cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Defining Truthfulness, Deception, and Related Concepts

What constitutes truthfulness and deception in everyday human interaction is not a simple, straightforward phenomenon. In the current chapter, we provide readers with a concise understanding of truthfulness, deception, and related concepts. We also raise important questions about the competing desires humans have regarding truthful and deceptive communication, various gray areas where the nature of truth and deception are blurred, and the ethics of potentially deceptive messages.
Divergent synthesis of organophosphate [11C]VX- and [11C]Sarin-surrogates from a common set of starting materials.

Abstract Radiolabeled 1-[11C]ethyl, 4-nitrophenyl methylphosphonate (VX surrogate) and 2-[11C]-propanyl, 4-nitrophenyl methylphosphonate (sarin surrogate) were developed as organophosphate (OP) tracers. The [11C]ethyl- and [11C]isopropyl-iodide radiolabeled synthons were obtained by temperature controlled, in loop reactions of [11C]CO2 with MeMgBr followed by reduction with LiAlH4, then reaction with HI. Distillation of the [11C]alkyl iodides into a solution of hydrogen (4-nitrophenyl)methylphosphonate and cesium carbonate afforded the desired tracers in >95% radiochemical purity, yields from [11C]CO2 of 1–3% and 1.7–15.1 GBq/mmol molar activities.
Astaxanthin attenuates the increase in mitochondrial respiration during the activation of hepatic stellate cells

Upon liver injury, quiescent hepatic stellate cells (qHSCs) transdifferentiate to myofibroblast-like activated HSCs (aHSCs), which are primarily responsible for the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins during the development of liver fibrosis. Therefore, aHSCs may exhibit different energy metabolism from that of qHSCs to meet their high energy demand. We previously demonstrated that astaxanthin (ASTX), a xanthophyll carotenoid, prevents the activation of HSCs. The objective of this study was to determine if ASTX can exert its antifibrogenic effect by attenuating any changes in energy metabolism during HSC activation. To characterize the energy metabolism of qHSCs and aHSCs, mouse primary HSCs were cultured on uncoated plastic dishes for 7 days for spontaneous activation in the presence or absence of 25 μM ASTX. qHSCs (1 day after isolation) and aHSCs treated with or without ASTX for 7 days were used to determine parameters related to mitochondrial respiration using a Seahorse XFe24 Extracellular Flux analyzer. aHSCs had significantly higher basal respiration, maximal respiration, ATP production, spare respiratory capacity and proton leak than those of qHSCs. However, ASTX prevented most of the changes occurring during HSC activation and improved mitochondrial cristae structure with decreased cristae junction width, lumen width and the area in primary mouse aHSCs. Furthermore, qHSCs isolated from ASTX-fed mice had lower mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis than control qHSCs. Our findings suggest that ASTX may exert its antifibrogenic effect by attenuating the changes in energy metabolism during HSC activation.
Hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure, counterregulatory responses, and therapeutic options in type 1 diabetes

Hypoglycemia remains a major barrier to the achievement of target levels of glycemic control for most individuals with insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes (T1D). Both the loss of β cells and an accompanying defect in the α cell response to hypoglycemia predispose patients with T1D to the development of low blood glucose. Increased glucose variability, exposure to hypoglycemia, and impaired awareness of hypoglycemia all contribute to increased risk of experiencing severe hypoglycemia, which is explained by progressive impairment in epinephrine secretion and autonomic symptom generation in response to hypoglycemia leading to defective glucose counterregulation and hypoglycemia unawareness that characterize hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure (HAAF). Interruption of HAAF requires interfering with the mechanisms of brain adaptation to low blood glucose that affect central glucose sensing and the autonomic response to hypoglycemia, or avoidance of hypoglycemia that may allow for eventual recovery of counterregulatory and autonomic symptom responses. Strategies for hypoglycemia avoidance that include continuous glucose monitoring may reduce, but do not eliminate, clinically significant hypoglycemia, with ongoing counterregulatory defects and impaired awareness of hypoglycemia. Complete avoidance of hypoglycemia can be achieved following pancreatic islet transplantation and allows for the restoration of counterregulatory and autonomic symptom responses that evidences the potential for reversing HAAF in T1D.
A Probabilistic Risk Assessment—Related Methodology to Support Performance-Based Regulation Within the Nuclear Power Industry

Maintenance and inspection costs at nuclear power plants consume a large portion of a utility`s resources. The stresses of commercial competition make better resource allocation for such procedures vital. A nuclear power plant`s probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) is an excellent source of information about the safety importance of various plant systems, structures, and components. As both the nuclear power industry and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission begin to focus attention on the use of performance-based regulation, it is important to find how best to put a nuclear power plant`s PRA to work in prioritizing maintenance and inspection resources. In light of these concerns, two ratios were developed to compare the risk significance of individual components to the amount of plant staff time, or burden, associated with inspecting the component. These risk-to-burden ratios point out existing disparities between inspection practices and safety concerns. These ratios can be used to develop new inspection schedules constituting a more equitable risk-to-burden distribution.
Aspiration/Drainage of Breast Abscess

