cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Culture and entrepreneurial opportunity in high- and low-entrepreneurship rural communities: Challenging the discovery/creation divide

Purpose This paper aims to underscore the role of culture in situating and embedding opportunistic action differently in high- and low-entrepreneurship communities in the USA. It challenges the idea that opportunity is either exclusively discovered or created – two themes commonly found in the literature. Design/methodology/approach The approach utilizes a multiple case study across one high- and one low-entrepreneurship community in rural areas in each of three states – Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Maine. Community profiling, key informant interviews and survey analysis with entrepreneurs and local institutional actors are used to develop a greater understanding of how these individuals conceptualize and utilize opportunity in ways that lead to entrepreneurship development. Findings Quantitative and qualitative findings are presented supporting the idea that in these rural areas, discovery and creation fail to capture the nuances of how entrepreneurs think about opportunistic action. Practical implications This research offers insights for both researchers and practitioners about more effective ways to think about entrepreneurial opportunity and provides a glimpse as to how different community actors may hold different, but equally-valid, views on how opportunity arises – an idea with significant policy and practice implications. Originality/value The research contributes empirical support challenging the current discussion on entrepreneurial opportunity and advances the conversation as it pertains to rural entrepreneurship development using original research from the field.
Building Capacity for Latino/Hispanic Volunteer Engagement

Hispanics have become the largest ethnic minority group in the United States. Within that population there are vast diversities of culture that vary not only by country of origin, but by the regions and ethnicities within those countries. Designing programs to attract the participants and meet the needs of Latinos and their families is essential to 4-H’s future outreach program success. King County Extension Youth Development 4-H program has developed a program that provides volunteerism training based on awareness of the community that youth and adult participants serve. Results suggest that volunteer training helps participants become more prepared. They develop the knowledge and skills needed for planning, implementing a program, and applying their individual talents as well as mentoring strengths. This article describes how newly skilled Latinos participating in volunteerism training demonstrated and practiced what they learned with responsibility and inspiration for children at an elementary school in SeaTac, Washington.
Cervical Myelopathy Caused by Bilateral Persistence of the First Intersegmental Arteries

This is a condition of compression myelopathy due to bilateral persistence of the first intersegmental artery (vertebral artery anomaly).
Initiation and duration of Grampian orogenesis constrained by refined Sm–Nd garnet geochronology of the Ballantrae ophiolite, Scotland

We report the results of Sm–Nd garnet geochronology on a mafic granulite from the metamorphic sole of the Ballantrae Ophiolite, Scotland. The resultant age of 477.6 ± 1.9 Ma (2σ) is interpreted to represent the obduction of the Ballantrae Ophiolite and the onset of the Grampian phase of the Caledonian Orogeny in Scotland. Thermodynamic modelling indicates peak conditions of c . 825°C and at least 10 kbar for the unit. In conjunction with a biostratigraphic constraint on metamorphic garnet deposition in sediments at 465 ± 2.5 Ma, this new age more precisely constrains the duration of Grampian metamorphism in Scotland to 12.6 ± 3.1 myr (2σ). In combination with this new age, previous geochronological work on sillimanite-zone garnet indicates a time-averaged initial heating rate of 106 ± 78°C myr −1 (2σ), a rapid rate that may be inconsistent with orogenic self-heating via crustal overthickening alone. The calculated heating rate for the associated garnet zone is also rapid and more precisely constrained at 47 ± 14°C myr −1 (2σ). These results together with the short overall duration of the event support the idea that the Grampian phase of the Caledonian Orogeny in Scotland included both rapid heating and correspondingly fast exhumation.
Patient Perspectives on Gene Transfer Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic genetic disease with high morbidity and early mortality; it affects nearly 100,000 individuals in the USA. Bone marrow transplantation, the only curative treatment, is available to less than 20% of patients because of a number of access barriers. Gene transfer therapy (GTT) has been shown to be curative in animal models and is approved for use in humans for early-phase studies at a few centers. GTT would offer a more accessible treatment option available to all patients. It is important to understand patient perspectives on GTT to help ensure human clinical trial success. Two focus groups were conducted with younger (18–30 years) and older (31 years and older) adults with SCD to obtain data on patient knowledge and beliefs about GTT. Data from these two focus groups was used to develop a GTT educational brochure. A third focus group was conducted to obtain participant feedback on acceptability and feasibility of education and the brochure. Most adults, especially young adults, had little knowledge about GTT and expressed fear and uncertainty about the side effects of chemotherapy (e.g., hair loss, infertility), use of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-derived viral vector, and potential for cancer risk. Participants wanted full transparency in educational materials, but advised researchers not to share the vector’s relation to HIV because of cultural stigma and no HIV virus is used for the GTT vector. Older adults had more desire to participate in human clinical GTT trials than younger participants. When recruiting for trials, researchers should develop GTT educational materials that address participant lack of trust in the healthcare system, cultural beliefs, fears related to side effects, and include visual illustrations. Use of such materials will provide adults with SCD the information they need to fully evaluate GTT.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Ocular Pain: the Ophthalmologist’s Perspective

