cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incidental spatial memory in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris).

We built upon previous work by Fujita et al. (2012, Animal Cognition, 15(6), 1055–1063) to create an experiment that investigated the presence of incidental memory for the spatial location of uneaten food in the domestic dog. Here, we dissociated potentially incidental spatial memory from the incidental memory for the characteristics of objects, in this case, food bowls. Eighteen household domestic dogs of various breeds and age were presented with four bowls. Each bowl contained either a novel object, treats the dog could consume, treats it could not consume, or it was left empty. Following a delay, the dogs returned to the laboratory and were presented with empty bowls in the same spatial orientation as the initial exposure and could move freely between bowls. This experiment required no previous training outside of basic obedience and so avoids the possibility that performance on the test was a conditioned response. We hypothesized that domestic dogs would be able to remember the location of uneaten food when presented with an unexpected memory test. We found that dogs in this study showed no evidence that they encoded spatial location in the absence of other cues that could be used to distinguish food bowls at specific locations. This suggests that dogs in previous experiments were more dependent on incidentally encoding the “what” and “in what” of this task than the “where,” in the absence of features making each location distinct.
Mechanisms for the Measurement of Light Direction

To measure light direction, an organism must experience a gradient in light in which can be translated into some difference in light absorption. If this gradient is to be established inside of the organism as is most frequently the case, then an optical dissymmetry must also exist within that organism. The difference in light absorption may be measured at two points in time--a temporal measurement, or at two points in space--a spatial measurement. However, for either the temporal or the spatial measurement, it is the difference in light absorption which is measured and translated into light direction. Thus, for either measurement, some optical dissymmetry is required.
Introduction to the Transhumanity Debate

In 2006 the Edge Foundation invited over one hundred distinguished scholars to respond to this prompt suggested by Steven Pinker: “The history of science is replete with discoveries that were considered socially, morally, or emotionally dangerous in their time; the Copernican and Darwinian revolutions are the most obvious. What is your dangerous idea?” (Edge 2006) The responses at www.edge.org are fascinating but let us consider for the moment that there are dangerous ideas and expand the set to include any ideas, not just from science, that break out and threaten established ways of thought and social norms.
A Challenge for Tier-Based Strict Locality from Uyghur Backness Harmony

In this paper we describe the process of backness harmony in Uyghur, where suffix forms are determined first from the backness of certain vowels in the stem, or, if no such vowels are present, from the backness of dorsals in the stem. We show that this pattern cannot be captured by a tier-based strictly local (TSL) language. This is problematic for the weak subregular hypothesis, which claims that all segmental phonological stringsets are TSL languages. Next, we consider an alternative phonological analysis that is compatible with a TSL representation, but empirically unsupported. Finally, we consider the possibility that Uyghur backness harmony might be a lexicalized pattern, and find some suggestive evidence in support of this. This alternative appears to be the most likely way in which Uyghur backness harmony might, in principle, turn out to be compatible with the hypothesis that TSL languages provide an upper bound on phonological learnability.
Phase 2, two-group, two-stage, open-label study of avelumab in patients with microsatellite stable, microsatellite instable and POLE-mutated recurrent or persistent endometrial cancer.

TPS5615Background: The Cancer Genome Atlas project identified 2 groups of hypermutated endometrial cancers (ECs): an ultramutated group that harbored mutations in the exonuclease domain of polymera...
Abstract 117: Relationship Between Presence of Visceral Infarction and Functional Outcome Among Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background: Evidence of visceral infarction is often found in patients with acute ischemic stroke, and appears to be more common among patients with embolic stroke subtypes. It remains uncertain wh...
Bile Acid Homeostasis in a Cholesterol 7α-Hydroxylase and Sterol 27-Hydroxylase Double Knockout Mouse Model

Bile acids (BAs) are diverse molecules that are synthesized from cholesterol in the liver. The synthesis of BAs has traditionally been shown to occur through two pathways. Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) performs the initial and rate-limiting step in the classical pathway, and sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1) initiates the hydroxylation of cholesterol in the alternative pathway. While the role of individual BA species as physiological detergents is relatively ubiquitous, their endocrine functions as signaling molecules and roles in disease pathogenesis have been emerging to be BA species-specific. In order to better understand the pharmacologic and toxicologic roles of individual BA species in an in vivo model, we created cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (Cyp7a1) and sterol 27-hydroxylase (Cyp27a1) double knockout (DKO) mice by cross-breeding single knockout mice (Cyp7a1-/- and Cyp27a1-/- ). BA profiling and quantification by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry of serum, gallbladder, liver, small intestine, and colon of wild-type, Cyp7a1-/- , Cyp27a1-/- , and DKO mice showed that DKO mice exhibited a reduction of BAs in the plasma (45.9%), liver (60.2%), gallbladder (76.3%), small intestine (88.7%), and colon (93.6%), while maintaining a similar BA pool composition compared to wild-type mice. The function of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in DKO mice was lower, revealed by decreased mRNA expression of well-known FXR target genes, hepatic small heterodimer partner, and ileal fibroblast growth factor 15. However, response to FXR synthetic ligands was maintained in DKO mice as treatment with GW4064 resulted in similar changes in gene expression in all strains of mice. Conclusion: We provide a useful tool for studying the role of individual BAs in vivo; DKO mice have a significantly reduced BA pool, have a similar BA profile, and maintained response to FXR activation.
Five New Nearctic Species of Boletina Staeger Fungus Gnats1