This chapter describes the surgical procedure for aspiration/drainage of breast abscess as performed by the following approaches: In most cases, a percutaneous ultrasound-guided drainage, when used in conjunction with antimicrobial therapy, will be sufficient. Where aspiration and medical treatment have failed and a palpably fluctuant abscess is present, a formal incision and drainage may be performed. The text includes an introduction that outlines the indications, risks, alternatives, essential steps, necessary equipment, and variations in technique for the procedure in question. This is followed by a template operative dictation, which provides the reader with an operative report, such as is found in a patient chart or electronic medical record. A description is provided of the following critical concepts for this procedure: Localization of the abscess cavity using ultrasound; percutaneous aspiration of the abscess using a standard intravenous cannula; and the most cosmetically acceptable approach to a formal incision and drainage of a breast abscess.
Medicine, with a focus on physician assistants: Addressing substance use in the 21st century

By virtue of their education in the generalist medical model, physician assistants (PAs) are equipped to play a crucial role in expanding access to care for those afflicted by substance use disorde...
Locally exact asymptotic homogenization of periodic materials under anti-plane shear loading

Abstract A new implementation of the asymptotic homogenization theory for anti-plane shear loading is constructed based on locally exact elasticity solutions of unit cell problems at different orders in the asymptotic field expansion. The approach is a generalization of the previously developed locally exact homogenization theory for the determination of homogenized elastic moduli under uniform stress fields. The new theory has been developed for periodic materials in the presence of stress gradients and non-vanishing microstructural scale relative to the structural dimensions. The local interior unit cell problems are solved exactly up to the third order using Fourier series representations of the microfluctuation functions. The exterior unit cell periodic boundary value problems at different orders are tackled by an asymptotic extension of the previously introduced balanced variational principle for periodic materials. The effectiveness of the theory is verified by solving a structural problem with varying number of inclusions directly, and comparing the local fields with those reconstructed by the locally exact asymptotic homogenization approach. The theory is also employed to assess the accuracy of an uncoupled homogenization-localization approach in the reconstruction of local stress fields in periodic materials with different levels of microstructural refinement in the presence of stress gradients. The present contribution provides the foundation for further extension of the new locally exact asymptotic homogenization theory to in-plane loading problems of unidirectionally reinforced periodic materials.
A stratified generalized additive model and permutation test for temporal heterogeneity of smoothed bivariate spatial effects

Generalized additive models (GAMs) with bivariate smoothers are frequently used to map geographic disease risks in epidemiology studies. A challenge in identifying health disparities has been the lack of intuitive and computationally feasible methods to assess whether the pattern of spatial effects varies over time. In this research, we accommodate time-stratified smoothers into the GAM framework to estimate time-specific spatial risk patterns while borrowing information from confounding effects across time. A backfitting algorithm for model estimation is proposed along with a permutation testing framework for assessing temporal heterogeneity of geospatial risk patterns across two or more time points. Simulation studies show that our proposed permuted mean squared difference (PMSD) test performs well with respect to type I error and power in various settings when compared with existing methods. The proposed model and PMSD test are used geospatial risk patterns of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in the state of Massachusetts over 2003-2009. We show that there is variation over time in spatial patterns of PDA risk, adjusting for other known risk factors, suggesting the presence of potential time-varying and space-related risk factors other than the adjusted ones.
Methodology for Probabilistic Analysis of Distributed Multidisciplinary Architecture

Uncertainty based multidisciplinary analysis (UMDA) is a methodology to quantify uncertainty on the system-level quantity of interest by propagating uncertainty within and among multiple discipline...
Laterality of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis after colectomy: A retrospective study using the national inpatient sample.

Background and aimsDeep venous thrombosis (DVT) is known to occur preferentially on the left lower extremity. The renowned surgeon Denis Burkitt advanced the theory that a heavy sigmoid colon would...
Using Mixed Methods With Multiple Stakeholders to Inform Development of a Breast Cancer Screening Decision Aid for Women With Limited Health Literacy