The aim of this review is to help ophthalmologists and other clinicians understand and treat ocular neuropathic pain. Advances in the field of neurophysiology of ocular sensations explain why some cases of dry eye may represent a pain syndrome rather than a problem related to tear status. Principles related to management of pain syndromes such as persistent post-operative pain and complex regional pain syndrome are relevant to the care of these patients. Specific strategies for the ophthalmologist, including multimodal therapy comprised of local and systemic approaches, can be helpful in the care of patients with problematic ocular pain. Rather than dismiss these syndromes and these patients, ophthalmologists can serve these patients and the profession well by incorporating an understanding of ocular neuropathic pain into their practice and by collaboration in the care of patients with problematic ocular pain.
GaN DHFETs Having 48% Power Added Efficiency and 57% Drain Efficiency at $V$ -Band

We report the state-of-the-art $V$ -band power performance of a scaled 40-nm gate length Al0.23Ga0.77N/AlN/GaN/Al0.08Ga0.92N double heterojunction field effect transistor (DHFET). The $200~\mu \text{m}$ ( $4\times 50 ~\mu \text{m}$ ) wide GaN DHFETs pre-matched for $V$ -band (57–64 GHz) have demonstrated an output power of 376 mW (1.88 W/mm) with 48% power-added efficiency (PAE), 57% drain efficiency, and more than 8 dB of associated gain measured at a frequency of 59 GHz. These results represent to the best of our knowledge the best combination of power and PAE reported to date at this frequency for a solid-state device. These results were achieved through optimization of the GaN heterostructure, which incorporates a low aluminum content back-barrier for electron confinement through polarization effects, a vertically scaled Al0.23Ga0.77N/AlN gate barrier stack for minimization of short-channel effects, and a selective n+ GaN ohmic re-growth process by molecular beam epitaxy for reduction of parasitic resistance.
The tangled roots of real estate markets, the state, and public education

In this article, I use a case study of education in nineteenth-century Oregon to place the twentieth-century phenomenon of ‘shopping for schools’ within a broader historical context. In doing so, I...
All-directions through the wall imaging using a small number of moving omnidirectional transceivers

Current through-the-wall imaging systems rely on large arrays of directive antennas to map buildings' interiors and hidden objects with a high cross range resolution. This paper introduces a new technique for through-the-wall radar imaging in which instead of large antenna arrays which reduces the mobility of the system, a small number of moving transceivers with omnidirectional antennas is utilized to form a large synthetic array. This enables high mobility for the system and can provide 360° image of the building in a short time. Moving receivers sample the reflected signals at different positions and form a large synthetic array by applying a beam forming technique to the samples. A bi-static wideband FMCW system realizing the proposed method is introduced in this paper and a sample of imaging is presented. It is shown that using orthogonal circular polarizations can reduce the effects of double reflections in the image.
The True Risks of HRT

Safety concerns about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have been widely publicised and sensationalised, and greatly exaggerated. The main fear is an increased risk of breast cancer with HRT. However, there is no established evidence that HRT is causal. The magnitude of any increased risk is minimal and may be related to the type of progestogen used in combined HRT. Cardiovascular risks are related to the starting dose and age at initiation of HRT as well as to the route of administration and types of hormones used. Most women initiate HRT around the time of their menopause, and for them there are almost no risks. Indeed for these women HRT reduces all-cause mortality, confirming the real safety of this therapy.
THE INFLUENCE OF MACROPHAGE IR GENE FUNCTION ON T & B LYMPHOCYTES

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the influence of macrophage Ir gene function on T & B lymphocytes. Macrophages (MO) are the initial cells to take up antigens prior to their presentation to immunologically specific T lymphocytes. MO do not have to be from immune animals to perform this function. The in vitro studies have revealed that immune lymphocytes do form stable antigen specific clusters around macrophages. These clusters are an essential prerequisite for subsequent antigen-specific T cell proliferation suggesting that physical interactions between MO and lymphocytes are required in an immune response. It is postulated that the site of expression of the histocompatibility-linked Ir genes may be at the level of the MO rather than in the responding T cell. According to this theory, nonresponder macrophages would lack the I-region product needed to process or present the genetically controlled antigen. The chapter reviews the data that supports or refutes this hypothesis. It focuses on the influence of the MO Ir gene function on T cells activation and also presents recent studies on the role of MO and T cells in antibody secretion by B cells.
Implementing a Markov-based Accounts Receivable DSS: A Prototyping Approach

A microcomputer was used to develop a prototype DSS for a Markov-based accounts receivable problem. The DSS was developed for and used by decision makers in a U.S. distribution center for religious articles. Analysis and evaluation of the application reveals that the use of the microcomputer-based DSS helps end users understand the use and decision value of the information provided by Markov analysis, enables decision scientists to demonstrate the usefulness of their methodologies, and helps analysts successfully prototype models on a microcomputer before transferring them to larger systems.
Derivation of Reliable Surface Elevation Measurements from ICESAT/GLAS Waveforms by Incorporating Spatial Contextual Information

