cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Social Authority of Paradigms as Group Commitments: Rehabilitating Kuhn with Recent Social Philosophy

By linking the conceptual and social dynamics of change in science, Kuhn’s Structure of Scientific Revolutions proved tremendously fruitful for research in science studies. But Kuhn’s idea of incommensurability provoked strong criticism from philosophers of science. In this essay I show how Raimo Tuomela’s Philosophy of Sociality illuminates and strengthens Kuhn’s model of scientific change. After recalling the central features and problems of Kuhn’s model, I introduce Tuomela’s approach. I then show (a) how Tuomela’s conception of group ethos aligns with Kuhn’s notion of paradigms as group commitments, and (b) how Tuomela’s distinction between I-mode and we-mode forms of collective intentionality can capture the shifting paradigmatic commitments in Kuhn’s model of change as a cycle of normal and revolutionary science. But Tuomela’s analysis does not rely on meaning holism, and thus does not involve the problematic notion of incommensurability that burdened Kuhn’s analysis.
NEPHROTOXIC SERUM NEPHRITIS IN THYMECTOMIZED RATS.

SummaryClinical, biochemical, morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of renal disease induced in rats with injections of anti-rat kidney rabbit serum (NTS) were similar in adult rats which were thymectomized at birth and in intact members of comparable age. The development of chronic glomerular lesions in thymectomized, NTS-treated rats indicates that progression of the disease is not necessarily dependent upon those immunologic functions related to thymic function, at least during the time interval studied.
DRC: a detection tool for dangling references in PHP-based web applications

PHP is a server-side language that is widely used for creating dynamic Web applications. However, as a dynamic language, PHP may induce certain programming errors that reveal themselves only at run time. A common type of error is dangling references, which occur if the referred program entities have not been declared in the current program execution. To prevent the run-time errors caused by such dangling references, we introduce Dangling Reference Checker (DRC), a novel tool to statically detect those references in the source code of PHP-based Web applications. DRC first identifies the path constraints of the program executions in which a program entity appears and then matches the path constraints of the entity's declarations and references to detect dangling ones. DRC is able to detect dangling reference errors in several real-world PHP systems with high accuracy. The video demonstration for DRC is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Dy_AKZYhLlU4.
Identification of cadherin-11 down-regulation as a common response of astrocytoma cells to Transforming growth factor-α

Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and its receptor are frequently co-expressed in high-grade astrocytomas, suggesting a role for TGF-alpha autocrine/paracrine loops in the malignant progression of astrocytomas. To identify genes that may be critical in mediating TGF-alpha impact on the malignant progression of astrocytomas, we have used cDNA arrays to investigate TGF-alpha effects on the gene expression profile of U-373 MG glioblastoma cells. We found that in these cells approximately 50% of the TGF-alpha regulated genes code for cell motility/invasion-related proteins. TGF-alpha action on the expression of four of these proteins, alpha-catenin, IQGAP1, RhoA, and cadherin-11, was further investigated by immunoblotting in four astrocytoma cell lines and in normal astrocytes. The results demonstrate that the effects of TGF-alpha on IQGAP1, alpha-catenin, and RhoA expression are cell-line dependent. On the other hand, under TGF-alpha treatment, cadherin-11 expression is consistently decreased in all astrocytoma cell lines tested but is increased in normal astrocytes. In addition, we found that cadherin-11 is consistently down-regulated in astrocytomas versus normal brain tissues. Altogether, these results suggest that the down-regulation of cadherin-11 is a frequent molecular event in the neoplastic transformation of astrocytes and that this down-regulation may be initiated and/or amplified by TGF-alpha autocrine/paracrine loops during tumor progression.
Solvent-Dependent Intramolecular Electron Transfer in a Peptide-Linked [Ru(bpy)3]2+−C60 Dyad

A novel peptide-linked [Ru(bpy)3]2+−C60 dyad is shown to undergo an intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer in chlorinated hydrocarbons that causes quenching of the emission associated to the...
SOME THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF THE FEDERAL TAXATION† OF CAPITAL GAINS AND LOSSES

THE STUDY ATTEMPTS to answer the question of whether or not capital gains and losses should be taxed as income. The method used is a theoretical analysis of the nature of the concept of income with special reference to taxation problems. General agreement that income refers to some, but not all, incoming items points up the need for one or more criteria by means of which incoming items may be classified as income and non-income. A number of such criteria are set forth, briefly evaluated, and the conclusion reached that the gain criterion, according to which the essential characteristic of income is gain to some person or group over a specified period of time, is the most basic and important. Gain, in turn, implies that capital be maintained in some sense. Three interpretations of capital maintenance are distinguished: (1) original value sunk, whereby capital means the original cost or value of a capital asset, (2) replacement value sum, whereby capital means the cost of replacing a capital asset, and (3) automatic replacement, whereby capital maintains itself automatically, thus eliminating from income calculations any specific provision for capital maintenance. Five distinct concepts of income result, since income computations based on either the first or the third interpretation may be made in either money or real terms (the second interpretation leads only to a real concept of income). Detailed analysis of these five concepts leads to the conclusion that for tax purposes the straight money version of the original value sunk conception is superior under all conditions and for all types of income. Practical considerations, however, prevent comprehensive use of the pure original value sunk concept: (a) the automatic replacement concept must be used for income received from the sale of personal services; (b) taxable income will often need to be calculated as it is realized rather than as it accrues; and (c) certain consumption assets will have to be excluded from full original value sunk treat-
Comparison of 980 nm Laser and Bare-tip Fibre with 1470 nm Laser and Radial Fibre in the Treatment of Great Saphenous Vein Varicosities: A Prospective Randomised Clinical Trial *

