cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MODELING OF THE SURFACE OXIDATION OF FLAME-TREATED POLYPROPYLENE FILM

Abstract Detailed numerical modeling of the surface oxidation of polypropylene (PP) films was performed to define the reactions contributing to the oxidation of the film. The surface reaction mechanism developed by Dorai and Kushner provided the basic framework for the chemistry used in the model. The calculated results correlate well with available experimental data on PP surface atomic oxygen to carbon ratios and provide insight into the pathways of polymer surface oxidation. The results show that O2 and OH play major roles in the modification of the surface and that the rate limiting step is the abstraction of hydrogen by the hydroxyl radical. As the flame equivalence ratio changes, the dominant surface functional groups change from the peroxy group under lean conditions, to a combined contribution of the peroxy, alkoxy, and hydroxyl groups at stoichiometric, to the hydroxyl surface species alone under fuel-rich conditions.
The nature of zooplankton spatial heterogeneity in a nonriverine impoundment

Knowledge of spatial heterogeneity characteristic of reservoir plankton communities is fundamental to a variety of ecological studies. Degree of spatial heterogeneity in the zooplankton community of Center Hill Reservoir, with water residence times of 50–250 days, was positively correlated with rate of water influx. Important spatial differences resulted from the contrast between zooplankton associated with new and longer-impounded water. The nature of spatial heterogeneity differed fundamentally from the more riverine impoundments where spatial differences are often persistent and characterized by gradual change (as opposed to contrast) in plankton assemblages with respect to location. Magnitude of plankton spatial heterogeneity in nonriverine impoundments may be predictable from inflow rates. Areas, between which major differences in plankton communities exist, may also be definable from knowledge of inflow dispersal patterns in these impoundments.
Optical centralized shared bus architecture for high-performance multiprocessing systems

With the increasing demand for solving more complex problems, high-performance multiprocessing systems are attracting more and more research efforts. One of the challenges is to effectively support the communications among the processes running in parallel on the multiprocessors. Due to the physical limitations of electrical interconnects, interconnection networks impose a potential bottleneck limiting the overall performance. On the other hand, optics has many advantages as an interconnect technology. In this paper, benefits of optics are evaluated along with a comparison of two mainstream system topologies, shared bus and switched media. This analysis leads to an innovative interconnect architecture, optical centralized shared bus. The crucial design aspects of this architecture, including system organization, working principle, and conversion between free-space propagation and substrate-guided mode propagation by using volume holographic gratings, are delineated. To ensure the feasibility of using this architecture as high ­performance interconnection networks in real multiprocessing systems, a PCI implementation of the centralized shared memory multiprocessor system is proposed. In this prototype, the required connectivity is accomplished by using the optical centralized shared bus architecture. Some preliminary results are presented.
Analysis of Leaky Aquifer Pumping Test Data: An Automated Numerical Solution Using Sensitivity Analysis

The Kansas Geological Survey is pursuing an effort to automate some of the more common methods of aquifer pumping-test analysis. This paper discusses the results of work done on the leaky artesian aquifer as defined by Hantush and Jacob (1955). The paper covers the basic theory of the aquifer type, the numerical solution of the leaky artesian-well function, and the methodology of achieving the “best fit” parameters in the least squares' sense. Several data sets are used to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed technique. These examples indicate the generally satisfactory results produced by the automated analysis documented here. The algorithm has good convergence properties. Initial estimates for the aquifer parameters may vary by about three orders of magnitude above or below the correct values. For typical data sets the rms fitting error should be less than a few tenths of a foot. If this is not the case, one is probably not dealing with a simple leaky aquifer. This method of pumping-test analysis does not eliminate the role of an experienced hydrologist to define the local hydrogeology and aquifer type. However, once the decision is made as to which aquifer configuration is being observed, this program will, in a quick and unbiased fashion, give an accurate assessment of the leaky-aquifer parameters within the limits of the theoretical approximations and the data quality.
Lame Ducks and Coercive Diplomacy: Do Executive Term Limits Reduce the Effectiveness of Democratic Threats?

The literature on “audience costs” in International Relations suggests that a democratic leader’s electoral accountability lends him or her a significant advantage in crisis-bargaining situations. But if elections are the primary source of a democratic leader’s accountability, a democracy’s advantage in crisis situations should disappear when its leader is no longer eligible for reelection. Accordingly, this article asks whether “lame-duck” presidents, those who are constitutionally prohibited from reelection, are systematically less effective than their reelectable counterparts in crisis-bargaining situations. Using a data set of all post–World War II militarized interstate disputes initiated by presidential democracies, the author tests several hypotheses regarding lame-duck crisis behavior derived from Fearon’s bargaining model. The findings generally support the audience costs model. Observed patterns of threat reciprocation and crisis hostility are consistent with Fearon’s predictions. Crisis outcome...
Infarct size reduction and attenuation of global left ventricular remodeling with the CorCap cardiac support device following acute myocardial infarction in sheep.

