cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acylation of methylfuran with Brønsted and Lewis acid zeolites

Abstract The acylation of methylfuran has been investigated using Bronsted and Lewis acid zeolite catalysts. The highest reaction rate for acylation on a per gram basis is found on zeolite Beta with high aluminum content (Si/Al = 23) and the highest turnover frequency on a per metal site basis is found on zeolite Beta with low aluminum content (Si/Al = 138). Among Lewis acid zeolites, [Sn]-Beta shows higher turnover frequency than [Hf]-, [Zr]- or [Ti]-Beta. Similar apparent activation energies were found for [Al]-Beta with different Si/Al ratios and a lower apparent activation energy was found for [Sn]-Beta. Electronic structure calculations reveal that on both [Al]- and [Sn]-Beta the most favorable pathway follows the classic addition-elimination aromatic electrophilic substitution mechanism. The calculations also reveal that, on both [Al]- and [Sn]-Beta, the rate of methylfuran acylation is controlled by the dissociation of the C O C linkage of the anhydride while hydrogen elimination is the rate-determining step in the acylation of furan. The latter is in complete agreement with measured primary kinetic isotope effects. One remarkable and unexpected finding from our calculations is that the most favorable catalytic pathway in [Sn]-Beta involves Bronsted acid catalysis by the silanol group of the hydrolyzed “open” site and not Lewis acid catalysis by the Sn metal center.
Evidence-Based Detection of Advanced Persistent Threats

This paper presents an approach to the automation of cybersecurity operations centers with cognitive assistants that capture and automatically apply the expertise employed by cybersecurity analysts when they investigate advanced persistent threats. The goal is to significantly increase the probability of detecting intrusion activity while drastically reducing the workload of the operators.
Statistical Methods for Naturalistic Driving Studies

The naturalistic driving study (NDS) is an innovative research method characterized by the continuous recording of driving information using advanced instrumentation under real-world driving condit...
Quantum memory and quantum cloning in an atomic frequency comb

An atomic frequency comb (AFC) made of an ensemble of atoms with a periodic optical resonance was originally proposed as a viable approach for quantum memory for photons. In this paper we examine the quantum cloning capacity of an AFC in terms of the spectral distribution of the atomic populations in the energy levels associated with the optical transition. Expressions are derived for the memory readout efficiency, signal to noise ratio, and fidelity for an input at the single photon level. When applied to a square-toothed AFC, our analysis shows that there is a region where amplification from the excited state population results in greater than unit readout efficiency at a cost of fidelity being less than perfect, but still greater than the classical limit. The theory is developed under the assumption that both AFC and photon wave packets are spatially uniform. This can be regarded as a single spatial location inside an AFC and can be further expanded to study optically thick AFC with atomic population in both levels, which may find applications for quantum memory and quantum cloning machine.
Measurements and simulations of Li isotope enrichment by diffusion and electrochemical migration using gel-based electrolyte

Abstract Due to the variety of applications of the isotopes in science and engineering as well as their strategic importance in national security, efficient and purity production is essential. 6Li and 7Li have a natural abundance of ~7.5% and 92.5%, respectively. Many of the ongoing lithium isotope separation processes have environmental issues, and the use of mercury is one of them and as part of the development of a new lithium isotope separation process, a model based on diffusion and migration processes on the influence of cell lengths and electrode materials, was used to simulate and predict the subtle differences in the concentration and the isotope ratio distribution with time. The three cell lengths used in the model simulation were 2 cm, 5 cm, and 10 cm, all with the two-compartments and two-electrodes configuration to study the influence of cell length on the separation process while the effect of electrode material on 7Li enrichment was investigated using graphite and LiCoO2 coated aluminum foil. The model predicted a higher maximum 6Li/7Li isotope ratio using LiCoO2 coated aluminum electrode and the time it takes for the Li ions to reach the cathode surface increases with the cell length under a second-order polynomial regression. The longer cell of 10 cm gives a better maximum separation factor and a larger volume of higher 6Li/7Li isotope ratio solution at the cost of the time it takes. Experimental tests were conducted in a 2 cm horizontal cell to investigate the influence of electrode materials and also the influence of alternating voltage on the lithium isotope separation. The obtained 7Li/6Li separation factor tests were: 1.010 and 1.008, respectively for the LiCoO2 anode and graphite anode material in the 3-hour long test while the shorter duration tests of 10 and 20 min yielded a high 7Li/6Li separation factor of 1.023 and 1.031, respectively. In addition, multi-stage tests were conducted in a vertical compartment cell for effective 7Li enrichment.
Teaching NeuroImages: Spinal subdural hematoma in pediatric nonaccidental trauma