Background. When stakeholders offer divergent input, it can be unclear how to prioritize information for decision aids (DAs) on mammography screening. Objectives. This analysis triangulates perspectives (breast cancer screening experts, primary care providers [PCPs], and patients with limited health literacy [LHL]) to understand areas of divergent and convergent input across stakeholder groups in developing a breast cancer screening DA for younger women with LHL. Design. A modified online Delphi panel of 8 experts rated 57 statements for inclusion in a breast cancer screening DA over three rounds. Individual interviews with 25 patients with LHL and 20 PCPs from a large safety net hospital explored informational needs about mammography decision making. Codes from the qualitative interviews and open-ended responses from the Delphi process were mapped across stakeholders to ascertain areas where stakeholder preferences converged or diverged. Results. Four themes regarding informational needs were identified regarding 1) the benefits and harms of screening, 2) different screening modalities, 3) the experience of mammography, and 4) communication about breast cancer risk. Patients viewed pain as the primary harm, while PCPs and experts emphasized the harm of false positives. Patients, but not PCPs or experts, felt that information about the process of getting a mammogram was important. PCPs believed that mammography was the only evidence-based screening modality, while patients believed breast self-exam was also important for screening. All stakeholders described incorporating personal risk information as important. Limitations. As participants came from one hospital, perceptions may reflect local practices. The Delphi sample size was small. Conclusions. Patients, experts, and PCPs had divergent views on the most important information needed for screening decisions. More evidence is needed to guide integration of multiple stakeholder perspectives into the content of DAs.
SU-E-T-547: Modeling Biological Response to Proton Irradiation and Evaluating Its Potential Clinical Consequences

Purpose: In addition to physical uncertainties, proton therapy may also be associated with biologic uncertainties. Currently a generic RBE value of 1.1 is used for treatment planning. In this work the effects of variable RBE, in comparison to a fixed RBE, were evaluated by calculating the effective dose for proton treatments. Methods: The repair misrepair fixation (RMF) model was used to calculate variable proton RBEs. The RBE weighted spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) dose in water phantom was calculated using Monte Carlo simulation and compared to 1.1 weighted SOBP dose. A head and neck proton treatment was used to evaluate the potential effects, by comparing the head and neck treatment plan computed with a commercial treatment planning system that incorporates fixed RBE of 1.1 and a Monte Carlo treatment planning system that incorporates variable RBE. Results: RBE calculations along the depth of SOBP showed that the RBE at the entrance is approximately 1 and reaches 1.1 near the center of the SOBP. However, in distal regions the RBE rises to higher values (up to 3.5 depending on the cell type). Comparison of commercial treatment plans using a fixed RBE of 1.1 and Monte Carlo using variable RBE showed noticeable differences inmore » the effective dose distributions. Conclusion: The comparison of the treatment planning with fixed and variable RBE shows that using commercial treatment planning systems that incorporate fixed RBE (1.1) could Result in overestimation of the effective dose to part of head and neck target volumes, while underestimating the effective dose to the normal tissue beyond the tumor. The accurate variable RBE as a function of proton beam energy in patient should be incorporated in treatment planning to improve the accuracy of effective dose calculation.« less
Tales Told in Lead

Although there was no Lead Age to compare with humankind's Bronze and Iron ages, the element lead is one of the most extensively produced and emitted materials known. Understanding the past and present emission of lead is an important public health issue. In his Perspective, Nriagu discusses results reported in the same issue by [ Shotyk et al .][1] in which lead was measured in Swiss bogs in the Jura Mountains and used to construct a history of lead emission from 4000 B.C. to the present. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/281/5383/1635
Molecular Modeling – Mapping Biochemical State Space

At this point in our journey we should be in general agreement about the central element of biophysical chemical study: the important biological observables of function and action in a biological state space are a direct consequence of the coordinate structure of the physical elements (mass, energy, and forces) of biomolecules. We have used this concept to construct potential energy surfaces which connect the position of the physical elements in space with a measurable interaction, i.e., force or energy. How this helps us with our interest in function is as follows. The observed function of a system is simply the perceived interaction of the system with elements within the system and with the observer (whether strongly or weakly coupled to the system). All interactions require energy. If no force or action is exerted between elements of a system the system can have no function. Furthermore, if no force is exerted by the system on the observer it is impossible to assign function to the system.
Spectrophotometric Color Matching: A Straightforward Alternative to Kubelka-Munk Analysis of Reflectance Data for Readout of Water Quality Monitoring Disks

We are developing a spacecraft water quality monitoring system based on measuring the change in diffuse reflectance of indicator disks following exposure to a water sample. The most widely used approach for deriving quantitative information from a diffuse reflectance spectrum involves an initial Kubelka-Munk transformation of the reflectance data. Provided the assumptions underlying the transformation are satisfied, the magnitude of the resulting function varies linearly with analyte concentration. We measure diffuse reflectance spectra using a commercial-off-the-shelf handheld spectrophotometer designed for color matching applications. Spectra are currently downloaded and transformed to obtain the value of the Kubelka-Munk function at a detection wavelength diagnostic of the analyte. This value is then used to quantify the analyte via a standard response curve. Data workup would be greatly simplified if the color matching capabilities of the spectrophotometer could be used to read out analyte concentrations directly by matching the color coordinates obtained from the indicator disks to those of premeasured standards. Results will be presented comparing the utility of color matching to that of the Kubelka-Munk transformation for the quantitative analysis of spacecraft water constituents using diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry.
Strategies for Space Programs

