cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Colloidal nanoparticles: a promising gain medium for high average power lasers

We have synthesized a colloidal laser gain material that should possess many of the advantages of solid-state media without the main disadvantage of poor thermal performance. The colloid consists of Nd+3 doped phosphate glass nanoparticles suspended in nonanoic acid. The spectroscopic properties of our material were consistent with those of bulk Nd+3 doped materials and therefore suitable for laser development. The fluorescence peak of the 4F3/2→4I11/2 transition varied with particle size between ∼1047 nm and ∼1057 nm which represents a shift from the 1052 nm line observed in bulk glass. The lifetime of the 4F3/2 metastable state was measured to vary between 20 μs and 70 μs depending upon the average particle radius compared to 98 μs in bulk.
The Shelburne Ministry, 1782–83

Shelburne faced a daunting task in forming a government in the highly charged political conditions of 1782. His personal following was small, and he lacked the genial bonhomie of the professional politician. His intellectual interests and incisive grasp of problems isolated him from the usual give and take of the political process, and his attempts at cordiality were often regarded as insincere. Shelburne was unable to win the confidence and trust of major political leaders, the independent members, or the public, despite his evident abilities.1
Knowledge and will

Writing in November of 1665, just as he was probably nearing completion of a first draft of the Ethics , Spinoza tells Oldenburg, The human body is a part of Nature. As regards the human mind, I maintain that it, too, is a part of Nature; for I hold that in Nature there also exists an infinite power of thinking which, in so far as it is infinite, contains within itself the whole of Nature ideally, and whose thoughts proceed in the same manner as does Nature, which is in fact the object of its thought. This “infinite power of thinking which … contains within itself the whole of Nature ideally” is clearly a reference to substance and its attribute Thought and to infinite intellect, the immediate infinite mode of Thought which is the infinite collection of adequate ideas of all things. Spinoza then continues, Further, I maintain that the human mind is that same power of thinking, not in so far as that power is infinite and apprehends the whole of Nature, but in so far as it is finite, apprehending the human body only. The human mind, I maintain, is in this way part of an infinite intellect. (Letter 32) The infinite intellect “apprehends the whole of Nature” just because it is composed of infinite ideas, each of which is of some object in one or another of the attributes and which together are of all objects in all the attributes.
Lithium Enolates Derived from Pyroglutaminol: Mechanism and Stereoselectivity of an Azaaldol Addition

A lithium enolate derived from an acetonide-protected pyroglutaminol undergoes a highly selective azaaldol addition with (E)-N-phenyl-1-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methanimine. The selectivity is sensitive to tetrahydrofuran (THF) concentration, temperature, and the presence of excess lithium diisopropylamide base. Rate studies show that the observable tetrasolvated dimeric enolate undergoes reversible deaggregation, with the reaction proceeding via a disolvated-monomer-based transition structure. Limited stereochemical erosion stems from the intervention of a trisolvated-monomer-based pathway, which is suppressed at low THF concentrations and elevated temperature. Endofacial selectivity observed with excess lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) is traced to an intermediate dianion formed by subsequent lithiation of the monomeric azaaldol adduct, which is characterized as both a dilithio form and a trilithio dianion-LDA mixed aggregate.
NFPA combustible dust standards—2016 update

Every year, destructive and deadly dust-related fires and explosions affect a wide range of industries around the globe. In the United States alone, 50 combustible dust accidents occurred between 2008 and 2012. To manage the dust-related fire, flash-fire, and explosion hazards in industries that use dust collection and handling equipment, or have processes that may generate combustible dust, the NFPA has recently published NFPA 652, Standard on the Fundamentals of Combustible Dust. This article provides an update of the NFPA combustible dust standards. Now that NFPA 652 has been published, this article reviews how the industry and commodity-specific dust standards (NFPA 664: Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities, NFPA 654: Prevention of Fire and Explosion from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids, NFPA 61: Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions in Agricultural and Food Processing Facilities, NFPA 484: Combustible Metals, and NFPA 655: Standard for Prevention of Sulfur Fires and Explosion) interact with NFPA 652 to provide requirements for the protection of facilities with combustible dusts. An update is provided on the status of the commodity specific standards and how they are evolving to correlate with NFPA 652. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 36: 133–138, 2017
An intra-amygdala circuit specifically regulates social fear learning