A 5-month-old boy had bilateral intracranial subdural hematomas from nonaccidental trauma with a poor neurologic examination limited to extremity withdrawal. Spinal imaging (figure) demonstrated a subdural hematoma spanning T4-L5 with cord compression. He underwent L3-5 laminectomies, durotomy, and subdural irrigation, resulting in excellent evacuation of cephalad blood products. Postoperatively, he developed CSF leakage, prompting burr-hole drainage of intracranial subdural hematomas to relieve a suspected pressure gradient between brain and spine. Subdural spinal hematomas are underrecognized but highly morbid injuries that may warrant further imaging workup in cases of severe intracranial injury or poor neurologic examination in suspected nonaccidental trauma.1,2
A Deep-Reinforcement-Learning-Based Recommender System for Occupant-Driven Energy Optimization in Commercial Buildings

In this article, we present recEnergy , a recommender system for reducing energy consumption in commercial buildings with human-in-the-loop. We formulate the building energy optimization problem as a Markov decision process, show how deep reinforcement learning can be used to learn energy-saving recommendations, and effectively engage occupants in energy-saving actions. recEnergy is a recommender system that learns actions with high-energy-saving potential, actively distributes recommendations to occupants in a commercial building, and utilizes feedback from the occupants to learn better energy-saving recommendations. Over a four-week user study, four different types of energy-saving recommendations were trained and learned. recEnergy improves building energy reduction from a baseline saving (passive-only strategy) of 19%–26%.
Recognized to Serve: Do (Emerging) Hispanic-Serving Community Colleges Expand Access?

Over the years, more colleges and universities have gained the designation of Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) and emerging Hispanic-serving institutions (EHSIs). The Hispanic-serving community...
Obstetrical Unit Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: OUR Study

Objective This study aimed to describe the response of labor and delivery (L&D) units in the United States to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and determine how institutional characteristics and regional disease prevalence affect viral testing and personal protective equipment (PPE). Study Design A cross-sectional survey was distributed electronically through the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine e-mail database (n = 584 distinct practices) and social media between April 14 and 23, 2020. Participants were recruited through “snowballing.” A single representative was asked to respond on behalf of each L&D unit. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Multivariable regression was performed to explore characteristics associated with universal testing and PPE usage. Results A total of 301 surveys (estimated 51.5% response rate) was analyzed representing 48 states and two territories. Obstetrical units included academic (31%), community teaching (45%) and nonteaching hospitals (24%). Sixteen percent of respondents were from states with high prevalence, defined as higher “deaths per million” rates compared with the national average. Universal laboratory testing for admissions was reported for 40% (119/297) of units. After adjusting for covariates, universal testing was more common in academic institutions (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23–2.42) and high prevalence states (aOR = 2.68, 95% CI: 1.37–5.28). When delivering asymptomatic patients, full PPE (including N95 mask) was recommended for vaginal deliveries in 33% and for cesarean delivery in 38% of responding institutions. N95 mask use during asymptomatic vaginal deliveries remained more likely in high prevalence states (aOR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.29–5.09) and less likely in hospitals with universal testing (aOR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.24–0.73). Conclusion Universal laboratory testing for COVID-19 is more common at academic institutions and in states with high disease prevalence. Centers with universal testing were less likely to recommend N95 masks for asymptomatic vaginal deliveries, suggesting that viral testing can play a role in guiding efficient PPE use. Key Points
Fracture-Dislocation of the Lumbar Spine After Arthrodesis with Instrumentation for Idiopathic Scoliosis. A Case Report*

An otherwise healthy boy was referred to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics at the age of fourteen years and eight months for the evaluation of idiopathic scoliosis. There was no family history of scoliosis or neuromuscular disorders. Radiographs of the spine demonstrated an upper left thoracic curve of 34 degrees, a lower right thoracic curve of 43 degrees, and a lumbar curve of 18 degrees. The Risser sign was 0. An operation was recommended because of the high probability of progression of the curves. By the time that the operation was performed, at the age of fifteen years and three months, the lower thoracic curve had progressed from 43 to 52 degrees. A posterior spinal arthrodesis was performed with use of autologous bone from the iliac crest and Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation from the second thoracic to the first lumbar vertebra. The operation and the postoperative course were uncomplicated. At the time of the two-year follow-up examination, the patient was asymptomatic and was functioning at a normal level. Radiographs made at that time revealed good coronal and sagittal alignment of the spine. A solid fusion was present with no loss of correction, and the hardware was intact. Three years after the index operation, the boy was injured when the automobile that he was driving rolled over; he was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. He had a temporary loss of consciousness at the site of the accident. On arrival of the emergency services personnel, he complained of pain in the face, the neck, both shoulders, and the lower back. He was transported to a local hospital on a backboard, and his head and neck were immobilized with a hard collar and a supportive device. He was hemodynamically stable and had a score of 14 points on …
Suicide among older adults: Interactions among key risk factors.

