cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Odysseus’ Wounded Healer: New Insights on the Therapeutic Value of Veteran Responses to Homer’s Odyssey

Existing research identifies the value in exposing military veterans to Homer’s Odyssey for the timeless human questions that the epic presents regarding the veteran’s reintegration into civilian society. This paper presents new insights regarding the therapeutic value for military veterans in incorporating journal writing into an undergraduate humanities course—in particular, a course that examines epic classics in literature such as Homer’s Odyssey. Central to the learning outcomes presented here, veterans in this course were encouraged to examine the Odyssey, not as a mirror of their own lives and not necessarily for instructions on how to transition from military to civilian life. Rather than approach the epic as veterans reading about another veteran, they were asked to assume the role of literary scholars examining a literary artifact that is rich in timeless human stories. This scholarly “control” on their interpretive lens liberated veterans to make deeply human connections with the epic’s human questions—rather than singularly military connections. As this paper discusses, one of the most striking features in the journal reflections that veterans produced in this course was a tendency to advise the epic hero, rather than attach to him. Carl Jung identifies this perspective as that of the “wounded healer”: In counseling Odysseus how to face his reentry challenges, the veteran counsels himself; in healing the wounded one, the wounded healer heals himself.
Preprocessed symmetric RSA authentication for wireless body area networks in space

Due to advances in microelectronics, embedded computing, and wireless communications, the interest in Wireless Body Area Networks (WBAN) has risen sharply and has enabled the development and implementation of such networks [1]. However, the following problems exist: it is hard to implement security due to the many limitations on WBAN nodes, most available WBAN nodes require gravitational acceleration which limits the use of WBAN within special environments, such as space. One way to deal with security amongst WBAN is to secure by authentication. RSA is one of the popular encryption methods and is useful for message authentication possible to use within small scale networks. However, to use RSA in WBAN there are several problems to deal with, such as limitations within computational power and low communication rate [2]. Another problem to consider within special environments like space is the limited amount of electricity. In this paper, we propose a WBAN system that is usable in space with message authentication using preprocessed symmetric RSA (PSRSA). PSRSA allows nodes to have reliable RSA message authentication with a minimum impact on processing time. Providing user controllable pre-processing will generate more possible combinations to RSA encoded authentication messages. PSRSA can be expected to result in the reduction of a key size, up to 256 bits, while generating more total combinations compared to 1024 bit RSA without an impact on speed.
Reconfigurable Negative Group Delay Circuits Based on Distributed Amplifiers for Guided- and Radiated- Wave Applications

A recent development of reconfigurable negative group delay (NGD) circuit design based on distributed amplifiers (DA) is introduced. By incorporating varactors at the input and output port of the DA-based NGD circuit, tunable non-Foster elements - negative capacitors and non-Foster T-networks, can be realized. The negative capacitor can be tuned to realize an effective capacitance between −0.5 pF and −1.0 pF within a bandwidth of 100 MHz. For the non-Foster T-network, the tuning range is from 0.0 pF to −1.5 pF for the shunt capacitor, and 0 nH to −1.875 nH for the series inductor. Furthermore, the DA-based reconfigurable NGD circuit can also be utilized as antenna feedlines to realize squint free beam steering for antenna arrays.
Stealthy Malware Detection using RNN-Based Automated Localized Feature Extraction and Classifier

Malware analysis, detection and classification has allured a lot of researchers in the past few years. Numerous methods based on machine learning (ML), computer vision and deep learning have been applied to this task and have accomplished some pragmatic results. One of the basic assumption of these works is that malware is spawned as a separate thread and the distinguishing features can be extracted in a "clean" manner irrespective of the malware obfuscation deployed. However, this assumption does not hold true for the advanced malware obfuscation techniques such as code relocation, mutation and polymorphism. Stealthy malware is a malware created by embedding the malware in a benign application through advanced obfuscation strategies to thwart the detection. To perform efficient malware detection for traditional and stealthy malware alike, we propose a two-pronged approach. Firstly, we extract the microarchitectural traces obtained while executing the application, which are fed to the traditional ML classifiers to detect malware spawned as separate thread. In parallel, for an efficient stealthy malware detection, we introduce an automated localized feature extraction technique that will be further processed using the recurrent neural networks (RNNs) for classification. To perform this, we translate the application binaries into images and further convert it into sequences and extract local features for stealthy malware detection. With the proposed two-pronged approach, an accuracy of 94% and nearly 90% is achieved in detecting normal and stealthy malware created through code relocation obfuscation technique. Furthermore, the proposed approach achieves up to 11% higher detection accuracy compared to the CNN-based sequence classification and hidden Markov model (HMM) based approaches in detecting stealthy malware.
Datenflüsse bei Anreizsystemen in der digitalen manuellen Montage

Kurzfassung In einer zunehmend globalisierten und digitalisierten Welt kann sich der Einsatz von Anreizsystemen sowie innovativen digitalen Assistenzsystemen in der Montage als ein hilfreiches Werk...
The scope of linguistic relativity in graphic and lexical numeration

