cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of Weed Manipulation in Field Borders on Brown Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Densities and Damage in Field Corn

Brown stink bug, Euschistus servus (Say), is a damaging pest of corn, Zea mays L. (Cyperales: Poaceae), in the southeastern United States. In North Carolina, during the spring, winter-planted wheat, Triticum aestivum L. (Cyperales: Poaceae), serves as the earliest available crop host, and E. servus seems to prefer this crop over seedling corn. In the absence of wheat in the agroecosystem, weeds serve as a bridge host for a portion of overwintered E. servus populations until they move to corn and other subsequent crops. Our objective was to reduce densities of E. servus in corn by manipulating the weedy field borders with mowing and applications of dicamba herbicide. During the study, multiple species of stink bugs (n =16) were found associated with weed plots. However, E. servus was the predominant (>94%) stink bug species in the corn. In this farmscape, density of E. servus adults in the unmanaged weed plots began declining around the second week of May, followed by an increase in density in adjacent corn plots. This movement coincided with the seedling growth of corn. In 2016, applications of dicamba in the weedy field border resulted in a lower density of E. servus in herbicide-treated weed plots compared with untreated plots. Despite this difference, manipulations of weeds did not lead to any significant changes in density of E. servus adults in corn. Further evidence suggested that a prominent external source of E. servus, other than field-bordering weeds, in the farmscape was likely driving densities in corn.
Three-dimensional underwater sound pressure sensitivity in oceanic environments

Physical oceanographic processes, marine geological features, sub-bottom geoacoustic structure, sea surface disturbances, etc., can either individually or jointly affect underwater sound propagation in the ocean and cause significant temporal and spatial variability in the sound pressure field. The primary goal of this study is to develop a numerical scheme to determine the sound pressure sensitivity in response to variations of index of refraction due to changes of environmental conditions. This sensitivity analysis is an exention of the Born approximation which assumes perturbations at infinitesimal points. To handle disturbance within a finite volume, an improved sensitivity kernel is derived from a higher-order parabolic-equation (PE) approximation. With this sensitivity kernel, we can analyze the spatial distribution and the temporal evolution of the acoustic sensitivity field in complex oceanic environments. This paper will present numerical examples of three-dimensional (3D) sound propagation in continental slopes, submarine canyons, and nonlinear internal wave fields. Discussions on other applications, including uncertainty quantification of transmission loss prediction and adjoint models for 3D acoustic inversions, will also be provided. [Work supported by the Office of Naval Research.]
Silicosis: Diagnosis and Medicolegal Implications.

Despite well-publicized sources of occupational hazard, silicosis continues to threaten industrial workers in the United States.We performed a retrospective search of the University of Wisconsin electronic pathology database to retrieve autopsy cases of silicosis and col-laborated with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to obtain statewide epidemiologic data regarding silicosis morbidity/mortality since2003. Three silicosis autopsy cases were retrieved: all were men with≥30 years of occupational crystalline silica exposure and similar histo-logic features of collagenous pulmonary nodules with admixed refractile particles. Overall, our state exceeds the national rate of silicosis-relatedhospitalizations and mortality, that is, 10.1 hospitalizations per million WI residents versus 1.2 nationally and 1.2 deaths per million WIresidents versus 0.4 nationally. Surveillance is crucial to identify emerging occupational hazards and protect workers. A diagnosis of silicosismust be carefully considered at autopsy since it carries substantial implications for worker’s compensation, compensatory losses, and employerliability.
Feasibility of smartphone application- and social media-based intervention on college students' health outcomes: A pilot randomized trial.

Objective: We evaluated the feasibility of a 10-week program combining a smartphone application and theoretically-based, social media-delivered health education intervention to improve college students' health behaviors and outcomes. Participants: Forty-four college students (32 female; Xage=21.6 years) in 2015-2016. Methods: Participants were randomized into one of two groups: (1) experimental: used MapMyFitness smartphone application to log and track physical activity (PA) and participated in a Social Cognitive Theory-based, Facebook-delivered health education intervention; (2) comparison: only included in a separate, but content-identical, Facebook intervention. Our primary outcomes pertained to intervention feasibility while our secondary outcomes reflected health behaviors and outcomes. Results: Intervention interest was high, with retention 95.5%. Experimental participants used MapMyFitness 1.71x/week, with both groups implementing the Facebook-delivered health education tips 1-3x/week. We observed a modest sedentary behavior reduction in the experimental group (-29.2-minutes/day). Additionally, both groups demonstrated slight reductions in weight (experimental:-1.2 kg/comparison:-0.6 kg) and body fat percentage (both groups:-0.8%-decrease). Increased PA-related social support and decreased barriers were observed. Conclusions: A low-burden and well-integrated social media-based intervention is feasible and of interest to college students, possibly improving select health behaviors and outcomes. PA-oriented smartphone application offered limited additional benefit.
Chapter Eight – Structural Adaptation