Five new species of Boletina Staeger fungus gnats were discovered in the eastern Lower Peninsula of Michigan in Huron National Forest. Boletina solituda Taber, Boletina speranza Taber, Boletina extensa Taber, Boletina pollexa Taber, and Boletina truncata Taber were collected in Malaise traps in swampy mixed pine and deciduous woods.
Foundational UX Research—Process Best Practices

The need to create a set of Process Best Practices specifically for Foundational User Experience (UX) Research becomes essential in driving an increase in the success of this type of research, and the continued positioning of UX Research as a strategic partner contributing to ongoing product strategy and business success. These Best Practices have been crafted by author’s over 17 years of professional UX Research & Strategy experience across a variety of industries (medical, mobile, printing, IT) and companies (Baxter, Motorola, HP, Google); and they will continue to evolve as emerging technologies and new methodologies continue to impact the UX Research landscape. These foundational projects have varied in scope, depth, and objectives; however, the following of these Best Practices has remained consistent and contributed to many successful and impactful projects over the years. The results of these research projects have directly impacted entire business units, driven the future direction of product portfolios, pivoted product strategy, and created new business opportunities. The Process Best Practices described in this paper are designed to successfully guide a research practitioner step-by-step through a Foundational UX Research project from initiation through insight integration.
Epitaxial Growth of Ultrathin δ-Like ΜοΝ Films on Ru(0001)

Growth of ultrathin, single-crystalline, molybdenum-nitride films on Ru(0001) has been investigated by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), low energy electron diffraction, and helium ion scattering spectroscopy. The films were prepared in a multistep, sequential process. First, samples were exposed to saturation doses of low kinetic energy nitrogen ions. Second, the samples were exposed to varied doses of molybdenum vapor. Finally, the samples were heated in the renewed presence of low kinetic energy nitrogen ions. Through this process, an annealing temperature of 700 K was found to result in well-ordered, hexagonal films that appear to initially grow layer-by-layer, and in registry with the Ru(0001) support. XPS-characterized chemical-states and relative integrated peak intensities for Mo 3d and N 1s photoelectrons are consistent with those expected for MoN nitride formation. Films annealed above T = 700 K in UHV decompose via a presumptive N2 recombinative desorption mechanism, which leaves the film in a purely metallic Mo–Ru configuration by T = 1100 K.
The Protective Role of Protein C in Endotoxin-Induced Shock.

The serine protease, activated Protein C (aPC) plays an important role in the maintenance of vascular hemostasis. Besides its ability to regulate coagulation and fibrinolysis, aPC also possesses antiinflammatory and antiapoptotic properties. Severe depletion of plasma PC and aPC contributes to sepsis pathogenesis. Although treatment with recombinant aPC benefits a subset of patients with severe sepsis, mechanisms by which aPC improves survival in these patients remain largely unknown. Using mice genetically predisposed to a severe PC deficiency, we initiated studies to further elucidate the mechanistic relationships between very low endogenous PC levels and inflammatory disease pathogenesis. Here, we show for the first time, that novel genetic dosing of PC strongly correlates with survival outcome following endotoxin (LPS) challenge in mice. Our findings provide evidence that very low endogenous levels of PC predispose mice to early onset of disseminated intravascular coagulation, thrombocytopenia, hypotensive shock, organ damage, and reduced survival after LPS challenge. Furthermore, an excessive inflammatory response is observed in very low-PC mice, but is greatly reduced in WT cohorts. Administration of recombinant human aPC to low-PC mice significantly prevents endotoxin-induced hypotensive shock and prolongs survival. This study highlights the importance of host endogenous levels of PC in predicting survival outcome following a severe acute inflammatory challenge.
Micromagnetic analysis and optimization of spin-orbit torque switching processes in synthetic antiferromagnets

Based on micromagnetic simulations, we show that it is possible to achieve spin–orbit torque field-free switching of a synthetic antiferromagnet comprised of two ferromagnetic layers with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, sitting on top of a conventional antiferromagnet. Field-free magnetization reversal is propelled by the competing exchange fields and spin torques. Although some antiferromagnetic coupling is necessary to switch both ferromagnetic layers, strong Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida inhibits the switching process due to the strong repelling forces experienced by both FM layers. The switching happens through domain nucleation and propagation and is aided by Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interactions. The overall heterostructure is applicable in conjunction with a magnetic tunnel junction, where the free layer is comprised of the proposed synthetic antiferromagnet.
Intestinal barrier function and metabolic/liver diseases

