cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Who invented the mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus)? On the authorship of the fraudulent 1812 journal of Charles Le Raye

The captivity journal of Charles Le Raye was first published in 1812 as a chapter in A topographical description of the state of Ohio, Indiana Territory, and Louisiana, a volume authored anonymously by "a late officer in the U. S. Army". Le Raye was purported to be a French Canadian fur trader who, as a captive of the Sioux, had travelled across broad portions of the Missouri and Yellowstone river drainages a few years before the Lewis and Clark expedition (1804-1806), and his account of the land, its people, and its natural resources was relied upon as a primary source by generations of natural historians, geographers, and ethnographers. Based directly on descriptions of animals in the published journal, the naturalist Constantine S. Rafinesque named seven new species of North American mammals, including what are currently recognized as the mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and a Great Plains subspecies of white-tailed deer (O. virginianus macrourus). Unfortunately, Le Raye never existed, and historical, geographical, and ethnographical evidence indicates that the journal is fraudulent. Determining the author of this work is relevant to identifying the sources used to construct it, which may help us to understand the real animals upon which Rafinesque's species are based. Traditionally, authorship of the volume was attributed to Jervis Cutler, but his role in composing the fraudulent Le Raye journal has been called into question. In this paper, I present additional evidence supporting the hypothesis that Jervis Cutler bears primary responsibility for the Le Raye journal and that he had the background, opportunity, and potential motive to author it.
Retrodirective Array Immune to Incident Waves With Arbitrary Polarizations

A retrodirective array (RDA) capable of retransmitting predictable polarization with respect to any received polarization state is presented. RDAs have the unique ability to scatter the received signal back to the interrogator without prior knowledge of the source location. In addition to this unique feature, the proposed system can receive any polarization and always retransmits the signal that is orthogonally polarized with respect to the received polarization state. This added feature helps to maintain a more stable communication link between the RDA and the interrogator by mitigating the polarization mismatch loss. The proposed system shows excellent retrodirectivity for various received linear and circular polarizations.
Effects of Five Experimental Treatments on Stuttering

Twenty adult stutterers were exposed to each of five experimental treatments: time-out, noise, delayed auditory feedback (DAF), “wrong” and metronome. In each session a subject spoke for 20 minutes...
Extending RD-OPT with global thresholding for JPEG optimization

In this paper, the RD-OPT algorithm for optimizing discrete cosine transform quantization tables [Ratnakar and Livny, 1995] is extended to incorporate global thresholding. Performance gains are possible by zeroing off some DCT coefficients in DCT-based image compression. We describe a global thresholding scheme, in which the zeroing thresholds for coefficients can be arbitrarily different from those determined by the quantization table. Unlike local thresholding [Crouse and Ramchandran, 1995], the zeroing decisions are not made separately for each image block. This simplifies the use of thresholding, is easier to optimize and is almost as effective as local thresholding.
An adaptive-topology neural architecture and algorithm for nonlinear system identification

Neural-based nonlinear system identification and control suffer from the problem of slow convergence. The selection of a suitable architecture for a problem is made through trial and error. There is a need for an algorithm that would provide an efficient solution to these problems. One possible solution is presented. The network is built slowly in a step-by-step fashion. This evolving architecture methodology allocates a certain number of nodes that avoid training on outliers and, at the same time, provide sufficient complexity for the approximation of a data set. Through simulation examples it is shown that this algorithm also exhibits faster convergence properties than the usual multi-layered neural network algorithms. >
Conservative Versus Progressive Orthodoxy in Latter 19th Century Congregationalism

During the 19th century a concept, in itself neither religious nor anti-religious, modified the thought of a great number of Americans. This was the concept of gradual development. One application of this concept, which had a profound effect upon Congregational thought, was the assumption that insight into religious truth comes only gradually. This view seemed to threaten all formulations of tradition and all embodiments of revelation which had been assumed to be final and complete. Another concept, closely related to that of development, also gravely disturbed the New England theology of the latter 19th century. There was a revival of stress on the immanence of God within the created world. For certain Congregationalists, divine influence upon man came to be viewed as working wholly through the channels of natural law and natural growth, rather than by sudden invasion from without. To conservatives, this stress seemed to blur a central truth in evangelical theology, the perilous chasm between sinful men and the holy, judging God.
HISTORICAL LIGHT CURVES FOR THREE SEYFERT GALAXIES.

