cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distributed multimodal data fusion for large scale wireless sensor networks

Sensor network technology has enabled new surveillance systems where sensor nodes equipped with processing and communication capabilities can collaboratively detect, classify and track targets of interest over a large surveillance area. In this paper we study distributed fusion of multimodal sensor data for extracting target information from a large scale sensor network. Optimal tracking, classification, and reporting of threat events require joint consideration of multiple sensor modalities. Multiple sensor modalities improve tracking by reducing the uncertainty in the track estimates as well as resolving track-sensor data association problems. Our approach to solving the fusion problem with large number of multimodal sensors is construction of likelihood maps. The likelihood maps provide a summary data for the solution of the detection, tracking and classification problem. The likelihood map presents the sensory information in an easy format for the decision makers to interpret and is suitable with fusion of spatial prior information such as maps, imaging data from stand-off imaging sensors. We follow a statistical approach to combine sensor data at different levels of uncertainty and resolution. The likelihood map transforms each sensor data stream to a spatio-temporal likelihood map ideally suitable for fusion with imaging sensor outputs and prior geographic information about the scene. We also discuss distributed computation of the likelihood map using a gossip based algorithm and present simulation results.
Perceived self-efficacy, functional ability, and depressive symptoms in older elective surgery patients.

BACKGROUND Decline in functional ability as a consequence of medical illness or surgery has been associated with the development of depressive symptoms in older patients. Little is known about the influence of psychological variables on the relationship between postoperative functional ability and depressive symptoms in older adults. Inclusion of perceived self-efficacy in a theoretical model of the relationship of functional ability and depressive symptoms would extend knowledge and inform health care providers about specific risk factors for the development of postoperative depressive symptoms in older elective surgery patients. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this longitudinal study was to test a theoretical path model of the effects of perceived self-efficacy and functional ability on depressive symptoms in older adults after major elective surgery. METHOD Seventy-six older adult inpatients (60% women; mean age = 72.3 years, SD = 5.06) who had undergone elective total hip replacement surgery participated in a face-to-face interview 4 to 5 days after surgery (Time 1) and a telephone interview 6 weeks after surgery (Time 2). Perceived self-efficacy was measured by the Self-Efficacy Expectation Scale, functional ability by the Functional Status Index, and depressive symptoms by the Geriatric Depression Scale. RESULTS Path analysis revealed that Time 1 perceived self-efficacy had a direct, negative effect on Time 2 depressive symptoms. Time 1 perceived self-efficacy also had an indirect effect on Time 2 depressive symptoms through its positive effect on Time 2 functional ability. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that interventions to enhance older patients' perceived self-efficacy while hospitalized after elective total hip replacement surgery may enhance functional ability, which in turn may decrease the likelihood of depressive symptoms postoperatively.
Porphyrin dyads bearing carbon tethers for studies of high-density molecular charge storage on silicon surfaces.

Redox-active molecules that afford high charge density upon attachment to an electroactive surface are of interest for use in molecular-based information-storage applications. One strategy for increasing charge density is to covalently link a second redox center to the first in an architecture that uses the vertical dimension in essentially the same molecular footprint. Toward this end, a set of four new porphyrin dyads have been prepared and characterized. Each dyad consists of two zinc porphyrins, an intervening linker (p-phenylene or 4,4‘-diphenylethyne), and a surface attachment group (ethynyl or triallyl group). The porphyrin dyads were attached to an electroactive Si(100) surface and interrogated via electrochemical and FTIR techniques. The charge density obtainable for the ethynyl-functionalized porphyrin dyads is approximately double that observed for an analogously functionalized monomer, whereas that for the triallyl-functionalized dyads is at most 40% larger. These results indicate that the mol...
The Effect of Force on Fingerprint Image Quality and Fingerprint Distortion

The purpose of this paper is to investigate fingerprint quality and quality problems due to nonlinear elastic distortion. The effect of force on fingerprint quality was studied using computation and analysis of the correlation coefficient r between the fingerprint quality score and force. The correlation analysis results show that fingerprint quality is significantly attributed to force. Based on the U test, a comparative study between male and female students about the fingerprint quality was conducted. At the 0.05 level of significance, there is a significant difference between male and female students in the fingerprint quality of the flat left thumb at a greater force level and in the fingerprint quality of the slap left fingers at all force levels. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/ijece.v3i3.2489
Study of Proton Transfer in Escherichia Coli Photolyase