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to understand how key risk factors of older adult suicide interact to ultimately lead to death by suicide using data collected post-mortem.MethodA psychological aut...
Novelty-induced frontal-STN networks in Parkinson’s disease

Evaluating and responding to new information requires cognitive control. Here, we studied novelty-response mechanisms in Parkinsons disease (PD). In PD patient-volunteers, we recorded from cortical circuits with scalp-based electroencephalography (EEG) and from subcortical circuits using intraoperative neurophysiology during surgeries for implantation of deep-brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes. We report three major results. First, novel auditory stimuli triggered midfrontal [~]4-Hz rhythms, which were attenuated in PD patients but were not linked with cognitive function or novelty-associated slowing. Second, 32% of subthalamic nucleus (STN) neurons were response-modulated; nearly all (94%) of these were also modulated by novel stimuli. Finally, response-modulated STN neurons were coherent with midfrontal low- frequency activity. These findings link scalp-based measurements of neural activity with neuronal activity in the STN. Our results provide insight into midfrontal cognitive control mechanisms and how hyperdirect circuits evaluate new information. Significance statementParkinsons disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with motor and cognitive symptoms. Here we studied how the brain recruits cognitive control in response to new information. We found that PD patients have decreased cortical low-frequency oscillations linked to cognitive control. We also examined single neurons in PD patients in a deep brain structure called the subthalamic nucleus, and found that response-modulated neurons were uniquely modulated by novelty and they fired in-phase with these same low-frequency brain oscillations. Our work helps illustrate how neural circuits evaluate new information, which could be relevant for PD as well as other diseases that disrupt cognition.
Ultrasonographic Imaging of the Pelvic Floor

This article discusses various pelvic floor ultrasonographic modalities and the clinical applications of ultrasonography of the pelvic floor. Ultrasonography provides a detailed anatomic assessment of the muscles and surrounding organs of the pelvic floor. Different anatomic variabilities and pathologic conditions, such as prolapse, fecal incontinence, urinary symptoms, vaginal wall cysts, synthetic implanted material, and pelvic pain, are assessed with pelvic floor ultrasonography. This imaging modality is an important adjunct to the evaluation and diagnosis of pelvic floor disorders.
Cyclopropane Fatty Acids are Important for Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium Virulence.

A variety of eubacteria, plants and protozoa can modify membrane lipids by cyclopropanation, which is reported to modulate membrane permeability and fluidity. The ability to cyclopropanate membrane lipids has been associated with resistance to oxidative stress in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, organic solvent stress in Escherichia coli, and acid stress in E. coli and Salmonella. In bacteria, the cfa gene encoding cyclopropane fatty acid (CFA) synthase is induced during the stationary phase of growth. In the present study we constructed a cfa mutant of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium 14028s (S. Typhimurium) and determined the contribution of CFA-modified lipids to stress resistance and virulence in mice. Cyclopropane fatty acid content was quantified in wild-type and cfa mutant S. Typhimurium. CFA levels in a cfa mutant were greatly reduced compared to wild-type, indicating that CFA synthase is the major enzyme responsible for cyclopropane modification of lipids in Salmonella. S. Typhimurium cfa mutants were more sensitive to extreme acid pH, the protonophore CCCP, and hydrogen peroxide, compared to wild-type. In addition, cfa mutants exhibited reduced viability in murine macrophages and could be rescued by addition of the NADPH phagocyte oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) chloride. S. Typhimurium lacking cfa was also attenuated for virulence in mice. These observations indicate that CFA modification of lipids makes an important contribution to Salmonella virulence.
The Cognitive-Historical Origins of Conceptual Ambiguity in Social Theory

This chapter develops a new approach for differentiating conceptual ambiguity from vagueness in social theory. In contrast to the usual strategy, I treat theoretical concepts as complex categories, endowed with prototype organization and center-periphery arrangement. I introduce the schematic network, a tool adapted from cognitive linguistics useful for elucidating complex categories’ topological organization. Taking the case of the notion of “structure” as an example, I show how complex categories in social theory may acquire a somewhat sprawling organization based on a dynamic series of usage events by theorists, as recorded in histories of social theory, which define the cognitive history of the concept. This analysis provides a cognitively grounded account of the central rift in the conceptualization of structure in social theory while providing a technical analysis of the radial category explicitly identifying the cognitive-historical origins and consequences of ambiguity.
The proficiency challenge: An action research program on teaching of gifted math students in grades 1-9

The paper describes design and outcome of a 3-year action research program on the teaching mathematics to gifted students in grades 1-9 in mixed ability classes in Denmark 20032006. The intention was to combine ideas and experience of many teachers with theories and suggestions of researchers to test and develop useful recommendations for future teaching.
Greek Number Theory