Background:Whether mechanical restraint of the left ventricle (LV) can influence remodeling following myocardial infarction (MI) remains poorly understood. The following discussion details three studies examining the effects of surgically placing a cardiac support device (CSD) over the entire epicardial surface, on infarct expansion, global cardiac function and myocyte geometry and function post-MI. Methods: The effects of passive constraint on infarct expansion and global cardiac function/myocardial energetics were investigated in 10 sheep (5 MI only; 5 MI + CSD) using pressure-volume analysis and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Additionally, 11 sheep (5 MI only; 6 MI + CSD) were used to study the effects of passive restraint on myocyte geometry and function post-MI, with 10 additional uninstrumented sheep serving as controls. Baseline data was collected followed by the creation of an anterior infarct. 1 week post-infarct the animals underwent a second set of data collection studies followed by placement of the CSD in the experimental groups. Additional data was collected at 2 and 3 months post-MI. The animals in the myocyte function group underwent additional studies immediately following the 3 month time point. Results: Infarct expansion was diminished as a result of the CSD. At 1 week post-MI the akinetic area was similar in both groups. At the terminal time-point, the akinetic area in the control group was similar to the 1-week time-point whereas, in the CSD group, the area of akinesis decreased (P = 0.001). A comparison of the two groups at the terminal time-point demonstrates a significantly diminished area of akinesis in the CSD group (P = 0.004). The relative area of akinesis followed a similar pattern. The CSD group also exhibited a decrease in end-diastolic volume (control 110.3 ± 19.8 mL vs. CSD 67.6 ± 4.7 mL, P = .006) and an improved ejection fraction (control 15.5% ± 5.7% vs. CSD 29.46% ± 4.42%, P = .008) relative to the control group. Myocardial energetics were also enhanced in the CSD group as evidenced by significant improvements in potential energy (control 2015 ± 503 mL ⋅ mm Hg/beat vs. CSD 885 ± 220 mL ⋅ Hg/beat, P = .006), efficiency (control 39.4% ± 13.6% vs. CSD 59.8% ± 8.5%, P = .044), and oxygen consumption (control 0.072 ± 0.013 mL O2/beat vs. CSD 0.052 ± 0.007 mL O2/beat, P = .034). Isolated LV myocyte shortening velocity was reduced by 35% from control values (P < 0.05) in both MI groups. LV myocyte β-adrenergic response was reduced with MI, but normalized in the MI + CSD group. Relative collagen content was increased and matrix metalloproteinase-9 was decreased within the MI border region of the CSD group. Conclusions:The CorCap cardiac support device retarded infarct expansion, improved global and regional cardiac function and beneficially modified LV and myocyte remodeling post-MI. These findings provide evidence that non-pharmacological strategies can interrupt adverse LV remodeling post-MI.
Threefold Increase in the Young’s Modulus of Graphite Negative Electrode during Lithium Intercalation

Density functional theory (DFT) is used to reveal that the polycrystalline Young's modulus (E) of graphite triples as it is lithiated to LiC 6 . This behavior is captured in a linear relationship between E and lithium concentration suitable for continuum-scale models aimed at predicting diffusion-induced deformation in battery electrode materials. Alternatively, Poisson's ratio is concentration-independent. Charge-transfer analyses suggest simultaneous weakening of carbon-carbon bonds within graphite basal planes and strengthening of interlayer bonding during lithiation. The variation in bond strength is shown to be responsible for the differences between elasticity tensor components, C ij , of lithium-graphite intercalation (Li-GIC) phases. Strain accumulation during Li intercalation and deintercalation is examined with a core-shell model of a Li-GIC particle assuming two coexisting phases. The requisite force equilibrium uses different Young's moduli computed with DFT. Lithium-poor phases develop tensile strains, whereas Li-rich phases develop compressive strains. Results from the core-shell model suggest that elastic strain should be defined relative to the newest phase that forms during lithiation of graphite, and Li concentration-dependent mechanical properties should be considered in continuum level models.
Left Main Coronary Artery Thrombus: A Case Series with Different Outcomes

Left main coronary artery (LMCA) thrombosis with acute myocardial infarction is an uncommon condition with an extremely high mortality. The small number of reported cases prevents the development of an evidence-based approach. Hence there are no clear-cut guidelines describing the best management approach for this condition. We describe our experience with six patients who presented with LMCA thrombosis and discuss the epidemiology, etiology and management options available for this high-risk subgroup.
“Second component” effects in sorption and permeation of gases in glassy polymers