ICESat/GLAS provided measurements of Earth surface elevation and its dynamic changes between 2003 and 2009. In this paper, we present a new retracking method that exploits the spatial contextual information from neighboring footprints along the satellite ground track, in addition to the waveform information as in the standard MAP retracking method. Our method utilizes a probabilistic relaxation algorithm to integrate the spatial contextual information with the waveform geometric information to identify the waveform peak that is most likely represent the true surface elevation, rather than simply detecting the peak with the largest magnitude. Our analysis demonstrates that the new probabilistic relaxation retracking method is able to correct the measurement errors of the standard MAP retracking method and produce much more reasonable and consistent elevation measurements for different types of land surfaces (i.e., inland lakes, coastal zones/beaches, deserts, ice sheet, etc.).
Assessing Economic Damages in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Litigation: The State of South Carolina

Abstract This article presents a framework for computing damages in South Carolina personal injury and wrongful death cases including those that are caused by medical malpractice. The analysis is b...
Membrane Potential Depolarization Alters Calcium Flux and Phosphate Signaling During Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Background: Membrane potential (Vmem) changes accompany important events in embryonic development and organ regeneration. Recent studies have pointed to its function as a potent regulator of cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and tissue regeneration. We have previously reported that Vmem depolarization and hyperpolarization control the osteogenic (OS) differentiation potential of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Materials and Methods: In this study, we sought to understand the mechanism(s) underlying voltage regulation of hMSC differentiation. We investigated the role of calcium and phosphate ion flux in the depolarization response of OS-differentiating hMSCs, as these ions are the two major inorganic components of the bone mineral matrix and are indicative of mature osteoblast function. Results: Our results suggest that inorganic phosphate levels play a larger role than calcium flux in mediating hMSC response to depolarization and that the expression of stanniocalcin 1 (STC1), a protein that regulates calcium and phosphate homeostasis in osteoblasts, is functionally required for the depolarization response during the early stages of differentiation. Conclusion: Depolarization alters hMSC differentiation through a phosphate signaling pathway involving STC1. This study enriches our mechanistic understanding of hMSC response to endogenous voltage cues.
Pathogenic and Molecular Relationships among Strains of Xylella fastidiosa from Grapevine and American Elder

Strains of Xylella fastidiosa cause diseases that result in large losses in many economically important plants (1). While all strains of Xylella have been classified into a single species, there is enough strain variability in host range, nutritional fastidiousness, and DNA homology to indicate the need for separation at the pathovar, or subspecies, level (3). Confusing the issue even more is the probability that genetically distinct strains of the bacterium may produce similar symptoms in a common host.
Discrepant Data and Improbable Results: An Examination of Vohs, Mead, and Goode (2006)

A highly cited article by Vohs, Mead, and Goode (2006) reported several experiments in which an incidental reminder of money produced large effects on subsequent behaviors unrelated to money. We at...
Para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS)

para-Aminosalicylic acid (PAS) is one of the oldest anti­tubercular drugs, and first entered clinical use in 1944 (Lehmann, 1946). PAS (chemical structure shown in Figure 131.1), a structural analog of the folate precursor para-­aminobenzoic acid (PABA), is a prodrug that is activated within the Mycobacterium tuberculosis folate biosynthetic pathway and ultimately inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) (Chakraborty et al., 2013; Zheng et al., 2013; reviewed in Minato et al. 2015). Early multidrug therapy regimens including combinations of PAS, streptomycin, and isoniazid resulted in a significant increase in tuberculosis (TB) cure rates relative to mono- and dual therapy regimens (reviewed in Fox, 1979). Until the mid-1960s PAS was a standard component of the first-line multidrug regimen for the treatment of TB. However, PAS treatment was commonly associated with gastrointestinal disturbance and other severe adverse reactions, and was replaced with a better-tolerated companion agent, ethambutol (Ferebee et al., 1966). A subsequently developed gastroresistant delayed-release granule formulation of the free base of PAS (GR-PAS or Paser) has shown significantly reduced gastrointestinal disturbance (Peloquin et al., 1994; Peloquin et al., 1999). In response to the recent global spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR; resistant to isoniazid and rifampin) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR; resistant to isoniazid, rifampin, fluoroquinolones, and any second-line injectable drug) strains of M. tuberculosis, PAS has re-entered antitubercular drug regimens as an important second-line agent (Donald and Diacon, 2015). Figure 131.1 Structure of para-aminosalicylic acid. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781315152110/ab8dce28-617a-47c6-8bc5-aa360149bab9/content/fig131_1.tif"/>
High-Resolution Range-Doppler Maps by Coherent Extension of Narrowband Pulses

