cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The History of the Atmosphere As Recorded by Carbon Isotopes

A 9000-year-long record of atmospheric 14C/12C isotope ratio change is given and interpreted in terms of solar modulation and geomagnetic field intensity changes. Upper limits for the 13C/12C isotope ratio changes in atmospheric CO2 of the A.D. era are derived and related to changes in exchange rate and size of carbon reservoirs. The 13C variability added by the trees’ photosynthetic cycle is discussed, and an attempt is made to separate the global 13C signal from the internal 13C variability through normalization on constant assimilation rates.
Complexity: A Theoretical Analysis with Implications to Self Regulation and Goal Pursuit

We consider computational tasks that arise from the management of multiple goals. Building upon the field of computational complexity theory, we argue that multiple goals give rise to many computational problems that are intractable (namely, NP-hard) and unlikely to be solvable in reasonable amount of time. Our main thesis is that a major reason for failures to achieve goals is computational in nature and cannot be attributed to lack of motivation, will-power or self-control. We discuss implications as well as future directions regarding the connection between self-regulation, goal pursuit and computational hardness.
Hierarchical Analyses of Unfree Action

(1978). Hierarchical Analyses of Unfree Action. Canadian Journal of Philosophy: Vol. 8, No. 2, pp. 211-226.
Quantum dot lab: an online platform for quantum dot simulations

Self-assembled quantum dots have improved the performance of many optoelectronic devices such as infrared photodetectors and intermediate band solar cells [1], [2]. They offer the ability to tune device parameters by carefully adjusting device dimensions. Designing an optimal quantum dot for a specific purpose requires intensive simulation beforehand to get an idea on the effect of various materials and dimensions on optical properties of the dot. Quantum Dot Lab deployed on nanoHUB [3] provides such a simulation platform for the research community. The tool has the ability to simulate quantum dots ranging from simplistic particle in a box in effective mass approximation (EMA) till selfassembled quantum dots in 10-band sp3d5s* tight binding (TB) basis.
Progressive visual loss. What type of mass lesion

Abstract A 43-year-old woman presents with painless loss of vision in her left eye. She has decreased visual acuity, an afferent pupillary defect, slight proptosis and disc swelling, implying an optic nerve lesion. Computerized tomographic scanning shows generalized enlargement of the posterior orbital optic nerve. A presumed diagnosis of an optic nerve sheath meningioma is made. The discussion deals with the problems of rational treatment.
Auroral energy deposition and neutral composition changes observed simultaneously by ESRO 4 and AE-C at different altitudes

Neutral composition data obtained simultaneously from ESRO 4 and AE-C during geomagnetically disturbed conditions at different altitudes (160 and 230 km) are used to investigate the atmospheric response to geomagnetic storms and to infer information regarding the excitation mechanism. The data are compared with a theoretical model that estimates the composition effects in terms of wind induced diffusion. A parametric study was conducted bearing on the influence of energy deposition at different altitudes and with varying latitudinal extent. In one of the observed events the composition effects at 160 km are substantially smaller than at 230 km for which we inferred by comparison with the theory that the energy mainly was deposited at 150 km altitude over a wide latitude range. Another event required energy deposition at somewhat lower altitudes near 120 km with a more localized energy source. Significant variations of the turbopause level were not necessary to explain the observed variations.
The Development of a Preference-Setting Model for the Return of Individual Genomic Research Results

Understanding participants’ preferences for the return of individual research results (IRR) in genomic research may allow for the implementation of more beneficial result disclosure methods. We tes...
Temperature evolution of the crystal structure of La 2 − x Sr x NiO 4 ( x = 1 4 and 1 3 ) as revealed through neutron powder diffraction

The crystal structure of ${\mathrm{La}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{x}{\mathrm{NiO}}_{4}$ $(x=1/4$ and 1/3) has been investigated by neutron powder diffraction. These compositions are well known to exhibit charge and spin ordering at ${T}_{\mathrm{co}}$ and ${T}_{\mathrm{so}},$ respectively. The samples remain tetragonal with space group $I4/mmm$ from 300 K down to 20 K. Small changes in the apical Ni-O1 and La/Sr-O1 bond lengths occur at the charge-ordering transition ${T}_{\mathrm{co}}.$ No unusual effects are found in the ${\mathrm{NiO}}_{2}$ plane. An analysis of the oxygen atom thermal parameters reveals on enhanced octahedral tilting above ${T}_{\mathrm{so}},$ suggesting that charge or spin ordering relaxes the tilting. A static component to the tilting remains at 20 K, but is absent in the long-range symmetry of the structure. These observations suggest the existence of local structural distortions.
Use of Cottonseed Meal in Channel Catfish Feeds