Number theory is the second large field of mathematics that comes to us from the Pythagoreans via Euclid. The Pythagorean theorem led mathematicians to the study of squares and sums of squares; Euclid drew attention to the primes by proving that there are infinitely many of them. Euclid’s investigations were based on the so-called Euclidean algorithm, a method for finding the greatest common divisor of two natural numbers. Common divisors are the key to basic results about prime numbers, in particular unique prime factorization, which says that each natural number factors into primes in exactly one way. Another discovery of the Pythagoreans, the irrationality of \(\sqrt{2}\), has repercussions in the world of natural numbers. Since\(\sqrt{2}\neq m/n\) for any natural numbers m, n, there is no solution of the equation \(x^2 - 2y^2 = 0\) in the natural numbers. But, surprisingly, there are natural number solutions of \(x^2 - \rm{2}y^2 = 1\), and in fact infinitely many of them. The same is true of the equation \(x^2 - Ny^2 = 1\) for any nonsquare natural number N. The latter equation, called Pell’s equation, is perhaps second in fame only to the Pythagorean equation \(x^2 + y^2 = z^2\), among equations for which integer solutions are sought. Methods for solving the Pell equation for general N were first discovered by Indian mathematicians, whose work we study in Chapter 5. Equations for which integer or rational solutions are sought are called Diophantine, after Diophantus. The methods he used to solve quadratic and cubic Diophantine equations are still of interest. We study his method for cubics in this chapter, and take it up again in Chapters 11 and 16.
Fault-Tolerance in Sixth-Generation Operating Systems

Sixth generation operating systems are likely to be structured as immense object-oriented systems, offering integrated access to tens of thousands of nodes. The need to support highly automated self-management and to provide a high degree of fault-tolerance argues that virtually synchronous object groups could play a key role in such systems.
Identification of Syntactically Similar DTD Elements for Schema Matching

XML Document Type Definition (DTD) enforces the structure of XML documents. XML applications such as data translation, schema integration, and wrapper generation require DTD schema matching as a core procedure. While schema matching usually relies on a human arbiter, we are aiming at an automated system that can give the arbiter a starting point for designing a matching that can best meet the requirements of the given application. We present an approach that identifies the syntactically similar DTD elements that can be potential matching components. We first describe DTD element graph, a data model for the DTD elements. We then define the distance between two DTD element graphs. We introduce the concept of syntactically equivalent and syntactically similar graphs. Then, we describe the algorithm to detect both schema equivalent and similar DTD elements. We have implemented the matching detection algorithm and several heuristics which improve performance. Our experimental results show reasonable precision of the algorithm in terms of recognition of correct matches.
Diurnal variation in salivary cortisol across age classes in Ache Amerindian males of Paraguay

Objectives Cortisol levels exhibit a diurnal rhythm in healthy men, with peaks in the morning and troughs in the evening. Throughout age, however, this rhythm tends to flatten. This diurnal flattening has been demonstrated in a majority of industrialized populations, although the results have not been unanimous. Regardless, little attention has been paid to nonindustrialized, foraging populations such as the Ache Amerindians of Paraguay. As testosterone levels had previously been shown to diminish with age in this population (Bribiescas and Hill [2010]: Am J Hum Biol 22: 216–220), we hypothesized that cortisol levels would behave similarly, flattening in rhythmicity over age. Methods We examined morning and evening salivary cortisol samples in Ache Amerindian men in association with age (n = 40, age range 20–64 years). Results Men in the first age class ( 50 years, respectively) did not exhibit a significant difference between AM and PM values. Conclusion Ache Amerindian men exhibit a flattening of the diurnal rhythm across age classes. Our results were able to capture both within- and between-individual variations in cortisol levels, and reflected age-related contrasts in daily cortisol fluctuations. The flattening of the diurnal rhythm with age among the Ache may reflect a common and shared aspect of male senescence across ecological contexts and lifestyles. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 27:344–348, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Screening for syphilis infection: recommendation statement.

This statement summarizes the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations on screening for syphilis and the supporting scientific evidence, and updates the 1996 recommendations contained in the Guide to Clinical Preventive Services, second edition: periodic updates.[1][1] In 1996, the USPSTF
Evidence for Widespread Epithelial Damage and Coincident Production of Monocyte Chemotactic Protein 1 in a Murine Model of Intestinal Ricin Intoxication

