cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The potential of sampling for dynamic analysis

This paper presents an argument for distributing dynamic software analyses to large populations of users in order to locate bugs that cause security flaws. We review a collection of dynamic analysis systems and show that, despite a great deal of effort from the research community, their performance is still too low to allow their use in the field. We then show that there are effective sampling mechanisms for accelerating a wide range of powerful dynamic analyses. These mechanisms reduce the rate at which errors are observed by individual analyses, but this loss can be offset by the subsequent increase in test population. Nevertheless, there are unsolved issues in this domain that deserve attention if this technique is to be widely utilized.
Spectral-decomposition response to reservoir fluids from a deepwater West Africa reservoir

Westudythespectral-decompositionresponsetoreservoir fluids from a deepwater WestAfrica reservoir through a systematicmodelingapproach.Ourworkflowstartsfromselecting the seismic data far-angle seismic images that show morepronouncedfluideffectbasedonamplitude-versus-offsetAVOanalysis.Syntheticseismicforwardmodelingperformed at the control well established the quality of the seismicwelltie.Reservoirwedgemodeling,spectraldecomposition of the field and synthetic seismic data, and theoretical analyses were conducted to understand the spectral-decomposition responses. The reservoir fluid type is a main factor controlling the spectral response. For this deepwater reservoir, the amplitude contrast between oil sand and brine sand is higher at low frequencies 15 Hz. In addition, synthetic modeling can help identify the possible frequency band where the amplitude contrast between hydrocarbon sand and brinesandishigher.Whenproperlyincludedinacomprehensive direct-hydrocarbon-indicator DHI‐AVO evaluation, spectral decomposition can enhance the identification of hydrocarbons.
Primary immunolocalization of estrogen and progesterone target cells in the human anterior cruciate ligament

To identify estrogen and progesterone target cells in the human anterior cruciate ligament immunohistochemical localization of both estrogen and progesterone receptors was performed in 17 specimens of human anterior cruciate ligament. All ligament specimens were obtained at surgery. Thirteen specimens were from women, and four were from men: the average age was 57 years (range, 18-78 years). Eleven specimens (from nine women and two men) came from total knee replacements for osteoarthritis of the knee: three (from two women and one man), from reconstructions of the anterior cruciate ligament: two (both from women), from medial meniscectomies; and one (from a man), from an amputation secondary to chondrosarcoma of the pelvis. An immunoperoxidase method using monoclonal antibodies to the estrogen and progesterone receptors was employed to identify estrogen and progesterone target cells in the anterior cruciate ligament. Staining of both receptors was demonstrable in 14 specimens and in the remaining three specimens less than 15% of the cells were stained. Both estrogen and progesterone receptors were localized to synoviocytes in the synovial lining, fibroblasts in the anterior cruciate ligament stroma and cells in the blood vessel walls of the ligament. This demonstration of receptors for estrogen and progesterone in the cells of anterior cruciate ligament suggests that female sex hormones may have an effect on its structure and composition.
The Crystal Structure of {[Pt(9S3)Cl2]2[Pt(9S3)2]}Cl2·4H2O: An Improved Synthesis of [Pt(9S3)Cl2]

We wish to report the crystal structure for a solid-state solution, {[Pt(9S3)Cl2]2[Pt(9S3)2]}Cl2·4H2O (1), which contains two different complexes of Pt(II) with the trithiacrown 9S3 (1,4,7-trithiacyclononane). One complex [Pt(9S3)Cl2] is neutral and contains a Pt(II) center with a single 9S3 ligand and two coordinated chloro ligands. The second Pt(II) complex is a dication and contains two coordinated 9S3 ligands and two non-coordinating chloride anions. There are two crystallographically equivalent [Pt(9S3)Cl2] complexes present for every single [Pt(9S3)2]2+ cation. Four water solvent molecules are also present. In the neutral complex ([Pt(9S3)Cl2], the Pt(II) center is surrounded by a cis-[S2Cl2 + S1] ligand environment formed by the two chloro ligands and two of the three sulfur atoms from the 9S3 ligand. These two sulfurs are positioned 2.225(2) and 2.242(2) A from the Pt(II), but the third sulfur shows a long distance interaction at 3.311(2) A to form an elongated square pyramidal structure. This axial Pt–S distance is the longest observed in 57 crystal structures of Pt(II) 9S3 complexes. The cation [Pt(9S3)2]2+ displays two centrosymmetrically coordinated 9S3 ligands forming a [S4 + S2] environment with an elongated octahedral shape. In the dication, the two equatorial Pt–S distances are 2.297(2) and 2.306(2) A with the axial sulfur at 3.065(2) A. The most interesting intermolecular aspects of the structure are hydrogen bonding interactions between two of the water molecules and two chloride counter-ions, resulting in a nearly square O2Cl2 ring. This ring shares an edge with a six-membered ring formed by four waters and two chlorides which are hydrogen bonded. The hydrogen bonding interactions, which result from the presence of water in the crystal, appear to be an important component in stabilizing the lattice for the unusual solid-state solution structure. Crystal Data for (1): P2 1 /n, a = 7.8327(10) A, b = 25.152(4) A, c = 12.382(2) A, V = 2314.3(6) A3, Z = 2. We also report an improved synthetic procedure for the preparation of two thiacrown complexes [Pt(9S3)Cl2] and [Pt(10S3)Cl2], which are commonly used as precursors for other heteroleptic thioether complexes. The new syntheses proceed at room temperature without the need for long reflux times and produce large crystals which are easily isolable without filtration. The simplicity of these new preparations results in improved yields over previously employed methods. The title complex crystallizes to form a solid-state solution of two different Pt(II) thiacrown complexes, [Pt(9S3)Cl2] and [Pt(9S3)]2+.
The token economy as a research method in alcoholism.