Photolyase is a flavoenzyme which utilizes blue-light energy to repair UV-light damaged DNA. The catalytic cofactor of photolyase, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), has five redox states. Conversions between these redox states involve intraprotein electron transfer and proton transfer, which play important role in protein function. We systematically studied proton transfer in E. coli photolyase in vitro by site-directed mutagenesis and steady-state UV-visible spectroscopy, and proposed the proton channel in photolyase for the first time. We found that in the mutant N378C/E363L, proton channel was completely eliminated when DNA substrate was bound to the protein. Proton is suggested to be transported from protein surface to FAD by two pathways: the proton relay pathway through E363 and surface water to N378 and then to FAD; and the proton diffusion pathway through the substrate binding pocket. In addition, reaction kinetics of conversions between the redox states was then solved and redox potentials of the redox states were determined. These results described a complete picture of FAD redox changes in E. coli photolyase, which are fundamental to the functions of all flavoenzymes.
Abstract 77: Genetic variations in the stem cell pathway predict for toxicity following radiotherapy in lung cancer.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Lung cancer is a devastating malignancy leading to over 150,000 deaths in the US annually. One primary modality in the treatment of locally advanced lung cancer is radiotherapy in combination with chemotherapy. However, this treatment can lead to significant local toxicity in as many as 50% of all patients and, in some cases, is fatal. Though post-radiation toxicity significantly affects adherence to treatment, quality of life and clinical outcome, it is difficult to predict. Further, no genetic markers have yet been found to be useful in a clinical setting. Because stem cell recruitment is part of the post-radiation tissue repair response, we hypothesize that alterations in stem cell signaling may predict for toxicity following radiotherapy. To investigate this question we examined 441 SNPs related to stem cell signaling in the peripheral blood lymphocytes in 159 patients with stage III-IV lung cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy. After adjusting for treatment-related and demographic factors, we found 47 SNPs significantly associated with symptomatic radiation pneumonitis (p<0.05) and 51 SNPs associated with symptomatic esophagitis (p<0.05). For example, patients with at least one risk allele for WNT9Brs:2165846 had a 46% risk of symptomatic pneumonitis, compared to 31% in those who did not, for a 2.23 fold increase in risk (CI: 1.05-4.07, p=0.04). On analysis of a 141 patient validation set with similar characteristics, variant WNT9Brs:2165846 was confirmed to be associated with symptomatic radiation pneumonitis (OR 2.6, CI: 1.1-6.16, p=0.03). Analysis on this confirmation set is ongoing; however, the preliminary results are indicative of the importance of stem cell signaling in modulating repair following radiotherapy and, in combination with clinical factors, may allow for better management of these patients. Citation Format: Heath D. Skinner, Xia Pu, Joe Chang, Charles Lu, Ritsuko Komaki, Xifeng Wu. Genetic variations in the stem cell pathway predict for toxicity following radiotherapy in lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 77. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-77
Mixing Rules and Correlations of NMR Relaxation Time With Viscosity, Diffusivity, and Gas/Oil Ratio of Methane/Hydrocarbon Mixtures

Viscosity, diffusivity, relaxation time, and gas/oil ratio are important properties in the characterization of reservoirs by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) well logging and in prediction of production performance. For the past few years, NMR well logging has been used to estimate formation properties and hydrocarbon liquid/ vapor characterization. Previous work has shown that pure alkanes, alkane mixtures, viscosity standards, and stock tank crude oils have NMR relaxation times that vary linearly with viscosity/ temperature and diffusivity on a log-log scale. However, pure methane at some temperatures and pressures does not follow the same trend. Thus, the linear correlation may not be valid for live crude oils that contain a significant amount of methane. Therefore, the study of methane-hydrocarbon mixtures is of interest. An NMR spectrometer equipped with a high-pressure probe was used to study the relationship between NMR T1 relaxation time and viscosity/temperature, diffusivity, and gas/oil ratio of methane-hydrocarbon mixtures. Relaxation time and diffusivity measurements of three mixtures were made: methane-n-hexane, methane-n-decane, and methane-n-hexadecane. It was found that unlike stock tank oil, relaxation times do not depend linearly on viscosity/temperature on a log-log scale. Each of the mixtures forms a different curve. Generalized correlations between viscosity, diffusivity, gas/oil ratio, and NMR relaxation times were developed. First, the relaxation time mixing rule was developed by studying the theory of NMR relaxation mechanism. From the mixing rule, it was found that departure of relaxation times of methane-n-alkane mixtures from linear correlations on a log-log scale can be correlated with the proton fraction of methane, expressed as gas/oil ratio. Thus, correlations between relaxation time, viscosity/temperature, and gas/oil ratio were developed. Correlations between relaxation time, diffusivity, and gas/oil ratio were also developed. There is a linear relation between diffusivity and viscosity/temperature that is independent of composition. From these correlations, viscosity and gas/oil ratio can be estimated from NMR T1 relaxation time and diffusivity.
Assessment of Prognosis in Patients With Community-Acquired Pneumonia Who Require Mechanical Ventilation

