cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some wrong-way chemical changes during antihypertensive treatment: Comparison of indapamide and related agents

Abstract Despite the beneficial therapeutic effects of antihypertensive drugs, some agents—particularly diuretics—seem to go in the “wrong direction” chemically. In fact, these changes could counteract some of the benefits resulting from lowering a patient's blood pressure. In the absence of hard evidence of the efficacy of long-term diuretic treatment of mild hypertension, we must be maximally sure that such therapy causes no harm. Thiazide and related diuretics have been associated with four distinct wrong-way chemical changes: Increases in plasma concentrations of cholesterol, glucose, and uric acid, and a decrease in plasma potassium levels. The potential ramifications of such changes are well understood. The increase in circulating cholesterol, an established risk factor of myocardial infarction and stroke, is of particular concern—each year approximately one million hypertensive patients have myocardial infarctions. As a result, the search for safer and more effective diuretics must continue. Indapamide, a new antihypertensive drug, appears to meet these criteria. It is an effective diuretic with a considerable peripheral vasodilatory effect. Additionally, it does not appear to induce any significant change in circulating cholesterol, whereas chlorthalidone has been found to increase total cholesterol by 5%. Hydralazine is the only antihypertensive agent that seems to lower total cholesterol levels significantly. Neither indapamide nor hydralazine appears to affect plasma glucose levels; benzothiadiazines, however, have been found to induce an increase in circulating glucose.
The impact of a low cost wheelchair on the quality of life of the disabled in the developing world

Background People with disabilities in the developing world do not have equal and adequate access to education, employment, or medical care. Their physical or mental condition, compounded by a lack of financial and technological resources, imposes a burden on both the family and the State. A wheelchair is a form of assistive technology which eases that burden for many. This study examines the impact of a simple, donated chair on the health, quality of life, and function of a subject population.
Comparative Toxicity of Netilmicin and Gentamicin in Squirrel Monkeys (Saimiri sciureus)

Netilmicin was found to be less toxic than gentamicin when administered at comparable dosage levels to squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus). This finding is based upon data obtained from the following determinations: length of survival period; change in body weight; observation of general change in behavior after daily injection; ataxia, as measured by the squirrel monkey platform-runway test; acoustic reflex threshold; levels of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine (and pathology of the kidney); and microbiological antibiotic assay.
Broadcast performance analysis of IEEE 802.11 networks under fading channels

With increasing applications of IEEE 802.11 network broadcast service in vehicular safety systems, the ability to analytically model the performance of such services under realistic fading channel conditions plays a key role in the analysis and design of vehicular safety systems. In this paper, we develop an analytical model to evaluate the broadcast service performance of two dimensional IEEE 802.11 networks under Rayleigh fading condition and unsaturated data traffic. Expressions on broadcast performance indices such as packet reception rate and pernode throughput are provided. The simulated results validate the proposed model. Based on the proposed model, we also study how network parameters such as node density, packet arrival rate and carrier sensing threshold value affect the broadcast performance.
Cooperation among germinating spores facilitates the growth of the fungus, Neurospora crassa

Fusions between individuals are a common feature of organisms with modular, indeterminate life forms, including plants, marine invertebrates and fungi. The consequences of fusion for an individual fungus are poorly understood. We used wild-type and fusion mutant strains of the genetic model Neurospora crassa to chronicle the fitness in two different laboratory habitats, and in each experiment started colonies from multiple different densities of asexual spores. On round Petri dishes, fusion enabled wild-type colonies to grow larger than mutant (soft) colonies; but in linear ‘race tubes’, the soft mutant always grew more quickly than the wild-type. Starting a colony with more spores always provided an advantage to a wild-type colony, but was more often neutral or a cost to the soft mutant. The ability to fuse does not provide a consistent advantage to wild-type colonies; net benefits are shaped by both habitat and initial spore densities.
Decoration of size-tunable CuO nanodots on TiO2 nanocrystals for noble metal-free photocatalytic H2 production

We report a simple yet effective approach for the decoration of the TiO2 nanocrystal surface with size-tunable CuO nanodots for high-performance noble metal-free photocatalytic H2 production. Modification with polyacrylic acid enables the surface of TiO2 nanocrystals to be selectively deposited with Cu(OH)2 nanodots, which can be subsequently converted to CuO through dehydration without changing their morphologies. UV irradiation of the nanocomposite solution in the presence of a hole scavenger produces photogenerated electrons which reduce CuO to metallic Cu nanodots, making them effective co-catalysts in a role similar to Pt for promoting photocatalytic H2 production. Due to the considerably high work function of Cu, the formation of a metal–semiconductor Schottky junction induces efficient charge separation and transfer. As a result, the TiO2 nanocrystals decorated with an optimal amount of CuO nanodots (1.7 wt%) could reach ∼50% of the photocatalytic activity achievable by the Pt–TiO2 counterparts (1 wt%), clearly demonstrating the great potential of such composite catalysts for efficient noble metal-free photocatalytic H2 production.
Time-limited perturbation waveform generation by an extended time-frequency domain swapping algorithm