“Frequently such reinforcers as medical care, custodial services, disability payments, and personal attention are denied the alcoholic in the early stages of his career, and are made contingent on his demonstrating advanced or irreversible physical and psychological deterioration. ... Whether clues toward [strategies for early intervention] may evolve from the laboratory will constitute the ultimate test of the token economy as a research tool in alcoholism.”
Endoscopic therapy in patients with Barrett's esophagus and portal hypertension.

Background Endoscopic mucosal resection has been used to stage and treat early neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus. The ability to do this in the setting of portal hypertension has not been reported. Objective Our purpose was to describe the feasibility and efficacy of endoscopic mucosal resection in patients with portal hypertension and Barrett's esophagus. Design Retrospective case series. Setting Two tertiary referral centers. Patients Patients with Barrett's esophagus and high-grade dysplasia or adenocarcinoma in the setting of portal hypertension. Intervention Endoscopic mucosal resection of endoscopically visible lesions. Main Outcome Measurements Complete resection of neoplastic lesion, lack of variceal bleeding. Results Four patients were treated with endoscopic mucosal resection a total of 5 times. Endoscopic mucosal resection was successfully performed without significant GI bleeding. Limitations This preliminary case series describes feasibility of the procedure. Whether this can be generalized remains to be determined, although it may be an option in poor surgical candidates. Conclusions Endoscopic mucosal resection appears to be relatively safe in selected patients with portal hypertension and Barrett's esophagus. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Cavitation in flowing superfluid helium

Flowing superfluid helium cavitates much more readily than normal liquid helium, and there is a marked difference in the cavitation behavior of the two fluids as the lambda point is traversed. Examples of cavitation in a turbine meter and centrifugal pump are given, together with measurements of the cavitation strength of flowing superfluid helium. The unusual cavitation behavior of superfluid helium is attributed to its immense thermal conductivity .
Oviposition sites of Aedes vexans (Diptera: Culicidae): wet-prairie habitats.

Intensive sampling for eggs of Aedes vexans (Meigen) in upland wet-prairie habitats revealed that three species of plant, Echinochloa crusgalli (barnyard grass), Polygonum pennsylvanicum (smartweed), and Cyperus esculentus (yellow nutgrass), commonly occurring in contiguous U.S.A. and southern Canada and dense mats of vegetative detritus could be used as indicators of oviposition sites. Where a slope was steep, specific elevations indicated oviposition site preferences. Plant species and elevation were both indicators of areas where soil moisture was attractive to gravid females. Soil moistures between 55% and 69% were found optimal for oviposition.
Repetition Rate System Evaluations At SUNY/AB

Repetitively pulsed (rep-rate) power systems are currently found in a diverse range of technologies. One particular aspect of interest within rep-rate system development is the characterization of the electrical breakdown of dielectric and insulating materials in the power components for these applications. Very little information exists in the literature concerning the effects of rep-rate stresses on these materials. A facility to simulate the high voltage stresses which occur in rep-rate systems has been developed at the University at Buffalo. These unique high voltage and instrumentation equipment are described with insulation breakdown results.
Clinical Policy: Critical Issues in the Initial Evaluation and Management of Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department in Early Pregnancy

This clinical policy from the American College of Emergency Physicians is the revision of the 2003 Clinical Policy: Critical Issues in the Initial Evaluation and Management of Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department in Early Pregnancy.(1) A writing subcommittee reviewed the literature to derive evidence-based recommendations to help clinicians answer the following critical questions: (1) Should the emergency physician obtain a pelvic ultrasound in a clinically stable pregnant patient who presents to the emergency department (ED) with abdominal pain and/or vaginal bleeding and a beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level below a discriminatory threshold? (2) In patients who have an indeterminate transvaginal ultrasound, what is the diagnostic utility of β-hCG for predicting possible ectopic pregnancy? (3) In patients receiving methotrexate for confirmed or suspected ectopic pregnancy, what are the implications for ED management? Evidence was graded and recommendations were developed based on the strength of the available data in the medical literature. A literature search was also performed for a critical question from the 2003 clinical policy.(1) Is the administration of anti-D immunoglobulin indicated among Rh-negative women during the first trimester of pregnancy with threatened abortion, complete abortion, ectopic pregnancy, or minor abdominal trauma? Because no new, high-quality articles were found, the management recommendations from the previous policy are discussed in the introduction.
Development of EPA Method 525.3 for the analysis of semivolatiles in drinking water