The history of optical variability has been investigated for three Seyfert galaxies. All three of these galaxies, Markarian 464, Markarian 766, and Markarian 841, were found to be variable with ranges between 1.0 and 2.0 mag. One of these galaxies, Markarian 766, exhibits significant variability on a time scale of days. Thus, the optical variability for this galaxy is similar to that observed for BL Lacertae objects.
Foliar water uptake: a common water acquisition strategy for plants of the redwood forest

Evaluations of plant water use in ecosystems around the world reveal a shared capacity by many dif- ferent species to absorb rain, dew, or fog water directly into their leaves or plant crowns. This mode of water uptake provides an important water subsidy that relieves foliar water stress. Our study provides the first comparative evaluation of foliar uptake capacity among the dominant plant taxa from the coast redwood ecosystem of California where crown-wetting events by summertime fog frequently occur during an otherwise drought-prone season. Previous research demonstrated that the dominant overstory tree species, Sequoia sempervirens, takes up fog water by both its roots (via drip from the crown to the soil) and directly through its leaf surfaces. The present study adds to these early findings and shows that 80% of the dominant species from the redwood forest exhibit this foliar uptake water acquisition strategy. The plants studied include canopy trees, understory ferns, and shrubs. Our results also show that foliar uptake provides direct hydration to leaves, increasing leaf water content by 2-11%. In addition, 60% of redwood forest species investigated demonstrate noc- turnal stomatal conductance to water vapor. Such findings indicate that even species unable to absorb water directly into their foliage may still receive indirect benefits from nocturnal leaf wetting through suppressed transpiration. For these species, leaf-wetting events enhance the efficacy of nighttime re-equilibration with available soil water and therefore also increase pre-dawn leaf water potentials.
What's in the "old boys" network? Accessing social capital in gendered and racialized networks

Abstract Network processes have long been implicated in the reproduction of labor market inequality, but it remains unclear whether white male networks provide more social capital resources than female and minority networks. Analysis of nationally representative survey data reveals that people in white male networks receive twice as many job leads as people in female/minority networks. White male networks are also comprised of higher status connections than female/minority networks. The information and status benefits of membership in these old boy networks accrue to all respondents and not just white men. Furthermore, gender homophilous contacts offer greater job finding assistance than other contacts. The results specify how social capital flows through gendered and racialized networks.
Solutions of Asymptotically Linear Operator Equations via Morse Theory.

Abstract : In this paper, we use the classical Morse theory of critical points to study the existence and multiplicity of solutions of a class of asymptotically linear operator equations. As special cases, we include multiplicity results for semilinear elliptic BVP's, as well as existence and multiplicity of periodic solutions of semilinear wave equation and of Hamiltonian systems. These results simplify and complement recent work of Amann Zehnder and Castro Lazer. (Author)
Integrated Anaerobic Digester and Fuel Cell Power Generation System for Community Use

New York State is expected to experience future population growth that is increasingly concentrated in urban areas, where there is already a heavy burden on the existing energy, water and waste management infrastructure. To meet aggressive environmental standards (such as that established by the State’s “80x50” goal), future electrical power capacity must produce substantially fewer greenhouse gas emissions than currently generated by coal- or natural gas-fired power plants. Currently, biogas is combusted to produce heat and electricity via an internal combustion engine generator set. A conventional internal combustion engine generator set is 22–45 % efficient in converting methane to electricity, thus wasting 65–78 % of the biogas energy content unless the lower temperature heat can be recovered. Fuel cells, on the other hand, are 40–60 % efficient in converting methane to electrical energy, and 80–90 % efficient for cogeneration if heat (> 400 °C) is recovered and utilized for heating and cooling in the community power system. This current research studies the feasibility of a community biomass-to-electricity power system which offers significant environmental, economic and resilience improvements over centrally-generated energy, with the additional benefit of reducing or eliminating disposal costs associated with landfills and publicly-owned treatment works (POTWs). Flame Fuel Cell (FFC) performance was investigated while modifying biogas content and fuel flow rate. A maximum power density peak at 748 mWcm-2 and an OCV of 0.856 V was achieved. It should be noted that the performance obtained with the model biofuel is comparable to the performances of direct methane fueled DC-SOFC and SC-SOFC. The common trends also concluded an acceptable range for optimal performance. Although the methane to CO2 ratios of 3:7 and 2:8 produced power, they are not the strongest ratios to have optimal performance, meaning that operation should stay between the 6:4/4:6 ratio range. Lastly, the amount of air added to the biogas mixture is crucial to achieving the optimal performance of the cell. The data obtained confirmed the feasibility of a biofuel driven fuel cell CHP device capable of achieving higher efficiency than existing technologies. The significant power output produced from the sustainable biogas composition is competitive with current hydrocarbon fuel sources. This idea can be expanded for a community waste management infrastructure.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Using the Native American Talking Circle: Experiential learning on ethnic and cultural diversity of Southern California

Talking Circles are a method of group communication used by Native American tribes (such as the Iroquois and Cherokee) to settle disputes, educate, tell stories and make decisions. When considering the practice in the context of social work with groups, there are distinctions that are uniquely Native American in philosophy and culture. Talking circles have gained in popularity as a groupwork method. A talking circle was adapted as teaching tool to help students explore ethnic diversity in a racially and ethnically diverse California university. The exercise was introduced in a MSW Human Behavior (HBSE) course; the session focused on ethnocentrism and racism. Analysis of student reflections indicated participants felt safe to express themselves in the circle. Participants described both emotional and intellectual connections to peers. Through the sharing of personal stories, experiences and challenges, participants had a chance to both teach and learn about each other’s ethnic heritage and struggles.
Organometal Trihalide Perovskite Single Crystals: A Next Wave of Materials for 25% Efficiency Photovoltaics and Applications Beyond?