The development of small-animal models is necessary to understand host responses and immunity to emerging infectious diseases and potential bioterrorism agents. In this report we have characterized a murine model of intestinal ricin intoxication. Ricin administered intragastrically (i.g.) to BALB/c mice at doses ranging from 1 to 10 mg/kg of body weight induced dose-dependent morphological changes in the proximal small intestine (i.e., duodenum), including widespread villus atrophy and epithelial damage. Coincident with epithelial damage was a localized increase in monocyte chemotactic protein 1, a chemokine known to be associated with inflammation of the intestinal mucosa. Immunity to intestinal ricin intoxication was achieved by immunizing mice i.g. with ricin toxoid and correlated with elevated levels of antitoxin mucosal immunoglobulin A (IgA) and serum IgG antibodies. We expect that this model will serve as a valuable tool in identifying the inflammatory pathways and protective immune responses that are elicited in the intestinal mucosa following ricin exposure and will prove useful in the evaluation of antitoxin vaccines and therapeutics.
A critical review of Roof snap-off as a mechanism of steady-state foam generation in homogeneous porous media

Abstract Foams are used worldwide to divert acid in well-stimulation treatments and on a pilot basis to divert gas or liquid flow in improved-oil-recovery projects and environmental remediation. Optimizing foam performance requires predictive foam modeling for use in design of field applications. Central to many mechanistic foam models is the concept of repeated snap-off creating foam lamellae at ‘germination sites,’ pore throats upstream of wide pore bodies. This mechanism is based on the classic study of Roof on the breakup of oil droplets passing through pore throats into water-filled pores. This paper calls into question whether this mechanism applies to foam generation at steady-state in homogeneous porous media.
Personal strivings and marijuana use initiation, frequency, and problems

This study examined relations between perceived conflict/utility of marijuana use in achieving valued personal goals and marijuana use initiation, marijuana use frequency, and marijuana-related problems. Personal strivings are higher order goals that may influence marijuana use to the extent that they are congruent or incongruent with use. Participants were 592 young adults who generated lists of personal strivings independent of the substance use assessment. They then evaluated their 10 most important strivings with regard to the perceived conflict/utility of several levels of marijuana use in achieving their most important strivings. Less marijuana use-striving conflict was positively associated with use initiation and frequency. A significant gender interaction emerged in the prediction of use frequency; marijuana use-striving conflict was more strongly associated with use frequency for men than women. The relationship between use-striving conflict and marijuana-related problems was mediated fully by use frequency.
Reversible inhibition by lanthanum of the hydrosmotic response to serosal hypertonicity in toad urinary bladder.

In the urinary bladder of amphibia, hypertonicity of the serosal bath (SH) evokes an increase in transepithelial water permeability, the characteristics of which resemble the response to antidiuretic hormone (ADH). The ionic dependency, in particular for Ca2+, appears very similar forSH- and ADH-induced water fluxes. In the present experiments La3+ was used as a probe to study the Ca2+-dependency of the hydrosmotic response toSH in isolated urinary bladder of the toadBufo marinus.
Rahel Kunz. The Political Economy of Global Remittances: Gender, Governmentality and Neoliberalism

Increasing global labor migration has given rise to what Rahel Kunz refers to as a “global remittance trend” (xx). This is the focus of The Political Economy of Global Remittances. The global remit...
Measurement of bromide ion used as a solute-transport monitor via epithermal neutron activation analysis

In soil science (ca. 1970), bromide ion (Br−) in various forms (e.g., KBr, NaBr, SrBr2) was introduced as a non-reactive stable tracer in solute transport studies normally moving freely with the flux of water without substantial chemical or physical interactions with the soil. Typically, Br− is extracted from soil and quantified using either a bromide selective electrode (sensitivity is ≈10μg/ml) or by high-performance liquid chromatography (sensitivity is ≈0.010 μg/ml). Where the sensitivity is adequate, the selective conductivity method, which is simple, affordable and fast, is preferred. More recently (ca. 1990), workers have reported that 20% of Br− tracers, at low groundwater pH, may be adsorbed by iron oxides and kaolinite when present in the alluvial aquifer. We investigated the use of Epithermal Neutron Activation Analysis (ENAA) as a means of measuring Br− directly in soil samples without an extraction. ENAA was chosen because of its high theoretical advantage factor over aluminum (i.e. ≈20), the principal interfering soil constituent, calculated for the79Br(n,γ)80Br reaction compared to27Al(n, γ)28Al. Br− was measured (sensitivity is ≈0.050 μg/g) in one gram soil samples from a 5 s irradiation (φepi=2.5·1012 n·cm-2·s-1) using a BN capsule.
Damping of quantum interference of electrons on helium

The damping of weak localization of electrons on helium is investigated. From previously measured magnetoresistivity line shapes, we are able to separately extract the damping due to electron-electron interaction and helium vapor-atom motion. We verify the theoretical prediction that vapor-atom motion reduces the interference contribution of paths as a squeezed exponential of their duration, rather than as a simple exponential.
Managers as Facilitators: A Practical guide to Getting Work Done In A Changing Workplace