Abstract Number systems constitute one of the major domains in which language is seen as a source of variation in cognition. The notion that the features of a language's numeral system index cognitive complexity has been pervasive in anthropological linguistics since the nineteenth century. In particular, languages with small numerical vocabularies have attracted enormous interest, but other features where linguistic relativity is invoked include systemic irregularity and the presence of multiple parallel numeral systems (numeral classifiers and object-specific counting). Quite independently, the comparison of graphic numerical notations has imputed cognitive advantages, such as the idea that the Roman numerals limited mathematical progress. These discussions of linguistic relativity have been interwoven with issues of social complexity; in place of a pure language-thought relationship, the discussion has been framed through a triad of language, cognition, and social structure. To evaluate whether and how lexical numerals and numerical notations affect numerical cognition, an activity-based explanatory model is proposed in which materiality, discourse, and practice mutually constitute knowledge systems. This allows us to move past the idea that language structure has direct cognitive effects, without denying that language is relevant to numerical cognition.
Control of Multi-Agent Collaborative Fixed-Wing UASs in Unstructured Environment

Swarms of unmanned aircraft are the inevitable future of the aerospace industry. In recent years, swarming robots and aircraft have been a subject of much interest; however, many research projects make impractical assumptions such as point mass dynamics with no aerodynamic effects for aircraft models, and most works stop short of fully validating their methods via flight testing. This work presents a proximity based guidance, navigation, and control of multi-agent fixed-wing unmanned aerial systems in an unstructured environment. A scalable swarm navigation method is developed using adaptive moving mesh partial differential equations controlled by the free energy heat flow equation. To emulate the physics-based dynamic characteristics of fixed-wing UASs, mesh nodes are constrained by aircraft six degrees of freedom equations of motion. An optimal control based path planning using virtual points was developed and constrained with aircraft dynamical limitations. Lateral acceleration is used for lateral guidance of aircraft and the aircraft pitch attitude error is used for longitudinal guidance of multi-agent unmanned aerial systems. A decentralized optimal automatic controller was developed to control each system. Using an advanced in-house autopilot system, validation and verification flight tests were successfully conducted using two large unmanned aerial systems with four meter wingspans flying at 35 knots.
The Origins Space Telescope: baseline concept overview

The Origins Space Telescope will trace the history of our origins from the time dust and heavy elements permanently altered the cosmic landscape to present-day life. How did galaxies evolve from the earliest galactic systems to those found in the universe today? How do habitable planets form? How common are life-bearing worlds? To answer these alluring questions, Origins will operate at mid- and far-infrared wavelengths and offer powerful spectroscopic instruments and sensitivity three orders of magnitude better than that of Herschel, the largest telescope flown in space to date. Origins was designed to minimize complexity and provide natural background-limited sensitivity. The telescope is 5.9 m in diameter. The telescope and its three scientific instruments are cryocooled to 4.5 K. The instruments collectively cover wavelengths from 2.8 to 590 microns. Origins will make targeted observations and conduct wide-area surveys in a variety of spectroscopic and broadband imaging modes.
On the Role of Capital in “Capitalist” and in Labor-Managed Firms

This article outlines the “fundamental myth” about the structure of property rights in a capitalist economy, namely the idea that being the residual claimant in a productive opportunity is part of a bundle of property rights known as the “ownership of the firm.” Residual claimancy is contractually determined so there is no such “ownership.” The fundamental myth exposes a basic fallacy in capital theory that has hitherto escaped attention in the capital theory debates.
A meditation on Covid-19 social trauma

This article explores covid-19 as a social traumatic event that thoroughly disrupted our ordinary plane of existence. In doing so, it opened a window to an uncanny world, in which the virus, manife...
Acquisition and tracking of high dynamics Doppler profiles for space applications

In this paper, we use an adaptive sweep carrier acquisition and tracking algorithm to acquire and track high dynamic Doppler frequency profiles with high Doppler shift, Doppler rate, and Doppler acceleration. The acquisition and tracking system is a Phase-Locked Loop combined with a bidirectional smart sweeping algorithm. This system is a modified version of previously proposed method that enhances the performance in high dynamic Doppler scenarios. Therefore, our goal is to acquire the received carrier in the presence of high dynamics, over a short acquisition time, while operating at the lowest possible received carrier to noise ratios experienced in realistic flight scenarios. Additionally, in the paper we discuss the system parameters that are key to have a robust acquisition and tracking system for such scenarios. For simulations, we considered Doppler profiles of Goldstone to Mars Science Laboratory (MSL)- Curiosity Rover, Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL), and Lunar South Pole (LSP) to Lunar Relay Satellite (LRS). Both S-Band, and X-Band were considered for Doppler profiles. For simulations and results, we used MATLAB Simulink models to prototype the system. The true and estimated Doppler frequency, threshold, and direction functions, as well as Doppler estimation errors during tracking mode were obtained from simulations. Similarly, the standard deviation of Doppler estimation error was measured at various received carrier to noise ratios and compared with an approximated analytical result both for a 2nd and a 3rd order loop.
Essay - Walking the Tightrope: Reflections of a Black Female Law Professor

"In a sobering moment, I realized that my success (and that of many people of color) stems from our ability to normalize daily racism"
Association of Social Support With Overall Survival and Healthcare Utilization in Patients With Aggressive Hematologic Malignancies.

