cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Freedom and trying: Understanding agent-causal exertions

In this paper, I argue that trying is the locus of freedom and moral responsibility. Thus, any plausible view of free and responsible action must accommodate and account for free tryings. I then consider a version of agent causation whereby the agent directly causes her tryings. On this view, the agent is afforded direct control over her efforts and there is no need to posit—as other agent-causal theorists do—an uncaused event. I discuss the potential advantages of this sort of view, and its challenges.
Classification, generation and evaluation of actively compensated noninverting finite-gain amplifiers

Several actively compensated finite-gain amplifiers have been reported separately in the literature. In the paper, a general, systematic and unified study of actively compensated noninverting or positive-finite-gain amplifers (ACFPGAs) employing three operational amplifiers is described. Subject to a set of practical performance constraints, ACFPGAs are first divided into several classes. Each class is then subdivided into several types, and realisability conditions are developed for each of the different types. These conditions lead to the generation of a set of 11 tunable and stable structures; eight of them are completely new. The performance of the different circuits is then investigated in detail. Finally, the results of practical experiments on the ACFPGAs are given. An application in active filters is also considered. Theoretical and experimental results agree closely.
Order of Functionality Loss during Photodegradation of Aquatic Humic Substances

The time course photodegradation of the Nordic aquatic fulvic and humic acids and Suwannee River XAD-4 acids subjected to UV irradiation with an unfiltered medium pressure mercury lamp was studied by liquid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance. Photodecarboxylation was a significant pathway in all cases. Decreases in ketone, aromatic, and O-alkyl carbons were observed throughout the course of the irradiations, whereas C-alkyl carbons resisted photodegradation. Peaks attributable to the low-molecular-weight photodegradation products bicarbonate, formate, acetate, and succinate grew in intensity with irradiation time. The final products of the irradiations were decarboxylated, hydrophobic, predominantly C-alkyl and O-alkyl materials that were resistant to further photodegradation. The total amount of carbon susceptible to loss appeared to be related mainly to the total concentration of carbonyl and aromatic carbons and partly to the concentration of O-alkyl carbons in the fulvic, humic, and XAD-4 acids. The carbon losses for Nordic fulvic, Nordic Humic, Suwannee fulvic, and Suwannee XAD-4 acids were estimated to be 75, 63, 56, and 17%, respectively. More detailed analyses of the effects of irradiation on the carbonyl functionality in Nordic humic acid and Laurentian soil fulvic acid through reaction with hydroxylamine in conjunction with 15N nuclear magnetic resonance analysis confirmed preferential photodegradation of the quinone/hydroquinone functionality over ketone groups and the loss of ester groups in Laurentian fulvic acid.
Characterization of frictional pressure drop for liquid flows through microchannels

Abstract This paper investigates pressure driven liquid flow through round and square microchannels fabricated from fused silica and stainless steel. Pressure drop data are used to characterize the friction factor for channel diameters in the range 15–150 μm and over a Reynolds number range 8–2300. Distilled water, methanol, and isopropanol were used in this study based on their distinct polarity and viscosity properties. Distinguishable deviation from Stokes flow theory was not observed for any channel cross-section, diameter, material, or fluid explored.
Bedside diagnostic testing of body fluids.

Abstract Numerous bedside diagnostic modalities are appropriate for the practice of emergency medicine. The proliferation of sophisticated technology is likely to increase both the availability and accuracy of commercial testing products. If health care reform in the United States results in a relaxation of the CLIA regulations, there will be a rapid expansion of research and development aimed at the biotechnology market. How much this would pertain to hospital-based emergency practice remains to be seen. Cost containment pressures may act in both directions on the utilization of available bedside technology. Although these tests are often less expensive than centralized laboratory determinations, the ready availability of near-patient testing may result in an increase in use that negates the lower cost. As with other diagnostic modalities, a thoughtful, considered approach based on scientific evidence will be necessary to formulate the appropriate use of bedside testing in individual emergency practice settings.
Spatial receptive field properties of rat retinal ganglion cells.

The rat is a popular animal model for vision research, yet there is little quantitative information about the physiological properties of the cells that provide its brain with visual input, the retinal ganglion cells. It is not clear whether rats even possess the full complement of ganglion cell types found in other mammals. Since such information is important for evaluating rodent models of visual disease and elucidating the function of homologous and heterologous cells in different animals, we recorded from rat ganglion cells in vivo and systematically measured their spatial receptive field (RF) properties using spot, annulus, and grating patterns. Most of the recorded cells bore likeness to cat X and Y cells, exhibiting brisk responses, center-surround RFs, and linear or nonlinear spatial summation. The others resembled various types of mammalian W cell, including local-edge-detector cells, suppressed-by-contrast cells, and an unusual type with an ON–OFF surround. They generally exhibited sluggish responses, larger RFs, and lower responsiveness. The peak responsivity of brisk-nonlinear (Y-type) cells was around twice that of brisk-linear (X-type) cells and several fold that of sluggish cells. The RF size of brisk-linear and brisk-nonlinear cells was indistinguishable, with average center and surround diameters of 5.6 ± 1.3 and 26.4 ± 11.3 deg, respectively. In contrast, the center diameter of recorded sluggish cells averaged 12.8 ± 7.9 deg. The homogeneous RF size of rat brisk cells is unlike that of cat X and Y cells, and its implication regarding the putative roles of these two ganglion cell types in visual signaling is discussed.
Recognizing and managing violence in the NICU.

