cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Racial Discrimination, Religion, and the African American Drinking Paradox

African Americans are more likely to abstain from drinking than are Whites; yet, they are more likely than Whites to engage in problem drinking. The analysis uses data from the 1999–2000 National Survey of Black Workers (N = 1692), which is a nationally representative sample of currently employed and recently unemployed English-speaking African American adults. This article examines the link between discrimination, religion, and African American drinking behavior. The results from multinomial logit analyses show that those who experience more discrimination are significantly more likely to be social drinkers (vs. nondrinkers). At the same time, when controlling for other factors, those who experience more discrimination are significantly more likely to be problem drinkers. When religiosity is taken into consideration, it acts as a suppressor in the relationship between experience with discrimination and nondrinking, as those who experience more discrimination are significantly less likely to be nondrinkers (vs. social drinkers). The results also suggest that religiosity partially explains the relationship between discrimination and problem drinking. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Application of distributed point source method (DPSM) to wave propagation in anisotropic media

Distributed Point Source Method (DPSM) was developed by Placko and Kundu 1 , as a technique for modeling electromagnetic and elastic wave propagation problems. DPSM has been used for modeling ultrasonic, electrostatic and electromagnetic fields scattered by defects and anomalies in a structure. The modeling of such scattered field helps to extract valuable information about the location and type of defects. Therefore, DPSM can be used as an effective tool for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). Anisotropy adds to the complexity of the problem, both mathematically and computationally. Computation of the Green’s function which is used as the fundamental solution in DPSM is considerably more challenging for anisotropic media, and it cannot be reduced to a closed-form solution as is done for isotropic materials. The purpose of this study is to investigate and implement DPSM for an anisotropic medium. While the mathematical formulation and the numerical algorithm will be considered for general anisotropic media, more emphasis will be placed on transversely isotropic materials in the numerical example presented in this paper. The unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites which are widely used in today’s industry are good examples of transversely isotropic materials. Development of an effective and accurate NDT method based on these modeling results can be of paramount importance for in-service monitoring of damage in composite structures.
Investigation of Gesture Based UAV Control

The purpose of this study is to investigate the functionality and effectiveness of hand gestures to control flight operations and onboard equipment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This study utilizes the Leap Motion Controller (LMC) to sense hand motions. The LMC is a gesture based, human-computer interface (HCI) device. For this application, a primitive gesture library was developed by considering fundamental UAV operations. The LMC application programming interface was then used to implement an interpreter to identify the motions and translate them into UAV performance and control commands. Careful attention was paid to identifying and developing natural, intuitive, and common hand gestures that can be sensed in the LMC field of view. It is anticipated that this work will provide the framework from which to develop a gesture based library for actual UAV control and other LMC applications.
Case of a Girl with Special Needs Seeking Menstrual Management

Disabilities are common in children and adolescents with >5% of children and adolescents affected by a physical or intellectual disability. The onset and progression through puberty may be challenging for girls with mental and physical disabilities and their families and caregivers. Gynecologic care may be underutilized in adolescents with disabilities, but pediatricians and pediatric and adolescent gynecologists should use a nonjudgmental approach, incorporating anticipatory guidance regarding pubertal changes and options for menstrual regulation, confidential care with the adolescent, and attention to parental concerns. Menstrual regulation can be useful to reduce symptoms of dysmenorrhea, reduce irregular menstrual bleeding, and decrease the frequency or amount of menstrual breeding. Options for menstrual regulation include combined hormonal contraceptives (available in pill, patch, and vaginal rings), progesterone-only contraceptives (including pills, injectables, implants, and IUDs), NSAIDs, and, as a last resort, surgical intervention. The ability to give consent for consensual sexual activity should be assessed in patients with disabilities. Adolescents with disabilities are at higher risk for sexual abuse and should receive sexual abuse prevention education at an appropriate level for their intellectual abilities.
CRT-100.49 Utility Of Excimer Laser Coronary Angioplasty In Under-expanded Stents

Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) orf13 (ac13) is a conserved gene in all sequenced alphabaculoviruses. However, its function in the viral life cycle remains unknown. In this study we found that ac13 was a late gene and that the encoded protein, bearing a putative nuclear localization signal motif in the DUF3627 domain, colocalized with the nuclear membrane. Deletion of ac13 did not affect viral DNA replication, gene transcription, nucleocapsid assembly or occlusion body (OB) formation, but reduced virion budding from infected cells by approximately 400-fold compared with the wild-type virus. Deletion of ac13 substantially impaired the egress of nucleocapsids from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, while the number of occlusion-derived viruses embedded within OBs was unaffected. Taken together, our results indicated that ac13 was required for efficient nuclear egress of nucleocapsids during virion budding, but was dispensable for OB formation.
Density profiles of ultracompact minihalos: Implications for constraining the primordial power spectrum