Hybrid perovskite single crystals have been recently revealed to have superior optoelectronic properties to perovskite polycrystalline thin films, especially the extraordinarily long carrier diffusion length due to the eliminated grain boundaries. One question that naturally arises is whether the single crystal hybrid perovskites can be a next wave of photoactive materials for even higher-efficiency devices. This Perspective presents an overview of the historic evolution in understanding of carrier diffusion length in CH3NH3PbI3, the initial investigations of the synthesis of single crystalline hybrid perovskites, and the characterization of their optoelectronic properties. Our analysis indicates that single crystalline perovskite materials have potential to further boost photovoltaic device power conversion efficiency to 25%. The potential opportunities for the fundamental study of the perovskite intrinsic properties, particularly the carrier mobility and carrier recombination lifetime, and other fields ...
Face likeability mediates the memory-enhancing effect of face attractiveness in young but not older adults

Evidence of effects of face attractiveness on memory is mixed and little is known about the underlying mechanisms of this relationship. Previous work suggests a possible mediating role of affective responding to faces (i.e., face likeability) on the relationship between face attractiveness and memory. Age-related change in social motivation may reduce the relevance of face attractiveness in older adults, with downstream effects on memory. In the present study, 50 young and 51 older participants were presented with face-trait pairs. Faces varied in attractiveness. Participants then completed a face-trait associative recognition memory task and provided likeability ratings for each face. There was a memory-enhancing effect of face attractiveness in young (but not older) participants, which was partially mediated by face likeability. In addition, more attractive and less attractive (compared to moderately attractive) faces were more likely remembered by both young and older participants. This quadratic effect of face attractiveness on memory was not mediated by face likeability. Findings are discussed in the context of motivational influences on memory that vary with age.
Enzymatic Production of Ribavirin from Pyrimidine Nucleosides by Enterobacter aerogenes AJ 11125

Microorganisms that produce ribavirin(1-β-d-ribofuranosyl-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide; virazole®) directly from pyrimidine nucleosides and TCA (1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide) were screened from our stock cultures. Of the 400 strains tested, 16 were isolated as ribavirin-producers from uridine or cytidine. In particular, Enterobacter aerogenes AJ 11125, Bacillus brevis AJ 1282 and Sarcina lutea AJ 1212 were found to possess potent activities of ribavirin production from them. In the presence of intact cells of Enterobacter aerogenes AJ 11125, which was selected as the best strain, 110.2mm and 67.6 mm ribavirin were produced from uridine and cytidine, respectively, on 96 hr reaction at 60°C. In addition, this strain could also produce ribavirin from guanosine, but could not produce it from orotidine, which is also a pyrimidine nucleoside.
The Impact of Everyday Discrimination and Racial Identity Centrality on African American Medical Student Well-Being: a Report from the Medical Student CHANGE Study

Positive psychological well-being is an important predictor of and contributor to medical student success. Previous work showed that first-year African American medical students whose self-concept was highly linked to their race (high racial identity centrality) were at greater risk for poor well-being. The current study extends this work by examining (a) whether the psychological impact of racial discrimination on well-being depends on African American medical students' racial identity centrality and (b) whether this process is explained by how accepted students feel in medical school. This study used baseline data from the Medical Student Cognitive Habits and Growth Evaluation (CHANGE) Study, a large national longitudinal cohort study of 4732 medical students at 49 medical schools in the USA (n = 243). Regression analyses were conducted to test whether medical student acceptance mediated an interactive effect of discrimination and racial identity centrality on self-esteem and well-being. Both racial identity centrality and everyday discrimination were associated with negative outcomes for first-year African American medical students. Among participants who experienced higher, but not lower, levels of everyday discrimination, racial identity centrality was associated with negative outcomes. When everyday discrimination was high, but not low, racial identity was negatively related to perceived acceptance in medical school, and this in turn was related to increased negative outcomes. Our results suggest that discrimination may be particularly harmful for African American students who perceive their race to be central to their personal identity. Additionally, our findings speak to the need for institutional change that includes commitment and action towards inclusivity and the elimination of structural racism.
Chemical and Biological Characterization of the Lipopolysaccharide of Bacteroides fragilis Subspecies fragilis