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study is to compare efficacy, early postoperative morbidity and patient comfort of two laser wavelengths and fibre types in treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence resulting in varicosities of the lower limb. Design Prospective randomised clinical trial. Materials and Methods Sixty patients (106 limbs) were randomised into two groups. They were treated with bare-tip fibres and a 980 nm laser in group 1 and radial fibres and 1470 nm laser in group 2 in order to ablate the GSV. Local pain, ecchymosis, induration and paraesthesia in treated regions, distance from skin, vein diameter, treated vein length, tumescent anaesthesia volume, delivered energy and patient satisfaction were recorded. Follow-up visits were planned on the 2nd postoperative day, 7th day, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th months. Results Mean GSV diameters at saphenofemoral junction and knee levels were 12.1 S.D. 4.3 mm and 8.2 S.D. 2.4 mm, and 11.8 S.D. 4.1 mm and 7.9 S.D. 2.6 mm respectively in groups 1 and 2. There were 14 patients with induration, 13 with ecchymosis and nine minimal paraesthesia in group 1 and no or minimal local pain, minimum ecchymosis or induration in group 2. Duration of pain and need for analgesia was also lower in group 2 (p Conclusion Treatment of the GSV by endovenous laser ablation using a 1470 nm laser and a radial fibre resulted in less postoperative pain and better VCSS scores in the first month than treatment with a 980 nm laser and a bare-tip fibre.
Climatic consequences of very high carbon dioxide levels in the earth's early atmosphere.

The possible consequences of very high carbon dioxide concentrations in the earth's early atmosphere have been investigated with a radiative-convective climate model. The early atmosphere would apparently have been stable against the onset of a runaway greenhouse (that is, the complete evaporation of the oceans) for carbon dioxide pressures up to at least 100 bars. A 10- to 20-bar carbon dioxide atmosphere, such as may have existed during the first several hundred million years of the earth's history, would have had a surface temperature of approximately 85 to 110 C. The early stratosphere should have been dry, thereby precluding the possibility of an oxygenic prebiotic atmosphere caused by photodissociation of water vapor followed by escape of hydrogen to space. Earth's present atmosphere also appears to be stable against a carbon dioxide-induced runaway greenhouse.
Nitrogen adsorption on carbon nanotube bundles: Role of the external surface

Nitrogen adsorption on two types of single-walled carbon nanotube bundles at both subcritical and supercritical temperatures is studied using Gibbs ensemble Monte Carlo simulation to understand the role of the external surface in the type of isotherm. On an infinite periodic hexagonal bundle without an external surface, which was mostly used in previous theoretical studies, subcritical adsorption is of type I with two steps in the adsorption isotherm and two maxima in the isosteric heat corresponding to adsorption, first forming annuli inside the nanotubes, and then with increased coverage at the centers of the nanotubes. Supercritical adsorption is also of type I, but with one step in the adsorption isotherm and a single maximum in the isosteric heat. Also, at high pressures the interstitial channels between the nanotubes become accessible to nitrogen molecules. On a small isolated hexagonal bundle with an external surface, subcritical adsorption is of type II, as has been observed in experiments, with two steps in the adsorption isotherm and two maxima in the isosteric heat. The first step corresponds to adsorption at the internal annuli and the grooves between the nanotubes, and the second step results from adsorption at the ridges on the external surface of the bundle and at the centers of the nanotubes. At higher coverages multilayer adsorption and wetting occur on the external surface as the bulk phase approaches saturation. Supercritical adsorption is of type I, without a step in the adsorption isotherm or a maximum in the isosteric heat, and there is no nitrogen adsorption in the interstitial channels even at high pressures. These results demonstrate the important role of the external surface of the nanotube bundle in the character of adsorption isotherm, and provide a substantial physical explanation for the difference between experimental observation and previous theoretical prediction.
The Potential of False Twist to Assist in Handling Low Strength Cotton Slivers

In a preliminary investigation aimed at improving the processing of lightweight slivers (<3 ktex), the effect of low levels of twist on sliver strength is quantified. This is followed by trials to determine whether a passive false-twist unit (spiral) can be used to impart temporary strength to assist the transfer of sliver from a supply can to the next processing machine. The generated level of false twist is studied, and the spiral is subsequently used on a roving frame to process different sliver weights at various drafts. The experiments show that false-twist can offer a potential technique for dealing with low strength and lightweight cotton slivers. From the results, it appears that such a device has little effect on drafting regularity.
Esophageal contractility monitoring for anesthetic depth assessment

