cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Host Associations and Seasonal Occurrence of Haemaphysalis leporispalustris, Ixodes brunneus, I. cookei, I. dentatus, and I. texanus (Acari: Ixodidae) in Southeastern Missouri

Hemaphysalis leporispalustris (Packard), Ixodes brunneus Koch, Ixodes cookei Packard, Ixodes dentatus Marx, and Ixodes texanus Banks were collected during a 3-yr study of pathogen-tick-host interactions in southeastern Missouri. H. leporispalustris was collected from the eastern cottontail rabbit, Northern bobwhite, and Carolina wren, and it was active all year. I. brunneus was collected by drag and from passerine birds during December, March, and April. I. cookei was collected from raccoons and mink during April, June, September, October, and November. I. dentatus was collected from the cottontail rabbit and Carolina wren throughout the year. I. texanus was collected from the eastern gray squirrel, Virginia opossum, and raccoon throughout the year.
Toxicity, Repellency, and Effects of Acetamiprid on Western Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Abstract The insecticidial and biological activity of the cyano-substituted neonicotinoid acetamiprid was determined against the western subterranean termite, Reticulitermes hesperus Banks (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Acetamiprid was very active against termites in topical applications, with an LD50 = 0.02 ng per termite. Even though acetamiprid was extremely toxic in topical applications, deposits ≥50 ppm on sand were required to consistently provide >90% kill of termites within 7 d after a 1-h exposure. Termites were quickly affected by brief exposures to sand treated with 1 ppm acetamiprid and within 1 h, their locomotion was dramatically impaired. Acetamiprid was transferred from donors to recipients only when donors were held on deposits ≥50 ppm for 1 h. Deposits even as low as 1 ppm were repellent and termites failed to tunnel into treated sand, and there was no significant mortality. Exposure to acetamiprid impaired locomotion of termites as did other slow-acting neonicotinoids, such as imidaclopri...
Compact Moduli Spaces of Surfaces and Exceptional Vector Bundles

As shown by Kollar and Shepherd-Barron [17] the moduli space of surfaces of general type has a natural compactification, which is analogous to the Deligne–Mumford compactification of the moduli space of curves [5]. However, very little is known about this moduli space or its compactification in general (for example it can have many irreducible components [3] and be highly singular [29]). A key question is to enumerate the boundary divisors in cases where the moduli space is well behaved. The most basic boundary divisors are those given by degenerations of the smooth surface to a surface with a cyclic quotient singularity of a special type, first studied by J. Wahl [30]. We describe a construction which relates these boundary divisors to the classification of stable vector bundles on the smooth surface in the case \( H^{2,\,0} = H^1 = 0 \). In particular, we connect with the theory of exceptional collections of vector bundles used in the study of the derived category of coherent sheaves.
Accuracy of kinect for measuring shoulder joint angles in multiple planes of motion

The present study aimed to test the validity of upper extremity joint angle measurements with the Microsoft Kinect for shoulder rehabilitation. Results indicate that there are large discrepancies in measured shoulder angles from the Kinect compared to the gold standard (magnetic tracker) and the clinical standard (goniometer). Before the Kinect can be used to measure movements for clinical rehabilitation, understanding its limitations in precision and accuracy of measuring specific joint motions is imperative.
Stabilization of Municipal Refuse by Composting

The essentials of aerobic composting to stabilize municipal refuse, developed during more than two years of research into the practice and fundamentals of composting, are presented. Composting proc...
The Decay Rates of Traveling Waves and Spectral Analysis for a Class of Nonlocal Evolution Equations

We obtain the precise decay rates of traveling waves for a class of nonlocal evolution equations arising in the theory of phase transitions and mathematical biology. We also investigate the spectrum of the operator obtained by linearizing at such a traveling wave. The detailed description of the spectrum is established.
Manning Roughness Factors for Concrete Sewer Pipe

Study of roughness characteristics of high quality concrete pipe of 6 in., 8 in., and 12 in. diam; full flow conditions were determined with just slight pressure head existing on lines; Manning roughness factor studied under steady uniform and steady nonuniform flow and related to partial depth of flow, Reynolds number, and Froude number; discharge conditions are related to partial depths of flow; design recommendations.
Characterization of Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies at the Subunit-Level using Middle-Down 193 nm Ultraviolet Photodissociation.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are a rapidly advancing class of therapeutic glycoproteins that possess wide clinical utility owing to their biocompatibility, high antigen specificity, and targeted immune stimulation. These therapeutic properties depend greatly on the composition of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) structure, both in terms of primary sequence and post-translational modifications (PTMs); however, large-scale production in cell culture often results in heterogeneous mixtures that can profoundly affect clinical safety and efficacy. This places a high demand on analytical methods that afford comprehensive structural characterization of mAbs to ensure their stringent quality control. Here we report the use of targeted middle-down 193 nm ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD) to provide detailed primary sequence analysis and PTM site localization of therapeutic monoclonal antibody subunits (∼25 kDa) generated upon digestion with recombinant immunoglobulin G-degrading enzyme of Streptococcus pyogenes (IdeS...
Taxonomic importance of first-instar chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae) from pocket gophers (Rodentia: Geomyidae)