PURPOSE: To determine (1) the nature and frequency of threatening or violent events in the NICU workplace, (2) whether nurses feel confident in their ability to recognize and deal with these events, (3) whether there is an association between violence training and confidence in the ability to recognize and manage violence, and (4) whether NICU nurses report and document these events. DESIGN: A descriptive, self administered questionnaire. SAMPLE: A nonprobability sample comprised of 68 RNs employed in a Level III NICU in a midwestern metropolitan-area hospital. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLES: Types and frequencies of threatening or violent events in the NICU; nurses' confidence in their ability to recognize/manage these events; nurses' reporting/documentation of these events. RESULTS: Fifty-four percent of the sample experienced threatening or violent workplace events; 83.8 percent of the sample felt confident in their ability to recognize violent situations; 69.1 percent felt confident in their ability to manage violent situations. Various means were reported for documenting and reporting such events, but 27 percent neither reported nor documented violent events. Language: en
Polymorphic acetylation of drugs in rabbits.

Abstract1. Polymorphism for the acetylation of sulphamethazine was demonstrated in rabbits based on levels of the parent drug and of the metabolite, N4-acetyl sulphamethazine, on the percentage acetylation, or on the half-time of disappearance of the parent drug, following intravenous administration.2. By selective breeding, it was established that the acetylation characteristic was inherited autosomally with rapid acetylation being dominant to slow.3. A direct parallel was demonstrated between acetylation characteristics for sulphamethazine and those for sulphanilamide, sulphalene, p-aminosalicylic acid, isoniazid, and dapsone. No relationship between acetylation of hydralazine and sulphamethazine was noted.4. No deacetylation of intravenously administered N-acetyl derivatives of sulphamethazine, sulphanilamide, sulphalene, or p-aminosalicylic acid could be detected in rabbits. Monoacetyldapsone was deacetylated to a small extent. No differences in half-times of disappearance from plasma of the N-acetyl ...
Two-dimensional process simulation using verified phenomenological models

Two-dimensional (2-D) effects are becoming increasingly important in the diffusion of impurities in submicrometer silicon devices. The authors describe a 2-D process simulator, PREDICT2, that handles implant damage effects, annealing, and lateral diffusion. PREDICT2 simulates the diffusion of impurities in silicon by using phenomenological diffusion coefficients. The phenomenological models are verified by comparing simulated and experimental results. This approach is compared with that of point-defect-based simulators. The experimental technique for measuring impurity profiles in two dimensions is outlined. The method for generating diffusion models is illustrated by examining 2-D phosphorous diffusion. Numerical simulations and experimental measurements are compared. The numerical methods used in the simulator are described, and directions for future work are suggested. >
k-server optimal task scheduling problem with convex cost function

We consider a class of k-server optimal task scheduling problems partitioning and scheduling N tasks with various real-time constrains and work loads on k servers with convex task processing cost function so as to minimize the total task processing cost while still guaranteeing satisfaction of all time constraints. This class has broad expressing power for practical scheduling problems in several areas such as real-time multimedia wireless transmission , CPU energy conservation, and warehouse order processing management, et. al. Our formulation is quite general such that most previous works can be readily reduced to a special case of the presented k-server optimal task scheduling problem. We show that, when k = 1, optimal solution can be obtained in computational complexity of O(N) and the corresponding optimal scheduling problem is equivalent to finding the shortest 2D Euclidean distance between two vertices inside a well-defined 2D polygon. However, when k 2, the optimal scheduling problem can be demonstrated to be NP-hard by reducing it to a well-known NP-complete bin-packing problem. Therefore, we conclude no polynomial time algorithm exists for a general k-server optimal task scheduling problem. We then construct approximation algorithms to solve the presented k-server problem in a practical way and illustrate its performance by simulation results and analysis.
Coincidental changes in behavior and plasma cortisol in unrestrained pigs after intracerebroventricular injection of tumor necrosis factor-α