The United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water (OGWDW) collects nationwide occurrence data on contaminants in drinking water using the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Regulations (UCMRs). The unregulated contaminants, which are potential candidates for future regulation, may be selected from the Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List (CCL), or may be emerging contaminants, with the potential for inclusion on future CCLs. In October 2009, OGWDW published the third Drinking Water CCL (CCL 3). Not all of the chemicals on CCL 3 are included in existing analytical methods with sufficient sensitivity and specificity for UCMR monitoring. Some of the chemicals that require method development research fall into the category known as semi-volatile organic chemicals (SVOCs). Currently, EPA Method 525.2 is used to measure SVOCs for both drinking water compliance and UCMR monitoring. The method utilizes C-18 solid-phase extraction (SPE) for contaminant isolation and concentration, followed by full scan gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) detection. A group of 27 contaminants from CCL 3, a list of chemicals from EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC), as well as other emerging compounds of interest, were evaluated for inclusion into a new revision of the method, EPA Method 525.3. Method improvements include: (1) utilizing a polymeric-based SPE sorbent for greater retention across sample pH range, (2) enhanced method sensitivity using GC-MS with selected ion monitoring (SIM), (3) safer and more user-friendly sample preservatives, and (4) sample preparation techniques that help overcome matrix-induced chromatographic response enhancement. To be used for nationwide monitoring, the new method must be rugged across a range of drinking water sources, sensitive and highly specific to minimize false positives. It must also be cost effective and simple enough for commercial lab settings. Accuracy and precision data using full scan GC-MS mode are presented for 125 contaminants. Multi-laboratory data obtained in selected ion mode (SIM) are presented for a subset of priority analytes. Lowest Concentration Minimum Reporting Limits (LCMRLs) of priority analytes obtained from four separate laboratories ranged from 0.0006 to 0.28 μg L−1, with an average LCMRL of 0.035 μg L−1 and median LCMRL of 0.011 μg L−1, under SIM conditions.
Analyzing point processes subjected to random deletions

Certain nonstationary point process data are viewed as having arisen through time dependent random deletions of a stationary point process. Initially the probability Of deletion is assumed known and estimates of the rate and autointensity function of the inherent stationary process are constructed. Then an estimate of the deletion probability function is developed for the case of the function depending on a finite dimensional parameter. An estimate is provided for the variance of the autointensity estimate. Certaines donnees de processus ponctuels on stationnaires sont considerees comme provenant d'un processus ponctuel stationnaire dont certains points sont detruits au hasard suivant une loi de probabilite qui depend du temps. Pour commencer, la probabilite de destruction supposee connue, on construit des estimateurs pour la moyenne et l'auto-intensite du processus stationnaire inherent. Ensuite on estime la fonction generatrice de la probabilite de destruction dans le cas ou la fonction depend d'un parametre de dimension finie. On obtient un estimateur pour la variance de l'estimateur de l'auto-intensite.
The role of anthropometry in designing for sustainability

An understanding of human factors and ergonomics facilitates the design of artefacts, tasks and environments that fulfil their users’ physical and cognitive requirements. Research in these fields furthers the goal of efficiently accommodating the desired percentage of user populations through enhanced awareness and modelling of human variability. Design for sustainability (DfS) allows for these concepts to be leveraged in the broader context of designing to minimise negative impacts on the environment. This paper focuses on anthropometry and proposes three ways in which its consideration is relevant to DfS: reducing raw material consumption, increasing usage lifetimes and ethical human resource considerations. This is demonstrated through the application of anthropometry synthesis, virtual fitting, and sizing and adjustability allocation methods in the design of an industrial workstation seat for use in five distinct global populations. This work highlights the importance of and opportunities for using er...
Chronology of the structural and petrologic development of the southwest Sierra Nevada foothills, California: Summary

Metamorphic country rocks of the southwest Sierra Nevada foothills represent the southernmost exposures of the western foothills metamorphic belt. The rocks of the foothills belt in this region are disrupted and metamorphosed by the Cretaceous batholith to a much greater extent than to the north, probably owing to a deeper level of exposure. The oldest country rocks in the region consist of the Carboniferous to Triassic Kings—Kaweah ophiolite belt which served as basement for Jurassic volcanic arc and continent-derived clastic sequences (Saleeby, 1978, 1979). The history of ophiolite generation, sea-floor transport, continental margin accretion, and volcano-plutonic arc growth is recorded by numerous petrogenetic and deformational episodes. Useful time constraints have been derived for a significant number of these episodes by U/Pb and K/Ar geochronometry. These time constraints have facilitated the construction of an absolute chronology for the structural and petrologic evolution of the region. In this paper, the critical geological and geochronological relations are summarized. The isotopic data and their interpretation, and the detailed field relations of the rocks dated along with supporting petrographic and petrochemical data are presented in the complete article in Part II.
Schemata for understanding television

Three sources of knowledge, or schemata, are critical for the child's comprehension of television portrayals: familiarity with exposition formats, knowledge and experience of the social world, and understanding of the formal features specific to television.
Predicting children's asthma hospitalizations: rural and urban differences in Texas.