A study of 1st-instar nymphs representing 119 of the 122 currently recognized taxa of pocket gopher lice of the genera ceomydoecus and Thomomydoecus resulted in the recognition of numerous valuable taxonomic features enabling reliable differentiation for a surprisingly large number of these lice. These characters are discussed primarily at the species complex level, with mention of specific differences where pertinent. A key is given for the identification of the currently recognized 26 complexes of pocket gopher lice.
Loss of insulin hypersensitivity and development of diabetes in hypophysectomized dogs produced by purified growth hormone.

SummaryThe insulin hypersensitivity characteristic of hypophysectomized dogs was completely abolished by purified anterior pituitary growth hormone. Concomitantly an impairment of glucose tolerance, i.e., a diabetic state, was produced.
Before it is a patent, it may be a trade secret [Patent Reviews]

Patents come to mind first when most of us think about intellectual property (IP), but trade secrets are an important part of any company's IP portfolio. Inventions start out as secrets: later they may become patents. An invention comes from somebody having an idea or discovery. Within that one person’s mind, it is a secret. It becomes a trade secret when used to help the company competitively, and it can last longer than a patent if the information remains valuable and is kept secret.
Comparative Test to Detect Flu Antibody of Waterfowl with Erythrocyte Suspensions from Different Poultry

The antibodies against avian flu were detected respectively with the erythrocytes from the same kinds of waterfowl and the chicken erythrocytes treated with waterfowl serum.The results showed that the level of antibodies against avian flu in geese and ducks detected with chicken erythrocytes were(2～4)Log2 lower than that detected with goose erythrocytes or duck erythrocytes.When the avian flu antibodies were lower than 4 Log2,the antibodies were not detected with chicken erythrocytes by HI test.To detect the avian flu antibodies with waterfowl erythrocytes in the same kind of waterfowl may completely eliminate the impact of non-specific agglutination factor on detection.
Comparison and Research of XY Model and Finite Element Model in the Simulation of Frequency Domain Spectroscopy of Oil-paper Insulation

In order to apply frequency domain spectroscopy(FDS) in nondestructive diagnosis of the aging state of oil-paper insulating equipment more effectually, we simulated and calculated the frequency domain dielectric response characteristics of main insulation structure in transformers by using the finite element method and XY model. On the basis of comparing the results, we investigated the accuracy and limitation of the two methods. It is showed that the main problem of the XY model is that it neglects the electric field distortion because of the discontinuous effect near the interface of oil and paper. As for the main insulation structure, whose electric field is comparatively uniform and distortion is not obvious, the error of the XY model is relatively small under the condition that the oil conductivity is less than 1.0×10-11 S/m. But when the oil conductivity is more than 1.0×10-11 S/m, the error increases as the oil conductivity rises. The model established by FEM is closer to the real model. Its prominent advantage is that the influence of the distortion on the calculation of frequency domain dielectric spectroscopy characteristics is also taken into consideration. Compared with XY model, FEM is more accurate and can be used as the solution to analyze the characteristics of frequency domain dielectric spectroscopy with complex structures. So the potential application of FEM is broad and promising.
Variety and Drift in the Functions and Purposes of Assessment in K–12 Education:

Background/ContextThe target of assessment validation is not an assessment but the use of an assessment for a purpose. Although the validation literature often provides examples of assessment purpo...
The guided tour technique in information science: explained and illustrated

This poster elaborates a research technique---that of the guided tour---that has previously been used in qualitative research, including in some studies carried out by information scientists. The guided tour technique hybridizes visual and aural methods; it involves a researcher's relatively shortened, planned entry into a field site, a participant then leading him or her through a personally meaningful location therein while describing and explaining its features, thinking-aloud the ideas, thoughts, and feelings to which it gives rise, and responding to gentle, conversational inquiries (Thomson, 2015). In prior information science work, the technique has offered up-close, in-depth perspectives on information-rich settings, be these home collections, workplace archives, or public spaces like museums. After the technique is introduced, the second portion of this poster is devoted to a comparison of use of the guided tour technique in two research scenarios. The first of these involves guided tours during an in-person study, following the example laid out by prior researchers. The second involves examining data unobtrusively gathered online as a further guided tour adaptation. From these scenarios, it is possible for researchers to see how the guided tour technique can best be applied, its shortcomings, and ways in which it may accommodate research contingencies. The poster concludes by reiterating the value that guided tours can bring to information science work.
A Hopeful Pedagogy to Critical Thinking