Being situated at the edge of a low-lying delta, coastal Bangladesh is a classic example of a local area in a distant third-world country, which is at the forefront of global climate change impacts. The area confronts two climate change–related hazards: (a) gradual sea level rise (SLR) and (b) increasingly more intense tropical cyclones with high-magnitude storm surges. In public discourse on climate change Bangladesh is frequently cited as the most vulnerable country for climate change impacts. Besides exacerbating other climatic hazards, such as river floods, tropical cyclones, and storm surges, global warming–induced SLR poses the greatest climatic hazard for Bangladesh since it is likely to displace millions of people from its low-lying coastal areas. This chapter reviews four structural adaptation measures undertaken in the coastal region of Bangladesh to mitigate the effects of tropical cyclones and storm surges.
MODELING THERMAL DUST EMISSION WITH TWO COMPONENTS: APPLICATION TO THE PLANCK HIGH FREQUENCY INSTRUMENT MAPS

We apply the Finkbeiner et al. two-component thermal dust emission model to the Planck High Frequency Instrument maps. This parameterization of the far-infrared dust spectrum as the sum of two modified blackbodies (MBBs) serves as an important alternative to the commonly adopted single-MBB dust emission model. Analyzing the joint Planck/DIRBE dust spectrum, we show that two-component models provide a better fit to the 100-3000 GHz emission than do single-MBB models, though by a lesser margin than found by Finkbeiner et al. based on FIRAS and DIRBE. We also derive full-sky 6.'1 resolution maps of dust optical depth and temperature by fitting the two-component model to Planck 217-857 GHz along with DIRBE/IRAS 100 μm data. Because our two-component model matches the dust spectrum near its peak, accounts for the spectrum's flattening at millimeter wavelengths, and specifies dust temperature at 6.'1 FWHM, our model provides reliable, high-resolution thermal dust emission foreground predictions from 100 to 3000 GHz. We find that, in diffuse sky regions, our two-component 100-217 GHz predictions are on average accurate to within 2.2%, while extrapolating the Planck Collaboration et al. single-MBB model systematically underpredicts emission by 18.8% at 100 GHz, 12.6% at 143 GHz, and 7.9% at 217 GHz. We calibrate our two-component optical depth to reddening, and compare with reddening estimates based on stellar spectra. We find the dominant systematic problems in our temperature/reddening maps to be zodiacal light on large angular scales and the cosmic infrared background anisotropy on small angular scales.
Structure, function, and substrates of Clp AAA+ protease systems in cyanobacteria, plastids, and apicoplasts: A comparative analysis.

ATPases Associated with diverse cellular Activities (AAA+) are a superfamily of proteins that typically assemble into hexameric rings. These proteins contain AAA+ domains with two canonical motifs (Walker A and B) that bind and hydrolyze ATP, allowing them to perform a wide variety of different functions. For example, AAA+ proteins play a prominent role in cellular proteostasis by controlling biogenesis, folding, trafficking, and degradation of proteins present within the cell. Several central proteolytic systems (e.g., Clp, Deg, FtsH, Lon, 26S proteasome) use AAA+ domains or AAA+ proteins to unfold protein substrates (using energy from ATP hydrolysis) to make them accessible for degradation. This allows AAA+ protease systems to degrade aggregates and large proteins, as well as smaller proteins, and feed them as linearized molecules into a protease chamber. This review provides an up-to-date and a comparative overview of the essential Clp AAA+ protease systems in Cyanobacteria (e.g., Synechocystis spp), plastids of photosynthetic eukaryotes (e.g., Arabidopsis, Chlamydomonas), and apicoplasts in the nonphotosynthetic apicomplexan pathogen Plasmodium falciparum. Recent progress and breakthroughs in identifying Clp protease structures, substrates, substrate adaptors (e.g., NblA/B, ClpS, ClpF), and degrons are highlighted. We comment on the physiological importance of Clp activity, including plastid biogenesis, proteostasis, the chloroplast Protein Unfolding Response, and metabolism, across these diverse lineages. Outstanding questions as well as research opportunities and priorities to better understand the essential role of Clp systems in cellular proteostasis are discussed.
Bridging cognitive gaps between user and model in interactive dimension reduction

Abstract Interactive machine learning (ML) systems are difficult to design because of the “Two Black Boxes” problem that exists at the interface between human and machine. Many algorithms that are used in interactive ML systems are black boxes that are presented to users, while the human cognition represents a second black box that can be difficult for the algorithm to interpret. These black boxes create cognitive gaps between the user and the interactive ML model. In this paper, we identify several cognitive gaps that exist in a previously-developed interactive visual analytics (VA) system, Andromeda, but are also representative of common problems in other VA systems. Our goal with this work is to open both black boxes and bridge these cognitive gaps by making usability improvements to the original Andromeda system. These include designing new visual features to help people better understand how Andromeda processes and interacts with data, as well as improving the underlying algorithm so that the system can better implement the intent of the user during the data exploration process. We evaluate our designs through both qualitative and quantitative analysis, and the results confirm that the improved Andromeda system outperforms the original version in a series of high-dimensional data analysis tasks.
A loon on every lake: A hedonic analysis of lake water quality in the Adirondacks ☆