Study objectives Knowing that mortality is high in patients who require mechanical ventilation patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), we hypothesized that the severity of acute lung injury could be used along with nonpulmonary factors to identify patients with the highest risk of death. We formulated a prediction model to quantitate the risk of hospital mortality in this population of patients. Design Historical prospective study using data collected over the first 24 h of mechanical ventilation. We utilized a hypoxemia index—(1 − lowest[Pao2/PAo2]) × (minimum fraction of inspired oxygen to maintain Pao2 at> 60 mm Hg) × 100], where PAo2 is the alveolar partial pressure of oxygen—to grade the severity of acute lung injury on a scale from 0 to 100. Setting Tertiary care university hospital ICU. Patients One hundred forty-four adult patients mechanically ventilated for respiratory failure caused by CAP. Measurements and results Hospital mortality was 46% (n = 66). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed five independent predictors of hospital mortality: (1) the extent of lung injury assessed by the hypoxemia index; (2) the number of nonpulmonary organs that failed; (3) immunosuppression; (4) age > 80 years; and (5) medical comorbidity with a prognosis for survival 95% predicted probability of death died in hospital. Conclusions Based on clinical parameters measured over the first 24 h of mechanical ventilation, this model accurately identified critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients with CAP for whom prolonged intensive care may not be of benefit.
Theorizing the Internal Social Sustainability of Sanitation Organizations

AbstractOnsite household sanitation technologies such as septic tanks or latrines serve a large percentage of the world’s population. Unfortunately, they experience high failure rates after construction, with resulting environmental and public health consequences. Previous work has suggested that these failures are often a result of an inability to navigate the technology-society nexus. In other words, they represent problems of social sustainability. In order to address this urgent problem, theory is built regarding the social sustainability of infrastructure systems by leveraging established organizational theory. To do this, household level interview data is collected in four communities in rural Bangladesh. Virtually all households in this research population have constructed onsite sanitation systems, typically using their own resources. However, almost half of these systems have since fallen into disrepair, mirroring the high socially based failure rates cited globally from similar systems. Using cr...
Quantitative Office Perimetry

Abstract This study presents a preliminary comparison of six commercially-available automated threshold static parameters, consisting of three projection perimeters (Humphrey Field Analyzer, Squid, and Octopus 500) and three light-emitting diode (LED) perimeters (Dicon 2000, Fieldmaster 50, and Digilab 350). Eighteen individuals were included in the study: 6 normal observers (31–58 years old), six patients with glaucomatous field loss in both eyes (5570 years old), and six patients with neuro-ophthalmologic or retinal visual field abnormalities in both eyes (12–61 years old). Three aspects of quantitative testing were evaluated: (1) the patients' and normal observers' acceptance and subjective impressions of the test procedure; (2) the technician's ease of operating the device and related tasks; and (3) practitioner-oriented considerations such as test-retest reliability, comparability of test results and testing time. Our results showed that no device was clearly superior to the others in all respects. Patients were most favorably impressed with the Octopus 500, Squid, and the Fieldmaster 50, while technician impressions were most favorable to the Humphrey Field Analyzer and the Squid. The projection perimeters (Humphrey Field Analyzer, Squid, and Octopus 500) were the easiest to perform cross-comparisons of test results, although there was considerable variation in the clarity of data interpretation from one case to another. Test-retest reliability and the time of testing varied among the six automated perimeters.
Modeling elastic properties in carbonate rocks

Carbonate (limestone and dolomite) reservoirs account for approximately 50% of oil and gas production worldwide. However, seismic responses in carbonate rocks are poorly understood. In addition, DHI ranking and AVO classification systems developed for clastic rocks are unlikely to be applicable to carbonate rocks. An accurate and physically sound carbonate rock physics model is needed to address these technical issues.
An Upper Bound on Rg to Lg Scattering Using Modal Energy Conservation

Abstract We use conservation of energy to place an upper bound on Lg generated by explosions through Rg scattering. We assume that all energy in Rg scatters very rapidly into the higher mode surface waves that make up Lg . We consider Rg generated directly by the explosion source and by a collocated but possibly shallower compensated linear vector dipole (CLVD) source. Rg scattering may be a viable mechanism for generating Lg at low frequencies ( Lg generated directly by the CLVD or explosion source is comparable to or greater than the upper bound on Lg generated by Rg scattering. For shallow sources at frequencies up to 2–3 Hz the direct CLVD waves may be smaller than the direct explosion or the upper bound limit on the scattered waves. Either the direct waves or scattering from the spherical explosion Rg will dominate over scattering from the CLVD generated Rg at all frequencies.
Father Knows Best: Using Adam Smith to Teach Transactions Costs

Adam Smith's moral philosophy can be used to introduce economics students to the important idea of transactions costs. The author provides a brief background in this article to Smith's moral philosophy and connects it to the costs of transacting in a way that fits easily into the standard principles of microeconomics classroom. By doing so, instructors can also demonstrate to students that there are connections between ethical behavior and market outcomes.
Twittering in Health Sciences Libraries