Abstract Data for CO 2 permeability through Kapton polyimide at 60°C are reported for upstream pressures up to 240 psia (16.33 atm) in the presence and absence of water vapor in the feed. The carbon dioxide flux was depressed by the presence of the water vapor. This phenomenon is analyzed in terms of the dual mode sorption and transport models. Together with other recent sorption and permeation data, this study suggests that competition of mixed penetrants for sorption sites and transport pathways associated with unrelaxed volume in glassy polymers is a general feature of gas/glassy polymer systems. The permselectivity of a membrane to a mixture of penetrants is strongly related to its ability to maintain a size and shape differentiating matrix, that is, to remain essentially unplasticized under operating conditions. Under such conditions, competition among penetrants for excess volume will be a generally important consideration for modeling gas permeation in permselective membranes.
Recurrent spontaneous motor seizures after repeated low-dose systemic treatment with kainate: assessment of a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy

Human temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with complex partial seizures that can produce secondarily generalized seizures and motor convulsions. In some patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, the seizures and convulsions occur following a latent period after an initial injury and may progressively increase in frequency for much of the patient's life. Available animal models of temporal lobe epilepsy are produced by acute treatments that often have high mortality rates and/or are associated with a low proportion of animals developing spontaneous chronic motor seizures. In this study, rats were given multiple low-dose intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of kainate in order to minimize the mortality rate usually associated with single high-dose injections. We tested the hypothesis that these kainate-treated rats consistently develop a chronic epileptic state (i.e. long-term occurrence of spontaneous, generalized seizures and motor convulsions) following a latent period after the initial treatment. Kainate (5 mg/kg per h, i.p.) was administered to rats every hour for several hours so that class III-V seizures were elicited for > or = 3 h, while control rats were treated similarly with saline. This treatment protocol had a relatively low mortality rate (15%). After acute treatment, rats were observed for the occurrence of motor seizures for 6-8 h/week. Nearly all of the kainate-treated rats (97%) had two or more spontaneous motor seizures months after treatment. With this observation protocol, the average latency for the first spontaneous motor seizure was 77+/-38 (+/-S.D.) days after treatment. Although variability was observed between rats, seizure frequency initially increased with time after treatment, and nearly all of the kainate-treated rats (91%) had spontaneous motor seizures until the time of euthanasia (i.e. 5-22 months after treatment). Therefore, multiple low-dose injections of kainate, which cause recurrent motor seizures for > or = 3 h, lead to the development of a chronic epileptic state that is characterized by (i) a latent period before the onset of chronic motor seizures, and (ii) a high but variable seizure frequency that initially increases with time after the first chronic seizure. This modification of the kainate-treatment protocol is efficient and relatively simple, and the properties of the chronic epileptic state appear similar to severe human temporal lobe epilepsy. Furthermore, the observation that seizure frequency initially increased as a function of time after kainate treatment supports the hypothesis that temporal lobe epilepsy can be a progressive syndrome.
Presence of F420-dependent glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in Mycobacterium and Nocardia species, but absence from Streptomyces and Corynebacterium species and methanogenic Archaea.

A range of organisms known to contain F420 or to be relatives of mycobacteria were examined for F420-dependent glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (FGD) and NADP-dependent glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (NADP-G6PD) activities. All free-growing Mycobacterium species examined (including a virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain) had FGD activities of 0.014–0.418 μmol min−1 mg protein−1, and NADP-G6PD activities of 0.013–0.636 μmol min−1 mg−1. Armadillo-grown Mycobacterium leprae had FGD activity of 0.008 μmol min−1 mg−1, but no detectable NADP-G6PD activity. Nocardia species also had FGD activity (0.088–0.154 μmol min−1 mg−1). Streptomyces and Corynebacterium species had no FGD, but had NADP-G6PD. Methanogenic Archaea had neither activity.
Antibacterial and mechanical properties of restorative materials combined with chlorhexidines

Chorhexidine gluconate or chlorhexidine dihydrochloride were added to a composite resin and a glass ionomer restorative material in concentrations of 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10% by weight. Antibacterial activity was measured by inhibition of growth of S. viridans, S. pyogenes, S. mutans, L. acidophilus, and E. coli, for 4 days. Compressive, tensile, and restorative material-enamel adhesive shear strength tests were performed. The addition of chlorhexidine gluconate or chlorhexidine dihydrochloride increased the antibacterial activity of the composite resin and the glass ionomer restorative material and changed the mechanical properties of the restorative materials. The addition of chlorhexidine dihydrochloride resulted in mechanical properties closest to controls.
A novel use of transfer function estimation for early assessment of brain injury outcome.