Enhanced density fluctuations on small scales would lead to the formation of numerous dark matter minihalos, so limits on the minihalo abundance can place upper bounds on the small-scale primordial power spectrum. In particular, the ultracompact minihalo (UCMH), a dark matter structure hypothesized to possess a $\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\propto}{r}^{\ensuremath{-}9/4}$ density profile due to its formation at $z\ensuremath{\ge}1000$, has been used to establish an upper bound on the primordial power spectrum at scales smaller than 2 Mpc. The extreme slope of this density profile amplifies the observational signals of UCMHs. However, we recently showed via N-body simulations that the $\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\propto}{r}^{\ensuremath{-}9/4}$ density profile does not develop in realistic formation scenarios, throwing UCMH-derived power spectrum constraints into question. Instead, minihalos develop shallower inner profiles with power-law indices between $\ensuremath{-}3/2$ and $\ensuremath{-}1$. In this paper, we expand on that result and discuss its implications. Using a model that is calibrated to simulation results and predicts halo structures in spiked power spectra based on their formation times, we calculate new upper bounds on the primordial power spectrum based on limits on the dark matter annihilation rate within the Galaxy. We find that despite assuming shallower profiles, this minihalo model actually yields stronger constraints than the previous UCMH picture owing to its inclusion of all minihalos instead of only the earliest-forming ones.
Comparative Energetics and Mechanics of Locomotion

There is no doubt that the primates are a highly diverse and specialized order of animals: they range in adult size from the mouse-size Microcebus (approximately 60 g) to the pony-size Gorilla (approximately 200 kg); some walk, trot, and gallop quadrupedally, others walk and run bipedally, some brachiate, some hop, some even use their tails during locomotion. Yet, taken as a whole, animals of all classes represent a much larger size range, and have the same and more specializations for locomotion. In this chapter I will review some aspects of the energetics and mechanics of terrestrial (and arboreal) locomotion, and then compare in more detail both the primates as a group and a few of the more specialized primate species. Then it will be possible to compare the many different sizes, shapes, and modes of locomotion of the primates to those of the terrestrial vertebrates in general.
Predicting state transitions in brain dynamics through spectral difference of phase-space graphs

Networks are naturally occurring phenomena that are studied across many disciplines. The topological features of a network can provide insight into the dynamics of a system as it evolves, and can be used to predict changes in state. The brain is a complex network whose temporal and spatial behavior can be measured using electroencephalography (EEG). This data can be reconstructed to form a family of graphs that represent the state of the brain over time, and the evolution of these graphs can be used to predict changes in brain states, such as the transition from preictal to ictal in patients with epilepsy. This research proposes objective indications of seizure onset observed from minimally invasive scalp EEG. The approach considers the brain as a complex nonlinear dynamical system whose state can be derived through time-delay embedding of the EEG data and characterized to determine change in brain dynamics related to the preictal state. This method targets phase-space graph spectra as biomarkers for seizure prediction, correlates historical degrees of change in spectra, and makes accurate prediction of seizure onset. A significant trend of normalized dissimilarity over time indicates a departure from the norm, and thus a change in state. Our methods show high sensitivity (90-100%) and specificity (90%) on 241 h of scalp EEG training data, and sensitivity and specificity of 70%-90% on test data. Moreover, the algorithm was capable of processing 12.7 min of data per second on an Intel Core i3 CPU in Matlab, showing that real-time analysis is viable.
Domain Decomposition Approaches for PDE Based Mesh Generation

Adaptive, partial differential equation (PDE) based, mesh generators are introduced. The mesh PDE is typically coupled to the physical PDE of interest and one has to be careful not to introduce undue computational burden. Here we provide an overview of domain decomposition approaches to reduce this computational overhead and provide a parallel solver for the coupled PDEs. A preview of a new analysis for optimized Schwarz methods for the mesh generation problem using the theory of M-functions is given. We conclude by introducing a two-grid method with FAS correction for the grid generation problem.
ZrB2-MoSi2 ceramics: A comprehensive overview of microstructure and properties relationships. Part I: Processing and microstructure

Abstract This study systematically correlates processing with quantitative microstructural information over an extended compositional range for ZrB2-MoSi2 ceramics, with MoSi2 contents ranging from 5 to 70 vol% and diboride starting particle sizes ranging from 3 to 12 μm. Fifteen different ceramics were hot pressed between 1750 and 1925 °C. Plastic deformation of MoSi2 contributed to initial densification, but some of the MoSi2 decomposed during the later stages of hot pressing. Finer diboride particles required lower temperatures to densify (1750 to 1850 °C) compared to coarser diboride particles (1900 °C). Increasing MoSi2 content led to a decrease in sintering temperature. As MoSi2 content increased, ZrB2 grain size decreased and MoSi2 cluster size increased. Starting powders with lower impurity contents and isothermal vacuum holds contributed to lower oxide impurity contents in the final ceramics. A diboride core-shell microstructure involving (Zr1-x,Mox)B2 solid solutions formed in all compositions with Mo contents in the solid solution shells ranging from 3 to 6 at%. This work identified specific relationships between starting composition, processing conditions and final microstructure, showing how microstructure and properties could be tailored by processing. The outcomes of this extensive study will serve as guidelines for the design of other structural ceramics that have to attain determinate thermo-mechanical properties for targeted applications.
Lidar-based modelling approaches for estimating solar insolation in heavily forested streams