Bacterial lipopolysaccharides extracted from Bacteroides fragilis subspecies fragilis lacked 2-keto-3-deoxyoctonate and heptose, sugars which make up part of the inner core of most bacterial endotoxins. Over 98% of the lipid portion of this material could be removed easily with chloroform-methanol and alcohol, a finding which indicates a loose association between the polysaccharide and lipid moieties. The lipopolysaccharides caused gelation of limulus lysate at a concentration significantly higher than that for the endotoxin of Salmonella typhi. None of the extracts was lethal in 10-day-old chick embryos at doses of > 200 jag per egg, whereas the endotoxin of Neisseria meningitidis was lethal at a dose of 1.2 jig per egg. The local Shwartzman reaction could not be induced by levels of B. fragilis endotoxin of up to 1,000 [tg per rabbit, whereas a (control) endotoxin of S. typhi induced this phenomenon at a level of 3 jtg per rabbit. Intact oxygen-killed B. fragilis failed to provoke the local Shwartzman reaction at doses of 2,500 jig. These results indicate that B. fragilis has a lipopolysaccharide different from that of most gram-negative bacteria. Although it retains some of the chemical and biologic properties of classical endotoxin, it seems to lack others. This observation
Inbreeding depression doesn't matter: the genetic basis of mating-system evolution

Models of mating-system evolution commonly assume that inbreeding depression is independent of the genotype at loci determining the mating system. Because of the association that develops between genotypes at different loci in inbred populations, an individual that is heterozygous at a mating-type locus is more likely to be heterozygous at a fitness locus than is a randomly chosen individual. A modifier model for the evolution of self-fertilization in plants demonstrates that inbreeding depression is not an adequate descriptor of the relative fitness of inbred and outbred progeny. If inbreeding depression is primarily a result of segregation at overdominant loci, intermediate rates of self-fertilization may be favored, even if the inbreeding depression is less than 30%. Indeed, in some cases, mutants that cause some outcrossing can be introduced into completely selfing populations when the inbreeding depression is as little as 1%. If inbreeding depression is primarily a result of the expression of recessive lethals in inbred progeny, selfing can evolve in an initially random mating population, even when the inbreeding depression is over 70%.
Perceived hassles and uplifts among nursing home residents

30 nursing home residents identified their top 10 hassles and uplifts. The results tend to support earlier findings with this unique population. Recommendations for counselors are also briefly disc...
Influencing factors of the clinical efficacy of operation for severe hypospadias

Objective To analyze the influencing factors of the clinical efficacy of operation for severe hypospadias. Methods Clinical data of 102 cases with severe hypospadias from Jan 2012 to Dec 2013 were retrospectively analyzed, and all patients were divided into successful group of 66 cases and failure group of 36 cases. Influencing factors of the clinical efficacy of operation for severe hypospadias were analyzed. Results Proportions of age 5 years old, one-stage operation, penoscrotal hypospadias, urethral defect length ≤ 3 mm, rapaired by foreskin flap and scrotal flap with vessel pedicle of successful group were higher than failure group(P 0.01). ConclusionInfluencing factors of the clinical efficacy of operation for severe hypospadias include age, modus operandi, type of hypospadias, the length of the urethral defect, and urethral repair material.
The Search for Well-Being: From Ancient to Modern Times

Life satisfaction, quality of life, and happiness are three states of being that contribute to personal and collective well-being. The pursuit of well-being has been one of the most enduring and difficult to achieve quests for people now living and for those of the past. In the main, the quest has taken four forms: (1) arriving at a more complete understanding of nature and the meaning of well-being; (2) identifying the various pathways that have been used to attain well-being; (3) identifying the major social, political, economic, religious, and ideological obstacles encountered in the search for well-being; and (4) overcoming those obstacles and moving toward progressively higher levels of well-being.
Resistance is futile: overcoming resistance to targeted therapies in lung adenocarcinoma

The advent of genomics has led to the identification of specific "driver" mutations in oncogenic kinases, and the development of targeted small molecule inhibitors to block their tumor-driving functions. These specific inhibitors have been a clinical success, and often significantly prolong the lives of individuals with cancer. Inevitably, however, the treated tumors recur as resistance to these targeted therapies develops. Here, we review the major mechanisms by which a cancer cell can evade targeted therapy, focusing on mechanisms of resistance to kinase inhibitors in lung cancer. We discuss the promising concept of rational upfront polytherapy in lung cancer, which involves concurrently targeting multiple proteins in critical signaling pathways in a cancer cell to prevent or delay resistance.
An atlas-based organ dose estimator for tomosynthesis and radiography