In 1984, it was reported that measurements of lower esophageal contractility (LEC) appeared to correlate with general anesthetic depth. In this study the authors evaluated the utility of LEC as a guide to the management of anesthetic depth using the Lectron 302. The device displays the esophageal contractility index (ECI), which reflects the frequency of spontaneous LECs and the amplitude of provoked LECs. Studies were made of surgical patients who received LEC monitoring in addition to routinely monitored parameters to establish a normal range of ECI. This information was then used to dose patients according to ECI criteria. The use of ECI criteria resulted in adequate anesthesia. >
Infrared phonon spectra of 3d-metal doped YBa2(Cu1-xMx)3O7-δ

Infrared (IR) absorption spectra of doped YBa2(Cu1−xMx)3O7−δ, with M representing Co, Fe, Ni, and Zn were observed as a function of concentrationx. TheB1u IR mode at ∼ 580 cm−1 was observed for all samples which were in the orthorhombic phase, which includes all the Ni and Zn doped samples and the lower concentrations (x 2.5%) shows three new IR modes at ∼ 655 cm−1, ∼ 340 cm−1, and ∼ 175 cm−1. The frequency of the B1u mode at ∼ 580 cm−1 remains unchanged for all the Ni and Zn concentrations. In contrast, this mode shows a strong monotonic frequency softening with increase in Co substitution, while in the Fe-system it shows a comparable monotonic mode softening for 3%≧x%≧0%, and then remains unchanged for 12%≧x%≧3%. These observations indicate that Fe and Co substitute on the Cu(1) sites, whereas Ni and Zn most likely substitute on Cu(2) sites. We attribute the difference in the mode softening for Co and Fe to different Cu(1) local environments for these two elements. Indication for a chain-plane charge transfer based on our results is also discussed.
Thermodynamic to Kinetic Transition in Epitaxial Electrodeposition

Ordered nanostructures of cuprous oxide are deposited onto single-crystal gold after a transition from a thermodynamically controlled orientation to a kinetically preferred orientation. Crosshatch patterns of cuprous oxide with a 20 by 100 nm orthogonal nanowire morphology are formed at pH 12 on Au(100). A unique asset of electrodeposition is exploited to deposit these nanostructures: the departure from equilibrium is controlled with millivolt precision by simply selecting an applied electrode overpotential. Small changes in overpotential produce dramatic changes in the morphology of the films. The electrodeposited films follow the [100] orientation of the single-crystal substrate at low overpotential (that is, close to equilibrium) but change to a kinetically preferred [110] orientation at a threshold overpotential of −118 mV. The abrupt change of orientation is triggered by the coalescence of three-dimensional islands that form on the Au(100) surface.
Emotional reactions to infidelity

We sought to identify emotional reactions to a partner's sexual infidelity and emotional infidelity. In a preliminary study, 53 participants nominated emotional reactions to a partner's sexual and emotional infidelity. In a second study, 655 participants rated each emotion for how likely it was to occur following sexual and emotional infidelity. Principal components analysis revealed 15 emotion components, including Hostile/Vengeful, Depressed, and Sexually aroused. We conducted repeated measures analyses of variance on the 15 components, with participant sex as the between-subjects factor and infidelity type as the within-subjects factor. A main effect for sex obtained for 9 components. For example, men scored higher on Homicidal/Suicidal, whereas women scored higher on Undesirable/Insecure. A main effect for infidelity type obtained for 12 components. For example, participants endorsed Nauseated/Repulsed as more likely to follow sexual infidelity and Undesirable/Insecure as more likely to follow emotion...
Nutrient uptake relationship to root characteristics of rice

Data on root parameters and distribution are important for an improved understanding of the factors influencing nutrient uptake by a crop. Therefore, a study was conducted on a Crowley silt loam at the Rice Research and Extension Center near Stuttgart, Arkansas to measure root growth and N, P and K uptake by three rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars at active tillering (36 days after emergence (DAE)), maximum tillering (41 DAE), 1.25 cm internode elongation (55 DAE), booting (77 DAE) and heading (88 DAE). Soil-root core samples were taken to a depth of 40 cm after plant samples were removed, sectioned into 5 cm intervals, roots were washed from soil and root lengths, dry weights and radii were measured. Root parameters were significantly affected by the soil depth × growth stage interaction. In addition, only root radius was affected by cultivar. At the 0- to 5-cm soil depth, root length density ranged from 38 to 93 cm cm-3 throughout the growing season and decreased with depth to about 2 cm cm-3 in the 35- to 40-cm depth increment. The increase in root length measured with each succeeding growth stage in each soil horizon also resulted in increased root surface area, hence providing more exposed area for nutrient uptake. About 90% of the total root length was found in the 0- to 20-cm soil depth throughout the season. Average root radius measured in the 0- to 5-cm and 35- to 40-cm depth increments ranged from 0.012 to 0.013 cm and 0.004 to 0.005 cm, respectively throughout the season. Total nutrient uptake by rice differed among cultivars only during vegetative growth. Differences in total nutrient uptake among the cultivars in the field appear to be related to absorption kinetics of the cultivars measured in a growth chamber study.
Undergraduate computer science education