Background Social support plays a crucial role for patients with aggressive hematologic malignancies as they navigate their illness course. The aim of this study was to examine associations of social support with overall survival (OS) and healthcare utilization in this population. Methods A cross-sectional secondary analysis was conducted using data from a prospective longitudinal cohort study of 251 hospitalized patients with aggressive hematologic malignancies at Massachusetts General Hospital from 2014 through 2017. Natural Language Processing (NLP) was used to identify the extent of patients' social support (limited vs adequate as defined by NLP-aided chart review of the electronic health record). Multivariable regression models were used to examine associations of social support with (1) OS, (2) death or readmission within 90 days of discharge from index hospitalization, (3) time to readmission within 90 days, and (4) index hospitalization length of stay. Results Patients had a median age of 64 years (range, 19-93 years), and most were White (89.6%), male (68.9%), and married (65.3%). A plurality of patients had leukemia (42.2%) followed by lymphoma (37.9%) and myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasm (19.9%). Using NLP, we identified that 8.8% (n=22) of patients had limited social support. In multivariable analyses, limited social support was associated with worse OS (hazard ratio, 2.00; P=.042) and a higher likelihood of death or readmission within 90 days of discharge (odds ratio, 3.11; P=.043), but not with time to readmission within 90 days or with index hospitalization length of stay. Conclusions In this cohort of hospitalized patients with aggressive hematologic malignancies, we found associations of limited social support with lower OS and a higher likelihood of death or readmission within 90 days of hospital discharge. These findings underscore the utility of NLP for evaluating the extent of social support and the need for larger studies evaluating social support in patients with aggressive hematologic malignancies.
Potential of Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Oxidative Stress and Diabetes

Increased oxidative stress has been recognized as a major contributing factor to various pathological conditions including diabetes and its complications. Although, several mechanisms contribute to increased oxidative stress (OxS) in diabetes, increased levels of glucose and altered metabolic activities are major contributors to production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and OxS. The identity of the target cells and metabolic pathways involved in ROS production provide a venue for treatment of the underlying causes and mitigation of diabetes complications including diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy affects retinal neurovasculature, and loss of retinal vascular pericytes (PC) has been recognized as one of the early targets. We have shown that retinal PC are most sensitive to high glucose conditions in culture compared with retinal vascular endothelial cells (EC) and astrocytes (AC). We have proposed that retinal PC may differ in their metabolism of glucose compared with EC. Pericytes likely prefer oxidative metabolism for energy production, especially under high glucose conditions, generating excess ROS that drives their demise. This is mediated, in part, through activation of hexose biosynthetic pathway, enhanced O-GlcNAc modification and stabilization of P53, and attenuation of the Warburg effect. In support of this hypothesis, we recently showed retinal PC, but not EC, generate more superoxide under high glucose conditions. We also showed inhibition of carbonic anhydrases (CA) protects PC from adverse effects of high glucose. The inhibition of CA, especially those in the mitochondria (mCA), limits the production of bicarbonate that is essential for the first step of oxidative metabolism in the mitochondria. Thus, targeting of the mCA may provide a unique opportunity for modulation of PC metabolism mitigating the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy and likely other complications of diabetes.
Changes in Mechanical Properties of Rat Bones under Simulated Effects of Microgravity and Radiation

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the changes in elasticity and lattice structure in leg bone of rats which were: 1) under Hind-Limb Suspension (HLS) by tail for 2 weeks and 2) exposed to a total radiation of 10 Grays in 10 days. The animals were sacrificed at the end of 2 weeks and the leg bones were surgically removed, cleaned and fixed with a buffered solution. The mechanical strength of the bone (elastic modulus) was determined from measurement of bending of a bone when under an applied force. Two methodologies were used: i) a 3-point bending technique and ii) classical bending where bending is accomplished keeping one end fixed. Three point bending method used a captive actuator controlled by a programmable IDEA drive. This allowed incremental steps of 0.047 mm for which the force is measured. The data is used to calculate the stress and the strain. In the second method a mirror attached to the free end of the bone allowed a reflected laser beam spot to be tracked. This provided the displacement measurement as stress levels changed. Analysis of stress vs. strain graph together with solution of Euler-Bernoulli equation for a cantilever beam allowed determination of the elastic modulus of the leg bone for (i) control samples, (ii) HLS samples and (iii) HLS samples with radiation effects. To ascertain changes in the bone lattice structure, the bones were cross-sectioned and imaged with a 20 keV beam of electrons in a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). A backscattered detector and a secondary electron detector in the SEM provided the images from well-defined parts of the leg bones. Elemental compositions in combination with mechanical properties (elastic modulus and lattice structure) changes indicated weakening of the bones under space-like conditions of microgravity and radiation.
Ultrasonic Characterization of Attenuative Materials by Means of a Correlator System

