cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Engage Early, Correct More: How Journalists Participate in False Rumors Online during Crisis Events

Journalists are struggling to adapt to new conditions of news production and simultaneously encountering criticism for their role in spreading misinformation. Against the backdrop of this "crisis in journalism", this research seeks to understand how journalists are actually participating in the spread and correction of online rumors. We compare the engagement behaviors of journalists to non-journalists- and specifically other high visibility users-within five false rumors that spread on Twitter during three crisis events. Our findings show journalists engaging earlier than non-journalists in the spread and the correction of false rumors. However, compared to other users, journalists are (proportionally) more likely to deny false rumors. Journalists are also more likely to author original tweets and to be retweeted-underscoring their continued role in shaping the news. Interestingly, journalists scored high on "power user" measures, but were distinct from other power users in significant ways-e.g. by being more likely to deny rumors.
Severity of anxiety moderates the association between neural circuits and maternal behaviors in the postpartum period

Neuroimaging research has suggested that activity in the amygdala, center of the socioemotional network, and functional connectivity between the amygdala and cortical regions are associated with caregiving behaviors in postpartum mothers. Anxiety is common in the early postpartum period, with severity ranging from healthy maternal preoccupation to clinical disorder. However, little is known about the influence of anxiety on the neural correlates of early caregiving. We examined these relationships in a community cohort of 75 postpartum women (ages 18–22; predominantly low-SES, minority race) who listened to infant cry sounds while undergoing an fMRI assessment. Maternal self-reported symptoms of anxiety were mostly within the subclinical range. Positive and negative caregiving behaviors during filmed face-to-face mother–infant interactions were coded by independent observers. The results from whole-brain analyses showed that anxiety severity moderated the brain–maternal behavior relationships. Specifically, our results showed that the higher a mother’s anxiety, the stronger the association between positive caregiving (i.e., maternal warmth and involvement) and amygdala–right posterior superior temporal sulcus (amygdala–RpSTS) functional connectivity. These results remained significant when we controlled for symptoms of depression and contextual variables. These findings suggest that functional connectivity between the amygdala and a social perception region (RpSTS) plays a particularly important role for anxious mothers in facilitating their positive parenting. These findings extend our understanding of the specific neural circuits that support positive maternal caregiving in the context of maternal anxiety, and they may help inform the future design of personalized and effective interventions.
Some Comments on Velikovsky’s Methodology

For the 25 years since Worlds in Collision was published, Immanuel Velikovsky has awaited the recognition and acceptance that he feels he justly deserves. Whatever recognition he has achieved has come from outside the scientific community; the vast majority of professional scientists has either not examined his work, or has rejected it with varying degrees of vehemence. Those scientists who have reviewed his earlier works (Worlds in Collision and Earth in Upheaval) have been sufficiently negative in their assessments as to deter the scientific community at large from any extended consideratioa During these 25 years, the scientific community has been under intermittent attack for its alleged failure to give Velikovsky a fair hearing and his theories a fair test As early as 1950, some scientists brought pressure on his publishers, the Macmillan Company, that led to Macmillan transferring the publication of Velikovsky’s books to other publishers who did not have text-book divisions through which they were laid open to threats of boycott in the large academic market. This particular episode has coloured all later discussions of Velikovsky and his theories; it has and probably will continue to re-emerge and haunt the scientific community and while it can possibly be understood in some ways, it can or should in no way be condoned But, no matter how reprehensible that occurrence was, it cannot be taken as lending any strength to the intrinsic merits of Velikovsky’s theories, even though some of his supporters have attempted to draw this kind of inference.
Surgical Therapy for Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence is a common condition that is frequently underreported. Although the most common causative factor is obstetric injury, the origin can frequently be multifactorial. A thorough history and physical examination is necessary to determine the source of the problem. Physiologic and radiologic tests may be added to assist in diagnosis and also in directing treatment. First line treatment consists of medical management and in some cases physical therapy. If this fails then surgical intervention is considered. Surgery consists of overlapping sphincteroplasty, the injection of bulking agents, and sacral nerve stimulation and less frequently anal encirclement procedures, radiofrequency ablation, artificial bowel sphincter, and muscle transposition. A diverting stoma may be considered as a last resort.
Kekulé’s Benzene Theory and the Appraisal of Scientific Theories

In three papers published in 1865 and 1866, August Kekule, professor of chemistry at the University of Ghent, proposed a theory of the structure of benzene that provided the basis for the first satisfactory understanding of aromatic compounds, a very large and important class of organic substances. It would be difficult to overestimate the impact of these papers. Within a decade most chemists accepted the theory as empirically verified and heuristically invaluable, and within a generation one observer could assert not only that Kekule’s theory was the “most brilliant piece of scientific prediction to be found in the whole of organic chemistry”, but also that “three-fourths of modern organic chemistry is, directly or indirectly, the product of this theory”.1
Tracking via Blocking in Millimeter Wave Communication Networks