Elements of what we are calling a “hopeful pedagogy” emerged when faculty reflected on the question Do you think your current approach to develop CT in students is successful? Faculty across disciplines and institutions used the word “hope” to characterize the outcome of their efforts. While attempting to disentangle the “hopeful pedagogy”, we found answers in (a) how faculty defined CT in disciplinary and nondisciplinary contexts; (b) a misalignment between faculty and institutional approaches to CT; (c) a disconnect between faculty and their own approaches to CT, and (d) logistical and curricular issues within general education programs that placed constraints on the ability of faculty to adequately focus on CT. The “hopeful pedagogy” brought to the forefront the serious implications of a misaligned system for student learning, faculty engagement, institutional improvement and accountability.
Estimation of structural properties of online social networks at the extreme

Sampling is a commonly used technique for studying structural properties of online social networks (OSNs). Due to privacy, business, and performance concerns, OSN service providers impose limitations on data access for third parties. The implication of this practice is that one needs to come up with an applicable sampling scheme that can function under these limitations to efficiently estimate structural properties of interest. In this paper, we study how accurately some important properties of graphs can be estimated under a limited data access model. More specifically, we consider random neighbor access (RNA) model as a rather limited data access model in OSNs. In the RNA model, the only query available to get data from the studied graph is the random neighbor query which returns the id of a random neighbor for a given vertex id. We propose various sampling schemes and estimators for average degree and network size under the RNA model. We conduct extensive experiments on both real world OSN graphs and synthetic graphs (1) to measure the performance of the proposed estimators and (2) to identify the factors affecting the accuracy of our estimators. We find that while the average degree estimators can make accurate estimations with reasonable sample sizes despite the extreme data access limitations of the RNA model, network size estimators require quite large sample sizes for accurate estimations.
The Ties that Bind: Railroad Gauge Standards, Collusion, and Internal Trade in the 19th Century U.S.

Technology standards are pervasive in the modern economy, and a target for public and private investments, yet evidence on their economic importance is scarce. I study the conversion of 13,000 miles of railroad track in the U.S. South to standard gauge between May 31 and June 1, 1886 as a large-scale natural experiment in technology standards adoption that instantly integrated the South into the national transportation network. Using route-level freight traffic data, I find a large redistribution of traffic from steamships to railroads serving the same route that declines with route distance, with no change in prices and no evidence of effects on aggregate shipments, likely due to collusion by Southern carriers. Counterfactuals using estimates from a joint model of supply and demand for North-South freight transport suggest that if the cartel were broken, railroads would have passed through nearly 70 percent of their cost savings from standardization, generating a 20 percent increase in trade on the sampled routes. The results demonstrate the economic value of technology standards and the potential benefits of compatibility in recent international treaties to establish transcontinental railway networks, while highlighting the mediating influence of product market competition on the public gains to standardization.
Seat-Belt Use In US Counties: Limited Progress Toward Healthy People 2020 Objectives

Spikes in automobile fatalities in 2015 and 2016 have renewed discussions about automobile safety. We measured the prevalence of reported seat-belt compliance in every US county from 2002 to 2012 and found considerable variation.
Abstract 366: Midodrine is Associated With a Lower Risk of All-cause Hospitalizations Compared With Fludrocortisone in Patients With Orthostatic Hypotension and Heart Failure

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) causes approximately 80,000 hospitalizations per year in the US. Current treatment for OH includes midodrine and fludrocortisone. Although these medications have been u...
Cardiovascular complications of multiple myeloma in the elderly.

Introduction: Multiple myeloma is a malignant neoplasm characterized by plasma cell proliferation in blood and bone marrow. Approximately two-thirds of the patients with multiple myeloma are >65 ye...
Optimal Public Expenditure with Inefficient Unemployment

This article proposes a theory of optimal public expenditure when unemployment is inefficient. The theory is based on a matching model. Optimal public expenditure deviates from the Samuelson rule to reduce the unemployment gap (the difference between current and efficient unemployment rates). Such optimal “stimulus spending” is described by a formula expressed with three sufficient statistics: the unemployment gap, the unemployment multiplier (the decrease in unemployment achieved by increasing public expenditure), and the elasticity of substitution between public and private consumption. When unemployment is inefficiently high and the multiplier is positive, the formula yields the following results. (1) Optimal stimulus spending is positive and increasing in the unemployment gap. (2) Optimal stimulus spending is zero for a zero multiplier, increasing in the multiplier for small multipliers, largest for a moderate multiplier, and decreasing in the multiplier beyond that. (3) Optimal stimulus spending is zero if extra public goods have no value, it becomes larger as the elasticity of substitution increases, and it completely fills the unemployment gap if extra public goods are as valuable as extra private goods.
Elements of Statistical Technique