The purpose of this study was to provide patient-specific organ dose estimation based on an atlas of human models for twenty tomosynthesis and radiography protocols. The study utilized a library of 54 adult computational phantoms (age: 18-78 years, weight 52-117 kg) and a validated Monte-Carlo simulation (PENELOPE) of a tomosynthesis and radiography system to estimate organ dose. Positioning of patient anatomy was based on radiographic positioning handbooks. The field of view for each exam was calculated to include relevant organs per protocol. Through simulations, the energy deposited in each organ was binned to estimate normalized organ doses into a reference database. The database can be used as the basis to devise a dose calculator to predict patient-specific organ dose values based on kVp, mAs, exposure in air, and patient habitus for a given protocol. As an example of the utility of this tool, dose to an organ was studied as a function of average patient thickness in the field of view for a given exam and as a function of Body Mass Index (BMI). For tomosynthesis, organ doses can also be studied as a function of x-ray tube position. This work developed comprehensive information for organ dose dependencies across tomosynthesis and radiography. There was a general exponential decrease dependency with increasing patient size that is highly protocol dependent. There was a wide range of variability in organ dose across the patient population, which needs to be incorporated in the metrology of organ dose.
Personalisation, Personalised Learning and the Reform of Social Policy

The advent of social media has heralded a re-imagination of the public means for education and scholarship involving a shift away from passive consumption of text and image to pedagogies of creative P2P collaboration where a the ‘user’ becomes a creator of digital content and digital media. This shift is related to a significant refurnishing of communicative economies – new open systems of peer knowledge production, learning and education that permit and enable the creation of digital content.
Reduction of Injection-Induced Pore-Pressure and Stress in Basement Rocks Due to Basal Sealing Layers

Our previous study (Chang and Segall, J Geophys Res Solid Earth 121(4):2708–2726, 2016a) demonstrated that diffusion of pore-pressure and stress into basement rocks can cause slip on deep faults, potentially inducing seismicity. Recent studies suggest that the presence of a bottom-sealing layer between the injection horizon and basement will reduce the magnitude of injection-induced pore-pressure in the basement due to contrasts in permeability and/or storage capacity. In this study, we examine the role of basal sealing horizons in induced seismicity on basement faults by adding a layer beneath the reservoir into the two-dimensional, fully coupled poroelastic model developed previously. We consider two types of basal seals: (1) a low-permeability seal and (2) a high-storativity seal. The analysis of the spatio-temporal change in Coulomb stress and time-dependent rate of earthquake nucleation confirms that both types of seal inhibit direct pore-pressure diffusion into basement rocks, but poroelastic stresses are still transmitted, potentially inducing earthquakes. The high-storativity seal reduces the transmission of poroelastic stresses into the basement, minimizing seismicity on basement faults in comparison to the low-permeability seal.
Plant Physiological Ecology

-- Plant Science The growth, reproduction and geographical distribution of plants are profoundly influenced by their physiological ecology: the interaction with the surrounding physical, chemical and biological environments. This textbook is notable in emphasizing that the mechanisms underlying plant physiological ecology can be found at the levels of biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology and whole-plant physiology. At the same time, the integrative power of physiological ecology is well-suited to assess the costs, benefits and consequences of modifying plants for human needs, and to evaluate the role of plants in ecosystems. Plant Physiological Ecology begins with the primary processes of carbon metabolism and transport, plant-water relations, and energy balance. After considering individual leaves and whole plants, these physiological processes are then scaled up to the level of the canopy. Subsequent chapters discuss mineral nutrition and the ways in which plants cope with nutrient-deficient or toxic soils. The book then looks at patterns of growth and allocation, life-history traits, and interactions between plants and other organisms. Later chapters deal with traits that affect decomposition of plant material and with plant physiological ecology at the level of ecosystems and global environmental processes. Plant Physiological Ecology features numerous boxed entries that provide extended discussions of selected issues, a glossary, and numerous references to the primary and review literature. The significant new text is suitable for use in plant ecology courses, as well as classes ranging from plant physiology to plant molecular
Uses of The “Technical” Language of Tradition for Constructing Memory and Identity in Early Christian Communities

A close examination of the language of tradition (παράδοσις, παραδίδωμι, παραλαμβάνω) in the texts of the NT reveals that this language rarely occurs in proximity to the recording of actual traditi...
Avoidable Ignorance and the Ethics of Risk in Child Welfare

Sources of risk to children include far more than risk of harm to children from biological parents. Key opportunities to reveal and decrease avoidable ignorance that contribute to avoidable risk to...
Molecular analysis of endotracheal tube biofilms and tracheal aspirates in the pediatric intensive care unit.