Normal blood flow in the brain as a response to pressure fluctuations is commonly referred to as cerebral autoregulation. Linear, nonparametric models of cerebral autoregulation were estimated for 77 human subjects afflicted with brain injury, with mean arterial pressure used as input, and invasively measured regional cerebral blood flow used as output. The data were continuously monitored from the beginning of subject hospital stay. Mean transfer function gain as a function of frequency was calculated for each subject over a limited time window spanning 48 h, starting postsurgery. The mean transfer function gain of the cerebral autoregulation model provided a highly accurate, statistically significant, assessment of patient outcome. Subjects were accurately grouped by outcome, with a high significance (p <; 0.013) across the entire measurement spectrum (0.005-0.25 Hz). In addition, the frequency band from 0.1 to 0.25 Hz contains particularly low variance in transfer function gain. This spectral region provides a highly statistically significant (p <; 1.7e-3) assessment of brain injury patient health that is useful for outcome prediction.
Mortality of freshwater-acclimated Litopenaeus vannamei associated with acclimation rate, habituation period, and ionic challenge

The effect of acclimation time, habituation period, and final freshwater ion composition on the survival of freshwater-acclimated Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei postlarvae was investigated. During each of three experiments, shrimp were acclimated from 30 ppt to freshwater (<1 ppt TDS) utilizing various acclimation times (32, 40, 48, 72 h) with a constant or variable rate of salinity reduction. Shrimp were then held at the final acclimation salinity for 0, 1 or 2 days (habituation period) before being transferred to challenge ion treatment solutions. Ion treatment solutions derived from chloride-based chemicals were of the same total ion concentration, but either strongly monovalent or strongly divalent. An acclimation time of 72 h compared to 48 h, with no habituation period, increased shrimp survival by 27%. A 1-day habituation period compared to no habituation after 48-h acclimation also increased mean shrimp survivals by 27%. Decreasing acclimation time at higher salinities (i.e., 30 down to 1 ppt) and increasing acclimation time at lower salinities (<1 ppt) allowed successful freshwater acclimation of shrimp within 32 h. This demonstrates a critical period for freshwater acclimation of marine shrimp at lower salinities. The longer freshwater acclimation time and habituation period probably allowed shrimp to equalize hemolymph ions before transfer to ionically unbalanced challenge solutions. The survival of freshwater-acclimated shrimp can be improved by either extending the acclimation time from 48 to 72 h or providing a habituation period of 2 days after 48-h acclimation. However, growth at these ion concentrations still needs to be verified.
Galantamine improves olfactory learning in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common form of congenital intellectual disability. Although DS involves multiple disturbances in various tissues, there is little doubt that in terms of quality of life cognitive impairment is the most serious facet and there is no effective treatment for this aspect of the syndrome. The Ts65Dn mouse model of DS recapitulates multiple aspects of DS including cognitive impairment. Here the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS was evaluated in an associative learning paradigm based on olfactory cues. In contrast to disomic controls, trisomic mice exhibited significant deficits in olfactory learning. Treatment of trisomic mice with the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor galantamine resulted in a significant improvement in olfactory learning. Collectively, our study indicates that olfactory learning can be a sensitive tool for evaluating deficits in associative learning in mouse models of DS and that galantamine has therapeutic potential for improving cognitive abilities.
Craters and associated aeolian features on mariner 9 photographs: an automated data gathering and handling system and some preliminary results

Craters and associated aeolian features visible on Mariner 9 photographs have been examined. An automated system used to gather, reduce, and store data may have application to other types of planet-wide geological studies. A brief description of the method used to accumulate data is presented, along with some preliminary results for A-frames.
Differential transport and continuity of thrust sheets

Abstract Structural geologists long have strived to establish basic tenets describing the interaction between thrust displacement and lateral extent of thrust sheets. Individual non-metamorphic thrust sheets can be partitioned into segments that exhibit linear variations in displacement along strike. The differential transport between endpoints of each segment define an along-strike bulk shear angle (φ), which describes the spatial rate of change in displacement along the length of the fault. Empirical measurements of differential transport angles for continuous thrust sheets from different North American fold-thrust belts yield bulk shear angles that do not exceed 35–40° without formation of tear faults. These values might thus be considered a limit for coherent behavior of continuous non-metamorphic thrust sheets, thereby providing constraints on three-dimensional interpretations of fold-thrust belts.
Traffic simulation: a case study for teaching object oriented design

In teaching object oriented design, it is important for students to work on projects that use a variety of design patterns, interaction between objects, and provide the opportunity to explore design options in a realistic setting. Originally, object oriented languages have been designed for use in building simulations. We use a familiar simulation of a traffic through an intersection, controlled by a traffic light as a framework for teaching various aspects of object oriented design. We present this project and show how it illustrates a variety of object oriented design problems.
Modeling neurological diseases using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells

Reprogramming of somatic cells to an embryonic-like state has dramatically changed the landscape of stem cell research. Although still in its formative stages, the field of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has the potential to advance the study of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders at the molecular and cellular levels. The iPSC technology could be employed to establish in vitro experimental model systems for the identification of molecular lesions and to aid in the discovery of therapeutic targets and effective compounds. The derivation of patient-specific iPSCs has also opened up the possibility of generating disease-relevant cells for toxicity screening and for cellular therapy. In this article, we review the recent progress in the use of disease-specific iPSCs for in vitro and in vivo modeling of neurological diseases.
Ventriculocoronary fistulae in a patient with transposition of the great arteries, hypoplastic left heart, and pulmonary atresia