Adaptive social behavior requires transmission and reception of salient social information. Impairment of this reciprocity is a cardinal symptom of autism. The amygdala is a critical mediator of social behavior and is implicated in social symptoms of autism. Here we found that a specific amygdala circuit, from the lateral nucleus to the medial nucleus (LA-MeA), is required for using social cues to learn about environmental cues that signal imminent threats. Disruption of the LA-MeA circuit impaired valuation of these environmental cues and subsequent ability to use a cue to guide behavior. Rats with impaired social guidance of behavior due to knockout of Nrxn1, an analog of autism-associated gene NRXN, exhibited marked LA-MeA deficits. Chemogenetic activation of this circuit reversed these impaired social behaviors. These findings identify an amygdala circuit required to guide emotional responses to socially significant cues and identify an exploratory target for disorders associated with social impairments.
Health Information Exchange Organizations and Their Support for Research: Current State and Future Outlook:

Federal investment spurred health information exchange organization (HIO) development and maturation to provide third-party approaches to electronic health information exchange across disparate ele...
ROMPISA: Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly

Herein we report a polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) process with ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). We utilize a peptide-based norbornenyl monomer as a hydrophobic unit to provide a range of nanostructures at room temperature yet at high solids concentrations of 20 wt % in combination with an oligoethylene glycol based norbornenyl monomer. Evaluation of the polymerizations under mild conditions highlight that good control is maintained along with high monomer conversion of greater than 99%, indicating that the living polymerization is unaffected during the PISA process. The demonstration broadens the scope of the PISA process to a new living polymerization methodology toward the development of easily accessible and highly functionalized nanostructures in situ.
Imaging patterns of venous-related brain injury in children

Venous-related brain injury is a common form of cerebrovascular injury in children and encompasses a diverse group of cerebrovascular diagnoses. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to introduce the relevant anatomy, pathophysiology and various imaging patterns of venous-related cerebral injury in children. Unifying concepts to better understand the effects of venous hypertension in the developing brain will be emphasized. These unifying concepts will provide the imaging professional with a conceptual framework to better understand and confidently identify imaging patterns of venous-related cerebral injury.
Trollheimen’s Rock Units

The rocks of Trollheimen are divided into three groups: granitic gneiss, quartzite, and interlayered amphibolite and mica schist. The granitic gneiss was named the Trollhetta granite by Holtedahl (1938, p. 50) for its occurrence in Trollhetta, a peak located less than a kilometer north of the area mapped. The quartzite sequence is called the Gjevilvatn group because of its good exposure in the southwestern part of the area along Gjevilvatnet and upon the prongs of Gjevilvasskammene. The mica schist and amphibolite section is called the Blaho group, named for the mountain Blaho, east and north of Gjevilvasskammene.
Iron Supplementation during Pregnancy and Infancy: Uncertainties and Implications for Research and Policy

Iron is particularly important in pregnancy and infancy to meet the high demands for hematopoiesis, growth and development. Much attention has been given to conditions of iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficient anemia (IDA) because of the high global prevalence estimated in these vulnerable life stages. Emerging and preliminary evidence demonstrates, however, a U-shaped risk at both low and high iron status for birth and infant adverse health outcomes including growth, preterm birth, gestational diabetes, gastrointestinal health, and neurodegenerative diseases during aging. Such evidence raises questions about the effects of high iron intakes through supplementation or food fortification during pregnancy and infancy in iron-replete individuals. This review examines the emerging as well as the current understanding of iron needs and homeostasis during pregnancy and infancy, uncertainties in ascertaining iron status in these populations, and issues surrounding U-shaped risk curves in iron-replete pregnant women and infants. Implications for research and policy are discussed relative to screening and supplementation in these vulnerable populations, especially in developed countries in which the majority of these populations are likely iron-replete.
Dissertation Executive Summary: Fuel of Interest and Fire of Genius: Essays on the Economic History of Innovation

In this dissertation, I use historical patent data and natural experiments to show how policies and institutions affect invention. Chapter 1 shows that establishing new colleges causes 33% more patents per year in places that get a college, but few of these additional patents come from the college's graduates. Chapter 2 uses alcohol prohibition to show that informal social interactions are important for invention: shuttering saloons decreased patenting by 15%. The effect is strongest immediately after prohibition begins. Chapter 3 plots demographic trends of inventors; blacks and females are persistently underrepresented. Chapter 4 describes several historical patent datasets in detail.
NECESSITY, APRIORITY, AND LOGICAL STRUCTURE