This article presents a review of the book “Managers as Facilitators: A Practical Guide to Getting Work Done in a Changing Workplace,” by Richard G. Weaver and John D. Farrell.
Ad-hoc networks at global scale

We argue that scalability in ad-hoc networks can be achieved by re-defining the functionality for the information transport system itself, where the functionality is driven by a new type of communication paradigm inherent in information dissemination applications. In particular, among the entire population of generated messages, each user desires only that the personally “most interesting” messages are delivered to them — we call this “star-to-one” communication. In the paper we consider a “Zipf product form” model for message preferences, and propose some decentralized algorithms for message forwarding based on this model. We discuss some simulation results for these algorithms, which suggest that it is possible for the users to efficiently obtain the messages that are of most interest to them. Essentially, the amount of “work” required of each user, on the average, is proportional to the desired number of messages to be received by each user, and is independent of the number of users and the number of messages in the network.
The Cerebral Laterality of Mental Image Generation in Normal Subjects

This research was an attempt to replicate and extend a published study that reported a left hemispheric locus for the generation of mental images. Several methodological problems were addressed, the stability of effects was assessed by repeating the experiment, and P300 latency was measured. A lateralized visual choice reaction time task was performed twice, once without the use of imagery and once with imagery. In each visual field, the use of imagery produced a speeding of reaction times when the target stimuli matched the image generated by the subject. A similar effect was present for P300 latency, and was still present in the reaction time data after partialling out the P300 latency effect. These results indicate that mental imagery can speed both stimulus evaluation and response processing. There was no difference in the amount of speeding for images in the two hemifields, providing no evidence for a preferential locus of mental image generation in either cerebral hemisphere.
Effects of frequent fish predation on corals in Hawaii

The abundance of lesions from fish bites on corals was quantified at nine shallow reefs in the main Hawaiian Islands. There were on average 117 bite scars m−2 on Pocillopora meandrina tissue from the barred filefish Cantherhines dumerilii, 69 bites m−2 on Porites compressa tissue, and 4 bites m−2 on Porites lobata tissue from the spotted puffer Arothron meleagris. Across sites, the frequency of A. meleagris bites on P. compressa per unit area of living coral cover declined exponentially with increasing coral cover. P. compressa nubbins in two size classes (1–2 cm and 4–5 cm) were transplanted onto six study reefs. Nubbins in the small size class were entirely removed by bites from A. meleagris, while nubbins ≥4 cm were only partially consumed, leaving them able to recover. At sites with abundant P. compressa, predation had little effect on transplanted nubbins; at sites where P. compressa comprised less than 5% of living cover, all nubbins were preyed upon. A. meleagris bite lesions on P. compressa were monitored through time and fully recovered in 42 ± 4 days. A model of the risk of over-predation (a second predation event before the first is healed) decreased exponentially with increasing coral cover and increased linearly with increasing lesion healing time. The increased risk of over-predation at low coral cover could indicate an Allee effect limiting the recovery of coral populations if coral cover is substantially reduced by natural or anthropogenic disturbances.
Flow control and deadlock avoidance on the partial optical hypergraph

Abstract The optical hypergraph is a distributed network in which each edge of the hypergraph is a multiple-access broadcast medium constructed as a passive optical star coupler. The partial optical hypergraph can be also viewed as a centralized switching network. The nodes with two ports (switch nodes) are centered in one location, and the nodes with one port (external nodes) are distributed within an area of 0–20 km around the switching nodes. The main result of this work is a flow control protocol for an arbitrary traffic pattern, which includes algorithms for preventing overflows, while maintaining the maximum switching capability of the switch nodes. Overflow prevention may cause deadlocks, so an algorithm for avoiding deadlocks is shown. These algorithms are realized at the network interface and, therefore, can operate in realtime at a traffic rate of over 1 Gbit/s per link. This network architecture demonstrates a close relationship between centralized and distributed systems. Potential applications of the partial optical hypergraph are varied and include large distributed databases, metropolitan area networks, factory automation, fault tolerant and realtime networks.
Social Identity Group and Human (In)Security - The Case of Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIS)

The paper uses social identity group theory and human insecurity to examine the rise of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIS). After first defining social group identity and its characteristics, the paper reviews the Al-Qaeda ideology that serves as the foundation of ISIS, before turning attention to the message and legacy of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and their profound influence on ISIS. The paper concludes by arguing that only by ending the marketplace of identities can stability be restored to Iraq and Syria.
Clinical trials in the gene therapy of arthritis