Solvent extracted cottonseed meal was substituted for soybean meal in catfish feeds on a nitrogen basis. The feeds, which contained either 0, 10, or 20% cottonseed meal, were formulated to contain about 32% protein and 2.9 kcal digestible energy/g. The fish were reared in 6 m3 net pens suspended in a 1.6 ha earthen pond. Twelve pens (four per treatment) were stocked with 400 fish with an initial average weight of 95 g/fish. All fish were fed to satiation once daily. A sample of 60 fish from each pen was weighed at 76 days to evaluate feed consumption, feed conversion, and weight gain. At the end of the experiment (132 days), fish from each net pen were weighed collectively and samples were taken to determine tissue free gossypol concentrations, proximate composition of fillets, and dressout percentages. There were no significant differences in weight gain, feed conversion, or survival of fish sampled at 76 days or of fish at the end of the experiment regardless of dietary treatment. At 76 days, feed consumption of fish fed the 20% cottonseed meal feed was significantly higher than that of other fish, but there were no significant differences in feed consumption at the end of the experiment. Free gossypol levels were below detectable limits in fish tissue. There were no significant differences in percentage dressout or in body composition, except for a slightly higher ash content in fish fed the feed containing 10% cottonseed meal. It appears that cottonseed meal can be used to partially substitute for soybean meal in catfish feeds. At the present, it is recommended that cottonseed meal be limited to 15% of the catfish diet.
Dissolved organic matter composition and photoreactivity in prairie lakes of the U.S.Great Plains

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) of 27 prairie saline lake ecosystems was investigated in the Northern and Central Great Plains of the United States using absorbance, fluorescence, lignin concentration, and stable C isotope values. The majority of variation in DOM fluorescence among lakes was due to humic (peak C) and microbially formed (peak M) fluorescent components, which appear to be derived from autochthonous primary production. Strong correlations between peak M and nutrients allow us to model total phosphorus (TP) concentration using peak M fluorescence and chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) absorption. The rate of primary production (PP) was positively correlated with peak M fluorescence and negatively with lignin concentration. Lignin phenol yields in the DOM were generally smaller than those of most freshwater systems. δ13C values of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) ranged from −25.0‰ to −20.1‰ and were generally enriched relative to typical freshwaters (ca. −27‰). Terrestrial DOM is degraded in prairie lakes, spanning a gradient from mixotrophic to eutrophic, as determined by a color–nutrient model. The photodegradation of autochthonous DOM was significant: CO2 fluxes from these prairie lakes, modeled from peak M fluorescence, ranged from 5 to 228 mmol C m−2 d−1 (median, 37 mmol C m−2 d−1) and was similar to community respiration estimated from protein fluorescence (median, 50 mmol C m−2 d−1). The combined estimates were about 50% of the global mean total C release previously reported for saline lake ecosystems. The implication of these new results is that the global C release from saline lake ecosystems is likely underestimated.
Epidemiology of Injury in People with Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that the risk of injury is elevated among persons with dementia, but these studies have focused primarily on falls and fractures. This study characterizes all injuries incurred in a large sample of community-dwelling persons with a specific form of dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 281 community-dwelling persons diagnosed with AD according to NINCDS/ADRDA guidelines. Information regarding all injuries occurring within the previous 6 months was obtained through a structured interview of a caregiver. RESULTS: The rate of injuries was 58.4 per 100 persons per year. Although falling was the single most common mechanism by which injuries occurred, it accounted for only 43.8% of all injuries. Fractures accounted for 13.7% of injuries. Medical treatment was sought for 52.1% of the injuries. After adjustment for age and gender, the likelihood of injury was significantly associated with cognitive impairment and with ADL limitation, but the independent contribution of these two factors could not be assessed. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that injuries are a significant problem in persons with AD
State Economic Development Programs: The Orientation is Macro but the Strategy is Micro:

State economic development programs are macro in their orientation toward structural change to achieve goals of equity and efficiency. However, implementation of these programs requires a micromarketing strategy using micromarketing concepts. Recognition of these two aspects of state economic development programs suggests ways to improve their planning and evaluation.
Scattering on p-adic on adelic symmetric spaces☆

Abstract Explicit S-matrices are constructed for scattering on p-adic hyperbolic planes. Combining these with the known S-matrix on the real hyperbolic plane, an adelic S-matrix is obtained. It has poles at the nontrivial zeros of the Riemann zeta-function, and is closely related to scattering on the modular domain of the real hyperbolic plane. Generalizations of this work and their possible arithmetic relevance are outlined.
COOPERATION AND COMPETITION ALONG SMOOTH ENVIRONMENTAL GRADIENTS

This paper explores the ecological consequences of competition and coop- eration, and the resultant abrupt species zonation that could occur along smooth environ- mental stress gradients. We present one- and two-species models of sessile organisms incorporating competition for space and two forms of cooperation: habitat amelioration and positive recruitment. In these models, habitat amelioration reduces an organism's mortality rate when it is surrounded by other organisms ("safety-in-numbers"), and positive intra- specific recruitment enables juveniles to use the shelter of established individuals as set- tlement (or germination) sites. A single-species model incorporating both forms of coop- eration may exhibit sharp discontinuities in population density along an environmental gradient. In a two-species model the same mechanisms may lead to sharp boundaries in species composition if, as empirical studies suggest, a trade-off exists between colonization and cooperation abilities (e.g., strong cooperators are poor colonizers). Positive interspecific recruitment obscures the interspecific boundaries.
Cosmology: Background comes to the fore

