cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prospective study of an ultra-lightweight polypropylene Y mesh for robotic sacrocolpopexy.

To prospectively evaluate the use of a particular polypropylene Y mesh for robotic sacrocolpopexy. This was a prospective study of 120 patients who underwent robotic sacrocolpopexy. We compared preoperative and 12-month postoperative objective and subjective assessments via the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q), the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, Short Form 20 (PFDI-20); the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire, Short Form 7 (PFIQ-7); and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire 12 (PISQ-12). Objective “anatomical success” was defined as POP-Q stage 0 or 1 at all postoperative intervals. We further defined “clinical cure” by simultaneously considering POP-Q points and subjective measures. To be considered a “clinical cure,” a given patient had to have all POP-Q points ≤0, apical POP-Q point C ≤5, no reported pelvic organ prolapse symptoms on the PFDI-20, and no reoperation for prolapse at all postoperative intervals. Of the 120 patients, 118 patients completed the 1-year follow-up. The objective “anatomical success” rate was 89 % and the “clinical cure” rate was 94 %. The PFDI-20 mean score improved from 100.4 at baseline to 21.0 at 12 months (p < 0.0001); PFIQ-7 scores improved from 61.6 to 8.0 (p < 0.0001); and PISQ-12 scores improved from 35.7 to 38.6 (p < 0.0009). No mesh erosions or mesh-related complications occurred. The use of this ultra-lightweight Y mesh for sacrocolpopexy, eliminated the mesh-related complications in the first postoperative year, and provided significant improvement in subjective and objective outcomes.
Effect of Vibrations on Pore Fluid Distribution in Porous Media

Understanding the role of shuttle vibrations in pore fluid distribution is an essential task in the exploration of plant growth in root modules aboard space flights. Results from experimental investigations are reported in this paper on the distribution of immiscible fluid phases in glass beads under vibrations. Hexadecane, a petroleum com- pound immiscible with and lighter than water, was used in the experiments. The higher freezing point of Hexadecane (18 ◦ C) allowed the solidification of the entrapped blobs in the presence of water in porous media, so that their size distribution can be obtained. van Genuchten function, commonly used to express moisture retention curves, is found to be an adequate fit for blob size distribution at residual saturation. The effect of vibra- tions on the fate (mobilization, stranding, or breakup) of a solitary ganglion in porous media was studied using a network model. A mobility criterion considering viscous, grav- ity, and capillary forces was developed to determine the fate of a solitary ganglion in a porous medium. It is concluded that the effect of vibrations is to increase the likeli- hood of breakup and mobilization of blobs entrapped in porous media at residual sat- uration. The pore fluid distributions after vibrations are less uniform than those before vibrations.
A contingent-claims valuation of convertible securities

Abstract This paper examines the pricing of convertible bonds and preferred stocks. The optimal policies for call and conversion of these securities are determined via the criterion of dominance. The techniques underlying the Black-Scholes Option Model are used to price convertible securities as contingent claims on the firm as a whole.
Thermal Conductivity of Liquid Helium. I

Direct measurements have been made of the thermal conductivity of liquid helium over the temperature range from its normal boiling point at 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K to a temperature within a few hundredths of a degree of the $\ensuremath{\lambda}$-point. The results show that the thermal conductivity decreases linearly with temperature from a value of 6.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ cal/deg cm sec at 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K to about 4.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ cal/deg cm sec close to the $\ensuremath{\lambda}$-point. No large deviation from linearity can be detected in the heat conductivity until about 0.2 degree from the transition temperature of 2.18\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K.
Electrolytic Corrosion-Methods of Evaluating Insulating Materials Used in Tropical Service

The selection of insulating materials to guard against electrolytic corrosion has become increasingly important as the use of electric devices in the tropics has increased. Moisture conditions in the tropics are described, and means for producing such conditions in the laboratory are considered. The visual, corrosion-current, and water-extract conductivity methods for studying electrolytic corrosion are described. Typical results for a number of different materials are given.
On the Fabric of the Human Body

With the publication of De Humani Corporis Fabrica in 1543, Andreas Vesalius bestowed some of the greatest advancements of anatomic understanding since the time of Galen, correcting major misconceptions, eg, the notion that the great vessels originated in the liver. It took nearly 1500 years for this evolution in anatomic thinking to transpire. It is simultaneously humbling and invigorating to note that nearly 500 years later the study of anatomy is just as lively and full of evolutionary change. In this issue of Circulation , Kajstura and colleagues1 definitively dispatch the dogma of the heart as a terminally differentiated organ, a concept formulated a mere 40 years earlier, and in so doing completely recalibrate our understanding of cellular homeostasis in the healthy and diseased heart. Article see p 1869 In 1973, Radovan Zak2 of the University of Chicago stated unequivocally, “The adult heart enlarges only by enlargement of its component muscle cells. Division of ventricular muscle cells in mammals is not activated after cardiac injury.” This conclusion was largely consistent with work by Linzbach3 in 1960; however, in this earlier comprehensive histological analysis, there was a suggestion that under certain circumstances the number of cardiac muscle fibers might increase. The Anversa laboratory began suggesting the possibility of cardiomyocyte proliferation in 1980,4 and by 1992, the group began to document clear evidence for replication of cardiac muscle cells in response to physiological stress and myocardial injury in both experimental models5–8 and humans.9,10 These early works included such bold statements as “the recognition of factors controlling myocyte proliferation may provide a new approach for regeneration of damaged and lost myocardium, a phenomenon considered impossible for several decades.” Although some recognized the power and implications of these observations, the Pfeffers' call for open-mindedness …
UV hazard on Italian Apennines under different shading and ground cover conditions during peak tourist seasons of the year

