cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamic Strategies for C-O Bond Formation and Cleavage via Tandem Catalysis.

ConspectusTo reduce global reliance on fossil fuels, new renewable sources of energy that can be used with the current infrastructure are required. Biomass represents a major source of renewable carbon based fuel; however, the high oxygen content (∼40%) limits its use as a conventional fuel. To utilize biomass as an energy source, not only with current infrastructure, but for maximum energy return, the oxygen content must be reduced. One method to achieve this is to develop selective catalytic methods to cleave C–O bonds commonly found in biomass (aliphatic and aromatic ethers and esters) for the eventual removal of oxygen in the form of volatile H2O or carboxylic acids. Once selective methods of C–O cleavage are understood and perfected, application to processing real biomass feedstocks such as lignin can be undertaken.This Laboratory previously reported that recyclable “green” lanthanide triflates are excellent catalysts for C–O bond-forming hydroalkoxylation reactions. Based on the virtues of microscop...
Numerical methods for optimal harvesting strategies in random environments under partial observations

This work is concerned with optimal harvesting problems in random environments. In contrast to the existing literature, the Markov chain is hidden and can only be observed in a Gaussian white noise in our work. We first use the Wonham filter to estimate the Markov chain from the observable evolution of the given process so as to convert the original problem to a completely observable one. Then we treat the resulting optimal control problem. Because the problem is virtually impossible to solve in closed form, our main effort is devoted to developing numerical approximation algorithms. To approximate the value function and optimal strategies, Markov chain approximation methods are used to construct a discrete-time controlled Markov chain. Convergence of the algorithm is proved by weak convergence method and suitable scaling. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate the results.
Abstract A23: Addressing men's health disparities in the District of Columbia

The Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Research is a community based center located in Ward 8 of the District of Columbia, which has some of the highest incidence and death from cancer in the city. Programs addressing men9s health are very limited in these communities. Our location is easily accessible to the residents in Wards 6, 7, and 8 which are designated by the Department of Health and Human Services as medically underserved. Our mission is to facilitate, stimulate, and to promote synergy in addressing the biological and environmental basis of cancer health disparities via research, training, communication and education. Current programs include breast cancer prevention studies for African American and Hispanic Women, HPV Education, Environmental Justice, exercise studies to relieve the effects of cancer treatments for men and women. The Health Disparities Initiative also conducts community based boot camps, and regular focus groups to engage community support for our programs, and to give the residents the opportunity to let us know what their community needs are. The nearby Capitol Breast Care Center provides women with mammograms and cervical exams and needed follow-up regardless of a woman9s ability to pay. As a Community Health Educator I am a liaison between the residents of these communities and the Health Disparitiess Initiative. I actively participate in community activities that help promote healthy lifestyles and the reduction of chronic diseases. I am actively involved in the recruitment of residents from the community to form our Community Advisory Board and Environmental Justice Advisory Board. And I have accepted the invitation to sit on community boards and committees. Citation Format: Everett Dodson. Addressing men9s health disparities in the District of Columbia. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A23.
Problems and Countermeasures Existing in the Civil Servant Rewards of Our Country

On the whole,problems existing in the civil servant rewards of our country are that the incentive system is careless and simple;the implementation of the reward is substandard.The reason is mainly on two respects of system and idea.So the countermeasure to solve the problem should standardize and perfect the incentive system,which proceed from the civil servant's idea.In this way,the encouragement function of the reward can be really realized.
Seizure benefit: grand mal or grand bene?

The adverse stresses and injuries associated with epileptic seizures are prevented routinely when programmed, controlled grand mal seizures are administered. According to the described concepts of clinical benefit, symptoms of brain illnesses that are without substantial neuronal deterioration, but that have a sense of neurotransmitter dysregulation, are candidates for mitigation by administration of programmed seizures. Such symptoms include delirium, dementia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, movement disorder, psychosis, and depression. Prior to recommending cortical excision for management of partial complex epilepsy, a course of programmed seizures should be considered routinely.
Validation of Tests of Creative Thinking: A Review of Some Studies

A substantive review of some of the recent validation studies in the area of creative thinking suggested that (a) investigators have not come to an agreement as to the most meaningful and practical immediate criteria of creative thinking; (b) every one of the easily obtainable measures including school grades, supervisor and teacher ratings, peer nominations, production records, and psychiatric diagnosis, has shortcomings as a suitable criterion; and (c) more validation studies are urgently needed to establish both empirical and conceptual validities of the current instruments.
Bone Growth after Spine Fusion

