cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A methodology to measure and monitor level of operational effectiveness of a CSOC

In a cybersecurity operations center (CSOC), under normal operating conditions in a day, sufficient numbers of analysts are available to analyze the amount of alert workload generated by intrusion detection systems (IDSs). For the purpose of this paper, this means that the cybersecurity analysts can fully investigate each and every alert that is generated by the IDSs in a reasonable amount of time. However, there are a number of disruptive factors that can adversely impact the normal operating conditions such as (1) higher alert generation rates from a few IDSs, (2) new alert patterns that decreases the throughput of the alert analysis process, and (3) analyst absenteeism. The impact of all the above factors is that the alerts wait for a long duration before being analyzed, which impacts the readiness of the CSOC. It is imperative that the readiness of the CSOC be quantified, which in this paper is defined as the level of operational effectiveness (LOE) of a CSOC. LOE can be quantified and monitored by knowing the exact deviation of the CSOC conditions from normal and how long it takes for the condition to return to normal. In this paper, we quantify LOE by defining a new metric called total time for alert investigation (TTA), which is the sum of the waiting time in the queue and the analyst investigation time of an alert after its arrival in the CSOC database. A dynamic TTA monitoring framework is developed in which a nominal average TTA per hour (avgTTA/hr) is established as the baseline for normal operating condition using individual TTA of alerts that were investigated in that hour. At the baseline value of avgTTA/hr, LOE is considered to be ideal. Also, an upper-bound (threshold) value for avgTTA/hr is established, below which the LOE is considered to be optimal. Several case studies illustrate the impact of the above disruptive factors on the dynamic behavior of avgTTA/hr, which provide useful insights about the current LOE of the system. Also, the effect of actions taken to return the CSOC to its normal operating condition is studied by varying both the amount and the time of action, which in turn impacts the dynamic behavior of avgTTA/hr. Results indicate that by using the insights learnt from measuring, monitoring, and controlling the dynamic behavior of avgTTA/hr, a manager can quantify and color-code the LOE of the CSOC. Furthermore, the above insights allow for a deeper understanding of acceptable downtime for the IDS, acceptable levels for absenteeism, and the recovery time and effort needed to return the CSOC to its ideal LOE.
Computed Tomographic Perfusion Selection and Clinical Outcomes After Endovascular Therapy in Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke.

Background and Purpose—Different imaging paradigms have been used to select patients for endovascular therapy in stroke. We sought to determine whether computed tomographic perfusion (CTP) selectio...
Geometric Effects on Liquid Oxygen/Kerosene Bi-Swirl Injector Flow Dynamics at Supercritical Conditions

A systematic study is carried out to investigate the flow dynamics and mixing of liquid oxygen/kerosene bi-swirl injectors at supercritical conditions. The theoretical framework is based on the ful...
Nonlinear Model of Body Fluid Volume and Osmolality Control System

Abstract The purpose of this research is to investigate a relatively complete model of the fluid volume and osmolality control systems in the human body including the basic nonlinearities. The work is an extension of that published by S. A. Corson and H. R. Weed, by M. Nagaska, S. Koshikawa and K. Suzuki, and by N. Z. Shapiro and DeHaven. Major emphasis is on the inclusion of nonlinear factors and on the consideration of movement of fluid between the intravascular, interstitial and intracellular compartments in dynamic equilibrium. We developed a detailed model of the hormonal feedback associated with water reabsorption in the kidneys. The model accounts for the basic control of the release, action and metabolization of antidiuretic hormone. For easier and more complete simulation of both static and dynamic nonlinearities and for better versatility and accuracy, the model is implemented on a digital computer. The computer results are compared with physiological data in response to different water loads and to dehydration to validate the accuracy of the model. Diabetes insipidus is simulated and the results compared with medical data. It is believed that this model offers analytic details and capability with accuracy not previously available. The research is being continued to include additional nonlinearities and control factors and to remove limiting approximations.
Insights into tau function and dysfunction through single-molecule fluorescence

Abstract Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and single-molecule Forster resonance energy transfer are powerful and versatile techniques to quantify and describe molecular interactions. They are particularly well suited to the study of dynamic proteins and assemblies, as they can overcome some of the challenges that stymie more conventional ensemble approaches. In this chapter, we describe the application of these methods to study the interaction of tau with the molecular aggregation inducer, heparin, and the functional binding partner, soluble tubulin. Specifically, we outline the practical aspects of both techniques to characterize the critical first steps of tau aggregation and tau-mediated microtubule polymerization. The information gained from these measurements provides unique insight into tau function and its role in disease.
Automatic quad meshing by simulating NaCl crystallization

Abstract We propose a novel sampling algorithm for quad mesh generation. The nodes are considered as (positive and negative) charged particles that interact and evolve in space. The mesh connectivity, which is built after the particle evolution, naturally corresponds to the ionic bonds. This meshing process is inspired by NaCl crystallization and the result mimics its natural structure. Experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of this new sampling and meshing model for tessellating 2D regions.
It may not be time to clean out the sample closets.