A prominent feature of millimeter wave communications is the blockage effect: an object intruding the line-of-sight (LOS) of a communication link can block the millimeter wave signal. While the blockage incurs outage to the communications, it also brings information related to the blocking object. In this paper, both short-term and long- term trajectory estimations are studied for the object(s) blocking the millimeter wave communication link(s). For the short-term trajectory, experiment has revealed signal strength oscillations before and after the blockage, due to the reflection at the blocking object and the interference with LOS signal. It is shown that the short-term trajectory, as well as the speed, of the moving object can be estimated from the samples of oscillations. For the long-term trajectory, the tracking of multiple objects is carried out using the blockage events on multiple millimeter wave communication links. The trajectory estimation is converted to the problem of object recognition, which is solved by exploiting the geometric intuition. Numerical and experimental results show that the proposed short-term and long-term trajectory estimations achieve excellent performances.
Differential Power Processing Three-Port Dual Active Bridge Converter for Active Balancing in Large Battery Packs

This paper presents an approach to combine modular cell-level active balancing systems with a new three-port dc/dc converter topology. The proposed topology adds a significant value to the active balancing system by improving the volume and cost of cell-level balancing converter and reducing the total component count. These benefits are achieved by balancing two cells using only one three-port converter in contrast to a conventional two-port converter per cell. The three-port dc/dc topology is derived as a variation of the two-port dual-active bridge (DAB) converter by dividing the input into two halves using a center-tapped transformer and an additional inductor. No additional switches or auxiliary components are needed. The two-ports on the input side lets active control of currents from the two cells or cell strings connected to these ports. The converter uses both pulse-width modulation (PWM) and phase-shift modulation (PSM) simultaneously. To achieve active balancing the proposed converter injects a differential current into the mid-point of the cell sub-strings. PWM on the primary side devices is used to control this differential current, where as the traditional PSM for DAB is used to regulate the power to load bus. The proposed topology is such that there is no strong coupling between the PWM operation and PSM operation, and hence simpler single input single output approach is enough to achieve the control objective. The concepts for proposed topology, modulation scheme, and decoupled control are developed and hardware results are demonstrated on a 480 W hardware prototype. Detailed steady-state waveforms with mismatched cell voltages validate the converter topology and transient responses for the closed-loop are provided that validate the proposed control approach.
Cognitive Exercise Boosts Exam Performance in an Introductory Psychology Course

The present study piloted a cognitive exercise program in a college classroom to enhance learning of lecture material. Undergraduate students enrolled in introductory psychology (N = 68) completed ...
Farmer attitudes towards wildlife in the Vaca Forest reserve, Belize

ABSTRACTIt is essential to incorporate local stakeholder attitudes and values into management plans to ensure their longevity and success. Belize represents an important case study because of its i...
Geochemical controls for Al, Fe, Mn, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn during experimental acidification and recovery of Little Rock Lake, WI, USA

Concentrations of Al, Fe, Mn, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were measured in thereference and treatment basins of Little Rock Lake (Vilas County, Wisconsin), alow-alkalinity, seepage system (pH ∼6.1, alkalinity25 μeq/L) during six years of a whole-basinacidificationand the first four years of the lake's recovery. The treatment basin wasacidified with H2SO4 in three two-year steps to pH∼5.6, ∼5.1, and ∼4.7. By the end of year 4 of recovery, treatmentbasin pH increased to ∼5.3 as a result of internal alkalinity generation.During acidification, dissolved Mn and Fe (0.4 μmpore-size filters) increased at pH ∼5.6; dissolved Al, Cd, and Zn becameelevated at pH ∼5.1; and dissolved Pb at pH ∼4.7. Dissolved Cu remainedsimilar in both basins to pH ∼4.7. Al, Fe and Mn levels declinedsignificantly during the recovery period, approaching values at pH 5.3intermediate between the concentrations at pH 5.6 and 5.1 during acidification.Dissolved Al and Fe in the reference basin were near the equilibrium levels forsolubility of gibbsite (Al(OH)3) and amorphousFe(OH)3(s).The acidified basin was undersaturated relative to gibbsite, and dissolved Alwas limited by pH disequilibrium between the water column and sediments andpossibly by Al-DOC precipitation. Dissolved Fe apparently was controlled bysolubility of amorphous Fe(OH)3(s) and Fe-DOC precipitation.Dissolved Mn levels in both basins were consistent with manganite[γ-MnOOH(s)] solubility. Elevated levels of Cd, Pb, and Zn in thetreatment basin during acidification probably resulted from less efficientscavenging of atmospherically-deposited Cd, Pb, and Zn by settling particles.
Pushing up daisies: Goal orientations, death awareness, and satisfaction with life