It was concluded from these cases that when a spine fusion is unquestionably solid and fairly massive, there is little increase in length of the fused area. The small increase that most of the cases we studied showed could be accounted for by magnification and other technical factors, but it is impossible to rule out a small amount of growth. The slight decrease in the kyphos in two of our cases suggests some bending of the fusion mass. No definite pseudarthroses could be seen on the roentgenograms but the presence of one or more pseudarthroses could not be ruled out. Microscopic and transient pseudarthroses are considered by us to be the most likely mechanism by which any real increase in length or any true change in angulation occurs. In our experimental studies9, microscopic losses of bone continuity in transepiphyseal bone grafts in the distal femora of young rabbits were demonstrated. These defects were of such a nature that they could not be demonstrated by standard clinical or roentgenographic methods. In our opinion, the end-result study of Hallock and his associates is valuable in that it indicates, from the practical, clinical point of view, what will happen to the average patient after spine fusion in early childhood. However, their data and the observations of the other authors previously mentioned convey an inaccurate and perhaps unintentional impression that considerable growth occurs in a solidly fused spine segment. It would be unfortunate, we believe, to allow this impression to persist since surgeons not familiar with all that is known about growth of the spine after spine fusion might be falsely encouraged on the basis of published data to perform longer and more massive spine fusions in young children. Our study suggests that a long, massive, and completely solid fusion in early childhood will impair spine growth to a significant degree. We believe that growth of a fused segment of the spine can occur only at the ends of the segment or at the site of gross or microscopic defects in the fusion plate. Pseudarthroses in spine fusions in children are much more frequent, in our opinion, than is generally suspected because of the tension forces exerted by the growing epiphyseal cartilages, as well as the usual stresses caused by motion. These pseudarthroses or stress fractures may be microscopic or grossly visible; they may occur spontaneously at any time and heal spontaneously. The more massive the fusion plate, the less chance there will be that it will break down under the stress of growth and motion. Finally, we believe that the laws that govern bone growth in general apply to the bone of spine fusions. There is in our opinion no such thing as interstitial growth of bone.
A tool for evaluating hypertension.

The article offers an evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, based on the seventh report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7), and includes an encounter form to aid physicians in providing care consistent with the JNC 7 guidelines.
A Framework for Human-Agent Social Systems: The Role of Non-technical Factors in Operation Success

We present a comprehensive framework that identifies a number of factors that impact human-agent team building, including human, agent, and environmental factors. This framework integrates existing empirical work in organization behavior, non-technical training, and human-agent interaction to support successful human-agent operations. We conclude by discussing implications and next steps to evaluate and expand our framework with the aim of guiding future attempts to create efficient human-agent teams and improve mission outcomes.
Politics in the Trenches: Citizens, Politicians, and the Fate of Democracy

(2002). Politics in the Trenches: Citizens, Politicians, and the Fate of Democracy. Public Integrity: Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 95-97.
The sociopolitics of sport, physical education, and school health in the United States

ABSTRACTEvidence from global sources indicate that physical education (PE) has an integral role to play in the development of behaviours supporting lifetime physical activity. However, PE programmes in many countries fall short of accomplishing this charge. The marginality of PE in comparison to school-based athletic programmes, and inter-role conflict arising from concurrent performance of teaching and coaching roles contribute to this phenomenon. Grounded in role socialisation theory and drawing primarily from the United States context, we explore the social construction of PE teaching and athletic coaching roles in school environments. Different priorities and time demands can lead to conflict, and teachers/coaches often prioritise the role for which they are rewarded and held most accountable. These reward and accountability structures favour coaching in many schools, leading teachers/coaches to focus on coaching to the detriment of their teaching performance. Formal accountability and reward structur...
Postnatal Loss of Neuronal and Glial Neurofascins Differentially Affects Node of Ranvier Maintenance and Myelinated Axon Function

Abstract: Intricate molecular interactions between neurons and glial cells underlie the creation of unique domains that are essential for saltatory conduction of action potentials by myelinated axons. Previously, the cell surface adhesion molecule Neurofascin (Nfasc) has been shown to have a dual-role in the establishment of axonal domains from both the glial and neuronal interface. While the neuron-specific isoform of Neurofascin (NF186) is indispensable for clustering of voltage-gated sodium channels at nodes of Ranvier; the glial-specific isoform of Neurofascin (NF155) is required for myelinating glial cells to organize the paranodal domain. Although many studies have addressed the individual roles of NF155 and NF186 in assembling paranodes and nodes, respectively; critical questions about their roles in the maintenance and long-term health of the myelinated axons remain, which we aimed to address in these studies. Here using spatiotemporal ablation of Neurofascin in neurons alone or together with myelinating glia, we report that loss of NF186 individually from postnatal mice leads to progressive nodal destabilization and axonal degeneration. While individual ablation of paranodal NF155 does not disrupt nodes of Ranvier; loss of NF186 combined with NF155 causes more accelerated nodal destabilization than loss of NF186 alone, providing strong evidence regarding a supporting role for paranodes in nodal maintenance. In both cases of NF186 loss, myelinating axons show ultrastructural changes and degeneration. Our studies reveal that long-term maintenance of nodes and ultimately the health of axons is correlated with the stability of NF186 within the nodal complex and the presence of auxiliary paranodes.
Evolutionarily Degenerate Biological Structures: Terminology Through Time, and the Question of Terminological Consensus