We present a rare case of ventriculocoronary fistulae in a patient with d-transposition of the great arteries, hypoplastic left heart, and pulmonary atresia. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this anatomic variant, and raises an important discussion about the development and implications of such fistulous connections.
Implementing Clinical Practice Changes: A Practical Approach

Implementing changes in clinical practice is critical for insuring the highest quality patient care. Ideally, changes in clinical practice should be based upon high-quality research findings or so-called evidence-based medicine. The increase in health care expenditures and data on the variance in clinical practices are exerting external pressures on professionals to justify practice patterns and are now tightly linked to reimbursement. As these factors fuel tensions between quality practice and care on one hand and cost on the other, clinicians must increasingly be prepared to justify the processes and resources used to deliver the required care to produce optimal patient outcomes. Continuously monitoring the clinical literature and implementing clinical practice changes, when a sufficient body of evidence exists, will contribute to improved patient outcomes. This involves three practical steps: (a) examining and evaluating the research, (b) gauging the likelihood of success, and (c) recommending and impl...
Learning Disability and the History of Science: Paradigm or Paradox?:

The field of learning disabilities faces a fundamental problem of providing a definition acceptable to a broad constituency. In attempting to explain why this situation exists, we offer arguments based upon concepts from the history and philosophy of science. I t is concluded that learning disability is a victim of its own history, and a breaking from the past is necessary for the definitional problem to move closer to resolution.Few of us take the pains to study the origin of our cherished convictions; indeed, we have a natural repugnance to so doing. We like to continue to believe what we have been accustomed to accept as true, and the resentment aroused when doubt is cast upon any of our assumptions leads us to seek every manner of excuse for clinging to them.-J. H. Robinson
Complex Networks: An Engineering View

The last decade has seen an explosion of research in network science, a science whose initial work and subsequent developments are grounded in statistical physics applied to natural systems. In recent years researchers in the engineering discipline have also taken a keen interest in complex networks which has resulted in several application areas being investigated in engineering. In this paper, we focus on network optimization and network dynamics in the context of engineered (human made) networks.
Electrophysiologic effects of systemic and locally infused epibatidine on locus coeruleus neurons.

Abstract We evaluated the electrophysiologic response of locus coeruleus neurons to the systemic and local infusion of epibatidine. Rats were anesthetized with 2% halothane and single-unit locus coeruleus discharge was recorded after administration of systemic (2.5, 5 and 10 μg/kg subcutaneously) and intracoerulear (0.03–0.01–0.001 μg) epibatidine. The subcutaneous epibatidine activated locus coeruleus neurons only at the highest dose (10 μg/kg). The 2.5–5 μg/kg doses, previously shown to induce analgesia, did not activate locus coeruleus neurons. The intracoerulear infusion of epibatidine induced excitement of locus coeruleus neurons at every tested dose. Higher doses (0.03 and 0.01 μg) excited 100% of the recorded neurons. A significantly lower number of neurons (50% and 43% respectively) were excited when lower doses (0.005–0.001 μg) were used ( P = 0.035). The intracoerulear infusion of mecamylamine (1 μg) significantly reduced neuronal discharge rate (45%) and blocked the effects of epibatidine. The intra-dorsal raphe infusion of 0.03 μg epibatidine induced significant excitation of locus coeruleus neurons. These data show that the administration of epibatidine induces excitation of locus coeruleus neurons, which is mediated by nicotinic receptors. This activation occurs after systemic and selective local administration of epibatidine. The response of locus coeruleus neurons to systemic and locally administered epibatidine is dose-related.
Effects of mechanical trauma on nails

The nails are useful "tools" in many occupations, but because of their exposed position are vulnerable to mechanical and chemical traumas. This review deals with the common injuries and disorders of the nails in the workplace. Information is given regarding the occupations in which damage to nails is most likely to occur.
The use of structured clinical interviews for assessment in counseling

The purpose of this article is twofold: to summarize some of the major issues concerning structured clinical interviews and to review data available on some of the most widely used interview schedules. One of the key challenges with the practitioner—scientist approach to counseling is the ability to compare information from a variety of clients and counselors. A structured clinical interview can be considered an empirically driven instrument that has preestablished questions and scoring procedures that make it a useful assessment tool. Through its use, comparisons can be made among clients, and the reliability of assessment and diagnosis can be increased.
mTOR and vascular remodeling in lung diseases: current challenges and therapeutic prospects

