benthic algae cultured here had wide optima for salinity tolerance, the rates of growth and storage were limited by increased salinity within the optimum range. Although the lakes compared had similar species composition, the range and limits of tolerance of the algae were related to salinity of the lake of origin.
Repair of oxidized calmodulin by methionine sulfoxide reductase restores ability to activate the plasma membrane Ca-ATPase.

We have investigated the ability of methionine sulfoxide reductase (MsrA) to maintain optimal calmodulin (CaM) function through the repair of oxidized methionines, which have been shown to accumulate within CaM in senescent brain [Gao, J., Yin, D. H., Yao, Y., Williams, T. D., and Squier, T. C. (1998) Biochemistry 37, 9536−9548]. Oxidatively modified calmodulin (CaMox) isolated from senescent brain or obtained by in vitro oxidation was incubated with MsrA. This treatment restores the functional ability of CaMox to activate the plasma membrane (PM) Ca-ATPase, confirming that (i) the decreased ability of CaM isolated from senescent animals to activate the PM Ca-ATPase results solely from methionine sulfoxide formation and (ii) MsrA can repair methionine sulfoxides within cytosolic proteins. We have used electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to investigate the extent and rates of methionine sulfoxide repair within CaMox. Upon exhaustive repair by MsrA, there remains a distribution of methionine sulfoxide...
FAB-MS/MS study of two neuropeptides, dynorphins 1–7 and 1–13

Abstract The FAB-mass spectrometric fragmentation behavior of two dynorphins (heptapeptide, tridecapeptide) were studied in a four-sector (B1E1E2B2) mass spectrometer. The (M+H)+ ion is selected by the first two fields (B1, E1) and product ions arising from either unimolecular or collision-activated dissociation are collected by a linked-field (B2/E2) scan of the second two fields. Important product-precursor relationships required for peptide identification and eventual quantification are established because fragment ions found in the B2/E2 scan derive only from the (M+H)+ ion of the peptide. For the heptapeptide, more C-terminus containing ions were found in the B2/E2 linked-field scan data, whereas for the tridecapeptide, abundant ions containing the N- and C-termini were found.
Seed-dispersal and seedling recruitment patterns by the last Neotropical megafaunal element in Amazonia, the tapir

Tapirs (Tapiridae) are the last representatives of the Pleistocene megafauna of South and Central America. How they affect the ecology of plants was examined by studying the diversity, abundance, and condition of seeds defec- atedd by the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) in Amazonian Brazil. Additionally, the spatio-temporal pattern of the seed-rain and seed-shadows generated by tapirs was recorded. Three hundred and fifty-six tapir faeces were examined. Eleven per cent were found in water (n = 41), while 88% were located on dry land (n = 315). Of those found on dry land, 84% were located at sites that flood seasonally, while 14% of the total were encountered at forest sites that do not flood. In 127 faeces checked in the laboratory over 12 906 seeds of at least 39 species were found. Seed viability ranged from 65% for Maximiliana maripa to 98% for Enterolobium schomburgkii. Of nine seed species planted in the laboratory, seven germinated within 4 wk, with one species achieving an 89% germination rate. For many species recruitment to the seedling stage was also high under natural conditions, with 13 plant species occurring as seedlings in older faeces. Tapir generated seed-rain occurred throughout the year, with seeds defecated in all months. Two temporal patterns in species seed rain occurred: (1) contiguous monthly occurrence with peaks in abundance, and (2) discontinuous occurrence (time clumped) with small (a few months) to large (many months to more than a year) temporal gaps. The highest diversity of seeds appeared in April, at the end of the dry season. As the last of the Pleistocene megafauna of the region, tapirs may have particular import- ance as dispersers of large seeds and generators of unique seed dispersion patterns.
Does the Third Pancreatic Hormone (APP) Play a Trophic Role in the Growth of the Embryonic Chick Proventriculus