Abstract The Adirondack Park contains over 6 million acres and over 3000 lakes. Approximately 43% of the Park is publically owned and protected to remain “forever wild”. Despite regulatory measures aimed at protecting the natural resources of the Adirondacks, surface water quality is threatened by acid and mercury deposition. This paper uses data on 12,001 property transactions over 9 years in the 12 counties that comprise the Adirondack Park to explore how property owners value lake water quality using fixed effects hedonic analysis. We find that multiple measures of water quality have significant effects on property values including lake acidity, the presence of water milfoil, an invasive species, and the presence of loons, an indicator species. This research provides valuable insight into how water quality and associated ecosystem health are capitalized into property values. Moreover, this research helps partially quantify air pollution impacts on Adirondack property values and could be used to justify additional regulations to further restrict sulfur and mercury emissions which are negatively impacting the Park.
Validation of a screening tool for labor and sex trafficking among emergency department patients.

Objective Patients with labor and sex trafficking experiences seek healthcare while and after being trafficked. Their trafficking experiences are often unrecognized by clinicians who lack a validated tool to systematically screen for trafficking. We aimed to derive and validate a brief, comprehensive trafficking screening tool for use in healthcare settings. Methods Patients were randomly selected to participate in this prospective study based on time of arrival. Data collectors administered 5 dichotomous index questions and a reference standard trafficking assessment tool that requires 30 to 60 minutes to administer. Data collection was from June 2016 to January 2021. Data from patients in 5 New York City (NYC) emergency departments (EDs) were used for tool psychometric derivation, and data from patients in a Fort Worth ED were used for external validation. Clinically stable ED adults (aged ≥18 years) were eligible to participate. Candidate questions were selected from the Trafficking Victim Identification Tool (TVIT). The study outcome measurement was a determination of a participant having a lifetime experience of labor and/or sex trafficking based on the interpretation of the reference standard interview, the TVIT. Results Overall, 4127 ED patients were enrolled. In the derivation group, the reference standard identified 36 (1.1%) as positive for a labor and/or sex trafficking experience. In the validation group, 12 (1.4%) were positive by the reference standard. Rapid Appraisal for Trafficking (RAFT) is a new 4-item trafficking screening tool: in the derivation group, RAFT was 89% sensitive (95% confidence interval [CI], 79%-99%) and 74% specific (95% CI, 73%-76%) and in the external validation group, RAFT was 100% sensitive (95% CI, 100%-100%) and 61% specific (95% CI, 56%-65%). Conclusions The rapid, 4-item RAFT screening tool demonstrated good sensitivity compared with the existing, resource-intensive reference standard tool. RAFT may enhance the detection of human trafficking in EDs. Additional multicenter studies and research on RAFT's implementation are needed.
Inhibition of [FeFe]-Hydrogenase by Formaldehyde: Proposed Mechanism and Reactivity of FeFe Alkyl Complexes

The mechanism for inhibition of [FeFe]-hydrogenases by formaldehyde is examined with model complexes. Key findings: (i) CH2 donated by formaldehyde covalently link Fe and the amine cofactor, blocking the active site and (ii) the resulting Fe-alkyl is a versatile electrophilic alkylating agent. Solutions of Fe2[(m-SCH2)2NH](CO)4(PMe3)2 (1) react with a mixture of HBF4 and CH2O to give three isomers of [Fe2[(m-SCH2)2NCH2](CO)4(PMe3)2]+ ([2]+). X-ray crystallography verified the NCH2Fe linkage to an octahedral Fe(II) site. Although [2]+ is stereochemically rigid on the NMR timescale, spin-saturation transfer experiments implicate reversible dissociation of the Fe-CH2 bond, allowing interchange of all three diastereoisomers. Using 13CH2O, the methylenation begins with formation of [Fe2[(m-SCH2)2N13CH2OH](CO)4(PMe3)2]+. Protonation converts this hydroxymethyl derivative to [2]+, concomitant with 13C-labelling of all three methylene groups. The Fe-CH2N bond in [2]+ is electrophilic: PPh3, hydroxide, and hydride give, respectively, the phosphonium [Fe2[(m-SCH2)2NCH2PPh3](CO)4(PMe3)2]+, 1, and the methylamine Fe2[(m-SCH2)2NCH3](CO)4(PMe3)2. The reaction of [Fe2[(m-SCH2)2NH](CN)2(CO)4]2− with CH2O/HBF4 gave [Fe2[(m-SCH2)2NCH2CN](CN)(CO)5]− ([4]−), the result of reductive elimination from [Fe2[(m-SCH2)2NCH2](CN)2(CO)4]−. The phosphine derivative [Fe2[(m-SCH2)2NCH2CN](CN)(CO)4(PPh3)]− ([5]−) was characterized crystallographically.
Whiskered Tori for Integrable Pde’s: Chaotic Behavior in Near Integrable Pde’s