The cosmic microwave background radiation is a unique source of information about the early Universe. The detection of its polarization could lead to confirmation of an inflationary phase soon after the Big Bang.
De Facto Dehumanization

"Defacto dehumanization" is the author's conceptualiza tion of ability grouping, tracking, or whatever label is applied to the practice of segregating students according to their achievement or potential. In this paper, he states the rationales used to defend this practice and then challenges their validity.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 increases the toxicity of hydrogen peroxide: the role of calcium and heat shock

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] increases synthesis of heat shock proteins in monocytes and U937 cells and protects these cells from thermal injury. We therefore examined whether 1,25-(OH)2D3 would also modulate the susceptibility to H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Prior incubation for 24 h with 1,25-(OH)2D3 (25 pM or higher) produced unexpected increased H2O2 toxicity. Since cellular Ca2+ may be a mediator of cell injury, we investigated the effects of altering extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]e) on 1,25-(OH)2D3-enhanced H2O2 toxicity, as well as the effects of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and H2O2 on cytosolic-free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]f). Basal [Ca2+]f in medium containing 1.5 mM Ca2+ as determined by fura-2 fluorescence was higher in 1,25-(OH)2D3-pretreated cells than control cells (137 versus 112 nM, p less than 0.005). H2O2 induced a rapid increase in [Ca2+]f (to greater than 300 nM) in both 1,25-(OH)2D3-treated and control cells, which was prevented by a reduction in [Ca2+]e to less than basal [Ca2+]f. The 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced increase in H2O2 toxicity was also prevented by preincubation with 1,25-(OH)2D3 in Ca2(+)-free medium or by exposing the cells to H2O2 in the presence of EGTA. Preexposure of cells to 45 degrees C for 20 min, 4 h earlier, partially prevented the toxic effects of H2O2 particularly in 1,25-(OH)2D3-treated cells, even in the presence of physiological levels of [Ca2+]e. Thus, 1,25-(OH)2D3 potentiates H2O2-induced injury probably by increasing cellular Ca2+ stores. The protective effects of heat shock are probably exerted at a site distal to the toxic effects of Ca2+. The 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced amplification of the heat shock response likely represents a mechanism for counteracting the Ca2(+)-associated enhanced susceptibility of oxidative injury due to 1,25-(OH)2D3.
Correlations between deficiencies in power window systems influencing sound quality and some psychoacoustic metrics

Abstract The perceptual auditory attributes principally responsible for the annoyance quality of certain deficiencies in power window systems are identified and quantified experimentally with a set of psychoacoustic metrics. A group of measured sound signatures and the corresponding window translation velocities in over 30 production passenger vehicles are examined in this sound quality study. These measurements are acquired using a relatively simple non-destructive setup situated in a large hemi-anechoic chamber. An analysis is performed to map the specific amplitude, temporal and spectral characteristics of the measured sound and velocity data to the subjective attributes that influence perceived annoyance response significantly. The annoyance level is quantified using a normalized preference scale that is obtained from the paired comparison tests taken by 70 human subjects with normal hearing range. The study shows that sounds depicting higher intensity, pitch, transient effect, and time-varying character are found to be more annoying. These results provide a comprehensive set of information that can be used in product design and trouble-shooting phases to reduce overall noise quality complaints.
Juvenile western toads, Bufo boreas, avoid chemical cues of snakes fed juvenile, but not larval, conspecifics.

Previous investigations have demonstrated the importance of predator diet in chemically mediated antipredator behaviour. However, there are few data on responses to life-stage-specific predator diets, which could be important for animals like amphibians that undergo metamorphosis and must respond to different suites of predators at different life-history stages. In laboratory choice tests, we investigated the chemically mediated avoidance response of juvenile western toads, Bufo boreas, to four different chemical stimuli: (1) live conspecific juveniles; (2) live earthworms; (3) snakes fed juvenile conspecifics; and (4) snakes fed larval conspecifics (tadpoles). Juvenile toads avoided chemical cues from snakes that had eaten juvenile conspecifics, but did not respond to the other three stimuli, including chemical cues from snakes fed larval conspecifics. In addition, the response to cues from snakes fed juveniles differed significantly from that of snakes fed larvae. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the importance of diet in predator avoidance of juvenile anurans and the ability of juvenile toads to distinguish between chemical cues from predators that have consumed larval versus juvenile conspecifics.
Field programmable gate arrays

Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are a flexible alternative to custom integrated circuits. They can implement both combinatorial and sequential logic of tens of thousands of gates. Historically, software has been considered "flexible" with hardware its rigid counterpart in system design. All this changed with the shift in the approach to computing: a re-programmable gate array. This gate array is a step above programmable logic devices (PLDs) in complexity. There are several programming technologies available including the static random access memory (SRAM) based FPGA that can be re-programmed any number of times. FPGAs resemble mask-programmed grate arrays (MPGAs) in their modularity, however, they also are capable of field configuration by the user. FPGAs are slightly more expensive in unit cost than application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). But there are no non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs associated with them making FPGAs cost-effective for many applications.
Obesity and use of compensatory strategies to perform common daily activities in pre-clinically disabled older adults

Abstract Objectives To examine the association between the use of compensatory strategies to successfully complete common daily activities—an indicator of pre-clinical disability—and body mass in pre-clinically disabled older adults. Design Cross-sectional observational study. Participants Two hundred and fifty-nine pre-clinically disabled older adults defined as having changed the frequency or manner of performing daily tasks without reporting any difficulty. Measurements The use of compensatory strategies were objectively evaluated using the Modification (MOD) scale—a reliable and valid scale for assessing the manner in which common daily activities were completed. Height and weight were measured to classify participants into the following body mass index (BMI) categories: (1) normal: 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, (2) overweight: 25.0–29.9 kg/m2, (3) obese class I: 30.0–34.9 kg/m2, and (4) obese class II: 35.0–39.9 kg/m2. Results Compared to other BMI categories, individuals with class II obesity demonstrated a significantly higher probability of using ≥1 compensatory strategies when rising from a chair (30 cm height), kneel to stand, stair ascent, stair descent, and supine to stand tasks. When summarized over all tasks, individuals with class II obesity were 18 times more likely to use extensive compensatory strategies (≥6 on MOD scale) compared to normal weight older adults. Similar trends at a lesser magnitude were found in obese and overweight compared to normal weight older adults. Conclusion Obesity is associated with extensive use of compensatory strategies when performing common daily tasks prior to the onset of perceived difficulty, thus placing them at higher risk of disability compared to their peers with lower body mass.
Gynecologic Oncology Group Reports I and II.

The Gynecologic Oncology Group is a multi-institutional group of interdisciplinary composition supported by the National Cancer Institute and involved in cooperative controlled studies of problems in gynecologic cancer.
Induction of human cytotoxic T lymphocytes specific for prostate‐specific antigen

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a tissue-specific protein expressed by most adenocarcinomas of the prostate, might be a useful target for T-cell-mediated immunotherapy of prostate cancers. The current study examined whether it is possible to elicit human cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) with specificity for PSA. A synthetic nonamer peptide, corresponding to residues 146-154 of PSA and containing a canonical HLA-A2-binding motif, was shown to stabilize the expression of HLA-A2 on the T2 antigen-processing mutant cell line. Repeated in vitro stimulation of peripheral blood lymphocytes from a normal HLA-A2+ donor induced CTL with specificity for the PSA 146-154 peptide. The peptide-induced CTL expressed the CD4- CD8+ cell surface phenotype and were restricted by HLA-A2. A large portion of patients with prostate cancer express the HLA-A2 phenotype, implying that many prostate cancers might be targeted by HLA-A2-restricted CTL with specificity for the PSA 146-154 epitope.
Web-based child pornography: the global impact of deterrence efforts and its consumption on mobile platforms

Our study is the first to look at mobile device use for child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) consumption, and at the global impact of deterrence efforts by search providers. We used data from Google, Bing, and Yandex to assess how web searches for CSEM are being conducted, both at present and historically. Our findings show that the blocking efforts by Google and Microsoft have resulted in a 67% drop in the past year in web-based searches for CSEM. Additionally, our findings show that mobile devices are a substantial platform for web-based consumption of CSEM, with tablets and smartphones representing 32% of all queries associated with CSEM conducted on Bing. Further, our findings show that a major search engine not located in the United States, Yandex, did not undertake blocking efforts similar to those implemented by Google and Microsoft and has seen no commensurate drop in CSEM searches and continues to profit from ad revenue on these queries. While the efforts by Google and Microsoft have had a deterrence effect in the United States, searchers from Russia and other locations where child pornography possession is not criminalized have continued to use these services. Additionally, the same lax enforcement environment has allowed searchers from the United States to utilize Yandex with little fear of detection or referral to United States law enforcement from the Russian authorities.
Electrolyte and electrocardiographic changes in the course of hemodialysis.

Abstract The electrocardiographic patterns associated with forty-six consecutive hemodialyses performed on twenty-one uremic patients were correlated with changes in plasma electrolytes. Electrocardiographic patterns resulting from organic heart disease frequently made interpretation of electolyte imbalance hazardous. Conversely, distortion of electrocardiographic patterns produced by electrolyte imbalance obscured patterns caused by underlying organic heart disease. Changes in the configuration of the T wave and RS-T segment constituted the majority of electrocardiographic abnormalities. The distortion of the RS-T segment in the predialysis tracings obscured established patterns of left ventricular hypertrophy and strain and of remote myocardial infarction. Arrhythmias were observed in six instances in five patients. In three, arrhythmias subsided spontaneously, while in three others, normal sinus mechanism was restored only after potassium was added to the dialysis rinsing fluid. The occurrence of arrhythmias in the course of hemodialysis emphasizes their probable chemical origin and indicates that the procedure may harm cardiac function. Although the electrocardiogram is of little value for assessing specific electrolyte disturbances in the uremic patient, it contributes greatly to the safe conduct of hemodialysis.
Derechos públicos y comercio privado: un itinerario criollo en el Atlántico del siglo XIX