Abstract Dietary, environmental or genetic changes contribute to the development of several metabolic and neurological diseases. Extensive research efforts have been directed towards examining how these factors modulate gut bacterial composition. However, the mechanisms by which changes in gut bacterial diversity affect host function are not completely defined. Intestinal barrier dysfunction is being increasingly recognized as an early or initiating step in communicating bacterial diversity-dependent changes to the host. Here, we review the functional composition of the intestinal barrier and describe the consequences of the breach of this barrier. The functional layers of the intestinal barrier provide an initial defense and prevent the infiltration of bacteria or bacterial products from the gut lumen to the underlying lamina propria. Mesenteric lymph nodes subsequently act as the first firewall where dendritic cells from the lamina propria transport the infiltrated bacteria or bacterial products during the early stages of barrier dysfunction. When overwhelmed, the liver functions as the second firewall to detoxify bacterial endotoxins, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and limit systemic involvement. Continuous translocation of LPS from the leaky gut to the liver results in liver damage or dysfunction that leads to the development of type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, heart disease, heart failure and also neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Thus, targeted restoration of intestinal barrier function represents a novel strategy for the attenuation of multiple diseases.
QT variability and QRST integral

Abstract This chapter reviews sex differences in QT variability and QRST integral. QT variability reflects temporal heterogeneity of global electrophysiological substrate, whereas QRST integral describes spatial global electrical heterogeneity (GEH). In spite of more than 30 years of research in GEH, very few studies focused on sex differences in spatial and temporal GEH. Knowledge of sex differences in QT variability and QRST integral is necessary for appropriate determination of sex-specific threshold of abnormal values. Moreover, the question whether sex modifies association of QT variability with clinically important outcomes (sudden cardiac death, ventricular tachyarrhythmias) remains largely unanswered. Answering a question of effect modification by sex is necessary for determination of whether risk stratification of sudden cardiac death (or other clinically important outcome) should be sex-specific, or it is enough to define sex-specific thresholds for abnormal electrocardiogram metrics. This chapter reviews available data and highlights knowledge gaps, for consideration in future research.
Irradiation performance of nonfertile (Pu-MA-Zr) fast reactor metal fuels

Abstract This work was part of a program begun in 2001 to develop advanced nuclear fuels, originally as carriers for plutonium and minor actinides (neptunium, curium, and americium) taken from spent commercial light-water reactors (LWR) so that the plutonium and minor actinides could be ‘burned’ or transmuted in an accelerator or a fast nuclear reactor. A central part of these experiment programs has been the development of advanced fast reactor fuels, because a fast reactor was considered the most efficient vehicle to transmute the actinide waste products, and metallic fuels is a central focus of these tests. An experiment design was developed in which a thermal test reactor, the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR), was used to test small fuel pin prototypes, by creating areas in the core shielded by cadmium filters to produce a largely epithermal and fast neutron spectrum environment in which the pins could be irradiated. The results of non-fertile metallic fuel (no uranium) tests are presented here. Pu-Am-Np-Zr fuels were irradiated to fission densities up to 33 × 1020 fission/cm3 and Pu-239 depletions of up to 39%. The depletions were created by roughly 2/3 by fission and 1/3 by transmutation neutron capture. Up to five fuel ‘rodlets’ were irradiated in three sealed capsules stacked axially in the core, and the peak cladding temperatures ranged from 300°C to 500°C, depending on axial location as those near the core centerline are operating hotter and to higher fission densities. Several post-irradiation examinations (precision gamma scanning and fission gas release) were similar to other historical metal fuel experiments in fast reactors. However, optical metallography indicated that two of the rodlets had breached. The exact reasons are unclear. Due to the design of this irradiation experiment a rodlet breach could have increased the temperature in others in the same capsule by contaminating the thermal gap helium with heavier and less conductive fission product gases. Some of those rodlets showed high amounts of fuel/cladding chemical interaction (FCCI).
Single cell transcriptional profiling reveals helper, effector, and regulatory MAIT cell populations enriched during homeostasis and activation

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like lymphocytes that recognize microbial vitamin B metabolites and have emerging roles in infectious disease, autoimmunity, and cancer. Although MAIT cells are identified by a semi-invariant T cell receptor, their phenotypic and functional heterogeneity is not well understood. Here we present an integrated single cell transcriptomic analysis of over 76,000 human MAIT cells during acute and chronic antigen-specific activation with the MR1 ligand 5-OP-RU and non-specific TCR stimulation. We show that MAIT cells span a broad range of homeostatic, effector, helper, tissue-infiltrating, regulatory, and exhausted phenotypes, with distinct gene expression programs associated with CD4+ or CD8+ co-expression. During acute activation, MAIT cells rapidly adopt a cytotoxic phenotype characterized by high expression of GZMB, IFNG and TNF. In contrast, chronic stimulation induces heterogeneous states defined by proliferation, cytotoxicity, immune modulation, and exhaustion. These scRNAseq-defined MAIT cell subtypes were also detected in individuals recently exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, confirming their presence during human infection. Our study provides the first comprehensive atlas of human MAIT cells in activation conditions and defines substantial functional heterogeneity, suggesting complex roles in health and disease.
Case series and review of Ayurvedic medication induced liver injury.