A time-limited pseudo-random signal is an important component in perturbation signals during a system identification procedure. In this paper, a finite-time duration pseudo-random waveform with desired continuous spectral features is generated using an extended time-frequency domain swapping algorithm. Multi-sine waveforms are used as initial waveforms. Through iterations, the waveform is polished to achieve desired spectral features and small crest factor. A comparison with multi-sine waveforms shows that the new waveform generated with the proposed algorithm has a much flatter spectrum and smaller crest factor as being desired.
A comparison of the ShuffleNet and the banyan topologies for broadband packet switches

The performances of centralized, fast packet switches based on the ShuffleNet and on multistage banyans are compared. Two cost criteria are used, viz., the number of crosspoints and the number of pin-limited ICs. The analytic comparison of the two networks built with arbitrary size infinite buffered nodes shows their cost performance to be similar. The analysis also provides the optimal node sizes for both the topologies. The best throughput per crosspoint is obtained with small nodes, but the best throughput per pin-limited IC is obtained with the largest possible nodes that can be built on an IC. With the IC criterion, for both the networks, small nodes are found to give small minimum delays (inside the network). With finite buffered nodes and a simple back-pressure flow control (like the one for the banyan network), the ShuffleNet based switch can have problems of congestion. It is also prone to deadlocks. >
Resilient microprocessor design for improving performance and energy efficiency

In this tutorial, a 45nm resilient microprocessor core with error-detection and recovery circuits demonstrates the opportunity for improving performance and energy efficiency by mitigating the impact of dynamic parameter variations. The design methodology describes the additional steps beyond a standard design flow for integrating error-detection and recovery circuits into a microprocessor core. Silicon measurements indicate that the resilient design enables a 41% throughput benefit at iso-energy or a 22% energy reduction at iso-throughput, as compared to a conventional design.
Drug Use Patterns and Risk Factors of Adolescents with Physical Disabilities

This study examined demographic, behavioral, and attitudinal variables and drug use in adolescents with physical disabilities as measured by the Primary Prevention Awareness, Attitude and Usage Scales (PPAAUS). When compared to the same age students in the general population, the students with physical disabilities responded differently. A chi-square analysis was performed between drug use and demographic, behavioral, and attitudinal variables. Results found for physically disabled students drug use correlated at p < .05 with feelings toward school, negative disruptive behaviors, reported activities attended, and reported grade average.
Nuclear factor of activated T cells regulates transcription of the surfactant protein D gene (Sftpd) via direct interaction with thyroid transcription factor-1 in lung epithelial cells

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) plays critical roles in host defense, surfactant homeostasis, and pulmonary immunomodulation. Here, we identify a role of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATs) in regulation of murine SP-D gene (Sftpd) transcription. An NFAT-dependent enhancer modulated by NFATs or calcineurin and sensitive to cyclosporin was identified in the Sftpd promoter. Ionomycin and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate further increased the activity of this enhancer, whereas VIVIT, a potent NFAT inhibitor peptide, selectively interfered with the calcineurin-NFAT interaction and abolished enhancer function. Gel supershift and DNase I protection assays identified DNA elements that bind NFAT in the Sftpd promoter. Calcineurin and NFATc3 proteins were detected in the embryonic and adult mouse lung epithelium, and the mRNA expression profiles of the NFATs were similar in immortalized mouse lung epithelial cells and alveolar epithelial type II cells. NFATc3 and TTF-1 activated the Sftpd promoter, synergized transcription, co-immunoprecipitated from mouse lung epithelial cells, and physically interacted in vitro. Components of the calcineurin/NFAT pathway were identified in respiratory epithelial cells of the lung that potentially augment rapid assembly of a multiprotein transcription complex on Sftpd promoter inducing SP-D expression.
Diamond-Like Carbon Coatings for Rhenium Wire and Foils

Diamond like carbon has been deposited as a protective layer for coronary stenting applications. Taking advantage of DLC’s resistance to chemical attack, its flexibility, and other properties. our current technical objective is to develop DLC as a coating for radioactive rhenium stents. Radioactive rhenium stents are being investigated to limit smooth muscle cell growth following coronary surgery. The DLC coating is being investigated to reduce the release of radioactive rhenium (released activity) into the blood following the stenting procedure. An inductively coupled RF plasma system was used to deposit the DLC onto rhenium substrates. Foils, wires, and coils were coated and tested for adhesion, cytotoxicity, and release of radioactive rhenium. Our initial results indicate up to a three-fold decrease in released activity relative to uncoated rhenium
24,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Suppresses the Rapid Actions of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 and Parathyroid Hormone on Calcium Transport in Chick Intestine