Abstract In solar UV irradiance monitoring and forecasting services UV information is generally expressed in terms of its effect on erythema and referred to horizontal surface. In this work we define the UV radiative regime, in terms of biologically effective UV irradiance (UVBE) for skin and eye, under full sun and shaded conditions, over a mountainous tourist area of central Italy by means of two all-day measurements (summer and early spring) with different ground albedo (grass and snow cover respectively). UV irradiance was monitored on tilted surfaces (the most frequent for people standing and walking). Results show the significant contribution of ground albedo and sun position in determining the incident UVBE irradiance. On early spring days the UVBE irradiance measured on horizontal surface was much lower than on tilted ones; the opposite condition was observed in summer. The highest UVBE irradiance values, in particular conditions of sun elevation and ground cover, were reached in periods different...
A man portable hybrid UAV/UGV system

We developed and demonstrated a UAV package that works in conjunction with the PackBot UGV to allow medium range missions. Both the UAV and UGV are man portable, and the combined system can be used from unimproved airfields such as soccer pitches. The UAV is capable of up to 75lbs of payload, while weighing less than 30lbs. This document describes the initial proof of concept prototype, the associated ground and flight tests, and areas for further development.
Assessment of protein alignment using 1H-1H residual dipolar coupling measurements.

Abstract A quick and accurate method is described for assessing protein alignment from residual dipolar coupling (RDC) measurements. In contrast to observing D 2 O resonance splitting, which reflects the orientational order of the alignment medium, the degree of alignment of a protein of interest can be estimated directly from 1 H– 1 H RDCs. In this study, RDCs between aromatic protons in unlabeled Cp-rubredoxin were measured from proton homonuclear J -resolved experiments with high sensitivity, and the alignment was assessed without the need of extensive resonance assignment. Since labeled proteins are not needed, this method provides an efficient way for screening alignment media. In situations where the protein structure is known, as in the case of Cp-rubredoxin, a full set of order tensor parameters can be determined, allowing further studies, such as those of ligand alignment relative to a target protein.
Fabrication of a micro-scale, indium-tin-oxide thin film strain-sensor by pulsed laser deposition and focused ion beam machining

Abstract A thin film strain-sensor having an active sensing area of 20 mm ×100 mm has been developed using a combination of pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and focused ion beam (FIB) machining to net shape. Sensors were made of indium-tin-oxide (ITO) thin films in the range 100–246 nm thick. Strain sensitivities of large-scale (smallest dimension=0.8 mm), small-scale (smallest dimension=0.25 mm) and FIB machined gages (smallest dimension=20 μm) are reported. Large-scale devices were deposited in a background oxygen pressure in the range 28–50 mTorr, while small-scale and FIB machined gages were deposited in 50 mTorr of oxygen, the largest achievable pressure in our system, which also yielded the largest strain sensitivities. Active strain-sensors were produced with gage factors ranging from −0.3 to −8.7 and showed a linear room temperature response with minimal hysteresis. The effects of imaging and machining with the FIB as well as the effects of an SiO 2 encapsulation layer on the electrical properties of the gages are reported.
The dissociation of acetylcholine from open nicotinic receptor channels

Ligand-gated ion channels bind agonists with higher affinity in the open than in the closed state. The kinetic basis of this increased affinity has remained unknown, because even though the rate constants of agonist association to and dissociation from closed receptors can be estimated with reasonable certainty, the kinetics of the binding steps in open receptors have proven to be elusive. To be able to measure the agonist-dissociation rate constant from open muscle nicotinic receptors, we increased the probability of ligand unbinding from the open state by engineering a number of mutations that speed up opening and slow down closing but leave the ligand-binding properties unchanged. Single-channel patch-clamp recordings from the wild-type and mutant constructs were performed at very low concentrations of acetylcholine (ACh). The durations of individual channel activations were analyzed assuming that “bursts” of fully liganded (diliganded) receptor openings can be terminated by ligand dissociation from the closed or open state (followed by fast closure) or by desensitization. This analysis revealed that ACh dissociates from diliganded open receptors at ≈24 s−1, that is, ≈2,500 times more slowly than from diliganded closed receptors. This change alone without a concomitant change in the association rate constant to the open state quantitatively accounts for the increased equilibrium affinity of the open channel for ACh. Also, the results predict that both desensitization and ACh dissociation from the open state frequently terminate bursts of openings in naturally occurring gain-of-function mutants (which cause slow-channel congenital myasthenia) and therefore would contribute significantly to the time course of the endplate current decay in these disease conditions.
In-situ ultrasonic compatibilization of unvulcanized and dynamically vulcanized PP/EPDM blends