Abstract. Methods to quantify solar insolation in riparian landscapes are needed due to the importance of stream temperature to aquatic biota. We have tested two approaches developed for other applications of estimating solar insolation from airborne lidar using field data collected in a heavily forested narrow stream in western Oregon, USA. We show that a raster methodology based on the light penetration index (LPI) and a synthetic hemispherical photograph approach both accurately predict solar insolation, explaining more than 73 % or the variability observed in pyranometers placed in the stream channel. We apply the LPI based model to predict solar insolation for an entire riparian system, and demonstrate that no field-based calibration is necessary to produce unbiased prediction of solar insolation using airborne lidar alone.
Residual Efficacy of a Deltamethrin Emulsifiable Concentrate Formulation against Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) and Sitotroga cerealella (Oliver) after Partial Treatment of Brown Rice.

Rhyzopertha dominica (Fab.), the lesser grain borer, and Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier), the Angoumois grain moth, are internally feeding stored product insects that can infest raw grains. In this test, brown rice was treated with 0.5 and 1.0 ppm of a new emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulation of the pyrethroid deltamethrin and stored for 12 months. One day after treatment, and every 3 months for 12 months, treated rice was mixed with untreated brown rice in the following ratios: 0:100 (untreated controls), 10:90, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0 (all treated). Bioassays were conducted by exposing 10 parental adults of each species on the rice mixtures and assessing progeny production, feeding damage, and weight loss. The progeny of S. cerealella ranged from 105.6 F1 adults on untreated brown rice to 69.4 F1 adults on 100% treated rice, but there was little feeding damage or weight loss. The progeny production of R. dominica declined from 177.4 F1 adults on untreated rice to 9.8 F1 adults on 100% treated rice. Weight loss and feeding damage were correlated with progeny production. The results show that the new deltamethrin formulation could be used for protection of brown rice, but S. cerealella may be less susceptible to deltamethrin compared to R. dominica.
5PSQ-093 Characterisation of pre-filled syringe use in an acute care setting: costs and advantages

Background Patient safety in an acute care setting is a high priority, yet medication errors still occur at an alarming rate. Prefilled syringe (PFS) have been shown to reduce adverse medication errors, but they remain poorly adopted for acute care settings – the higher initial cost of PFS possibly being a limiting factor. Exploring the connection between initial cost and cost effectiveness may help highlight overall cost savings in the acute care setting and help bridge the gap to increased patient safety. Purpose This research aims to review and summarise, for the first time, the literature for PFS drug administration affecting an acute care setting compared to conventional vial/syringe in three key areas: patient safety, supply costs, and time and motion. Material and methods This work reviewed the current literature to identify cost impact differences between PFS and vials/ampules for cost of supplies, preparation/dosing time, cost per adverse medical event and drug waste across acute care drugs. These findings were summarised to create a resource for acute care settings and help identify areas of greatest impact. Results The greatest impact on reducing costs lay in a reported aggregate 22.4% reduction in medication errors when using PFS compared to vials. A reduction was also noted in preparation time between the two methods, resulting in a ∼49% reduction in labour costs for PFS. While PFS require fewer administration supplies, the PFS administration cost was reported to be higher than the vial/syringe due to the higher initial device cost. In contrast, one study following operating room drug waste suggested cost parity or potential long-term savings in supply costs when drug wastage is factored in, especially for high-cost drugs. Conclusion PFS have an initial higher cost compared to vial and syringe, but these costs are easily offset in the acute care setting by reducing patient adverse event rates, nursing time and potentially reducing drug waste. With an overall institutional savings for PFS compared to vial and syringe, and increased patient safety, PFS should be an attractive product for acute care settings. References and/or acknowledgements 1. Madziala, M.et al. Pre-filled syringe as an option for drug delivery in emergency medicine. Dis Emerg Med J 2017;2:98–9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22850220 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24991335 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24938618 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27481691 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22918026 Conflict of interest Corporate-sponsored research or other substantive relationships: Becton Dickinson.
Analyzing the impact of neoadjuvant radiation dose on pathologic response and survival outcomes in esophageal and gastroesophageal cancers.