Studies were undertaken to determine whether 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3) modulates the rapid effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) on calcium transport in the perfused chick intestine. Perfusion with control media resulted in a transport ratio (treated/average basal) of 1.07 ± 0.06 at t = 40 minutes, while perfusion with 65, 130, 300, or 650 pM 1,25(OH)2D3 yielded ratios of 1.92 ± 0.23, 2.6 ± 0.4, 2.8 ± 0.08, and 3.34 ± 0.37, respectively. Simultaneous perfusion with each of these doses and 6.5 nM 24,25(OH)2D3 reduced treated/average basal ratios to ∼1.4 after 40 minutes of perfusion. Vascular perfusion with 65 pM bovine PTH [bPTH(1–34)] stimulated intestinal calcium transport ratios to 3.0 ± 0.5 after 40 minutes, while the inclusion of 6.5 nM 24,25(OH)2D3 reduced ratios at this time point to 0.56 ± 0.19. To investigate the effect of these agents on signal transduction, isolated intestinal cells were monitored for intracellular calcium changes using the indicator dye fura-2. After establishing a stable baseline, addition of 130 pM 1,25(OH)2D3 induced rapid calcium oscillations. Intestinal cells exposed to 6.5 nM 24,25(OH)2D3 also exhibited rapid oscillations in fluorescence, which were not further altered by subsequent addition of 1,25(OH)2D3. Incubation of isolated cells with 130 pM 1,25(OH)2D3 was found to increase protein kinase C (PKC) activity within 5 minutes, and protein kinase A (PKA) activity within 7 minutes. Exposure of cells to 65 pM bPTH(1–34) had minimal effect on PKC activity, but resulted in pronounced increases in PKA activity. Stimulation of protein kinases by either secosteroid or peptide hormone was inhibited in the presence of 6.5 nM 24,25(OH)2D3. It is concluded that 24,25(OH)2D3 may exert endocrine actions on intestine.
Control Charts for the Standard Deviation

Control charts are graphical tools to monitor the activity of a process. They are used to determine if the variation in a process is due to the presence of common causes (those that are inherent to the process) or special causes (those that are not part of the process as designed). A process is said to be in statistical control when it is under a system of common causes. A standard deviation control chart monitors process variation, as measured by the standard deviation of observations, through subgroups collected over a period of time. Typically, three lines are depicted on a control chart—the centerline (CL), the upper control limit (UCL), and the lower control limit (LCL). Rules for determining out-of-control conditions are defined, the most commonly used one corresponds to a point falling outside the control limits. Some parameters for the construction of the standard deviation control chart are the subgroup size, frequency of sampling, and placement of the control limits from the CL, based on the choice of an acceptable level of a false alarm rate. Keywords: process variability; centerline; upper and lower control limits; estimation of process standard deviation; common cause; special cause; statistical control
Social science journal characteristics and journal citation measures

Abstract This article examines the relationship between structural characteristics of journals and journal citation measures. Journals listed in the Social Science Citation Index were found to differ from unlisted journals on 11 of 18 characteristics. For listed journals, journal characteristics accounted for 58 percent of the variance in 1981 citations to all years, but only 33 and 15 percent respectively of the variances in the more restrictive impact factor and immediacy index measures. The effects of several journal characteristics on citations to all years and impact factor were different for journals sponsored by professional associations compared to other journals. Journal characteristics identified as having independent impacts on citation measures are suggestive of the directions journal editors might choose to move in as their journals mature.
Bayou Blues: The Social Structure of Hurricane Katrina's Damage

This study assesses the effects of Hurricane Katrina by applying the environmental racism-classism and residential segregation literatures. Disasters offer a new perspective for these literatures in that they provide insight into how individuals are concentrated into areas with pre-existing risk. Nearly all environmental racism-classism and residential segregation research investigates how environmental problems occur in areas already inhabited by vulnerable populations. This study concludes that elevation and the concentration of minorities are significantly associated with hurricane damage, whereas other variables highlighted by the literature are not.
Covering edges by cliques with regard to keyword conflicts and intersection graphs

Kellerman has presented a method for determining keyword conflicts and described a heuristic algorithm which solves a certain combinatorial optimization problem in connection with this method. This optimization problem is here shown to be equivalent to the problem of covering the edges of a graph by complete subgraphs with the objective of minimizing the number of complete subgraphs. A relationship between this edge-clique-cover problem and the graph coloring problem is established which allows algorithms for either one of these problems to be constructed from algorithms for the other. As consequences of this relationship, the keyword conflict problem and the edge-clique-cover problem are shown to be NP-complete, and if P ≠ NP then they do not admit polynomial-time approximation algorithms which always produce solutions within a factor less than 2 from the optimum.
Glutathione-Deficient Mice have Increased Sensitivity to Transplacental Benzo[a]pyrene-Induced Premature Ovarian Failure and Ovarian Tumorigenesis