The range resolution of radar is inversely proportional to the swept bandwidth. However, this bandwidth may not be available due to a variety of reasons, including spectrum congestion and lack of instantaneous bandwidth despite access to a larger tunable bandwidth. Existing approaches to achieving high-range resolution include bandwidth extrapolation, ultrawideband coherent processing, and spectral splicing of narrowband stepped-frequency pulses. In this article, we achieve high-range resolution of a wideband chirp from a sequence of narrowband pulses using coherent-phase extension of the beat tones of an FMCW dechirper. By phase matching the beat tones across pulse boundaries, the algorithm trades a longer observation interval for a smaller swept bandwidth. Phase matching of the short beat tones is applied in two steps to first obtain the coarse estimate of the beat frequencies which are then used as the starting point in the formation of the range-Doppler map that now enjoys the two-dimensional fast-Fourier transform (2-D-FFT) gain. With this approach, a fraction of the total bandwidth to obtain a range resolution of a wideband chirp is used. Using both simulations and experimental data, the proposed high-resolution algorithm is applied to a narrowband chirp sequence with bandwidth $B$ to generate range-Doppler maps with range resolution corresponding to a wideband chirp sequence of bandwidth $NB$ .
Peace Building through Teacher Leadership.

This case study examines the motivations of, and processes used by teacher leaders to establish a peace program at their middle school. These teacher leaders creatively engaged students in transfor...
Hearing-Impaired Listeners Show Reduced Attention to High-Frequency Information in the Presence of Low-Frequency Information.

Many listeners with sensorineural hearing loss have uneven hearing sensitivity across frequencies. This study addressed whether this uneven hearing loss leads to a biasing of attention to different...
Creative Approaches in Solution-Focused Teletherapy: A COVID-19 Renaissance Man

The impacts of COVID-19 may exacerbate existing client difficulties, propelling clients into simultaneous crises which impact multiple dimensions of daily life, while diminishing self-agency and hope. Expressive arts approaches, embedded in a traditional solution-focused teletherapy framework, were utilized in this clinical case study with a high functioning adult male as a portal to explore exceptions, personal resilience, and benefits of loss over time. This creative solution-focused approach provided the client with salient somatic, intellectual, and spiritual experiences which invited him to reframe crises as opportunities for growth and change, while inspiring a greater sense of hope and personal agency.
Maternal 11-ketoandrostenedione rises through normal pregnancy and is the dominant 11-oxygenated androgen in cord blood

Context Adrenal-derived 11-oxygenated androgens (11oAs) are known important contributors to human physiology and disease but have not been studied in pregnancy. Objective Characterize 11oAs in normal human pregnancy and neonatal period. Assess the ratios between 11oAs and compare with ratios of other steroids that undergo placental metabolism. Design Prospective cohort study, 2010 - 2018. Setting Academic institution. Patients Pairs of pregnant women and newborns (n=120) were studied. Inclusion criteria were: maternal age between 18 and 42 years old, spontaneous singleton pregnancies, and intention to deliver at University of Michigan. Intervention Maternal venous blood was collected during first trimester and at term. Neonatal cord blood was collected following delivery. Steroids were measured via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Main outcome measures Levels of 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11OHA4), 11-ketoandrostenedione (11KA4), 11β-hydroxytestosterone (11OHT), and 11-ketotestoterone (11KT) in maternal first trimester, maternal term, and neonatal cord blood were compared. 11OHA4-to-11KA4 ratios were correlated with cortisol-to-cortisone ratios. Results Dominant 11oAs in pregnancy and the cord blood are 11OHA4 and 11KA4, compared to 11OHA4 and 11KT in adult men and nonpregnant women. We found a rise in 11oA concentrations, particularly 11KA4, from first to third trimester. In cord blood, the concentration of 11KA4 exceeded those of both 11OHA4 and 11KT, reflecting placental 11βHSD2 and 17βHSD2 activities, respectively. 11OHA4-to-11KA4 ratios are concordant with cortisol-to-cortisone ratio across all maternal and fetal compartments, reflecting placental 11βHSD2 activity. Conclusions Placental 17βHSD2 activity defends the fetus against the androgen 11-ketotestosterone. Our normative values may be used in future studies of 11oAs in complicated pregnancies.
Susceptibility of Neisseria meningitidis strains from the civilian population to sulfadiazine, penicillin, and rifampin.

The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of sulfadiazine, penicillin, and rifampin for meningococcal strains isolated from civilians during 1970 were compared. The strains were isolated from various sources and geographical areas and represented several serogroups. The ranges of MIC values were as follows: 0.05 to 20 mg/100 ml for sulfadiazine, 0.01 to 0.4 μg/ml for penicillin, and 0.01 to 0.8 μg/ml for rifampin. There was no significant relationship between MIC values of sensitive or resistant sulfadiazine strains and the MIC values to the other two antimicrobial agents. Comparisons of sulfadiazine MIC values with inhibition zones around sulfathiazole discs showed excellent correlation, provided the strains were separated into sensitive and resistant groups on the basis of growth at 1 mg/100 ml. Regression curves for penicillin and rifampin sensitivity showed homologous sensitive populations with the strains studied.
The Exchange Rate And The Balance of Payments In The Short Run and in The Long Run: A Monetary Approach

This paper analyzes, by way of a dynamic model, the role of momentary asset equilibrium and expectations in the determination of the exchange rate in the short run, and the role of the process of asset accumulation in the determination of the time path from momentary to long-run equilibrium.
Reduction of effective dimensionality in lattice models of superconducting arrays and frustrated magnets