Background: The optimal neoadjuvant radiation therapy (RT) dose prior to esophagectomy is unknown. We compared patients receiving lower-dose RT (LD-RT) of 41.4–45 Gy versus those receiving higher-dose RT (HD-RT) of 50–54 Gy. Methods: Patients with non-metastatic esophageal or gastroesophageal cancer diagnosed from 2004 to 2015 who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) followed by esophagectomy were identified using the National Cancer Database (NCDB) and divided into LD-RT and HD-RT groups. Logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of HD-RT utilization and propensity score matching. Overall survival (OS) was compared between HD-RT and LD-RT groups using Cox regression. Logistic regression was performed with respect to pathologic complete response (pCR), positive surgical margins, postoperative mortality, and readmission rates. Results: We identified 7,996 patients meeting inclusion criteria, of which 5,732 (71.7%) received HD-RT. At median follow-up of 3.3 years, 3-year OS was 48.7% for HD-RT versus 48.4% for LD-RT (P=0.734). pCR rates were 20.3% with HD-RT versus 16.3% with LD-RT [odds ratio (OR) 1.24; 95% CI: 1.06–1.44; P=0.006]. There were no statistically significant differences between HD-RT and LD-RT with respect to positive margins, 90-day postoperative mortality, or readmission rates. In a separate analysis of patients treated with CRT alone and no subsequent esophagectomy, HD-RT was associated with improved OS (HR 0.83; 95% CI: 0.78–0.88; P Conclusions: Our analysis suggests that 41.4–45 and 50–54 Gy dose regimens are similar in survival and postoperative outcomes. However, in cases of equivocal resectability, a higher RT dose of 50–54 Gy may be preferred.
Augmentation of the antibody response by hapten help. II. Determination by many genes outside the MHC.

SUMMARY The purpose of the present work was to characterize the immune response (Ir) genes that influence augmentation of the antibody response by help with the hapten azobenzene-arsonate (ABA). Hapten help was measured as the augmentation in the plaque-forming cell (PFC) response to bovine gamma gloulin (BGG) after priming mice with ABA conjugated to ovalbumin (OVA) and challenging subsequently with ABA-BGG. The first approach involved inbred mouse strains that were matched for H-2 but differed in their non-H-2 genetic backgrounds. B10.D2 mice were low responders even though they shared the H-2d haplotype with BALB/c and DBA/2 mice, which were high responders. C57BL/10 mice were high responders even though they shared the H-2b haplotype with C57BL/6, C3H.SW, and A.BY mice, all of which were strains that were low responders. The second approach was to identify any segregation of H-2 woth the gene(s) encoding susceptibility to hapten help in the backcross generation. (BALB/c x C57BL/6) F1 hybrids were backcrossed to C57BL/6. The results showed no association with the major histocompatibility complex (MHC).
Barriers to Successful Partnerships with Chinese-Speaking Parents of Children with Disabilities in Urban Schools

This ethnographic study examined Chinese-speaking parents of children with disabilities: awareness of their legal rights, their perceived barriers to being joint decision makers, and the type of supports and services they would like to receive from schools. Results suggested that Chinese-speaking parents were knowledgeable about their legal rights. High parental participation at individualized education program meetings and parent-steacher conferences were reported with low participation in other school meetings, such as school site council meetings. Participants indicated numerous barriers preventing them from being more active school participants and joint decision makers. The author discusses implications of the findings and suggestions for practice.
Health literacy and quality of life in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy.

Abstract This exploratory study examined the impact of health literacy on quality of life (QoL) in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy (TRE). Health literacy is a discrete form of literacy in which an individual can readily interpret prose and apply that skill to understand medical, pharmaceutical, and self-management information. From the perspectives of cultural health capital (CHC) and social disability theory, we hypothesized that greater levels of health literacy would be associated with a higher QoL score. The sample (n = 79) included adult patients with TRE enrolled in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Cannabidiol Program. The data were analyzed by using nested linear regression. Respondents aged 19–63 years (mean, standard deviation [SD] = 32.9 [13.65]) and were 92% white; 44% of patients were in Special Education until age 21 years, and 29% reported a total annual family income of less than $25,000. Significant bivariate relationships were found between health literacy and QoL (p = .004), age (p = .0001), and income (p = .036). There was a significant difference in health literacy scores for patients who completed high school or less (mean [SD] = 0.68 [0.86]) and those with any postsecondary education (mean [SD] = 1.59 [1.0]). The regression results showed health literacy to be positively associated with QoL where a 1% increase in health literacy was associated with a 6.61-point increase in QoL (p = .004), and this pattern persisted through each addition of other independent factors and control variables. This is one of the first studies investigating the role of health literacy in QoL among patients with TRE. The results suggest that health literacy is important and may function as a tool through which healthcare participation is expanded. Further research is needed with larger, more diverse, and longitudinal samples to accurately model the development of health literacy and its impact on QoL in this population.
Elevated levels of serum, but not salivary, brain-derived neurotrophic factor following mild traumatic brain injury in collegiate athletes post return-to-play:

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) helps restore neuronal function following mild traumatic brain injury. BDNF levels can be obtained in blood serum and more recently in saliva. However, the ...
FFF-VMAT for SBRT of lung lesions: Improves dose coverage at tumor-lung interface compared to flattened beams.