Twitter is a free social networking and microblogging utility that allows users to post brief (140 characters or fewer) status updates to other Twitter users. This article provides an overview of Twitter, discusses third-party applications that enhance the use of Twitter on a mobile device, and looks at libraries and medical schools with Twitter accounts. Suggestions on how Twitter can be used in health sciences libraries and how to get started using Twitter are also provided.
Preliminary trial of aminoglutethimide in breast cancer

Adrenalectomy has been effective in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, but many patients are poor operative risks. A medical ablation of adrenal function would have wider application. Aminoglutethimide blocks adrenal steroidogenesis high in the biosynthetic pathway. Nine patients with absent ovarian function and enlarging metastases received the drug in daily oral doses of 1.0 to 2.5 g. Corticosteroid replacement consisted of dexamethasone 0.75 mg daily and fludrocortisone acetate 0.1 mg every other day. Regression of osseous disease and disappearance of skin metastases were observed in three patients for 7, 9, and 2 months, respectively. Tumor growth ceased for 4 and 7 months in two patients. Suppression of urinary 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticoids was only transient in eight patients, presumably because of compensatory increase in ACTH secretion. Estrogen secretion rates were similarly affected. The patient with a 9-month remission on 2.5 g daily has demonstrated permanent hypoadrenocorticism. Dose-related CNS toxicity, ranging from drowsiness to semi-coma, predominated but relative hypoadrenocorticism may have contributed. Anticancer action may result from a peripheral effect of the drug or from suppression of an unidentified steroid. Concurrent pharmacologic doses of glucocorticoids may reduce toxicity and inhibit compensatory ACTH secretion.
LETHAL CARDIAC ANAPHYLAXIS IN THE RABBIT FOURTH COMMUNICATION.

Acute lethal anaphylaxis in the intact rabbit is caused by a failure of the heart. This failure of the heart is due to a change in the heart itself; it is peripheral and independent of the central nervous system for its production. This change in the heart is shown anatomically and functionally by decreased translucency, change in consistency, and by failure to respond to stimuli, and is probably to be classed as a chemical rigor. The rigor of the heart is most pronounced in the right ventricle, the wall of which may be gray, stiff, very tough to the finger nail, and non-irritable. Cardiac stimulants of the digitalis group seem to exert a harmful effect when injected in acute anaphylaxis. Blood coagulation is delayed; a loose clot forms after one half to two hours. Anti-anaphylaxis is produced when the animal does not succumb to the injection. When anaphylactic death is delayed for about one hour, a well developed rigor of the white muscles of the thigh, and of the diaphragm may occur while the animal is still alive. Reasons are brought forward to show the necessity of more caution in employing the word anaphylaxis. Friedberger's statement, that the lungs of guinea pigs dead from acute anaphylaxis are not characteristic of anaphylaxis for this animal, is shown to be baseless.
Plant Growth Regulator Effects in the in vitro Propagation of Three Hardwood Tree Genera: Castanea, Juglans, and Quercus

Castanea, Juglans, and Quercus are genera containing hardwood forest species that are difficult to propagate asexually by conventional means. Their in vitro clonal propagation would assist forest tree improvement and silvacultural research. The research efforts in clonal propagation of these three genera are reviewed with respect to plant growth regulator effects as they are related to primary explant source, multiple shoot formation, somatic embryogenesis, rooting, and transfer to soil.
Symmetry of physical laws Part I. Symmetry in space-time and balance theorems

In default of the theorem of "detailed balance": ${P}_{\mathrm{ij}}={P}_{\mathrm{ji}}$, with regard to elementary transition probabilities, several "balance" theorems are introduced and proved on the basis of symmetry of physical laws in space-time. (1) First theorem of "averaged balance" (Sec. 5): We can establish ${\overline{P}}_{\mathrm{ij}}={\overline{P}}_{\mathrm{ji}}$ by averaging over quantities of "minus class." Table V (Sec. 3) gives a list of "minus" quantities. (2) The so-called "detailed balance of collisions" in classical physics is a special case of Theorem I. (3) Heitler-Coester's theorem of "semidetailed balance" is also a special case of Theorem I. (4) Second theorem of "averaged balance" (Sec. 5): We can establish ${\overline{P}}_{\mathrm{ij}}={\overline{P}}_{\mathrm{ji}}$ by averaging over quantities with ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{R}=\ensuremath{-}1$. The quantities with ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{R}=\ensuremath{-}1$ are listed in Table II (Sec. 2). (5) Theorem of "cyclic balance" (Sec. 7): In classical physics, a chain of transitions $i\ensuremath{\rightarrow}j\ensuremath{\rightarrow}k\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\cdots}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}i$ repeats itself cyclically. (6) Theorem of "long-range balance" (Sec. 7): The time average of transition probability from $i$ to $j$ is equal to the time average of transition probability from $j$ to $i$. Theorems I, II, and III, are direct consequences of inversibility (covariance for space-and-time inversion). Theorem IV is a consequence of reversibility (covariance for time reversal). Theorems V and VI are connected with ergodicity of Markoff's chains. This ergodicity is proved by the condition of bilateral normalization of transition probabilities: $\ensuremath{\Sigma}{j}^{}{P}_{\mathrm{ij}}=1$, $\ensuremath{\Sigma}{i}^{}{P}_{\mathrm{ij}}=1$. This bilateral normalization in turn can be derived from either reversibility or inversibility. The limits of validity of all these balance theorems in actual applications are carefully examined in the text.
Generalized cooperative-ring-exchange theory of the fractional quantum Hall effect.