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a known complication of mechanically ventilated children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Endotracheal tube (ETT) biofilms are often implicated in the development of VAP by providing a conduit for pathogens to the lower respiratory tract. Methods: A prospective cohort study from April 2010–March 2011 of children 4 weeks to 18 years of age ventilated for greater than 72 hours to determine the microbiota of ETT biofilms and tracheal aspirates. Results: Thirty-three patients were included with a mean age of 6.1 years (SD ± 5.1 years) and average length of intubation of 8.8 days (SD ± 5.0 days). Bacterial communities from tracheal aspirates and the proximal and distal ends of ETTs were determined using 16S rRNA gene libraries. Statistical analysis utilized two-part statistics and the Wilcoxon signed rank sum test for comparison of bacterial communities. Sequencing revealed a predominance of oropharyngeal microbiota including Prevotella and Streptococcus spp. Pathogenic bacterial genera including Staphylococcus, Burkholderia, Moraxella, and Haemophilus were also represented. Bacterial load was greatest at the proximal aspect of the ETT. Duration of intubation did not significantly impact bacterial load. Morisita Horn analysis across sites showed similar communities in 24/33 (72%) of patients. Conclusions: ETT biofilms and tracheal aspirates of intubated patients in the PICU primarily consisted of oropharyngeal microbiota, but had a significant representation of potentially pathogenic genera. While the majority of patients had similar microbiota when comparing their ETT biofilms and tracheal aspirates, a subset of patients showed a divergence between communities that requires further investigation.
Addressing the Vitalist’s Challenge to Mechanistic Science: Dynamic Mechanistic Explanation

Vitalists, especially in the nineteenth century, correctly objected that mechanists’ explanations in biology lacked the resources to explain important features of biological phenomena. As some mechanists, especially Claude Bernard, recognized, the key to addressing these objections was to incorporate in mechanistic explanations the contribution of organization found in living systems. In particular, it is necessary to understand how non-sequential organization (combined with nonlinear operations) enables mechanisms to exhibit the sort of complex behavior, including endogenously generated behavior, exhibited by living organisms. Non-sequential organization poses a serious problem for human understanding, which characterizes the functioning of mechanisms qualitatively in a step-by-step manner. To understand the effects of non-sequential organization between nonlinear operations requires developing mathematical equations to represent the operations and computational simulations using these equations to determine how various components of the mechanism change depending on their own state and those of other components of the mechanism. Further, analyzing the results of these simulations requires appropriate representations such as the phase-space representations employed in dynamical systems theory. Fortunately, mechanistic science can be coupled with dynamical modeling to yield dynamic mechanistic explanations such as those being proposed in systems biology. These hold the promise of explaining the features of biological phenomena on which the vitalists appropriately focused attention.
Visualization of risk-area myocardium as a high-intensity, hyperenhanced “hot spot” by myocardial contrast echocardiography following coronary reperfusion: Quantitative analysis

Abstract Objectives We examined whether delayed post-injection imaging of a new ultrasound contrast agent (BR-14) could produce prolonged opacification and hyperenhancement of myocardium subjected to coronary occlusion/reperfusion. Background We hypothesized that ultrasound exposure destroyed BR-14 and eliminated visualization of sustained myocardial opacification from retained microbubbles. Methods We studied eight open-chest dogs with 3 h of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) was performed before occlusion and 120 min after the onset of both occlusion and reperfusion. Ultrasound imaging was initiated 15 min after injection. Myocardial blood flow (MBF) was assessed by microspheres. Results Pre-occlusion images revealed uniform opacification of left ventricular myocardium greater than that of the cavity, with a mean intensity of the LAD bed of 8.66 ± 1.38 dB. During occlusion, MCE resulted in the appearance of a perfusion defect in the LAD risk area (intensity 2.08 ± 1.10 dB). After 120 min of reperfusion, the LAD risk-area myocardium manifested dense opacification of a higher intensity (“hot spot”) than baseline (13.7 vs. 8.7 dB), but with reduced MBF consistent with accumulation of a high concentration of microbubbles. Increased MCE intensity was associated with a greater myeloperoxidase score. Conclusions These data establish that contrast opacification by BR-14 may be selectively retained within the perfusion bed of a coronary artery subjected to occlusion/reperfusion. Such opacification exhibits defects with occlusion, manifests hyperenhanced intensity (hot spot) with reperfusion, is associated with the level of myeloperoxidase activity, and conforms to the area of myocardium subjected to altered flow.
A Contemporary Review on the Inequities in the Management of Lung Cancer among the African-American Population

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constitutes approximately 80% of all the lung cancers observed. Despite the aggressive nature of this disease, totally adequate and fully comprehensive treatment yielding outstanding outcomes and survival has yet to be discovered. A uniform means by which to manage NSCLC is only in evolution. Without a universally accepted algorithm upon which clinical decisions can be referenced or compared, differences in the treatment of this disease process can and will exist. Racial bias in the management of NSCLC is being realized as a cause of a substandard delivery of adequate care. Whether this is a newly emerging phenomenon or simply one that is being exposed is unclear. Nevertheless, this inequity in management ranges from the early-to-late stages of NSCLC. The purpose of this manuscript is to explore the reasons behind the differences in the receipt of care for NSCLC that exists between the African-American and Caucasian population.
The endothelial pocket. A new structure in fenestrated endothelia.