Rastrear la historia de tres generaciones de una misma familia, desde la esclavizacion en el Africa Occidental durante el siglo XVIII, pasando por la emancipacion durante la Revolucion de Haiti y el subsecuente reasentamiento en Nueva Orleans, luego en Francia y despues en Belgica, puede arrojar luz sobre fenomenos de dimension atlantica. En su conjunto, las experiencias de la familia Vincent/Tinchant iluminan una conciencia de derechos atlantica y caribena que atravesaba las fronteras usuales de la lengua y la ciudadania. Develar estas experiencias sugiere el potencial de combinar el enfoque cercano desplegado por Sidney Mintz en su obra Taso. Trabajador de la cana con la perspectiva atlantica de su obra mas tardia, Dulzura y poder.
INADEQUACIES OF ESTRADIOL SUBSTITUTION IN OVARIECTOMIZED ALBINO RATS1

Estrogenic substances have proved valuable in alleviating the symptoms of natural and operative menopause in women, as judged by mental, vasomotor and subjective improvement (1). The mechanism of action of this substitution therapy remains largely a matter of conjecture. A number of workers have reported a decrease in the urinary output of gonadotropic hormone following estrin administration in menopausal women (2, 3, 4, 5). That ovariectomy in the rat leads to great increase in gonadotropic contentof the hypophysis is a well-established fact. It is also known that the thymus gland undergoes hypertrophy following castration (8). The work of Meyer, Leonard, Hisaw and Martin (6) and others indicates that estrin decreases the gonad-stimulating capacity of the castrate pituitary, but the literature (8) is in uniform agreement that this estrin treatment causes pituitary hypertrophy. We undertook to study the effects of daily injections of three levels of estradiol upon the pituitary and thymus weights and upon...
Modeling the gelation of silicon alkoxides

Abstract This paper reviews the experimental evidence which suggests that the gelation of alkoxides can be modeled using analyses developed for organic condensation polymerizations, and presents a model which can be used to predict the gelation of acid catalyzed silicon alkoxides. Parameters that characterize the polymerization products, such as weight averaged molecular weight, are calculated from the extent of the molecular reactions using a recursive solution technique applied to the random branching theory of polymerization. The extent of the hydrolysis and condensation reactions as functions of time are calculated from the kinetic schemes of Assink and Kay [J. Non-Cryst. Solids 99 (1988) 359; 104 (1988) 112] and Pouxveil and Boilot [J. Non-Cryst. Solids 94 (1987) 347]. Results of this modeling give molecular weight versus conversion and molecular weight versus time. The predictions of gel times and conversion using this recursive technique combined with the kinetic models of Assink and Kay for TMOS are in reasonable agreement with the experimental data of Kelts and Armstrong [J. Mater. Res. 4 (1989) 423] if the effects of cyclization are considered. For the gelation of TEOS, using the kinetic scheme of Pouxveil and Boilot, the agreement is not as good due to the larger extent of cyclization.
Distinct pharmacology and metabolism of K2 synthetic cannabinoids compared to Δ9-THC: Mechanism underlying greater toxicity?

K2 or Spice products are emerging drugs of abuse that contain synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs). Although assumed by many teens and first time drug users to be a "safe" and "legal" alternative to marijuana, many recent reports indicate that SCBs present in K2 produce toxicity not associated with the primary psychoactive component of marijuana, ∆(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ(9)-THC). This mini-review will summarize recent evidence that use of K2 products poses greater health risks relative to marijuana, and suggest that distinct pharmacological properties and metabolism of SCBs relative to Δ(9)-THC may contribute to the observed toxicity. Studies reviewed will indicate that in contrast to partial agonist properties of Δ(9)-THC typically observed in vitro, SCBs in K2 products act as full cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) and type 2 (CB2R) agonists in both cellular assays and animal studies. Furthermore, unlike Δ(9)-THC metabolism, several SCB metabolites retain high affinity for, and exhibit a range of intrinsic activities at, CB1 and CB2Rs. Finally, several reports indicate that although quasi-legal SCBs initially evaded detection and legal consequences, these presumed "advantages" have been limited by new legislation and development of product and human testing capabilities. Collectively, evidence reported in this mini-review suggests that K2 products are neither safe nor legal alternatives to marijuana. Instead, enhanced toxicity of K2 products relative to marijuana, perhaps resulting from the combined actions of a complex mixture of different SCBs present and their active metabolites that retain high affinity for CB1 and CB2Rs, highlights the inherent danger that may accompany use of these substances.
The impact of elevated posttraumatic stress on the efficacy of brief alcohol interventions for heavy drinking college students