Dynamically vulcanized PP/EPDM blends were treated by high-intensity ultrasonic waves during extrusion. These blends were compared with unvulcanized PP/EPDM blends that were treated by ultrasound during extrusion and then dynamically vulcanized. Die pressure and power consumption were measured. The effects of different gap sizes, ratio of components, and number of ultrasonic horns were investigated. The rheological properties, morphology and mechanical properties of the blends with and without ultrasonic treatment were compared. The results obtained indicated that ultrasonic treatment induced thermo-mechanical degradation, causing enhanced molecular transport and chemical reactions at the interfaces, thus leading to in-situ compatibilization, which is evident by the morphological and mechanical property studies. Processing conditions were established for enhanced in-situ compatibilization of the PP/EPDM blends that were either originally dynamically vulcanized and then ultrasonically treated or first treated and then dynamically vulcanized. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:2019–2028, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Insulin-like growth factor I induces MDM2-dependent degradation of p53 via the p38 MAPK pathway in response to DNA damage.

In many tissues, the insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) receptor (IGF-IR) is known to functionally oppose apoptosis. Recently, we demonstrated a direct role for the IGF-IR in the rescue of DNA-damaged fibroblasts by activating a DNA repair pathway (Heron-Milhavet, L., Karas, M., Goldsmith, C. M., Baum, B. J., and LeRoith, D. (2001) J. Biol. Chem.276, 18185–18192). p53 is a nuclear transcription factor that can block progression of the cell cycle, modulate DNA repair, and trigger apoptosis. In this work, we tested the effect of IGF-I on the regulation of the p53 signaling cascade. The DNA-damaging agent 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide was applied to NIH-3T3 cells overexpressing normal IGF-IRs (NWTb3 cells). We showed that after 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide-induced DNA damage, IGF-I induced exclusion of the p53 protein from the nucleus and led to its degradation in the cytoplasm, whereas p53 mRNA was unaffected. Degradation of the p53 protein was associated with an increase in MDM2, an upstream modulator of the half-life and activity of the p53 protein. p53 degradation was also associated with down-regulation of p21. We further showed that the effects of IGF-I on mdm2 transcription and on MDM2/p19 ARF association were mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway. In conclusion, we describe a novel role for IGF-I in the regulation of the MDM2/p53/p21 signaling pathway during DNA damage.
Elastic waves produced by longitudinal impact on a system with symmetrically branched rods

Abstract The problem of the propagation of a longitudinal elastic wave which is travelling along a thin uniform rod at the end of which a branched, symmetrically arranged system of rods is joined is treated analytically. The symmetry condition greatly simplifies the analysis and enables the problem to be treated as a two-dimensional one. The theory used for the propagation of longitudinal waves along the rods is the one-dimensional one while flexural wave propagation is treated using the Timoshenko theory. The numerical results obtained with this analysis are found to agree well with experimental observations.
Sex differences and similarities in the neuroendocrine regulation of social behavior in an African cichlid fish

An individual's position in a social hierarchy profoundly affects behavior and physiology through interactions with community members, yet little is known about how the brain contributes to status differences between and within the social states or sexes. We aimed to determine sex-specific attributes of social status by comparing circulating sex steroid hormones and neural gene expression of sex steroid receptors in dominant and subordinate male and female Astatotilapia burtoni, a highly social African cichlid fish. We found that testosterone and 17β-estradiol levels are higher in males regardless of status and dominant individuals regardless of sex. Progesterone was found to be higher in dominant individuals regardless of sex. Based on pharmacological manipulations in males and females, progesterone appears to be a common mechanism for promoting courtship in dominant individuals. We also examined expression of androgen receptors, estrogen receptor α, and the progesterone receptor in five brain regions that are important for social behavior. Most of the differences in brain sex steroid receptor expression were due to sex rather than status. Our results suggest that the parvocellular preoptic area is a core region for mediating sex differences through androgen and estrogen receptor expression, whereas the progesterone receptor may mediate sex and status behaviors in the putative homologs of the nucleus accumbens and ventromedial hypothalamus. Overall our results suggest sex differences and similarities in the regulation of social dominance by gonadal hormones and their receptors in the brain.
Pulmonary function in children treated for rhabdomyosarcoma