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a major regulator of cellular metabolism, proliferation, and survival that is implicated in various proliferative and metabolic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, hamartoma syndromes, and cancer. Emerging evidence suggests a potential critical role of mTOR signaling in pulmonary vascular remodeling. Remodeling of small pulmonary arteries due to increased proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and altered metabolism of cells forming the pulmonary vascular wall is a key currently irreversible pathological feature of pulmonary hypertension, a progressive pulmonary vascular disorder with high morbidity and mortality. In addition to rare familial and idiopathic forms, pulmonary hypertension is also a life-threatening complication of several lung diseases associated with hypoxia. This review aims to summarize our current knowledge and recent advances in understanding the role of the mTOR pathway in pulmonary vascular remodeling, with a specific focus on the hypoxia component, a confirmed shared trigger of pulmonary hypertension in lung diseases. We also discuss the emerging role of mTOR as a promising therapeutic target and mTOR inhibitors as potential pharmacological approaches to treat pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension.
Ginsenoside-Rg1 does not mitigate the effects of thimerosal on the central nervous system of the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis

It is well known that certain forms of organic mercury (such as methylmercury) are neurotoxic. In a previous study, we found that the concentration levels at which Thimerosal, an ethylmercury-based preservative found in vaccines, showed neurotoxic effects after soaking for 15 minutes was 100 µM. In this study, we tested the same molar concentration of Thimerosal in the presence of the neuroprotective compound Ginsenoside Rg-1 (Panax ginseng). We found no significant mitigation of the effects of Thimerosal on neuronal function.
Social Psychology's Contributions to the Study of Conflict Resolution

This essay presents an indication of the major research questions addressed in the literature of social psychology related to conflict resolution, as well as a historical perspective to see what progress has been made in this area. Highlighted at the conclusion of a section on contemporary themes in conflict studies is the author's consideration of what we know (and need to know) about conflict resolution and overcoming oppression. The author also offers an assessment of the progress thus far in the methodological, conceptual, empirical, and technological domains in the social psychological study of conflict.
The Clock Drawing Test: Utility for Dementia Detection in Multiethnic Elders

Background. Disproportionate increases in dementia morbidity in ethnic minorities challenge established screening methodologies because of language and culture barriers, varying access to health services, and a relative paucity of cross­ cultural data validating their use. Simple screening techniques adapted to a range of health and social service settings would ac­ celerate dementia detection and social and health services planning for demented minority elders. Methods. The effectiveness of the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) for dementia detection was compared with that of the Mini­ Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI) in community-dwelling elders of diverse linguistic, ethnic, and educational backgrounds. Subjects (N =295) were tested at home in their native languages (English, n =141; another language, n =154). An informant-based clinical dementia history and functional severity index de­ rived from the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) protocols were used to classify subjects as probably demented (n =170), and probably not demented (n =125). Results. All tests were significantly affected by education ( p .05). Sensitivities and specificities for probable dementia were 82% and 92%, respectively, for the COT; 92% and 92% for the MMSE; and 93% and 97% for the CASI for subjects completing each test. However, in poorly educated non-English speakers, the COT detected demented subjects with higher sensitivity than the two longer instruments (sensitivity and specificity 85% and 94% for the COT, 46% and 100% for the MMSE, and 75% and 95% for the CASI). Moreover, less information was lost due to noncomple­ tion ofthe CDTthan the MMSE or CAS/ (severedementiaor CDT8%. MMSE/2%, and CAS/ 16%). Conclusions. Overall, the COT may be as effectiveas the MMSE or CASI as a first-level dementia screen for clinical use in multiethnic, multilingual samples of older adults. Its brevity (1-5 minutes), minimal language requirements, high acceptability, and lack of dependence on specialized testing materials are well adapted for screening of non-English-speaking elderly persons in settings where bilingual interpreters are not readily available and screening time is at a premium.
Traditional Approaches to Treatment of Onychomycosis

The authors discuss the traditional approaches to treatment of onychomycosis in podiatric medicine: debridement, traditional oral agents, and topical medication. Although the newer systemic antifungal agents have proven to be both safe and effective, many podiatric physicians believe that for many patients, it is better to treat in a conservative manner.
Women Engaged in Violent Political Activity

The New York Times describes Dzhanet Abdurakhmanova as young, 17 years old, but willing to kill. Abdurakhmanova was a Black Widow suicide bomber whose attack killed 40 people in March 2010. Why was she motivated to kill? The article explains that her husband was a Chechen insurgent killed by Russian troops in 2009. In what ways are Osama bin Laden’s wives different than Dzhanet Abdurakhmanova? Like bin Laden’s wives, we know very little about Abdurakhmanova except that she was married to a terrorist. Similar to bin Laden’s wife, Amal Ahmed al-Sadah, who incurred a leg injury while fighting back during the Abbottabad raid, Abdurakhmanova was young, fought back, and sustained injuries—yet, in her case, it cost her life. These women are dissimilar, however, in that al-Sadah is not thought of as a terrorist, as she was defending life, whereas Abdurakhmanova indeed chose to kill by ­perpetrating a terrorist act. In this chapter, we discuss women involved in violent politics, including women who assist in violence from behind the scenes and those who act as violent participants.
New ring array transducers for real-time 3D intravascular ultrasound