The coincidental behavioral and physiological responses to inflammatory stimuli administered either peripherally or centrally were evaluated. In the first study, twenty castrated male pigs were injected ip with 0, 0.5, 5, or 50 μg/kg BW lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Body temperature was monitored telemetrically, and serial blood samples were collected via an indwelling jugular catheter for determination of plasma cortisol and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations. Sickness behaviors were measured during 10-min tests at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h post injection. The 5 and 50 μg/kg doses of LPS increased plasma concentrations of cortisol and TNF-α, while inducing anorexia, hypersomnia, and fever. In contrast, although 0.5 μg/kg LPS induced acute anorexia, hypersomnia, and fever, it did not increase plasma TNF-α; and the cortisol response was small and transient, suggesting the behavioral system in pigs is more responsive to LPS than the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Because LPS-induced behav...
Effects of megestrol acetate on weight gain, body composition, and pulmonary function in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Abstract Objectives: Malnutrition is a negative prognostic indicator in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and may accentuate pulmonary decline. We tested whether megestrol acetate would have beneficial effects on growth in patients with CF and pancreatic insufficiency. Study design: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled study. All patients were taking replacement enzymes to compensate for pancreatic insufficiency. Patients (n = 17) were randomly assigned to receive either megestrol acetate or placebo. Results: The treatment group had a significant increase in weight-for-age z scores compared with placebo and reached 100% of their ideal body weight within 3 months of initiating therapy. Weight gain included both fat and fat-free mass. Improved pulmonary function (forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second) was noted in the treatment group compared with placebo ( P Conclusions: Short-term use of megestrol acetate results in significant weight gain and improved pulmonary function in malnourished subjects with CF. Our study provides a controlled basis for this intervention, identifies important side effects, and provides the foundation for multiyear, longitudinal trials in a larger number of patients with CF. (J Pediatr 2002;140:439-444)
Simulation of edge facilitated adsorption and critical concentration induced rupture of vesicles at a surface

We investigate the kinetics of supported lipid bilayer formation by the adsorption and rupture of uncharged phosphatidylcholine lipid vesicles on to a solid substrate. We model the adsorption process taking into account the distinct vesicle rupture events and growth processes. This includes (i) the initial adhesion and vesicle rupture that nucleates bilayer islands, (ii) the growth and merger of bilayer islands, (iii) enhanced adhesion of vesicles to the bilayer edge, and (iv) the final desorption of excess vesicles from the substrate. These simulation studies give insight into prior experimental observations of adsorption in which an overloading of lipid on the solid substrate occurs before formation of the final supported lipid bilayer. Our model provides an explanation for the features of the interesting universal master curve that was observed for the surface fluorescence intensity in the experimental investigations of Weirich et al.
Pharmacologic Management of Alzheimer Disease Part I: Hormonal and Emerging Investigational Drug Therapies

OBJECTIVE:To provide information about current genetic research in Alzheimer disease (AD) and potential pharmacologic interventions. Investigational pharmacologic management of AD, including serenics, hormonal therapy, neurotransmitter augmentation, neurobiologic agents, nootropics, and ampakines are also reviewed.DATA SOURCES:Studies, review articles, and editorials identified from MEDLINE searches (from January 1993 to December 1996), and bibliographies of identified articles.STUDY SELECTION:Studies, review articles, and editorials addressing current areas of AD pharmacotherapy research, including hormonal therapy and select investigational agents.DATA EXTRACTION:Pertinent information was selected and the data were synthesized into a review format.DATA SYNTHESIS:AD is a devastating disease characterized by progressive memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral disturbances. The behavioral problems associated with AD can present a difficult clinical challenge. Many patients with AD are intolerant of ...
The CUBE languages

CUBE is a three-dimensional, visual, statically typed, higher-order logic programming language. CUBE will eventually be embedded into a virtual-reality-based programming environment that allows a user to manipulate a CUBE program simply by grabbing, placing and moving its components. >
In vitro evidence of the inhibitory capacity of chloroquine on arginase activity in sickle erythrocytes.

Summary Increased levels of erythrocyte arginase activity are believed to play a key role in the pathogenesis of sickle cell disease (SCD). Because increased arginase activity has been implicated in the exacerbation of pulmonary hypertension in SCD, this enzyme is considered an important therapeutic target for identifying new drugs to treat and manage SCD and other inflammatory disorders. Although chloroquine (CQ) is prescribed as an anti-malarial and anti-rheumatoid drug, the mechanism of its anti-inflammatory activity is largely unknown. The present study found that CQ inhibited arginase in a dose-dependent manner, and also displayed a linear competitive inhibition on sickle erythrocyte arginase. The apparent KM values in the presence of inhibitor were considerably reduced at both physiological and slightly acidic pHs. Slope replots of the double reciprocal plots at pH 6·8 and 7·4 also indicated simple competitive inhibitory mechanism of CQ, and Ki values for CQ were within micromolar levels. To our knowledge, this is the first example of an anti-malarial and anti-inflammatory agent displaying competitive inhibition kinetics on arginase. The outcome of this study may provide a template for the rational design of specific agents either alone or in combination with CQ for the inhibition of arginase activity.
COSTS OF PARASITISM INCURRED BY TWO SONGBIRD SPECIES AND THEIR QUALITY AS COWBIRD HOSTS