The rapid development of electronic computers coupled with the very successful popularization of the actual and possible roles of computers has put higher educational institutions in a peculiar situation. Most universities and colleges, even while attempting to organize computer programs, have shown very little grasp of the need for computer science education. The computer manufacturers themselves have often seemed opposed to such education while eager to sell machines to be managed atrociously by untutored personnel. It is obvious that equipment as expensive as computers are, should be in charge of very well prepared people. It is also obvious that businesses, industries, and governmental agencies are not prepared to provide an adequate background in computer science. It would be a grievous error, however, to treat the computer science area as one which is merely technical and not fit for a liberal education. The intellectual character of computer science as we shall indicate more fully later, is at a higher level of thought then many computer scientists themselves realize.A strange situation has arisen in the computer science area largely due to its spectacular growth. This is the absence of well-established leaders. True, there are many competent people who have achieved a degree of recognition but there are none who have achieved a status comparable to many from the older sciences. Those computer scientists who have been best placed to lead have ignored computer science education.
Meat Shelf-life and Extension using Collagen/Gelatin Coatings: A Review

Different factors lead to the end of shelf-life for fresh meat products. The factors depend upon the animal including breed difference and muscle fiber type, external influences such as diet and stress, and post-harvest storage conditions including time, temperature, and packaging atmosphere. The characteristics that indicate the end of shelf-life for fresh meat products include water loss/purge accumulation, color deterioration due to myoglobin oxidation, rancidity due to lipid oxidation, and microbial spoilage. The characteristics can be measured and studied in the laboratory. Meat shelf-life is extended with the application of a surface coating because it provides a water and oxygen barrier. Collagen and gelatin coatings are used as a barrier on meat products to reduce purge, color deterioration, aroma deterioration, and spoilage, improve sensory scores, and act as an antioxidant.
Transcriptional regulation of Th17 cell differentiation

The paradigm of effector T helper cell differentiation into either Th1 or Th2 lineages has been profoundly shaken by the discovery of T cells that secrete IL-17 and other inflammatory cytokines. This subset, referred to as Th17, is centrally involved in autoimmune disease and is important in host defense at mucosal surfaces. In mouse, a series of cytokines, including IL-6, IL-21, IL-23, and TGF-beta, function sequentially or synergistically to induce the Th17 lineage. Other cytokines, including IL-2, IL-4, IFNgamma, and IL-27, inhibit differentiation of this lineage. Here we review how the nuclear orphan receptor RORgammat functions to coordinate the diverse cytokine-induced signals and thus controls Th17 cell differentiation.
Application of γ-ray attenuation for measurement of gas holdups and flow regime transitions in bubble columns

In this study a γ-ray densitometry was used to measure radial and axial volume fraction distributions in a 0.21 m diameter bubble column, and flow regime transitions in a 0.05 m and 0.21 m diameter bubble columns. Experiments were conducted with two- and three-phase systems (nitrogen−Fischer−Tropsch derived waxes−iron oxide or silica particles) in both batch and continuous modes of operation at 265 °C and ambient pressure. Average radial gas holdups in the large diameter column showed the existence of a maximum at the center of the column, in both two- and three-phase systems. The maximum was more pronounced at higher superficial gas velocities (churn-turbulent flow regime). The axial and average gas holdup measurements in two-phase systems were in good agreement with results obtained by a conventional method (pressure measurements along the column height). An independent treatment of all three phases did not yield satisfactory results, due to large impact of small experimental errors on calculated holdup...
The influence of age, gender, ethnicity, and insomnia on Epworth sleepiness scores: a normative US population.

Abstract Background and purpose This study explored the distribution of Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores in a randomly sampled, community population and provided percentile scores that will assist in decision-making in both research and clinical settings. Patients and methods Participants included 703 individuals between the ages of 20 and 98, with 116 people with insomnia (PWI) and 587 people not having insomnia (PNI). Analyses produced main effects for sleep status and ethnicity. Results PWI had higher ESS scores than PNI and African–Americans had higher ESS scores than Caucasians, although effect sizes were small. Gender, age group, and season did not impact ESS scores. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis proved the ESS to discriminate poorly between PWI and PNI. Conclusions This study found higher percentages of ‘sleepy’ individuals than previous studies. PWI did have slightly elevated scores on the ESS, but this elevation was not necessarily predictive of an insomnia diagnosis. Results support a continuum of sleepiness/alertness among PWI.
A 34-Year-Old-Male with Progressive Neurologic Decline