Abstract Some frustrated magnets and superconducting arrays possess unusual symmetries that cause the free energy or other physics of a D -dimensional quantum or classical problem to be that of a different problem in a reduced dimension d D . Examples in two spatial dimensions include the square-lattice p + i p superconducting array, the Heisenberg antiferromagnet on the checkerboard lattice (studied by a combination of 1 / S expansion and numerical transfer matrix), and the ring-exchange superconducting array. Physical consequences are discussed both for “weak” dimensional reduction, which appears only in the ground state degeneracy, and “strong” dimensional reduction, which applies throughout the phase diagram. The “strong” dimensional reduction cases have the full lattice symmetry and do not decouple into independent chains, but their phase diagrams, self-dualities, and correlation functions indicate a reduced effective dimensionality. We find a general phase diagram for quantum-dimensional reduction models in two quantum dimensions with N -fold anisotropy, and obtain the Kosterlitz–Thouless-like phase transition as a deconfinement of dipoles of 3D solitons.
Magnetic Fusion Energy

These lectures on Magnetic Fusion Energy are presented as the transcript of the discussion of the large number of slides and drawings taken from many sources within the U.S. MFE program. In particular, I would like to mention Hal Furth of Princeton, John Dawson at UCLA, the Washington Head Office and may colleagues in the Mirror Program at the Livermore Laboratory.
The Seller's Right to Cure Under the Uniform Commercial Code and the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods

On January 1, 1988, a United Nations Convention became the first federal sales law in the United States. Disputes arising out of international sales contracts, formed after January 1, 1988 between merchants from signatory nations, may be governed by the United Nations Convention On Contracts For the International Sale Of Goods (CISG or Convention) rather than the Uniform Commercial Code (U.C.C.) or foreign sales law, unless the parties specifically state otherwise.The structure of an international sale of goods differs from a local sale in ways which will affect traders' decisions about which law to choose as the governing law of their contract. In an international sale of goods between merchants, payment is made through a documentary sale or letter of credit transaction. In simplified form, the buyer takes the sales contract to his bank and receives a line of credit The buyer's bank notifies the seller's bank of the line of credit and the seller, after shipping the goods, presents the bill of lading and other required documents to his bank for payment The seller's bank presents the documents to the buyer's bank for reimbursement and the buyer's bank turns over the documents to the buyer so that the buyer can obtain the goods from the carrier.In a documentary transaction, the buyer has paid for the goods before receiving them. He nevertheless has a right to inspect the goods and can reject them if they do not conform to the sales contract and sue for a return of the purchase price.Because the buyer must pay for the goods before he can inspect them, the buyer can demand that a third party in the seller's country inspect the goods and that the seller include a certificate of inspection with the documents of sale. Although the letter of credit transaction and documentary sale are a valuable means of payment in international trade, they do expose the parties to certain risks. In a letter of credit transaction, the buyer has paid for goods without personally inspecting them. If the goods do not conform to the-sales contract, the buyer's' only recourse is a cause of action for damages. In a documentary sale transaction, if the buyer or the buyer's bank does not accept the seller's draft, the seller may incur expenses in reselling the goods in a foreign country. The seller's right to prevent the buyer from rejecting the goods and the buyer's right to avoid a contract were in the past dependent on domestic law, of either the buyer's or the seller's country, as determined by uncertain conflict of law rules. The CISG is designed to make the outcome of such disputes more certain. One area of the CISG which was vigorously debated and ultimately compromised is the seller's right to cure a late or defective performance. This Article will examine whether international traders will benefit by opting to use the CISG provisions regarding the seller's right to cure rather than the Uniform Commercial Code as the controlling law of their contracts.
Iron flux induced by Haida eddies in the Gulf of Alaska

[1] Mesoscale anticyclonic Haida eddies are proposed to deliver a substantial amount of iron into the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) central gyre, where surface waters experience high-nitrate low-chlorophyll conditions. In this study we calculate an averaged upwelling flux of dissolved iron into the euphotic zone (100 m) of 1.17 μmol m−2 d−1 based on observed iron profiles and modeled eddy dynamics and resultant vertical velocities. This estimated eddy-derived iron supply rate is comparable with new estimates of pulsed iron fertilization rates from rare volcanic ash deposition events. Despite the relatively small area affected by Haida eddies, they are estimated to contribute about 4.6 × 106 moles of dissolved iron yearly to the GOA, which is equivalent to the annual atmospheric dust deposition. Haida eddies therefore represent a major iron source that should strongly influence the regional biological productivity and carbon budget of the GOA.
Mass Spectrometric Studies of Fast Pyrolysis of Cellulose