Gene therapy clinical trials raise important safety issues that complicate their design and require extensive preclinical testing. Human protocols for the treatment of arthritis and most other orthopaedic and rheumatologic indications are complicated additionally by the perception that they are largely acquired, nonlethal conditions. Taking these considerations into account, the first such human study used the local, ex vivo delivery of a gene whose product, the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, has an outstanding safety profile. This gene was delivered to the metacarpophalangeal joints of postmenopausal women 1 week before these joints were removed during total joint replacement surgery. In addition to providing an additional safety cushion, the surgical removal of the genetically modified joints made available large amounts of tissue to examine for evidence of successful gene transfer and gene expression. This Phase I safety study was approved at the local and federal levels, and its funding was contingent on the establishment of an external monitoring board. This trial now has been completed and a Phase II, efficacy study is being planned. A similar study has begun in Dusseldorf, Germany and results from the first two patients are similar to the results of the American patients. Permission has been given for two additional human trials, one in the United States and one in the Netherlands, in which a gene encoding herpes thymidine kinase will be transferred to the joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis who then will be administered gancyclovir. This procedure aims to treat the disease by producing a genetic synovectomy. Additional development of human gene therapies for arthritis and other orthopaedic and rheumatic conditions will be aided by the successful completion of these studies.
Conducting fieldwork at and away from home: shifting researcher positionality with mobile interviewing methods

In this article, I begin from the premise that a meaningful difference exists between being a member of the same broad cultural group as your participants and actually sharing a personal history, a...
Black college attendance and job success of black college graduates

Abstract This study examines the impact of attending a “black” college on the job success of a sample of black college graduates employed by a large manufacturing firm. Models are estimated that control for personal and job characteristics, the resources of the colleges attended, and for possible attrition bias. The study finds that the graduates of black colleges start with higher salaries, but receive smaller wage increases and fewer promotions than comparable graduates of non-black colleges. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that socialization differences related to the racial composition of the school adversely affect success on the job.
Utilization of global attributions in recognizing and responding to gender discrimination among college women

Although learned helplessness theories suggest that global attributions for gender discrimination may serve to promote feelings of helplessness about responding to discrimination, group consciousness theories suggest they may instead be a precursor to enhancing collective actions against discrimination. To examine this theoretical discrepancy, college women completed measures of attributions for gender discrimination, political consciousness (as measured by common fate), participation in collective action, and helplessness behavior among college women. To examine the unique role of global attributions, participants were included if they made external and unstable attributions for discrimination (N = 231). Structural equation modeling showed that recognizing discrimination occurs globally was associated with an increased sense of common fate, which in turn was related to greater collective action and less helplessness behavior. Theoretical (attributions in an intergroup context) as well as practical (institutional policies on publicizing discrimination) implications were discussed.
Design, analysis, and synthesis of generalized single step single solve and optimal algorithms for structural dynamics

The primary objectives of the present exposition are to: (i) provide a generalized unified mathematical framework and setting leading to the unique design of computational algorithms for structural dynamic problems encompassing the broad scope of linear multi-step (LMS) methods and within the limitation of the Dahlquist barrier theorem (Reference [3], G. Dahlquist, BIT 1963; 3: 27), and also leading to new designs of numerically dissipative methods with optimal algorithmic attributes that cannot be obtained employing existing frameworks in the literature, (ii) provide a meaningful characterization of various numerical dissipative/non-dissipative time integration algorithms both new and existing in the literature based on the overshoot behavior of algorithms leading to the notion of algorithms by design, (iii) provide design guidelines on selection of algorithms for structural dynamic analysis within the scope of LMS methods. For structural dynamics problems, first the so-called linear multi-step methods (LMS) are proven to be spectrally identical to a newly developed family of generalized single step single solve (GSSSS) algorithms. The design, synthesis and analysis of the unified framework of computational algorithms based on the overshooting behavior, and additional algorithmic properties such as second-order accuracy, and unconditional stability with numerical dissipative features yields three sub-classes of practical computational algorithms: (i) zero-order displacement and velocity overshoot (U0-V0) algorithms; (ii) zero-order displacement and first-order velocity overshoot (U0-V1) algorithms; and (iii) first-order displacement and zero-order velocity overshoot (U1-V0) algorithms (the remainder involving high-orders of overshooting behavior are not considered to be competitive from practical considerations). Within each sub-class of algorithms, further distinction is made between the design leading to optimal numerical dissipative and dispersive algorithms, the continuous acceleration algorithms and the discontinuous acceleration algorithms that are subsets, and correspond to the designed placement of the spurious root at the low-frequency limit or the high-frequency limit, respectively. The conclusion and design guidelines demonstrating that the U0-V1 algorithms are only suitable for given initial velocity problems, the U1-V0 algorithms are only suitable for given initial displacement problems, and the U0-V0 algorithms are ideal for either or both cases of given initial displacement and initial velocity problems are finally drawn. For the first time, the design leading to optimal algorithms in the context of a generalized single step single solve framework and within the limitation of the Dahlquist barrier that maintains second-order accuracy and unconditional stability with/without numerically dissipative features is described for structural dynamics computations; thereby, providing closure to the class of LMS methods. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Executive Power in Venezuela