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) such as benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants found in tobacco smoke, air pollution, and grilled foods. Prenatal exposure to BaP causes premature reproductive senescence in mice, and other PAHs are transplacental ovarian carcinogens. Glutathione (GSH) is critical for detoxification of the reactive metabolites of PAHs. Therefore, we hypothesized that mice that are genetically deficient in GSH synthesis, due to deletion of the modifier subunit of glutamate cysteine ligase (Gclm), the rate-limiting enzyme in GSH synthesis, have increased destruction of oogonia, premature ovarian failure, and ovarian tumorigenesis after transplacental BaP exposure compared with Gclm(+/+) females. Gclm(+/-) female and male mice were mated, and dams were treated with 0, 2, or 10 mg/kg/d BaP in sesame oil by gavage from gestational days 7 to 16. Compared with oil-treated F1 females of the same genotype, Gclm(-/-) prenatally BaP-treated females had significantly greater decrements in offspring production than Gclm(+/+) BaP-treated females. Similarly, we observed significant BaP dose × Gclm genotype interactions on ovarian follicle counts and ovarian tumor multiplicity at 7.5 months of age, with Gclm(-/-) females having greater decrements in follicle numbers and more ovarian tumors in response to prenatal BaP exposure than Gclm(+/+) females. The ovarian tumors were positive for the epithelial marker cytokeratin. Our results show that prenatal exposure of females to BaP causes premature ovarian failure and ovarian tumorigenesis and that embryonic GSH deficiency due to deletion of Gclm increases sensitivity to these transplacental ovarian effects of BaP.
Interruption of gravity-driven carrier fluid infusing through a pulmonary artery catheter venous infusion port.

DURING CARDIAC AND major vascular surgery, the venous infusion port (VIP) or pacing port of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) is commonly used to administer vasoactive agents. Many institutions use carrier fluid to accelerate the delivery of these medications into the central venous circulation. A case is reported in which unstable hemodynamics resulted from interruption of gravity-driven carrier fluid infusing through the VIP. It is well documented that control of gravity-driven fluid administration is inaccurate under normal ambient conditions.1 Variations in atmospheric pressure, as seen in hyperbaric oxygen chambers and during flight at high altitudes, also result in the inability to safely control gravity-driven flow.2,3 It was hypothesized that under certain conditions in the operating room, gravity-driven carrier fluid infusing through the VIP could be stopped by increased pressure within the sheath through which the PAC was inserted. The authors investigated how changes of height, fluid viscosity, and PAC diameter affected gravity-driven VIP flow using a simple laboratory model.
Cognitive behavior therapy for eating disorders: progress and problems

Beginning with the application of operant conditioning principles as part of inpatient treatment, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for anorexia nervosa (AN) has been insufficiently studied. Its efficacy remains in question. By contrast, manual-based CBT is the first-line treatment of choice for bulimia nervosa (BN) although its effects are limited. More effective methods are needed for non-responders to current therapy. Despite its well-established efficacy, CBT for BN is relatively rarely used in the US. Research on dissemination is a priority. Modified CBT and behavioral weight control programs seem comparably effective in reducing binge eating in Binge Eating Disorder (BED). Long-term maintenance of weight loss in these obese patients, however, remains a challenge. Self-help and other brief, cost-effective methods work for subsets of both BN and BED patients, demonstrating that treatment be administered within a stepped-care framework.
Histopathological correlates of magnetic resonance imaging–defined chronic perinatal white matter injury

Objective Although MRI is the optimal imaging modality to define cerebral white-matter injury (WMI) in preterm survivors, the histopathological features of MRI-defined chronic lesions are poorly defined. We hypothesized that chronic WMI is related to a combination of delayed oligodendrocyte (OL) lineage cell death and arrested maturation of pre-oligodendrocytes (preOLs). We determined whether ex vivo MRI can distinguish distinct microglial and astroglial responses related to WMI progression and arrested preOL differentiation.
Optically pumped reconfigurable antenna systems (OPRAS)

This paper presents a new reconfigurable antenna design using optical switching which overcomes any biasing associated with standard MEMs and PIN switches. In our approach, the switching elements comprises of doped silicon, and the change in the element's RF conductivity from that of a semiconductor material to that of a metal-like material is achieved upon exposure to a laser light coupled through an optical fiber cable. Two prototype antennas are fabricated and tested to demonstrate the proposed approach. Good qualitative agreement is observed between the simulated and measured data.
Bounds on the performance of sphere decoding of linear block codes

A sphere decoder searches for the closest lattice point within a certain search radius. The search radius provides a tradeoff between performance and complexity. We derive tight upper bounds on the performance of sphere decoding of linear block codes. The performance of soft-decision sphere decoding on AWGN channels as well as that of hard-decision sphere decoding on binary symmetric channels is analyzed.
The Minimum Replication Origin of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Has a Unique Large T-Antigen Loading Architecture and Requires Small T-Antigen Expression for Optimal Replication