A new endothelial cell structure, named the endothelial pocket, has been found by combined transmission and scanning electron microscopic studies of renal peritubular capillaries. Transmission EM observations made on these and other fenestrated capillaries demonstrated that each pocket consists of an attenuated fold of fenestrated endothelium that projects 200 nm into the lumen above the rest of the endothelial surface. Beneath this luminal fold, there is a space and then another layer of fenestrated endothelium which abuts the basal lamina. The linear density of endothelial pockets was measured in the capillaries of the kidney cortex, intestinal mucosa and exocrine pancreas in mice and determined to be 0.067, 0.017 and 0.007 pockets·μm-1 respectively. Cationic ferritin decoration of the anionic sites on the luminal surface of the endothelium in these capillary beds revealed that both unlabelled and labelled diaphragms are clustered. In such specimens, the majority of the luminal diaphragms on endothelial pockets did not have cationic ferritin binding sites detectable by either scanning or transmission EM. On this account as well as on account of their general morphology, endothelial pockets appear to be multifold versions of the simple transendothelial channel.
Relapse after Prolonged Remission in Philadelphia-Like Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

We describe a case of late relapse of Philadelphia-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The patient relapsed several years from diagnosis and responded to second salvage treatment. The case highlights the open questions regarding management of Philadelphia-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Elucidating charge separation in particulate photocatalysts using nearly intrinsic semiconductors with small asymmetric band bending

Photocatalytic water splitting using particulate suspensions is a promising approach for achieving large-scale production of renewable hydrogen fuels. Previous studies have hypothesized that band energy levels of such photocatalysts in water are both flat and symmetrical, and charge separation in such photocatalysts is driven by random charge carrier diffusion. However, it is not well understood how the observed asymmetry of carrier diffusion is achieved during photocatalysis. To fully understand this charge separation process, we used double-side polished, intrinsic silicon as a model light absorber and manipulated the direction of charge-carrier diffusion using combinations of carrier-selective contacts. Degenerately p-type doped and n-type doped silicon, along with the as-grown and annealed TiO2 overlayers grown by atomic layer deposition, was used as carrier selective back and front contacts, respectively. The protective TiO2 layers along with nickel oxide co-catalysts enabled bi-functional, stable silicon photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution and water oxidation in alkaline solution. A device simulation was applied to analyse the experimental results and further gain understanding on the charge separation process in photocatalysts involving semiconductor/liquid junctions. Combined experimental and simulation studies indicated that the contacts established asymmetric band bending inside the intrinsic silicon layer and drove directional charge separation, primarily carrier diffusion. By scaling down the thickness of the silicon layer in the simulation, analogies of charge separation in particulate photocatalysts can be drawn. Based on the findings from intrinsic silicon, we further revealed that photocatalysts generally do require asymmetric band bending to drive diffusional charge separation and that a small band edge offset of 0.45 eV between reductive and oxidative catalytic sites can provide a sufficient, steady-state photovoltage of over 1.23 V for overall water splitting by using a model SrTiO3 absorber. This study provides insightful guidance for designing efficient and stable particulate photocatalysts especially those using Si and III–V semiconductors with protective layers such as TiO2.
Bottom-Up Fabrication of Multilayer Enteric Devices for the Oral Delivery of Peptides

To develop a planar, asymmetric, micro-scale oral drug delivery vehicle by i) fabricating microdevice bodies with enteric materials, ii) efficiently and stably loading sensitive drug molecules, and iii) capping microdevices for controlled drug release. Picoliter-volume inkjet printing was used to fabricate microdevices through additive manufacturing via drop-by-drop deposition of enteric polymer materials. Microdevice bodies with reservoirs are fabricated through deposition of an enteric polymer, Eudragit FS 30 D. A model API, insulin, was loaded into each microdevice and retained its stability during printing and release. Eudragit L 100 and/or S 100 were used to cap microdevices and control the kinetics of insulin release in simulated intestinal conditions. Microdevice morphologies and size can be tuned on the fly based on printing parameters to span from the microscale to the mesoscale. Insulin retained its stability throughout device fabrication and during in vitro release in simulated intestinal conditions. Insulin release kinetics, from burst release to no release, can be tailored by controlling the blend of the Eudragit capping material. This approach represents a uniquely scalable and flexible strategy for microdevice fabrication that overcomes limitations in loading sensitive biologics and in the tuneability of device geometries that are inherent to traditional microfabrication strategies.
Quantitative Analysis of Eicosanoids by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Eicosanoids are metabolic products derived from polyunsaturated straight-chain C 20 carboxylic acids. The most abundant substrate in humans is arachidonic acid (AA), a physiological component of the plasma membrane. Following stimulation, AA is released from an ester linkage to phospholipids and oxygenated into an array of compounds whose biological importance has been well established in vitro. On the other hand, the investigation of their potential role in human pathology depends upon assessment of their formation in vivo. Alterations in eicosanoid biosynthesis in pathological conditions and the functional consequences of their pharmacological inhibition or antagonism have indicated their pathophysiological role in vivo1–5. Specific and sensitive assays for eicosanoids have been required to address these issues.
Special Session: Does Approximation Make Testing Harder (or Easier)?