Brief alcohol interventions (BAIs) have been widely adopted for use with college students and are associated with significant reductions in drinking and problems. However, many students do not respond to these approaches and little is known about risk factors for poor response. The current study investigated one possible risk factor by examining the impact of posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms on BAI efficacy. This study presents pooled data from two randomized clinical trials that examined the efficacy of counselor-administered BAIs compared with computerized interventions. Participants were 207 college students (53.1% women, 68.1% White/Caucasian, 16.9% with elevated post-traumatic stress) who reported past-month heavy episodic drinking. Follow-up assessments were completed six months post-intervention. Analyses testing differences in frequency of past-month heavy episodic drinking revealed a significant post-traumatic stress by time interaction (F(1,165) = 8.27, p = .005) such that individuals screening positive for PTS showed larger reductions in heavy episodic drinking at follow-up. A significant three-way interaction between time, PTS, and intervention condition (F(2,167) = 5.76, p = .004) was found for alcohol related consequences. Specifically, among individuals screening positive for PTS, only those that received the counselor-administered BAI showed a significant reduction in consequences at follow-up. These results suggest that overall college students with PTS may respond well to BAIs and that counselor-delivered BAIs may be more efficacious than computer-delivered interventions for reducing alcohol problems for these high-risk students.
Caspase activation in fetal rat brain following experimental intrauterine inflammation.

Abstract Intrauterine inflammation has been implicated in developmental brain injuries, including the development of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and cerebral palsy (CP). Previous studies in our rat model of intrauterine inflammation demonstrated apoptotic cell death in fetal brains within the first 5 days after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration to mothers and eventual dysmyelination. Cysteine-containing, aspartate-specific proteases, or caspases, are proteins involved with apoptosis through both intracellular (intrinsic pathway) and extracellular (extrinsic pathway) mechanisms. We hypothesized that cell death in our model would occur mainly via activation of the extrinsic pathway. We further hypothesized that Fas, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily, would be increased and the death inducing signaling complex (DISC) would be detectable. Pregnant rats were injected intracervically with LPS at E15 and immunoblotting, immunohistochemical and immunoprecipitation analyses were performed. The presence of the activated form of the effector caspase (caspase-3) was observed 24 h after LPS administration. Caspase activity assays demonstrated rapid increases in (i) caspases-9 and -10 within 1 h, (ii) caspase-8 at 2 h and (iii) caspase-3 at 4 h. At 24 h after LPS, activated caspase-3+/Fas+ cells were observed within the developing white matter. Lastly, the DISC complex (caspase-8, Fas and Fas-associated death domain (FADD)) was observed within 30 min by immunoprecipitation. Apoptosis in our model occurs via both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, and activation of Fas may play a role. Understanding the mechanisms of cell death in models of intrauterine inflammation may affect development of future strategies to mitigate these injuries in children.
Escherichia coli Binary Culture Engineered for Direct Fermentation of Hemicellulose to a Biofuel

Metabolic engineering has created several Escherichia coli biocatalysts for production of biofuels and other useful molecules. However, the inability of these biocatalysts to directly use polymeric substrates necessitates costly pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis prior to fermentation. Consolidated bioprocessing has the potential to simplify the process by combining enzyme production, hydrolysis, and fermentation into a single step but requires a fermenting organism to multitask by producing both necessary enzymes and target molecules. We demonstrate here a binary strategy for consolidated bioprocessing of xylan, a complex substrate requiring six hemicellulases for complete hydrolysis. An integrated modular approach was used to design the two strains to function cooperatively in the process of transforming xylan into ethanol. The first strain was engineered to coexpress two hemicellulases. Recombinant enzymes were secreted to the growth medium by a method of lpp deletion with over 90% efficiency. Secreted enzymes hydrolyzed xylan into xylooligosaccharides, which were taken in by the second strain, designed to use the xylooligosaccharides for ethanol production. Cocultivation of the two strains converted xylan hemicellulose to ethanol with a yield about 55% of the theoretical value. Inclusion of other three hemicellulases improved the ethanol yield to 70%. Analysis of the culture broth showed that xylooligosaccharides with four or more xylose units were not utilized, suggesting that improving the use of higher xyloogligomers should be the focus in future efforts. This is the first demonstration of an engineered binary culture for consolidated bioprocessing of xylan. The modular design should allow the strategy to be adopted for a broad range of biofuel and biorefinery products.
The dynamics of diffusion and gel growth during nonsolvent-induced phase inversion of polyethersulfone