Abstract The present research built on terror management theory and self-determination theory to test whether heightened death awareness might undermine satisfaction with life among people oriented toward extrinsic goals (wealth, fame, attractiveness), yet lead people with stronger intrinsic goal orientations (personal growth, warm social connections) to reflect on life with greater satisfaction. In Study 1 (n = 263), participants indicated their relative intrinsic (vs. extrinsic) goal orientation (RIGO), were randomly assigned to either an MS or uncertainty salience condition, and rated their satisfaction with life. Study 2 (n = 389) was a preregistered follow-up, with the additional measurement of self-esteem and the MS comparison condition changed from uncertainty salience to a more neutral condition. Both studies found that: at low RIGO, MS (vs. comparison condition) decreased satisfaction with life; however, at high RIGO, MS increased satisfaction with life. Study 2 further found that the moderating role of RIGO was not due to its association with self-esteem, but also failed to replicate prior evidence suggesting self-esteem moderates the effect of MS on satisfaction with life. These findings inform the impact of death awareness on well-being, highlighting the role of value orientations in whether death awareness is taken as an unpleasant existential stressor or an occasion to reflect on life with greater satisfaction.
The History and Chemistry of Platinum-toned Salted Paper Prints

A wealth of period literature from as early as 1856 through the 1920s promoted the toning of salted paper prints with platinum to achieve certain aesthetic effects and improve silver image permanen...
Numerical Validation of an Algorithm for Combined Soiling and Degradation Analysis of Photovoltaic Systems

We describe and demonstrate an open-source algorithm for simultaneously quantifying degradation and soiling of photovoltaic (PV) systems from energy-production time series data. The new analysis is based on year-on-year degradation rate analysis combined with stochastic rate and recovery soiling analysis. The algorithm is designed to fit into the workflow provided by RdTools, a Python module maintained by NREL and collaboratively developed with the community, which provides a framework and functions for degradation and loss-factor analysis of PV field data. We demonstrate the method on numerically simulated PV data sets and show that it reduces the root-mean-square error of the P50 degradation rate estimate when soiling is present.
La legislación eclesiástica, el cabildo indígena del Hospital del Cuzco y la relación entre Murúa y Guaman Poma

Este ensayo explora el tratamiento del corpus conciliar en las obras de Martin de Murua y Guaman Poma de Ayala. Sostiene que Murua incorporo cercanamente los decretos conciliares para fundar su autoridadde cronista y presentar su trabajo como si fuera una extension de la obra del concilio que le permitiera ofrecer consejos a las autoridades civiles y eclesiasticas sobre materia indiana. Analogamente, GuamanPoma se apoyo en los decretos de los sinodos limenses en diversos capitulos de su Nueva coronica y sobre esta base sustento sus propuestas principales de reforma eclesiastica. Sin embargo, la principal diferenciade su aproximacion, en contraste con Murua, reside en que Guaman Poma empleo esos mismos decretos para demoler la imagen que el fraile mercedario habia elaborado de si mismo, mostrar la inefcacia delos consejos que extendia a las autoridades eclesiasticas, desautorizar sus libros e insinuar las penas que merecia Murua por desobedecer e instrumentalizar la jurisdiccion eclesiastica.
Strategies for Physical Activity Interventions in the Treatment of Obesity

Physical activity contributes to body weight regulation. At least 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity may be needed. When not coupled with dietary restriction, physical activity contributes to an average weight loss of approximately 2 to 3 kg in interventions up to 6 months in duration; when added to modest dietary restriction it adds 20% additional weight loss compared with modest dietary restriction alone. Physical activity is associated with enhanced long-term weight loss and attenuation of weight regain and should be included within clinical and public health approaches to prevent weight regain and to treat obesity.
Inequities Faced by Female Doctors Serving Communities of Need

The reasons for sex inequity in medicine are complex and partly interface ethnic background, specialty choice, and practice location. Multiple factors influence career choices including cultural va...
Sparse representations and compressive sampling approaches in engineering mechanics: A review of theoretical concepts and diverse applications

Abstract A review of theoretical concepts and diverse applications of sparse representations and compressive sampling (CS) approaches in engineering mechanics problems is provided from a broad perspective. First, following a presentation of well-established CS concepts and optimization algorithms, attention is directed to currently emerging tools and techniques for enhancing solution sparsity and for exploiting additional information in the data. These include alternative to l 1 -norm minimization formulations and iterative re-weighting solution schemes, Bayesian approaches, as well as structured sparsity and dictionary learning strategies. Next, CS-based research work of relevance to engineering mechanics problems is categorized and discussed under three distinct application areas: a) inverse problems in structural health monitoring, b) uncertainty modeling and simulation, and c) computationally efficient uncertainty propagation. Notably, the vast majority of problems in all three areas share the challenge of “incomplete data”, addressed by the versatile CS framework. In this regard, incomplete data may manifest themselves in various different forms and can correspond to missing or compressed data, or even refer generally to insufficiently few function evaluations. The primary objective of this review paper relates to identifying and presenting significant contributions in each of the above three application areas in engineering mechanics, with the goal of expediting additional research and development efforts. To this aim, an extensive list of 248 references is provided, composed almost exclusively of books and archival papers, which can be readily available to a potential reader.
Cultural Awareness: Ensuring High-Quality Care for Limited English Proficient Patients