Purpose To quantify the differences in dosimetry as a function of ipsilateral lung density and treatment delivery parameters for stereotactic, single dose of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) delivered with 6X flattening filter free (6X-FFF) beams compared to traditional flattened 6X (6X-FF) beams. Materials/methods Thirteen consecutive early stage I-II non-small-cell-lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were treated with highly conformal noncoplanar VMAT SBRT plans (3-6 partial arcs) using 6X-FFF beam and advanced Acuros-based dose calculations to a prescription dose of 30 Gy in one fraction to the tumor margin. These clinical cases included relatively smaller tumor (island tumors) sizes (2.0-4.2 cm diameters) and varying average ipsilateral lung densities between 0.14 g/cc and 0.34 g/cc. Treatment plans were reoptimized with 6X-FF beams for identical beam/arc geometries and planning objectives. For same target coverage, the organs-at-risk (OAR) dose metrics as a function of ipsilateral lung density were compared between 6X-FFF and 6X-FF plans. Moreover, monitor units (MU), beam modulation factor (MF) and beam-on time (BOT) were evaluated. Results Both plans met the RTOG-0915 protocol compliance. The ipsilateral lung density and the tumor location heavily influenced the treatment plans with 6X-FFF and 6X-FF beams, showing differences up to 12% for the gradient indices. For similar target coverage, 6X-FFF beams showed better target conformity, lower intermediate dose-spillage, and lower dose to the OAR. Additionally, BOT was reduced by a factor of 2.3 with 6X-FFF beams compared to 6X-FF beams. Conclusion While prescribing dose to the tumor periphery, 6X-FFF VMAT plans for stereotactic single-dose lung SBRT provided similar target coverage with better dose conformity, superior intermediate dose-spillage (improved dose coverage at tumor interface), and improved OAR sparing compared to traditional 6X-FF beams and significantly reduced treatment time. The ipsilateral lung density and tumor location considerably affected dose distributions requiring special attention for clinical SBRT plan optimization on a per-patient basis. Clinical follow up of these patients for tumor local-control rate and treatment-related toxicities is in progress.
Would fetal sex affect the odds for premature delivery

Background: Male sex was associated with increased neonatal mortality and morbidities such as birth asphyxia and intraventricular hemorrhage. Relationship of male sex to extreme prematurity was not well described. Objectives: To examine the …
Voltage-Controlled Long-Range Transport of Indirect Excitons in MoSe 2 /WSe 2 Van der Waals Heterostructure

We observe transport of indirect excitons over a distance greater than 10 μm in a MoSe 2 /WSe 2 heterostructure. The transport is switched on or off by gate voltage and is observed up to 40 K.
Tumor DNA Mutations From Intraparenchymal Brain Metastases Are Detectable in CSF.

PURPOSEDiscordant responses between brain metastases and extracranial tumors can arise from branched tumor evolution, underscoring the importance of profiling mutations to optimize therapy. However...
Big Data Application in Supply Chain Management: Scopus Based Literature Review

For modern industry, supply chain optimization is becoming very critical. To win the competitive edge, companies should be able to optimize its supply chain. Customers are expecting quick order fulfillment and fast delivery in addition to options, styles and features of products. It is expected that companies who meets these expectations will be recording success stories. Big data plays a key role in several areas of supply chain management such as demand predictions, product development, supplying decisions, distribution, and customer feedback. The increasing amount of data exchange by supply chains in manufacturing and service sectors justify the use of big data in supply chain management. This paper outlines research activities review in the field of big data in supply chain management. In addition, it investigates applications of big data in supply chain management, its opportunities, challenges and future trends.
Information and Policy Innovation in U.S. States

Information is a critically important, yet hard to measure, component on policy innovation across state governments. Widespread use of broadband has made it easier for governments to observe other ...
Classification of Driver Head Motions Using a mm-Wave FMCW Radar and Deep Convolutional Neural Network

Eight different driver head movements are measured using a millimeter-wave FMCW radar mounted in the dashboard of a car. The micro-Doppler signatures are converted into a spectrogram image format for analysis and classification purposes. The eight different head motions exhibit unique time-frequency profiles, which can be classified by deep learning algorithms. In this study, a convolutional neural network is used to classify the eight head motions with an optimized window size. Various dataset permutations are considered, such as the effect of window width on classification accuracy and the classification accuracy of head motions in a still car compared to a moving car.
General Approach to Synthesize Multi-Port Power Converters for Hybrid Energy Systems