Through the calculations of the diagonal and off-diagonal elements of the full $N$-particle density matrix we show that all essential features of the Laughlin variational wave functions can be derived in a generalized cooperative-ring-exchange theory of the fractional quantum Hall fluid.
Biosystematics of Agrocybe molesta and sibling species allied to Agrocybe praecox in North America and Europe

Mating compatibility experiments and comparative morphology were used to investigate the Agrocybe praecox species complex in North America and Europe. This species complex was found to consist of four morphologically indistinguishable biological species plus an easily recognizable taxon, Agrocybe molesta . The traditionally used characteristics, such as spore dimensions and macroscopic morphology, are not diagnostic for species recognition. However, ecological characteristics such as habitat, substrate, and geographical origin, are more useful for recognizing taxa within the A. praecox species complex.
Computers in the ICU: Where we started and where we are now

The first use of computers in critical care units were described in the mid 1960s. They reported the use of very large mainframe computers that filled entire rooms yet had very limited memory and processing capacities by today's standards. These were limited to only a few institutions until microprocessors were developed increasing computation speed and expanding memory capacity by many magnitudes. This allowed smaller more affordable stand alone systems to be developed and the inclusion of microprocessors into bedside devices. As the capacity expanded uses broadened. Simple results review developed into a more complete electronic medical record. Databases were created allowing population analysis for research and systems quality improvement activities. Decision support started as simple alerting of potential errors and dangers and expanded into more sophisticated clinical decision-making support. With this came problems that needed solutions. As the amount of information became overwhelming to the bedside clinician, methods to filter and display data made it more useful. Security and confidentiality became major concerns. Data input solutions had to be found including interfaces between computers, bedside devices and instruments designed to automate data input like scanners, bar coders, and other devices. The biggest issue of all however, was developing acceptance among clinicians and creating the cultural change required for successful implementation of electronic medical records. This paper will explore these issues.
Modeling and evaluation of hardware/software designs

We introduce the foundation of a system modeling environment targeted at capturing the anticipated interactions of hardware and software behaviors — not just their co-execution. Key to our approach is the separation of external and internal design testbenches. We use a frequency interleaved scheduling foundation ideally suited to our approach because it allows unrestricted hardware and software modeling, a mix of untimed and timed software, and a layered approach using software schedulers and protocols to resolve software to resource time budgets. We illustrate our approach by discussing how architectural corner cases that arise due to interacting hardware and software behaviors can be a meaningful digital modeling concept. In addition to characterizing the response of a system when viewed as a black box, we characterize the response of the design to anticipated design changes. We include examples and simulation results.
The Effective Delayed Neutron Fraction from Fission in an Unreflected Uranium Sphere from Time Correlation Measurements with Californium-252

The effective delayed neutron fraction from fission was determined for an unreflected uranium (93.2 wt% 235U) metal sphere from the ratio of time-correlated counts in a randomly pulsed neutron meas...
Photoluminescent Colloidal CdS Nanocrystals with High Quality via Noninjection One-Pot Synthesis in 1-Octadecene

High-quality colloidal photoluminescent CdS quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized via a noninjection one-pot approach in noncoordinating solvent 1-octadecene. This synthetic approach uses cadmium acetate dihydrate and elemental sulfur as Cd and S sources, respectively, together with one long-chain fatty acid (CH3−(CH2)n−COOH) as surface ligands and 2,2′-dithiobisbenzothiazole (MBTS) to increase sulfur activity. The CdS QDs were synthesized at elevated temperatures such as 240−300 °C, and the kinetics of nucleation/growth was monitored via the temporal evolution of the optical properties of the growing CdS QDs. Various synthetic parameters were investigated, such as the feed molar ratios of (0.5−8)Cd/1S and (2−64)S/1MBTS, reactant concentrations of 5−80 mmol/Kg, and growth temperature of 220−350 °C. The feed molar ratios of (1−2)Cd/1S and (8−32)S/1MBTS are suggested to be the optimal synthetic window, together with the S feed concentration of 10−20 mmol/Kg and the growth temperature of 240−260 °C. Moreover, ...
Scientology and Catholicism Do Mix: A Note on Teaching New Religions in a Catholic Classroom