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) is a recently discovered human polyomavirus causing the majority of human Merkel cell carcinomas. We mapped a 71-bp minimal MCV replication core origin sufficient for initiating eukaryotic DNA replication in the presence of wild-type MCV large T protein (LT). The origin includes a poly(T)-rich tract and eight variably oriented, GAGGC-like pentanucleotide sequences (PS) that serve as LT recognition sites. Mutation analysis shows that only four of the eight PS are required for origin replication. A single point mutation in one origin PS from a naturally occurring, tumor-derived virus reduces LT assembly on the origin and eliminates viral DNA replication. Tumor-derived LT having mutations truncating either the origin-binding domain or the helicase domain also prevent LT-origin assembly. Optimal MCV replication requires coexpression of MCV small T protein (sT), together with LT. An intact DnaJ domain on the LT is required for replication but is dispensable on the sT. In contrast, PP2A targeting by sT is required for enhanced replication. The MCV origin provides a novel model for eukaryotic replication from a defined DNA element and illustrates the selective pressure within tumors to abrogate independent MCV replication.
Direct Evidence for and Transition Rates of Ion-Pair Interactions in La Cl 3 : Ho 3 +

Energy transfer between ${\mathrm{Ho}}^{3+}$ ions in a La${\mathrm{Cl}}_{3}$ lattice has been studied by means of relative fluorescence intensity measurements. By careful measurements of the relative fluorescence from $E(^{5}S_{2})$, $C(^{5}I_{4})$, and $Y(^{5}I_{7})$ it was demonstrated that to within the experimental error, $E$ relaxes to $C$ only by an ion-pair process. The concentration dependence of the pair process is linear. Assumption of a simple model with a sharp radial dropoff led to an effective range of 7.5 \AA{} (third-nearest neighbor) for the ion-pair interaction.
Brief, Instructional Smokeless Tobacco Use Among Cigarette Smokers Who Do Not Intend to Quit: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION Low-nitrosamine smokeless tobacco (SLT) may have efficacy for smoking reduction and cessation, but its public health impact depends on how smokers use it. METHODS This pilot study explored brief, instructional low-nitrosamine SLT use among smokers unmotivated to quit. Participants (N = 57) were randomized to either a free 2-week supply of Camel Snus group or a no-supply group. Of those randomized to use Camel Snus, half were told to use it to cope with smoking restrictions (Snus to Cope), and the remaining half were advised to use it to reduce smoking (Snus to Reduce). Participants were assessed before, during, and immediately after the intervention. RESULTS Many Snus to Cope and Snus to Reduce participants reported daily use of Camel Snus, although the amount of use was low. Snus to Cope (18.4%) and Snus to Reduce (37.6%) participants reported a decline in number of cigarettes used per day, which was not reported by the control participants (p < .001). Intention to quit smoking and intention to quit all tobacco use (ps < .001) increased to a greater extent among Snus to Cope and Snus to Reduce participants than among control participants. CONCLUSIONS This study replicates previous work that shows that low-nitrosamine SLT use can lead to reduced smoking and increased intention to quit, and it adds direct evidence to suggest that the function of low-nitrosamine SLT use-either to cope with smoking restrictions or to reduce smoking-can have a differential impact on smoking behavior. Overall, the results highlight the importance of messaging and, more specifically, marketing of low-nitrosamine SLT to smokers.
Anomalous threshold behavior of long range random walks

We consider weighted graphs satisfying sub-Gaussian estimate for the natural random walk. On such graphs, we study symmetric Markov chains with heavy tailed jumps. We establish a threshold behavior of such Markov chains when the index governing the tail heaviness (or jump index) equals the escape time exponent (or walk dimension) of the sub-Gaussian estimate. In a certain sense, this generalizes the classical threshold corresponding to the second moment condition.
The Drosophila forked protein induces the formation of actin fiber bundles in vertebrate cells

The forked protein is an actin binding protein involved in the formation of large actin fiber bundles in developing Drosophila bristles. These are the largest example of a type of actin bundle characterized by parallel, hexagonally packed actin fibers, also found in intestinal microvilli, kidney proximal tubule microvilli, and stereocilia in the ear. Understanding how these structures are constructed and how that construction is regulated is an important question in cell and developmental biology. Because the timing of forked gene expression coincides with the formation of the actin fiber bundles, and since the forked protein is localized at the site of initiation of these bundles before they form, it has been proposed that the forked protein is an initiator of actin bundle formation. In this paper we show that the forked protein can induce the formation of bundles and increase actin polymerization in vertebrate cells. We use this system to identify regions of the forked protein which are essential for bundle formation and actin co-localization.
Assessing and Evaluating Virtual World Effectiveness

Of all the chapters in this book, this chapter may be the most read. Designing and developing quality instruction is not an easy task, especially when adding new technologies. Assessing and evaluating online courses is arguably a more daunting task. This chapter will focus on assessment and evaluation in virtual worlds, games, and simulations on which we have been working so far
The modern era of research on language evolution: Moving forward: Comment on "Towards a computational comparative neuroprimatology: Framing the language-ready brain" by Michael A. Arbib