A fast pyrolysis probe/linear quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer combination was used to study the primary fast pyrolysis products (those that first leave the hot pyrolysis surface) of cellulose, cellobiose, cellotriose, cellotetraose, cellopentaose, and cellohexaose, as well as of cellobiosan, cellotriosan, and cellopentosan, at 600°C. Similar products with different branching ratios were found for the oligosaccharides and cellulose, as reported previously. However, identical products (with the exception of two) with similar branching ratios were measured for cellotriosan (and cellopentosan) and cellulose. This result demonstrates that cellotriosan is an excellent small-molecule surrogate for studies of the fast pyrolysis of cellulose and also that most fast pyrolysis products of cellulose do not originate from the reducing end. Based on several observations, the fast pyrolysis of cellulose is suggested to initiate predominantly via two competing processes: the formation of anhydro-oligosaccharides, such as cellobiosan, cellotriosan, and cellopentosan (major route), and the elimination of glycolaldehyde (or isomeric) units from the reducing end of oligosaccharides formed from cellulose during fast pyrolysis.
The estrus cycle, sensitivity to convulsants and the anticonvulsant effect of a neuroactive steroid.

Recent in vitro work in our laboratory suggests that functional sensitivity of the gamma-aminobutyric acidA receptor complex to the neuroactive progesterone metabolite 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one (3 alpha,5 alpha-P) changes during the estrus cycle. Therefore, the current in vivo studies were conducted to evaluate estrus cycle-related differences in sensitivity to convulsants and the anticonvulsant effect of 3 alpha, 5 alpha-P. The threshold dose for onset to myoclonic twitch, running bouncing clonus and tonic hind-limb extension was measured by constant i.v. infusion of (+)-bicuculline, picrotoxin, pentylenetetrazol, strychnine and methyl-6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta- carboline-3-carboxylate. Females in estrus were more sensitive than females in diestrus 1 or males to (+)-bicuculline and methyl-6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3- carboxylate. Administration of 3 alpha, 5 alpha-P (15 mg/kg i.p. in beta-cyclodextrin) 15 min before infusion of pentylenetetrazol significantly increased the threshold dose for onset to all three convulsions and provided equal protection against tonic convulsions. The dose for onset to myoclonic twitch was significantly higher in females in diestrus 1 than females in estrus or males. Plasma 3 alpha, 5 alpha-P did not differ between groups injected with 3 alpha, 5 alpha-P, suggesting that the difference in sensitivity to the anticonvulsant effect of 3 alpha, 5 alpha-P was not pharmacokinetic.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Hydromagnetic flow in a circular pipe

This paper describes the flow of an electrically conducting liquid in a circular pipe when a uniform magnetic field is applied in a direction transverse to the direction of flow. It is found that the velocity profile of the liquid transforms itself from a parabola into a plateau as a magnetic field of greater strength is applied. This suggests that the induction drag is important in the central layers while the ordinary visosity is dominant near the wall of the channel. These findings support the earlier results obtained byHartmann andLazarus. It is also shown that the treatment, though elementary in nature, is quite rigorous and does not need correction for the electromagnetic shielding effect.
Dense Inhibitory Connectivity in Neocortex

The connectivity diagram of neocortical circuits is still unknown, and there are conflicting data as to whether cortical neurons are wired specifically or not. To investigate the basic structure of cortical microcircuits, we use a two-photon photostimulation technique that enables the systematic mapping of synaptic connections with single-cell resolution. We map the inhibitory connectivity between upper layers somatostatin-positive GABAergic interneurons and pyramidal cells in mouse frontal cortex. Most, and sometimes all, inhibitory neurons are locally connected to every sampled pyramidal cell. This dense inhibitory connectivity is found at both young and mature developmental ages. Inhibitory innervation of neighboring pyramidal cells is similar, regardless of whether they are connected among themselves or not. We conclude that local inhibitory connectivity is promiscuous, does not form subnetworks, and can approach the theoretical limit of a completely connected synaptic matrix.
Pretraining: Effects on operant responding for food, frustration, and reactiveness to food-related cues in rats with VMH lesions

Preoperative exposure to an ascending series of FR schedules in operant chambers (pretraining) attenuated the deficit in instrumental responding for food by rats with ventromedial hypothalamic (VMH) lesions. Subsequently, the same rats were tested in the Amsel double runway. VMH lesions depressed running speed, especially in the second alley, but did not enhance the magnitude of the frustration effect (FE). Pretraining increased running speeds in rats with VMH lesions, but did not affect the magnitude of the FE. The extremely slow performance in the second alley by the VMH group without pretraining seemed to result from an exaggerated attraction to the cues associated with feeding in the first goal box. Prefeeding animals in the start box produced a much larger reduction in running speed in the nonpretrained VMH group than in the pretrained VMH group or in controls. To test the possibility that deficits in operant performance might arise because the animals with VMH lesions spend more time investigating the food cup we examined performance of animals that were trained postoperatively on an ascending FR series in a modified operant chamber with the lever at one end and the food cup at the other. Under these conditions VMH lesions increased the time required to earn 50 reinforcements at all FR's tested, but the distribution of time spent between the end of the chamber with the response lever and the end with the food cup was not altered.
An AI-based approach to structural damage identification by modal analysis