Logical structure may explain the necessity and a priori knowability of such truths as that if A is red then A is either red or green. But this explanation cannot be extended to sentences that, while necessary and knowable a priori, do not wear the appropriate logical structure on their sleeves – sentences like ''if A is a point and A is red, then A is not green,'' or ''if A is a sphere, then A is not a cube.'' The real origin of these sentences' necessity and a priori knowability is a relationship between the meanings of their component atomic sentences – a relationship which cannot be systematically reduced to logical structure by translating those atomic sentences into any kind of ''ideal'' language. Moreover, this kind of relationship is one to which any atomic sentences are susceptible if they have a classifying, or comparison-implying, content. Arguably, then, all atomic sentences are capable of being related to others in ways that are necessary and knowable a priori.
Placental growth factor reverses decreased vascular and uteroplacental MMP-2 and MMP-9 and increased MMP-1 and MMP-7 and collagen types I and IV in hypertensive pregnancy.

Understanding the mechanisms of preeclampsia could help in its prevention and management. This study shows that correcting soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1)/placental growth factor (PlGF)...
Results of an RCT in Two Pediatric Emergency Departments to Evaluate the Efficacy of an m-Health Educational App on Car Seat Use.

Introduction The growing interest in incorporating prevention into emergency health care make it timely to examine the use of computer technology to efficiently deliver effective education in this setting. Study design This RCT compared results from an intervention group (n=367) that received child passenger safety information, to an attention-matched control (n=375). A baseline survey and two follow-up surveys at 3 and 6 months were conducted. Setting/participants Data were collected from June 2014 to September 2016 from a sample of parents with children aged 4–7 years recruited from a pediatric emergency department in an East Coast urban area and one in a Midwest semi-rural area. Intervention A theory-based, stage-tailored educational program, Safety in Seconds v2.0TM, delivered on a mobile app. Main outcome measures Four car seat behaviors: (1) having the correct restraint for the child’s age and weight; (2) having the child ride in the backseat all the time; (3) buckling up the child all the time; and (4) having the child’s restraint inspected by a child passenger safety technician. Results At 3 months, adjusting for baseline behaviors and attrition, the odds of reporting the correct behavior by the intervention group relative to the control group was 2.07 (p Conclusions Mobile apps hold promise for reaching large populations with individually tailored child passenger safety education. Trial registration Clinical Trial Registration # NCT02345941.
Evaluation of Transfer Learning Algorithms Using Different Base Learners

In the field of supervised machine learning, a transfer learning environment is defined as the training data having different distribution characteristics than the testing data. This is due to the lack of available labeled data for the domain of interest, which prompts an alternate domain to be used as the training data. Because there is insufficient labeled data from the domain of interest, validation techniques cannot be reliably used for the algorithm selection process in a transfer learning environment. A transfer learning algorithm is typically comprised of a domain adaptation step followed by a learning step. The learning step is usually implemented using a traditional machine learning algorithm. In this paper, we examine and analyze the impact that the traditional machine learning algorithm (the learning step) has on the overall performance of a transfer learning algorithm. Using the transfer learning test framework, we test five state-of-the-art transfer learning algorithms coupled with seven different traditional learning algorithms for a total of 35 unique transfer learning algorithms. For our experiment, no labeled data from the domain of interest is available for the training process. Since validation techniques cannot be reliably used for the algorithm selection process in a transfer learning environment, it is important for machine learning researchers and practitioners to understand the impact of a traditional machine learner on the overall performance of a transfer learning algorithm.
NSF Support for Mathematics Education

The National Science Foundation Act of 1950 created a new Federal agency with two principal missions: providing needed support for basic scientific research and increasing both the quality of instruction in science and the number of scientists trained. The first mission was to encourage broad classes of fundamental research comparable to that which various agencies had used to accomplish military objectives in World War II, which ended five years earlier. War experience had shown the frequent dependence of applied research and development upon previous basic research often done by scientists or mathematicians when no definite applications were apparent. The mission in science education resulted in part from the rapid growth of education following the return of the veterans and the support of the GI bill. This growth was imposed upon a base of depleted faculty, many of very marginal qualifications, and outmoded equipment and curricula in the sciences. Also the booming postwar economy and rapid advances in science and technology had accelerated the need for well trained scientists and engineers.
Kernel-Based Morphometry of Diffusion Tensor Images