Twenty-five years ago, Pinker and Bloom [1] helped reinvigorate research on language evolution by arguing that language “shows signs of complex design for the communication of propositional structures, and the only explanation for the origin of organs with complex design is the process of natural selection.” Since then, empirical research has tested the assertions of (cross-cultural) universality, (cross-species) uniqueness, and (cross-domain) specificity underpinning this argument from design. Appearances aside, points of consensus have emerged. The existence of a core computational and neural substrate unique to language and/or humans is still debated, but it is widely agreed that: 1) human language performance overlaps with behaviors in other domains and species, and 2) such general, pre-existing capacities provided the context for language-specific evolution (e.g. [2]). This progress has not occurred in isolation. Evolutionary theory has also undergone a renovation in the past 25 years, leading to calls for a new, “extended” evolutionary synthesis [3]. Recognition of processes such as reciprocal causation (organisms as active agents in evolution), inclusive inheritance (more than just genes), and developmental bias (including phenotypic accommodation) is rendering it increasingly untenable to speak of natural selection as the only (i.e. both necessary and sufficient) explanation for complex “design.” Recent decades have also seen a shift in our understanding of human prehistory, which is no longer consistent with either a sudden, recent appearance of “modern” behavior or a naively progressive gradualism. Rather, key elements of the human adaptation emerged in a piecemeal fashion over millions of years [4] with putative markers of behavioral modernity appearing and disappearing in a context-dependent way over at least the past 200,000 years [5]. In this new reality, where context is key, past is prologue, and diverse evolutionary processes are recognized, historical detail becomes paramount. Arbib’s [6] Mirror System Hypothesis (MSH) currently provides one of the most explicit and detailed sequential accounts of language evolution. Moving forward, the neurobiological richness of the MSH could be complemented with a broader (cf. anthropological) evidential framework. One example is the MSH account of the transition from complex imitation to protospeech via pantomime and protosign. Perhaps because the utility of language seems so obvious to us, evolutionary scenarios do not always thoroughly develop the proposed
Anisometric C60 fullerene colloids assisted by structure-directing agent

C60 molecular crystals are synthesized from aromatic solvents assisted by trimethylpyridine as a structure-directing agent. The nitrogen moiety associates with the faces of growing crystals and stabilizes crystal growth in the aromatic solvents, tetralin and mesitylene. Anisometric colloids with diverse morphology are produced as a function of concentration and injection volume of fullerene solutions using co-solvent precipitation with the crystal growth modifier. The microcrystals exhibit well-defined faceting, higher aspect ratios and enhanced molecular packing efficiency as determined by electron microscopy, time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy and confocal microscopy with quantitative image analysis. Solvent–antisolvent compatibility is nontrivial for the synthesis of monodisperse colloids and our approach may enable controlled precipitation in a variety of solvent systems to obtain diverse internal crystal structures and external forms for photonic applications.
Cluster computing on a small department budget

This paper discusses our experience in an advanced computer science course in which students built modern computing clusters from scratch. The least expensive cluster used an existing computer lab for the compute nodes. The students also built a 10-node cluster using bare-bones computer kits for a total cost of about $2800. For software we used Perceus which is included in the CAOS NSA Linux distribution. Students were required to perform a number of administrative tasks on the system, write and test simple parallel programs (using OpenMPI), and run benchmark programs to compare performance with other parallel systems.
The effect of calcium on mycelial growth and calcium oxalate crystal formation in Gilbertella persicaria (Mucorales).

Patterns of calcium oxalate crystal development on sporangiophores and sporangia of Gilbertella persicaria are a consistent feature of this fungus when grown on a variety of standard mycological media. When grown on a liquid synthetic medium consisting of dextrose and salts, initial growth of the fungus and production of calcium oxalate crystals mimics growth on standard solid media. Soon, however, crystal production becomes aberrant, then ceases. Concomitant with the change in crystal morphology, growth of aerial portions of the colony increases dramatically. Normal colony morphology and crystal production are maintained when calcium salts are added to the synthetic medium. Significantly more fungal dry weight is produced on the synthetic medium when no calcium is added. Data gathered suggest that: 1) mineralized deposits may provide structural support; 2) early production of crystal-bearing sporangia lowers calcium concentrations in the medium sufficiently to alter and eventually stop calcium oxalate crystal production; 3) calcium may inhibit growth; 4) calcium oxalate crystal production in G. persicaria may regulate environmental calcium concentrations.
Identifying Airport Opportunities for Increased Use of Delayed Deceleration Approaches

Delayed Deceleration Approaches (DDAs) minimize fuel burn by maintaining airspeed above the initial flap speed for as long as possible during approach. This lowers drag and engine thrust requirements, leading to significant reductions in fuel burn and emissions during the descent and approach phases of flight. Flight data recorder analysis suggests up to 37% fuel reductions can be achieved during approach by employing an ideal DDA, but that the majority of flights decelerate much earlier. Extensive radar data analysis for a range of airports is presented which provides insights into which airports (and operating conditions at those airports) could theoretically benefit most from increased DDA usage. In practice, there are barriers to implementation which may prevent full DDA usage at some locations, and these are discussed, along with planned next steps.
Electronic Transport in Co-deposited Hydrogenated Amorphous/Nanocrystalline Thin Films