Flexible-structure damage is presently addressed by a combined model- and parameter-identification approach which employs the AI methodologies of classification, heuristic search, and object-oriented model knowledge representation. The conditions for model-space search convergence to the best model are discussed in terms of search-tree organization and initial model parameter error. In the illustrative example of a truss structure presented, the use of both model and parameter identification is shown to lead to smaller parameter corrections than would be required by parameter identification alone.
Tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 is a mediator of activity-dependent neuronal excitotoxicity

Calcium influx can promote neuronal differentiation and survival, at least in part by activating Ras and its downstream targets, including the Erk pathway. However, excessive calcium influx can initiate molecular signals leading to neuronal death during excitotoxicity or in neurodegenerative diseases. Here we describe a new signaling pathway associated with calcium influx that contributes to neuronal cell death in cerebellar neurons. Influx of calcium, mediated either by L-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels or glutamate receptors, is associated with the suppression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) activation of Ras and its effectors Erk and Akt. This is the result of enhanced association of the tyrosine phosphatase Shp-2 with TrkB receptors, which inhibits BDNF-induced TrkB autophosphorylation and activation. Deletion of the Shp2 gene in neuronal cultures reverses inhibition of TrkB function and increases neuronal survival after extended depolarization or glutamate treatment. These findings implicate Shp-2 in a feedback system initiated by calcium that negatively regulates neurotrophin signaling and sensitizes neurons to excitotoxicity.
CASA dual-doppler system

Conventional radar networks are limited at warning against low-altitude wind hazards such as tornadoes and micro-bursts due to the combined effects of their long range, far spacing, and Earth's curvature. The Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) Engineering Research Center aims to solve these limitations through dual-Doppler systems operating in densely-spaced short range radar networks. The CASA test bed radar network incorporate the Distributed Collaborative Adaptive Sensing (DCAS) model in order to optimize scanning and retrieval for fast Doppler wind field products. Under the DCAS environment, fast coordinated sector scans are made by each radar based on weather detection and competitive end-user needs. The retrieval subsystem then makes the best pair selection for dual-Doppler synthesis based on optimal beam-crossing angles for target areas. Together, they create a fast, accurate, and robust dual-Doppler system suitable for weather emergency warnings.
A Simplified Scheme to Simulate Asymmetries Due to the Beta Effect in Barotropic Vortices

Abstract A simplified scheme to generate vortex asymmetries due to the beta effect from an initially symmetric vortex on a beta plane is described. This approach, based on the time integration of the nondivergent barotropic vorticity equation, was developed to generate asymmetric vortex structure for inclusion in the initial conditions for the GFDL Hurricane Model. The simplification is derived from truncation of an azimuthal wavenumber expansion of the vorticity field variables. In order to determine the optimum lowest-order system, the influence of other wavenumbers (specifically 0, 2, and 3) on the asymmetric dipolar (wavenumber 1) structure and the associated vortex drift was investigated by comparing the results of a hierarchy of models differing in truncation level. The model truncated at wavenumber 2 and, including time-dependent symmetric flow, was chosen as the optimum system. Vortex drift tracks computed with this model compare very well with existing numerical model simulations. The models with...
Repeatability of SMA coaxial connectors

SMA connectors in three different configurations were investigated for variation of reflection coefficient magnitude and insertion loss for a given SMA connector connect-disconnect sequence. Repeatability measurements were taken over the frequency range of 2 to 18 GHz on the NBS Automatic Network Analyzer. Plots are given that show the SMA connector repeatability for both reflection coefficient magnitude and insertion loss as a function of frequency.
Channel Selection at RF Using Miller Bandpass Filters

Channel selection at the input of RF receivers can considerably relax linearity requirements, leading to low-power, compact implementations. A GSM/WCDMA/802.11b/g receiver incorporates a Miller bandpass filter and its variants to achieve a channel bandwidth from 350 kHz to 20 MHz and a noise figure of 2.9 dB while consuming 20 mW. Fabricated in 65 nm CMOS technology, the receiver withstands a 0 dBm blocker at 20 MHz offset and exhibits a noise figure of 5.1 dB.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) in the enteropancreatic innervation.

Pancreatic ganglia are innervated by neurons in the gut and are formed by precursor cells that migrate into the pancreas from the bowel. The innervation of the pancreas, therefore, may be considered an extension of the enteric nervous system. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is present in a subset of enteric neurons. We investigated the presence of PACAP in the enteropancreatic innervation in guinea pigs, and the response of pancreatic neurons to PACAP-related peptides. PACAP immunoreactivity was found in nerve fibers in both enteric and pancreatic ganglia and in nerve bundles that travelled between the duodenum and pancreas. PACAP-immunoreactive nerve fibers were densely distributed in the pancreatic ganglia, where they surrounded a subset of cholinergic cell bodies. Pancreatic ganglia did not contain PACAP-immunoreactive cell bodies; however, neuronal perikarya with PACAP immunoreactivity were found in the myenteric plexus of the duodenum. These cells co-stored vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). PACAP depolarized pancreatic neurons. Pancreatic neurons were also depolarized by VIP; however, PACAP was more efficacious at depolarizing pancreatic cells than VIP. These findings are consistent with the view that the PACAP effects were mediated through PACAP-selective (PAC1) receptors. PACAP-responsive neurons displayed PAC1 receptor immunoreactivity, which was also found in islet cells and enteric neurons. These results provide support for the hypothesis that PACAP modulates reflex activity between the gut and pancreas. The excitatory effect of PACAP would be expected to potentiate pancreatic secretion.
Bregs in Chronic HBV: Is It Time for Bragging Rights?