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical intervention have markedly improved the survival of patients treated for rhabdomyosarcoma. Unfortunately, the therapy may have deleterious effects on the lung. Pulmonary functions tests were obtained from 17 patients treated for rhabdomyosarcoma because of our concern regarding potential pulmonary dysfunction in this group of patients who had received bleomycin, which is known to be associated with lung injury. Mean age at the time of the diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma was 10.1 (±7.2) years (range 0.01-23.5 years). The mean age at the time of pulmonary function testing was 17.0 (±7.5) years (range 5.8-34.0 years). Study patients reportedly had no pulmonary symptoms. Approximately 87% of study patients had a restrictive ventilatory impairment on pulmonary function testing as measured by total lung capacity (TLC) values less than the lower limit of normal. Approximately 70% of study patients had carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (D LCO ) values less than the lower limit of normal. There were no significant differences in pulmonary function parameters when male study patients were compared to female study patients. There was a statistically significant lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV 1 /FVC) ratio (P = 0.03) and percent predicted forced expiratory flow at 25-75% of the FVC (FEF 25-75 ; P = 0.03) in the group of patients diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma over 8 years of age as compared to those individuals diagnosed under 8 years of age. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences in pulmonary function when the variables of sex and age at diagnosis (as outlined above) were studied in combination. In summary, we identified a high incidence of restrictive ventilatory abnormalities in a group of individuals (predominantly children) treated for rhabdomyosarcoma as well as a significantly lower FEV 1 /FVC ratio and percent predicted FEF 25-75 in the group of patients diagnosed with the neoplasm over 8 years of age. Individuals caring for such patients are encouraged to obtain pre- and sequential posttreatment pulmonary function tests.
Localization of the Raf-like Kinase CTR1 to the Endoplasmic Reticulum of Arabidopsis through Participation in Ethylene Receptor Signaling Complexes

The plant hormone ethylene is perceived by a five-member family of receptors related to the bacterial histidine kinases. The Raf-like kinase CTR1 functions downstream of the ethylene receptors as a negative regulator of ethylene signal transduction. CTR1 is shown here to be associated with membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum in Arabidopsis as a result of its interactions with ethylene receptors. Membrane association of CTR1 is reduced by mutations that eliminate ethylene receptors and by a mutation in CTR1 that reduces its ability to bind to the ethylene receptor ETR1. Direct evidence that CTR1 is part of an ethylene receptor signaling complex was obtained by co-purification of the ethylene receptor ETR1 with a tagged version of CTR1 from an Arabidopsis membrane extract. The histidine kinase activity of ETR1 is not required for its association with CTR1, based on co-purification of tagged ETR1 mutants and CTR1 after expression in a transgenic yeast system. These data demonstrate that CTR1 is part of an ethylene receptor signaling complex in Arabidopsis and support a model in which localization of CTR1 to the endoplasmic reticulum is necessary for its function. Additional data that demonstrate a post-transcriptional effect of ethylene upon the expression of CTR1 suggest that production of ethylene receptor signaling complexes may be coordinately regulated.
Propulsion System Design of a Battery Electric Vehicle

Governments all around the world are mandating a greater level of vehicle electrification due to environmental and energy concerns. There are different levels of electrification in vehicles starting from mild hybrid to full battery electric vehicle (EV). These increasing levels of electrification result in rising levels of gasoline displacement with electricity and a subsequent improvement of fuel economy and reduction in emissions. Hybrids and their variants are being introduced. However, a full electrification of the vehicle is widely believed to be the future in addressing the above issues. General Motors (GM) has its own strategy for powertrain electrification, which includes a wide range of propulsion architectures from light hybrid systems, such as the eAssist, to fully electric systems, such as the Chevrolet Spark EV. The Spark EV has been introduced as a key part of GM?s overall strategy for powertrain electrification.
Sexual Offenders’ Perceptions of the Client–Therapist Relationship The Role of Risk

The therapeutic alliance has been shown to be integral to treatment outcomes even in forensic settings. There is still a relative dearth of research examining factors related to the formation of the therapeutic alliance in sex offender treatment specifically. Using a sample of 202 incarcerated male sexual offenders participating in sex offender treatment, this study examined whether perceptions of the client-therapist relationship from the perspective of male sexual offenders varied by risk for sexual and general recidivism. Overall, we found a significant negative relationship between risk for sexual recidivism and bond formation. However, when therapist subscale scores on the Working Alliance Inventory were considered by therapist gender, higher risk sexual offenders perceived poorer bonds with their female therapists, relative to their male therapists. Findings are discussed as they pertain to therapeutic relationships and responsivity issues in sex offender treatment.
Cataloging, Dinnseanchas, and the Lyricism of Tony Curtis

One of the oldest rhetorical strategies in Irish poetry is the catalog or list, the accumulation of details, qualities, objects, or people meant to create a larger vision of a whole from a set of h...
The effects of selenium on Mongolian gerbils.