Asthma is the number one chronic health condition facing children today; however, little is known about rural-urban inequalities in asthma. This "area effects on health" study examines rural-urban differences in childhood asthma hospitalizations within the state of Texas using negative binomial regression models. Effects associated with residence on the Texas-Mexico border, where the majority of rural Texas children live, are also considered. Neighborhood-level social class and proportion of the population that was native-born Hispanic were significant predictors of asthma hospitalizations, independent of rural-urban location. Conversely, proportion African American, Native American, and foreign-born Hispanic, not a citizen; median year of home construction; and neighborhood location on the Texas-Mexico border were conditional on urban-rural location, and the strength of these predictors was stronger in rural areas. This suggests that locational and social factors intersect in marginalized spaces (like the rural and border regions of Texas) to create vulnerability to asthma hospitalizations.
Fixed-speed wind-generator and wind-park modeling for transient stability studies

Increasing levels of wind-turbine generation in modern power systems is initiating a need for accurate wind-generation transient stability models. Because many wind generators are often grouped together in wind parks, equivalence modeling of several wind generators is especially critical. In this paper, a reduced-order dynamic fixed-speed wind-generator model appropriate for transient stability simulation is presented. The model is derived using a model reduction technique of a high-order finite-element model. Then, an equivalencing approach is presented that demonstrates how several wind generators in a wind park can be combined into a single reduced-order model. Simulation cases are presented to demonstrate several unique properties of a power system containing wind generators. The results in this paper focus on horizontal-axis turbines using an induction machine directly connected to the grid as the generator.
Bispectral index monitoring of sedation depth in pediatric dental patients.

Abstract The bispectral index (BIS) monitor records electroencephalogram waveforms and provides an objective measure of the hypnotic effect of a sedative drug on brain activity. The aim of this pilot study was to use the BIS monitor to evaluate the depth of procedural sedation in pediatric dental patients and to assess if the BIS monitor readings correlate with a validated pediatric sedation scale, the University of Michigan Sedation Scale (UMSS), in determining the level of sedation in these patients. Thirty-five pediatric dental patients requiring sedation were studied prospectively. A baseline BIS reading was obtained and during the procedure an independent observer recorded the BIS every 5 minutes. The operator, who was blinded to the BIS results, determined the UMSS scale at the same 5-minute interval. The patients were monitored postoperatively for 1 hour. There was a significant but moderate correlation between BIS values and UMSS scores (Spearman's rank correlation r = −0.574, P < .0001). Percen...
Cross-Cultural Social and Personality Psychology

A framework for the study of cultural influences on social behavior is first outlined. Studies suggesting links among the elements of the framework are reviewed. Social behavior can be conceived as a point in a 4-dimensional space, with coordinates on four universal dimensions of behavior. Cultures differ in com plexity and tightness. Studies which link cultural characteristics to the frequency of social behaviors are suggested. Numerous studies that may advance social and personality psychology are suggested by this framework. Finally, a more specific section reviews work on cultural factors on interpersonal behavior, when individuals from different cultures interact.
Contribution of Selected Gene Mutations to Resistance in Clinical Isolates of Vancomycin-Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus

Infections with vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) have been associated with vancomycin treatment failures and poor clinical outcomes. Routine identification of clinical isolates with increased vancomycin MICs remains challenging, and no molecular marker exists to aid in diagnosis of VISA strains. We tested vancomycin susceptibilities by using microscan, Etest, and population analyses in a collection of putative VISA, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (VSSA) infectious isolates from community- or hospital-associated S. aureus infections (n = 77) and identified 22 VISA and 9 heterogeneous VISA (hVISA) isolates. Sequencing of VISA candidate loci vraS, vraR, yvqF, graR, graS, walR, walK, and rpoB revealed a high diversity of nonsynonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). For vraS, vraR, yvqF, walK, and rpoB, SNPs were more frequently present in VISA and hVISA than in VSSA isolates, whereas mutations in graR, graS, and walR were exclusively detected in VISA isolates. For each of the individual loci, SNPs were only detected in about half of the VISA isolates. All but one VISA isolate had at least one SNP in any of the genes sequenced, and isolates with an MIC of 6 or 8 μg/ml harbored at least 2 SNPs. Overall, increasing vancomycin MICs were paralleled by a higher proportion of isolates with SNPs. Depending on the clonal background, SNPs appeared to preferentially accumulate in vraS and vraR for sequence type 8 (ST8) and in walK and walR for ST5 isolates. Taken together, by comparing VISA, hVISA, and VSSA controls, we observed preferential clustering of SNPs in VISA candidate genes, with an unexpectedly high diversity across these loci. Our results support a polygenetic etiology of VISA.
Relationship between licensing, registration, and other gun sales laws and the source state of crime guns