Mixed-phase hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin films containing nanocrystalline silicon inclusions have been synthesized in a dual chamber co-deposition system. A PECVD deposition system produces small crystalline silicon particles (3-5 nm diameter) in a flow-through reactor, and injects these particles into a separate capacitively-coupled plasma chamber in which hydrogenated amorphous silicon is deposited. Raman spectroscopy is used to determine the volume fraction of nanocrystals in the mixed phase thin films, while infra-red spectroscopy characterizes the hydrogen bonding structure as a function of nanocrystalline concentration. At a moderate concentration of 5 nm silicon crystallites, the dark conductivity and photoconductivity are consistently found to be higher than in mixed phase films with either lower or higher densities of nanocrystalline inclusions.
DECLINING USAGE OF MULTI-GATED ACQUISITION SCANS FOR CHEMOTHERAPY RELATED CARDIOMYOPATHY SCREENING

There is no broad consensus on the imaging method or schedule to screen for Chemotherapy Related Cardio-toxicity (CRC). Multi-gated Acquisition Scan (MUGA) has traditionally been used to screen for CRC over the past 4 decades. Radiation exposure from serial MUGA scan usage and second cancer risk is
CT manifestations of pediatric body echinococcosis

Objective To observe CT features of pediatric body echinococcosis.Methods Twenty pediatric patients with pathologically proved echinococcosis,including 7 single contracting echinococcosis,13 multiple echinococcosis were enrolled.There were totally 32 lesions,including 17 hydatid cysts of the liver,9 pulmonary hydatid cysts,4 abdominal hydatid cyst,1 hydatid cyst of the neck and 1 pleural hydatid cyst.All patients underwent body CT,14 of them underwent enhanced CT scans.Results Among 32 lesions,21 were simple cysts,11 cysts ruptured.Neither wall-calcification nor multiple asci was found.Conclusion CT characteristics of pediatric body echinococcosis mainly includs multiple or simple cyst,somehow being different from those of the adult patients.
Continuous Upgrading of Fast Pyrolysis Oil by Simultaneous Esterification and Hydrogenation

A mixture of fast pyrolysis oil (FPO) and methanol (1/1 v/v) was continuously converted to methyl levulinate (ML), methyl acetate (MA), and C3 or greater methyl esters using metal-acid functionalized zeolites (Ni and Ru/HZSM-5) and an iron oxide catalyst with both acid and base sites (250 °C, 600 psig). Fractional conversion of FPO components was 60% or greater using the iron oxide catalyst, and space time yields approached 150 and 30–50 g/L cat/h for MA and C3 methyl esters, respectively, at 250 °C (W/F = 0.4 h, liquid hourly space velocity = 5–11.2 h–1). Product yield and concentration using the iron oxide catalyst were comparable to those of the Ni and Ru/HZM-5 catalysts and achieved performance levels higher than those of SiO2-Al2O3 and HZSM-5. Two potential pathways for acetic acid conversion (ketonization and esterification) and ML formation from levoglucosan were observed. Using the bifunctional catalysts in the presence of hydrogen resulted in significant coke reduction (60–80%) and the production...
Nutrition and Disease

This review paper was presented at the XIIIth World Congress on Cattle Diseases, Durban, South Africa, Sept. 17-21, 1984.
Humanoid push recovery

We extend simple models previously developed for humanoids to large push recovery. Using these simple models, we develop analytic decision surfaces that are functions of reference points, such as the center of mass and center of pressure, that predict whether or not a fall is inevitable. We explore three strategies for recovery: 1) using ankle torques, 2) moving internal joints, and 3) taking a step. These models can be used in robot controllers or in analysis of human balance and locomotion.
Correcting Biased Observation Model Error in Data Assimilation

AbstractWhile the formulation of most data assimilation schemes assumes an unbiased observation model error, in real applications model error with nontrivial biases is unavoidable. A practical example is errors in the radiative transfer model (which is used to assimilate satellite measurements) in the presence of clouds. Together with the dynamical model error, the result is that many (in fact 99%) of the cloudy observed measurements are not being used although they may contain useful information. This paper presents a novel nonparametric Bayesian scheme that is able to learn the observation model error distribution and correct the bias in incoming observations. This scheme can be used in tandem with any data assimilation forecasting system. The proposed model error estimator uses nonparametric likelihood functions constructed with data-driven basis functions based on the theory of kernel embeddings of conditional distributions developed in the machine learning community. Numerically, positive results are...
Glaucomas: Neovascular Glaucoma

Topical and oral medical therapies are the initial treatment of choice to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) and limit vision loss and pain secondary to neovascular glaucoma (NVG).
International Law and the Collateral Effects of War on the Environment: The Persian Gulf

(1991). International Law and the Collateral Effects of War on the Environment: The Persian Gulf. South African Journal on Human Rights: Vol. 7, No. 3, pp. 269-290.
Impact of super obesity on perioperative outcomes after hepatectomy: The weight of the risk.