Complementary and alternative medicine use among Americans is prevalent. Originating in India, Ayurvedic medicine use in the United States has grown 57% since 2002. CAM accounts for a significant proportion of drug induced liver injury in India and China, but there have been only three reports of drug induced liver injury from Ayurvedic medications in the U.S. We report three cases of suspected Ayurvedic medication associated liver injury seen at a Southern California community hospital and review literature of Ayurvedic medication induced liver injury. Three patients presented with acute hepatocellular injury and jaundice after taking Ayurvedic supplements for 90–120 days. First patient took Giloy Kwath consisting solely of Tinospora cordifolia. Second patient took Manjishthadi Kwatham and Aragwadhi Kwatham, which contained 52 and 10 individual plant extracts, respectively. Third patient took Kanchnar Guggulu, containing 10 individual plant extracts. Aminotransferase activities decreased 50% in < 30 days and all 3 patients made a full recovery. Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) scores were 7–8, indicating probable causality. These products all contained ingredients in other Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicines with previously reported associations with drug induced liver injury. These patients highlight the risk of drug induced liver injury from Ayurvedic medications and the complexity of determining causality. There is a need for a platform like LiverTox.gov to catalog Ayurvedic ingredients causing liver damage.
Microbiome and Cancers of the Esophagus: A Review

Esophageal cancer (EC) is an aggressive malignant disease ranking amongst the leading causes of cancer deaths in the world. The two main histologic subtypes, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), have distinct geographic and temporal patterns and risk factor profiles. Despite decades of research, the factors underlying these geo-temporal patterns are still not fully understood. The human microbiome has recently been implicated in various health conditions and disease, and it is possible that the microbiome may play an important role in the etiology of EC. Although studies of the microbiome and EC are still in their early stages, we review our current understanding of the potential links between ESCC, EAC, and bacterial communities in the oral cavity and esophagus. We also provide a summary of the epidemiology of EC and highlight some key challenges and future directions.
Strategic Complexity in Disclosure

Extensive evidence suggests that managers strategically choose the complexity of their descriptive disclosures. However, their motives in doing so appear mixed, as complex disclosures are used to obfuscate in some cases and as a means of informative communication in others. Building on these observations, we first identify a novel stylized fact: disclosure complexity is non-monotonic in firm performance. We then develop a model of disclosure complexity that incorporates the dual roles of complexity and can explain this stylized fact. In the model, a manager discloses to investors of heterogeneous sophistication and can adjust the complexity of the disclosure to either provide more precise information or to obfuscate. In equilibrium, the manager issues a complex disclosure upon observing both highly positive and negative news. The average market reaction to complex disclosures may exceed that to simple disclosures, which is at odds with the conventional wisdom that negative news is more often complexified. We further demonstrate a policy solution to mitigate the harmful effects of obfuscation on the information environment: mandate that firms accompany complex disclosures with simplified reports.
Climbing parrots achieve pitch stability using forces and free moments produced by axial-appendicular couples.

During vertical climbing, the gravitational moment tends to pitch the animal's head away from the climbing surface and this may be countered by 1) applying a correcting torque at a discrete contact point, or 2) applying opposing horizontal forces at separate contact points to produce a free moment. We tested these potential strategies in small parrots with an experimental climbing apparatus imitating the fine branches and vines of their natural habitat. The birds climbed on a vertical ladder with four instrumented rungs that measured three-dimensional force and torque, representing the first measurements of multiple contacts from a climbing bird. The parrots ascend primarily by pulling themselves upward using the beak and feet. They resist the gravitational pitching moment with a free moment produced by horizontal force couples between the beak and feet during the first third of the stride and the tail and feet during the last third of the stride. The reaction torque from individual rungs did not counter, but exacerbated the gravitational pitching moment, which was countered entirely by the free moment. Possible climbing limitations were explored using two different rung radii, each with low and high friction surfaces. Rung torque was limited in the large-radius, low-friction condition, however, rung condition did not significantly influence free moments produced. These findings have implications for our understanding of avian locomotor modules (i.e., coordinated actions of the head-neck, hindlimbs, and tail), the use of force couples in vertical locomotion, and the evolution of associated structures.
Neuroimaging's Role in Neuropsychology: Introduction to the Special Issue of Neuropsychology Review on Neuroimaging in Neuropsychology.