Background Cancer hospitals throughout the United States have seen an increase in the number of adults who are considered limited English proficient (LEP); such individuals do not speak English as their primary language and have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand the language. This population requires nurses who are responsive to their language and cultural needs. Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess cultural awareness among inpatient oncology nurses and to identify areas for cross-cultural training and educational development. Methods 44 inpatient oncology nurses from an oncology unit that admits a large number of Spanish-speaking patients responded to an online survey containing 23 Likert-type questions and 4 open-ended questions. Findings Despite survey results indicating a moderate to high level of cultural awareness, nurses expressed a need for tools and resources to provide equitable and safe care to LEP adults diagnosed with cancer. To improve the care of LEP patients, nurses suggested the use of resources such as an assigned unit interpreter, an increase in bilingual nursing staff, dual language materials, and free language lessons.
Enhanced maturation of human stem cell derived interneurons by mTOR activation

Summary The use of stem cell derived neurons for cell-based therapies is limited by a protracted maturation. We present a novel approach for accelerating the post-mitotic maturation of human stem cell derived interneurons via the activation of mTOR signaling. Lox sites were placed within PTEN, a key mTOR inhibitor, in a cortical interneuron (CIn) reporter line. Following directed differentiation and purification by FACS, the CIns were exposed to Cre-expressing lentivirus, then transplanted into mouse neocortex or plated onto cultured rat neocortex. Input synaptogenesis and dendritogenesis was greatly enhanced in the PTEN-deleted CIns. Whole-cell recording of the PTEN-deleted CIns in slices of transplanted neocortex revealed multiple indices of enhanced maturation. Finally, we observed similar effects using transient, doxycycline-inducible activation of AKT. We thus present an inducible, reversible approach for accelerating the maturation of human stem cell derived CIns, and to study the influences of this disease-related signaling system in human neurons.
Codes on Graphs: Models for Elementary Algebraic Topology and Statistical Physics

This paper is mainly a semi-tutorial introduction to elementary algebraic topology and its applications to Ising-type models of statistical physics, using graphical models of linear and group codes. It contains new material on systematic $(n, k)$ group codes and their information sets; normal realizations of homology and cohomology spaces; dual and hybrid models; and connections with system-theoretic concepts, such as observability, controllability, and input/output realizations.
Dietary Phosphorus Differentially Alters Uremic Toxin Production in a Rat Model of Chronic Kidney Disease

Objectives Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by declining kidney function, limiting the kidney's ability to efficiently remove metabolic waste products from circulation. Byproducts of gut microbial protein metabolism, termed uremic retention solutes (URS), accumulate in CKD patients and are associated with accelerating kidney decline. The gut microbes responsible for generating URS are dependent upon phosphorus (P) for growth and survival. As dietary P restriction is a cornerstone of CKD treatment, we hypothesized that changes in dietary P loads would alter URS production.
Examining consumer attitudes toward CSR and CSA messages

Abstract This study conducts a 2 (message type: CSR vs. CSA) x 2 (source: company vs. nonprofit organization) factorial online experiment to examine impacts on individuals’ attitude changes and WOM intention regarding a company. Values-driven attributions and perceptions of company-cause fit were measured as mediating variables. Results indicate that individuals inferred more values-driven motives from CSR messages than CSA messages, which ultimately led to more positive attitude changes toward the company. Theoretical implications for both CSR and CSA scholarship are discussed. Several implications for companies and strategic communicators are offered.
Events Marking Irreversible Injury

Dr. Silver is the world leader in the art of microelectrode construction. He has made important approaches to the question, “When in the course of hypoxia and ischemia does the nerve cell reach the point of irreversible injury?” Clearly this is some time after the arrival of zero PO2 in a stop flow experiment and is also after the arrest of spontaneous electrical activity which is now known to consist mainly of synaptic potentials, while the critical events probably occur in the cell body. Two of his measurements appear to come close to the critical point. These are the arrival of an intracellular pH of 6.7 and failure of the Na+- K+pump reflected in a high extracellular K+ of 20–30 mM.
Comments on Lucey’s “An Invalid Instance of Modus Ponens” by Ted Sider

Sider concludes that Lucey’s counter-example to Modus Ponens fails. Sider argues that what Lucey has done is produce not a counter-example to that argument form, but rather a paradoxical argument. Sider discusses the sentence (T), viz. “Sentences of the form ‘this sentence is true’ are true.,” and challenges Lucey’s attempt to argue that T is true. Sider’s claim is that (S2) “This sentence is false” lends no support to (T). Sider produces what he calls “The Counter-Argument” to show that Lucey’s second premise is not true. At bottom Sider argues that Lucey’s attempt to provide a counter-example to Modus Ponens “has the characteristic features of semantic paradoxes” and that “it would be rash to conclude anything about (T), i.e. “Sentence of the form ‘This sentence is true’ are true.”
Chapter 2 Anatomy and physiology of the visual pathways and cortex