Objective—To determine the association between licensing and registration of firearm sales and an indicator of gun availability to criminals. Methods—Tracing data on all crime guns recovered in 25 cities in the United States were used to estimate the relationship between state gun law categories and the proportion of crime guns first sold by in-state gun dealers. Results—In cities located in states with both mandatory registration and licensing systems (five cities), a mean of 33.7% of crime guns were first sold by in-state gun dealers, compared with 72.7% in cities that had either registration or licensing but not both (seven cities), and 84.2% in cities without registration or licensing (13 cites). Little of the difference between cities with both licensing and registration and cities with neither licensing nor registration was explained by potential confounders. The share of the population near a city that resides in a neighboring state without licensing or registration laws was negatively associated with the outcome. Conclusion—States with registration and licensing systems appear to do a better job than other states of keeping guns initially sold within the state from being recovered in crimes. Proximity to states without these laws, however, may limit their impact.
Neural Correlates of the Attentional Blink

Attending to a visual event can lead to functional blindness for other events in the visual field. This limit in our attentional capacities is exemplified by the attentional blink (AB), which refers to the transient but severe impairment in perceiving the second of two temporally neighboring targets. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we observed predominantly right intraparietal and frontal cortex activations associated with the AB. We further demonstrate that an AB can be elicited by both temporal and spatial distractor interference on an attended target and that both of these interference mechanisms activate the same neural circuit. These results suggest that a (right) parietofrontal network previously implicated in attentional control and enhancement is also a locus of capacity-limited processing of visual information.
Model selection for wavelet-based signal estimation

There has been a growing interest in wavelet-based methods for signal estimation from noisy samples. We compare popular wavelet thresholding methods with model selection using VC generalization bounds developed for finite samples. Since wavelet methods are linear (in parameters), the VC-dimension of linear models can be accurately estimated. Successful application of VC-theory to wavelet denoising also requires specification of a suitable structure on a set of wavelet basis functions. We propose such a structure suitable for orthogonal basis functions, which includes wavelets as a special case. The combination of the proposed structure with VC bounds yields a new powerful method for signal estimation with wavelets. Our comparisons indicate that using VC bounds for model selection gives uniformly better results than other wavelet thresholding methods under small sample/high noise setting. On the other hand, with large samples model selection becomes trivial, and most reasonable methods (including wavelet thresholding heuristics) perform reasonably well.
Molecular mechanisms of paraptosis induction: implications for a non-genetically modified tumor vaccine.

Paraptosis is the programmed cell death pathway that leads to cellular necrosis. Previously, rodent and human monocytes/macrophages killed glioma cells bearing the membrane macrophage colony stimulating factor (mM-CSF) through paraptosis, but the molecular mechanism of this killing process was never identified. We have demonstrated that paraptosis of rat T9 glioma cells can be initiated through a large potassium channel (BK)-dependent process initiated by reactive oxygen species. Macrophage mediated cytotoxicity upon the mM-CSF expressing T9-C2 cells was not prevented by the addition of the caspase inhibitor, zVAD-fmk. By a combination of fluorescent confocal and electron microscopy, flow cytometry, electrophysiology, pharmacology, and genetic knock-down approaches, we demonstrated that these ion channels control cellular swelling and vacuolization of rat T9 glioma cells. Cell lysis is preceded by a depletion of intracellular ATP. Six-hour exposure to BK channel activation caused T9 cells to over express heat shock proteins (Hsp 60, 70, 90 and gp96). This same treatment forced HMGB1 translocation from the nuclear region to the periphery. These last molecules are “danger signals” that can stimulate immune responses. Similar inductions of mitochondrial swelling and increased Hsp70 and 90 expressions by BK channel activation were observed with the non-immunogenic F98 glioma cells. Rats injected with T9 cells which were killed by prolonged BK channel activation developed immunity against the T9 cells, while the injection of x-irradiated apoptotic T9 cells failed to produce the vaccinating effect. These results are the first to show that glioma cellular death induced by prolonged BK channel activation improves tumor immunogenicity; this treatment reproduces the vaccinating effects of mM-CSF transduced cells. Elucidation of strategies as described in this study may prove quite valuable in the development of clinical immunotherapy against cancer.
The trace amine tyramine is essential for sensitization to cocaine in Drosophila.