We have surveyed the logical foundations and some of the principal theorems of the mathematical calculus of probability. We have considered, also, some of the important interpretations of that calculus for certain experimental contexts.
Slit-Robo: Neuronal guides signal in tumor angiogenesis

Slit and Roundabout (Robo) are well-characterized for neuron and leukocyte guidance. Their governing roles have now been expanded to control tumor-endothelial cell communication and mediate tumor-induced angiogenesis.
On Seeing the Social World Coming

All the books ever written have something to say, on some topic, special or general, about how the world works. After all, we might need to know about termites eating up our house, or we might need to know about the zodiac, fascinating our teenagers. It might seem fantastic at first thought to reduce all of the books on the world to one chapter.
CRITICAL GRANULAR FLOW

This chapter discusses the flow properties of critical granular flow in vacuum. Critical flow is defined as the condition wherein the mass flow rate becomes independent of the downstream conditions. For a fluid, this is the condition at which a further reduction in pressure does not result in an increase of the mass flow rate. A limit occurs because signals no longer propagate upstream. This limit takes place when the fluid velocity just equals the propagation velocity. In vacuum, the gas-particle flow reduces itself to granular flow. Compressible granular flow becomes almost completely analogous to compressible fluid flow. Various correlations of the discharge of particles through orifices give flow rates that are somewhat smaller than those obtained in this specially constructed hopper. The verification of the measured modulus is necessary by an independent means. A measurement of the velocity of voidage propagation of particles in an evacuated tube seems like a more direct but more difficult way to obtain void propagation velocity.
Hypersonic shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions on a cone/flare

Abstract Time-resolved surface temperature measurements have been carried out on a 7 ° half-angle circular cone/flare model in the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Mach-6 Ludwieg Tube using infrared thermography. Measurements were performed at zero angle of attack on a total of 16 different nose bluntness/flare angle geometries at three different freestream unit Reynolds numbers. The boundary layer entering the interaction region was turbulent for the two sharper nosetips and laminar for the two blunter nosetips. Stanton-number contours and profiles were used to investigate the effect of nose bluntness, flare angle, and freestream unit Reynolds number on the length of boundary-layer separation and the peak heating achieved upon reattachment. The classical scaling analyses of Souverein et al. and Hung & Barnett for separation length and peak heating, respectively, have been extended for the use of axisymmetric cone/flare shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions. Scaling the peak heating with the density ratio across the separation shock wave, instead of the pressure ratio, significantly improves/simplifies the analysis.
Self-Adaptive Memory Approximation: A Formal Control Theory Approach

Memory approximation enables trading off quality/accuracy for performance or energy gains. Traditionally, application programmers are burdened with the difficult task of setting memory approximation knobs to achieve the desired quality of service (QoS). Our self-adaptive approach for memory approximation eases the programmer’s burden: simply specify the desired quality as a goal, with the system deploying a formal control-theoretic approach to tune the memory approximation knobs and deliver a guaranteed QoS. We model quality configuration tracking as a formal quality control problem, and outline a system identification technique that captures memory approximation effects with variations in application input and system architecture. Preliminary results show that we can alleviate the programmer’s burden of manual knob tuning for on-chip memory approximation. When compared with a manual calibration scheme we achieve $3\times $ improvement in average settling time and up to $5\times $ improvement in best case settling time.
Libertad de expresión y “discurso del odio” religioso:

Freedom of expression is the channel for the formation of free public opinion, which is the foundation of political pluralism and democracy itself. The reverse side of freedom of expression are the speeches of hatred directed against a particular group of people denigrating those traits that pursue social rejection are assigned. In our global and technological context, the echo of this kind of discourse is multiplied through the internet and social networks, where the word gigantic destructive potential to sow hatred. The ﬁrst question that arises from this situation is whether freedom of expression protects the dissemination of any ideas, even those that despitefully dignity. The second big issue is how to distinguish between hate speech not protected by freedom of expression, and critical or obscene speech itself protects this freedom.Global phenomena such as immigration, cultural and religious pluralism and international terrorism, favor the emergence of new strains to which the law hesitates and contradicts itself. Friction can not ﬁnd a satisfactory response mechanism because cultural visions of the problem are very different. As a result, the construction of the legal right of tolerance has serious difﬁculties in the multicultural reality of globalization.This paper compared the legal scale models from different approaches, serve to focus the resolution of conﬂicts between freedom of expression and religious freedom are described. Are analyzed as well, the American paradigm, characterized by the idea of tolerance from the interpretation of the First Amendment to the US Constitution; and the traditionally more restrictive to freedom of expression as a result of the greater protection afforded to other rights that conﬂict with it, such as honor, non–discrimination and freedom of religion European model. Along with this, the Islamic model, the progressive approach of the US and European paradigms as well as the position of the UN, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights to the problem of religious defamation is analyzed. After that, it is committed to an active construction of the notion of religious tolerance, inspired by UNESCO's position, which means tolerance and civic courage actively committed to the universal rights inherent to all human beings. A concept of tolerance that does not make us indifferent to any idea that only accepts that respect those rights and start recognizing them.From this concept two legal proposals to guide the conﬂict between freedom of expression and religious acts are set: the incorporation of religious feelings as securable of religious freedom on the one hand; and, secondly, the justiﬁcation of legal mechanisms of reaction to religious hatred, ultimately, are covered by the principle of prohibition of abuse of rights.
Pardon the Interruption: Automatic Analysis of Gender and Competitive Turn-Taking in United States Supreme Court Hearings.