In a 2014 editorial, Katz concluded, relying heavily on evidence from a study of the relationship between free drug samples and prescribing patterns for acne and rosacea, that it is time to get rid...
Converting Abandoned Hayfield to Switchgrass Increases Small Mammal Relative Abundance

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has been identified as a versatile and broadly useful bioenergy feedstock, with potential for use in coal-fired power plants as well as ethanol production. However, in order for switchgrass use to markedly influence energy production, conversion to this grass species must occur at a large scale. Little is known about the potential ecological consequences of widescale conversion of land to switchgrass. This study was conducted to identify potential effects of switchgrass planting on small mammal populations. An abandoned perennial cool season grass hayfield in central Kentucky was subdivided into two fields; one field was planted with switchgrass and the control field was maintained as an unmanaged hayfield. Small mammal relative abundance was quantified using a tracking method through the third year following switchgrass planting. Small mammal relative abundance was greater in the switchgrass field than in the control field. Vegetative community analysis showed the control field was dominated by tall fescue, suggesting that thickness of stand and/or fescue toxicity may have been a factor in reduced small mammal abundance. These data suggest that conversion of abandoned old fields to switchgrass will not have a negative effect on small mammal populations. Further research should target potential mechanisms for this variation in small mammal relative abundance, as well as other species in the community which may be affected by conversion to switchgrass.
NMR as a Probe of Absorbed Water in Graphite-Reinforced Plastic

Graphite-reinforced plastic (GRP) is being used increasingly in aircraft applications. This lightweight material, however, is difficult to inspect for impact damage. Generally, the damaged region occurs on the back side of the GRP, where it is least accessible. It has been noted that the damaged regions absorb more water from a humid atmosphere than the undamaged regions. We propose that nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) detection of the absorbed water may be a feasible method of detecting and locating impact damage in GRP structures.
Bubble CPAP devices for infants and children in resource-limited settings: review of the literature

Background: Early management of respiratory distress is critical to reducing mortality in infants and children in resource-limited settings. Bubble continuous positive airway pressure (bCPAP) can offer effective and affordable non-invasive respiratory support. Objective: To determine the best physical components of bubble CPAP circuits for respiratory support of children in low-resource settings. Methods: Using PubMed, CINAHL and LILACS, studies of any design in any language published before June 2017 which examined the physical components of bCPAP circuits were identified and reviewed. Results: After screening, the review included 45 articles: 17 clinical trials, 11 literature reviews, 10 technical assessments of bCPAP components, three reports of real-world implementation in low-resource settings, three cost analyses and one case report. There is no ideal bCPAP circuit for all settings and patients, but some choices are generally better than others in designing a circuit for low-resource settings. Oxygen concentrators are usually the best source of oxygen. As yet, there is no affordable and accurate oxygen blender. Nasal prongs are the simplest patient interface to use with the fewest complications but are not the cheapest option. Expiratory limbs should be at least 1 cm in diameter. Home-made pressure generators are effective, safe and affordable. Conclusion: This narrative review found many studies which evaluated the real clinical outcomes with bCPAP in the target population as well as technical comparison of bCPAP components. However, many studies were not blinded or randomised and there was significant heterogeneity in design and outcome measures. Abbreviations: bCPAP, bubble continuous positive airway pressure; CPAP, continuous positive airway pressure; FiO2, fractional oxygen concentration; HFNC, high-flow nasal cannula; HIC, high-income countries; LMIC, low- and middle-income countries; NP, nasopharyngeal; O2, oxygen; PEEP, positive end-expiratory pressure; PICO, Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome.
Productive thinking in middle school science students’ design conversations in a design-based engineering challenge

Recent education reforms highlight the importance of engineering design as a tool to improve student science learning in this new view of K-12 science education. However, little research has investigated the thought processes students use while engaging in the highly complex activity of design. Therefore, building on theories of productive thinking, we analyzed 6th grade students’ design conversations through the following research question: How do 6th grade students employ different modes of thinking when solving a design-based challenge in a science unit? Through a qualitative and descriptive case-study approach using Gallagher and Aschner’s (Merrill-Palmer Q Behav Dev 9(3):183–194, 1963) analytical framework for productive thinking, our results indicate students employ a variety of modes of thinking as they engage in design conversations in a science-based design unit. While students planned their initial design, they employed Cognitive Memory, Divergent Thinking, and Evaluative Thinking. This is not surprising since students need to recall scientific facts and hypothesize as they begin to justify their design decisions. As students finalized design decisions and communicated this design to the client, they employed more higher order modes of thinking, since they evaluated and justified their design decisions. These findings provide insights into effective teaching strategies for higher productivity and conceptual performance.
A data-driven approach improves food insecurity crisis prediction