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the anatomy and physiology of the retinocortical pathways, and the visual cortices of humans. However, where there is paucity or total absence of human data, the chapter reports comparative results obtained in primates or other mammals. The optic nerve contains fibers from many types of ganglion cells, including three major classes of cells: midget cells representing 80% of the ganglion cells and constituting the P or parvocellular pathway; parasol cells representing 5–8% of the ganglion cells and constituting the M or magnocellular pathway; and bistratified ganglion cells representing 5% of cells and constituting the K pathways. The retina tranduces light into electrical signals and begins the process of mediating visual information. Three separate parallel processing systems are involved: the parvocellular transmits form and color signals; the magnocellular transmits motion signals; and the koniocellular transmits mostly motion signals and some color information. At the level of the lateral geniculate nucleus, the three systems remain separated, but inhibitory inputs from the brainstem and other regions modulate information processing during behavioral attention. Thus, lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) is a dynamic relay affecting the nature and format of information that reaches the cortex.
The Highly Avoidable Section 357(c): A Case Study in Traps for the Unwary and Some Positive Thoughts About Negative Basis

Section 357(c) is readily avoidable by any well-advised section 351 transferor who can retain the amount of liabilities that would otherwise exceed the basis of the transferred assets, who has sufficient additional property to increase the transferred assets to a point at which the basis of those assets equals the transmitted liabilities, or who can borrow and transfer cash equal to the difference between the basis of the conveyed assets and the amount of the transmitted liabilities. In this context, a section 351 transferor who gives the transferee corporation a personal note equal to the difference between the basis of the transferred assets and the amount of the transmitted liabilities should escape the reach of section 357(c) as well. To treat the transferor otherwise would mean that section 357(c) would apply to a properly advised section 351 transferor only if that transferor lacked sufficient credit standing to borrow from a third party, a result that has no obvious rationale; but if the issuance of a transferor’s personal note can avoid section 357(c), then section 357(c) is truly a trap for the unwary because it will apply only to a section 351 transferor who lacks professional advice or whose adviser fails to instruct the transferor to deliver the appropriate note to the controlled corporation.Section 357(c) is a punitive tax provision that affects only under-advised taxpayers. Although this may be good for the employment of attorneys and accountants, it is not good tax policy; furthermore, this article explains that section 357(c) fails to solve any problem that requires a solution with respect to section 351 exchanges. Indeed, Congress’s failure in 1954 to give a clear explanation of its objective in enacting section 357(c) is now understandable. There was simply no persuasive purpose. Because of this lack of purpose for section 357(c), no desirable policy objective would be compromised by the provision’s repeal. Instead, taxpayers who transfer assets to corporations in section 351 exchanges would be well-served by such a development.
Dynamic response of bimaterial and graded interface cracks under impact loading

The interfacial fracture in bimaterial and functionally graded material (FGM) under impact loading conditions is investigated using experimental and numerical techniques that are valid for both type of interfaces. Experiments are conducted on epoxy based specimens in three point bend configuration and the complex SIF is measured using an electrical strain gage mounted close to the crack-tip. A complementary two-dimensional finite element simulation is performed using tup force and support reactions as input tractions, and the SIF-time history is determined using a displacement extrapolation technique. The experimentally determined SIF-histories match closely with numerical simulation up to the time of fracture initiation. The test results show that the mode-mixity remains nearly constant through out the test in both the materials, and the mixity values correspond to their respective static counterparts. The general dynamic response of the bimaterial and FGM specimens in terms of impact load, support reaction and the magnitude of complex SIF are comparable, and the mode-mixity is the parameter that distinguishes the graded interface from the bimaterial case.
Development of a hybrid model for shipboard power systems

In this paper we have described a hybrid automaton based approach towards the development of a simplified Medium Voltage Direct-Current (MVDC) Shipboard Power System (SPS) model. SPS is considered a good subject of hybrid modeling and hybrid control system design as it combines a variety of continuous component dynamics, discrete control actions as well as a variety of switching components. Therefore, a hybrid system model can provide an accurate and effective way to simulate the system and represent the combined behaviors of SPS. Within the hybrid automata model represented in this paper, continuous power system dynamics are modeled in the form of differential algebraic equations (DAEs) and discrete events dynamics are represented by discrete finite automations (DFAs). Simulation results indicate that the proposed modeling scheme is effective and suitable particularly for system-level studies and control algorithm design for MVDC SPS.
CRAY-2 Memory Organization and Interprocessor Memory Contention

This paper describes a simulation study of interprocessor memory contention for a shared memory, vector multiprocessor like the CRAY-2. When programs execute together on such a system, each program’s performance, relative to its performance on a single dedicated processor, degrades because of contention among processors for shared memory. From the results of the simulation study, the paper proposes analytic forms for the asymptotic steady state behavior of throughput, time delay, and efficiency as functions of hardware parameters. The results suggest criteria for evaluating hardware designs and an index of quality for comparing different designs.
Time-Domain Computer Analysis of Nonlinear Hybrid Systems