The United States Supreme Court plays a key role in defining the legal basis for gender discrimination throughout the country, yet there are few checks on gender bias within the court itself. In conversational turn-taking, interruptions have been documented as a marker of bias between speakers of different genders. The goal of this study is to automatically differentiate between respectful and disrespectful conversational turns taken during official hearings, which could help in detecting bias and finding remediation techniques for discourse in the courtroom. In this paper, I present a corpus of turns annotated by legal professionals, and describe the design of a semi-supervised classifier that will use acoustic and lexical features to analyze turn-taking at scale. On completion of annotations, this classifier will be trained to extract the likelihood that turns are respectful or disrespectful for use in studies of speech trends.
Additive manufacturing and characterization of AgI and AgI-Al 2 O 3 composite electrolytes for resistive switching devices

This work investigates the electrochemical dynamics and performance of additively manufactured composite electrolytes for resistive switching. Devices are comprised of a Ag/AgI–Al2O3/Pt stack, where the solid state electrolyte is additively manufactured using extrusion techniques. AgI–Al2O3 composite electrolytes are characterized by x-ray diffraction and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The ionic conductivities of the electrolytes were measured for different concentrations of Al2O3, observing a maximum conductivity of 4.5 times the conductivity of pure AgI for composites with 20 mol. % Al2O3. There was little change in activation energy with the addition of Al2O3. Setting the Ag layer as the positive electrode and the Pt layer as the negative electrode, a high conductivity state was achieved by applying a voltage to electrochemically establish an electrically conducting Ag filament within the solid state AgI–Al2O3 electrolyte. The low conductivity state was restored by reversing this applied voltage to electrochemically etch the newly grown Ag filament. Pure AgI devices switch between specific electrical resistivity states that are separated by five orders of magnitude in electrical conductivity. Endurance tests find that the AgI resistive switches can transition between a low and high electrical conductivity state over 8500 times. Composite AgI–Al2O3 resistive switches formed initial Ag filaments significantly faster and also demonstrated two orders of magnitude separation in resistivity when cycling for 1600 cycles.
Metagenomics of Wastewater Influent from Southern California Wastewater Treatment Facilities in the Era of COVID-19

Sequencing wastewater may be useful for detecting pathogens and assaying microbial water quality. We concentrated, extracted, and sequenced nucleic acids from 17 composite influent wastewater samples spanning seven southern California wastewater treatment facilities in May 2020. Bacteria were the most proportionally abundant taxonomic group present, followed by viruses and archaea.
Effects of Inorganic Nitrogen Sources and Physical Factors on the Formation of Ubiquinone by Tobacco Plant Cells in Suspension Culture

In order to obtain basic information on ubiquinone (UQ) formation by BY-2 cells in suspension culture, effects of inorganic phosphate and nitrogen sources and such physical factors as initial pH, light irradiation, shaking condition and temperature were investigated. The concentration of phosphate and nitrogen sources had no marked effect, but the ratio of ammonium nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen was significantly effective on UQ formation. The UQ content in BY-2 cells tends to increase at higher ratios of ammonium nitrogen. The increase in the UQ content was recognized at higher concentrations of 2, 4-d, especially with lower concentrations of sucrose. Physical factors had no marked effect on UQ formation except temperature. The UQ content was considerably raised at higher temperatures.
Is the only form of ‘reasonable regulation’ self regulation?: Lessons from Lin Ostrom on regulating the commons and cultivating citizens

Elinor Ostrom, the 2009 Nobel Prize winner in economic science, has made significant contributions throughout her career to the disciplines of political economy and public choice. This article focuses on her contributions to our understanding of how rules of self-governance can produce cooperation out of situations of conflict over resource use. Through the use of a multiple-methods approach to political economy, Ostrom has demonstrated in a variety of historical circumstances and within a diversity of institutional environments how individuals can craft rules so that they can live better together in their communities and realize the gains from social cooperation under the division of labor.
Bronchial Challenges