With advances in human structural and functional neuroimaging, 21st Century neuropsychology has been provided myriad opportunities to expand its ‘neuro’ purview. The opportunities span research and clinical fronts but come with the responsibility of the user to understand the complexities, scope, and limits of imaging modalities employed. The purpose of this special issue of Neuropsychology Review is to provide didactic descriptions of commonly used imaging modalities and instances of how each modality has supported and expanded concepts of neuropsychology, potentially enabling identification of mechanisms of neuropsychological observations. Also considered is the place and potential of neuroinformatics in managing and making useful the vast datasets generated with neuroimaging methods combined with neuropsychological testing. The reviews present a sampling of 21st century imaging approaches and informatics considerations for identifying the “neuro” in neuropsychology.
Effects of Azithromycin on Gene Expression Profiles of Proinflammatory and Anti-inflammatory Mediators in the Eyelid Margin and Conjunctiva of Patients With Meibomian Gland Disease

Importance Topical application of azithromycin suppresses expression of proinflammatory mediators while restoring transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) levels as evaluated by eyelid margin and conjunctival impression cytology. Objective To explore the effects of azithromycin therapy on expression of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators in meibomian gland disease (MGD). Design, Setting, and Participants Case-control study performed in a clinic setting from August 17, 2010, to December 31, 2010. Sixteen patients with posterior blepharitis and conjunctival inflammation due to MGD were treated with azithromycin, 1%, drops for 4 weeks. Impression cytology of the lower eyelid margin and tarsal conjunctiva to measure cytokine expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction as well as tear collection to measure matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) activity were performed once in 8 asymptomatic healthy control participants and 5 times in the 16 symptomatic patients (every 2 weeks for 8 weeks), before, during, and after azithromycin treatment. Exposure Azithromycin, 1%, drops for 4 weeks. Main Outcomes and Measures Cytokine expression in the eyelid margin and conjunctiva, and MMP-9 activity in tears. Results Compared with a 1-time measurement of 8 healthy participants, among 16 symptomatic patients, the mean (SD; 95% CI) fold change of expression of proinflammatory mediators interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-8, and MMP-9 increased to 13.26 (4.33; 11.14-15.38; P P P P P P P = .02) and 0.63 (0.14; 0.56-0.70; P = .02) in conjunctival and eyelid margin cells, respectively, of patients with MGD. Azithromycin, 1%, caused a change in the expression pattern of these mediators toward normal levels during 4 weeks of treatment. Levels of IL-1β, IL-8, and MMP-9 mRNA remained suppressed, although they rebounded toward pretreatment values 4 weeks after azithromycin withdrawal. Expression of TGF-β1 increased during treatment and remained at levels similar to the healthy controls after drug withdrawal. Change in tear MMP-9 activity was similar to the pattern of MMP-9 transcripts. Conclusions and Relevance While the study did not control for potential confounding factors over time independent of the intervention that may have contributed to the results, topical azithromycin suppressed expression of proinflammatory mediators and increased expression of TGF-β1 to normal levels. Increased TGF-β1 expression may contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of azithromycin in MGD.
Maintaining Incentives for Bioprospecting: The Occasional Need for a Right to Lie

Building on a model by Anthony Kronman, the author argues that biotechnological researchers searching for valuable cells should occasionally be allowed to deceive research subjects whose cells prove valuable. The wish to preserve proper incentives for these searches justifies this exception to the law's usual abhorrence of deception. The subject's ability to "hold up" the researcher once the subject learns of his cells' value combined with the law's likely refusal to force an unwilling subject to continue his cooperation with the researcher poses risks for biotechnologists that other producers of information do not face and that the right to deceive helps to alleviate. The author explains the variables that limit the proposed right to deceive, examines arguments against the proposed rule, and describes the current law. Bioprospecting, the search for valuable cells, also presents three related issues on which the author comments. One issue is whether the subject's assignment of all his rights in his cell samples to the researcher should be enforced ex post when the cells prove valuable. A second issue is whether, in the absence of a clear assignment of rights to the cell samples, the subject or patient should possess a claim against the researcher to a share of revenues derived from those cell samples. A third issue is whether a patient whose samples are used for research or commercial purposes without his express consent should possess some dignitary claim against the researcher regardless of whether the samples have proven valuable. On each issue, the author supports an approach that favors the biotechnological researcher.
Review of 'Understanding Labor and Employment Law in China' by Ronald C. Brown

Review of Ronald C. Brown's UNDERSTANDING LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW IN CHINA (Cambridge University Press, 2010) which review describes an alternative way of describing and analyzing law and legal institutions in contemporary China generally, and labor law specifically.
Gravity sedimentation of granulocytapheresis concentrates with hydroxyethyl starch efficiently removes red blood cells and retains neutrophils.