SummaryAvian pancreatic polypeptide (APP) is a recently discovered pancreatic peptide with hormone-like characteristics which acts as a gastric (proventricular) secretogogue in chickens. When injected into 12-14 day old fertile eggs, APP was shown to:(a) cause a marked increase in proventricular protein/DNA ratio within two days, and (b) cause incorporation of labelled [14C] leucine into proventricular, but not into liver, protein unless very high doses were employed. The results suggests that APP may be an anabolic and secretogogic regulator of the developing avian gut.
Distraction and social comparison as mediators of social facilitation effects

Abstract Sanders and Baron (Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1975, 32, 956–963) suggested that increases in drive produced by the presence of others (social facilitation) are due to the tendency for others to distract task performers as they worked on a task. This Distraction-Conflict theory proposes that socially mediated drive induction will occur whenever there is some reason to shift attention from the task to the social stimuli. In the case of humans, one such reason may be the opportunity to obtain social comparison information from an audience or coactors. The present research demonstrated that social facilitation effects (improved simple task performance and impaired complex task performance produced by the presence of others) occurred only when subjects were motivated to obtain comparison information (Experiment I) and when comparison information was available (Experiment II). The availability of comparison information also led to increased accuracy in estimating the coactor's performance. This indicated that in conditions manifesting social facilitation, subjects were spending some time monitoring the coactor's work, which is an inherently distracting activity. Several supplementary measures of distraction were generally consistent in indicating greater distraction under conditions manifesting social facilitation. The present results offer no support for the explanations of social facilitation suggested by Zajonc and by Cottrell.
Spectrophotopolarimeter based on multiple reflections in a coated dielectric slab

Abstract A division-of-amplitude photopolarimeter is described that uses multiple reflections inside a coated dielectric slab at oblique incidence. The first four parallel reflected beams pass through suitably oriented, but fixed, linear analyzers and are intercepted by linear photodetector arrays for spectroscopic polarimetry and ellipsometry. A particular design is presented that uses a parallel-plane fused-silica slab which is coated with an opaque reflecting layer of Ag or Al on the back side and with a transparent ZnS thin film on the front side. Sufficient power is available in the high orders and the instrument matrix is non-singular, so that all four Stokes parameters of the input light can be measured simultaneously, over the visible and near-visible spectral range. © 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.
Exploring how new registered nurses construct professional identity in hospital settings.

Purpose To describe and explore the experiences that contribute to the construction of professional identity in hospital nurses 1 to 3 years postgraduation from nursing school. Methodology This qualitative study used in-depth interviewing and open-ended questions with a semistructured format. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. Twenty-one interviews were conducted with 16 participants. The researcher analyzed the data through the lens of symbolic interactionism. Results The study identified various passage points as nurses progressed in establishing their professional identity in the first 3 years after graduation. These points required adaptation to stress to accomplish successful negotiation and included finding a niche, orientation, the conflict of caring, taking the licensure examination, becoming a charge nurse, and moving on. A sense of responsibility and the need for continual learning and perfection were inherent in all passage points. Conclusion The significance of this study rests in situational influences on the construction of identity, the need for balance and support in the practice environment, passage points in the first 3 years of practice, and the organizational need to support nursing empowerment and voice.
Sampling bias and habitat variation in gonotrophic age of female Musca autumnalis (Diptera: Muscidae).

Association between habitat and gonotrophic age of female face flies, Musca autumnalis , was studied in 5 states during 1981 and 1982. Sticky traps were located simultaneously near cattle, near fresh dung pats, and at putative fly resting sites far from cattle and dung in the same pastures; the last has not previously been included in studies of face-fly dispersion. Hourly catch rates in each habitat showed that females were more concentrated at dung and cattle than at resting sites, and trapping at all sites from dusk into night was unsuccessful. Trapped flies were dissected and each was assigned to 1 of 16 gonotrophic age classes spanning 3 parity classes. Age distributions by habitat from the same pastures and days were found to differ statistically on 13 of 15 occasions. Early and midcycle flies were most abundant near cattle, whereas gravid flies were most abundant at dung. Females from resting sites, although scarcer, were distributed more evenly among the age classes. Associations among age classes and habitats were not stable among dates, years, and study sites. The implication is that age indices derived from small samples within short time intervals may be biased by sources of face flies in the field.