The programs currently envisaged by NASA and ESA for the search and analysis of extra-solar planets are presented together with the technical challenges that wiB be faced.
Brumation of Introduced Black and White Tegus, Tupinambis merianae (Squamata: Teiidae), in Southern Florida

Abstract An established population of Tupinambis merianae (Black and White Tegu) in southeastern Florida threatens the Everglades ecosystem. Understanding the behavioral ecology of Black and White Tegus could aid in management and control plans. Black and White Tegus are seasonally active and brumate during the winter in their native range, but brumation behavior is largely unstudied in either the native or the invasive range. We describe the first observations of Black and White Tegu brumation in southeastern Florida after monitoring 5 free-ranging, adult male Black and White Tegus through an inactive season using radiotelemetry and automated cameras. Duration of brumation averaged 137 days, beginning in September and ending by February. One of the 5 Black and White Tegus emerged to bask regularly during brumation, which to our knowledge represents the first documented instance of a free-ranging Black and White Tegu basking during brumation. These preliminary findings provide a basis for future research ...
Decomposition of Elastomers at High Temperatures

Abstract All of the elastomer compositions tested from natural rubber, GR-S, butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer, and Neoprene undergo an exothermic decomposition when rapidly heated. Increase in the heating rate enhances the abruptness and magnitude of the exothermic rise. Long heating at 190–200° C eliminates exothermic action. The rapid action also takes place in an atmosphere of nitrogen. Various compounding agents may modify this behavior, but they do not eliminate it. The exothermic action is therefore characteristic of the elastomers in the stocks. The only known structural characteristic common to all these elastomers is the residual double bond. The exothermic activity is, therefore, ascribed primarily to this source. This interpretation is further supported by the work of Midgley and Henne, which showed that the C—C bond in the 1–3 position to the residual double bond in crepe rubber is most readily cleaved. It is rendered still more probable by the evolution of products from the gum stocks tested...
Early-life experience alters response of developing brain to seizures

Abstract Prolonged seizures during childhood are associated with behavior problems, memory impairment and school failure. No effective treatment currently exists after seizures to mitigate neuronal injury and long-term neurological sequelae for children with epilepsy. We studied the therapeutic efficacy of early-life environment on seizure-induced behavioral deficits, neuronal injury and the inflammatory reaction using the kainic acid (KA) seizure model. Two rearing conditions, maternal separation for 3 h daily versus maternal care in an enriched environment, were followed by single housing for the former (Deprived) and group housing in an enriched environment for the latter (Enriched). To examine the influence of differential rearing on the behavioral effects of early-life seizures, KA was injected on P21. On P28, marked reduction in exploratory behavior was noted after seizures only in the Deprived group. To investigate seizure-induced hippocampal injury, a separate group of rats were injected with KA on P35 since consistent seizure-induced neuronal injury is observed only in mature rats. Brains of rats sacrificed on P37 displayed a significant reduction in DNA fragmentation and microglial activation in Enriched compared to Deprived animals. Our results suggest that a nurturing early environment can enhance the ability of the developing brain to recover from seizures and provide a buffer against their damaging effects. While the nurturing environment was neuroprotective, the combination of deprived rearing and the insult of early-life seizures resulted in significant behavioral deficits, an increase in neuronal injury and activation of microglia in young rats.
Subarcsecond Mid-Infrared Observations of NGC 6240: Limitations of Active Galactic Nucleus-Starburst Power Diagnostics

In order to examine the relative importance of powerful starbursts and Compton-thick active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in NGC 6240, we have obtained mid-infrared images and low-resolution spectra of the galaxy with subarcsecond spatial resolution using the Keck telescopes. Despite the high spatial resolution (~200 pc) of our data, no signature of the hidden AGNs has been detected in the mid-infrared. The southern nucleus, which we show provides 80%–90% of the total 8–25 µm luminosity of the system, has a mid-infrared spectrum and a mid-/far-infrared spectral energy distribution consistent with starbursts. At the same time, however, it is also possible to attribute up to 60% of the bolometric luminosity to an AGN, consistent with X-ray observations, if the AGN is heavily obscured and emits mostly in the far-infrared. This ambiguity arises because the intrinsic variation of properties among a given galaxy population (e.g., starbursts) introduces at least a factor of a few uncertainty even into the most robust AGN-starburst diagnostics. We conclude that with present observations it is not possible to determine the dominant power source in galaxies when AGN and starburst luminosities are within a factor of a few of each other.
ML/EM Reconstruction Algorithm for Cosmic Ray Muon Tomography

Highly penetrating cosmic ray muons constantly shower the earth at a rate of about 1 muon per cm2 per minute. We have developed a technique which exploits the multiple Coulomb scattering of these particles to perform non-destructive inspection without the use of artificial radiation. In this paper we present a Maximum Likelihood / Expectation Maximization (ML/EM) tomographic reconstruction algorithm designed for the technique.
Mass Customization–Oriented Module Combination Method