From the Publisher: The analysis of nonlinear hybrid electromagnetic systems poses significant challenges that essentially demand reliable numerical methods. In recent years, research has shown that finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) cosimulation techniques hold great potential for future designs and analyses of electrical systems.Time-Domain Computer Analysis of Nonlinear Hybrid Systems summarizes and reviews more than 10 years of research in FDTD cosimulation. It first provides a basic overview of the electromagnetic theory, the link between field theory and circuit theory, transmission line theory, finite-difference approximation, and analog circuit simulation. The author then extends the basic theory of FDTD cosimulation to focus on techniques for time-domain field solving, analog circuit analysis, and integration of other lumped systems, such as n-port nonlinear circuits, into the field-solving scheme.The numerical cosimulation methods described in this book and proven in various applications can effectively simulate hybrid circuits that other techniques cannot. By incorporating recent, new, and previously unpublished results, this book effectively represents the state of the art in FDTD techniques. More detailed studies are needed before the methods described are fully developed, but the discussions in this book build a good foundation for their future perfection.
MRI detection of hypointense brain lesions in patients with multiple sclerosis: T1 spin-echo vs. gradient-echo.

Abstract Objective Compare T1 spin-echo (T1SE) and T1 gradient-echo (T1GE) sequences in detecting hypointense brain lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS). Background Chronic hypointense lesions on T1SE MRI scans are a surrogate of severe demyelination and axonal loss in MS. The role of T1GE images in the detection of such lesions has not been clarified. Design/methods In 45 patients with MS [Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score (mean±SD) 3.5±2.0; 37 relapsing-remitting (RR); 8 secondary progressive (SP)], cerebral T1SE, T1GE, and T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) images were acquired on a 1.5T MRI scanner. Images were re-sampled to axial 5mm slices before directly comparing lesion detectability using Jim (v.7, Xinapse Systems). Statistical methods included Wilcoxon signed rank tests to compare sequences and Spearman correlations to test associations. Results Considering the entire cohort, T1GE detected a higher lesion volume (5.90±6.21 vs. 4.17±4.84ml, p p p p r =0.29, p r =0.23, p =0.13) and FLAIR ( r =0.24, p =0.12) did not. Conclusion Our data suggest that hypointense lesions on T1SE and T1GE are not interchangeable in patients with MS. Based on these results, we hypothesize that T1GE shows more sensitivity to lesions at the expense of less pathologic specificity for tissue destruction than T1SE.
Customary Constraints on the Use of Force: Article 51 with an American Accent

This Article, prepared for a symposium on ‘The Future of Restrictivist Theories on the Use of Force,’ examines the current trajectory of restrictivist scholarship in the United States. In contrast to their counterparts in continental Europe, American restrictivists tend to devote less energy to defending narrow constructions of the UN Charter. Instead, they generally focus on legal constraints outside the Charter’s text, including customary norms and general principles of law such as necessity, proportionality, deliberative rationality, and robust evidentiary burdens. The Article considers how these features of the American restrictivist tradition reflect distinctive characteristics of American legal culture, and it explores the tradition’s influence on debates over anticipatory self-defense and the use of force against non-state actors abroad. The Article concludes by examining how the American restrictivist tradition is beginning to shape the United States’ approach to the use of force in response to cyber attacks.
Evaluation of the accuracy of a wireless pressure sensor in a canine model of retrograde-collateral (type II) endoleak and correlation with histologic analysis.

Background The utility of intra-aneurysmal pressure determination is dependent on the ability to measure pressure in the presence of endoleak and thrombosis. In this study, the accuracy of a CardioMEMS wireless pressure sensor (CardioMEMS, Atlanta, Ga) transducer in the presence of thrombus associated with type II endoleak was measured. Methods Type II endoleaks were created in four mongrel dogs by implanting four collateral arterial side branches (lumbar and caudal mesenteric arteries) as a Carrel patch onto a 3-cm prosthetic polytetrafluoroethylene abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The aneurysm was excluded 2 weeks later from antegrade perfusion by a stent graft. The wireless pressure sensor was positioned in the AAA external to the stent graft. A Konigsberg intraluminal solid-state strain-gauge pressure transducer (Konigsberg Instruments, Pasadena, Calif) that is accurate in the presence of thrombus served as the control to determine AAA pressure. Both of the transducers were implanted on the luminal surface of the aneurysm, 180 degrees opposite from the Carrel patch and endoleak channel. Intra-aneurysmal pressure resulting from the type II endoleak was measured twice daily for 4 weeks using both transducers. A total of 56 pre-exclusion and 224 post-exclusion distinct pressure determinations were made. Intra-aneurysmal pressure was indexed to the systemic pressure that was simultaneously measured by a strain-gauge pressure transducer implanted in the native aorta. Histologic analysis of the aneurysm contents was performed with hematoxylin and eosin. Results The intra-aneurysmal systolic, mean, and pulse pressures produced by the type II endoleak were significantly lower than systemic pressure in all animals and were P R = 0.83, P Conclusions Intra-aneurysmal pressure generated by type II endoleaks may be accurately measured through thrombus using a wireless pressure sensor in the canine model. The wireless sensor has the potential for clinical applicability in diagnosing and characterizing type II endoleaks.
Transition Metals and Organic Ligands Influence Biodegradation of 1,4-Dioxane