The new demands of material performance, such as higher strength per weight and high operating temperatures, have caused an increase in the use of polymers and composites in daily engineering practices. When these materials are nondestructively evaluated by means of ultrasound, a problem that frequently occurs is the high attenuation or the absorption of the energy of the sound wave by the material being tested.
The Therapeutic Alliance and Therapist Adherence as Predictors of Dropout from Cognitive Therapy for Depression when Combined with Antidepressant Medication

Abstract Background Previous psychotherapy research has examined the therapeutic alliance and therapist adherence as correlates or predictors of symptom change. While some initial evidence suggests the alliance is associated with risk of dropout in cognitive behavioral treatment for depression, evidence of such relations has been limited to date. We examined the relation of these psychotherapy process variables and dropout in the context of cognitive therapy for depression when provided in combination with pharmacotherapy. Methods Patients were randomized to the CT plus pharmacotherapy condition of a clinical trial for chronic or recurrent depression. Consistent with the spirit of personalized medicine, patients were treated until they met remission and recovery criteria (or reached the maximum allowable time in the study). In a sample of 176 patients, we examined observer-rated alliance and therapist adherence in the first three CT sessions as potential predictors of treatment dropout. Results The therapeutic alliance and one facet of therapist adherence (i.e., Behavioral Methods/Homework) predicted reduced odds of dropout. Therapist use of Negotiating/Structuring predicted greater likelihood of dropout, but only when other variables were included in the model. Limitations Process ratings were not available for concurrent pharmacotherapy sessions. A minority of patients did not have session recordings available. Conclusions Results are consistent with the possibility that the therapeutic alliance and therapists' focus on homework and behavioral methods promote treatment retention in combined treatment for depression.
Methods for the isolation and characterization of constituents of natural products: III. Separation of alcohol esters of pyruvic acid 2,6-dinitrophenylhydrazone into classes by column and thin-layer chromatography

Abstract Quantitative column and qualitative thin-layer chromatographic procedures are described for separating a mixture of the 2,6-dinitrophenylhydrazone derivatives of pyruvic acid esters of primary, secondary, and tertiary aliphatic alcohols into classes. Magnesium oxide is used as the adsorbent in both procedures and separation of the classes follows a similar pattern. The derivatives change color from yellow to violet or blue on the adsorbent. Tertiary alcohol derivatives above butyl show a blue color whereas tertiary butyl and the primary and secondary alcohol derivatives are violet. Isomeric derivatives can also be separated by thin-layer chromatography on aluminum oxide G by using a solvent system containing a strong organic base.
Extension of the parallel nested dissection algorithm to path algebra problems

This paper extends the author's parallel nested dissection algorithm of [PR] originally devised for solving sparse linear systems. We present a class of new applications of the nested dissection method, this time to path algebra computations, (in both cases of single source and all pair paths), where the path algebra problem is defined by a symmetric matrix A whose associated graph G with n vertices is planar. We substantially improve the known algorithms for path algebra problems of that general class: {fx470-1}
On fundamental performance limitation of direction finding of multiple narrow-band sources under sensor position and pattern perturbations

The authors study the effects of sensor-pattern and sensor-position perturbations on the angle-estimation performance bound for multiple narrowband sources. The Cramer-Rao lower bound is used with a probabilistic modeling of the perturbations. For a uniformly spaced sensor array the position perturbations are found to be a more serious problem than the pattern perturbation, in the sense that raising SNR offers very limited help in compensating the performance degradation caused by the position perturbation. >
ICE CORE METHODS | Borehole Temperature Records

The variation of temperature with depth in the ice sheets, measurable as borehole temperature profiles, is an important source of information about climate history, especially the history of surface temperature. Climate history, ice flow, and geothermal flux together determine temperatures within ice sheets. Borehole temperatures are interpreted using a variety of methods, including calibration of isotopic records and Monte Carlo compilation of admissible temperature histories. These analyses constrain the magnitudes of long-term temperature changes in Greenland and Antarctica, and recent temperature changes elsewhere, and yield estimates for geothermal flux beneath the ice sheets.
Building a Green Home Fit for a President