Abstract Globally, over 800 million people are food insecure. Current methods for identifying food insecurity crises are not based on statistical models and fail to systematically incorporate readily available data on prices, weather, and demographics. As a result, policymakers cannot rapidly identify food insecure populations. These problems delay responses to mitigate hunger. We develop a replicable, near real-time model incorporating spatially and temporally granular market data, remotely-sensed rainfall and geographic data, and demographic characteristics. We train the model on 2010–2011 data from Malawi and forecast 2013 food security. Our model correctly identifies the food security status of 83 to 99% of the most food insecure village clusters in 2013, depending on the food security measure, while the prevailing approach correctly identifies between 0 and 10%. Our results show the power of modeling food insecurity to provide early warning and suggest model-driven approaches could dramatically improve food insecurity crisis response.
Emotions and Learning

Recently while sorting through some old files in my office (remember paper files?) I came across a yellowing, smudged newsletter from an elementary school parent-teacher organization with a feature...
Satellite Remote Sensing of Urban Heat Islands: Current Practice and Prospects

Climatologists have long been interested in the differences in observed ambient air temperature between cities and their surrounding rural regions (Landsberg, 1981). Urban climate studies have traditionally focused on the magnitude of such differences, which collectively describe the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. Urban development usually results in a dramatic alteration of the Earth’s surface, as natural vegetation is removed and replaced by non-evaporating, non-transpiring surfaces (e.g., stone, metal, concrete, etc.). Under such alteration, the partitioning of incoming solar radiation into fluxes of sensible and latent heat is skewed in favor of increased sensible heat flux as evapotranspirative surfaces are reduced. Urban areas generally have higher solar radiation absorption, and a greater thermal capacity and conductivity. The urban-rural temperature differences are usually modest, averaging less than one degree centigrade, but occasionally rising to several degrees when urban, topographical, and meteorological conditions are favorable for the UHI to develop (Mather, 1986). The UHI effect is not restricted to large metropolitan areas; in fact, it has been detected in cities with populations of less than 10,000 people (Karl et al. 1988). Two types of UHI can be distinguished pertinent to the methods of temperature measurement: the urban canopy layer (UCL) heat island, and the urban boundary layer (UBL) heat island (Oke, 1979). The former consists of air between the roughness elements, e.g., buildings and tree canopies, with an upper boundary just below roof level. The latter is situated above the former, with a lower boundary subject to the influence of urban surface.
The use of virtual reality in non-burn dermatological care - a review of the literature.

Aim: Virtual Reality (VR) is the artificial depiction of a three-dimensional (3D) environment using computer-generated technology which allows users to interact with a simulated setting. VR has been used in a variety of clinical scenarios due to its efficacy as a distraction intervention, reducing anxiety and pain associated with medical procedures. The aim of this review is to provide clinicians with an overview of VR use in clinical dermatology.Methods: A search on VR use in clinical dermatology was conducted using PubMed Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Google Scholar and ClinicalTrials.Gov in July 2019. Results related to burn care were excluded.Results: This review identifies studies that utilized VR in the management of skin diseases and discusses considerations for its future use.Conclusion: The findings of these studies indicate that VR has beneficial effects as a complementary tool in the treatment of dermatological conditions.
Antagonizing the errors of history: bedside experience with flumazenil

Toxicity from sedatives (e.g. benzodiazepines) affects cognition, behavior, and functional status. Although a direct antidote is available, it is rarely used due to fears of withdrawal and seizures...
Female adolescents with overweight and obesity share their perspectives on the clinical setting and weight management

The clinical setting remains a strategic environment for early assessment, identification and treatment of adolescents with obesity. Yet, healthcare providers' (HCPs) efforts have been unsuccessful in improving physical activity, nutritional intake or body mass index in adolescents with obesity. Obesity is a chronic condition that influences how patients interact with HCPs and experience ambulatory healthcare appointments. However, it is unknown how female adolescents with obesity perceive the clinical setting, especially regarding weight management. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of female adolescents with obesity regarding health and weight management in the clinical setting. Using a qualitative design, 28 English-speaking female adolescents, 13 to 19 years of age, with a body mass index ≥85th percentile for height and weight participated in individual interviews. Results demonstrate that adolescents with obesity desire to be recognized as unique individuals and to be involved in their own health conversations. The participants reported that their health care was inadequate when they received impersonal and vague advice from HCPs on weight loss. Weight-related communication was best received in a kind and empathetic manner, with a focus on improving one's health (instead of losing weight). Adolescents in this study articulated the components of healthy eating and physical exercise, yet were unable to synthesize this knowledge into specific dietary practices and daily physical activities. The insights derived from female adolescents with obesity provide guidance on how HCPs can improve their relationship and engage the adolescent in weight-based discussions. Concrete, actionable recommendations are provided for providers who work with female adolescents who are overweight or obese.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer and changes in the biliary microbiome