1,4-Dioxane, a contaminant increasingly detected in water supplies, is a public health concern because it is classified as a possible human carcinogen. 1,4-Dioxane can be biodegraded by aerobic bacteria via monooxygenase-catalyzed reactions. While these metalloenzymes require trace metals as cofactors in their catalytic sites, these metals may be toxic at elevated concentrations. In this study, the effects of transition metals on 1,4-dioxane biodegradation by Pseudonocardia dioxanivorans CB1190, a monooxygenase-expressing bacterium, were investigated. Dose-dependent inhibition of 1,4-dioxane biodegradation by Cd(II), Cu(II), and Ni(II) was observed, whereas Zn(II) had no measurable effect on biodegradation rates. 1,4-Dioxane biodegradation in cultures exposed to 2 mg/L Cu(II) was restored in the presence of 0.005, 0.05, and 0.5 mM alginin, 0.05, and 0.5 mM cysteine, and 0.005 mM tannin. These results indicated that specific ligands bind with transition metals and alleviate bacterial toxicity. In parallel experiments, tannin and cysteine inhibited 1,4-dioxane biodegradation, but alginin, BSA, and SRNOM did not affect the biodegradation rates. Thus, monooxygenase-catalyzed biodegradation rates are subject to interactions among transition metals and natural organic ligands in the environment. Mechanistic insights and quantitative data obtained in this study will be useful for designing bioremediation strategies at sites simultaneously contaminated with metals and organic pollutants.
The Measurement of Early Retirement

Abstract The Social Security Administration's Continuous Work History Sample is used to show a strong trend towards more frequent early retirement among men. Moreover, the effects of including retirements due to incapacitation with other retirements and of including partial retirements with full retirements are quantified. The extent of retirement has previously been measured by the application of residual methods to aggregated census bureau data on population and labor force. The assumptions underlying that technique are examined critically, and issue is taken with a published study that purported to demonstrate with residual methods that the age at retirement of men is not changing.
COHERENT SYNCHROTRON EMISSION IN THE CRAB NEBULA.

Coherent synchrotron emission in Crab Nebula associated with electron gyromotion, discussing models for high energy particle acceleration
Preparation of alkaline anion exchange membranes based on functional poly(ether-imide) polymers for potential fuel cell applications

Abstract A novel poly(ether-imide)-based alkaline anion exchange membrane with no free base has been prepared and characterized for its ionic conductivity in water, which is a critical metric of its applicability in a liquid-fed direct methanol fuel cell. The poly(ether-imide)-based membranes were prepared by chloromethylation, quaternization and alkalization of commercial poly(ether-imide) and the derivatives were characterized by NMR. The chemical and thermal stabilities were investigated by measuring changes of ionic conductivities when the membranes were placed in various alkaline concentrations and temperatures for 24 h. The membranes were stable at all concentrations of KOH at room temperature, but not at elevated temperatures. The membranes were stable in 1.0 M KOH solution up to 80 °C without losing membrane integrity. The measured conductivity of the formed membrane ranged from 2.28 to 3.51 × 10 −3 S/cm at room temperature. This preliminary study indicates that functionalized poly(ether-imide) has suitable conductivity suggesting that it can be used as an alkaline anion exchange membrane in fuel cell applications.
Morphology of evaporated multiblock copolymer membranes studied by molecular dynamics simulations

We present extensive simulations modeling the casting of multiblock polymer films by evaporation. The domain structure of the resulting film is strongly affected by varying the relative stiffness of the coblocks. The morphology changes from a bicontinuous lamellar phase when both blocks are flexible to a small-scale phase-separated phase with isolated domains as the stiffness of one of the blocks increases. As the relative stiffness of the blocks changes, the rate of evaporation, interfacial width, and morphology of the system changes. The findings can be used to tailor membrane morphology of interest to fuel-cell applications where the morphology is important for proton conduction.
Resynchronizing dynamical systems

Abstract Resynchronizing dynamical systems are important for certain chaotic signal masking methods. We demonstrate the dependence of the resynchronizing property of linear dynamical systems on choices of coordinate systems. Using these insights, we demonstrate how a nonlinear system not previously known to be synchronizable can be used for chaotic signal masking.
Pore growth during the initial stages of sintering ceramics

Mercury porosimetry was used to measure changes in pore size distribution during initial stage sintering of compacts of submicron size particles of several oxides. Pore growth was observed in MgO and Fe2O3, and in Al2O3 under certain conditions. Pores can grow by these mechanisms: surface diffusion, particle size distribution effects, particle coalescence, phase transformation, and evaporation/condensation. Surface diffusion may be the mechanism in the case of an alpha alumina. Phase transformation was shown to be the cause when sintering gamma alumina. In the case of magnesia and ferric oxide, particle coalescence appears to be operating. Since pore growth competes with densification for the use of surface energy, it is an important sintering process.
Interaction of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), neuropeptide E-I (NEI), neuropeptide G-E (NGE), and alpha-MSH with melanocortin and MCH receptors on mouse B16 melanoma cells.