Scheuer and Keoleian (2002) report that in July of 2002, there were only 22 (465) LEED certified (registered) buildings across the United States. By 2005, this number had modestly increased to 300 (2,200) certified (registered) buildings (Schendler and Udall, 2005). However, in April of 2009, there were 2,476 LEED certified buildings and almost 20,000 more awaiting certification. Wiley, Benefield, and Johnson (2010) show that to date, nearly two-thirds of all LEED buildings were built by government and non-profit organizations. Still, the trend towards going green has been established in both the private and public sectors. This teaching case provides students with an opportunity to learn more about what it means to build “green.” What are the individual components of green building? Which components have reached the point where they are economically viable? How long does it take to recover the cost of a green feature? What are the returns to building green? Are there appraisal issues that arise with green building? These and many more questions will be answered in this case.
A Review of: Adrienne Rich. Telephone Ringing in the Labyrinth: Poems 2004–2006

Adrienne Rich's latest volume registers the “thin-ice present” (24) of our current political landscape, including submerged references to Bush administration figures Donald Rumsfeld (17–18) and Dic...
Isospin equilibration in the reaction EA = 33, 45 MeV 40Ar, 40Ca + 58Fe, 58Ni☆

Abstract Isobaric beams from the K500 superconducting cyclotron have been used to study the effects the N Z of the target and projectile on the isobaric composition of emitted fragments for the reactions of E A = 33, 45 MeV 40 Ca, 40 Ar + 58 Fe, 58 Ni. At E A = 33 MeV , the system behaves as if it is equilibrated prior to the emission of reaction products, while at E A = 45 MeV the same composite system results in different isobaric ratios depending on the initial projectile and target; therefore, the emission of reaction products occurs prior to complete equilibration.
Gender differences in immediate hypersensitivity reactions to vaccines: a review of the literature

Objective To examine published studies of immediate hypersensitivity reactions (IHS) following vaccination and to determine whether women are at an increased risk of developing IHS after vaccination. Design and Sample PubMed was reviewed for vaccine articles reporting IHS by gender through June 2012. Data were abstracted on type of study, vaccine, hypersensitivity reaction, and statistic reported. Measures Articles were included if they described experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational or descriptive studies and IHS was reported by gender. Results Of 847 articles found in PubMed, 11 met the inclusion criteria. In eight studies, more women than men reported IHS, in two studies more men than women reported IHS and in one study the count was even. Conclusion Limited data from these studies suggest that women may have higher rates of IHS reactions following vaccination than men. Limitations to the available data include the lack of denominator data and that the definition of IHS was not consistent across the studies. Large-scale population-based studies are indicated to determine if there are differences in rates by gender and biologic basis for these differences.
Maybe It Really Is Different This Time

It is often said that the most dangerous words an investor can utter are: “This time it’s different.” Yet, in this article, the author argues exactly that–the tried-and-true quantitative stock-selection strategies, such as value and momentum (or at least the simple versions of these strategies), which have been very successful for many years, are unlikely to add much value going forward after adjusting for risks, fees, and trading costs. Before the article culminates with this conclusion, however, the author presents both sides of the argument, analyzes the data from new angles, and provides several reasons why it really might be different going forward before concluding with several suggestions for how managers can help add alpha in the future.
Cytochrome oxidase-succinic dehydrogenase activities and the melanin pigment cycle in poikilothermic vertebrates.

Abstract 1. 1. Liver cytochrome oxidase and succinic dehydrogenase activities from poikilothermic vertebrates were measured and correlated with the liver melanin pigment cell cycle. 2. 2. An inverse relationship was suggested between liver pigment content and succinic dehydrogenase-cytochrome oxidase. 3. 3. A model for the synthesis of melanin from DOPA by the cytochrome- c -cytochrome oxidase system is discussed. 4. 4. The possibility that DOPA is transported to the liver from the skin is also discussed.
Crystallographic observations of the metal ion triple in the active site region of alkaline phosphatase

Diffraction analysis reveals three metal ion binding sites, M1, M2 and M3, in each of two symmetric active centers 32 A apart in alkaline phosphatase from Escherichia coli with intermediate distances within the center of 4, 5 and 7 A for M1-M2, M2-M3 and M1-M3, respectively. A fourth site, M4, has been reported 25 A away. Arsenate, a product analog, binds adjacent to M1 and M2. The active serine residue, 102, which is phosphorylated during normal enzymatic turnover, is also adjacent to M1 and M2 and arginine 166 is adjacent to the arsenate. The implication with respect to the mechanism is that M1, M2 and Arg 166 neutralize and redistribute charges within the phosphate group, activate the serine hydroxyl, and stabilize transition states during bond formation and breakage. Three sites, A, B and C, have been deduced from solution studies and defined specifically on the basis of nuclear magnetic resonance data, binding studies and activity data. The evidence suggests correspondence of A to M1, B to M2, and C to M3. Strong antagonism between binding at M1 and M2 is evidenced crystallographically by a pseudo-saturation, which is relieved by phosphate binding. Local destabilization of the protein, particularly residues 323 through 333, is produced by removal of metals from the crystal.
Discourse marker ‘oh’ as a means for realizing the identity potential of constructed dialogue in interaction1