This article is a summary of our numerical and theoretical studies (which were done in various collaborations with Alan Bishop, Nick Ercolani, Greg Forest, and Steve Wiggins) of near integrable nonlinear wave equations under periodic boundary conditions. Two examples, a damped driven sine-Gordon equation and a perturbed nonlinear Schrodinger equation, are discussed in detail. The article begins with a thorough description of numerical experiments on the two systems in a parameter regime for which the response is spatially coherent, yet temporally chaotic. In addition to the description of this qualitative behavior in the pde’s, numerical and statistical issues are emphasized. Next, the spectral transform for the integrable nonlinear Schrodinger equation is developed in sufficient detail for use in both theoretical and numerical analysis of the perturbed system. This integrable theory includes the introduction of a Morse function which unveils a hyperbolic or saddle structure in the constants of the motion, the association of this saddle structure with complex double periodic eigenvalues for the spectral transform, and the use of Backlund transformations to produce from these complex double points analytical representations of homoclinic orbits and whiskered tori. Next, the spectral transform is used as a numerical diagnostic to monitor the chaotic attractors in the perturbed system. Finally, a Melnikov analysis of a perturbed model system is described. This geometric perturbation theory is based upon the analytical representations of whiskered tori in the nearby integrable system. Open problems are discussed throughout the text and summarized in the conclusion.
A comparison of VBscript, Javascript, and Jscript

Client-side scripting languages, such as JavaScript and VBScript, have become a popular choice for developing interactive and dynamic Web pages. Recent versions of Netscape Navigator's JavaScript and Microsoft's JScript are implementations of the ECMA 262 language specification called ECMAScript Edition 3. VBScript is a subset of the Visual Basic programming language by Microsoft that is supported by Microsoft Internet Explorer. The scripts written in any of these three languages can run only in the presence of a Web browser or an interpreter such as Internet Explorer. In this report, a brief comparison is made of the core features of VBScript, JScript, and JavaScript scripting languages. This will provide an insight into different features of these languages and assist in making an informed decision and also promote research in the development of better scripting languages.
High performance computing techniques for attacking reduced version of aes using xl and xsl methods

A known-plaintext attack on the Advanced Encryption Standard can be formulated as a system of quadratic multivariate polynomial equations in which the unknowns represent key bits. Algorithms such as XSL and XL use properties of the cipher to build a sparse system of linear equations over the field GF(2) from those multivariate polynomial equations. A scaled down version of AES called Baby Rijndael has structure similar to AES and can be attacked using the XL and XSL techniques among others. This results in a large sparse system of linear equations over the field GF(2) with an unknown number of extraneous solutions that need to be weeded out. High Performance Computing techniques were used to create SPSOLVERMOD2 a parallel software designed to solve sparse systems of linear equations over the field GF(2). In this thesis we apply XL and XSL attacks on Baby Rijndael. Using SPSOLVERMOD2 we have shown XL and XSL attacks on Baby Rijndael do not give the desired result when one block of message and corresponding cipher text are provided. The number of linearly dependent equations we get close to 100000 and the number of possible solutions is huge. Finally we present the design of SPSOLVERMOD2 as well as the challenges we met on our way. Also the performance results for random matrices on different clusters and supercomputers are discussed.
Questionnaire Design: Carry‐Over Effects of Overall Acceptance Question Placement and Pre‐evaluation Instructions on Overall Acceptance Scores in Central Location Tests

Question placement and usage of pre-evaluation instructions (PEI) in questionnaires for food sensory analysis may bias consumers' scores via carry-over effects. Data from consumer sensory panels previously conducted at a central location, spanning 11 years and covering a broad range of food product categories, were compiled. Overall acceptance (OA) question placement was studied with categories designated as first (the first evaluation question following demographic questions), after nongustation questions (immediately following questions that do not require panelists to taste the product), and later (following all other hedonic and just-about-right [JAR] questions, but occasionally before ranking, open-ended comments, and/or intent to purchase questions). Each panel was categorized as having or not having PEI in the questionnaire; PEI are instructions that appear immediately before the first evaluation question and show panelists all attributes they will evaluate before receiving test samples. Postpanel surveys were administered regarding the self-reported effect of PEI on panelists' evaluation experience. OA scores were analyzed and compared (1) between OA question placement categories and (2) between panels with and without PEI. For most product categories, OA scores tended to be lower when asked later in the questionnaire, suggesting evidence of a carry-over effect. Usage of PEI increased OA scores by 0.10 of a 9-point hedonic scale point, which is not practically significant. Postpanel survey data showed that presence of PEI typically improved the panelists' experience. Using PEI does not appear to introduce a meaningful carry-over effect.
Deep Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Tremor and Ataxia Associated with Abetalipoproteinemia

Background: Abetalipoproteinemia is a rare disorder of fat absorption, characterized by vitamin deficiency, acanthocytosis, and neurologic symptoms including ataxia and tremor. Case Report: A 41-year-old male with abetalipoproteinemia is presented. He underwent staged bilateral thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of his tremors. After DBS, the patient achieved significant improvements in his tremors, ataxia, and quality of life. Discussion: Thalamic DBS proved to be both safe and efficacious in the management of ataxia and tremors in a patient with abetalipoproteinemia. This is the first report of DBS in abetalipoproteinemia in the literature.
Energy of the 32-keV transition of 83Krm and the atomic mass difference between 3H and 3He.