Voxel-based group-wise statistical analysis of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an integral component in most population-based neuroimaging studies such as those studying brain development during infancy or aging, or those investigating structural differences between healthy and diseased populations. The majority of studies using DTI limit themselves by testing only certain properties of the tensor that mainly include anisotropy and diffusivity. However, the pathology under study may affect other aspects like the orientation information provided by the tensors. Therefore, for detecting subtle pathological changes it is important to perform group-wise testing on the whole tensor, which encompasses the changes in anisotropy, diffusivity and orientation. This is rendered challenging by the fact that conventional linear statistics cannot be applied to tensors. Moreover, the pathology over the population is unknown and could be non-linear, further complicating the group-based statistical analysis. This chapter gives a perspective on performing voxel-wise morphometry of tensor data using kernel-based approach. The method is referred as Kernel-based morphometry (KBM) as it models the tensor distribution using kernel principal component analysis (kPCA), which linearizes the data in high dimensional space. Subsequently a Hotelling T 2 test is performed on the high dimensional kernelized data to determine statistical group differences. We apply this method on simulated and real datasets and show that KBM can effectively identify the underlying tensorial distribution. Thus it can potentially elucidate pathology-induced population differences, thereby establishing a kernelized full tensor framework for population studies.
Metal-Liquid Reactions: Corrosion

The aqueous corrosion of metals requires that the metal itself be oxidized while some other species in solution is reduced. The simplest case of metal oxidation is $$2M + {O_2} = 2MO$$ (1) This is a gaseous corrosion reaction which has been considered in another chapter in this treatise. For oxidation in solution an analog to Eq. (1) is the reaction $$M + 2{H_2}O = M{\left( {OH} \right)_2} + {H_2}$$ (2) Here the oxidation product is a metal hydroxide and the reduction product of hydrogen ions in solution is gaseous hydrogen. It is of course not necessary that an oxide or hydroxide be formed as an oxidation product of the metal. For instance, in the corrosion of lead in sulfuric acid, insoluble lead sulfate is generated as an oxidation product by the reaction $$Pb + {H_2}S{O_4} = PbS{O_4} + {H_2}$$ (3) In the most general sense any process which causes a metal to lose its loosely bound electrons in the metallic state to generate a solvated cation in solution is an oxidation process and hence a corrosion process.
Treatment of Cachexia in the Elderly

Numerous studies have shown that weight loss is associated with an increase in mortality [1] [4]. Treating weight loss in the elderly can ameliorate many medical conditions. For example, rehabilitation time following post-hip fractures has been shown to decrease with nutritional supplementation [5]. In hospitalised geriatric patients, nutritional supplementation resulted in improvement in serum protein, nutritional status, and decreased mortality [6]. In a subset of geriatric inpatients, low serum albumin with weight loss predicts those patients at highest risk for dying during the subsequent 2 years [7]. Riquelme and Torres et al. [8] carried out a multivariate analysis of risk and prognostic factors in community-acquired pneumonia in the elderly and found that age by itself was not a significant factor related to prognosis. Among the significant risk factors, only nutritional status is amenable to medical intervention. In the cachectic elderly, medical, cognitive, and psychiatric disorders may diminish self-sufficiency in activities of daily living (ADL), thus reducing the quality of life and increasing the frequency of secondary procedures, hospitalisations, and need for skilled care [2, 9].
Domestic code-sharing agreements and on-time performance: Evidence from the US airline industry

Abstract A key concern to policymakers when appraising code-sharing partnerships between airlines hinges on how such arrangements affect prices and service levels. Naturally, most studies on code-sharing have disproportionately focused on its price effects. This paper examines the impact of domestic code-sharing on flight delay. Using a methodology that enables us to match airline on-time performance data to passenger itinerary data, we find that codeshare products—virtual and traditional—are consistently associated with less arrival delay. These results are robust to different measures of on-time performance, even after controlling for product and market characteristics, and irrespective of market hauls.
Thinking Inside the Box: Using Graphic Novels to English Language Learners in the Social Studies Classroom

Too often in social studies classroom teachers rely too heavily on textbooks; yet, textbooks are often criticized for their challenging structures, demanding conceptual loads, and heavy language loads. Nonetheless, educators cannot ignore the recent call for reading in the content areas. This chapter will detail how to use a Sheltered model that incorporates an explicit focus on disciplinary language needs and development to teach English Language Learners history while investigating the role graphic novels and reflective inquiry play in their instruction.
Driving style clustering using naturalistic driving data