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health concern and is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Despite the availability of a prophylactic vaccine, HBV infects around 400 million people worldwide, with endemic areas in Asia and Africa. HBV is an extremely infectious virus that is spread when infected blood, semen, or another body fluid enters the body of non-infected person and can also be spread from mother to infant at birth. Infection with HBV can be either acute or chronic; while adult infections have a relatively low rate of chronicity (around 5 %), neonatal infections usually have a high persistence rate. Chronic infection is usually asymptomatic for decades (except in rare fulminant), but HBV carriers are at risk of developing life-threatening cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Currently, more than 780,000 people die every year due to the (rare) acute or (more common) chronic consequences of hepatitis B. It is estimated that more than 240 million people have chronic (long-term) HBV liver infection (1.2 million in US). For many of these individuals, the current forms of therapy lack efficacy mainly because pathogenic mechanisms responsible for acute and chronic hepatitis B remain only partly clarified.
Ethanol-induced oxidative stress and enzymatic defenses in cultured fetal rat hepatocytes

Previously, we have documented an ethanol (E)-induced oxidative stress (OS) in cultured fetal rat hepatocytes (FRH). The cause of this is uncertain, but an inhibition of key antioxidant enzymes could be a/the factor. OS was also observed in fetal liver (FL) during in utero E exposure, but not in maternal liver, a difference that might be related to selectively lower enzymatic defenses in the fetus. Here, we record effects of E on activities of catalase (Cat), superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn SOD and Mn SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in FRH isolated from 20-day-old fetuses and exposed to E (2 mg/ml) for up to 24 h and we compare these to adult rat liver data. E treatment decreased fetal liver reduced glutathione (GSH) pools by 23% (p < 0.05) and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) by 14% (p < 0.05) within 24 h of E exposure. E caused an increase in fetal liver Cat by 18%, 32%, and 47% by 3, 6, and 24 h of E, respectively (p < 0.05). A 24-h E exposure increased Cu, Zn SOD by 22% (p < 0.05) and Mn SOD by 21% (p < 0.05). A 24 h E treatment increased GPX by 18% (p < 0.05) and GST by 17% (p < 0.05). Cat in whole FL was 26% of adult (p < 0.05) whereas Cu, Zn SOD and Mn SOD in whole FL were 12% and 11% of adult levels (p < 0.05). GPX and GST in FL were 11% and 28% of adult values (p < 0.05). It is concluded that in FRH, E-induced OS is not caused by impaired activities of these enzymes, but their low basal activities (vs. adult) may predispose the fetus to OS.
Are NSAIDs and selective cyclo-oxygenase 2 inhibitors associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction?

Scott et al. conducted a systematic review to evaluate the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) associated with cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX2) inhibitors and traditional NSAIDs. The review found a small increased risk of MI associated with COX2 inhibitors, particularly rofecoxib. Although a fixed-effects model of 14 case–control studies suggested a slightly increased risk of MI with NSAID use, a random-effects model of the same data and analysis of 6 cohort studies found no such link. An increased risk of MI was found in four RCTs of NSAID use in colonic adenoma. In an analysis of 14 RCTs that compared COX2 inhibitors with traditional NSAIDs in patients with arthritis, the odds ratio for MI with COX2 inhibitors was 1.6 (95% CI 1.1–2.4), although most of this risk was accounted for by rofecoxib. COX2 inhibitors were, however, associated with a reduced risk of serious gastrointestinal events. An analysis of previous systematic reviews showed increased risks of MI associated with rofecoxib and celecoxib.
Structural and electrical properties of conductive polymeric aligned nanofibers via electrospinning

The fabrication and characterization of conductive and aligned polymeric nanofibers using polypyrrole (PPy) and poly ethylene oxide (PEO) were reported. To improve the structural and electrical properties of the nanofibers, composite materials containing a conducting polymer alloyed with a non-conducting polymer have been proposed. A series of aligned nanofibers using pure PEO and its composite with conducting polymer PPy were produced. By separating the metal target plates, the resultant electric field between the grounded base/collector plates and the charged syringe can be split. This divergence in the electric field facilitates the ordered placement of the nanofibers. Ordered, continuous nanofibers have been realized as large as seven millimeters in separation. The ratio of length to diameter of the aligned fibers can be measured in μm/nm units. Our highest observed value is 46.6μm/nm. The structural properties of these aligned nanofibers have been performed utilizing Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The characterization of the aligned continuous nanofibers revealed diameters approaching 150 nanometers and the appearance of standard and some new absorption bands for PPy and PEO confirms the composite formation.