The energy of a gamma transition in the decay of $^{83}\mathrm{Kr}^{\mathrm{m}}$ has been determined to be 32 147.3(16) eV in a comparison with transitions in $^{241}\mathrm{Am}$ decay. This value, substantially more precise than previous ones, leads to a corresponding improvement in precision in the atomic mass difference between $^{3}\mathrm{H}$ and $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ as determined from an experiment on the beta decay of free molecular tritium. The mass difference, 18 589.0(26) eV, is in agreement with some independent determinations but disagrees with others, most notably with some recent ion-cyclotron-resonance data. The latter disagreement calls into question the 17-eV lower limit on the mass of the electron antineutrino claimed by Boris et al.
The versatility of phosphoenolpyruvate and its vinyl ether products in biosynthesis

The diverse enzymes that use phosphoenolpyruvate as a substrate lie at the heart of cellular energy metabolism, as well as a number of critical biosynthetic pathways. The versatility of the enol ether linkage is reflected not only in the rich chemistry and enzymology of PEP, but also in the variety of metabolites in which the high-energy enol ether linkage is preserved.
Traditional ecological knowledge in the tribal college classroom

The college classroom at a tribal college offers a dynamic perspective on the discussion of traditional ecological knowledge. It provides a unique view because it is one of the very few settings in higher education where the majority of students in the class are American Indian. It is here where traditional ecological knowledge should become tangible, practical, and embraced. It is evident when students talk about their culture and spiritual practices. It is shown when they relate stories that their grandparents have passed down to them over the years. It is evident when they share their experiences of spending time in the forest and interacting with the land as if it was their best friend. My experience as a non-native instructor at the College of Menominee Nation in northern Wisconsin over the past 10 years has provided me with not only an appreciation for traditional ecological knowledge, but actually an understanding for how it is essential in the global study of environmental sustainability. This paper will detail the basis for making such an assertion.
Acute Hypoxia, Diabetes, and Neuroimmune Dysregulation: Converging Mechanisms in the Brain:

Acute hypoxia is experienced by a variety of individuals (neonates to the elderly) and in an assortment of conditions and diseases (terrorist bomb attack to decompensated heart failure). Increasingly, elaboration of inflammatory cytokines appears key to the brain-based response to hypoxia, as evidenced by the biobehaviors of malaise, fatigue, lethargy, and loss of interest in the physical and social environment. These sickness symptoms implicate hypoxia-dependent activation of the neuroimmune system as a key component of acute hypoxia. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with increased incidence, severity, and delayed recovery from hypoxic events. Why T2D negatively affects acute hypoxia is not well understood. Recent work, however, reveals that anti-inflammatory pathways tied to the interleukin (IL)-1beta arm of the neuroimmune system may be critical. In this review, the authors examine the link between acute hypoxia, T2D, and neuroimmunity.
Chinese Secret Societies in the Occident: Notes and Suggestions for Research in the Sociology of Secrecy

Les etudes sur la societe secrete chinoise en Occident fournissent des materiaux pour le developpement d'une sociologie des activites secretes. En general ce sont des non-sociologues, avec des buts autres qu'academiques, qui se sont interesses a ces societes. Cependant beaucoup de donnees valables sont disponibles et peuvent faire 1'objet d'une analyse sociologique. Les paralleles entre les franc-macons occidentaux et les societes secretes chinoises suggerent la possibilitye de developper une typologie des societes secretes qui utilise comme criteres leurs attitudes vis-a-vis les normes de la societe dominante et le mode d'expression de ces attitudes. Un modele a quatre dimensions suggere que les distinctions conformite-alienation, instrumental- “expressif” caracterisent de telles societes. Quoique les rites des societes secretes se ressemblent, ils peuvent remplir des fonctions differentes selon les buts et les activites des societes. La societe secrete en Chine meme a ete un instrument de rebellion non-ideologique. Elle ne fut pas fortement revolutionnaire mais elle a attire des revolutionnaires. Les theories recentes de la sociologie politique sur le “brigandage social” et la rebellion non-ideologique pourraient etre confirmees ou modifyees par l‘etude des sources chinoises. Les Chinois a l'exterieur de l'Asie ont organise des societes secretes pour se proteger, pour s'entraider, pour fournir des biens et services illicites et pour exprimer leur interet dans l'avenir politique de la Chine. II semble que l'assimilation de ces Chinois met en danger la survie des societes secretes mais il faudrait plus de recherches sur ce sujet. Les donnees sur les societes secretes chinoises en Occident suggerent la necessite de modifier le modele de Freedman pour l'etude du changement dans les communautes chinoises hors de l'Asie.
Will cognitive science change ethics?: Review essay of Larry May, Marilyn Friedman & Andy Clark (Eds) Mind and morals: Essays on ethics and cognitive science