Abstract Background The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has increased in recent years. Limited data exists on the impact of NAC on biliary microbiome. Methods Patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for PDAC between 2014 and 2017 were reviewed. Patients were stratified into two groups based on their NAC status for comparison. Results Of 168 patients included, 63 (37.5%) received NAC. Patients who received NAC exhibited significantly increased growth of Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria (p = 0.043). Patients in the non-NAC group were more likely to grow pathogens resistant to ampicillin-sulbactam (47% vs 21%, p = 0.007), cefazolin (49% vs 28%, p = 0.040), cefoxitin (42% vs 11%, p = 0.009) and cefuroxime (26% vs 4%, p = 0.019). NAC status did not impact infectious postoperative outcomes, including SSIs. Conclusion Patients who did not receive NAC were more likely to grow pathogens resistant to cephalosporins. Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis should be tailored to cover Gram-negative organisms and enterococci.
The Impact of Storms on Legionella pneumophila in Cooling Tower Water, Implications for Human Health

At the U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken, SC, cooling tower water is routinely monitored for Legionella pneumophila concentrations using a direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) technique. Historically, 25-30 operating SRS cooling towers have varying concentrations of Legionella in all seasons of the year, with patterns that are unpredictable. Legionellosis, or Legionnaires' disease (LD), is a pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria that thrive both in man-made water distribution systems and natural surface waters including lakes, streams, and wet soil. Legionnaires' disease is typically contracted by inhaling L. pneumophila, most often in aerosolized mists that contain the bacteria. At the SRS, L. pneumophila is typically found in cooling towers ranging from non-detectable up to 108 cells/L in cooling tower water systems. Extreme weather conditions contributed to elevations in L. pneumophila to 107-108 cells/L in SRS cooling tower water systems in July-August 2017. L. pneumophila concentrations in Cooling Tower 785-A/2A located in SRS A-Area, stayed in the 108 cells/L range despite biocide addition. During this time, other SRS cooling towers did not demonstrate this L. pneumophila increase. No significant difference was observed in the mean L. pneumophila mean concentrations for the towers (p < 0.05). There was a significant variance observed in the 285-2A/A Tower L. pneumophila results (p < 0.05). Looking to see if we could find "effects" led to model development by analyzing 13 months of water chemistry and microbial data for the main factors influencing the L. pneumophila concentrations in five cooling towers for this year. It indicated chlorine and dissolved oxygen had a significant impact (p < 0.0002) on cooling tower 785A/2A. Thus, while the variation in the log count data for the A-area tower is statistically greater than that of the other four towers, the average of the log count data for the A-Area tower was in line with that of the other towers. It was also observed that the location of 785A/2A and basin resulted in more debris entering the system during storm events. Our results suggest that future analyses should evaluate the impact of environmental conditions and cooling tower design on L. pneumophila water concentrations and human health.
Subsurface Pipes Detection Using DNN-based Back Projection on GPR Data

Localization and reconstruction of underground targets, the problem of estimating the position and geometry of the objects from Ground Penetration Radar (GPR), still lies at the core of non-destructive testing (NDT). In this paper, we present MigrationNet, a learning-based approach to detect and visualize subsurface objects. Compared with the existing learning-based method of GPR, our proposed approach could not only detect the hyperbola feature in the raw B-scan image but also interpret hyperbola features into the cross-section image of subsurface pipes. Furthermore, to compare the proposed method with the conventional back-projection methods for GPR data interpretation, a synthetic GPR dataset that mimics the real NDT environment is also introduced in this work. The study indicates the effectiveness of our method, it uses less GPR data for underground pipes reconstruction, produces better GPR imaging results with less computation, and shows the robustness to noise.
Work Function Engineering of 2D Materials: The Role of Polar Edge Reconstructions

2D materials have attracted tremendous interest as functional materials because of their diverse and tunable properties, especially at their edges. A material's work function is a critical parameter in many electronic devices; however, a fundamental understanding and a path toward large alterations of the work function in 2D materials still remain elusive. Here, we report the first evidence for anisotropy of the work function in 2D MoS2 from first-principles calculations. We also demonstrate large work-function tunability (in the range of 3.45-6.29 eV) choosing the 2H phase of MoS2 as a model system by sampling various edge configurations. We furthermore reveal the origin of this work function anisotropy and tunability by extending the existing work function relation to the local dipole moment at surfaces of 3D materials to those at edges in 2D materials. We then use machine-learning approaches to correlate work function with edge structures. These results pave the way for intrinsic edge engineering for electronic and catalytic applications.
An Examination of Extreme Flood Events and Resiliency of the Lower St. Johns River, Florida, USA Using Multiple Methods