Abstract The effects of sodium selenite on male, Mongolian gerbils were evaluated for 30 weeks. Supplements of 0.00, 2.50, or 5.00 ppm were supplied through the drinking water. This addition resulted in decreased water consumptions by all the experimental groups. Growth rates and body weight changes were not affected in the juveniles and were increased slightly in the young adults. Physical activity in the young adults also was increased. Histopathological data and mortalities suggested that the selenite was more toxic to the juveniles than to the young adults. In the juveniles, supplementation caused increased iron retention in the blood and decreased retention in the tissues. Both blood iron and most tissue iron retentions were decreased in the young adults.
Anatomy of an inversion - Argon isotopes

Two different interactions give similar results for excitation energies and g factors of 2+1 states for most even-even argon isotopes except 46Ar. This is explained in terms of an inversion in J = ½+ and levels in 47K which is successfully obtained by one of the interactions but not the other. This example shows the possible dangers of nuclear astrophysics extrapolations.
Association of pediatric asthma severity with exposure to common household dust allergens.

Abstract Background Reducing exposure to household dust inhalant allergens has been proposed as one strategy to reduce asthma. Objective To examine the dose–response relationships and health impact of five common household dust allergens on disease severity, quantified using both symptom frequency and medication use, in atopic and non-atopic asthmatic children. Methods Asthmatic children ( N =300) aged 4–12 years were followed for 1 year. Household dust samples from two indoor locations were analyzed for allergens including dust mite ( Der p 1, Der f 1), cat ( Fel d 1), dog ( Can f 1), cockroach ( Bla g 1). Daily symptoms and medication use were collected in monthly telephone interviews. Annual disease severity was examined in models including allergens, specific IgE sensitivity and adjusted for age, gender, atopy, ethnicity, and mother's education. Results Der p 1 house dust mite allergen concentration of 2.0 μg/g or more from the main room and the child's bed was related to increased asthma severity independent of allergic status (respectively, OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.37, 6.30 for 2.0–10.0 μg/g and OR 2.55 95% CI 1.13, 5.73 for ⩾10.0 μg/g). Higher pet allergen levels were associated with greater asthma severity, but only for those sensitized (cat OR 2.41 95% CI 1.19, 4.89; dog OR 2.06 95% CI 1.01, 4.22). Conclusion Higher levels of Der p 1 and pet allergens were associated with asthma severity, but Der p 1 remained an independent risk factor after accounting for pet allergens and regardless of Der p 1 specific IgE status.
Campylobacter colitis presenting as inflammatory bowel disease with segmentai colonic ulcerations

Campylobacter fetus subspecies have recently been recognized as an important cause of diarrheal illness in humans. We report a case of culture positive C. fetus colitis with colonoscopic findings of segmental mucosal edema, loss of normal vascular pattern with ulceration, and patchy involvement of mucosa. These colonoscopic findings were similar to those seen in granulomatous colitis. However, these findings may be difficult to distinguish from a number of other colonic mucosal diseases such as antibiotic-associated colitis, amebiasis, shigellosis, salmonellosis, invasive E. coli colitis, and ischemic colitis. On histopathologic examination of the mucosa, acute and chronic colitis with crypt abscess formation, mucosal atrophy, and mucous depletion was found which suggested the diagnosis of chronic ulcerative colitis. Cryptitis and crypt abscess are not specific to chronic ulcerative colitis alone and can be seen in many nongranulomatous inflammations of the colonic mucosa. Therapy with erythromycin led to prompt clinical improvement, clearance of the pathogen, and normalization of the colon by repeat examination 11 days after the initiation of the therapy.
A deep redshift survey of IRAS galaxies towards the Bootes void

Redshifts were measured for a complete sample of galaxies detected by the IRAS within 11.5 deg of the center of the void in Bootes discovered by Kirshner et al (1981). There are 12 IRAS galaxies within the void as defined by the above authors, seven of which were discovered in this survey. One of these has a companion at the same redshift. The resulting density of IRAS galaxies in the void is measured to be between 1/6 and 1/3 of the average density; the uncertainty is dominated by Poisson statistics. Good agreement is found between the selection function and number density derived from the present sample and those derived from the all-sky sample of Strauss (1989). The optical spectra of the newly found galaxies in the void are typical of IRAS galaxies in the field.
Modeling of Fe/Pd Nanoparticle-Based Functionalized Membrane Reactor for PCB Dechlorination at Room Temperature.