It is obvious that challenges of various types, those resulting in bronchoconstriction, those resulting in bronchodilation, and those that prevent bronchoconstriction without producing bronchodilation (cromolyn, as an example) should be part and parcel of the evaluation of the asthmatic. There is no better way than defining cause and effect than providing the patient with a procedure that will demonstrate a significant change in bronchial hyperreactivity when evaluated by challenges, be they inhaled formats, ingested formats, or exposure formats for those individuals who have hyperreactive airways. These challenges (delineated throughout this paper), under exacting research conditions, can be done in an office, provided that the office is equipped with the means to deliver the challenge to the lungs by inhalation, intake of food, exposure in the workplace, or by the taking of certain medications (aspirin is an example). The studies discussed previously indicate the variety of mechanisms providing these challenges, with control subjects and pertinent apparatus to define the pulmonary physiology at any point in time. However, challenges are not without their risks. This should be clearly understood before a challenge is undertaken, be it by inhalation or by ingestion. In the same manner, the challenges directed toward reducing the bronchial hyperreactivity are equally important. Adequate delivery systems and accurate measuring devices are available.
Chronic, Multi-Site Recordings Supported by Two Low-Cost, Stationary Probe Designs Optimized to Capture Either Single Unit or Local Field Potential Activity in Behaving Rats.

Rodent models of cognitive behavior have greatly contributed to our understanding of human neuropsychiatric disorders. However, to elucidate the neurobiological underpinnings of such disorders or impairments, animal models are more useful when paired with methods for measuring brain function in awake, behaving animals. Standard tools used for systems-neuroscience level investigations are not optimized for large-scale and high-throughput behavioral battery testing due to various factors including cost, time, poor longevity, and selective targeting limited to measuring only a few brain regions at a time. Here we describe two different “user-friendly” methods for building extracellular electrophysiological probes that can be used to measure either single units or local field potentials in rats performing cognitive tasks. Both probes leverage several readily available, yet affordable, commercial products to facilitate ease of production. Our builds offer maximum flexibility in terms of brain-target locations that can be scalable (32 to 64 channels) based on experimental needs. Our approach allows neural activity to be recorded simultaneously with behavior and compared between micro (single unit) and more macro (local field potentials) levels of brain activity in order to gain a better understanding of how local brain regions and their connected networks support cognitive functions in rats. We believe our novel probe designs make collecting electrophysiology data easier and will begin to fill the gap in knowledge between basic and clinical research.
Comparison of crossbred and purebred Holstein cows during the transition period

Since the early 1900s, scientists have been comparing phenotypic characteristics of purebred and crossbred dairy cows in an attempt to determine the advantages of heterosis. However, the benefit of heterosis on the immune system has not been investigated during the transition period in lactating dairy cows. Innate immunity during the transition period (three weeks pre- to three weeks postpartum) plays a critical role on the postparturient health of dairy cows. The objectives of this study were to compare dry matter intake (DMI), metabolite concentration, innate immunity, and postpartum health of purebred Holstein (HO) and Montbeliarde-sired crossbred (MS) cows.
Poor Urban Blacks and Community Participation

This research elaborates the concept of community participation utilizing activities that reflect the experiences of poor urban Blacks. The residents of a low income housing development are studied with emphasis on how these people involved themselves in community affairs and how they interact with other tenants in their day to day activities. It is largely a descriptive study, in that it attempts to uncover and explain styles of participation that are not generally counted as meaningful participation. Therefore criteria for participation is defined in a manner to include some informal activities and other activities which seem to correspond to the traditional view of the concept. Data for the research were obtained with the use of a semi-structured interview guide and participant observation.
Free 25(OH)D and the Vitamin D Paradox in African Americans

Context: African Americans have a lower total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] but superior bone health. This has been referred to as a paradox. A recent publication found that free serum 25(OH)D is the same in black and white individuals. However, the study was criticized because an indirect method was used to measure free 25(OH)D. A direct method has recently been developed. Objective: We hypothesized that although total serum 25(OH)D is lower in African Americans, free serum 25(OH)D measured directly would not differ between races. Design: White and black healthy postmenopausal women were matched for age and body mass index. Serum total 25(OH)D, PTH, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), and bone density were measured. Measurement of free 25(OH)D was carried out using an ELISA. Setting: The study was conducted at an ambulatory research unit in a teaching hospital. Outcome: A cross-racial comparison of serum free 25(OH)D was performed. Results: A propensity match resulted in the ...
Three-dimensional crack surface evolution in mode III delamination toughness tests