The St. Johns River, located in Northeast Florida, USA, is a large watershed characterized by relatively flat topography, porous soils, and increasing urbanization. The city of Jacksonville, Florida is located near the downstream terminus of the river near the Atlantic Ocean. The lower portion of the watershed located downstream of Lake George is subjected to tidal exchange and storm surge from tropical storms and hurricanes as well as extra-tropical winter storms. Extreme flood events in the Lower St. Johns River can be caused by rain-driven runoff, high tide, storm surge or any combination of the three. This study examines the range of potential extreme flood discharges caused by rain-driven runoff within six larger sub-basins located in the Lower St. Johns River. The study uses multiple methods including published flood insurance data, two statistical hydrology methods, and model simulations to estimate an array of flood discharges at varying return frequencies. The study also examines the potential effects on flood discharges from future land use changes and the temporal distribution of rainfall. The rain-driven flood discharge estimates are then fit to a normal distribution to convey the overall risk and uncertainty associated with the flood estimates. The study also proposes a new methodology to estimate rain-driven flood discharges using existing numerical models of each the six sub-basins prepared by the Saint Johns River Water Management District. Overall, the study revealed a wide range of reasonable rainfall-driven flood estimates are possible using the same data sets. The wide range of estimates will help inform future resiliency projects planned in the study area by providing a more realistic set of bounds with which planning can proceed. The estimates derived herein can be combined with the independent or dependent effects of tide and storm surge in order to characterize the total flood resiliency risk of the region.
Type Prediction Systems.

Inferring semantic types for entity mentions within text documents is an important asset for many downstream NLP tasks, such as Semantic Role Labelling, Entity Disambiguation, Knowledge Base Question Answering, etc. Prior works have mostly focused on supervised solutions that generally operate on relatively small-to-medium-sized type systems. In this work, we describe two systems aimed at predicting type information for the following two tasks, namely, a TypeSuggest module, an unsupervised system designed to predict types for a set of user-entered query terms, and an Answer Type prediction module, that provides a solution for the task of determining the correct type of the answer expected to a given query. Our systems generalize to arbitrary type systems of any sizes, thereby making it a highly appealing solution to extract type information at any granularity.
Synthetic Bone Graft Materials in Spine Fusion: Current Evidence and Future Trends

Historically, iliac crest bone autograft has been considered the gold standard bone graft substitute for spinal fusion. However, the significant morbidity associated with harvesting procedures has influenced decision-making and practice patterns. To minimize these side effects, many clinicians have pursued the use of bone graft extenders to minimize the amount of autograft required for fusion in certain applications. Synthetic materials, including a variety of ceramic compounds, are a class that has been studied extensively as bone graft extenders. These have been used in combination with a wide array of other biomaterials and investigated in a variety of different spine fusion procedures. This review will summarize the current evidence of different synthetic materials in various spinal fusion procedures and discuss the future of novel synthetics.
Ultrasensitive Detection of Ricin Toxin in Multiple Sample Matrixes Using Single-Domain Antibodies.

Ricin is an extremely potent ribosomal inactivating protein listed as a Category B select agent. Although ricin intoxication is not transmittable from person to person, even a single ricin molecule can lead to cell necrosis because it inactivates 1500 ribosomes/min. Since there is currently no vaccine or therapeutic treatment for ricin intoxication, ultrasensitive analytical assays capable of detecting ricin in a variety of matrixes are urgently needed to limit exposure to individuals as well as communities. In this paper, we present the development and application of a single-molecule array (Simoa) for the detection of ricin toxin in human urine and serum. Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs), among the smallest engineered binding fragments, were chemically coupled to the surface of paramagnetic beads for the sensitive detection of ricin toxin. The Simoa was able to detect ricin at levels of 10 fg/mL, 100 fg/mL, and 1 pg/mL in buffer, urine and serum, respectively, in a fraction of the assay time need using ...
Role of p67-phox SH3 domains in assembly of the NADPH oxidase system

Src homology 3 (SH3) domains direct cellular localization and signal transduction through specific protein-protein interactions with proline-rich target sequences. The two SH3 domain in p67-phox, a cytosolic component of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase system, may mediate interactions within the oxidase complex and direct its translocation to membranes. The requirement for SH3 domains in p67-phox was studied both in cell-free and whole cell oxidase assay systems. The amino-terminal domain of p67-phox (amino acids 1-246) that lacks both SH3 domains was active in vitro. Various forms of p67-phox lacking one or both SH3 domains were produced in whole cells using episomal expression vectors to stably transfect p67-phox-deficient Epstein-Barr virus-B cells derived from chronic granulomatous disease patients. Complete restoration of NADPH oxidase activity was achieved with full-length p67-phox cDNA expression. Deletion of either SH3 domain resulted in dramatic reductions of NADPH oxidase activity relative to corrected transfected cells, which correlated with decreases in membrane binding. Deletion of both SH3 domains completely abolished p67-phox membrane binding and oxidase activity. Thus, in contrast to oxidase reconstitution in a cell-free system, we observed a requirement for both SH3 motifs for restoration of oxidase activity and binding of p67-phox to membranes.
Nutrition versus toxicology of manganese in humans: evaluation of potential biomarkers.