This research deals with the modeling and experimental verification of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) dechlorination using a porous membrane reactor embedded with Fe/Pd nanoparticles. We synthesize...
Substrate activity screening (SAS): a general procedure for the preparation and screening of a fragment-based non-peptidic protease substrate library for inhibitor discovery

Substrate activity screening (SAS): a general procedure for the preparation and screening of a fragment-based non-peptidic protease substrate library for inhibitor discovery
Sorting out metagenomes

An ingenious screening method exploiting substrate induction of gene expression provides a rapid means of identifying new catabolic pathways in unculturable microorganisms.
Operating modes and power considerations of microhollow cathode discharge devices with elongated trenches

Abstract Microhollow cathode discharge (MHCD) devices generate microplasmas with high electron densities and reactive species, making them a prospective hydrocarbon reforming technology. Here we report on the electrical phenomena resulting from MHCD devices with elongated trenches using argon at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. Devices that were 100 μm wide, 100 μm deep, and 1 cm long exhibited self-pulsing current during constant voltage DC power application ranging from 0 mA to 32 mA. The capacitances for MHCDs with trenches 25, 100, and 250 μm wide were estimated to be 68, 70, and 33 μF respectively. A current-limited DC supply prevented self-pulsing, and resulted in abnormal, normal, or negative differential resistance (NDR), i.e. hollow cathode, operating modes. The NDR state manifested at lower current limits and occurred when the microplasma in the trench was discontinuous. Simulations from a corresponding, empirically determined circuit model showed larger total average power consumption (including the ballast resistance) during pulsed inputs (5.61–31.08 W) in comparison to constant voltage inputs (
Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) disregulation and response to opiate blockers

Autism is a collection of disorders or subtypes with distinctive or prominent phenotypes and genotypes. The study of adults with autism offers a unique opportunity to examine its phenotypic diversity. Recent evidence has identified disturbances in specific neurochemical systems that are associated with primary autistic symptoms. Establishing biological markers, such as specific neurochemical disturbances, not only confers greater precision in phenotyping individuals but also provides the basis for rational intervention. Our initial studies in adult individuals exhibiting self- injurious behavior (SIB) generated evidence that the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) system, specifically the endogenous opioid system, may be disregulated in subgroups of autistic patients. These findings, corroborated in at least 15 other laboratories, indicated that treatment with an opiate blocker, naltrexone (NTX), reduced SIB in 30-70% of individuals observed. However, the effects of NTX on SIB were not simple. We and others have found that concentration of plasma POMC fragments, specifically opioid fragments, contributed to the symptoms of autism and to the response to treatment. Uncoupling of the release of POMC products predicted the efficacy of NTX treatment on the expression of SIB. Uncoupling of POMC fragments among autistic and SIB patients suggested a basic, underlying defect, perhaps in the POMC gene. The findings of a maternal influence on the C-terminal BE fragment among individuals with autism (Leboyer et al. [1999] Soc Biol Psychiatry 45:158-163) and our preliminary findings, reported here, of a mutation in the opioid region of the POMC gene in an autistic individual, were consistent with the prospect that a subgroup of patients will be identified who share a POMC genetic defect.
Characteristics of a Glacially Buried Cuesta in Southeast Michigan

Abstract This study assesses the effects of glaciation on a drift-buried cuesta in southeast Michigan through analysis of detailed data for the underlying bedrock surface. Four separate areas of the cuesta affected differently by glaciation are examined. These illustrate (1) proximal lowering through abrasion, (2) lateral smoothing and trimming, (3) distal plucking and (4) protection resulting from local structural-topographic relationships. It is shown that glacial effects on the cuesta vary in a meaningful way with changes in relationships between bedrock structure, lithology, surface configuration, and the direction of ice movement.
Retrospectives From Three Counseling Psychology Predoctoral Interns: How Navigating the Challenges of Graduate School in the Face of Death and Debilitating Illness Influenced the Development of Clinical Practice

Death and debilitating illness can have a significant impact on one’s understanding of self, others, and society. When a counseling or clinical psychology graduate student experiences such hardships during the course of his or her clinical training, there can be several potential implications. The stressors of graduate school may exacerbate the emotional responses to an already painful situation. Additionally, clinical skill development can be negatively affected if the student has difficulty acknowledging how hardship influences his or her capacity to be an effective therapist. However, the same tribulations can also help new therapists to realize their inner strength, develop beneficial coping skills, and apply this knowledge when working with clients. Highlighted in this article are three cases of loss and hardship that underscore the importance of supportive clinical supervision, psychological hardiness, humor, and optimism during times of personal crises.
APOPTOSIS : A FUNCTIONAL PARADIGM FOR PROGRAMMED PLANT CELL DEATH INDUCED BY A HOST-SELECTIVE PHYTOTOXIN AND INVOKED DURING DEVELOPMENT