. This note from the classroom explores teaching new or alternative religions within the context of a Roman Catholic Liberal Arts College. The essay will specifically focus on a section of a course entitled “Modern Religious Movements” in which students were asked to consider different methodological approaches to the teaching and study of Scientology and the Catholic cult of the Virgin Mary. This note from the classroom details how this rather unexpected comparison prompted students to reconsider the category cult and argues that encouraging self-reflexivity in a largely Catholic classroom can become a crucial means for engaging a broader discussion of new religions, cult discourse, and the academic study of religion itself.
Opposing Effects of Acute versus Chronic Blockade of Frontal Cortex Somatostatin-Positive Inhibitory Neurons on Behavioral Emotionality in Mice

Reduced expression of somatostatin (SST) is reported across chronic brain conditions including major depression and normal aging. SST is a signaling neuropeptide and marker of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) neurons, which specifically inhibit pyramidal neuron dendrites. Studies in auditory cortex suggest that chronic reduction in dendritic inhibition induces compensatory homeostatic adaptations that oppose the effects of acute inhibition. Whether such mechanisms occur in frontal cortex (FC) and affect behavioral outcome is not known. Here, we used two complementary viral vector strategies to examine the effects of acute vs chronic inhibition of SST-positive neurons on behavioral emotionality in adult mice. SST-IRES-Cre mice were injected in FC (prelimbic/precingulate) with CRE-dependent adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector encoding the engineered Gi/o-coupled human muscarinic M4 designer receptor exclusively activated by a designer drug (DREADD-hM4Di) or a control reporter (AAV-DIO-mCherry) for acute or chronic cellular inhibition. A separate cohort was injected with CRE-dependent AAV vectors expressing diphtheria toxin (DTA) to selectively ablate FC SST neurons. Mice were assessed for anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors (defined as emotionality). Results indicate that acute inhibition of FC SST neurons increased behavioral emotionality, whereas chronic inhibition decreased behavioral emotionality. Furthermore, ablation of FC SST neurons also decreased behavioral emotionality under baseline condition and after chronic stress. Together, our results reveal opposite effects of acute and chronic inhibition of FC SST neurons on behavioral emotionality and suggest the recruitment of homeostatic plasticity mechanisms that have implications for understanding the neurobiology of chronic brain conditions affecting dendritic-targeting inhibitory neurons.
Does soccer headgear attenuate the impact when heading a soccer ball

There is increasing concern that repetitive blows to the head, such as those from heading a soccer ball, can cause measurable cognitive impairment. Reducing acceleration of impact could reduce neurologic sequelae. OBJECTIVE: To measure the effectiveness of four different types of soccer headgear in reducing the acceleration of impact. METHODS: A standard magnesium headform was instrumented with a triaxial accelerometer. A soccer ball was propelled at the headform at three different speeds known to occur in soccer play: 9, 12, and 15 m/sec (20, 26, and 34 mph). The main outcome was the peak acceleration of the headform associated with these impacts with and without protective headgear. RESULTS: Peak accelerations were found in a range from 144 m/s(2) to 289 m/s(2) (14.67-29.5 G, G = 9.81 m/s(2)). Using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) methods to compare the headbands and controls, there was no significant difference in the measured accelerations at the center of gravity with or without headgear (p = 0.50). However, the interaction term of headbands, pressure, and speed was significant at F = 5.51 and p = 0.00001. Using contrasts within conditions, some headbands were found to cause a decrease in peak acceleration at the highest speed and pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Currently available headgear for soccer heading shows little ability to attenuate impact during simulated soccer heading. However, statistically significant decreases are present at the highest speeds and pressures tested, suggesting the headbands may play a role in decreasing impact for more forceful blows.
Correlation Between Age and Tendon Strength in Supraspinatus Tendon With Full-Thickness Tears

Degenerative tears of the rotator cuff tendons are a significant clinical problem, with an incidence of more than 30% in asymptomatic persons over the age of 60 [1]. As the population continues to age, the incidence of partial and full-thickness rotator cuff tears continues to increase [2], with previous studies finding that greater age also correlates with worse surgical outcomes and increased fatty degeneration in the tissue [3]. Although the relationship between age, rotator cuff injury, and poor treatment outcomes has been previously established, insufficient information exists on the biological and mechanical changes in the tissue due to aging.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Geodynamic and hydrodynamic evolution of the Broad Fourteens Basin (The Netherlands) in relation to its petroleum systems