Manganese intake can vary greatly with food choices, water composition, and supplement use. Thus, individuals consuming Western diets consume from 10 mg Mn/d. The levels of manganese intake associated with adverse effects (both deficient and toxic) are debatable. Moreover, many of the symptoms of manganese deficiency (growth retardation, changes in circulating HDL cholesterol and glucose levels, reproductive failure) and manganese toxicity (growth depression, anemia) are non-specific. The bone deformities observed in manganese-deficient animals and neurological symptoms of individuals who have inhaled excess manganese are permanent and illustrate the need to identify sensitive biomarkers of manganese status that appear before these symptoms. Manganese balance and excretion data are not useful biomarkers of manganese exposure but demonstrate that the body is protected against manganese toxicity primarily by low absorption and/or rapid presystemic elimination of manganese by the liver. Serum manganese concentrations in combination with lymphocyte manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity and perhaps blood arginase activity, appear to be the best ways to monitor ingestion of insufficient manganese. Serum manganese concentrations in combination with brain MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, and perhaps a battery of neurofunctional tests, appear to be the best ways to monitor excessive exposure to manganese.
The Varieties of Phaseless Experience: In which the Geometrical Orderliness of Rhythmic Organization Breaks Down in Diverse Ways

In Chapter 1 we dwelt on the notion of smooth maps from one space to another. In Chapter 2 it emerged that certain kinds of mapping involving circles cannot be contrived smoothly. As an application we saw that certain kinds of experimentally observed continuity and smoothness involving measures that are periodic in space or time inescapably imply an unobserved (but observable) discontinuity. A phase singularity is one way to resolve this crisis of continuity implicit in the observation of nonzero winding number.
Effects of cardioplegic arrest on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function of the intact neonatal heart

The effects of cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function were studied in 20 intact neonatal lambs instrumented with ultrasonic dimension transducers and micromanometers for collection of left ventricular pressure-dimension data. Group I lambs underwent 2 hours of hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (25° C) alone; group II lambs underwent 2 hours of hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (25° C) with 1 hour of multidose, cold, crystalloid cardioplegic arrest (St. Thomas' Hospital No. 2 solution). The control neonatal lamb left ventricle was found to be relatively stiff, with the limit of diastolic filling reached at physiologic left ventricular filling pressures, resulting in apparent descending limbs of left ventricular function. After cardiopulmonary bypass, identical results were obtained in groups I and II. A significant loss of left ventricular compliance limited left ventricular performance via two mechanisms. First, left ventricular preload was significantly decreased, with a concomitant diminution in left ventricular stroke work; afterload (pressure work) was maintained at the expense of volume work (flow), which declined significantly. Second, preload behaved as though fixed, resulting in a loss of impedance matching (afterload mismatch). Although contractility as assessed by the end-systolic pressure-dimension relationship was significantly increased (because of increased levels of circulating catecholamines), global systolic performance as quantified by the stroke work/end-diastolic length relationship remained unchanged, reflecting the afterload sensitivity of the latter parameter in the face of fixed preload. We conclude that cardiopulmonary bypass in the intact neonate results in a loss of compliance and impedance matching rather than a loss of contractility; however, the addition of 1 hour of cold, crystalloid cardioplegic arrest results in no dysfunction beyond that attributable to cardiopulmonary bypass alone.
Time series and recurrence interval models to predict the vulnerability of streams to episodic acidification in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