The host-selective AAL toxins secreted by Alternaria alternata f sp lycopersici are primary chemical determinants in the Alternaria stem canker disease of tomato. The AAL toxins are members of a new class of sphinganine analog mycotoxins that cause cell death in both animals and plants. Here, we report detection of stereotypic hallmarks of apoptosis during cell death induced by these toxins in tomato. DNA ladders were observed during cell death in toxin-treated tomato protoplasts and leaflets. The intensity of the DNA ladders was enhanced by Ca2+ and inhibited by Zn2+. The progressive delineation of fragmented DNA into distinct bodies, coincident with the appearance of DNA ladders, also was observed during death of toxin-treated tomato protoplasts. In situ analysis of cells dying during development in both onion root caps and tomato leaf tracheary elements revealed DNA fragmentation localized to the dying cells as well as the additional formation of apoptotic-like bodies in sloughing root cap cells. We conclude that the fundamental elements of apoptosis, as characterized in animals, are conserved in plants. The apoptotic process may be expressed during some developmental transitions and is the functional process by which symptomatic lesions are formed in the Alternaria stem canker disease of tomato. Sphinganine analog mycotoxins may be used to characterize further signaling pathways leading to apoptosis in plants.
The Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility and its Campaign Against Marketing Infant Formula in the Third World

In 1974, the National Council of Churches created a new organization, the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR), to advise and guide church groups regarding the ethical implications of their investments. Within two years, ICCR and its constituents became devoted to stopping multinational corporations from marketing infant formula in Third World countries. ICCR participants found the infant formula issue attractive because it resonated with their changing breast-feeding preferences and growing concerns about world hunger, and because it was documentable, emotional, tied to visible physical harms, and causally explained by the marketing practices of intransigent corporations. Organizationally, ICCR found that the infant formula issue generated funding and bolstered commitment from groups with limited commitment to ICCR.
A Switching strategy for robust cooperative exploration

This paper develops a switching strategy for networked mobile sensing agents to automatically decide when to perform individual exploration and when to perform cooperative exploration of an unknown scalar field corrupted by time-varying non-Gaussian noises. The switching condition from individual exploration to cooperative exploration is based on Razumikhin theorem, and the change of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) serves as the switching condition from cooperative exploration to individual exploration. A cooperative H ∞ filter is proposed when the agents are collaborating. Sufficient conditions are derived for the cooperative H ∞ filter to converge. This switching strategy balances the mobility of the agents and the exploring accuracy. Simulation results demonstrate that with the switching strategy, a group of sensing agents can succeed in finding a local minimum of an unknown scalar field efficiently.
Carbon flux and landscape evolution in epigenic karst aquifers modeled from geochemical mass balance

This paper considers the contributions of epigenic karst processes as a major element of the carbon cycle and a significant agent of landscape evolution. Geochemical models developed from monitoring data and water samples are used to estimate the variation and magnitude of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) flux in karst landscapes at several scales, from local to global. At the local scale, the Cumberland River watershed of southeast Kentucky, these geochemical models are also used to evaluate the potential role of sulfur in the production of DIC and to compute an estimated rate of landscape erosion. Geochemical modeling using ionic species and modeled discharge reveal a variable rate of DIC flux driven by large fluctuations in calcite saturation and discharge. Ratios of reaction products and principal component analyses (PCA) suggest that some bedrock dissolution may be driven by the oxidation of reduced sulfur derived from brines entrained into the karst aquifers. Over the 3730 km2 of carbonate exposure in the Cumberland River, 25.8–62.4 Gg/yr of carbon dioxide (CO2) is conveyed from the atmosphere through the dissolution of carbonate. At the global scale, this translates to 123–296 Tg/yr of CO2 delivered by karst processes into the aqueous system. The bedrock portion of DIC equates to a flux of 32.6 ± 2.6 m3 – 35.2 ± 2.8 m3 of bedrock during the period of study of which 29% was dolomite. This translates to a landscape erosion rate of 13.1–17.9 mm/ka in the 3.45–4.32 km2 of carbonate exposure in the studied watershed. Based upon 16+ km of cave survey data spanning a vertical range of 72 to 75 m above base level, this suggests that cave development in the watershed spans the Plio-Pleistocene. Using the modeled erosion rates, the ages of cave levels, 4.03–5.71, 3.08–4.56, 1.57–2.43, 1.01–1.67, 0.45–0.91, and < 0.45 Ma, are in good agreement with regional studies of Plio-Pleistocene landscape evolution in the Appalachian Lowland Plateaus. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
As Plain as 1, 2, 3...and 4 Ethics and Organization Structure

This article describes four models of organization structure: the familiar hierarchical pyramid, a pluralist system of groups in competition, an egalitarian community, and a hyperplur—a list collation of individuals. These structures arise in response to conditions of environment and technology; each has characteristic associated assumptions about human nature and characteristic decision strategies. Each of the models tends to generate an ethic that derives from its assumptions and supports its strategies. These ethical maxims are explored and the pathologies that commonly result are discussed.
A detailed transcript-level probe annotation reveals alternative splicing based microarray platform differences