Many important application domains, including machine learning, feature intrinsically noise tolerant algorithms. These algorithms process massive, yet noisy and redundant data, by probabilistic and often iterative techniques. As a result, there is a range of valid outputs rather than a single golden value. While this may translate into relaxed constraints for testing and verification of approximate systems, distinguishing actual design bugs from what is being approximated also becomes harder. In this paper, using representative case studies, we pose several challenges for the test and verification community as approximate computing becomes more prevalent as a design of choice in order to achieve performance gains, power or energy savings, improved reliability or reduced software and/or hardware complexity.
Associations between macular pigment, iris color and reflectance, ethnicity, and color vision: An observational study.

Purpose Conflicting findings exist in the literature with regard to the relationship between iris color, ethnicity, macular pigment optical density (MPOD), and hue discrimination. This study re-examined these relationships, accounting for factors that may have confounded prior studies. Clinically, the relationship between MPOD and hue discrimination may impact the utility of macular pigment supplementation as a treatment for conditions such as macular degeneration. Methods Subjects (n = 30, mean/SD age = 25.1/2.5 yrs.) with normal color vision completed MPOD testing and Farnsworth-Munsell 100 hue (FM100) testing. MPOD data was derived from the average of three measurements using the QuantifEYE II device and FM100 testing included training runs. The total error score of the FM100 test was used for analysis. Iris color was determined subjectively, while iris reflectance was derived using calibrated iris images. Spearman correlations were used to determine the relationship between MPOD and FM100 test scores. Kruskal-Wallis testing was used to investigate MPOD differences among different ethnicities and iris colors. Results MPODs were normally distributed with a mean/SD = 0.38/0.13. Total error scores had a mean/SD of 10.7/9.7, but were not normally distributed. Iris reflectances had a mean/SD = 11.0/8.7. MPODs were not correlated to total error scores (p = 0.93). MPODs were also not correlated with iris reflectances (p = 0.28) even though MPODs differed significantly by iris color (brown = 0.44, hazel = 0.31, blue = 0.33, p = 0.04). Iris reflectances were not correlated with total error scores (p = 0.68). MPODs differed significantly (p = 0.003) between Asian and Caucasian subjects, 0.44 and 0.33, respectively. Conclusions This study did not find a correlation between MPOD and hue discrimination as in some previous studies. While MPOD was associated with iris color and ethnicity as found in prior studies, it was not associated with iris reflectance, which may be a better indicator of ocular pigmentation compared to either iris color or ethnicity.
Nursing Home Social Services and Post-Acute Care: Does More Qualified Staff Improve Behavioral Symptoms and Reduce Antipsychotic Drug Use?

Abstract Objectives An increasing number of post-acute care patients are admitted to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) with behavioral symptoms such as wandering and rejecting care, which can interfere with care and place a patient at risk of social isolation or injury. This study examines whether increasing the qualifications of social service staff through using a greater proportion of qualified social workers (QSWs) instead of paraprofessionals improves patients' behavioral symptoms and reduces the use of antipsychotic medications. Design Secondary data analysis of national data drawn from the Minimum Data Set, Medicare Beneficiary Summary File, and Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reporting surveys. Setting and participants Newly admitted, Medicare fee-for-service patients aged ≥65 years who received post-acute care after a hospitalization from 2011-2015 (1,201,096 patient admissions in 5383 unique SNFs). Methods A regression discontinuity approach is used to identify how changes in the qualifications of social service staffing affect changes in patient outcomes, through exploiting a federal regulation that requires 1 full-time QSW for SNFs with at least 121 beds. Results SNFs with a greater proportion of QSWs improved behavioral symptoms that affected residents or others and reduced the use of antipsychotic medications. Marginally significant improvements were also found in patients' rejecting care, wandering, and having any behavioral symptoms. There was no statistically significant change in delusions. Conclusions and implications Although the focus of most research and effects on improving patient outcomes in SNFs has focused on nursing staff, our results underscore the importance of staffing in social services. Specifically, social service staff with higher qualifications are integral to improving care through reducing patients' behavioral symptoms and avoiding the use of antipsychotic medications. It may be time for SNFs to revisit efforts to improve staffing in social services.