Increasing integration of various energy sources to the power grid, demand for higher power density, and higher cyber security resulted in a growing attention to multi-port power converters. Although several multi-port converter (MPC) topologies exist in the literature, there is an absence of a systematic method to design, develop, and control MPCs. This paper proposes a systematic method that can be used to design MPCs for different applications. This method includes the approach to develop topologies for MPCs and a general approach to design proper control systems for them. The proposed method is applied to four sample cases from the existing MPCs in the literature to demonstrate its effectiveness. Moreover, the control method is applied to one of the sample cases and the simulation and experimental results are presented.
Nonlinear Time And The Human Brain

hergent featwes of physical objects imply emergent fcaures of space and time. Timc evolved; highly evolved objeczs require a range of temporalitier,Ji.om primitive reversible ones to advanced irreversible OM, to exist in and to be described. Quantum events are essentially timeless, as am the mrrelations among them. Human beings and other advanced animals should be abk to use their nervous qstems as quantum amph~ers to detect quantum correlations between present events and future events, and thus may have a weak but signiJcant capacity for precognition. If we take space and time to be inseparable bm and correlated with the physical objects and events that constitute the universe., as the theory of general relativity maintains, tha we must expect that space and time evolved with the rest of the universe, from the Big Bang onwards. We should not assume that sophisticated features of time or space preexisted the sophisticated physical and informational structures of complex chemistry, life, and mind that demanded them. Space and time are whatever environment a system of a given complexity requires to deploy and display its features; there is no need for space and time to be anything else. Since. many of a system’s featum will be emergent, that is, novel and specific to its particular form of organization, time and space must possess emergent features also, and perhaps the continuing capacity to produce new emergent features. Among topologists, nonlinear mathematicians, superstring theorists, and others, there is already speculation that the most primitive features of space itself emerged as solutions to logical problems and paradoxes inherent in mathematics. Such problems include the need for an imaginary number line to deal with square roots of negative numbers; the infinite series of “chinese boxes” required by Gael’s incompleteness theorem, each of which confirms the truth of certain self-referential problems unsolvable on the previous level; and the constructed dimensions of fractal geometry, whereby
What Explains Growth and Inflation Dispersions in EMU

This paper’s analysis of growth and inflation dispersions in the euro area reveals several findings. First, these dispersions have declined appreciably since EMU. Second, the remaining dispersions are small but persistent, relating mainly to country-specific shocks, not differences in the transmission of common shocks. Third, the role of income convergence in explaining the dispersions has increased over time, while the role of price level convergence has declined. However, the increased role of income convergence should be viewed with caution, as it may reflect temporary rather than fundamental convergence factors, which may lead to growing macroeconomic imbalances.
Disorders of neutrophil function: An overview

Primary disorders of neutrophil function result from impairment in neutrophil responses that are critical for host defense. This chapter summarizes inherited disorders of neutrophils that cause defects in neutrophil adhesion, migration, and oxidative killing. These include the leukocyte adhesion deficiencies, actin defects, and other disorders of chemotaxis, hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome, Chediak-Higashi syndrome, neutrophil-specific granule deficiency, chronic granulomatous disease, and myeloperoxidase deficiency. Diagnostic tests and treatment approaches are also summarized for each neutrophil disorder.
Orientation of the Cell Membrane in Ghosts and Electron Transport Particles of Mycobacterium phlei

Abstract The chemical and enzymatic composition and the respiratory components of an intact membrane preparation, ghosts from Mycobacterium phlei, were compared to those of the electron transport particles. The ghosts were found to contain 5 to 7% of some of the soluble enzymes associated with the cytoplasm. In contrast, 97% of the total content of cytochromes b, c1 + c, and a + a3 was found in the ghost preparation. The content of cytochromes, menaquinone, latent ATPase, and phospholipid was similar in both ghost and electron transport particle preparations. The oxidative activities of the ghosts were similar to or slightly lower than those of the electron transport particles with all substrates tested. Coupled phosphorylation, however, was cryptic with the ghost preparations. Phosphorylation was demonstrable following brief sonication or preincubation of the ghosts with substrates and other components of the phosphate acceptor system. The synthesis of ATP was found to occur within the ghosts. Evidence is presented which suggests that the cell membrane of the ghost is oriented as in the intact cell, whereas the orientation of the membrane in the electron transport particles appears to be inside out.
Follicular Dendritic Cells (B Lymphocyte Stimulating)

Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) are found in all secondary lymphoid tissues, where they function as a repository of antigens to maintain long-term IgG and IgE responses. Antigens are trapped and retained on FDCs in the form of immune complexes; and while most immune complexes require large quantities to induce an immune response, FDC-trapped antigens are remarkably immunogenic and only a few picogram can induce microgram concentrations of a specific antibody. In addition to providing antigens, FDCs provide a number of additional signals (e.g. BAFF, IL-6) that further contribute to antibody production. In addition to their contributions to immunity in health, FDCs are involved in some pathological situations including HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome), sarcoma/lymphoma, prion-mediated transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (e.g. Creutzfeldt–Jakob) and Castleman disease. A further understanding of FDCs and their functions in both health and disease may aid our ability to better regulate immunity and ameliorate some disease states. Key Concepts FDCs trap antigens as immune complexes that consist of antigen in the presence of either specific antibodies or complement proteins, or both. FDCs trap immune complexes using CD32 and/or CD21. FDC-trapped antigens or iccosomes are highly immunogenic and minute amounts (picogram) can induce significant quantities (microgram) of a specific antibody. FDC-trapped antigens remain on the surface of FDCs and are not internalised. These antigens are not degraded but maintain their native configuration and immunoreactivity for many months. In addition to trapping conventional antigens, FDCs also trap HIV (and potentially other viruses) and maintain the infectious nature for many months. FDC-trapped HIV can transmit infection to adjacent target cells (e.g. CD4+ T lymphocytes). FDCs provide both antigen and other signals that are central to the induction and maintenance of specific antibody responses. FDCs can play roles in both health and disease (e.g. HIV/AIDS, prion diseases and follicular lymphomas). Keywords: follicular dendritic cells; secondary lymphoid tissues; germinal centres; anamnestic antibody responses; complement proteins and receptors; Fc receptors; antigen presentation to B-lymphocytes; HIV reservoir; prions; follicular lymphoma and sarcoma
Badiera subrhombifolia (Polygalaceae), a new species from Hispaniola

Badiera subrhombifolia is newly described from Hispaniola, where it co-occurs with B. fuertesii and B. penaea. Badiera subrhombifolia lacks the long peduncle of the former species and the scabrous leaves of the latter; it is also often distinguishable by subrhomboid, triplinerved leaves. This new species is a near endemic to high montane forests of the “south island” of Hispaniola, i.e., the Massif de la Hotte, Massif de la Selle, and Sierra de Bahoruco.
Who Owns the Past

Who Owns the Past? 2000. 56 minutes, color (and black and white). video by N. Jed Riffe. For more information, contact University of California Extension, Center for Media and Independent Learning, 2000 Center Street, Fourth Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704; cmil@uclink.berkeley.edu.
Stability of fullerene-based systems

Abstract Chemical modification of fullerenes such as the C60 molecule is a promising way to generate novel materials with tailored properties. Exohedral insertion of atoms in the interstitial sites of the C60 solid has created a new class of superconductors. Encapsulation of atoms in the fullerene cage is expected to lead to stable M@C60 endohedral complexes with a very interesting optical response. We study the stability of MxC60 solids and M@C60 molecules using a Born-Haber cycle. Our analysis not only provides the formations energies, but also elucidates the stability trends across the periodic table.
Characterization of bacteriophage communities and CRISPR profiles from dental plaque

Dental plaque is home to a diverse and complex community of bacteria, but has generally been believed to be inhabited by relatively few viruses. We sampled the saliva and dental plaque from 4 healthy human subjects to determine whether plaque was populated by viral communities, and whether there were differences in viral communities specific to subject or sample type. We found that the plaque was inhabited by a community of bacteriophage whose membership was mostly subject-specific. There was a significant proportion of viral homologues shared between plaque and salivary viromes within each subject, suggesting that some oral viruses were present in both sites. We also characterized Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPRs) in oral streptococci, as their profiles provide clues to the viruses that oral bacteria may be able to counteract. While there were some CRISPR spacers specific to each sample type, many more were shared across sites and were highly subject specific. Many CRISPR spacers matched viruses present in plaque, suggesting that the evolution of CRISPR loci may have been specific to plaque-derived viruses. Our findings of subject specificity to both plaque-derived viruses and CRISPR profiles suggest that human viral ecology may be highly personalized.
Episodic future thinking and episodic counterfactual thinking: Intersections between memory and decisions

This article considers two recent lines of research concerned with the construction of imagined or simulated events that can provide insight into the relationship between memory and decision making. One line of research concerns episodic future thinking, which involves simulating episodes that might occur in one’s personal future, and the other concerns episodic counterfactual thinking, which involves simulating episodes that could have happened in one’s personal past. We first review neuroimaging studies that have examined the neural underpinnings of episodic future thinking and episodic counterfactual thinking. We argue that these studies have revealed that the two forms of episodic simulation engage a common core network including medial parietal, prefrontal, and temporal regions that also supports episodic memory. We also note that neuroimaging studies have documented neural differences between episodic future thinking and episodic counterfactual thinking, including differences in hippocampal responses. We next consider behavioral studies that have delineated both similarities and differences between the two kinds of episodic simulation. The evidence indicates that episodic future and counterfactual thinking are characterized by similarly reduced levels of specific detail compared with episodic memory, but that the effects of repeatedly imagining a possible experience have sharply contrasting effects on the perceived plausibility of those events during episodic future thinking versus episodic counterfactual thinking. Finally, we conclude by discussing the functional consequences of future and counterfactual simulations for decisions.
Magnetic resonance elastography: Non-invasive mapping of tissue elasticity