Abstract Background: Sensitization to psychostimulant drugs of abuse is thought to be an important aspect of human addiction, yet how it develops is still unclear. The development of sensitization to cocaine in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is strikingly similar to that observed in vertebrates. By taking advantage of the powerful genetic approaches that are possible in Drosophila , we are able to identify and characterize mutants that fail to develop sensitization. Results: We found that the Drosophila mutant inactive ( iav ) failed to become sensitized to cocaine. Mutant flies had reduced amounts of the trace amine tyramine in the brain because of reduced activity of the enzyme tyrosine decarboxylase (TDC), which converts tyrosine to tyramine. Furthermore, cocaine exposure induced TDC enzyme activity in a time-dependent manner that paralleled the development of behavioral sensitization. The sensitization failure of iav flies could be rescued by feeding the flies with tyramine; other biogenic amines or amine precursors did not have the same effect. Conclusions: These results indicate an essential role for tyramine in cocaine sensitization in Drosophila .
Polyelectrolyte platform for sensitive detection of biological analytes via reversible fluorescence quenching

Abstract Non-conjugated polyelectrolytes were used to quench oppositely charged fluorescent dye–ligand conjugate (DLC) molecules by bringing them to the vicinity of the polyelectrolyte backbone to form aggregates and hence quench the dye fluorescence. As target protein molecules are added to the solution, the specific interaction between the DLC and the protein disrupts the aggregate structure, thus recovering the luminescence. The binding of DLC to oppositely charged polyelectrolyte and the disruption of the aggregates are investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. The static-quenching mechanism is clearly manifested in the Stern–Volmer plots that show the decrease in slope with increasing temperature. This polyelectrolyte-based sensing platform has a sensitivity of
Neighborhood Context, Police Behavior and Satisfaction with Police

Residents in neighborhoods characterized by concentrated poverty and high violent crime rates report lower levels of satisfaction with police. The prevailing neighborhood-level explanation posits that such outcomes are a product of ecologically structured unconventional norms and values regarding crime and criminal justice. What remains unanswered, however, is whether variation in police behavior affects citizens' attitudes independent of neighborhood structural characteristics (e.g., concentrated disadvantage). To address this question, we use four independent sources of data from the Project on Policing Neighborhoods (POPN) to estimate a series of hierarchical linear models to assess the influence of neighborhood-level police behavior. Our results suggest that alternative patrol strategies advocated by proponents of community policing—foot and bike patrols—have a direct positive effect on citizens' satisfaction, net of neighborhood structure and known individual-level correlates (e.g., perceived quality...
Modular separation-based fiber-optic sensors for remote in situ monitoring.

A modular separation-based fiber-optic sensor (SBFOS) with an integrated electronically controlled injection device is described for potential use in remote environmental monitoring. An SBFOS is a chemical monitor that integrates the separation selectivity and versatility afforded by capillary electrophoresis with the remote and high sensitivity capabilities of fiber-optic-based laser-induced fluorescence sensing. The detection module of the SBFOS accommodates all essential sensing components for dual-optical fiber, on-capillary fluorescence detection. An injection module, similar to injection platforms on micro-analysis chips, is also integrated to the SBFOS. The injection module allows for electronically controlled injection of the sample onto the separation capillary. The design and operational characteristics of the modular SBFOS are discussed in this paper. A micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography mode of separation is employed to evaluate the potential of the sensor for in situ monitoring of neutral toxins (aflatoxins). The analytical figures of merit for the modular SBFOS include analysis times of between 5 and 10 min, separation efficiencies of approximately 104 theoretical plates, detection limits for aflatoxins in the mid-to-low nanomolar range, and controllable operation that results in sensor performance that is largely immune to sample matrix effects.
The three-dimensional distribution of clouds over the Southern Hemisphere high latitudes.

AbstractThe authors exploit three years of data from the CloudSat and Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) satellites to document for the first time the seasonally varying vertical structure of cloudiness throughout Antarctica and the high-latitude Southern Ocean. The results provide a baseline reference of Southern Hemisphere high-latitude cloudiness for future observational and modeling studies, and they highlight several previously undocumented aspects and key features of Antarctic cloudiness.The key features of high-latitude Southern Hemisphere cloudiness documented here include 1) a pronounced seasonal cycle in cloudiness over the high-latitude Southern Hemisphere, with higher cloud incidences generally found during the winter season over both the Southern Ocean and Antarctica; 2) two distinct maxima in vertical profiles of cloud incidence over the Southern Ocean, one centered near the surface and another centered in the upper troposphere; 3) a nearly discontinu...
Gandhi, Deep Religious Pluralism, and Multiculturalism