Abstract The three-dimensional evolution of a delamination and multiple coupled transverse cracks is studied in laminated tape composites using different mode III tests and specimens. All combinations produce 45° transverse cracks that initiate at the delamination front prior to delamination advance. For unidirectional laminates, the transverse crack length is governed by thickness, whereas for multidirectional laminates the transverse crack length is controlled by the ply angle and stacking sequence. These and other details of laminate architecture are shown to dictate the crack surface evolution, and provide distinguishing characteristics between the different laminates tested as well as in comparison to homogenous materials.
Conhecimento especializado, apoios externos e reforma educativa na época do neoliberalismo:um enfoque no Banco Mundial e na questão das responsabilidades morais na reforma educacional no Terceiro Mundo

Este ensaio discute as implicacoes do conhecimento especializado nas reformas educacionais de paises do Terceiro Mundo. Centrando-se nas orientacoes adoptadas pelo Banco Mundial, que submete a uma impiedosa analise critica, o autor debruca-se sobre as possibilidades de construir um outro quadro de cooperacao e de assistencia tecnica que nao se sujeite as regras do positivismo ideologico e da racionalidade instrumental, hegemonicas nas organizacoes internacionais de natureza intergovernamental.
Evaluation of optical radiation detectors in the range from 0.8 μm to 20 μm at the NIST infrared spectral calibration facility

Analysis of multiple factors affecting the uncertainty of the absolute spectral responsivity of optical radiation detectors is presented. This includes both the validation of the radiometric scale of the infrared reference detectors and the scale transfer process to the unit under test. Reference detectors include a low NEP pyroelectric detector, an InSb detector, and a sphere-input extended InGaAs detector. While all three types of reference detectors were calibrated independently, less than 0.5 % mismatch of spectral responsivities was observed in the spectrally overlapping regions. We provide a performance evaluation of the NIST IR Detector Calibration Facility, which was designed for testing optical radiation detectors in both radiant power and irradiance measurement modes. This facility utilizes a high throughput monochromator with interchangeable diffraction gratings. Depending on the spectral range, a blackbody at 1100°C, or a quartz halogen lamp with about a 10 -4 long-term relative output variation was used as a radiation source. In order to minimize the uncertainty budget for calibration data, specific attention was given to the profile of the incident beam, the precise positioning of detectors, and the influence of atmospheric absorption. In addition to the spectral responsivity calibration of detectors, the facility allows precise mapping of detector active area for spatial non-uniformity of response. Typical calibration uncertainties that can be achieved are about 1 % and 2.5 % (k=2) in the radiant power and irradiance modes, respectively. Examples for responsivity calibrations of different detectors are presented.
Bilateral total knee arthroplasty for haemochromatosis arthropathy

Abstract Haemochromatosis, a hereditary disorder of iron metabolism, is associated with abnormal tissue iron deposition and polyarthropathy. Arthritis usually affects the small joints of the hand but can also occur in large weight bearing joints. A 63-year-old man who developed haemochromatosis arthropathy of both knees presented with severe joint erosions, articular deformity and soft tissue contracture. Operative treatment was successful but required surgical techniques commonly used during revision total knee arthroplasty.
A hybrid scheme for inverse scattering of electrically large regions

An efficient algorithm is presented for two-dimensional inverse scattering from electrically large regions. The technique is a hybrid combination of the modified-gradient (MG) method and a beam-tracing-based iterative Born method. The beam-tracing-based inversion cannot resolve sharp contrasts, but such are subsequently recovered by the MG algorithm. In particular, the hybrid scheme feeds the iterative Born reconstructed profile as the initial guess to the modified-gradient algorithm. The hybrid scheme has a highly improved convergence rate and also overcomes the limitations of the iterative Born and modified-gradient schemes, when each is applied alone. Results are presented for several lossless profiles. Issues addressed include the types of profiles that can be successfully imaged, the range of parameters over which the scheme is effective, and performance when noisy data are considered.
Sildenafil use and increased risk of incident melanoma in US men: a prospective cohort study

Importance The RAS/RAF/mitogen-activated protein kinase and extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) kinase/ERK cascade plays a crucial role in melanoma cell proliferation and survival. Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) is a phosphodiesterase (PDE) 5A inhibitor commonly used for erectile dysfunction. Recent studies have shown that BRAF activation down-regulates PDE5A levels, and low PDE5A expression by BRAF activation or sildenafil use increases the invasiveness of melanoma cells, which raises the possible adverse effect of sildenafil use on melanoma risk. Objective To evaluate the association between sildenafil use and risk of incident melanoma among men in the United States. Design, Setting, and Participants Our study is a prospective cohort study. In 2000, participants in the Health Professionals’ Follow-up Study were questioned regarding sildenafil use for erectile dysfunction. Participants who reported cancers at baseline were excluded. A total of 25 848 men remained in the analysis. Main Outcomes and Measures The incidence of skin cancers, including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), was obtained in the self-reported questionnaires biennially. The diagnosis of melanoma and SCC was pathologically confirmed. Results We identified 142 melanoma, 580 SCC, and 3030 BCC cases during follow-up (2000-2010). Recent sildenafil use at baseline was significantly associated with an increased risk of subsequent melanoma with a multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.84 (95% CI, 1.04-3.22). In contrast, we did not observe an increase in risk of SCC (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.59-1.20) or BCC (1.08; 0.93-1.25) associated with sildenafil use. Moreover, erectile function itself was not associated with an altered risk of melanoma. Ever use of sildenafil was also associated with a higher risk of melanoma (HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.14-3.22). A secondary analysis excluding those reporting major chronic diseases at baseline did not appreciably change the findings; the HR of melanoma was 2.24 (95% CI, 1.05-4.78) for sildenafil use at baseline and 2.77 (1.32-5.85) for ever use. Conclusions and Relevance Sildenafil use may be associated with an increased risk of developing melanoma. Although this study is insufficient to alter clinical recommendations, we support a need for continued investigation of this association.
Selection Methods in US Establishments