Microarrays are a popular tool used in experiments to measure gene expression levels. Improving the reproducibility of microarray results produced by different chips from various manufacturers is important to create comparable and combinable experimental results. Alternative splicing has been cited as a possible cause of differences in expression measurements across platforms, though no study to this point has been conducted to show its influence in cross-platform differences. Using probe sequence data, a new microarray probe/transcript annotation was created based on the AceView Aug05 release that allowed for the categorization of genes based on their expression measurements' susceptibility to alternative splicing differences across microarray platforms. Examining gene expression data from multiple platforms in light of the new categorization, genes unsusceptible to alternative splicing differences showed higher signal agreement than those genes most susceptible to alternative splicing differences. The analysis gave rise to a different probe-level visualization method that can highlight probe differences according to transcript specificity. The results highlight the need for detailed probe annotation at the transcriptome level. The presence of alternative splicing within a given sample can affect gene expression measurements and is a contributing factor to overall technical differences across platforms.
Interaction of human sperm with zona-free hamster eggs: A freeze-fracture study

An ultrastructural study has been carried out on the interaction of human sperm with zona-free hamster oocytes. Scanning, thin-section, and freeze-fracture electron microscopy were used to examine sperm in the process of contacting and fusing with the egg surface. Microvilli from the oocyte attach to the sperm head at anterior and posterior loci, initial contact often being made with the inner acrosomal membrane. Freeze-fracture study reveals that microvilli specifically contact particle-rich regions of the sperm head surface, and fusion with the oolemma occurs in the equatorial region of the spermatozoon. Intramembranous particle aggregation was observed on the postacrosomal and neck regions of spermatozoa and resulted from glutaraldehyde fixation and glycerolation, since fast freezing of unfixed specimens did not show patching. Counts of intramembranous particles on sperm head plasma membranes showed a reversal of the usual P face/E face ratios for unfixed, fresh sperm, whereas capacitated populations retained the usual particle distributions on P and E faces, even in unfixed, fresh samples. It is suggested that a switching of binding properties of integral proteins may occur during capacitation, resulting in a higher stability of the P-face association in unfixed cells.
A Primer on the Role of Securitization in the Credit Market Crisis of 2007

In this paper I review the role of securitization in the credit markets and in particular the possible contribution of securitization to the credit crisis of 2007-2008. Based on this review I make the following observations: (i) over the last three decades the originate-to-distribute via securitization model has come to dominate the U.S. credit markets; (ii) the originate-to-distribute model has many possible advantages but brings with it a potentially fatal principal agent problem in the credit screening process; (iii) the growing complexity of the securitization process has given rise to a "market for lemons" problem that may well have contributed to the collapse of the market for securitized issues; and (v) the collapse of the mortgage backed securities market resulted in the use of distress prices by financial institutions to mark-to-market their portfolios and this may well have contributed to the panic that resulted in the failure of the affected financial institutions.
Signal processing and machine learning for real-time classification of ergonomic posture with unobtrusive on-body sensors; application in dental practice

Over 80% of dentists report having some type of back, neck or shoulder pain. Research has identified significant costs linked to a very high rate of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) associated with poor ergonomic positioning in dentists. The annual costs of WMSDs across all occupations are estimated to be between 13 and 54 billion dollars. Little research has been done to explore the design of portable, inexpensive, non-invasive and unobtrusive real-time systems to measure posture. This paper details the design and testing of our proposed system that applies signal processing and robust machine learning techniques to improve the ergonomics of dental practitioners. We outline a number of different signal processing and classification techniques tested and analytically compared with our proposed system. Our system makes use of commercial inclinometers embedded into a standard laboratory coat. The ability of the system to measure posture accurately in practical settings, without needing exact and obtrusive placement of sensors or extensive calibration, is demonstrated through a set of experiments with human subjects.
Temporal Distance and Discrimination An Audit Study in Academia

Through a field experiment set in academia (with a sample of 6,548 professors), we found that decisions about distant-future events were more likely to generate discrimination against women and minorities (relative to Caucasian males) than were decisions about near-future events. In our study, faculty members received e-mails from fictional prospective doctoral students seeking to schedule a meeting either that day or in 1 week; students' names signaled their race (Caucasian, African American, Hispanic, Indian, or Chinese) and gender. When the requests were to meet in 1 week, Caucasian males were granted access to faculty members 26% more often than were women and minorities; also, compared with women and minorities, Caucasian males received more and faster responses. However, these patterns were essentially eliminated when prospective students requested a meeting that same day. Our identification of a temporal discrimination effect is consistent with the predictions of construal-level theory and implies that subtle contextual shifts can alter patterns of race- and gender-based discrimination.
Carl Schmitt’s Critique of Kant: Sovereignty and International Law

Carl Schmitt’s critique of liberalism has gained increasing influence in the last few decades. This article focuses on Schmitt’s analysis of international law in The Nomos of the Earth, in order to...
Vegetation dynamics in a coastal grassland of Hawaii

Vegetation development following goat removal in a tropical grassland with a Mediterranean rainfall seasonality on leeward Hawaii is reported from two permanent monitoring sites. The two sites are equipped with experimental exclosures against feral goats. The sites were monitored annually for a decade (1971–80) for changes in cover by species. The vegetation changes reported relate to both inside- and outside-exclosure developments.