At first glance the religious philosophy of Mohandas K. Gandhi appears to be a ver­ sion of the perennial philosophy, the main proponent of which was Aldous Huxley. In his book The Perennial Philosophy, Huxley proposed that at the core of the world’s religions is an undifferentiated Godhead, variously named ātman-brahman in Hin­ duism, the dharmakāya in Mahāyāna Buddhism, the nameless dao in Daosim, the en sof in Jewish mysticism, and the bloss nit in Meister Eckhardt’s medieval German. The individual gods of these religious traditions are mere appearances erupting from a divine ground of being. In essence, Huxley anointed the mystics of world history as the true priests and prophets of the world’s religions. In his book The Fifth Dimension, John Hick reaffirms the perennial philosophy with his statement that the Chris­ tian mystics discovered something similar to ātman or the Buddha­nature at the center of their being. 4 With regard to the issue of religious pluralism and the current preference for equal respect for all religions, it is clear that Huxley’s view carries with it a definite bias for Hinduism, Buddhism, and Daoism. Of the major Asian religious texts ex­ cerpted in The Perennial Philosophy, Confucian, Sikh, and Shinto writings are con­ spicuous by their absence, although Huxley could have excerpted passages referring to nirankar, the Sikh equivalent of nirguṇa brahman. For many centuries there have been many Hindu teachers, epitomized in Ronald Eyre’s film The Long Search as the pandit who declares that “everyone is a Hindu.” More subtle but just as religiously imperialistic is Karl Rahner’s concept of the “anonymous Christian,” which one writer describes as “non­Christians who end up in heaven” after having “received the grace of Christ without their realising it.” 5 In this article I will reevaluate Gandhi’s position on religious pluralism in light of recent work on the subject. In the first section I will expand on David R. Griffin’s critique of Hick’s theory of religious pluralism. Griffin contends that Hick’s view
Effect of mango weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) damage on mango seed viability in Hawaii.

Abstract The mango weevil, Cryptorhynchus (=Sternochetus) mangiferae (F.), is a federally quarantined pest that prevents shipment of mangos from Hawaii into the continental United States. Although this monophagous weevil allegedly causes reduced seed germination, damage to the fruit pulp, and premature fruit drop in mangos, there are few studies examining these potential sources of crop loss. We conducted studies to assess the effect of mango weevil infestation on seed viability while making observations on the frequency of pulp feeding. Naturally infested seeds from mature fruit were planted in pots and scored for successful germination. Germination rates for infested seeds were equal to those of uninfested control seeds in a polyembryonic cultivar (‘Common’), whereas germination was significantly reduced for infested seeds of a monoembryonic cultivar (‘Haden’) compared with uninfested control seeds but germination of infested seeds was still >70%. To assess seed tolerance of damage, seeds were artificia...
Nanorobots for Mars EVA Repair

Current trends in technology indicate that nanometerscale devices will be feasible within two decades. It is likely that NASA will attempt a manned Mars mission within the next few decades. Manned Mars activities will be relatively labor-intensive, presenting significant risk of damage to the Marssuit. We have investigated two possible architectures for nanotechnology applied to the problem of damage during Mars surface activity. Nanorobots can be used to actively repair damaged suit materials while an astronaut is in the field, precluding the need to return immediately to a pressurized area. Assembler nanorobots reproduce both themselves and the more specialized Marssuit Repair Nanorobots (MRN). MRN nanorobots operate as space-filling polyhedra to repair damage to a Marssuit. Both operate with reversible mechanical logic, though only assemblers utilize chemical data storage.
Zika Virus: Rapid Spread in the Western Hemisphere.

Zika virus, a mosquito-borne flavivirus, has been rapidly emerging in the Western Hemisphere over the past few months. This article discusses the Zika virus's background, epidemiology, clinical man...
Serological Testing for Epstein-Barr Virus-Developments In Interpretation

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) commonly produces infections in early life [1]. These infections are usually asymptomatic or associated with mild nonspecific manifestations [2, 3]. EBV infections tend to manifest as infectious mononucleosis (IM) more in developed areas of the world and when the primary or initial infection occurs in young adult age groups [4]. The virus was first found in persistently infected lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from Burkitt's lymphoma [5]. EBV preferentially infects B lymphocytes [6]. Following a primary EBV infection, B lymphocytes continue to harbor the viral genome and remain latently infected, probably for life [7]. EBV also may initiate a persistent and productive infection, i.e., undergoes viral replication, in oropharyngeal epithelial cells [8].
Reversible binding of chlorpromazine to brain tubulin.

Chlorpromazine binds reversibly to brain tubulin via two well-resolved processes. One chlorpromazine molecule binds strongly compared with 8-9 molecules that bind weakly. Binding to the higher-affinity site is chiefly entropy-driven, implicating hydrophobic forces. The two binding processes are compared with the biological activities of chlorpromazine in vitro.
A case of autoimmune hemolytic anemia caused by type A influenza infection in a patient with alcoholic liver cirrhosis

Adult autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) caused by influenza virus infection is very rare. I report a case of AIHA induced by type A influenza infection in a patient with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. A 67-year-old man with alcoholic liver cirrhosis was hospitalized with jaundice and ascites. At 7 days after admission, type A influenza infection was diagnosed, and this progressed to hemolytic anemia. Direct and indirect Coombs' tests were positive, and his anemia was diagnosed as warm-type AIHA. Prednisolone administration improved the anemia, but the patient died due to hepatorenal syndrome 14 weeks after admission.
Entanglement of two, three, or four plasmonically coupled quantum dots