The existence of evolutionarily degenerate biological structures (EDBS) is a major concept in biology. Biologists have often used the terms “vestige,” “rudiment,” and their adjective forms “vestigial” and “rudimentary” for EDBS since the nineteenth century. Some authors have advocated stricter usage of the terms than others have. For example, some have advocated restriction of the term “rudimentary” to embryonic structures, whereas others have also applied it to postembryonic EDBS. Likewise, some have restricted the term “vestigial” to putatively functionless structures, whereas others have applied it to structures that retain some function. Here, I sought to determine whether a consensus has been reached in the usage of such terms for EDBS. A sample of 200 articles in primary scientific literature from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries shows that through both centuries it has been more common to call EDBS “rudimentary” than to restrict the term “rudimentary” to embryonic structures, and it has been more common to attribute function or possible function to structures called “vestigial” than to restrict the term “vestigial” to putatively functionless structures. The consensus in both centuries has been less-strict usage of such terms; such usage is, in several ways, more logical than strict usage.
Comprehensive toxicity and immunogenicity studies reveal minimal effects in mice following sustained dosing of extracellular vesicles derived from HEK293T cells

ABSTRACTExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are under evaluation as therapeutics or as vehicles for drug delivery. Preclinical studies of EVs often use mice or other animal models to assess efficacy and disposition. However, as most EVs under evaluation are derived from human cells, they may elicit immune responses which may contribute to toxicities or enhanced EV clearance. Furthermore, EVs from different cell sources or EVs comprising various cargo may differ with respect to immunogenicity or toxicity. To assess EV-induced immune response and toxicity, we dosed C57BL/6 mice with EVs intravenously and intraperitoneally for 3 weeks. EVs were harvested from wild type or engineered HEK293T cells which were modified to produce EVs loaded with miR-199a-3p and chimeric proteins. Blood was collected to assess hematology, blood chemistry, and immune markers. Spleen cells were immunophenotyped, and tissues were harvested for gross necropsy and histopathological examination. No signs of toxicity were observed, and minima...
Children and Everyday Life in the Roman and Late Antique World

What did children in the Roman and late antique worlds think and believe, how did they act, behave, and orient themselves in those worlds, and to what extent were their decisions their own? In shor...
Information sources of self-care strategies for persons living with HIV.

Abstract Objectives A number of studies have been conducted to identify the self-care strategies that are used by persons living with chronic illnesses to manage their symptoms, but little work has been done to identify the primary information source for these self-care strategies. Methods We conducted an anonymous online survey with 1373 persons living with HIV to identify the self-care strategies they use to manage 28 commonly experienced symptoms. Following their report of their symptoms and self-care strategies, we asked an open-ended question to identify where the participant obtained the information. We applied iterative content analysis of the narrative data and multi-nominal regression to identify which demographic factors were significantly related to each information source category. Results Respondents reported a total of 8539 information sources for their self-care strategies categorized as follows: Common sense/Self-experience, Healthcare professional, Internet, Literature, Multiple Sources, Social Support, and TV ads. Conclusions We found that respondents with no college education were significantly more likely to report the use of the Internet as the information source for their self-care strategies. On the other hand, males as compared to females were significantly less likely to use the Internet and significantly more likely to use TV ads.
Molecular Imaging of Inflammation in Ischemic Heart Disease.

Ischemic heart disease is caused by atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries, which can lead to the development of heart attacks and heart muscle damage. Despite the advent of medical and surgical therapy to prevent and treat atherosclerosis and its adverse clinical effects, ischemic heart disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have suggested that the immune system may play a greater role in the development of plaque rupture and adverse left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction. Understanding the molecular processes by which inflammation contributes to the pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease is, therefore, worthwhile. This review focuses on new molecular imaging techniques to visualize immune cells to study their contribution to ischemic heart disease. A common technique applied to imaging inflammation in ischemic heart disease is targeting the up-regulation and trafficking of immune cells, which may contribute to the adverse consequences associated with atherosclerosis. In the past 5 years, advances in cell labeling for imaging with PET and MRI, including radioisotopes and nanoparticles, have confirmed that inflammatory cells can be visualized in vivo and in greater abundance in unstable cardiovascular disease and in areas of ischemic damage. The major criticisms of these studies to date include their small sample size, lack of histological correlation, limited association with long-term outcomes, and bias toward macrophage imaging. While much progress has been made in imaging inflammation in ischemic heart disease over the past 5 years, additional studies in larger cohorts with histological validation and outcome correlation are needed. Nevertheless, imaging inflammation using PET or MRI has the potential to become an important adjunct tool to improve the diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapeutic monitoring of patients with ischemic heart disease.
Selection: Unexplored and underexplored realms