We have developed new miniature 2D array transducers integrated into a Cook Medical, Inc. vena cava filter deployment device. One transducer consists of 55 elements operating near 5 MHz. The interelement spacing is 0.20mm. It was constructed on a flat piece of copper clad polyimide and then wrapped around an 11 French catheter of a Cook, Inc. inferior vena cava (IVC) filter deployment device. We used a braided wiring technology from Tyco Electronics Corp. (Wilsonville, OR) to connect the elements to our real-time 3D ultrasound scanner. Typical measured transducer element bandwidth was 20% centered at 4.7 MHz and the 50 Ohm round trip insertion loss was −84 dB. The mean of the nearest neighbor cross talk was −37.0 dB. We have also built a transducer on a 46 cm long single layer flex circuit from MicroConnex (Snoqualmie, WA) which terminates in an interconnect that plugs directly into our system cable. This transducer consists of 70 elements at 0.157 mm interelement spacing operating at 4.8 MHz. Typical measured transducer element bandwidth was 29% and the 50 Ohm round trip insertion loss was - 94 dB. The mean of the nearest neighbor cross talk was −33.0 dB.
Competition network structure and product market entry

This study proposes and tests a theory of the effects of competition network structure on product market entry. Competition networks are defined as the patterns of interdependence between rivals that emerge from direct competition. Studying networks based on competitive interdependence allows us to extend social network theory to new territory and to enhance our understanding of product market entry. We propose that the size, interconnectedness and diversity of competition networks influence subsequent product market entry in a systemic way. We test our hypotheses in a unique dataset drawn from the aircraft modification industry
The neural basis of dominance hierarchy formation in crayfish.

Fifty years of study of the nervous system and behavior of crayfish have revealed neural circuits for movements that are similar to those seen during formation of a dominance hierarchy. Given this background, it is of interest to ask what is understood about the neural substrates of dominance hierarchy formation. Here we will consider the social behavior that crayfish display in the wild and in the laboratory, and its relationship to movements released by activation of specific neural circuits. We will consider how these movements might be knit together to produce the behavior patterns that are characteristic of dominant and subordinate animals.
Increased risk of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing tricuspid valve surgery

We aimed to determine which patients undergoing tricuspid valve (TV) surgery are at increased risk for acute kidney injury (AKI).
What antipriming reveals about priming

Across many domains of cognition, information processing is more effective when it has been performed recently than when it has not. This effect – termed repetition priming – is ubiquitous; however, its causes are not well understood. Here, I draw attention to the concept of antipriming and argue that it is crucial for understanding priming. Antipriming is a measurable impairment in processing information owing to recent processing of other information when the representations of information overlap and compete. Strengthening one representation after its usage causes priming for that item but also antipriming for some other, non-repeated items. Recent evidence demonstrates priming and antipriming within visual object identification systems. These findings might reflect a form of maintenance relearning of superimposed knowledge representations.
Local adaptation in the rock pocket mouse (Chaetodipus intermedius): natural selection and phylogenetic history of populations

Elucidating the causes of population divergence is a central goal of evolutionary biology. Rock pocket mice, Chaeotdipus intermedius, are an ideal system in which to study intraspecific phenotypic divergence because of the extensive color variation observed within this species. Here, we investigate whether phenotypic variation in color is correlated with local environmental conditions or with phylogenetic history. First, we quantified variation in pelage color (n=107 mice) and habitat color (n=51 rocks) using a spectrophotometer, and showed that there was a correlation between pelage color and habitat color across 14 sampled populations (R2=0.43). Analyses of mtDNA sequences from these same individuals revealed strong population structure in this species across its range, where most variation (63%) was partitioned between five geographic regions. Using Mantel tests, we show that there is no correlation between color variation and mtDNA phylogeny, suggesting that pelage coloration has evolved rapidly. At a finer geographical scale, high levels of gene flow between neighboring melanic and light populations suggest the selection acting on color must be quite strong to maintain habitat-specific phenotypic distributions. Finally, we raise the possibility that, in some cases, migration between populations of pocket mice inhabiting different lava flows may be responsible for similar melanic phenotypes in different populations. Together, the results suggest that color variation can evolve very rapidly over small geographic scales and that gene flow can both hinder and promote local adaptation.
Failure Analysis and Optimization of Metal Fuses for Post Package Trimming

Post package trimming is important in achieving precise control of circuit parameters that may shift due to package stresses. However, the size of on-chip driver circuitry must be minimized while still maintaining reliably trimmed fuses. This study presents a statistical analysis and physical characterization of trimmed fuses to optimize fuse geometry and trimming conditions.
Antifungal Azoles: Structural Insights into Undesired Tight Binding to Cholesterol-Metabolizing CYP46A1