Abstract This paper contains an overview of the essays contained in the Mind and morals anthology plus a critical discussion of certain themes raised in many of these essays concerning the bearing of recent work in cognitive science on the traditional project of moral theory. Specifically, I argue for the following claims: (1) authors like Virginia Held, who appear to be antagonistic toward the methodological naturalism of Owen Flanagan, Andy Clark, Paul Churchland, and others, are really in fundamental agreement with the naturalists (at least once the naturalist view is suitably clarified); (2) the prototype theory of moral concepts that is inspired by recent work in cognitive science does not necessarily jeopardize the aim of systematization characteristic of traditional moral theory; (3) nor does it threaten certain widely accepted views about moral rationality that is part of traditional moral theorizing. Moreover, I speculate that (4) recent work in cognitive science can be expected to play a corrobo...
New studies influencing treatment of heart failure: 2006 Update

The number of hospitalizations for heart failure has continued to increase despite rapid and significant advances in cardiovascular care. The mortality rate is lower, but morbidity remains significant. In 2004, over 1 million people were hospitalized for heart failure. Conservative estimates indicate that the United States spends more than $33 billion annually, with hospital and nursing home costs consuming 75% of the total, home health care 10%, care providers 8%, and drugs and medical durables 8%. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use confers a 16-20% reduction in mortality. beta-Blocker use also confers a significant reduction in mortality, as well as reduces hospitalizations. Angiotensin II receptor blockers also reduce mortality and morbidity. Appropriate use of drugs can reduce other costs associated with heart failure. During the past 20 years, many trials in patients with heart failure have been conducted. Those that have demonstrated reductions in morbidity and mortality were reviewed in order to identify the important implications for sound clinical care of patients with heart failure. Managed care practitioners and pharmacists who take the time to revisit pertinent studies will understand how each incremental knowledge enhancement builds on previous data. They will also know which agents are preferred based on well-conducted clinical trials, as well as the target doses at which these agents should be used.
Consumer Misunderstanding of Credit Card Use, Payments, and Debt: Causes and Solutions

Abstract The authors identify several judgmental biases related to paying off credit card debt. Participants with stronger numerical skills made fewer errors, as did those who used the new statement format mandated by Congress in the CARD Act of 2009. Study 1 shows that people underestimate how long it takes to eliminate a debt when payments barely cover interest owed. Study 2 shows that less numerate people tend to underestimate the monthly payment required to pay off a debt in three years, whereas more numerate people tend to overestimate the payment. The newly revised statement required by the CARD Act substantially reduced these biases. However, even with the new statement, many people still underestimate required payments when still using the credit card. Study 3 identifies ambiguities in the revised statement that can lead to misjudgments about how much to pay on monthly bills. The authors recommend additional public policy actions to help cardholders understand the relationship between payments and...
Second Wave Evaluation of a Multi-Faceted Intervention for Juvenile Court Probationers

This study compares the effects of a multi-faceted intervention for juvenile court probationers with the effects of "standard" probation services. Approximately half of the subjects were randomly assigned to the intervention program (Project Explore) consisting of outdoor adventure, social skills training, and parent skills training components, and the other half were maintained on standard probation. Results indicate that while both groups showed substantial reductions in status and criminal offenses over a two-year follow-up period, there were no significant differences between the groups, suggesting that Project Explore was no more effective than probation services that allow caseworkers close and meaningful contact with clients.
Five-Year Climatology of Midtroposphere Dry Air Layers in Warm Tropical Ocean Regions as Viewed by AIRS/Aqua

Abstract Many studies have commented on the presence of midtroposphere dry air layers in normally moist areas of the warm-pool region in the tropical western Pacific Ocean. In this study, 5 yr of relative humidity (RH) observations from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument aboard the Aqua satellite are analyzed to identify areas of anomalously dry air between 600 and 400 hPa over deep convective regions of the tropical oceans. A dry air layer is defined when midlevel RH is <20%, accounting for the lowest 10% of RH observations. Dry air layers appear to be more frequent over the Indian and Pacific Oceans than over the Atlantic Ocean. Large seasonal differences in the locations of dry air layers are apparent in each ocean basin. Large variations are also noted across the Pacific, suggesting limits on the applicability of case-study trends and observations of dry air layers to the Pacific as a whole. Back trajectories are then calculated for each observed parcel. The origin, or location of dehy...
Synthesis of chemically reactive analogues of AZT and their biological evaluation against HIV

Abstract Several 3'-deoxythymidine analogues were prepared and tested against HIV. The choice of analogues was based on their possible covalent binding to the enzyme reverse transcriptase.
Thrombi--beware of red cells bearing gifts.