A profound problem in viewing operant learning as selection appears to be the identification of replicators. Given the lack of consensus on what constitutes the appropriate unit of analysis for behavior, there may be multiple levels at which the metaphor of selection may be usefully applied. A final difficulty: The elements of selection in the evolution of species are objects. In behavior, they are events.
Evidence for the inhibitory role of guanosine 3', 5'-monophosphate in ADP-induced human platelet aggregation in the presence of nitric oxide and related vasodilators

Abstract Previous observations that platelet guanosine 3′, 5′-monophosphate (cyclic GMP) accumulation occurred during platelet aggregation and also in the presence of nitroprusside, which inhibits aggregation, prompted an evaluation of the effects of nitroprusside, nitric oxide, and related agents on human platelet aggregation. Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was employed to induce irreversible aggregation of human platelets in platelet-rich plasma. Nitroprusside, nitric oxide, and N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, in a concentration-dependent manner, inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation, markedly activated soluble platelet guanylate cyclase (70–280-fold), and markedly elevated platelet cyclic GMP levels (100–200-fold). The gaseous phase of cigarette smoke, which contains nitric oxide, also inhibited platelet aggregation and elevated platelet cyclic GMP levels. In addition to attenuating aggregation, these agents were effective in disaggregating platelets, which was associated with a concomitant rise in cyclic GMP levels. Thus, cyclic GMP accumulation was associated with both inhibition and reversal of platelet aggregation. Partial inhibition of platelet aggregation was observed also with the lipophilic 8-bromo derivative of cyclic GMP. Inhibition of platelet aggregation, activation of guanylate cyclase, and elevation of cyclic GMP levels elicited by nitroprusside, nitric oxide, and related agents were partially blocked by methemoglobin, a hemoprotein with a high binding affinity for nitric oxide. These data suggest that nitric oxide may be one common reactive intermediate responsible for guanylate cyclase activation, cyclic GMP accumulation, and inhibition of platelet aggregation elicited by nitroprusside, nitrosuguanidine, and cigarette smoke. Moreover, the observations that platelet cyclic GMP formation is associated with inhibition of platelet aggregation by agents related to nitric oxide indicate that a reevaluation of the role of cyclic GMP in platelet aggregation is warranted.
The new slow journalism of the moral draughtsman: Joe Sacco’s coverage of state sanctioned sexual violence

This article considers documentation of sexual violence as a war crime as exemplified by two pieces of nonfiction comics by Joe Sacco. In his introduction to Safe Area Goražde, Christopher Hitchens...
Complement Regulation and Immune Evasion by Hepatitis C Virus

A prominent role for complement has been identified in the linkage of innate and adaptive immunity. The liver is the main source of complement and hepatocytes are the primary sites for synthesis of complement components in vivo. We have discovered that hepatitis C virus (HCV) impairs C4 and C3 synthesis. Liver damage may diminish capacity of complement synthesis in patients. However, we observed that the changes in measured complement components in chronically HCV infected patients do not correlate with liver fibrosis or rheumatoid factor present in the blood, serum albumin, or alkaline phosphatase levels. Complement component C3 is of critical importance in B cell activation and T cell-dependent antibody responses. C3 activity is required for optimal expansion of CD8+T cells during a systemic viral infection. Deficiencies in complement may predispose patients to infections via ineffective opsonization, and defects in lytic activity via membrane attack complex. Interestingly, C9 is significantly reduced at the mRNA level in chronically HCV infected liver biopsy specimens, while many hepatocyte derived complement components (C6, C8, Factor B, MASP1, and MBL) and unrelated genes remain mostly unaffected. This implies an HCV specific effect, not a global effect from liver disease.
Image-Guided Thermal Therapy Using Magnetic Particle Imaging and Magnetic Fluid Hyperthermia

Abstract Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) find applications in magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH), where the heat dissipated from the MNPs in the presence of an alternating magnetic field is used to treat cancer. However, upon systemic delivery MNPs are also readily phagocytosed by liver and spleen macrophages, leading to accumulation in these organs and thus resulting in nonspecific heating and damage to these healthy organs during MFH. A potential solution to this problem is using magnetic field gradients such as those used in magnetic particle imaging (MPI), a tracer imaging technology which makes the use of MNP's nonlinear magnetization response to a scanned field gradient to obtain the MNP distribution. The field gradient of MPI can be used to localize the region where MNPs dissipate heat, whereas its imaging capability can be utilized for real-time thermal therapy. In this chapter, we introduce and discuss this emerging field of image-guided thermal therapy using MPI and MFH.
Are We Misdiagnosing Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis? Is the Gold Standard Gold?