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a phase-contrast-based MRI imaging technique that can directly visualize and quantitatively measure propagating acoustic strain waves in tissue-like materials subjected to harmonic mechanical excitation. The data acquired allows the calculation of local quantitative values of shear modulus and the generation of images that depict tissue elasticity or stiffness. This is significant because palpation, a physical examination that assesses the stiffness of tissue, can be an effective method of detecting tumors, but is restricted to parts of the body that are accessible to the physician's hand. MRE shows promise as a potential technique for 'palpation by imaging', with possible applications in tumor detection (particularly in breast, liver, kidney and prostate), characterization of disease, and assessment of rehabilitation (particularly in muscle). We describe MRE in the context of other recent techniques for imaging elasticity, discuss the processing algorithms for elasticity reconstruction and the issues and assumptions they involve, and present recent ex vivo and in vivo results.
Virtual crack closure technique: History, approach, and applications

Abstract : An overview of the virtual crack closure technique is presented. The approach used is discussed, the history summarized, and insight into its applications provided. Equations for two-dimensional quadrilateral elements with linear and quadratic shape functions are given. Formula for applying the technique in conjuction with three-dimensional solid elements as well as plate/shell elements are also provided. Necessary modifications for the use of the method with geometrically nonlinear finite element analysis and corrections required for elements at the crack tip with different lengths and widths are discussed. The problems associated with cracks or delaminations propagating between different materials are mentioned briefly, as well as a strategy to minimize these problems. Due to an increased interest in using a fracture mechanics based approach to assess the damage tolerance of composite structures in the design phase and during certification, the engineering problems selected as examples and given as references focus on the application of the technique to components made of composite materials.
Nicardipine versus Sodium Nitroprusside for Postcardiac Surgery Hypertension: An Evaluation of Effectiveness and Postoperative Costs:

BackgroundPostoperative hypertension after cardiac surgery is associated with substantial morbidity. Both sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and nicardipine (NIC) are effective in its management. Outcomes ...
Further Evaluation of the Forms and Functions of Aggression Measure within a Child Inpatient Population

The current study evaluated the factor structure of the forms and functions of aggression measure developed by Little, Jones, Henrich, and Hawley (2003) in a clinical inpatient sample using child and caregiver reports. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted with a sample of 189 children ranging in age from 6–12 years residing in a child psychiatric inpatient facility. The factor structure was replicated in this sample for both child and caregiver reports of aggression. Child and caregiver reports of proactive, but not reactive, aggression were associated with conduct problems. The implications of our findings are discussed for both research and practice.
Nutrient Utilization and Diet Preference of American White Pelicans Consuming Either a Mono- or Multi-Species Diet

Abstract. American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) are reported to consume large quantities of commercial catfish in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, negatively impacting aquaculture production. If pelicans consume a single item diet, such as catfish, nutritional deficiencies may result. Therefore, effects of mono-and multi-species diets were examined to determine nutritional impacts on pelicans in addition to determining if preferences for certain fish species exist. Twelve American White Pelicans captured in northwest Mississippi were used for a seven day metabolism trial followed by a two day preference trial. In the metabolism trial, pelicans were assigned to one of three treatment diets (four birds/diet): catfish only, carp only, or both (50% catfish and 50% carp). Pelicans consuming only catfish metabolized less dry matter, organic matter and energy than those consuming only carp or both. Four pelicans were used to determine preference for carp or catfish. Pelicans ate more (...
The Philosopher’s Touch: Sartre, Nietzsche, and Barthes at the Piano

Great philosophers are rarely extrovert, but even at their most exuberant, a certain air of secrecy still surrounds them. No matter how clear their writing, there is something of a “closed book” ab...
Mice with the R176Q cardiac ryanodine receptor mutation exhibit catecholamine-induced ventricular tachycardia and cardiomyopathy

Mutations in the cardiac ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) have been associated with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and a form of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia. To study the relationship between RyR2 function and these phenotypes, we developed knockin mice with the human disease-associated RyR2 mutation R176Q. Histologic analysis of hearts from RyR2R176Q/+ mice revealed no evidence of fibrofatty infiltration or structural abnormalities characteristic of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, but right ventricular end-diastolic volume was decreased in RyR2R176Q/+ mice compared with controls, indicating subtle functional impairment due to the presence of a single mutant allele. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) was observed after caffeine and epinephrine injection in RyR2R176Q/+, but not in WT, mice. Intracardiac electrophysiology studies with programmed stimulation also elicited VT in RyR2R176Q/+ mice. Isoproterenol administration during programmed stimulation increased both the number and duration of VT episodes in RyR2R176Q/+ mice, but not in controls. Isolated cardiomyocytes from RyR2R176Q/+ mice exhibited a higher incidence of spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations in the absence and presence of isoproterenol compared with controls. Our results suggest that the R176Q mutation in RyR2 predisposes the heart to catecholamine-induced oscillatory calcium-release events that trigger a calcium-dependent ventricular arrhythmia.