We model the quantum dynamics of two, three, or four quantum dots (QDs) in proximity to a plasmonic system such as a metal nanoparticle or an array of metal nanoparticles. For all systems, an initial state with only one QD in its excited state evolves spontaneously into a state with entanglement between all pairs of QDs. The entanglement arises from the couplings of the QDs to the dissipative, plasmonic environment. Moreover, we predict that similarly entangled states can be generated in systems with appropriate geometries, starting in their ground states, by exciting the entire system with a single, ultrafast laser pulse. By using a series of repeated pulses, the system can also be prepared in an entangled state at an arbitrary time.
Institutions and the performance of coupled infrastructure systems

Institutions, the rules of the game that shape repeated human interactions, clearly play a critical role in helping groups avoid the inefficient use of shared resources such as fisheries, freshwater, and the assimilative capacity of the environment. Institutions, however, are intimately intertwined with the human, social, and biophysical context within which they operate. Scholars typically are careful to take this context into account when studying institutions and Ostrom’s Institutional Design Principles are a case in point. Scholars have tested whether Ostrom’s Design Principles, which specify broad relationships between institutional arrangements and context, actually support successful governance of shared resources. This article further contributes to this line of research by leveraging the notion of institutional design to outline a research trajectory focused on coupled infrastructure systems in which institutions are seen as one class of infrastructure among many that dynamically interact to produce outcomes over time.
The Roles of Implicit Understanding of Engineering Ethics in Student Teams’ Discussion

Following previous work that shows engineering students possess different levels of understanding of ethics—implicit and explicit—this study focuses on how students’ implicit understanding of engineering ethics influences their team discussion process, in cases where there is significant divergence between their explicit and implicit understanding. We observed student teams during group discussions of the ethical issues involved in their engineering design projects. Through the micro-scale discourse analysis based on cognitive ethnography, we found two possible ways in which implicit understanding influenced the discussion. In one case, implicit understanding played the role of intuitive ethics—an intuitive judgment followed by reasoning. In the other case, implicit understanding played the role of ethical insight, emotionally guiding the direction of the discussion. In either case, however, implicit understanding did not have a strong influence, and the conclusion of the discussion reflected students’ explicit understanding. Because students’ implicit understanding represented broader social implication of engineering design in both cases, we suggest to take account of students’ relevant implicit understanding in engineering education, to help students become more socially responsible engineers.
Olefin Hydroarylation Catalyzed by (pyridyl-indolate)Pt(II) Complexes: Catalytic Efficiencies and Mechanistic Aspects

A series of Pt(II) complexes of the type (N–N)PtPh(SR2) (N–N = 2,2′-pyridyl-indolate) were prepared, and their performance as catalysts for the hydroarylation of olefins was assessed. Evidence that the catalysis is homogeneous and is Pt-mediated is provided by control experiments with added hindered base (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylpyridine) and Hg(0). Two potential catalytic intermediates, (tBuPyInd)PtPh(C2H4) and (tBuPyInd)Pt(CH2CH2Ph)(C2H4), were synthesized, and their catalytic efficacy was explored. Additionally, decomposition and deactivation pathways, including styrene formation via β-hydride elimination and ligand reductive demetalation, were identified.
Bone marrow-derived stromal cells prevent apoptotic cell death in B- lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Establishing requirements for the survival of human immature B cells in vitro has proved elusive. In this article, we report prolonged survival of B-lineage leukemic cells on 'feeder layers' of bone marrow (BM)-derived stromal cells in a serum-free environment. In 15 of 18 cases of B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), there was a greater than 50% decrease in the number of viable cells after 72 hours of culture in medium alone. Cell loss was preceded by molecular and cellular changes characteristic of programmed cell death, or apoptosis, and was not suppressed by adding interleukin-7 to the tissue culture medium. By contrast, the use of allogeneic BM stromal cells as feeder layers prevented apoptosis in 10 of 12 cases of ALL, leading to extended survival of the blast cells. This method was not successful when the allogeneic marrow cells were replaced with established cell lines. In six of eight cases in which the numbers of intact CD19+ lymphoblasts were counted by flow cytometry after 7 days of culture, the proportion of such cells recovered in the presence of BM stromal cells was 68.8% to 124.7% (median, 95.3%) of that originally seeded, as opposed to the 0.3% to 15.9% fraction (median, 0.7%) obtained in the absence of stromal cells. Survival requirements of the B-lineage lymphoblasts appeared to be heterogeneous, as cells from 3 of the 18 cases studied showed no signs of apoptosis in serum-free tissue culture medium that lacked BM stromal cells. The only cells not giving rise to viable cultures were from two hyperdiploid (greater than 50 chromosomes) cases with identical karyotypes. The serum-free assay described here can be used to compare the survival requirements of normal and leukemic B-cell progenitors as well as to identify the molecules involved in the interaction between BM stroma and immature B cells.