This research explores how discourse marker oh works with constructed dialogue (quoted speech), identifying a use of oh not discussed in previous research in which it can serve to signal speaker stance towards quoted material. While both discourse markers and constructed dialogue have been widely discussed as identity resources in the discourse analytic and interactional-sociolinguistic tradition, there has been little work considering how these linguistic features may work together. In this paper, I address this gap by illustrating how Bakhtin's (1984) notions of uni-directional and vari-directional double voicing articulate with information display and evaluation functions of oh identified by Schiffrin (1987), suggesting that oh (when occurring as a preface to constructed dialogue), works both to display and evaluate quoted material for the purposes of identity construction in interaction. Such uses of this discourse marker provide illustration of how footing works together with related concepts of evaluation, positioning, and alignment as part of a process of stancetaking in interaction (Du Bois 2007). Examples are taken from ethnographic interviews collected as part of a larger study of the linguistic style of a community of improv performers in Washington, D.C. focusing primarily on examples contributed by one speaker, Josh.
Immunization with dendritic cells pulsed ex vivo with recombinant chlamydial protease-like activity factor induces protective immunity against genital chlamydia muridarum challenge

We have shown that immunization with soluble recombinant (r) chlamydial protease-like activity factor (rCPAF) and a T helper (Th) 1 type adjuvant can induce significantly enhanced bacterial clearance and protection against Chlamydia–induced pathological sequelae in the genital tract. In this study, we investigated the use of bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) pulsed ex vivo with rCPAF+CpG in an adoptive subcutaneous immunization for the ability to induce protective immunity against genital chlamydial infection. We found that BMDCs pulsed with rCPAF+CpG efficiently up-regulated the expression of activation markers CD86, CD80, CD40 and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II), and secreted interleukin-12, but not IL-10 and IL-4. Mice adoptively immunized with rCPAF+CpG-pulsed BMDCs or UV-EB+CpG-pulsed BMDCs produced elevated levels of antigen-specific IFN- and enhanced IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies. Moreover, mice immunized with rCPAF+CpG-pulsed BMDCs or UV-EB+CpG-pulsed BMDCs exhibited significantly reduced genital Chlamydia shedding, accelerated resolution of infection, and reduced oviduct pathology when compared to infected mock-immunized animals. These results suggest that adoptive subcutaneous immunization with ex vivo rCPAF-pulsed BMDCs is an effective approach, comparable to that induced by UV-EB-BMDCs, for inducing robust anti-Chlamydia immunity.
EPR spectroscopic characterization of biological thiyl radicals as PBN spin-trap adducts

While the importance of thiols and their derivatives in biological processes is widely appreciated, the elucidation of the roles played by thiyl radicals in these processes — being hampered by the radical reactivity that makes their detection and characterization difficult — is lagging. The results of a spin-trap EPR study are reported which advance the capability for detecting and identifying thiyl radicals. Adducts with PBN (α-phenyl-N-t-butylnitrone) of thiyl radicals derived from the biologically abundant low-molecular-weight thiols cysteine, homocysteine, and glutathione are examined. Significant differences in the β-proton hyperfine couplings of the various adducts are observed; both the EPR lineshapes and the radical adduct lifetimes show trends reflective of the molecular size of the trapped thiyl radical. These results indicate that EPR spectroscopy can be useful in identifying specific thiyl radicals that may be involved in the biochemical reactions of low-molecular-weight thiols, protein thiols, and their derivatives.
“Effect of MgSO4 on cerebral energy state and intracellular Mg(Mgi) during and following Hypoxic-Ischemia (HI)” † 1012

“Effect of MgSO 4 on cerebral energy state and intracellular Mg(Mg i ) during and following Hypoxic-Ischemia (HI)” † 1012
Lack of biochemical evidence for hybridization between two species of darters

Abstract 1. 1. The possibility of natural hybridization between Etheostoma spectrabile and E. caeruleum at two Ohio locations was investigated using starch gel electrophoresis. Fifty-six fish, including eight which were morphologically intermediate, were analyzed at 26 presumptive genetic loci. 2. 2. Although key morphological characteristics indicated that both species occurred in both streams, electrophoretic data demonstrated the presence of only E. caeruleum in one stream. 3. 3. No biochemical evidence for hybridization between E. spectabile and E. caeruleum was found. 4. 4. Etheostoma caeruleum appears to be morphologically plastic and the key taxonomic characteristics used for its field identification may not be valid.
Origins of the selectivity for borylation of primary over secondary C-H bonds catalyzed by Cp*-rhodium complexes.