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) are known to exhibit mostly functionally antagonistic, but in some cases agonistic activities, e.g., in pigment cells and in the brain. Neuropeptide E-I (NEI) displays functional MCH-antagonist and MSH-agonist activity in different behavioral paradigms; the role of neuropeptide G-E (NGE) is not known. This study addressed the question of possible molecular interactions between α-MSH, MCH and the MCH-precursor-derived peptides NEI and NGE at the level of the pigment cell MCH receptor subtype (MCH-Rpc) and the different melanocortin (MC) receptors. Radioreceptor assays using [125I]MCH, [125I]α-MSH and [125I]NEI as radioligands and bioassays were performed with MC1-R-positive and MC1-R-negative mouse B16 melanoma cells and with COS cells expressing the different MC receptors. The IC50s of α-MSH and NEI or NGE for [125I]MCH displacement from mouse MCH-Rpc were 80-fold and, respectively, > 300-fold higher than that of MCH, and the...
Guest Editors' Introduction: IR Drop in Very Deep-Submicron Designs

As technology scales to 22 nm and functional density continues to rise, many factors and parameters have a direct impact on the design and test of chips. Among such challenges, IR-drop and power supply noise (PSN) effects have become more significant in recent years. This special issue addresses some of the key issues in this area, focusing on the impact of PSN on design and test of very deep-submicron designs, and highlighting the importance of PSN and IR drop to design and test engineers in the semiconductor industry and academic researchers.
Emerging roles of aquaporins in relation to the physiology of blood-feeding arthropods

Aquaporins (AQPs) are proteins that span plasma membranes allowing the movement of water and small solutes into or out of cells. The type, expression levels and activity of AQPs play a major role in the relative permeability of each cell to water or other solutes. Research on arthropod AQPs has expanded in the last 10 years due to the completion of several arthropod genome projects and the increased availability of genetic information accessible through other resources such as de novo transcriptome assemblies. In particular, there has been significant advancement in elucidating the roles that AQPs serve in relation to the physiology of blood-feeding arthropods of medical importance. The focus of this review is upon the significance of AQPs in relation to hematophagy in arthropods. This will be accomplished via a narrative describing AQP functions during the life history of hematophagic arthropods that includes the following critical phases: (1) Saliva production necessary to blood feeding, (2) Intake and excretion of water during blood digestion, (3) Reproduction and egg development and (4) Off-host environmental stress tolerance. The concentration on these phases will highlight known vulnerabilities in the biology of hematophagic arthropods that could be used to develop novel control strategies as well as research topics that have yet to be examined.
Note Chemical Interactions Between Mercaptoester Coupling Agents and Steel

Abstract Poly(ethy1enemercaptoester) coupling agents (EME, structure I) have been shown previously1 to enhance both the initial peel strength and corrosion resistance of steel-epoxy adhesive joints. Their success was attributed to the ability of the mercaptoester functionality to interact chemically with both the epoxy resin and the steel surface, thus forming chemical bonds across the interface.
MOTHERING, MEDICALIZATION, AND JEWISH IDENTITY, 1928-1940:

This article examines the relationship between mothers and medical discourse, drawing from oral narratives of 20 Jewish women who gave birth to their first children between 1928 and 1940. The author shows that women encounter medical discourse not only as a system of technical knowledge but also as a package of cultural and social enterprises. Jewish mothers during this period mobilized medicalized mothering practices to signify their advancement from immigrant culture into the American middle class. Mothers portray themselves as benefiting from the new opportunities of American freedoms, as actively seeking self-improvements, and as engaging medicine in the context of their changing group membership. In more general terms, the author shows that medicalization's effect on social difference extends beyond men's control of women's subjectivity or social position; it also involves women in the creation and maintenance of status hierarchies between women.
Optimum recovery of a continuous signal from two discrete channels

Abstract This paper deals with the recovery of a continuous signal from received discrete data. Very often, two sets of discrete data, obtained independently, are available for the recovery of a continuous signal. The two sets of discrete data have, in general, different data-rates. A better signal recovery will be achieved if both sets of data are employed in an optimum way, rather than when only one of the two sets is used. Optimum systems using both sets of discrete data are, in general, time-varying as opposed to the time-invariant property of the systems using only one set of discrete data, even though the signals and noise are stationary. A procedure for the optimum recovery of a continuous signal using two sets of discrete input-data will be developed, and methods for evaluating the mean square-error will be shown. An example will also be given to illustrate the method, and the quality, of the double-input system as compared with that of the single-input system.