BACKGROUND: Transfusion of granulocytapheresis concentrates can be limited by the volume of incompatible donor red blood cells (RBCs) in the component. Efficient reduction of RBCs in granulocyte units would result in safe transfusion of RBC-incompatible units. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Granulocyte concentrates were collected by continuous-flow apheresis from granulocyte–colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and dexamethasone-stimulated volunteer donors, with 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) added continuously during apheresis as a RBC sedimenting agent to enhance granulocyte collection efficiency. After collection, the component was placed in a plasma extractor for 4 hours. A sharp line of demarcation between the starch-sedimented RBCs and the granulocyte-rich supernatant developed, and the supernatant was transferred to a sterilely docked transfer pack. RBC reduction and white blood cell recovery were determined. RESULTS: Gravity sedimentation was performed on 165 granulocyte concentrates. Mean sedimentation time was 267 minutes (range, 150-440 min). RBC depletion was 92% (range, 71%-99%) with mean residual RBC content of 3.2 ± 1.4 mL. Twelve percent of components contained less than 2 mL of RBCs. Mean granulocyte and platelet (PLT) recoveries were 80 and 81%, respectively. There were no transfusion reactions or signs of hemolysis after transfusion of 66 RBC-incompatible granulocyte concentrates (RBC volume, 1.6-8.2 mL). The remaining concentrates were used for topical or intrapleural applications. CONCLUSIONS: RBCs were significantly reduced and granulocytes and PLTs effectively retained in G-CSF/steroid–mobilized granulocyte components collected with HES and processed by gravity sedimentation. This procedure allows safe transfusion of RBC-incompatible sedimented granulocyte units and may be used to expand the pool of available granulocyte donors for specific recipients.
Principles of Turbomachinery in Air-Breathing Engines: Introduction to Gas-Turbine Engines

Definition A gas turbine engine is a device that is designed to convert the thermal energy of a fuel into some form of useful power, such as mechanical (or shaft) power or a highspeed thrust of a jet. The engine consists, basically, of a gas generator and a power-conversion section, as shown in Figures 1.1 and 1.2. As is clear in these figures, the gas generator consists of the compressor, combustor, and turbine sections. In this assembly, the turbine extracts shaft power to at least drive the compressor, which is the case of a turbojet. Typically, in most other applications, the turbine will extract more shaft work by comparison. The excess amount in this case will be transmitted to a ducted fan (turbofan engine) or a propeller (turboprop engine), as seen in Figure 1.2. However, the shaft work may also be utilized in supplying direct shaft work, or producing electricity in the case of a power plant or an auxiliary power unit (Fig. 1.1). The fact, in light of Figures 1.1 through 1.5, is that different types of gas-turbine engines clearly result from adding various inlet and exit components, to the gas generator. An always interesting component in this context is the thrust-augmentation devices known as afterburners in a special class of advanced propulsion systems (Fig. 1.4). Gas-turbine engines are exclusively used to power airplanes because of their high power-to-weight ratio. They have also been used for electric-power generation in pipeline-compressor drives, as well as to propel trucks and tanks. In fact, it would be unwise to say that all possible turbomachinery applications have already been explored.
Optimization Problems for Port-of-Entry Detection Systems

The problem of container inspection at ports-of-entry is formulated in several different ways as an optimization problem. Data generated from different analytical methods, x-ray detectors, gamma-ray detectors and other sensors used for the detection of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive, and other illicit agents are often relied upon to make critical decisions with regard to the nature of containers presented for possible inspection and the appropriate response mechanism. Several important questions related to the utilization and coordination of multiple sensors for container inspection are discussed. New and efficient algorithms for finding the best inspection strategy, including the optimal sequencing of sensors and optimal assignment of thresholds for interpreting sensor readings, are described. Models and algorithms that can be used by decision makers, allowing them to minimize expected cost of inspection, minimize inspection errors (both false positives and false negatives), and/or maximize the throughput of containers, are outlined.
Crime and the Economy in Mexican States: Heterogeneous Panel Estimates (1993-2012)

This paper studies the transmission of crime shocks to the economy in a sample of 32 Mexican states over the period from 1993 to 2012. The paper uses a panel structural VAR approach which accounts for the heterogeneity of the dynamic state level responses in GDP, FDI and international migration flows, and measures the transmission via the impulse response of homicide rates. The approach also allows the study of the pattern of economic responses among states. In particular, the percentage of GDP devoted to new construction and the perception of public security are characteristics that are shown to be associated with the sign and magnitude of the responses of economic variables to crime shocks.
Excess apoptosis of mononuclear cells contributes to the depressed cytomegalovirus-specific immunity in HIV-infected patients on HAART

HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) have persistently decreased cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific proliferative responses [lymphocyte proliferation assay (LPA)] in spite of increases in CD4+ T cell counts. Here we demonstrate an association between apoptosis of unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (uPBMC) and decreased CMV-LPA. HAART recipients had more apoptosis of uPBMC than controls when measured by caspases 3, 8, and 9 activities and by annexin V binding. Patients with undetectable HIV replication maintained significantly higher apoptosis of CD4+ and CD14+ cells compared to controls. CMV-LPA decreased with higher apoptosis of uPBMC in patients only. This association was independent of CD4+ cell counts or HIV replication. Furthermore, rescuing PBMC from apoptosis with crmA, but not with TRAIL- or Fas-pathway blocking agents or with other caspase inhibitors, increased CMV-LPA in HAART recipients. This effect was not observed in uninfected controls, further indicating that the down regulatory effect of apoptosis on cell-mediated immunity (CMI) was specifically associated with the HIV-infected status.
Additivity of Information in Exponential Family Probability Laws