For the modular design in manufacturing paradigm of mass customization (MC), module combination is a complex process. To the study on this problem, this paper put forward a module combination method based on module family model. Based on the module family model and tree-type storage structure, this method used a “most similar module" search algorithm to carry out the module search, and applied analytic hierarchy process(AHP) to construct the hierarchy model for the evaluation of module combination configuration program. This module combination method has some theoretical and practical ignificance.
Nasal tip refinement in primary rhinoplasty: The cephalic trim cap graft

Abstract Background: Commonly used techniques for achieving nasal tip projection and refinement are adequate for most primary rhinoplasty patients, but they may result in undesirable tip bifidity and visible lower lateral cartilage angularity, especially in patients with thin skin. Objective: We report the use of “like” local tissues, cephalic trim cartilage remnants of the lower lateral cartilages, as invisible tip grafts to soften any angular cartilage edges or tip bifidity. Methods: The cartilaginous framework was exposed by using the open rhinoplasty approach. Lower lateral cartilages were separated from upper lateral cartilages, the caudal septum at the anterior septal angle, and from each other. A cephalic trim was performed as necessary, with the cartilaginous segments preserved for use as a cap graft. Interdomal sutures and transdermal sutures were used either alone or in combination to set the desired tip projection. If tip bifidity was visible through thin nasal tip skin, a cephalic trim cap graft was placed. Results: The procedure can achieve a well-unified nasal tip with no evidence of bifidity, angularity, or cartilage graft visibility. Conclusion: Use of this technique to improve nasal tip projection can avoid undesirable tip bifidity and visible lower lateral cartilage angularity in patients with thin nasal skin. ( Aesthetic Surg J 2002;22:39-45.)
Use of an automated circuit for isolated limb infusion for malignancy

Abstract Background Isolated limb infusion (ILI) for recurrent or in-transit melanoma is an accepted technique that allows high-dose chemotherapy to be delivered to an extremity with minimal systemic toxicity. Current infusion systems have relied on manual delivery of drugs and circulation of blood during the treatment. Herein, we document our initial results with an automated circuit for ILI as an alternative to the manual technique. Methods Patients undergoing ILI with an automated circuit for recurrent or advanced malignancy were identified. ILI was performed utilizing a Sarns 8000 roller pump attached to a Cobe 4:1 cardioplegia set with heat exchanger with a total priming volume of 80 ml. Melphalan (7.5 mg/L) and Dactinomycin (75 μg/L) doses which were corrected for ideal body weight were delivered via the infusion circuit after limb temperature reached 38 °C. Results Fourteen lower extremity infusion procedures were performed in 10 patients. Successful infusion procedures were completed in all patients using the automated circuit. Constant flow rates of 50–70 cc/minute were achievable with the automated circuit. Acute toxicity and clinical results were similar to that reported with manual delivery systems. Conclusion ILI for advanced malignancy utilizing an automated circuit is feasible and safe. This automated system offers a safe and reliable alternative to the manual infusion technique.
Functional Evaluation of Lung Mitochondria

Activity of lung mitochondria was studied with a preparation of isolated mitochondria. This was correlated with responses of the isolated perfused lung as determined from surface fluorescence measurements and tissue redox couples. Lung mitochondria demonstrated substrate oxidation, respiratory control, and Caplus plus activation of alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase. In response to oxidative inhibitors, the isolated lung showed increased surface fluorescence and increased tissue ratios of redox couples indicating reduction of pyridine nucleotides. The results demonstrate functional activity of lung mitochondria in situ.
Avoiding ballot stuffing in eBay-like reputation systems

We present a preliminary study on the robustness of binary feedback reputation systems (e.g. eBay) to ballot stuffing and bad mouthing. In a feedback based reputation system, a seller can collude with other buyers to undertake fake transactions in order to enhance her reputation. This problem is referred to as ballot stuffing. A seller can also be targeted by a group of buyers to deliberately lower her reputation. This problem is referred to as bad mouthing. For the reputations to be meaningful, any practical reputation system needs to be resistant to these problems. We use a simplified model to give an explicit relation between the reputation premium and the transaction cost that needs to hold in order to avoid ballot stuffing. Thus we draw attention to the necessity of transaction costs for a well functioning reputation system. Our conclusions are confirmed by empirical experiments on eBay.
Exploiting the full potential of disease-resistance genes for agricultural use

Effective and sustained control of fungal pathogens and nematodes is an important issue for all agricultural systems. Global losses caused by pathogens are estimated to be 12% of the potential crop production [1], despite the continued release of new resistant cultivars and pesticides. Furthermore, fungi are continually becoming resistant to existing resistance genes and fungicides, and a few of the pesticides are being withdrawn from the market for environmental reasons. In addition to reducing crop yield, fungal diseases often lower crop quality by producing toxins that affect humans and human health. Additional methods of disease control are therefore highly desirable. Breeding programs based on plant disease-resistance genes are being optimized by incorporating molecular marker techniques and biotechnology. These efforts can be expected to result in the first launches of new disease-resistant crops within the next five years.
Evaluating aerosol direct radiative effects on global terrestrial ecosystem carbon dynamics from 2003 to 2010