Detailed experimental and computational studies of the high selectivity for functionalization of primary over secondary sp3 C−H bonds in alkanes by borane reagents catalyzed by Cp*Rh complexes are reported. Prior studies have shown that Cp*Rh(X)(Bpin) (X = H or Bpin), generated from Cp*Rh(H)2(Bpin)2 and Cp*Rh(H)2(Bpin)3, are likely intermediates in these catalytic reactions. To allow analysis of the system by H/D exchange, the current studies focused on reactions of Cp*Rh(D)2(Bpin)2 through the 16-electron species Cp*Rh(D)(Bpin). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the reaction between Cp*Rh(H)(BO2C2H4) and the primary and secondary C−H bonds of propane indicate that the lowest energy pathway for C−H bond cleavage occurs to form an isomer in which the alkyl and boryl groups are trans to each other, while the lowest energy pathway for functionalization of the primary C−H bond occurs by formation of the isomer in which these two groups are cis to each other. The barrier for formation of the rhod...
Bradykinin-induced relaxation of renal and pulmonary arteries is dependent upon intact endothelial cells.

Abstract When most arteries are removed from mammals and man, the in vitro response to kinins, particularly of helically-cut vascular strips, is usually one of contraction; and often no response is observed. This is in sharp contrast to the in situ arterial vasodilator action of kinins. The reason(s) for this transformation is not known. The present in vitro experiments demonstrate that bradykinin can produce potent relaxation of canine isolated intrapulmonary arteries (threshold concentration = 7.5 +/- 2.7 x 10(-10) M) and renal arteries (threshold concentration = 3.2 +/- 1.6 x 10(-10) M) contracted by phenylephrine, provided the endothelium is left intact. Selective, mechanical destruction of the endothelium transforms the vasodilator activity of bradykinin to either contraction or to no response at all. Our results probably explain why previous investigators have found that bradykinin usually induced contraction, rather than relaxation, of excised peripheral arteries.
Failure of procainamide to induce a systemic lupus erythematosus-like disease in animals.

Abstract Procainamide induces a systemic lupus erythematosus-like (SLE) syndrome in humans. Although 77% of cardiac patients receiving the drug for 6 wk or more developed LE cells and antinuclear antibodies without clinical signs of SLE, we found no evidence that it produced similar abnormalities in animals. Seven dogs received doses as high as 588 mg/kg/day for periods up to 34 wk. Hybrid NZB NZW mice which spontaneously develop an SLE-like syndrome were treated with doses as high as 2 g/kg/mouse/day in order to determine whether the drug would aggravate the disease. There was no difference in the course or life span of 59 treated hybrids from that of the 31 littermate controls. Pilot studies were done giving large amounts of procainamide to 4 white rats, 4 guinea pigs, 1 hamster, and 1 minipig for as long as 39 wk with similar negative results. To date, drug-induced lupus has not been clearly duplicated in any animal. The failure to provoke changes in other species similar to those induced in humans suggests that there may be significant differences in etiologic factors between the animal model and human SLE. Caution should be used in implying that data obtained from lupuslike animal diseases are pertinent to humans.
Kyphoscoliosis and heart disease.

Abstract 1. 1. Clinical and physiologic data in 22 cases of kyphoscoliosis are presented. 2. 2. The natural history of the disease as observed in this series was similar to that of chronic pulmonary emphysema with cor pulmonale. 3. 3. Long-standing chronic pulmonary infection played an important role in the course of the disease.
Symmetry analysis of second-harmonic generation in silicon

We present observations of second-harmonic generation in Si and argue that under intense laser excitation inversion symmetry is broken, and dipolar bulk second-harmonic generation becomes possible. A mechanism is proposed for removing inversion symmetry in higly excited Si.
Inhibition of conductive heat flow by magnetic constriction in the corona and transition region - Dependence on the shape of the constriction

The magnetic field that fills the corona is rooted in a small fraction of the solar surface. The consequent constriction of the field lines inhibits the conduction of heat down from the corona, thereby strongly affecting the energy balance in the corona and transition region. In this paper, we clarify how the shape of the constriction acts together with the amount of constriction to inhibit the heat flow.
An electrocardiographic and spatial vectorcardiographic pattern associated with diffuse myocardial damage and ventricular aneurysm

Abstract Aspects of clinical, pathologic, electrocardiographic, and spatial vectorcardiographic findings in 24 patients with diffuse myocardial damage, infarction, and ventricular aneurysm have been described. A distinctive QRS pattern (0.10 to 0.16 second) in Leads I, V 5 , or V 6 characterized by a brief early upward deflection followed by a shallow downward deflection and, finally, a prolonged prominent R′ was found in 13 patients. Persistent elevation of the S-T segment was noted in 5 of the remaining patients. The same QRS pattern was found in 4 other patients with myocardial infarction and diffuse scarring but without ventricular aneurysm.
Maternal work and birth outcome disparities.