Questions:1. What are the most common causes of aneurysms?2. What is the most likely cause of this patient’s aneurysm? 3. Name and describe the most likely underlying histologicdiagnosis. 4. What are the clinical features of this patient’s disease?5. Are there any laboratory tests to help in the diagnosis of thispatient’s disease? 6. How is this patient’s disease managed, and what is theexpected clinical outcome?Possible Answers:1. Common causes of aneurysms include atherosclerosis,Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, bacterial and fun-gal infections, syphilis, arteritis, and trauma. A rare cause iscopper deficiency, which inhibits lysyl oxidase leading to non-crosslinked elastic muscle fibers.
Green's Function of 3-D Helmholtz Equation for Turbulent Medium: Application to Optics

The fundamental problem of optical wave propagation is the determination of the field at an observation point, given a disturbance specified over some finite aperture. In both vacuum and inhomogeneous media, the solution of this problem is given approximately by the superposition integral, which is a mathematical expression of the extended Huygens-Fresnel principle. In doing so, it is important to find the atmospheric impulse response (Green's function). Within a limited but useful region of validity, a satisfactory optical propagation theory for the earth's clear turbulent atmosphere could be developed by using Rytov's method to approximate the Helmholtz equation. In particular, we deal with two optical problems which are the time reversal and apodization problems. The background and consequences of these results for optical communication through the atmosphere are briefly discussed.
Elastic recoil can either amplify or attenuate muscle-tendon power, depending on inertial vs. fluid dynamic loading.

Frog jumps exceed muscle power limits. To achieve this, a muscle may store elastic energy in tendon before it is released rapidly, producing ‘power amplification’ as tendon recoil assists the muscle to accelerate the load. Do the musculoskeletal modifications conferring power amplification help or hinder frog swimming? We used a Hill-type mathematical model of a muscle–tendon (MT) with contractile element (CE) and series elastic element (SEE) properties of frogs. We varied limb masses from 0.3 to 30 g, foot-fin areas from 0.005 to 50 cm
Challenging the 48-Hour Rule-Out for Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections in the Pediatric Intestinal Failure Population: A Retrospective Pilot Study.

Introduction: While parenteral nutrition (PN) has revolutionized the management of patients with intestinal failure (IF), central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) remain a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in this population. The objective of this study is to characterize the presentation of CLABSIs in pediatric IF and to determine the time to positivity of blood cultures. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of children with IF who presented to our institution for evaluation of a possible CLABSI from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2012, was performed. Results: Sixty patients with IF were identified. There were 33 cases of CLABSI in 16 patients, with a rate of 1.5 infections per 1000 catheter days. There were no significant differences in age, growth parameters, or catheter days between patients with or without CLABSI. Fever was documented in 85% of patients with CLABSI. These patients demonstrated an increased percentage of neutrophils and higher C-reactive protein levels compar...
Auto-Tourist camps

Is the auto camp a bit of praiseworthy hospitality or a nuisance? There are more than 2,000 of them, so they must be popular. This article gives directions ofr cities wishing to establish one.
Successful Treatment of Protracted Malassezia Folliculitis Initially Misdiagnosed as Pityriasis Versicolor

© 2011 Elsevier 0196-4399/00 (see frontmatter) 45 Introduction Malassezia species are part of the normal human cutaneous flora, occurring mainly on the trunk and head, with the highest densities in post-pubertal adolescents (1). Except forMalassezia pachydermatis, the remaining six species require an exogenous source of lipid for growth, because they are unable to synthesize C14 to C16 fatty acids (1). Clinically,Malassezia species cause a variety of recurrent cutaneous infections, i.e., pityriasis versicolor, folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and a spectrum of other dermatologic disorders (2). Catheter-related fungemia associated with administration of total parenteral nutrition through central venous catheters has also been documented, especially in premature neonates (3). In regard to cutaneous infections, we report here the occurrence of a protracted case ofMalassezia folliculitis in a college student, which was cured by the application of topical cream containing 2.5% selenium sulfide after the correct diagnosis of folliculitis was made rather than a diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor.
Bayesian Inference in Public Administration Research: Substantive Differences from Somewhat Different Assumptions

Abstract The purpose of this article is to point out that the standard statistical inference procedure in public administration is defective and should be replaced. The standard classicist approach to producing and reporting empirical findings is not appropriate for the type of data we use and does not report results in a useful manner for researchers and practitioners. The Bayesian inferential process is better suited for structuring scientific research into administrative questions due to overt assumptions, flexible parametric forms, systematic inclusion of prior knowledge, and rigorous sensitivity analysis. We begin with a theoretical discussion of inference procedures and Bayesian methods, then provide an empirical example from a recently published, well-known public administration work on education public policy.
Elevated Excitatory Input to the Nucleus Accumbens in Schizophrenia: A Postmortem Ultrastructural Study