ABSTRACT To compare the incidence of osteomyelitis based on different operational definitions using the gold standard of bone biopsy, we prospectively enrolled 35 consecutive patients who met the criteria of ≥21 years of age and a moderate or severe infection based on the Infectious Diseases Society of America classification. Bone samples were obtained from all patients by percutaneous bone biopsy or intraoperative culture if the patient required surgery. Bone samples were analyzed for conventional culture, histology, and 16S ribosomal RNA genetic sequencing. We evaluated 5 definitions for osteomyelitis: 1) traditional culture, 2) histology, 3) genetic sequencing, 4) traditional culture and histology, and 5) genetic sequencing and histology. There was variability in the incidence of osteomyelitis based on the diagnostic criteria. Traditional cultures identified more cases of osteomyelitis than histology (68.6% versus 45.7%, p = .06, odds ratio [OR] 2.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98 to 6.87), but the difference was not significant. In every case that histology reported osteomyelitis, bone culture was positive using traditional culture or genetic sequencing. The 16S ribosomal RNA testing identified significantly more cases of osteomyelitis compared with histology (82.9% versus 45.7%, p = .002, OR 5.74, 95% CI 1.91 to 17.28) and compared with traditional cultures but not significantly (82.9% versus 68.6%, p = .17, OR 2.22, 95% CI 0.71 to 6.87). When both histology and traditional culture (68.6%) or histology and genetic sequencing cultures (82.9%) were used to define osteomyelitis, the incidence of osteomyelitis did not change. There is variability in the incidence of osteomyelitis based on how the gold standard of bone biopsy is defined in diabetic foot infections.
Optimizing long short-term memory recurrent neural networks using ant colony optimization to predict turbine engine vibration

Abstract This article expands on research that has been done to develop a recurrent neural network (RNN) capable of predicting aircraft engine vibrations using long short-term memory (LSTM) neurons. LSTM RNNs can provide a more generalizable and robust method for prediction over analytical calculations of engine vibration, as analytical calculations must be solved iteratively based on specific empirical engine parameters, making this approach ungeneralizable across multiple engines. In initial work, multiple LSTM RNN architectures were proposed, evaluated and compared. This research improves the performance of the most effective LSTM network design proposed in the previous work by using a promising neuroevolution method based on ant colony optimization (ACO) to develop and enhance the LSTM cell structure of the network. A parallelized version of the ACO neuroevolution algorithm has been developed and the evolved LSTM RNNs were compared to the previously used fixed topology. The evolved networks were trained on a large database of flight data records obtained from an airline containing flights that suffered from excessive vibration. Results were obtained using MPI (Message Passing Interface) on a high performance computing (HPC) cluster, evolving 1000 different LSTM cell structures using 208 cores over 21 days. The new evolved LSTM cells showed an improvement of 1.34%, reducing the mean prediction error from 5.61% to 4.27% when predicting excessive engine vibrations 10 s in the future, while at the same time dramatically reducing the number of weights from 21,170 to 13,150. The optimized LSTM also performed significantly better than traditional Nonlinear Output Error (NOE), Nonlinear AutoRegression with eXogenous (NARX) inputs, and Nonlinear Box–Jenkins (NBJ) models, which only reached error rates of 15.73%, 12.06% and 15.05%, respectively. Furthermore, the LSTM regularization method was used to validate the ACO. The ACO LSTM out performed the regularized LSTM by 3.35%. The NOE, NARX, and NBJ models were also regularized for cross validation, and the mean prediction errors were 8.70%, 9.40%, and 9.43% respectively, which gives credit for the ant colony optimized LSTM RNN.
Examination of the relationship of diet quality with cardiometabolic risk factors in apparently healthy college students