Abstract We measured the costs of Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) parasitism incurred by Field Sparrows (Spizella pusilla) and Indigo Buntings (Passerina cyanea). We predicted that the frequent occurrence of nest desertion as a response to cowbird parasitism in Field Sparrows would be reflected by a higher cost of parasitism for that species. We also compared growth and survival of cowbird nestlings between hosts, predicting that they would do poorly at Field Sparrow nests because the latter appear to be avoided by cowbirds. Both species experienced reduced body mass gain in parasitized broods, but only Indigo Bunting suffered reduced tarsus growth. Both species experienced reductions in clutch size, hatching success, and nestling survival due to parasitism, but these losses did not differ among the two hosts. Multiple parasitism did not affect hatching success or nestling survival more than single parasitism for Indigo Buntings. Once accepted, cowbird offspring fared equally well in nests of both s...
Industrial-scale radio frequency treatments for insect control in walnuts II: Insect mortality and product quality

This paper reports on the second part of a scaling-up study investigating the technical feasibility of using radio frequency (RF) energy in commercial postharvest insect control in in-shell walnuts as an alternative to chemical fumigation. A large-scale treatment for conveyorized walnuts was designed based on a 25 kW, 27 MHz RF system to achieve an average walnut surface temperature of 60 ◦ C, and minimum temperature of 52 ◦ C, for 5 min. The treatment caused 100% mortality of fifth-instar navel orangeworm larvae, the most heat tolerant target pest, in both unwashed and air-dried walnuts, and was effective over a relatively wide range of walnut moisture contents (3–7.5%). Walnut quality was not affected by the RF treatments; kernel color, peroxide values and fatty acid values of treated walnuts were similar to untreated controls after 20 days at 35 ◦ C simulating 2 years of storage under commercial conditions at 4 ◦ C. The RF treatment slightly reduced the moisture content of the walnuts, especially the shells. The RF treatment developed in this study should also control codling moth, Indianmeal moth and red flour beetle in in-shell walnuts. This treatment will provide an effective and environmentally friendly phytosanitary treatment technology for the walnut industry. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
FSH and the Sertoli Cell

Over a century ago, Sertoli (1865) discovered and described a non-germinal cell in the seminiferous epithelium of the testes. He visualized this cell to be a “supporting” element for the germ cells, a phagocytic element engaged in the removal of germ cell debris and other matter from the seminiferous tubule, and a “nurse” cell for the differentiating germinal elements. This cell was subsequently named the Sertoli cell, and both the morphological description and the suggestions for its function made originally by Sertoli have been supported by either direct or indirect observations.
Attitudes Toward Offensive Language in Media (ATOL-M): Investigating Enjoyment of Cursing-Laced Television and Films

As offensive language becomes more pervasive on the screen, the need for scholarly understanding of the effects of such language is apparent. This article investigates personal characteristics that influence attitudes toward offensive language in television and film. Furthermore, it examines the combined impact of those attitudes and the amount of cursing in a film on viewing enjoyment. To provide a reliable measure of Attitudes Toward Offensive Language in Media (ATOL-M), a modified version of an existing scale is tested and presented in Study 1. Study 2 investigates the impact of ATOL-M on viewing enjoyment, and finds that ATOL-M impacts offense taken at cursing on film and TV, as well as the enjoyment experience. Suggestions for further research are offered.
Laurussian land-plant diversity during the Silurian and Devonian: mass extinction, sampling bias, or both?

In phytogeographic data sets, the number of assemblages or floras from each interval may provide a test of the influence of sampling intensity on land-plant diversity. Using a data set of Silurian and Devonian compression-impression plant genera from Laurussia and the Acadian terrain, regression of five measures of land-plant diversity (total diversity, mean genus richness of floras, median assemblage diversity, most diverse assemblage, and standing diversity at interval boundaries) against the number assemblages or floras from thirteen intervals suggests that sampling bias influences all of the diversity measures to some extent, including within-habitat measures. The standing diversity of land plants at interval boundaries, the measure least influenced by sampling (r = 0.65, p = 0.05), increased steadily from the Middle Silurian to the late Givetian/early–middle Frasnian boundary, fell sharply in the early–middle Frasnian and remained low throughout the late Frasnian–middle Famennian. Standing diversity rose dramatically in the late Famennian and Strunian (latest Devonian): the Frasnian–Famennian extinction event may have affected land plants. The standing diversity of Silurian and Devonian microspore genera at interval boundaries mirrors that of compression-impression genera: neither record supports a land-plant diversity equilibrium during the Devonian.
Liquid–Liquid Extraction of Biomass Pyrolysis Bio-oil

Various organics with quite different oxygen-containing functional groups mixing together in bio-oil lead to the high instability of bio-oils. A liquid–liquid extraction method was developed to separate the bio-oil into different chemical groups by their polarities to stabilize bio-oils and improve the quality. The separated bio-oil had similar oxygen-containing functional groups in different phases. Biomass pyrolysis using Douglas fir pellet and characterization of the bio-oil chemical compounds were conducted, followed by bio-oil liquid–liquid extractions with several solvents (e.g., hexane, petroleum ether, and chloroform). In comparison to the raw bio-oil, the solvent phase had high concentrations (85%) of phenols and guaiacols, while no sugar and very low acid and alcohol contents were detected, which were left in the water phases.
Complementary Pavement Subsurface Assessment Using Mobile Acoustic Subsurface Sensing and Ground Penetrating Radar Systems