An integrated terrestrial ecosystem model and an atmospheric radiative transfer module are developed and applied to evaluate aerosol direct radiative effects on carbon dynamics of global terrestrial ecosystems during 2003–2010. The Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer measurements of key atmosphere parameters have been used to quantify aerosol effects on downward solar radiation. Simulations with and without considering the aerosol loadings show that aerosol affects terrestrial ecosystem carbon dynamics through the effects on plant phenology, thermal and hydrological conditions as well as solar radiation. The simulations also show that aerosol enhances the terrestrial gross primary production by 4.9 Pg C yr −1 , the net primary production by 3.8 Pg C yr −1 , the net ecosystem production by 3.9 Pg C yr −1 , and the plant respiration by 1.1 Pg C yr −1 during the period. The aerosol loading at a magnitude of 0.1 Pg C yr − 1 reduces ecosystem heterotrophic respiration. These results support previous findings of the positive effects of aerosol light scattering on plant production, but suggest there is a strong spatial variation due to cloud cover. This study suggests that both direct and indirect aerosol radiative effects through aerosol–cloud interactions should be considered to quantify the global carbon cycle. Keywords: aerosol, carbon dynamics, terrestrial ecosystem model (Published: 22 May 2014) Citation: Tellus B 2014, 66 , 21808, http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/tellusb.v66.21808
Evaluating the utility of a phase distribution parameter in calculating the bulk viscous strength of two-phase composites

Abstract The position of the bulk strength of a composite material between the isostress and isostrain-rate bounds is in part a function of the spatial distribution of the contrasting phases. Here I explore whether a constant value can adequately parameterize a given spatial distribution and, if so, if that parameter value is predictable. I use a two-dimensional finite element calculation scheme for linearly viscous materials to calculate bulk strength. Constant values of two tested parameters satisfactorily describe the bulk strength at viscosity contrasts less than ∼50 for a given phase distribution and modal abundance. Neither tested parameter is constant with changes in mode. The values of the examined phase distribution parameters do not appear to be predictable based on a qualitative analysis of the spatial distribution. Thus although a constant parameter value can adequately describe a given phase distribution, because that parameter is not determinable a priori , accurate measurement of the bulk strength of a composite requires a numerical calculation method.
Atmospheric-electric relations in quiet air

The theory describing the electrification of the lower atmosphere has been quite completely developed for quiet-air conditions, but it has been rather generally assumed that eddy-diffusion or mixing processes would so predominate as to render the theory of little use for actual conditions in the atmosphere. However, it seems reasonable to expect that at certain times the assumptions underlying such a theory would be tenable. Observations made at College, Alaska, during the International Polar Year, indicate that during the winter the extremely quiet-air conditions found there did result in good agreement between the observed and predicted relation between the ratio of the positive to negative conductivity and the potential-gradient. It is believed that careful scrutiny of the data from other locations would show that the theory is more generally applicable than has previously been assumed.
Robust classification of objects, faces, and flowers using natural image statistics

Classification of images in many category datasbets has rapidly improved in recent years. However, systems that perform well on particular datasets typically have one or more limitations such as a failure to generalize across visual tasks (e.g., requiring a face detector or extensive retuning of parameters), insufficient translation invariance, inability to cope with partial views and occlusion, or significant performance degradation as the number of classes is increased. Here we attempt to overcome these challenges using a model that combines sequential visual attention using fixations with sparse coding. The model's biologically-inspired filters are acquired using unsupervised learning applied to natural image patches. Using only a single feature type, our approach achieves 78.5% accuracy on Caltech-101 and 75.2% on the 102 Flowers dataset when trained on 30 instances per class and it achieves 92.7% accuracy on the AR Face database with 1 training instance per person. The same features and parameters are used across these datasets to illustrate its robust performance.
Hopf duals, algebraic groups, and Jordan pairs

Abstract The Hom functor is used to construct various algebras and coalgebras, including the continuous dual of a Hopf algebra with a residually finitely generated projective linear topology. The dual is used to construct a k-group scheme. The results are applied to the study of algebraic groups associated with Jordan pairs.
Role of asphaltene and resin in oil field emulsions