Throughout most of its national history, Venezuela has been the victim of long and tyrannical dictatorships, broken only by brief spells of semi-democratic government. Constitution after constitution has fallen before the whims of self made generals. Numerous major revolts and countless minor civil uprisings have scarred the country, all having the twofold objective of acquiring for their leaders national power for power's sake and the privilege of organizing Venezuela as a private economic and political domain. In almost all instances the politicians have travelled a bloody road to national power. Having once established themselves in the presidency, they demonstrated considerable reluctance to observe the functional separation of powers decreed by the constitution. As a result of this attitude the legislature and judiciary were weakened to the point of impotency. The raison d'etre of these branches thus came to be the legalization of the programs and activities of the executive, even if this meant, as it often did, violating the constitution. The purpose of this article is to examine the evolution and application of executive power.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Recurrent High-Grade Gliomas

or high-grade gliomas, the allure of focused ionizing radiation to achieve a significant therapeutic gain has been F longstanding. In the accompanying study, Dodoo et al. detail their experiencewith stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for the treatment of local recurrences in the patients with a high-grade glioma. They studied the outcomes in 55 patients with an anaplastic astrocytoma (World Health Organization grade II) or glioblastoma (World Health Organization grade III). With a median follow-up of 17.2 months, the median survivals after SRS for anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma patients were 24.2 months and 11.3 months, respectively. Such survival periods appear to exceed expectations based upon historic controls (5, 11, 15). Theauthors are tobecommended for critically analyzing their significant institutional experience.
Simulation of agent behavior in a goal finding application

There has been increasing interest in simulation of agent behavior in the context of agent based modeling. This paper concentrates on the use of fuzzy logic in simulating agent based behavior. Our approach is decomposed into two levels. The higher level addresses the agent's goal finding behavior and lower level addresses collision detection and avoidance behavior. Our approach focuses on modeling individual behavior as well as group behavior. Individuals constantly adjust their behavior according to the dynamic factors in the environment. We hypothesize that people with similar characteristics such as race, age, and gender are more likely to collaborate with each other in order to reach a goal. This paper describes an agent based system implementation for crowd behavior. The simulation evaluates different evacuation and damage control decision making strategies beforehand, which allows the execution of the most effective evacuation scheme during real-time emergency scenario.
The effect of arginine vasopressin on organ donor procurement and lung function.

Abstract Background Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is becoming more common when managing brain-dead donors. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is associated with benefits but is not consistently used. We hypothesize that AVP is associated with the maintenance of lung function and successful recovery in donors and enhanced lung graft performance in recipients. Methods The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database was used. Study donors were those treated with HRT and procured from January 1, 2009 to June 30, 2011. AVP (+) and AVP (−) donors were compared. Donor lung function, the rate of successful lung procurement, and the incidence of graft failure in recipients were studied. Results There were 12,322 donors included, of which 7686 received AVP (62.4%). Cerebrovascular accident (4722 [38.3%]) was the most common cause of donor death. There was a significant increase in high yield (≥4 organs) (51.0% versus 39.3%, Conclusions AVP with HRT is associated with the maintenance of lung function and a significant increase in successful organ recovery in donors without untoward effects in the recipient. AVP should be universally adopted as a component of HRT in the management of donors with neurologic death.
Couple-Responsible Therapy Process: Positive Proximal Outcomes†

Therapist-couple struggle vs. cooperation is linked to clinical outcome. This research conceptualizes and investigates treatment process as it relates to the occurrence of struggle versus cooperation. Models of couple-responsible and therapist-responsible process in couple therapy were developed. Couple-responsible process consists of enactments, accommodation, and inductive process. Therapist-responsible process consists of primary therapist-couple interaction, therapist interpretation, and direct instruction. In counterbalanced order, 25 couples were exposed to couple-responsible and therapist-responsible episodes during one therapy session. Couples reviewed videotapes of the episodes and completed measures of responsibility, struggle, and cooperation. Perceived responsibility was higher and struggle was lower during couple-responsible episodes. No difference in cooperation was found. Presence or absence of a contrast condition, where couples reported on one therapist process after already experiencing its opposite, led to main effects for responsibility and struggle, and mediated effects of struggle and cooperation. Generally speaking, responsibility was even higher during couple-responsible episodes and even lower during therapist-responsible episodes when contrast was present. Similarly, struggle was even lower during couple-responsible episodes and even higher during therapist-responsible episodes when contrast was present. For both couple-responsible and therapist-responsible episodes, cooperation was negatively affected by a shift from the prior, opposite therapist process. Significant proportions of the variance in responsibility, struggle, and cooperation, however, were not accounted for by therapist process alone.