[1] Acid rain affects headwater streams by temporarily reducing the acid-neutralizing capacity (ANC) of the water, a process termed episodic acidification. The increase in acidic components in stream water can have deleterious effects on the aquatic biota. Although acidic deposition is uniform across Shenandoah National Park (SNP) in north central Virginia, the stream water quality response during rain events varies substantially. This response is a function of the catchment's underlying geology and topography. Geologic and topographic data for SNP's 231 catchments are readily available; however, long-term measurements (tens of years) of ANC and accompanying discharge are not and would be prohibitively expensive to collect. Transfer function time series models were developed to predict hourly ANC from discharge for five SNP catchments with long-term water-quality and discharge records. Hourly ANC predictions over short time periods (≤1 week) were averaged, and distributions of the recurrence intervals of annual water-year minimum ANC values were model-simulated for periods of 6, 24, 72, and 168 hours. The distributions were extrapolated to the rest of the SNP catchments on the basis of catchment geology and topography. On the basis of the models, large numbers of SNP streams have 6- to 168-hour periods of low-ANC values, which may stress resident fish populations. Smaller catchments are more vulnerable to episodic acidification than larger catchments underlain by the same bedrock. Catchments with similar topography and size are more vulnerable if underlain by less basaltic/carbonate bedrock. Many catchments are predicted to have successive years of low-ANC values potentially sufficient to extirpate some species.
Cohesive sediment transport in the 3D-hydrodynamic-baroclinic circulation model,: study case for idealized tidal inlet

Abstract This work provides a general hydrodynamic circulation model that can be used to understand density driven flows, which may arise in the case of suspension of fine-grained materials. The research is expected to provide a better understanding of the characteristics of spatial and temporal variability of current, which is associated with the period of ebb and flood tidal cycles. The model development includes extending the existing three-dimensional (3D) ADCIRC model with (1) baroclinic forcing term and (2) transport module of suspended and soluble materials. The transport module covers the erosion, material suspension and deposition processes for cohesive type sediment. In the case of an idealized tidal inlet in stratified water, the inclusion of baroclinic term can demonstrate the prevailing longshore sediment transport. It is shown that the model has application to the transport of the cohesive sediments from the mouth of the Mississippi River along the north shore of the Gulf of Mexico towards and along the Texas coast.
INELASTIC DISPLACEMENT RATIOS FOR STRUCTURES ON FIRM SITES

The results of a comprehensive statistical study of inelastic displacement ratios that permit the estimation of maximum lateral inelastic displacement demands on a structure from maximum lateral elastic displacement demands are presented. These ratios were computed for single-degree-of-freedom systems undergoing different levels of inelastic deformation when subjected to a relatively large number of recorded earthquake ground motions. The study is based on 264 acceleration time histories recorded on firm sites during various earthquakes in California. Three types of soil conditions with shear-wave velocities higher than 180 m/s are considered. The influences of period of vibration, level of ductility demand, site conditions, earthquake magnitude, and epicentral distance are carefully evaluated and discussed. Inelastic displacement ratios associated with mean values are presented. Special emphasis is given to the dispersion of the results. It is concluded that for sites with average shear-wave velocities higher than 180 m/s the influence of soil conditions is relatively small and can be neglected for design purposes. Finally, results from nonlinear regression analyses are presented that provide a simplified expression to be used in the design to approximate mean inelastic displacements ratios for structures on firm sites.
A 12-month naturalistic observation of three patients receiving repeat intravenous ketamine infusions for their treatment-resistant depression.

Abstract Background Acute administration of subanesthestic doses of intravenous ketamine have been shown to elicit a rapid antidepressant response in patients with treatment-resistant depression. However, it remains to be seen if repeated doses over a longer period of time will have the same effects. Here, we assess the long-term efficacy of repeated intravenous ketamine infusions in three patients with high treatment-resistant depression via a naturalistic observation study. Method Three patients consented to intravenous ketamine infusions as a therapy for their treatment-resistant depression. Patients were administered ketamine at 0.5 mg/kg of ideal body weight over 40 min followed by a saline flush until discharge. Severity of depressive symptoms was rated with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Results All three patients responded to the ketamine infusions, but each went through an individualized course of treatment based on their own response. Limitations This was an open-label naturalistic observation without blinding, randomization, or a placebo control. Conclusions These cases add to the literature supporting the therapeutic effect of low-dose repeated intravenous ketamine for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Further study is needed to define the risks, benefits, indications, and contraindications of this potential treatment.
Comments on Justin Barrett’s Why would anyone believe in God?

This review discussion outlines Justin Barrett’s Preparedness Model. This evolutionary model for belief in God is shown to posit a maladaptive mind for infants. Questions about its implications and the supporting data are considered.
Size-Distribution Analysis of Macromolecules by Sedimentation Velocity Ultracentrifugation and Lamm Equation Modeling

A new method for the size-distribution analysis of polymers by sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation is described. It exploits the ability of Lamm equation modeling to discriminate between the spreading of the sedimentation boundary arising from sample heterogeneity and from diffusion. Finite element solutions of the Lamm equation for a large number of discrete noninteracting species are combined with maximum entropy regularization to represent a continuous size-distribution. As in the program CONTIN, the parameter governing the regularization constraint is adjusted by variance analysis to a predefined confidence level. Estimates of the partial specific volume and the frictional ratio of the macromolecules are used to calculate the diffusion coefficients, resulting in relatively high-resolution sedimentation coefficient distributions c(s) or molar mass distributions c(M). It can be applied to interference optical data that exhibit systematic noise components, and it does not require solution or solvent plateaus to be established. More details on the size-distribution can be obtained than from van Holde-Weischet analysis. The sensitivity to the values of the regularization parameter and to the shape parameters is explored with the help of simulated sedimentation data of discrete and continuous model size distributions, and by applications to experimental data of continuous and discrete protein mixtures.
Efficient calculation of the makespan for job-shop systems without recirculation using max-plus algebra