Data on a nationally representative sample of US establishments reveal that letters of reference are the most common approach to screening and selecting applicants for employment. Physical examinations, skills/proficiency tests, and tests for drug and/or alcohol use are used by substantial minorities of workplaces; very few draw on intelligence/personality tests. Multilevel analyses demonstrate that organizational, environmental, and occupational properties are related to the five staffing methods Organizations display clear propensities to rely on a given method for selecting employees for different occupations, but there are substantial occupational variations in selection practices as well Differences are especially strong for physical examinations and drug/ alcohol tests, which are apt to be required in large, formalized establishments within multisite complexes; in unionized workplaces, and in non-managerial occupations In addition, drug tests are more often required when an establishment has a separ...
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Associated With Glomerular Disease

Secondary hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is uncommon. When it occurs, it is usually in association with pregnancy, malignancy, severe hypertension, drugs, or collagen vascular diseases. It has rarely been reported in patients with glomerular disease. Two such patients with secondary HUS are described. A 17-month-old girl with hematuria and the nephrotic syndrome, negative antistreptolycin O (ASO) titer, and low serum levels of C3 and C4 developed oliguria, progressive azotemia, thrombocytopenia, and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. A kidney biopsy showed fibrin in glomerular capillaries and cresentic membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. A 22-yearold man with a 16-year history of relapsing minimal change nephrotic syndrome had been in remission for 5 years when he experienced nephrotic syndrome relapse and developed thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and renal failure. A kidney biopsy revealed foot process fusion and obstruction of glomerular capillaries with fibrin and platelets. These cases illustrate that HUS can occur in association with other glomerular diseases and should be considered when thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia occur in a nephritic or nephrotic patient.
Family-Embedded vs. Family-Deprived Oldest-Old: A Study of Contrasts

Most of the white oldest-old in San Francisco have at least one surviving relative, but only one-half have relatives available to them if they need help. The primary family resources are children, especially for women. They are closer to children than to grandchildren or other relatives. The respondents themselves are more passive and unemotional family members, however, rather than being active kinkeepers. They also seem to derive satisfaction from thinking about relatives now dead—men usually about their dead wives and women about their mothers and siblings. There is a sharp contrast in life style and feelings between those who are most embedded in their families and those at the other extreme, the “family deprived,” with the embedded being much better off.
On the survival probability of generalized nearest-particle systems

Abstract A class of spatial growth models, including reversible nearest-particle systems as special cases, is defined via the range of an underlying random walk. Lower and upper bounds for the survival probability are established under various assumptions. The proofs rely on potential theoretic results for the random walk.
Terminal hepatic failure in erythropoietic protoporphyria

Erythropoietic protoporphyria is an inherited disorder characterized biochemically by a deficiency of ferrochelatase, the enzyme that catalyzes the incorporation of ferrous iron into protoporphyrin to form heme. We describe a patient who illustrates the unpredictability of the course of liver disease in erythropoietic protoporphyria. She remained stable for several years after her first evidence of liver function abnormalities. Then, in a period of weeks, hepatic failure developed and she died. Findings of serial liver biopsy specimens showed extensive hepatocellular degeneration and inflammation that appeared in a 10-day period. The factors that cause this rapid deterioration in hepatic function remain unknown. Reported cases of fatal hepatic failure in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria are reviewed.
Bivalve Molluscs: Biology, Ecology, and Culture

Bivalve Molluscs: Biology, Ecology, and Culture. By E. Gosling. Blackwell Science, Oxford, UK. 2003. 443 pages. $129.99. This comprehensive textbook covers most aspects of commercially important ma...
The Impact of Medical and Sexual Politics on Women's Health

Hidden agendas impacting women's health care are explored in the context of the intersecting effects of capitalism as the ideology of medical politics, and patriarchy as the ideology of sexual poli...