Abstract Asphaltenes and resins are the principal constituents of polar fractions of crude oils. These polar molecules combine with and/or adsorb on other organic and inorganic solids producing emulsion stabilizing films at oil–water interfaces, and contribute to the formation of tight emulsions which are difficult to process at the surface facilities. These emulsion-stabilizing organic constituents, namely the asphaltenes and resins, have been characterized in our laboratories after their separation from unstable, moderately stable and highly stable emulsions obtained from a carbonate reservoir in Saudi Arabia. These constituents were studied in detail in terms of their molecular parameters by proton and carbon-13 NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy and GC-MS under pyrolytic conditions. There is evidence that factors such as increased aromaticity, decreased alkyl side chain lengths, and reduced chain branching are associated with the formation of stable emulsions involving asphaltenes. Also, the presence of aromatic quaternary carbons (bridged as well as substituted) shows a direct correlation with the tendency of asphaltenes to form stable emulsions. NMR and IR spectroscopy also indicate that the condensed ring character of asphaltenes increases with increasing emulsion stability as indicated by parameters such as the percentage of bridged and substituted aromatic carbons, alkyl chain branching, and side chain length. The data indicate that the increasing ring condensation in asphaltenes and resins is associated with an increase in both the degree of alkyl substitution and alkyl branching on the aromatic ring and not with the alkyl side chain elongation. Also, the spectral data for asphaltenes and resins indicate very low concentration of OH and NH groups, which are often considered important for asphaltene aggregation through hydrogen bonding. These findings have been applied in developing molecular models for asphaltenes and resins from Arab Light crude oil.
A Benefit-Cost Analysis of Investment in College Education in the United States: 1969-1985.

Abstract This study reports internal rates of return (IRORs) to college education for the years 1969, 1974, 1978, 1982 and 1985, based on the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. Results indicate that the IROR declined from 1969 to 1974, as claimed by Richard Freeman, but that by 1978 the IROR was nearly equal to what it was in 1969. From 1978 to 1982 the IROR increased, according to one estimation method, and slightly decreased, according to another. From 1982 to 1985 the IROR remained essentially unchanged, according to one method, and increased drastically, according to an alternative method. Results also indicate that the IROR may be sensitive to econometric techniques employed to estimate earnings functions, as well as to other assumptions invoked to derive age-earnings profiles.
The learning library in context: community, integration, and influence

Abstract The learning library is a construct based on the sociocultural theories of Lev Vygotsky and Jean Lave. These theories hold that learning happens through social interaction, that learners move through increasingly complex zones of development through the assistance of more capable others, and that real learning is situated only in specific cultural environments. The learning library bases its programs and services on these ideas through programmatic partnerships with specific groups such as learning communities and cohorts of students; through curricular integration so that learning about information resources is situated within the daily life of the college or university; through using the library as a locus for, and facilitator of, sustained interactions among students, faculty, and librarians; and by using the social interactions developed among communities of learners to extend the influence of the library throughout the institution. This article examines how these facets of the learning library are reflected in four programmatic models at George Mason University's Johnson Center Library: the course-integrated model (New Century College, NCC), the course-related model (English 101: Composition), the orientation/peer advising model (University 100: University Life), and the information/term paper counseling and coaching model (partnership with the University's Writing Center, WC).
College athletes’ drinking motives and competitive seasonal status: Additional examination of the athlete drinking scale

The Athlete Drinking Scale (ADS) was designed to assess a set of drinking motives unique to intercollegiate athletes. Although results from initial validation studies were promising (Martens, M. P., Watson, J. C., Royland, E. M., Beck, N. C. 2005. Development of the athlete drinking scale. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors 19:158–164; Martens, M. P., Labrie, J. W., Hummer, J. F., Pedersen, E. R. 2008. Understanding sport-related drinking motives in college athletes: Psychometric analyses of the athlete drinking scale. Addictive Behaviors 33:974–977), to date only cross-sectional studies on the measure have been published. The purposes of this longitudinal study were to determine whether the factor structure of the ADS remains consistent across a group of athletes’ competitive season and off-season, determine whether scores on the ADS increased during athletes’ competitive seasons, and assess the relationships among athlete-specific drinking motives and drinking behaviors across these two time points. Comp...
Combined open decompressive laminectomy and vertebroplasty for treatment of thoracolumbar fractures retrospective review of 41 cases

Abstract Background Vertebral compression fractures are common, and can occur concomitantly in patients with symptomatic degenerative stenosis. Less commonly, complicated vertebral body fractures may involve retropulsion of bone into the spinal canal, resulting in stenosis with myelopathy and/or radiculopathy. Decompression of the neural elements can lead to destabilization and progressive kyphotic deformity. Laminectomy combined with open vertebroplasty provides a way to decompress the neural elements and stabilize the anterior columns in patients who cannot tolerate extended surgical time or complications associated with instrumentation and fusion. The authors describe the combination of decompressive laminectomy and open transpedicular vertebroplasty as a means to decompress neural elements and simultaneously stabilize the anterior vertebral column. Methods Forty-one patients with a total of 51 thoracolumbar fractures were included in this retrospective case review. A decompressive laminectomy was performed first, followed by vertebroplasty using an open transpedicular approach. For subjective assessment of outcome, the patients were assessed using the Oswestry Low Back Disability Questionnaire and additional questions pertaining to the patient's condition. Results Out of 51 fractures, there were 15 burst fractures and 36 compression fractures. Fracture levels ranged from T12 to S1. The average follow-up period was 27 months (range, 0.5–60 months). The mean post-operative Oswestry score was 16 (range, 0–39), and all patients except for one were subjectively pleased with the results of the procedure and said they would recommend it to others. All patients were able to return to all routine activities of daily living. Conclusions The authors’ cases indicate combining open decompressive laminectomies with vertebroplasty can be an effective treatment for patients with complicated thoracic and lumbar fractures without involving bone fusion or spinal instrumentation and with good long-term outcomes.
Cardiomyopathy induced by phenylpropanolamine