Abstract Data analysis in combination with 2D basin modelling is used to study the hydrogeologic and hydrodynamic response of the basin fill of the Broad Fourteens Basin to its geodynamic evolution and the significance of this response for the evolution of the petroleum systems in the basin. Data analysis resulted in the identification of the major mechanical processes involved in overpressure and fluid flow evolution in the basin (sedimentary loading and unloading, tectonic compression and extension, topography of the groundwater table) and provided a timeframework for the important permeability alterations in the basin and the distinct phases of fluid flow. Observed present-day diagenetic features and fracture characteristics in the basin indicate permeability alterations and paleo fluid flow during distinct periods of tectonic activity in the basin, e.g. during Late Jurassic rifting and Late Cretaceous inversion. The basin boundary fault zones were repeatedly reactivated during the periods of tectonic activity. The 2D basin modelling included sedimentary loading and unloading, topography of the water table and petroleum generation as pressure and fluid flow influencing mechanisms. In addition, the influence of time-dependent permeability of fault zones on the overpressure history and the evolution of petroleum systems was modelled and evaluated. The favoured modelling scenario, including a time-dependent permeability of faults, shows that syn-rift and post-rift sedimentation in combination with gas generation induced overpressured conditions in restricted parts of the basin, that is mainly in the deeper low permeable Carboniferous shales and Zechstein evaporites. The calculated pre-inversion overpressured conditions disappear during subsequent inversion of the basin. Predicted present-day pressures in the reservoir horizons are near-hydrostatic and reasonably in accordance with observed pressures. The favoured scenario also explains the known location of oil fields, and the location and saturation characteristics of the gas occurrences. The model results further show that the difference in timing of oil charging of the P9 and Q1 Lower Cretaceous reservoirs explains the observed differences in geochemical composition of the accumulated oils. The biodegraded and water-washed nature of the Late Cretaceous charged Q1 oil reservoir is consistent with the concentrated topography-induced groundwater flow through Lower Cretaceous reservoir units during the Late Cretaceous inversion period. Late charging of the Lower Cretaceous oil reservoir in the P9 area explains the non-biodegraded character of the accumulated oils. In general, this paper shows the importance of using data analysis to obtain an a priori characterization of the basin geofluid evolution and shows that paleohydrodynamic conditions and time-dependent permeability of the hydrogeological framework have influenced significantly the petroleum systems in the basin.
OMVPE of InAs quantum dots on an InGaP surface

The organometallic vapor phase epitaxy of InAs quantum dots has been investigated by comparing the effect the underlying surface has on the quantum dot physical characteristics. Atomic force microscopy measurements were used to identify the InAs QDs coalesce to significantly larger size when deposited on an InGaP surface compared to a GaAs surface. Quantitative assessment of the total QD volume on different surfaces such as GaAs, InGaP, and GaAsP implicates the role of indium in the underlying surface for the increase in QD size on InGaP surfaces.
A time-dependent charge-collection efficiency for diffusion

The diffusion equation has some applications relevant to charge collection from ion tracks in silicon devices. Textbook solutions for the diffusion equation are available only for a few simple boundary geometries and special types of boundary conditions. A broader class of geometries was previously treated via a charge-collection efficiency function, but this applies only to total (integrated in time from zero to infinity) collected charge. The earlier work took advantage of the fact that Laplace's equation can be solved for a broad class of geometries. This paper extends the earlier work so that it applies to charge collected up to an arbitrary time. A time-dependent charge-collection efficiency function can be estimated for any geometry such that Laplace's equation has been solved. In particular, the analysis permits a comparison between diffusion calculations and a computer simulation of charge collection from an ion track. This comparison supports an earlier model in which charge collection, including a so-called "prompt" component, is driven by diffusion. The analysis applies to arbitrary track locations and directions. It also provides the option of treating a device geometry as two-dimensional in rectangular coordinates (if desired) while simultaneously treating the track as a line instead of a plane. Simulation codes having such flexibility regarding geometry are difficult to use, so the analysis makes the study of geometry effects accessible to a larger number of investigators.
Parallel reduced-instruction-set-computer architecture for real-time symbolic pattern matching

This report discusses ongoing work on a parallel reduced-instruction- set-computer (RISC) architecture for automatic production matching. The PRIOPS compiler takes advantage of the memoryless character of automatic processing by translating a program's collection of automatic production tests into an equivalent combinational circuit-a digital circuit without memory, whose outputs are immediate functions of its inputs. The circuit provides a highly parallel, fine-grain model of automatic matching. The compiler then maps the combinational circuit onto RISC hardware. The heart of the processor is an array of comparators capable of testing production conditions in parallel, Each comparator attaches to private memory that contains virtual circuit nodes-records of the current state of nodes and busses in the combinational circuit. All comparator memories hold identical information, allowing simultaneous update for a single changing circuit node and simultaneous retrieval of different circuit nodes by different comparators. Along with the comparator-based logic unit is a sequencer that determines the current combination of production-derived comparisons to try, based on the combined success and failure of previous combinations of comparisons. The memoryless nature of automatic matching allows the compiler to designate invariant memory addresses for virtual circuit nodes, and to generate the most effective sequences of comparison test combinations. The result is maximal utilization of parallel hardware, indicating speed increases and scalability beyond that found for course-grain, multiprocessor approaches to concurrent Rete matching. Future work will consider application of this RISC architecture to the standard (controlled) Rete algorithm, where search through memory dominates portions of matching.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The reconstruction of the anisotropy free energy function from magnetic torque data