Pavement subsurface condition inspection is critical for transportation infrastructure health assessment. Mechanical properties, layer picking and de-bonding/voids detection are of specific interest. Previous research work either measured mechanical properties using acoustic surface waves methods in a slow contact sensing way, or detected pavement layers with a commercial Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) system. This presentation explores a joint analysis of pavement subsurface properties using two subsurface sensing systems, a Mobile Acoustic Subsurface Sensing (MASS) and an air-coupled GPR with innovative design. MASS measures the near-surface radiating surface waves excited on the pavement with sound enclosed directional microphones. The radiating surface waves carry the pavement profiles information of mechanical properties as elastic modulus through dispersion features. The dispersion curve could be accessed rapidly through acoustic signal processing such as windowing, filtering and spectrum analysis. The challenge is the rapid inversion for irregular pavement profiles with no prior knowledge of layering. GPR is able to collect reflected electromagnetic signal from the interfaces of different layers with dielectric contrasts. Layer boundaries can be estimated by cross correlation with transmitted signal such that we can get the traveling time of radar signal within different layers. As well, the velocity of radar signal within each layer can be calculated from reflection coefficient by deconvolution. Therefore, we can identify the thickness of each layer of pavement. This work presents the joint analysis of complementary MASS and GPR measurements. First the layer boundaries are determined from the GPR data. This information is used as starting values in the acoustic inversion determining the mechanical properties. Results show improved inversion results using the GPR layer information. The subsurface assessment can be achieved rapidly in a mobile dual system strategy. This joint NDT strategy would supply an alternative solution for faster assessment for pavement subsurface with both thickness and stiffness profile.
A simple method for determining principal-stress directions in embedded-polariscope models

A disadvantage of the embedded-polariscope method is the inability to observe isoclinics because the embedded Polaroid sheets are fixed within the model. Perforating the embedded active layer with an array of small-diameter holes allows observation of stress trajectories in the layer from the isochromatic patterns. Further, it is shown that the full-field fringes are little disturbed by the presence of the small perforations. The techniques of model fabrication are described, as well as an extension of the method to reveal bending-stress trajectories in plates loaded out of plane.
Comparative Sensitiveness of Blood Pressure and Intestinal Motility to Epinephrine.

General anesthetics have long been known to depress motility of the gastrointestinal tract. This has recently been studied in some detail by Miller,1 who reports that ether and chloroform have a ve...
Towards Weakly Consistent Local Storage Systems

Heterogeneity is a fact of life for modern storage servers. For example, a server may spread terabytes of data across many different storage media, ranging from magnetic disks, DRAM, NAND-based solid state drives (SSDs), as well as hybrid drives that package various combinations of these technologies. It follows that access latencies to data can vary hugely depending on which media the data resides on. At the same time, modern storage systems naturally retain older versions of data due to the prevalence of log-structured designs and caches in software and hardware layers. In a sense, a contemporary storage system is very similar to a small-scale distributed system, opening the door to consistency/performance trade-offs. In this paper, we propose a class of local storage systems called StaleStores that support relaxed consistency, returning stale data for better performance. We describe several examples of StaleStores, and show via emulations that serving stale data can improve access latency by between 35% and 20X. We describe a particular StaleStore called Yogurt, a weakly consistent local block storage system. Depending on the application's consistency requirements (e.g. bounded staleness, mono-tonic reads, read-my-writes, etc.), Yogurt queries the access costs for different versions of data within tolerable staleness bounds and returns the fastest version. We show that a distributed key-value store running on top of Yogurt obtains a 6X speed-up for access latency by trading off consistency and performance within individual storage servers.
Unusual Case of Multiple Abnormalities of Bone with Malignant Degeneration

A bone disease different from any disease commonly recognized was found in one patient observed by us. The pathological changes were a combination of those found in fibrous dysplasia, multiple enchondromatosis, and hemangiomatosis, with final evolution into osteogenic sarcoma.
Proposal for Determining the Electromagnetic Form Factor of the Pion

The possibility of measuring the electromagnetic form factor of the pion by extrapolation of the cross section for ${e}^{\ensuremath{-}}+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}n+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}+{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ has been investigated. The method is based on the existence of a pole in the pion-electroproduction scattering amplitude as a function of the invariant momentum-transfer of the nucleon. The residue of this pole is the pion form factor multiplied by a known coefficient. Since the pole lies slightly outside the physical region of the invariant momentum transfer, an extrapolation of the experimental data is required. An approximate calculation of the pion electroproduction cross section has been made in order to estimate the experimental accuracy necessary for a significant extrapolation. Accuracy is required which is an order of magnitude better than that achieved at present in similar experiments.
INDUCED CHARACTERS WITH EQUAL DEGREE CONSTITUENTS