Although there are currently three generations of antifungal azoles on the market, even the third-generation agents show undesirable interactions with human cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes. CYP46A1 is a cholesterol-metabolizing P450 in the brain that tightly binds a number of structurally distinct azoles. Previously, we determined the crystal structures of CYP46A1 in complex with voriconazole and clotrimazole, and in the present work we cocrystallized the P450 with posaconazole at 2.5 A resolution. This long antifungal drug coordinates the P450 heme iron with the nitrogen atom of its terminal azole ring and adopts a linear configuration occupying the whole length of the substrate access channel and extending beyond the protein surface. Numerous drug-protein interactions determine the submicromolar Kd of posaconazole for CYP46A1. We compared the crystal structure of posaconazole-bound CYP46A1 with those of the P450 in complex with other drugs, including the antifungal voriconazole and clotrimazole. We also analyzed the accommodation of posaconazole in the active site of the target enzymes, CYPs 51, from several pathogenic species. These and the solution studies with different marketed azoles, collectively, allowed us to identify the determinants of tight azole binding to CYP46A1 and generate an overall picture of azole binding to this important P450. The data obtained suggest that development of CYP51-specific antifungal agents will continue to be a challenge. Therefore, structural understanding of the azole binding not only to CYPs 51 from the pathogenic species but also to different human P450s is required to deal efficiently with this challenge.
A method of measuring thermal diffusivities of rocks at elevated temperatures

A method is presented for the measurement of thermal diffusivity of synthetic and natural rock materials at elevated temperatures. The method involves heating of cylindrical test specimens at a constant rate of rise of the edge temperature and measuring the temperature differential between a point just inside the sample edge and the center of the sample. It is shown that for a fixed geometry and a constant heating rate thermal diffusivity is inversely proportional to the temperature differential. A record of the variation of diffusivity with temperature may be obtained through the temperature range of 150 to 1000°C. (except where thermal reactions occur) within a period of less than 2 hr. Measurements are reproducible within ± 10% for a given material. Accuracy of the values obtained is believed to be good; however there are no data available for direct comparison with the materials tested. Use of an approximate equation for calculation of diffusivity from experimental data leads to errors of the order of only 0.5%. Fairly good agreement was obtained between steady state measurements and measurements by the present method.
Do Cerulean Warblers (Dendroica Cerulea) Exhibit Clustered Territoriality

Territorial spacing is an aspect of songbird territoriality which is easily investigated, though often ignored. Cerulean warblers (Dendroica cerulea) maintain all-purpose breeding territories in eastern North American deciduous forest. Many observers have noted that cerulean warblers may breed in clusters of territories, but this information has not been determined statistically. We investigated the spatial relationships of cerulean warblers at Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge, Madison, Indiana, during the summers of 2002 and 2003. We used a nearest neighbor analysis for the spatial placement of the centroids of cerulean warbler territories. The analysis indicated that clustering occurred in three out of the five study plots. Territories which exhibited clustered distribution had significantly higher amounts of vegetative stratification, more trees, and trees with smaller diameter than territories which were not clustered.
Band structure in Ge 66

The levels of $^{66}\mathrm{Ge}$ have been investigated using in-beam $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectroscopy techniques via the $^{58}\mathrm{Ni}$($^{10}\mathrm{B}$,$\mathrm{pn}$)$^{66}\mathrm{Ge}$ reaction. The energies, relative intensities, angular distributions, and directional correlation ratios of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays were measured. The proposed level scheme exhibits three positive parity bands and one negative parity band. The positive parity levels to the ${8}^{+}$ yrast and the quasigamma band energies are compared with interacting-boson-model calculations. Two-quasiparticle-plus-rotor model calculations suggest that the (${8}^{+}$) and (${10}^{+}$) states at 5534.5 and 6504.8 keV, respectively, are members of the ${({g}_{\frac{9}{2}})}^{2}$ quasiproton band; the ${7}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, (${9}^{\ensuremath{-}}$) states are members of a more completely aligned band of (${g}_{\frac{9}{2}}$, ${f}_{\frac{5}{2}}$) quasiproton configuration and the ${5}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ state at 3684.0 keV is a more partially aligned state of (${g}_{\frac{9}{2}}$,${p}_{\frac{3}{2}}$) configuration.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{58}\mathrm{Ni}$($^{10}\mathrm{B}$,$\mathrm{pn}$), $E(^{10}\mathrm{B})=31$ MeV; measured ${E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, ${I}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, $\ensuremath{\gamma}(\ensuremath{\theta})$, DCO; deduced $^{66}\mathrm{Ge}$ levels, $J$, $\ensuremath{\pi}$ and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ branching; performed IBA and two-quasiparticle-plus-rotor model calculations.
Free running tests of a waterjet propelled unmanned surface vehicle

Free running manoeuvring trials of an unmanned surface vehicle were performed to investigate the effects of cross flow at the inlet of the waterjets powering the vehicle. Circle, straight-line and turning manoeuvres were performed. A data acquisition system was developed to simultaneously measure the thrust developed by the waterjet and the vessel’s position, speed, and heading. The longitudinal and cross flow at the inlet of the waterjet was estimated from the speed and heading measurements. It was found that the presence of cross flow correlates with a drop in the thrust developed at the waterjet.