A 14-year-old girl had evidence of an acute cardiomyopathy after a minimal overdose of phenylpropanolamine. She had myocardial dysfunction, ventricular dysrhythmia, and secondary pulmonary edema without any associated systemic hypertension. The cardiomyopathy resolved after several days.
The impact of semantic ambiguity on Bayesian weights

Abstract Generally, human users provide evidence assessments for intelligent systems. Users see or hear data D and determine if it is evidence of the type E or not E. Unfortunately since expert systems often model complex and ambiguous processes, there is a probability distribution that D will be categorized as E or not E (E′). This evidence categorization problem is referred to in this paper as semantic ambiguity. The purpose of this paper is to model the impact of semantic ambiguity in the context of a well-known set of weights. In particular, this paper uses the Bayesian AL/X weights as the basis of that model. The resulting model shows that semantic ambiguity can have a substantial impact on the resulting probabilities. The same approach can be extended to other forms of weights on rules or other similar structures.
Experiment and Analysis on the Comparison of the IEEE 802.11a and 802.11g Wireless Local Area Networks

An experiment is conducted to compare the performances of path loss and packet loss ratio of the IEEE 802.11a and 802.11g wireless local area networks reflecting the coverage and signal quality. The experiment was performed in typical indoor and outdoor environments by adopting commercial WLAN products. The experimental data show that the IEEE 802.11g WLAN offers a wider coverage and has similar signal qualities in the locations in the proximity while the IEEE 802.11a WLAN demonstrate large variations in the signal qualities. Moreover, the significant impairments of the IEEE 802.11g WLAN are various RF interferences. The IEEE 802.11a WLAN has comparable clear electromagnetic environments.
Fatty acid ethyl esters in meconium are associated with poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes to two years of age.

Objective To determine the relationship between fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) in meconium and neurodevelopment in infants exposed to alcohol in utero at 6.5 months, 1 year, and 2 years of age. Study design A secondary analysis of a prospective cohort of mothers at high risk and their infants recruited after admission to a labor and delivery unit. Mothers were screened for drug and alcohol use during pregnancy by clinical interview and urine screening. Meconium was analyzed for FAEE in 216 newborn infants. Outcome measures included the Bayley Scales of Infant Development Mental (MDI) and Psychomotor (PDI) Developmental Index scores in infants at 6.5 months, 1 year, and 2 years of age. Results After controlling for prenatal visits and maternal factors, increasing concentrations of FAEE were significantly associated with poorer mental and psychomotor development (β ± standard error) at all follow-up visits: ethyl myristate (MDI −2.46 ± 1.24, P = .05; PDI −3.88 ± 1.67, P = .02), ethyl oleate (MDI −1.94 ± 0.65, P Conclusion FAEE in meconium may be a marker for identifying newborns at risk for neurodevelopmental delay from alcohol exposure in utero.
Reproductive health and Millennium Development Goals: sustaining and planning for target attainment

Perhaps, one of the most well-known projects today for planned change is the United Nations Millennium project with eight Millennium Developmental Goals to be achieved by 2015. Of the eight goals, three relate to reproductive health. This study assesses the effect of selected factors on current reproductive health levels in developing countries. Using data for 122 countries, three geographic clusters distinct in reproductive health characteristics were identified. We found that countries with high level of reproductive health enjoyed high levels of reproductive rights. Our findings underscore the relevance of a human rights-based approach towards reproductive health Millennium Development Goals.
Thin film growth of YBa2Cu3O7 by spray pyrolysis

Thin films of YBa2Cu3O7 have been grown by spray pyrolysis of aqueous nitrate solutions. Substrate temperatures ranging from 250 to 850°C were investigated for the deposition reaction. Multiphase material was obtained at low substrate temperatures, whereas single phase material resulted at substrate temperatures above 750°C. Annealing the films in 1 atm of flowing oxygen at 875–975°C resulted in single phase material with the familiar orthorhombic “1–2–3” crystal structure regardless of deposition temperatures. Superconducting transition temperatures up to 74 K and transition widths as narrow as 3 K were obtained for annealing temperatures in the range of 945–975°C. Materials were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and resistive superconducting transition measurements.