If H is a subgroup of G, we investigate the situation where the irreducible constituents of αG all have equal degree for each nonprincipal irreducible character α of H. When this situation occurs, ...
Jesus' Black Life Still Matters: Comparing the Black Church's Role in the Black Lives Matter Movement

The purpose of this research is to show why African-American millennials are distancing the Black Lives Matter movement from the Christian Black church. Black Lives Matter movement does not have one true leader or leadership group, which has many critics wondering why they will not use the Black church as a political tool like the youth of the 1960’s Civil Rights Movement. In the first phase of this research, we survey college aged African-American students about their relationship with church, feelings towards the Black church’s involvement with the Black Lives Matter movement, and what they believe is the distinguishing factor between the leadership in the Black Lives Matter Movement and the Civil Rights Movement. The second phase of this research involves surveying Pastors and Bishops about how and if they are using the church to contribute to the Black Lives Matter movement, and how they are responding to the African-American youth in their pews and community. The poster provides insight on how African-American millennials believe their new ideologies and forms of socialization and social identity has pushed the Black church out of the politicization of their movement, and how Black church leaders are pushing to affect change in their communities, their ministries, and the movement.
Effects of Management on the Composition and Structure of Northern Hardwood Forests in Upper Michigan

To improve our understanding of how management affects the composition and structure of northern hardwood forests, we compared managed with unmanaged sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) dominated forests. Unmanaged old-growth and unmanaged second-growth forests provided baselines for comparing the effects of even-aged and uneven-aged forest management on selected aspects of biological diversity. Three replications of each condition were located on the Winegar Moraine in Michigan?s Upper Peninsula. Old-growth forests were multistoried, dominated by a few, large trees with well-developed crowns extending over a subcanopy stratum 10?15 m in height and an abundance of woody vegetation (mostly sugar maple seedlings) at 2?3 m. This complex stand structure contrasts with the relatively uniform structure of unmanaged second-growth forests with a closed overstory canopy and limited understory development. Forest management, both even- and unevenaged, created forest structures that were more complex than their unmanaged second-growth baselines, yet managed forests lacked some of the structural complexity characteristic of old-growth. Managed forests had fewer large trees (stem diameter at 1.37 m > 50 cm) and considerably less basal area in dead trees when compared with old-growth. There were fewer tree species in managed forests because commercially important tree species were favored for retention and, when present, early successional species (e.g., Populus grandidentata Michx. , Populus tremuloides Michx.) were harvested. A subcanopy comprised of large shrubs and small trees characteristic of old growth was absent in managed forests, but this structural element may develop with time under management. As expected, thinning the overstory and disturbing the forest floor through tree harvesting promoted understory development in managed forests. Most of the added species, however, were common in the landscape and thus added little to overall species richness.
Personal Health Records Buck Traditional Medical Culture

New financial incentives from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, along with new user-friendly technology, may be the impetus for a significant shift in ownership of health records from...
Die Greenschen Formeln und Greensche Funktionen

Die Greenschen Formeln fur den Laplace-Operator fuhren direkt zum Maximum-Prinzip und zum Dirichletschen Prinzip der Energieminimierung. Die Greensche Funktion ist eine Art universeller Losung fur eine in einem Gebiet harmonische Funktion. Jede andere harmonische Funktion kann durch sie ausgedruckt werden. Mit der Reflexionsmethode kombiniert, fuhrt die Greensche Funktion auf direktem Weg zu Losungen von Randwertaufgaben in speziellen Gebieten. George Green interessierte sich zu Beginn des 19. Jahrhunderts fur neue Phanomene der Elektrizitat und des Magnetismus.
Laser-induced thermal desorption of CO from clean polycrystalline copper: Time-of-flight and surface diiffusion measurements

Abstract Pulsed laser-induced thermal desorption was utilized as a technique to study the dynamics of desorption and surface diffusion of CO on clean polycrystalline copper at 85K in UHV. Single pulses of a focused KrF excimer laser (248nm, 15ns FWHM) were used to desorb the CO molecules, which were subsequently detected by a quadrupole mass spectrometer (effective time constant = 4.4μs). The time-of-flight (TOF) plus distribution was recorded using a fast transient recorder (Biomation 610B/8100). The surface diffusion measurements were made using a versatile technique (ref.1) recently developed in our laboratory, which can be used on any system where the adsorbate can be desorbed thermally. In this technique, a small area on the surface is initially depleted of adsorbate with a laser pulse. Measurements of the time dependence of the growth of the integrated desorption flux from subsequent pulses yield a diffusion coefficient. The TOF desorption spectra could be fit to Boltzmann distributions, and effective translational temperatures of the desorbed CO molecules were obtained from these fits. The desorption process was studied as a function of laser power density, and a desorption threshold corresponding to an absorbed power density of 10MW cm−2 was observed. Near threshold, both the desorption flux and velocity distribution varied rapidly with laser power density. At power densities much larger than the threshold (30-75MW cm−2), the peak desorption flux varied approximately linearly with power density. In the range of power densities studied, the most probable velocity of the CO molecules varied between 350 and 500M s−1, corresponding to Boltzmann temperatures between 200 and 400K. The applicability of the classical desorption rate equation for laser induced desorption will be discussed. A preliminary analysis of the diffusion data for CO adsorbed on polycrystalline copper at 110K yielded a value for the diffusion coefficient D = 5 × 10−7 cm2 s−1 (2 × 10−7 cm−1) (ref.1). The temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficient is currently being investigated in detail in order to accurately determine the activation energy for the diffusion process.
Eomogeneous trees and projective scales