Abstract This article shows that information partitioning in contingency tables is a very general property of exponential families. One partitioning scheme occurs when the hypotheses of interest are stated as linear expressions in the natural parameters. A second partitioning scheme is possible when the hypotheses are stated as linear in the parameter which is the expectation of the statistic in the exponent.
Strike Success and Union Ideology: The United States and France, 1880–1914

Scholars still disagree about why unions in different countries are radical or conservative. The differences between unions in France and America can be traced to the different requirements for success in strikes before 1914. In France radical unions could win large-scale strikes by involving state officials. In contrast, American unions, facing a more hostile government, avoided state intervention and learned to win strikes by providing financial support to small groups of critically positioned workers. The divergence between American and French union strategy reflected the greater success of American capitalists in winning state support against labor.
EduSpeak[R]: A Speech Recognition and Pronunciation Scoring Toolkit for Computer-Aided Language Learning Applications

SRI International’s EduSpeak® system is a software development toolkit that enables developers of interactive language education software to use state-of-the-art speech recognition and pronunciation scoring technology. Automatic pronunciation scoring allows the computer to provide feedback on the overall quality of pronunciation and to point to specific production problems. We review our approach to pronunciation scoring, where our aim is to estimate the grade that a human expert would assign to the pronunciation quality of a paragraph or a phrase. Using databases of nonnative speech and corresponding human ratings at the sentence level, we evaluate different machine scores that can be used as predictor variables to estimate pronunciation quality. For more specific feedback on pronunciation, the EduSpeak toolkit supports a phone-level mispronunciation detection functionality that automatically flags specific phone segments that have been mispronounced. Phone-level information makes it possible to provide ...
Using short pulse lasers to drive x-ray lasers

Nearly four decades ago H-like and He-like resonantly photo-pumped laser schemes were proposed for producing X-ray lasers. However, demonstrating these schemes in the laboratory has proved to be elusive. One challenge has been the difficulty of finding an adequate resonance between a strong pump line and a line in the laser plasma that drives the laser transition. Given a good resonance, a second challenge has been to create both the pump and laser plasma in close proximity so as to allow the pump line to transfer its energy to the laser material. With the advent of the X-FEL at LCLS we now have a tunable X-ray laser source that can be used to replace the pump line in previously proposed laser schemes and allow researchers to study the physics and feasibility of photo-pumped laser schemes. In this paper we model the Na-pumped Ne X-ray laser scheme that was proposed and studied many years ago by replacing the Na He-α pump line at 1127 eV with the X-FEL at LCLS. We predict gain on the 4f - 3d transition at 231 A. We also examine the feasibility of photo-pumping He-like V and lasing on the 4f - 3d transition at 38.7 A, which would be within the water-window. In addition we look at the possibility of photo-pumping Ne-like Fe and creating gain on the 4d - 3p transition at 53 A and the 3p - 3s transition at 255 A.
Movement disorders and neurochemical changes in zebrafish larvae after bath exposure to fluoxetine (PROZAC).

Abstract This study examines the effects of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), fluoxetine (PROZAC), on the ontogeny of spontaneous swimming activity (SSA) in developing zebrafish. The development of zebrafish motor behavior consists of four sequential locomotor patterns that develop over 1–5 days post fertilization (dpf), with the final pattern, SSA, established at 4–5 dpf. In stage specific experiments, larvae were exposed to 4.6 μM fluoxetine for 24 h periods beginning at 24 h post fertilization (hpf) and extending through 5 dpf. From 1–3 dpf, there was no effect on SSA or earlier stages of motor development, i.e., spontaneous coiling, evoked coiling and burst swimming. Fluoxetine exposure at 3 dpf for 24 h resulted in a transient decrease in SSA through 7 dpf with a complete recovery by 8 dpf. Larvae exposed to 4.6 μM fluoxetine for 24 h on 4 or 5 dpf showed a significant decrease in SSA by day 6 with no recovery through 14 dpf. Although SSA was significantly affected 24 h after fluoxetine exposure, there was little or no effect on pectoral fin movement. These results demonstrate both a stage specific and a long term effect of 4.6 μM fluoxetine exposure in 4 and 5 dpf larvae. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to determine the relative levels of a serotonin transporter protein (SERT) transcript and the serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptor transcript in developing embryos/larvae over 1–6 dpf. Both transcripts were present at 24 hpf with the relative concentration of SERT transcript showing no change over the developmental time range. The relative concentration of the 5-HT1A receptor transcript, however, showed a two-tiered pattern of concentration. RT-PCR was also used to detect potential changes in the SERT and 5-HT1A receptor transcripts in 6 dpf larvae after a 24 h exposure to 4.6 μM fluoxetine on 5 dpf. Three separate regions of the CNS were individually analyzed, two defined brain regions and spinal cord. The two brain regions showed no effect on transcript levels subsequent to fluoxetine exposure, however, the spinal cord showed a significant decrease in both transcripts. These results suggest a correlation between decreased concentration of SERT and 5-HT1A receptor transcripts in spinal cord and decreased SSA subsequent to fluoxetine exposure.
ON CIRCLE-VALUED COCYCLES OF AN ERGODIC MEASURE-PRESERVING TRANSFORMATION*