In this paper, max-plus algebraic techniques are used to develop an efficient method to calculate the makespan of a perturbed job-shop manufacturing system. The methodology assumes that the perturbations in schedule are confined to a particular sub-system which is termed the variant and the rest of the system is called the invariant . The paper further develops a very efficient algorithm that calculates the makespan, for a given schedule, of a system when consists of only a single machine. Recirculation of jobs is not allowed in the system. In other words, the arrival times of the parts for are not dependent on the departure times of these parts. The complexity of the algorithm is O(N), where N is the number of jobs. It is interesting to note that the model for the sub-system contains only two vectors and a scalar regardless of its size and complexity.
Family Ties After Divorce: Long‐Term Implications for Children

Drawing on the data from the longitudinal Binuclear Family Study, 173 grown children were interviewed 20 years after their parents' divorce. This article addresses two basic questions: (1) What impact does the relationship between parents have on their children 20 years after the divorce? and (2) When a parent remarries or cohabits, how does it impact a child's sense of family? The findings show that the parental subsystem continues to impact the binuclear family 20 years after marital disruption by exerting a strong influence on the quality of relationships within the family system. Children who reported that their parents were cooperative also reported better relationships with their parents, grandparents, stepparents, and siblings. Over the course of 20 years, most of the children experienced the remarriage of one or both parents, and one third of this sample remembered the remarriage as more stressful than the divorce. Of those who experienced the remarriage of both of their parents, two thirds reported that their father's remarriage was more stressful than their mother's. When children's relationships with their fathers deteriorated after divorce, their relationships with their paternal grandparents, stepmother, and stepsiblings were distant, negative, or nonexistent. Whether family relationships remain stable, improve, or get worse is dependent on a complex interweaving of many factors. Considering the long-term implications of divorce, the need to emphasize life course and family system perspectives is underscored.
Numerical analysis of supersonic flow through oscillating cascade sections by using a deforming grid

A finite difference code was developed for modeling inviscid, unsteady supersonic flow by solution of the compressible Euler equations. The code uses a deforming grid technique to capture the motion of the airfoils and can model oscillating cascades with any arbitrary interblade phase angle. A flat plate cascade is analyzed, and results are compared with results from a small-perturbation theory. The results show very good agreement for both the unsteady pressure distributions and the integrated force predictions. The reason for using the numerical Euler code over a small-perturbation theory is the ability to model real airfoils that have thickness and camber. Sample predictions are presented for a section of the rotor on a supersonic throughflow compressor designed at NASA Lewis Research Center. Preliminary results indicate that two-dimensional, flat plate analysis predicts conservative flutter boundaries.
Angiographic study of the infarct-related coronary artery in the chronic stage of acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract We and others have demonstrated a high prevalence of total coronary occlusiion during the acute phase of myocardial infarction (MI). This study reports the angiographic appearance of the infarct-related artery (IRA) in 130 patients with a history of MI, who underwent cardiac catheterization 2 weeks to more than 12 months afterwards. The IRA was the left anterior descending in 47%, the right coronary artery in 50%, and the circumflex in 3% of cases. Total coronary occulusion was found in 80% of patients studied 2 to 4 weeks after MI, and decreased gradually reaching 40% of those studied after 12 months of MI. In those patients with a patent IRA, severe stenosis remained: 99% obstruction at 2 to 4 weeks, decreasing to 85.9% obstruction after 12 months (p
On the pathogenesis of duchenne muscular dystrophy.

SUMMARY The relative merits of the three presently most active hypotheses (vascular, neurogenic, and myogenic) concerning the pathogenesis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy are analysed and discussed and the literature is comprehensively reviewed. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Zur Pathogenese der Duchenne'schen Muskeldystrophie Die entsprechenden Hauptpunkte der drei gegenwartig bedeutensten Hypothesen (vaskular, neurogen und myogen) zur Pathogenese der Duchenne'schen Muskeldystrophie werden analysiert und diskutiert und es wird ein umfassender Literaturuberblick gegeben. RESUMEN Sobre la patogenia de la distrofia muscular de Duchenne Se analizan y discuten los meritos relativos de las tres hipotesis actualmente mas activas (vascular, neurogenica y miogenica) sobre la patogenia de la distrofia muscular de Duchenne. Se revisa la literatura ampliamente.