Red blood cells coated with tissue plasminogen activators may help prevent harmful vascular thromboses.
A survey of fault tolerant methodologies for FPGAs

A wide range of fault tolerance methods for FPGAs have been proposed. Approaches range from simple architectural redundancy to fully on-line adaptive implementations. The applications of these methods also differ; some are used only for manufacturing yield enhancement, while others can be used in-system. This survey attempts to provide an overview of the current state of the art for fault tolerance in FPGAs. It is assumed that faults have been previously detected and diagnosed; the methods presented are targeted towards tolerating the faults. A detailed description of each method is presented. Where applicable, the methods are compared using common metrics. Results are summarized to present a succinct, comprehensive comparison of the different approaches.
Collection patterns of selected disciplines of Latin American print and non‐print materials

Literature loss refers to the declining ability of US libraries to maintain a comprehensive book collection in the face of extraordinary growth in publications and price inflation. Another possible explanation of literature loss might be that libraries might be shifting the emphasis from collecting books to collecting alternative formats such as non‐print materials, or depending more on access to materials rather than ownership. This study attempted to: identify the collection patterns for print ( books) and non‐print
Review of the Lacconectus-species from Myanmar, with the description of one new species (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)

Abstract The occurrence of the genus Lacconectus Motschulsky, in Myanmar is discussed and a new species, Lacconectus shaverdoae n.sp., is described. Additional records from Myanmar are listed for L. basalis Sharp, 1882 and L. peguensis Brancucci, 1986. A key is given for the 8 species of Lacconectus now known from Myanmar. The total number of Lacconectus-species now rises to 63.
A Quantitative Approach to (Sub)Registers: The Case of `Sports Announcer Talk'

Despite studies such as Biber (1988), quantitative methodologies remain under-exploited resources in discourse analysis. This study employs a quantitative, statistical approach to re-examine and rethink the rather well-explored topic of register. Using the extensively documented register of Sports Announcer Talk (SAT) as a case study, careful quantitative analysis exposes the limitations of traditional descriptive approaches to registers. Quantitative analysis reveals significant inter-register variation in the distribution of core SAT features in a television broadcast and a radio broadcast of a basketball game. Further, SAT features appear to function differently in the broadcasts: out of necessity in the radio broadcast and symbolically in the television broadcast. Such inter-register variation of variable frequency and feature function may be a product of differences in communication situation and communicative function related to broadcast media. Quantitative approaches allow more precise defining of...
Extinction in the far ultraviolet

Interstellar grain model consisting of elongated dielectric particles represented by infinite circular cylinders reproducing observed interstellar extinction in IF far UV spectra
Analysis of the treatment of neuromyelitis optica.

Abstract Background Treatment options for neuromyelitis optica (NMO) are currently based on small retrospective case series and open label studies, ranging from 10 to 103 patients. Objective To compare the efficacy and tolerability of azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate, and rituximab in patients with neuromyelitis optica. Methods This is a retrospective chart review and telephone follow-up study of 71 patients with NMO or NMO spectrum disorder, 54 of whom were treated with the study drugs. We compared adverse events, annualized relapse rates and expanded disability status scales before and after treatment. Results The median ARR decreased from 1.17 to 0.25 on rituximab (P Conclusion Rituximab significantly reduces relapse rates and improves disability while maintaining comparable tolerability to other immunosuppressive treatments for NMO.
A solution to the distributed parameter model of a continuous grinding mill at steady state

Abstract A distributed parameter model of an open-circuit size reduction device at steady state is considered. The model is applicable to tumbling or vibratory mills. Material transport is described in terms of a size-dependent axial convective velocity and a size-dependent axial dispersion coefficient. For n size fractions, the model consists of a set of n coupled ordinary differential equations of second order with two-point boundary conditions. An explicit solution to the model equations is derived for the case in which these equations are linear with constant coefficients. This corresponds to the circumstance in which the axial convective velocities, axial dispersion coefficients and the quantities used to describe the size reduction process are independent of the axial position or of the dependence of the material holdup or size distribution on axial position in the device. These assumptions are not too restrictive and the solution appears to be a useful approximation for a broad range of material-mill combinations. Applications to other process unit operations are suggested.
Experimental determination of the low mass I = 0 S-wave ππ phase shift using a method which is consistent with the off-mass-shell dependence of current algebra

Abstract The forward-backward asymmetry α ( s , Δ 2 ) has been extrapolated to both the pion pole and to the ππ threshold in a manner that is consistent with the general form of the off-mass-shell dependence of current algebra. We have determined the P-wave and the isoscalar S-wave ππ phase shifts near threshold.
Concurrent measurement op centripetal passage of radiophosphorus and op water plow across intact roots exposed to various water stress agents

Abstract A system was described for concurrent measurement of Centripetal Passage (CP)1 of radiophosphorus and of water flow across intact bean roots. It was based on a comparison by double ratio of radiophosphorus which had completed Centripetal Passage with isotope in the xylem sap. Phosphorus and water data were collected for plants exposed to various agents commonly used to produce water stress. Readings were taken after the first hour and showed a variety of behavior patterns. Glucose and mannitol had no effect on phosphorus or water passage. Fructose, sucrose, polyethylene glycol and phenylmercuric acetate decreased both phosphorus and water passage. Mannose decreased phosphorus passage but had no effect on water flow. Glycerol decreased phosphorus passage but increased water flow.
Energy and coverage trade-offs in deploying a mix of mobile and stationary relays for disjoint Wireless Sensor Networks