The cause of schizophrenia (SZ) is unknown and no single region of the brain can be pinpointed as an area of primary pathology. Rather, SZ results from dysfunction of multiple neurotransmitter systems and miswiring between brain regions. It is necessary to elucidate how communication between regions is disrupted to advance our understanding of SZ pathology. The nucleus accumbens (NAcc) is a prime region of interest, where inputs from numerous brain areas altered in SZ are integrated. Aberrant signaling in the NAcc is hypothesized to cause symptoms of SZ, but it is unknown if these abnormalities are actually present. Electron microscopy was used to study the morphology of synaptic connections in SZ. The NAcc core and shell of 6 SZ subjects and 8 matched controls were compared in this pilot study. SZ subjects had a 19% increase in the density of asymmetric axospinous synapses (characteristic of excitatory inputs) in the core, but not the shell. Both groups had similar densities of symmetric synapses (characteristic of inhibitory inputs). The postsynaptic densities of asymmetric synapses had 22% smaller areas in the core, but not the shell. These results indicate that the core receives increased excitatory input in SZ, potentially leading to dysfunctional dopamine neurotransmission and cortico-striatal-thalamic stimulus processing. The reduced postsynaptic density size of asymmetric synapses suggests impaired signaling at these synapses. These findings enhance our understanding of the role the NAcc might play in SZ and the interaction of glutamatergic and dopaminergic abnormalities in SZ.
Guided image interpretation in neuroanatomy

An environment for guided image interpretation in neuroanatomy is described. The authors describe a hyperdocument, created for the user, which allows for browsing and following guided tours through brain sections/volumes and the associated visual knowledge base, and an externalized cognitive map, created for the machine, which incorporates a volumetric atlas. The proposed environment integrates the hyperdocument representation with text and figure, the 3D volumetric atlas, volume and surface visualization, and an interactive user interface. The environment serves as an integrating framework to facilitate visual understanding, inference, retrieval, and comparison of all relevant information, both structural and functional. >
The Mathematical Analysis of Supreme Court Decisions: The Use and Abuse of Quantitative Methods.

In the last decade, more and more political scientists have speculated on the possible applications of mathematical analysis to political phenomena. It is the position of this paper that such discussion, when in the abstract, serves little purpose, for the question of whether or not quantitative techniques can fruitfully be so applied is essentially an empirical one and can only be resolved by experiment. Yet even a specifically experimental approach becomes challengeable if it can be shown to misunderstand and hence misemploy otherwise sound techniques. The claim to have solved problems whose mathematical features have not, in fact, been comprehended seems especially harmful in a field where the application of mathematics is as yet in its infancy, and this not only because minor impurities at the base of a growing framework may assume major proportions at its apex, but because exposure of error may breed unjustified disenchantment or give solace to those who prefer a casual, imprecise impressionism in the social sciences.
Elevated Right Atrial Pressure Predicts Post Heart Transplant Outcomes

Background: Orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) is the definitive treatment for end stage heart failure. Patient selection is key in improving post OHT outcomes. Pre-operative right ventricular dysfunction is associated with worse outcomes after mechanical circulatory support but its effect on post OHT outcomes has not been well described. Right atrial (RA) pressure is commonly used as a surrogate for RV function. We compared post OHT outcomes in patients with and without preoperative elevated RA pressure. Methods: An analysis of 124 patients who underwent isolated OHT at our institution from January 2008-October 2014 was performed. Patients undergoing re-transplantation were excluded. One hundred seventeen patients were included in this analysis. Groups were divided based on preoperative RA pressure. Baseline characteristics and post OHT outcomes (post OHT length of stay; 30 day, 1 year and 3 year survival and clinically significant rejection in the 1st year) were compared. Results: Pre OHT characteristics were similar between the 2 groups except for a difference in age and PVR, as shown in Table 1. Post heart transplant survival was worse in the group with pre transplant RA pressure O15mmHg, as shown in Table 2. Conclusion: Pre-operative elevated RA pressure was associated with a worse short and intermediate term (1 and 3 year) survival after OHT. There was no difference in post transplant rejection in the first year. Possible factors for poor survival include underestimation of pulmonary hypertension or organ dysfunction. RA pressures are readily available and may allow for a more accurate prediction of post OHT outcomes.
Myeloperoxidase and Eosinophil Peroxidase: Phagocyte Enzymes for Halogenation in Humans

Oxidative damage to biomolecules has been implicated in tissue damage during acute and chronic inflammation. One potential mechanism involves reactive oxygen species produced by peroxidases of professional phagocytes - neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, and eosinophils. We have shown that activated phagocytes employ myeloperoxidase and eosinophil peroxidase to halogenate proteins, lipids, and nucleobases in vitro. The reaction pathways involve hypohalous acids, molecular halides, and interhalogen compounds. We have used sensitive and specific mass spectrometric methods to demonstrate that certain of these halogenated products are present in human inflammatory tissue. These observations indicate that myeloperoxidase and eosinophil peroxidase promote biohalogenation reactions in vitro and in vivo. We therefore propose that reactive species produced by peroxidases halogenate amino acids, proteins, nucleotide precursors, RNA, and DNA. Collectively, our observations indicate a novel mechanism for tissue damage by activated phagocytic white blood cells during inflammation. This process might alter proteins and genes, enabling phagocyte peroxidases to produce cytotoxic or even tumorigenic changes in inflamed tissue.
Response of human larynx to blunt loading