Background Preliminary evidence indicates that subclinical cardiometabolic abnormalities are present in apparently healthy nonobese young adults. Poor dietary habits may be a contributing factor. Objective The objective of this study was to examine the presence of cardiometabolic abnormalities in apparently healthy college students and to assess the relationship between diet quality and cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods Cross-sectional anthropometric, lipidemia, and glucose tolerance, blood pressure, and dietary Healthy Eating Index (HEI) data were collected (April 2015). Participants were undergraduate students. Ordinary least squares regression was used to examine associations between diet quality and cardiometabolic risk factors. Results Participants (n = 147) were primarily nonHispanic Caucasian between 18 and 22 years and largely nonobese (95.0% of females, 85.1% of males). Total HEI score was 56.1 ± 16.1 for females and 53.2 ± 15.0 for males. Mean biochemical and clinical outcomes fell within normal limits. However, 71.0% of females and 80.9% of males met ≥1 or more metabolic syndrome criteria. HEI was not related to health outcomes. Conclusions Cardiometabolic abnormalities are present in a large proportion of apparently healthy undergraduates which may place them at risk for future cardiometabolic complications. There was no relationship between diet quality and cardiometabolic health.
Development of a novel alcohol and nicotine concurrent access (ANCA) self-administration procedure in baboons.

Abstract Background Self-administration of either alcohol or nicotine under single-access conditions has been studied extensively in laboratory animals. Relatively few studies have examined the co-use of these substances, even though alcohol and nicotine use and abuse commonly co-occur in humans. The objectives of this study were to develop a baboon model of concurrent alcohol and nicotine self-administration, and examine effects of varenicline on alcohol and nicotine co-use. Methods In Experiment 1, five male baboons were trained to self-administer drinks of alcohol (4% w/v) and injections of nicotine (0.032–0.1 mg/kg) under single-access and then concurrent-access conditions, and intake of alcohol (g/kg) and nicotine (mg/kg) was compared under single- and concurrent-access conditions. In Experiment 2, three male baboons self-administered drinks of alcohol (4% w/v) and injections of nicotine (0.056 mg/kg) under concurrent-access conditions. Pretreatment with varenicline (0.32–1.0 mg/kg, s.c.) or an equal volume of its vehicle before concurrent-access sessions was repeated for 5 consecutive days. Results Self-administration of nicotine and alcohol was successfully established under both single- and concurrent-access conditions that produced reliable levels of voluntary alcohol and nicotine intake. Co-self-administration of both drugs produced levels of intake similar to that produced by each drug alone. Varenicline significantly reduced intake of both alcohol and nicotine when compared to the vehicle condition. Conclusions This baboon model provides a valuable tool for further investigation of the behavioral and pharmacological mechanisms involved in co-use of nicotine and alcohol. A single pharmacotherapeutic agent (e.g., varenicline) may be useful in treating nicotine and alcohol co-use.
In situ structural study of manganese and iron oxide promoted rhodium catalysts for oxygenate synthesis

Abstract In situ x-ray diffraction (XRD) and absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was used to characterize the structure and phase composition of a novel Mn and Fe double-promoted Rh-based catalyst for CO hydrogenation to oxygenates. Catalysts with different Mn:Rh molar ratios were prepared by combining Mn and Rh precursors with Fe2O3 powder, which were then calcined in air and reduced under hydrogen. The resulting MnRh/Fe2O3 catalysts are found to be highly selective for ethanol synthesis (∼40 %) for CO hydrogenation under mild conditions (∼1 bar, 240 °C). Comparison of the reactivity results with quantitative phase information from in situ XRD measurements suggest that reduced metal oxides, MnO and FeOx, and metallic Rh co-exist as active phases to promote oxygenate selectivity. The results of this work also highlight the importance of in situ characterization for extracting meaningful information on the active phases of such complex, ternary catalysts which can vary under reaction conditions.
Significant contribution of small icebergs to the freshwater budget in Greenland fjords.

Icebergs represent nearly half of the mass loss from the Greenland Ice Sheet and provide a distributed source of freshwater along fjords which can alter fjord circulation, nutrient levels, and ultimately the Meridional Overturning Circulation. Here we present analyses of high resolution optical satellite imagery using convolutional neural networks to accurately delineate iceberg edges in two East Greenland fjords. We find that a significant portion of icebergs in fjords are comprised of small icebergs that were not detected in previously-available coarser resolution satellite images. We show that the preponderance of small icebergs results in high freshwater delivery, as well as a short life span of icebergs in fjords. We conclude that an inability to identify small icebergs leads to inaccurate frequency-size distribution of icebergs in Greenland fjords, an underestimation of iceberg area (specifically for small icebergs), and an overestimation of iceberg life span. Small icebergs comprise a significant fraction of icebergs in Greenland fjords and have fallen below the detection and resolution limit of earlier satellite data, suggest analyses of high-resolution imagery with deep neural networks.
Neutron-Stimulated Gamma Ray Measurements for Chlorine Detection