Additional relay nodes (RNs) can be deployed within a partitioned Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) to restore connectivity among the partitions. In the case of lack of sufficient RNs to link all the partitions, some of the RNs can act as mobile data collectors (MDCs) to visit partitions for providing intermittent connection for the nodes. Determining the number of MDCs and stationary RNs is a challenge that deals with the trade-off between minimizing the maximum tour length and maximizing the coverage provided by both sensors and the stationary RNs. This paper proposes an RN placement algorithm to guarantee network connectivity while striving to balance the number of MDCs and stationary RNs so that the maximum tour length of MDCs is minimized and an imposed coverage constraint is satisfied. The proposed approach first determines Steiner points to connect partitions by using a Steiner Minimum Tree (SMT) heuristic. The number and location of these Steiner points to be occupied by stationary RNs is determined by using a cost function for each partition. The cost is computed based on the required RN count to connect a partition to the sink. The minimum cost partition is picked iteratively until the coverage constraint is met. The rest of the RNs are employed as MDCs which can tour the remaining partitions using existing algorithms. The proposed approach is evaluated with extensive simulations under a variety of conditions.
Intimate Partner Violence and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Women What We Know and Need to Know

This article presents a review of knowledge regarding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women experiencing intimate partner violence. Knowledge related to the prevalence and predictors of PTSD in battered women, the association between PTSD and physical health, and the emerging science regarding PTSD and physiological and immune parameters is addressed. Primary recommendations for future research includes the need for longitudinal and intervention research that incorporates a range of psychosocial and physiologic health outcomes.
Parallel processing in microbiology: Detection of infectious pathogens by Luminex xMAP multiplexed suspension array technology

Abstract Multiplexed testing — simultaneous analysis of multiple analytes from the same sample — is rapidly becoming a standard in research and clinical laboratories. Drivers for multiplexing include cost savings, labor efficiencies, sample conservation, and work flow efficiencies. Multiplexing can often also be a better approach to understanding the complex biology that frequently underlies disease, and no better example can be found than in diagnostic microbiology, where similar outward signs and symptoms can be manifest from a diversity of infectious pathogens. In this report, we describe representative multiplexed testing applications of the Luminex xMAP system, which couples bioassays with advanced digital signal processing and proprietary identification techniques to perform multi-analyte testing of up to 100 features in real time. The general configuration of an xMAP assay can be described as a suspension array where specific capture moieties are covalently coupled to the surfaces of internally dyed microspheres. Fluorescent dyes contained within the microspheres provide unique spectral characteristics, allowing each microsphere set to be distinguished from all others in the multiplex. The target is labeled for fluorescent detection. Benefits of the system include speed, economy, flexibility, and advanced capabilities. The potential for simultaneous detection of tens, hundreds, and even thousands of protein and nucleic acid targets provides for simultaneous, rapid, sensitive, and specific molecular analyses. A variety of commercial applications are available for the platform, including FDA-approved 510k submissions, but the system is built on an open architecture that allows the assay developer to "home brew" applications as well. In this report, we describe examples of rapid, multiplexed protein and nucleic acid analyses for infectious diseases that demonstrate the utility of the platform.
NiO thin-film formaldehyde gas sensor

Abstract The suitability of both pure and Li-doped NiO as a thin-film resistive gas sensor for formaldehyde has been investigated. Pure NiO had a linear formaldehyde sensitivity of 0.825 mV ppm−1 while that for 0.5 at.% Li-doped NiO was 0.488 mV ppm−1 at 600°C. These gas-sensing materials also showed similar sensitivity for methanol and acetone as well as a reduced sensitivity for toluene and ethanol. Chloroform was a poison for these gas-sensing materials. Due to resistive noise, the detection limit for formaldehyde was found to be ≈40 ppm.
β-Adrenergic regulation of renin expression in differentiated U-937 monocytic cells

Abstract Previous studies from our laboratories demonstrated that human decidual macrophages and peripheral mononuclear cells express renin. In the present study, we found that U-937 monocytes, induced to differentiate into macrophage-like cells by treatment with phorbol dibutyrate (PDBU), express renin mRNA and release renin (95% of which is in the form of prorenin). Treatment of these PDBU-exposed cells with dibutyryl-cAMP (1 mM) caused a 20-fold increase in renin mRNA and a 10-fold increase in prorenin release. Forskolin (10 μM), an activator of adenylyl cyclase, and terbutaline (100 μM), a β2-adrenergic agonist known to increase cAMP levels, also increased renin mRNA and prorenin release. The secretory response to terbutaline was potentiated by the type IV cyclic AMP-phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor Ro 20–1724 (50 μM). Angiotensin II agonist inhibited the stimulatory effect of terbutaline on renin secretion as did the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and lipopolysaccharide plus interferon-γ. Since other studies have shown that U-937 cells possess β2-adrenergic receptors and express mainly the type IV PDE, the present findings strongly suggest that β-adrenergic receptors in mononuclear cells are coupled to renin expression via the cAMP transduction pathway. The results support a possible role for the renin-angiotensin system in macrophage function and suggest potential autocrine regulatory mechanisms in prorenin expression.