The in-situ, macroscopic dynamics of diffusion and gel growth during phase inversion of polyethersulfone (PES) solutions have been investigated using optical monitoring of the dark-ground and reflected light images which form on solution-nonsolvent contact. Data are reported for various ternary PES/solvent/nonsolvent systems. Analysis of two molecular weight systems shows that, under rapid quench conditions, a well-defined liquid demixing zone forms ahead of the gelation zone. Related to this, the occurrence of an initial region of anomalously high front motion followed by a more mild t12 behavior suggests a dependence of the system diffusive transport properties on the relative time scales for gel formation and nonsolvent diffusion. The dependencies of the gel and diffusion front motions on solution concentration and nonsolvent solubility parameter are quantified in terms of the slope of the linear t12 portion of the associated time-dependent curve. Rationales based on mass transfer models for both delayed and rapid precipitation systems support the concept of quantifying front motions in terms of an effective diffusion coefficient, Dc, for either the homogeneous diffusion or gelation dynamics.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY OF N-METHYLIMIDAZOLE WITH YTTRIUM AND CERIUM

Abstract YCl3 crystallizes in the presence of N-methylimidazole (N-MeIm) to form [YCl2(N-MeIm)5]+ [YCl4(N-MeIm)2]−, 1 or [YCl2(N-MeIm)5]+[C1]-, 2, depending upon crystallization conditions. The bromide analog of 2, [YBr2(N-MeIm)5]+[Br]−, 3, has been obtained from YBr3(THF)3 and N-MeIm. Both 1 and 2 contain seven coordinate pentagonal bipyramidal [YCl2(N-MeIm)5]+ cations which have chloride atoms in the axial ligand positions. The anion in 1 has a trans octahedral geometry. Ceric ammonium nitrate crystallizes from N-MeIm to form Ce(NO3)3(N-MeIm)4, 4, which contains a formally ten-coordinate cerium center. 4 is best described as a seven coordinate distorted pentagonal bipyramid with the NO3 ligands occupying one axial and two equatorial sites. 1 crystallized from N-MeIm in the space group P1 with a = 8.1435 (10) A, b = 9.0448(8) A, c = 15.103(2) A, α = 93.872 (10)°, β = 94.117(11)°, γ = 107.288(9)°, V = 1054.8(2) A3 and Dcalcd = 1.520 Mg/m−3 for Z = 1. Least squares refinement of the model based on 3375 ref...
A compact integrated coaxial V-band bandpass filter

A V-band bandpass filter has been fabricated using integrated rectangular-coaxial lines. The use of integrated coaxial lines allows the fabrication of a compact filter measuring 6.5/spl times/2.0/spl times/0.1 mm. In addition, the coaxial lines isolate the filter from the external environment, allowing filters to be spaced close to other devices without electromagnetic coupling. The fabricated filter has a center frequency of 57.5 GHz and a bandwidth of 2.5 GHz. The measured insertion loss is 18.5 dB. This integrated coaxial technology can provide low-loss, nondispersive, non-radiating components, well suited to applications in antenna beamforming.
Preservation of Arctic landscapes overridden by cold-based ice sheets

For nearly 40 years, a massive, well-preserved glaciomarine delta more than 54,000 years old and ancillary landforms have formed the cornerstone of models positing limited ice-sheet extent in Arctic Canada during the late Wisconsinan. We present exposure ages for large boulders on the delta surface, which coupled with preservation of relict landforms demonstrate that the region was covered by minimally erosive, cold-based ice during the late Wisconsinan. Our data suggest that surficial features commonly used to define the pattern of late Wisconsinan ice movement cannot be used on their own to constrain late Wisconsinan ice-sheet margins in Arctic regions.
BAYESIAN ITEM FIT ANALYSIS FOR DICHOTOMOUS ITEM RESPONSE THEORY MODELS

Detecting item fit for common dichotomous item response theory (IRT) models has always been an issue of enormous interest, but there exists no unanimously agreed upon item fit diagnostic for the models. This paper employs the posterior predictive model checking method (Guttman, 1967; Rubin, 1981, 1984), a popular Bayesian model checking tool, to examine item fit for common dichotomous item response theory models. An item fit plot, comparing the observed and predicted proportion correct scores of examinee groups (with groups based on raw scores), promises to be useful in real applications. This paper also suggests how to obtain posterior predictive p-values for the χ2-type test statistics of Orlando and Thissen (2000) comparing the observed and predicted proportion correct scores for different raw score groups. A number of simulation studies and real data applications examine the effectiveness of the suggested item fit diagnostics. The suggested p-values seem to have low Type I error rate, low false alarm rate, and adequate power, indicating that researchers might find the methods more acceptable than the existing item fit measures.
Differential effects of antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs on neurogenic regions in rats.