Applications of neutron-gamma analysis for chlorine determination in different materials (e.g., solids, aqueous solutions, and surface contaminations) are discussed. Solid samples were measured with a pulsed fast/thermal neutron analysis (PFTNA) system consisting of a pulsed neutron generator and sodium iodide gamma detectors and an associated particle imaging (API) system consisting of a neutron generator (with a built-in alpha detector) and sodium iodide gamma detector; all sample measurements were made under similar conditions (neutron flux values and detector-side area for crossing gamma flux). The advantages of PFTNA over the API method were demonstrated based on comparison of metrological parameters (i.e., minimal detectible level for a 1-h measurement period and clock time required to reach 5% measurement accuracy). For these reasons, the PFTNA system in scanning mode effectively identified areas of artificial chlorine contamination in the field. Paired with GPS, a chlorine contamination map was created from PFTNA scanning results; this map accurately identified the actual position and size of chlorine contaminated locations in the field. Chlorine-contaminated areas of ~4.5 m2 were effectively located within the ~500 m2 field during a ~2-h scanning period. Based on the results from this work, promising directions for further application of the PFTNA method are disclosure of chlorine contamination in soil and measurements of marine water salinity.
A general theoretical framework for trait-based eco-evolutionary dynamics: population structure, intraspecific variation, and community assembly

Abstract To understand how functional traits shape ecological communities it is necessary to understand both how traits across the community affect its functioning and how eco-evolutionary dynamics within the community change the traits over time. Of particular interest are so-called evolutionarily stable communities (ESCs), since these are the end points of eco-evolutionary dynamics and can persist over long time scales. One theoretical framework that has successfully been used for assembling ESCs is adaptive dynamics. However, this framework cannot account for intraspecific variation— neither locally nor across structured populations. On the other hand, in moment-based approaches, intraspecific variation is accommodated, but community assembly has been neglected. This is unfortunate as some questions regarding for example local adaptation vis-a-vis diversification into multiple species requires both facets. In this paper we develop a general theoretical framework that bridges the gap between these two approaches. We showcase how ESCs can be assembled using the framework, and illustrate various aspects of the framework using two simple models of resource competition. We believe this unifying framework could be of great use to address questions regarding the role of functional traits in communities where population structure, intraspecific variation, and eco-evolutionary dynamics are all important.
Parallel Computations of Unsteady Euler Equations on Dynamically Deforming Unstructured Grids

Problems associated with unsteady flows and moving boundaries have been of long interest to aerodynamicists. Examples of such problems include external flows around oscillating airfoils and other three-dimensional configurations in motion. The current research is based on developing a parallel algorithm for the solution of unsteady aerodynamics and moving boundary problems using unstructured dynamic grids and the Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) method. The sequential version of flow solver, USM3D, originally developed at the NASA Langley Research Center, is modified in this chapter to solve unsteady aerodynamics and moving boundary problems. The version of the solver USM3D modified here was primarily developed to solve steady-state Euler equations on unstructured stationary grids. The algorithm is an implicit, cell-centered scheme in which the fluxes on cell faces are obtained using the Van Leer flux vector splitting method. The dynamic grid algorithm that is coupled with the flow solver moves the computational mesh to conform to the instantaneous position of the moving boundary. The solution at each time step is updated with an implicit algorithm that uses the linearized backward-Euler time-differencing scheme.
Sentence intelligibility during segmental interruption and masking by speech-modulated noise: Effects of age and hearing loss

This study investigated how single-talker modulated noise impacts consonant and vowel cues to sentence intelligibility. Younger normal-hearing, older normal-hearing, and older hearing-impaired listeners completed speech recognition tests. All listeners received spectrally shaped speech matched to their individual audiometric thresholds to ensure sufficient audibility with the exception of a second younger listener group who received spectral shaping that matched the mean audiogram of the hearing-impaired listeners. Results demonstrated minimal declines in intelligibility for older listeners with normal hearing and more evident declines for older hearing-impaired listeners, possibly related to impaired temporal processing. A correlational analysis suggests a common underlying ability to process information during vowels that is predictive of speech-in-modulated noise abilities. Whereas, the ability to use consonant cues appears specific to the particular characteristics of the noise and interruption. Performance declines for older listeners were mostly confined to consonant conditions. Spectral shaping accounted for the primary contributions of audibility. However, comparison with the young spectral controls who received identical spectral shaping suggests that this procedure may reduce wideband temporal modulation cues due to frequency-specific amplification that affected high-frequency consonants more than low-frequency vowels. These spectral changes may impact speech intelligibility in certain modulation masking conditions.
Uptake and transport activity of the median eminence of the hypothalamus.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the uptake and transport activity of the median eminence of the hypothalamus. Two releasing hormones, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH), have been detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the third ventricle of the rat. Their concentrations can be experimentally altered, and they fluctuate with changes in endocrine status of the animal. Further support for the hypothesis of a ventricular route of delivery awaits evidence that these endogenous releasing hormones found in the CSF of the third ventricle are indeed derived directly from surrounding hypothalamus and that they are delivered through tanycytes into pituitary portal blood. Releasing hormones and other substances experimentally placed in the ventricle are transported through the median eminence and are capable of stimulating release of pituitary hormones. Transport through tanycytes has been visualized by intraventricular infusion of radiolabeled compounds and autoradiography at the electron microscope level. The median eminence may also be a site of feedback effect of gonadal steroids on transport of LRH. The catecholaminergic projections to the median eminence provide both dopamine and norepinephrine as potential mediators of ependymal transport activity.
Asterixis - history and terminology (S44.004)