Direct impact to the larnyx is usually prevented in accidents by ths]protective nature of the chin. In some situations, the occupant motions leave the larnyx unprotected and susceptible to impact by the steering wheel rim or instrument panel. As one of the unpaired vital organs of the body, there is no easy way to provide an alternative for its functions when the larnyx is lost or damaged. Information available on the tolerance of the unembalmed human larnyx to force is quite limited. This paper describes a multidisciplinary study to determine the response of unembalmed human larynges to blunt mechanical loading and to interpret the response with respect to clinical data. Fresh intact larynges were obtained at autopsy and tested at either static or dynamic loading conditions utilizing special test fixtures in materials-testing machines. Load and deformation data were obtained up to levels sufficient to produce significant fractures in both the thyroid and cricoid cartilages. Additional information was obtained in the form of permanent dimensional changes through direct measurements and location of fracture sites by use of xeroradiography. Final evaluation of the damage was performed following dissection of the laryngeal structure. The results of the tests are analyzed and interpreted in relation to establishing tolerance criteria for laryngeal loading.
Trends in bariatric surgery from 2008 to 2012

Abstract Background Obesity is a global epidemic that has been increasing in prevalence. The only treatment method for durable weight loss is bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to observe trends in usage and outcomes of bariatric operations used in the United States from 2008 to 2012. Methods Analysis was performed on bariatric surgery admissions from 2008 to 2012 based off of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. Data were selected from using International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision codes correlating to bariatric procedures for the purpose of obesity. Annual estimates and trends were reviewed for patient demographics, procedure type, patient outcomes, and length of stay (LOS). Results A total of 598,756 bariatric procedures were examined. Laparoscopic gastric bypass was the most commonly used surgical method in 2008 (58.2%). A decreasing trend in its use, and the use of laparoscopic gastric banding (LGB), was equipoised with increasing use of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Use of LSG accounted for 8.2% of procedures in 2011 and 39.6% in 2012. LGB and LSG had the lowest rates of complications, in-hospital morbidity and mortality, and the shortest LOS whereas open bypass and duodenal switch had the highest rates of complications, in-hospital morbidity and mortality, and longest LOSs. Overall rates of venous thromboembolism increased from .08% in 2008 to .215% in 2012. Respiratory complications decreased from 6.1% to 3.9%. There were no observed trends in rates of renal complications, visceral injury, bleeding, and infections. In-hospital morbidity decreased, whereas mortality rates were stable at .1%. Conclusions The utilization of bariatric procedures has reached a plateau in the United States. Changes in the composition of procedural types suggest that LSG has become a popular alternative to gastric bypass and LGB.
Abstract 497: Loss of Notch-1 expression in human prostate epithelial cells results in reduced PTEN expression and altered differentiative capacity

Notch-1 is part of an evolutionarily ancient cell surface receptor signaling pathway that functions in the determination of stem/progenitor cell fate. The human genome encodes four Notch-receptors (Notch-1, -2, -3, and -4) and at least five Notch-ligands (Delta-1, -3, -4, Jagged-1, and-2). Signaling is initiated upon ligand binding to the Notch receptor, which results in a series of proteolytic cleavages that release constitutively active intracytoplamsic Notch (ICN). Nuclear translocation of ICN results in activation of the CBF-1 transcription factor which in turn increases expression of developmentally regulated transcription factors such as Hes-1 and Hey-1. The PTEN tumor suppressor gene is a recently identified Notch-1 target. We have reported that Notch-1 signaling increases expression of the PTEN tumor suppresser gene in prostate tumor cell lines and that Notch-1 signaling is lost in the tumor foci of prostate adenocarcinoma patients. To test the hypothesis that loss of Notch-1 will result in deregulation of normal prostate epithelial cell differentiation and promote tumorigenesis, a lentiviral vector bearing a Notch-1 shRNA (shN1) was used to stably knockdown Notch-1 expression in the benign human prostate epithelial cell line, RWPE-1. Western blotting revealed that RWPE-1/shN1 cells lacked Notch-1 expression, and exhibited reduced expression of Hes-1, confirming that loss of Notch-1 expression resulted in loss of Notch signaling. PTEN protein expression was also reduced, consistent with our previous studies demonstrating that Notch-1 signaling regulated PTEN expression. RT-PCR experiments verified that loss of PTEN expression was mediated at the level of transcription. RWPE-1/shN1 cells lacking Notch-1 expression exhibited a more rounded morphology, as compared with the parental cell line. Rhodamine-phalloidin staining revealed that RWPE-1/shN1 cells had less numerous and shorter cell surface actin projections. RWPE-1/shN1 cells lacking Notch-1 expression exhibited a 2-fold increase in acinar differentiation upon 3-D culture in matrigel as compared with the parental cell line. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that RWPE-1 cells without Notch-1 expression had reduced surface expression of TROP2 and CD149f. Preliminary RT-PCR results indicate that expression of the basal cell marker keratin-5 is reduced in RWPE-1/shN1 cells as compared with parental RWPE-1 cells. Our data suggest that loss Notch-1 expression, and hence loss of signaling, may promote developmental plasticity in prostate epithelial cells. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 497. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-497
Transformerless Bidirectional Inverter for Residential Battery Storage Systems