Abstract Increased neurogenesis in the hippocampus and subventricular zone (SVZ) of the brain of animals has been demonstrated following administration of several psychotropic medications. Such changes are thought to regenerate tissues and contribute to the beneficial effects of the medications. This study sought to determine if another neurogenic tissue, the peripheral olfactory epithelium (OE), might also exhibit changes after treatment with psychotropic medications. Young adult male rats were treated with risperidone and paliperidone, atypical antipsychotic medications; fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant; and diluent control for 28 days via drinking water. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was injected to label dividing cells and positive cells were quantified in the OE, cortical SVZ, and dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. In the first of two studies, paliperidone and risperidone treatment (at 1 mg/kg/day) resulted in increased numbers over controls of BrdU positive cells in the OE. In the second study, examining OE, SVZ and DG in the same animal, paliperidone, but not risperidone or fluoxetine (0.6 mg/kg/day) resulted in increased cells in the OE and posterior SVZ. However, fluoxetine, but not paliperidone or risperidone treatment increased BrdU positive cells in the DG. These results show that psychotropic drug-induced cell proliferation occurs in the OE and parallels changes in the SVZ but not DG. Thus, the peripheral OE can serve as a proxy for certain psychotropic drug-induced actions on SVZ brain cell proliferation. This olfactory model can be employed in human research as a method to explore the neurogenesis effects of various pharmacologic treatments of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Self-selection: Are we beating a dead horse?

Abstract Self-selection bias is a logical threat to the internal validity of an evaluation. Given the voluntary nature of participating in conservation programs, it is an issue that cannot generally be avoided. However, its importance is not as clear. This paper reviews some of the theoretical debate surrounding self-selection bias and methods to mitigate and control the problem. Given the other problems faced by professional evaluators, the paper concludes that the issue of self-selection should not undermine our confidence in the results of a well-designed evaluation.
Unilateral ischemic sensorimotor cortical damage in female rats: forelimb behavioral effects and dendritic structural plasticity in the contralateral homotopic cortex

Previous studies in male rats with unilateral sensorimotor cortical (SMC) damage have demonstrated dendritic structural plasticity in the contralateral homotopic cortex and an enhancement of skilled reaching performance in the forelimb ipsilateral to the lesion compared to sham-operated rats. The purpose of this study was to determine if these findings could be replicated in an ischemic lesion model in female rats. Female rats were given sham operations or unilateral ischemic (endothelin-1 induced) damage in the forelimb representation area of the SMC opposite their preferred forelimb. Animals then received either 20 consecutive days of training on a skilled reaching task with the non-preferred/unimpaired forelimb or no-training control procedures. The surface density of dendrites immunoreactive (IR) for microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) was then measured in the motor cortex opposite the trained limb and/or lesion. Female rats with sufficiently large, but not very small, lesions performed better with the unimpaired forelimb than sham-operated rats on the reaching task. The post-lesion reaching performance was not found to be significantly dependent upon estrous stage at the time of surgery, in agreement with previous studies that failed to find sex or sex-hormone effects after other types of SMC damage. Additionally, there were major laminar-dependent increases in the surface density of MAP2 IR dendrites in the cortex opposite lesions and trained limbs. These findings in female rats are consistent with the dendritic and behavioral changes previously found in male rats. They extend these previous findings by indicating that lesion size is an important variable in the enhancement of reaching performance.
Mean value of compact convex sets, Day's fixed point theorem and invariant subspaces

Abstract Let S be a set and f a function on S whose values are nonempty closed convex subsets of a Hausdorff locally convex topological vector space. We define the mean value of f, induced by a mean μ on m(S), and establish some elementary properties of this mean value. This notion will be used to prove Theorem 1 which is a fixed point theorem extending a result of Argabright. Theorem 1 is then used to improve a result by Ky Fan on existence of invariant subspaces.
A target chamber for precision angular distribution measurements

Abstract A 45.7 cm (18 inch) diameter target chamber has been designed and constructed for multiple solid state counter detection of nuclear reaction products. Two rotation tables carry the counters at adjustable radii. The tables are externally rotated and the angular position is read on a scale calibrated to 0.1°. The inherent mechanical precision is 0.01°. Initial alignment, checks on alignment and a variety of experimental operations are conveniently carried out with this chamber.
Low-Cost Ultrasonic Frequency Inverter Using Single SCR

A low-cost solid-state circuit is described for generating up to a kilowatt of power over the frequency range of 400 Hz to 30 kHz. The circuit features good waveform and good regulation into a wide range of load magnitude and phase angle.
Value of innovation in hematologic malignancies: a systematic review of published cost-effectiveness analyses

We analyzed cost-effectiveness studies related to hematologic malignancies from the Tufts Medical Center Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry (www.cearegistry.org), focusing on studies of innovative therapies. Studies that met inclusion criteria were categorized by 4 cancer types (chronic myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma) and 9 treatment agents (interferon-α, alemtuzumab, bendamustine, bortezomib, dasatinib, imatinib, lenalidomide, rituximab alone or in combination, and thalidomide). We examined study characteristics and stratified cost-effectiveness ratios by type of cancer, treatment, funder, and year of study publication. Twenty-nine studies published in the years 1996-2012 (including 44 cost-effectiveness ratios) met inclusion criteria, 22 (76%) of which were industry funded. Most ratios fell below $50 000 per quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) (73%) and $100 000/QALY (86%). Industry-funded studies (n = 22) reported a lower median ratio ($26 000/QALY) than others (n = 7; $33 000/QALY), although the difference was not statistically significant. Published data suggest that innovative treatments for hematologic malignancies may provide reasonable value for money.