OBJECTIVE: To review the initial historical description of asterixis, understand the etymology of the term and trace advances in the understanding of its meaning. BACKGROUND: The initial description of asterixis was by Raymond Adams and Joseph Foley in the 1940s. Over subsequent decades we have learned much about the causes and patterns of asterixis. Various terms related to asterixis have been suggested. DESIGN/METHODS: A PubMed search was conducted with the terms “asterixis” and “negative myoclonus” from 1949 to 2014. Personal communications from Raymond Adams, MD and Joseph Foley, MD were obtained. RESULTS: In the 1940s liver specialists at the Thorndike Laboratory at Boston City Hospital noted abnormal movements in their patients. They informally referred to as “liver flap.” Others realized that this movement disorder occurred in metabolic encephalopathies other than hepatic cases and that unilateral asterixis occurred with focal brain lesions. Seeking a formal term for this phenomenon, Foley consulted a Jesuit classics scholar from Boston College. As Foley and Father Cadigan drank metaxa at the Athens Olympia Cafe, Foley explained the asynchronous flapping. From ancient Greek the Jesuit created a term: an (negative) - iso (equal) - sterixis (solidity or firmness). Foley and Adams realized that this word,“anisosterixis,” was too polysyllabic to be useful on the hospital wards, so it was shortened to “asterixis.” The term asterixis has been accepted all over the world, in part due to the pervasive influence of the Harrison text book of medicine of which Adams was an editor and author. Some have referred to asterixis as a form of negative myoclonus. Other terms, including pseudo-asterixis, and mini-asterixis, are also discussed. CONCLUSIONS: The term asterixis has a rich history and it is important to understand its terminology and how its meaning has evolved. Disclosure: Dr. Pal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Laureno has nothing to disclose.
Optimization of Shallow Trusses Against Limit Point Instability

The problem of the maximization of the critical load (limit point instability) of shallow space trusses of constant volume or weight is considered. Exact solutions being possible in simple cases, a detailed investigation of the question of the uniqueness of the optimum designs for two- and four-bar shallow truss problems is carried out. The optimized trusses satisfy the constant-strain energy density criteria and the load maximization problem is verified to be the dual of the minimization of the total potential energy.
A dual-band amplifier with flexible frequency ratios

This article presents a dual-band amplifier with flexible frequency ratios. The amplifier features novel Wilkinson power divider/combiner with dual-band property that allows large frequency ratio (2.16–4.9) between its first and second operating bands. The measured combining efficiency on a stand-alone combiner is 97% at 2.25 GHz and 75% at 5.25 GHz. A 2.25/5.5 GHz prototype amplifier is tested to verify dual-band functionality. Measured linear gains are 12.85 dB and 12.07 dB at the first and second frequency bands, respectively. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2242–2247, 2015
Modeling the pneumatic subsystem of a s-cam air brake system

The air brake system is one of the critical components in ensuring the safe operation of any commercial vehicle. This work is directed towards the development of a fault-free model of the pneumatic subsystem of the air brake system. This model can be used in brake control and diagnostic applications. Current enforcement inspections are done manually and hence are time consuming and subjective. The long-term objective is to develop a model-based, performance-based diagnostic system that will automate enforcement inspections and help in monitoring the condition of the air brake system. Such a diagnostic system can update the driver on the performance of the brake system during travel and with recent advancements in communication technology, this information can be remotely transferred to the brake inspection teams. The model of the pneumatic subsystem correlates the pressure transients in the brake chamber with the brake pedal actuation force and the brake valve plunger displacement. An experimental test bench was set up at Texas A&M University and the experimental data is used to corroborate the results obtained from the model.