Objectives: We tested relations between aspects of maternal work and birth outcomes in a national sample and in subgroups known to experience disparities. Methods: Three indices of work attributes (Status and Recognition, Physical Demands, and Exposure to Conflict) were derived by factor analysis of variables extracted from the Department of Labor’s O*Net database. The indices were linked to the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth using occupation codes for the primary jobs held by women who gave birth between 1979 and 2000 and worked during the quarter prior to birth (n = 3,386 births to n = 2,508 mothers). Multiple regression was used to model birth outcomes as functions of the work attribute indices, controlling for several measures of socioeconomic status and risk factors for adverse birth outcomes. Results: In the full sample, work-related Physical Demands were associated with lower average birthweight and increased odds of preterm birth while Status and Recognition was associated with higher average birthweight and lower odds of fetal growth restriction. In stratified models, Status and Recognition was associated with higher birth weight among women with low (versus high) income and with lower odds of preterm birth among women with low (versus high) education. Physical Demands were associated with higher rates of preterm birth among women with low (versus high) income and education and among African-American mothers (compared to Whites). Conclusions: The work environment is an important predictor of healthy births. Relations between maternal work attributes and birth outcomes differ by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status and according to the outcome under investigation. Further research with measures of work attributes specific to maternal work experiences is recommended to confirm our findings.
ADULT EMERGENCE OF THE HOUSE FLY, MUSCA DOMESTICA, FROM X-IRRADIATED PUPAE

Pupae of the house fly, Musca domestica L., when exposed to single doses of X-rays, varying between 10,000 to 30,000 rad, show a correlation between dosage and emergence. At 10,000 and 15,000 rad 90.1 % to 73.9% of the flies, respectively, emerge. This figure declines to 42.5% at 20,000 and 19.5% at 30,000 rad. The number of flies dying in the pupal stage correspondingly increases with an increase in radiation dose. The implications of these results are discussed.
On a supposed synthetic entailment

bCarnap, "Empiricism, Semantics, and Ontology," p. 23. 6Camap, Philosophy and Logical Syntax, Max Black, trans. (London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Truebner & Co., 1934), p. 20. Cf. "Empiricism, Semantics, and Ontology," p. 22, where the remark is repeated almost verbatim. 7Camap, "Empiricism, Semantics, and Ontology," p. 23: "The decision of accepting the thing language, although itself not of a cognitive nature, will nevertheless usually be influenced by theoretical knowledge, just like any other deliberate decision conceming the acceptance of linguistic or other rules." Note the generality of the final clause.
Fast Times At High Temperatures

High temperatures generated during rapid thermal reactions require techniques to index time and calibrate high temperature. The technique used to establish time required the design and fabrication of a time indexing constant temperature source to measure reaction times. A unique black body source was used for high temperature calibration. These techniques and their applications will be discussed.
Early signs, diagnosis and therapeutics of the prodromal phase of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders

During recent decades, interest in the prevention of mental illnesses has increased. Improved diagnostic tools, the advent of atypical antipsychotic medications and the development of phase-specific psychosocial treatments have made intervention research in people at ultra-high risk for developing schizophrenia or a related psychotic disorder possible. Preliminary data suggest that low doses of atypical antipsychotic medications augmented by psychosocial treatments may delay the onset of psychosis in some individuals. Findings support further research for the establishment of best-practice standards.
Decision-directed passive phase conjugation: equalisation performance in shallow water

A decision-directed extension to passive phase conjugation array demodulation is described. Initialisation by a training preamble is followed by block least-squares channel estimation via conjugate gradient and memoryless decisions, which are used by estimation in the next block. Excellent shallow-water performance is shown at ranges up to 46 km under windy conditions and shipping noise. The algorithm demonstrates low error rate and robust channel tracking.
Channel geometry, median grain size, and stream power in small mountain streams

Abstract Small mountain streams are typically affected by the same variables as larger counterparts, but small headwater channels are also coupled with hillslopes. The added degree of system complexity limits extension of existing conceptual and quantitative models of stream response to small mountain streams. Our objective is to determine how the presence of multiple lithologies on channel beds and coarse sediments affect relationships between channel geometry and driving and resisting variables in small mountain streams when the variables are examined at the landscape-scale. We test for systematic scaling of channel geometry, stream power indices, and median bed grain size ( D 50 ) in headwater streams draining 2 and overlying multiple strata on a passive continental margin. Field data were collected from 157 reaches in 32 watersheds. Local strata can be divided into a thick sequence of resistant sandstones and a thick sequence of low resistance, calcareous siltstones and shales with interbedded limestones. Both stratigraphic units are present in every watershed and all streams carry abundant, coarse bed load derived from the resistant unit. Mean widths and gradients of the channels are correlated with upstream drainage area. Unit stream power is not statistically different as a function of rock unit, but channel gradients are lower atop the low resistance unit. D 50 is not correlated with drainage area, but is positively correlated with unit stream power. The correlation between unit stream power and D 50 is evidence for mutual adjustments among gradients, widths, and D 50 as a function of the primary driving force in the drainage area, discharge. The small effect of bed lithology on stream processes and strong relationship between channel geometry, unit stream power, and D 50 implies that available driving forces and grain size are the primary controls on stream processes in the study area. We conclude that future research into system response in this and similar settings should focus on sediment characteristics, production, and flux.