Abstract It is possible to reconstruct the anisotropy free energy of a magnetic crystalline material for all directions from knowledge of its values on a few circles on the unit sphere. The reconstruction is done using spherical harmonics or their symmetrized counterparts. The values of the anisotropy free energy on the circles can be found experimentally from magnetic torque measurements. The number of sample orientations needed for a good reconstruction is small (2 or 3). The reconstruction can show easy axes not found in high symmetry directions or planes, even when these axes are not in the data plane determined by the sample orientation.
Capping of Granulocyte Membrane Antigens1

Human peripheral blood granulocytes reacted with allogeneic or xenogeneic antisera and when stained with FITC formed polar caps very rapidly. Within 8 min, 90 % of the cells had clusters and polar caps. Cap formation generally paralleled the motility function of the cells. It occurred just as rapidly on granulocytes kept in hanging drops or in constant motion within a test tube as on glass slides. Phagocytic function of the cells was not affected by capping.
Linearly Independent, Orthogonal, and Uncorrelated Variables

Abstract Linearly independent, orthogonal, and uncorrelated are three terms used to indicate lack of relationship between variables. This short didactic article compares these three terms in both an algebraic and a geometric framework. An example is used to illustrate the differences.
Mandatory summer school and student achievement

Using administrative data from a large school district, I exploit the fact that students are mandated to attend summer school based on a discontinuous function of their score on year-end exams to identify the effect of summer school attendance on achievement. I find an average effect of about .12 standard deviations for both math and reading achievement, an effect size on the low end of the range of prior estimates. These averages mask considerable heterogeneity, however, with effect size estimates ranging from just below zero to one-quarter of a standard deviation. The estimates on the upper end of the range presented here suggest that summer school may be a more cost-effective way of raising student achievement scores than class-size reductions.
Impacts of terahertz scattering on the reflection spectrum for explosive detection

The effects of surface scattering on terahertz reflection spectrum for explosive detection are studied by measuring terahertz reflection pulses from sandpapers with different roughness coated with gold. The experimental results show that the amplitude decrease and pulse broadening of the detected signal caused by the surface scattering result in the width reduction of Gaussian distribution of the specular scattering coefficient spectrum. A simple analytical model is applied to the analysis of experimental results and good agreements are obtained.
A simple algal production system designed to utilize the flashing light effect.

Arrays of foils similar in design to airplane wings have been placed in an algal culture flume to create systematic mixing. Vortices are produced in the culture due to the pressure differential created as water flows over and under the foils. In a flume having a flow rate of 30 cm/s, the foil arrays produced vortices with rotation rates of ca. 0.5-1.0 Hz. This rotation rate is satisfactory to take advantage of the flashing light effect if the culture is sufficiently dense. Solar energy conversion efficiencies in an experimental culture of P. tricornutum increased 2.2-2.4 fold with the foil arrays in place versus controls with no foil arrays and solar energy conversion efficiencies averaged 3.7% over a three-month period. Five-day running means of solar energy conversion efficiencies reached as high as 10% during the three-month period. The use of foil arrays appears to be an effective and inexpensive way to utilize the flashing light effect in a dense algal culture system Etude experimentale d'un systeme de melangeage systematique pour des cultures d'algues. Augmentation du rendement de conversion de l'energie solaire dans une culture de P. tricornutum
Reconstitution of the purified acetylcholine receptor from Torpedo californica.

and similar sources has been purified in several laboratories using affinity chromatography [l-3]. Previous attempts in our and other laboratories to reconstitute these purified preparations failed to give reproducible results; it was not clear whether the receptor was damaged or had lost a component essen- tial for channel formation [4-61. We have therefore used crude acetylcholine receptor-enriched membrane preparations [7] to develop a biological ion flux assay based on the reconstitution into liposomes [8]. We now report the purification of a solubilized acetylcholine receptor which is fully active in reconsti- tution. We also show that the carbamylcholine-depen- dent ion flux in these reconstituted vesicles is sensi- tive to inhibitors such as a-bungarotoxin and that specific antibodies inhibit the reconstitution of active vesicles. The reconstituted liposomes exhibited the characteristic phenomenon of desensitization. 2. Materials and methods Materials were as described in [8]. 2.1.
Endoscopic biliary drainage for detection of gallbladder disease

Aspiration of gallbladder bile stimulated by the injection of sincalide during duodenoscopy can provide a presumptive diagnosis of biliary tract disease in patients whose symptoms are suggestive but whose cholecystograms or echograms are unrevealing. The finding of cholesterol crystals or calcium bilirubinate pigment or both was associated with histologic evidence of cholecystitis, often with cholesterolosis or small stones, in 31 of 33 patients.