A bidirectional inverter is proposed based on a two phase Neutral Point Clamping type 2 (NPC2) topology combined with a grounded buck boost inverter. The proposed system can work without the need of a transformer thanks to the combination of the topology, switching pattern and inductive filter that prevents the discharge of parasitic stray capacitance to ground. The inverter has the ability to operate as a back-up system as well as a grid-tied system. The structure of the NPC2 supports independent loads in each phase, enabling transformerless operation in split phase power systems such as 240V/120V, the default residential system in the US.
Appearance issues, depression, and disordered eating among college females

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine how various appearance issues and depression may relate to disordered eating among female college students. The appearance issues analyzed in this study were: level of body dissatisfaction, body mass index (BMI), social appearance anxiety (SAA), and social-cultural attitudes toward appearance. The questionnaire was distributed to volunteer students during regularly scheduled classes. Students, both study participants and non-participants, were furnished with information on where to get help if they had concerns about disordered eating behavior, appearance-related anxiety, or depression. Participants were 370 female undergraduate students enrolled at one Midwestern University in the United States. This study provided statistical evidence that college females at risk of acquiring an eating disorder had significantly larger differences between their current body shape and their ideal body shape, scored significantly higher in the sociocultural attitudes toward...
The Alpha Function of a Matroid—I. Transversal Matroids

Let n be the nullity function of the matroid G(S). The Mason alpha function is defined on subsets A of S by the recursion α(A)=n(A)−∑F⊂Aα(F), the summation being over all flats F strictly contained in A. The alpha function may be viewed as the first difference of the nullity. We study the behavior of a under strong maps, and apply our results to proving Mason's alpha criterion: a matroid is the dual of a transversal matroid if and only if its alpha function is non-negative.
Trust-based compliant robot-human handovers of payloads in collaborative assembly in flexible manufacturing

A human-robot hybrid cell is developed for performing assembly in flexible manufacturing in collaboration between a robot and its human co-worker. Robot trust in human is considered, a computational model for the trust is derived, and a method to measure and display the trust in real-time is developed. The collaborative assembly includes robot-to-human handovers of payloads (assembly tools). A novel trust-based compliant handover motion planning strategy for the robot is derived. The robot varies its handover configuration and motion based on robot trust in human through kinematic redundancy with the aim of reducing potential impulse forces on human body through payload during handover. A comprehensive scheme is developed to evaluate the collaborative assembly including the trust-based handover strategy. The evaluation results show that consideration of robot trust in human during the assembly and adjustment in handover configuration and motion based on robot's trust levels in human significantly improve human-robot interaction and assembly performance through increasing safety, human trust in robot, handover success rate, and the overall assembly efficiency by 20%, 37.58%, 30% and 6.73% respectively and reducing cognitive workload by 25.63%, with a minor reduction in the handover efficiency by 1.87%.
Cardiac myxoma: report of a case with bizarre histiocytic infiltration.

• The term atypical cardiac myxoma has been applied to cardiac myxomas in atypical locations or to cardiac myxomas with atypical cytologic features.
Gerard Manley Hopkins’s Incarnational Ecology: Negotiating Mystery and Intimacy in “Binsey Poplars”

This essay examines Hopkins’s “Binsey Poplars” from an incarnational theological lens. Such a reading negotiates seemingly incongruent arguments put forth by Post, who argues that Hopkins’s ecological world is “other,” and Day, who argues that Hopkins makes the ecological world comprehensible. Incarnational theology allows for a middle ground by preserving beings’ uniqueness yet unifying them in a collective body. Additionally, reading the poem from an incarnational theological lens continues recent critical work that sees religious dimensions in the poem. Finally, this essay suggests that Hopkins’s incarnational theology anticipates and speaks to contemporary ecological and ecocritical issues. As such, this essay reads contemporary and emerging ecocritical voices alongside Hopkins’s poem to demonstrate the harmony between the theological and theoretical voices.
What makes a successful Indian American political candidate

ABSTRACTIndian American candidates have been increasingly visible in recent elections in the U.S., even as Indian Americans and other South Asian Americans remain an under-represented population across American government. In this research note, we report results of an experiment to test how voters react to several characteristics of hypothetical Indian American candidates: religion, use of ‘given’ Indian names or ‘Americanized’ nicknames, gender, and party. Through a survey-based experiment testing variations on a fictional candidate profile, we find that candidates who identify as Hindu or Sikh are evaluated less positively than Christian candidates. However, these moderately negative effects are primarily limited to Republican respondents. A candidate’s use of given name or nickname does not have significant effects for candidate relatability to respondents or for respondent vote intention.