This exposition is a sequel to Kechris [1978]. Its main purpose is to show how set theoretical techniques, among them infinite exponent partition relations can be used to produce homogeneous trees for projective sets. The work here is again understood as being carried completely within L[R], with the hypothesis that AD+DC holds in this model.
CHAPTER 1 – SOME ANALYTIC GEOMETRY

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the problems of analytical geometry. Points may be located in a plane with respect to two mutually perpendicular lines in the following way—a vertical and a horizontal line are drawn, calling their intersection the origin. Equal divisions on both of these lines are marked off. It is common to call the vertical axis the y axis and the horizontal axis the x axis. Divisions are numbered on each axis, using positive numbers to the right and above the origin, negative numbers to the left and below the origin. In this way, it is possible to specify a certain point in the plane by means of an ordered pair (x, y) of numbers. It is usual to call the first number the abscissa. The second number, representing the distance from the horizontal axis, is called the ordinate.
Inadvertent Weather and Precipitation Modification by Urbanization

Urban-industrial complexes produce measurable inadvertent modification of all weather conditions and specifically significant increases in the precipitation conditions of interest to hydrologists and urban planners. In, and immediately downwind of, major urban areas the annual precipitation may be increased from 5–30%, the annual thunderstorm frequency is increased 15–30%, the heavy (2-in.) daily rainstorm frequencies are increased by 20–40%. Increases in local runoff may be from 15–20%. Local crop yields may be increased 2–10% by this rain modification.
A recap of RNA recapping

The N7-methylguanosine cap is a hallmark of the 5' end of eukaryotic mRNAs and is required for gene expression. Loss of the cap was believed to lead irreversibly to decay. However, nearly a decade ago, it was discovered that mammalian cells contain enzymes in the cytoplasm that are capable of restoring caps onto uncapped RNAs. In this review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of cytoplasmic RNA recapping and discuss the biochemistry of this process and its impact on regulating and diversifying the transcriptome. Although most studies focus on mammalian RNA recapping, we also highlight new observations for recapping in disparate eukaryotic organisms, with the trypanosome recapping system appearing to be a fascinating example of convergent evolution. We conclude with emerging insights into the biological significance of RNA recapping and prospects for the future of this evolving area of study. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification Translation > Translation Regulation RNA Processing > Capping and 5' End Modifications RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability.
Genetic variants in nicotinic receptors and smoking cessation in Parkinson's disease

Abstract Background Negative associations between smoking and Parkinson's disease (PD) are well documented. While common biases may not explain this association, some studies have suggested reverse causality and ease of quitting might be an early sign of PD, possibly related to a reduced nicotinic response. We investigated nicotinic receptor (nAChR) genetics to add to our understanding of possible biologic mechanisms underlying the smoking-PD relationship. Methods We relied on 612 patients and 691 controls enrolled in the PEG (Parkinson's Environment and Gene) study for whom we obtained information on smoking and quitting ease through interviews. Genotyping in the nAChR genes, i.e. CHRNA5-A3-B4 and CHRNB3-A6 gene regions that have been linked to smoking or quitting behaviors, were based on blood and saliva DNA samples. We assessed associations with logistic regression assuming logit-additive allelic effects and used product terms for genetic allele status and smoking or quitting assessing interactions. Results As expected, we observed negative associations between smoking and PD that were strongest for current followed by former smokers. In former smokers, high quitting difficulty was negatively associated with PD risk (extremely hard vs. easy: OR = 0.62 [0.39–0.99], p = 0.05), meaning those who developed PD were able to quit smoking with less difficulty than controls. The CHRNA3 rs578776-A allele predicted quitting difficulty in smoking controls (OR = 0.53 [0.32–0.91], p = 0.02), but not in smoking PD patients (OR = 1.09 [0.61–1.95], p = 0.77). Conclusion Our study further corroborates previous findings that ease of quitting may be an early sign of PD onset related to a loss of nicotinic response in prodromal stages.
User satisfaction with lower limb wearable robotic exoskeletons