Background We evaluated perioperative outcomes in super obese patients (body mass index >50 kg/m2) undergoing liver resection using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Methods Patients undergoing hepatectomy recorded in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program dataset from 2005 to 2015 were analyzed. Out of 21,228 hepatectomies in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program dataset, 146 were performed on super obese patients. Results Seventy-two percent of the super obese patients were female with a median age of 50.6 years, and 10% were classified as American College of Surgeons Class ≥III. In this group, 69.2% were hypertensive, 38.4% were diabetics, and 17.8% had dyspnea. The median operation time was 248 minutes in the super obese group, greater than any other body mass index class. Twenty-two percent of these patients required perioperative transfusion, although 74% underwent partial hepatectomies. Body mass index >50 kg/m2 significantly increased morbidity in patients undergoing hepatectomies, almost 2-fold. Infectious complications increased by 86%, and the risk of developing critical care complications increased by 63%. Conclusion Our data show that super obesity (body mass index >50 kg/m2) is the strongest independent predictor of perioperative morbidity. These patients also are at much greater risk of infectious complications and critical care complications. Future studies should be conducted using weight loss strategies in extreme obese patients to reduce their risk of life-threatening complications after hepatectomy.
A Fully Isolated Amplifier Based on Charge-Balanced SAR Converters

A galvanic isolated amplifier based on SAR converters architecture is presented which realizes chip level isolation in both the power and signal domains. The compact IC package contains an integrated isolated power converter which includes on-chip transformer, oscillator and rectifier, digital isolators based on on-chip transformers, a front-end programmable gain amplifier, a SAR ADC, a complementary charge redistribution DAC, and post filters to reconstruct and smooth the linear signal. The symmetric implementation of the SAR ADC and DAC realizes the charge balance between the input side and the output side, where an inherent linear transfer function is achieved. The sampling clock comes from an on-chip oscillator of poor jitter performance which limits the SNR performance of the ADC. With the correlated clock for the DAC reconstruction, the close-in phase noise from the clock generator is attenuated so that the SNR performance of the overall isolated amplifier is not sensitive to the jitter from the sampling clock. This fully integrated solution displaces the traditional bulky hall-effect sensors, and enables precise and fast isolated voltage or current sensing applications such as photovoltaic inverters. The isolated amplifier, with the ability to measure both large currents and small dc injection currents in a single solution, can contribute compactly and efficiently to smart grid integration circuitry. The system-in-package achieves less than 1 mV total offset and 71.9 dBFS SNR in a bandwidth of 200 kHz. It achieves an isolation working voltage rating of 600 Vrms and 5 kVrms over 1 min duration.
A 0.36pJ/bit, 17Gbps OOK receiver in 45-nm CMOS for inter and intra-chip wireless interconnects

Wireless interconnects are capable of establishing energy-efficient intra and inter-chip data communications. This paper introduces a circuit level design of an energy-efficient millimeter-wave (mm-wave) non-coherent on-off keying (OOK) receiver suitable for such wireless interconnects in 45-nm CMOS process. The receiver consists of a simple two-stage common source structure based Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) and a source degenerated differential Envelope Detector (ED) followed by a Base Band (BB) amplifier stage. Operating at 60GHz, the proposed OOK receiver consumes only 6.1mW DC power from a 1V supply while providing a data rate of 17Gbps and a bit-energy efficiency of 0.36 pJ/bit.
ON HEMIMICELLE FORMATION AT OXIDE/WATER INTERFACES

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the phenomena of hemimicelle formation at oxide/water interfaces involving the association of adsorbed ions. Each hemimicelle contains more than 20 surfactant ions. For both dodecyl sulfonate and dodecylbenzene sulfonate, the size of the hemimicelle is increased with increase in salt concentration. The effect of salt on hemimicelle formation is similar to the salt effect on micelle formation. The formation of hemimicelles is taken as a surface analog of micelle formation in bulk solution. Hemimicelle formation is dependent on the electrical nature of the interface and the salt concentration. In the chapter, the proposed model allows calculation of the size of the hemimicelle from the available adsorption data. The model is further used to explain the effect of pH, ionic strength, the number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain, and the effects of benzene rings in the hydrocarbon chain. Correspondence between the hemimicelle formation and micelles in bulk solution is taken as indicative of the “hydrophobic effect” in both cases. Hemimicelles are more difficult to form at lower pHs or high surface potentials. This is attributed to the exclusion volume effect of bulky surfactant ions relative to the smaller inorganic counter ions.
The Importance of Choice Design for Low Literate User Experience

This research addresses a significant gap in our understanding of low literate behavior in online search. We explore how both low- and high-literate online consumers make decisions at the point of purchase in an online shopping task. We measured percentage fixation duration of AOIs during decision-making on four search engine results page (SERP) tasks. Qualitative and quantitative results combined suggest that tabular SERP may contribute to the success of low literate consumers making sophisticated trade-off decisions. Furthermore, we propose that tabular SERP choice design may improve low literate user experience for more general SERP choice design.