Analytic necessary and sufficient conditions are given for a circle-valued functionf to generate a cocycle which is a multiple of a coboundary. These conditions are then used to derive some other new criteria for cocycles to be coboundaries.
Soil tests for predicting plant available phosphorus in newly reclaimed alkaline minespoil

Abstract Four selected soil tests (Olson's bicarbonate, Bray P‐l, Bray P‐2, and a modified Bray P‐l test) were compared over a four year period as methods for predicting plant available‐P in a slightly alkaline (pH 7.25) minespoil from a west‐central coal field in Illinois. Phosphorus recovery by hybrid corn, measured under both greenhouse and field conditions, showed that the minespoil was extremely P deficient. Extractable Olson's bicarbonate P and standard Bray P‐l phosphorus were highly correlated with total‐P recovery by corn, with respective coefficients of r =0.973 and r =0.957 in the greenhouse; and r =0.998 and r =0.983 respectively, under field conditions. Consistent Mitscherlich‐Bray proportionality constants were calculated from corn grain yields under field conditions in three of four years, after adjustments for annual differences in plant population density. Minespoil was found to require about twice as much extractable‐P (about 40 mg/kg Olson‐bicarbonate or Bray P‐l) as topsoil to support ...
Versatile Organometallic Initiators for the Living Polymerization of Isocyanates

Shashoua and Sweeney first demonstrated that isocyanates could by polymerized via an anionic mechanism to form high molecular weight materials. We have sought to eliminate the problems associated with the anionic procedure by developing transition metal complexes which are capable of catalyzing the living polymerization of isocyanates. Recently, we reported the living polymerization of alkyl isocyanates using TiCl3OCH2CF3, I. Using I, polyisocyanates with controlled molecular weights and narrow polydispersities can be obtained at room temperature. e5-CpTiCl2N(CH3)2 (Cp = cyclopentadienyl), III, is also an excellent catalyst for the polymerization of isocyanates, and in terms of ease of handling and purification and tolerance toward monomer functionality, superior to I. In order to prepare triblock copolymers containing amorphous segments sandwiched between two isocyanate segments, we have prepared bimetallic initiators comprised of titanium alkoxides con- nected by flexible linkers. These linkers may be a...
Resonant second-order Raman spectra of C60 on Ag and In surfaces.

Enhanced second-order Raman modes of ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ molecules adsorbed on Ag and In surfaces are reported. This unusual observation for the metal surfaces is believed to result from the unique surface-enhancement mechanism of the Raman spectrum of adsorbed ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ and from the high relative intensity of the second-order modes previously observed for bulk ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ samples. Differences in line shapes and a modified resonant behavior, relative to results for ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ single crystals, are attributed to interactions between the adsorbed ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ and the metal surfaces, which have been shown in previous studies to include charge transfer to ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$.
Magnetic thin films in recording technology

This paper is a review of recent progress in magnetic thin films for use in recording media and heads. Emphasis is on work that has been carried out at IBM. Topics covered include thin-film media f...
Experimental validation of the countercurrent model of urinary concentration.

This essay looks at the historical significance of four APS classic papers that are freely available online: Jolliffe N, Shannon JA, and Smith HW. The excretion of urine in the dog. III. The use of...
Some effects of the urban structure on heat mortality.

Abstract During heat waves the death rate from heat-related ailments is often much higher in cities than in outlying environs. The higher death rate in cities appears to be a result of climate modification due to urbanization. Daytime urban-rural climatic differences are small. Nighttime urban-rural climatic differences, however, are often significant—air temperature is warmer within cities at night, long-wave radiant heat load is greater, wind speed is often lower, and inside air temperature of characteristic urban buildings is warmer. Noeturnal urban heat islands of 4–7° are shown to be associated with heat waves in two cities. During heat waves inhabitants of urban areas may experience sustained thermal stresses both day and night while inhabitants of the outlying environs often obtain some relief from thermal stresses during nocturnal hours. It is suggested that excess deaths occurring in urban areas during periods of extreme heat can be significantly reduced through appropriate urban land use.
Energy efficient task scheduling on a multi-core platform using real-time energy measurements

This paper presents a large advance in energy-efficient operating system multiprocessor task scheduling with experimentally proven benefits for standard Linux multi-core computing platforms. This Energy Aware Scheduler (EAS) introduces micro-Operations executed Per Joule (OPJ) as a metric representing run-time task energy efficiency. A novel platform architecture permits event-resolved real-time energy measurements. EAS uses OPJ values for scheduling tasks to reduce resource contention. Compared to the Linux task scheduler (Completely Fair Scheduler), EAS improves energy efficiency by over 30% and execution time by over 24%.