Objective: To provide the results of a robotic exoskeleton user satisfaction questionnaire completed by participants utilizing two robotic exoskeletons.Method: Seven individuals with physical disabilities engaged in two exoskeleton-assisted training phases with the REX and the Ekso 1.1 (Ekso), after which they completed a user satisfaction questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of structured items with a Likert scale, which were averaged and compared, as well as free response questions, which were interpreted thematically.Results: Participants reported some differences in user satisfaction between the two exoskeletons. They indicated higher satisfaction with transferring in and out of the REX and with its appearance and higher satisfaction with the transportability of the Ekso. Expectations for exoskeleton use were relatively similar for the two devices, with some exceptions. Whereas participants indicated that many changes should be made to both exoskeletons, they reported that some were more necessary for the REX and others were more necessary for the Ekso. Participants reported that they would be somewhat likely to use both exoskeletons at home and in the community if they were available.Conclusions: This brief report provides an initial comparison of user satisfaction with two exoskeletons, thereby contributing to the growing body of literature in this area.Implications for rehabiliationContributes to the literature on user satisfaction with robotic exoskeletons Implications for rehabilitationEmphasizes the role of user/participant/patient feedback in rehabilitation researchProvides user satisfaction questionnaire items that can be used in future studies.
Clinical impact of intraoperative electronic health record downtime on surgical patients

Objective Despite increased use of electronic health records (EHRs), the clinical impact of system downtime is unknown. Materials and methods This retrospective matched cohort study evaluated the impact of EHR downtime episodes lasting more than 60 minutes over a 6-year study period. Patients age 18 years or older who underwent surgical procedures at least 60 minutes in duration with an inpatient stay exceeding 24 hours within the study period were eligible for inclusion. Out of 4115 patients exposed to 1 of 176 EHR downtime episodes, 4103 patients were matched to an unexposed cohort in a 1:1 ratio. Multivariable regression analysis, as well as trend analysis for effect of duration of downtime on outcomes, was performed. Results Downtime-exposed patients had operating room duration 1.1 times longer (p .05). In trend analysis, there was no association between duration of downtime with respect to evaluated outcomes, postoperative length of stay, and 30-day mortality. Conclusion EHR downtime had no impact on 30-day mortality. Potential associations for increased postoperative length of stay and duration of time spent in the operating room were observed among downtime-exposed patients. No trend effect was observed with respect to duration of downtime and postoperative length of stay and 30-day mortality rates.
97 Dynamic diffuse optical spectroscopy can diagnose and quantify lupus arthritis

Background SLE arthritis is difficult to evaluate because of the sometimes-evanescent nature of the symptoms and limitations of physical exams and imaging studies. Dynamic diffuse optical spectroscopy (dDOS) can be used to assess changes in light absorption through tissues during transient venous occlusion. The optical signal reflects changes in blood perfusion and has diagnostic value in rheumatoid arthritis. The current study explored the use of dDOS in SLE arthritis. Methods 12 SLE patients (ACR criteria) with active arthritis and 5 controls were evaluated. A dDOS sensor module was developed (figure 1a). Hemodynamic effects were obtained by inflating a BP cuff to 40 mmHg ×60 s. Light at 3 wavelengths (lambda=530, 655, 940 nm) was used to illuminate joints at 8 different points. Transmitted light intensities were measured with Si-photodetectors at 8 other positions (total 8×8×3=192 signal traces). Swollen, tender and healthy joints were examined by the same assessor. Results SLE patients and normal controls dDOS data were available for analysis from 66 and 24 proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints, respectively (PIPs 2–4). Best results were obtained at 530 nm with cuff inflation at 40 mmHg. A representative measurement of 3 SLE arthritis and 3 normal joints is shown in figure 1b, highlighting differences in rise and plateau time. Given the pronounced effects at lambda=530 nm, we speculate that altered vessel physiology paired with already-increased blood pooling in the affected inflamed joints resulted in quicker increase in light absorption (rise time) that is maintained longer (plateau time) compared to normal joints. The AUC for dDOS was consistent with excellent discrimination, AUC=0.8639, sensitivity=76.19, specificity=88.57 (figure 1c). Conclusions dDOS can evaluate SLE arthritis with high sensitivity and specificity. Rise and plateau time of the optical traces correlate strongly with swollen and tender joint count. The advantages of dDOS are non-invasiveness, objectivity (eliminates inter-rater variability and operator dependency), low cost, and high speed of performance (~5 min per area of scanning) compared to US and MRI. dDOS has the potential to bring much-needed objectivity to the quantification of SLE arthritis. Funding Source(s): N/A
Analysis of a Wideband Fabry-Pérot Cavity Antenna at 60 GHz using Grid Impedance Approximation

Wide band planar Fabry-Perot cavity (FPC) antennas formed by an electrically thick partially reflective surface (PRS) composed of multiple metal/dielectric layers are investigated. These multiple metal and dielectric layers have been optimized to satisfy the FPC resonance condition at multiple frequencies, and hence, a larger antenna gain-bandwidth is achieved. The periodic metallic screen impedance is approximated based on its geometrical parameters and implemented as a shunt admittance in the transverse equivalent network (TEN). Two wideband FPC antennas with a single and double dielectric layers with metallic grids patterned at the bottom are designed and verified with a full-wave simulation result, with the double layer PRS leading to a wider band than the single layer one. In addition, the dispersion relation of the leaky-waves shows a quasi-oscillatory behavior versus frequency around the maximum radiated power bands.