Knowledge of driving styles may contribute to traffic safety, riding experience, and support the design of advanced driver-assistance systems or highly automated vehicles. This study explored the p...
Scaffold-Free Endometrial Organoids Respond to Excess Androgens Associated With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Context Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent disorder in reproductive aged women associated with a number of endocrine and metabolic complications, including increased risk of endometrial cancer. Objective To study the effect of the characteristic increased androgen levels in PCOS on the endometrium, a novel scaffold-free multicellular endometrial organoid was established. Design Human endometrial organoids were constructed using primary endometrial epithelial and stromal cells from endometrial tissues. Organoids were treated for 14 days with physiologic levels of estradiol and testosterone to mimic a normal follicular phase or PCOS hormone profiles. Organoids were harvested for immunostaining and ribonucleic acid sequencing. Setting Academic institution. Patients Endometrial tissues from 10 premenopausal women undergoing hysterectomy for benign pathologies were obtained following written consent. Main outcome measures Organoid architecture, cell specific markers, functional markers, proliferation, and gene expression were measured. Results A method to generate scaffold-free endometrial organoids containing epithelial and stromal cells was established. These organoids exhibited distinct organization with epithelial cells lining the outer surface and stromal cells in the center of the organoids. Epithelial cells were polarized, organoids expressed cell type specific and functional markers, as well as androgen, estrogen, and progesterone receptors. Treatment with PCOS hormones increased cell proliferation and dysregulated genes in endometrial organoids. Conclusions A new multicellular, scaffold-free endometrial organoid system was established that resembled physiology of the native endometrium. Excess androgens in PCOS promoted cell proliferation in endometrial organoids, revealing new mechanisms of PCOS-associated with risk of endometrial neoplasia.
Teaching in disruptive bodies: finding joy, resistance and embodied knowing through collaborative critical praxis

In the current political moment, a collision of a post-racial/diversity politics and the era of Trump, highlights the multiple risks of engaging in social justice pedagogies within teacher preparat...
Syrbactin proteasome inhibitor TIR-199 overcomes bortezomib chemoresistance and inhibits multiple myeloma tumor growth in vivo.

Multiple myeloma (MM) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) are blood cancers that respond to proteasome inhibitors. Three FDA-approved drugs that block the proteasome are currently on the market, bortezomib, carfilzomib, and ixazomib. While these proteasome inhibitors have demonstrated clinical efficacy against refractory and relapsed MM and MCL, they are also associated with considerable adverse effects including peripheral neuropathy and cardiotoxicity, and tumor cells often acquire drug resistance. TIR-199 belongs to the syrbactin class, which constitutes a novel family of irreversible proteasome inhibitors. In this study, we compare TIR-199 head-to-head with three FDA-approved proteasome inhibitors. We demonstrate that TIR-199 selectively inhibits to varying degrees the sub-catalytic proteasomal activities (C-L/β1, T-L/β2, and CT-L/β5) in three actively dividing MM cell lines, with Ki50 (CT-L/β5) values of 14.61 ± 2.68 nM (ARD), 54.59 ± 10.4 nM (U266), and 26.8 ± 5.2 nM (MM.1R). In most instances, this range was comparable with the activity of ixazomib. However, TIR-199 was more effective than bortezomib, carfilzomib, and ixazomib in killing bortezomib-resistant MM and MCL cell lines, as judged by a low resistance index (RI) between 1.7 and 2.2, which implies that TIR-199 indiscriminately inhibits both bortezomib-sensitive and bortezomib-resistant MM and MCL cells at similar concentrations. Importantly, TIR-199 reduced the tumor burden in a MM mouse model (p < 0.01) confirming its potency in vivo. Given the fact that there is still no cure for MM, the further development of TIR-199 or similar molecules that belong to the syrbactin class of proteasome inhibitors is warranted.
Predictors of narrow angle detection rate-a longitudinal study of Massachusetts residents over 1.7 million person years.

To determine the predictors of narrow angle detection in a United States population-based cohort. This was a retrospective cohort study using the Massachusetts All-Payer Claims Database. Demographic information of all patients and eye care provider information during the years 2011–2015 were extracted from Massachusetts All Payers Claims Data. All payers who received eye care during 1/1/2012–12/31/2015 without any previous eye visit during 2011 were included in the analyses. Laser peripheral iridotomy was identified by Current Procedural Terminology code 66761. Narrow angle detection was defined as the diagnosis of narrow angles by diagnosis code followed by a laser peripheral iridotomy procedure. Different predictors of narrow angle detection were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier curves with the log rank and Cox regression modeling. A total of 1,082,144 patients were included. The hazard ratio of narrow angle detection increased with age compared to the reference group of 0–10 years: 21–30 years of age (hazard ratio = 4.5), 31–40 (10.5), 41–50 (27.9), 51–60 (46.1), 61–70 (68.4), 71–80 (56.8) (all p < 0.0002), was 1.47 times higher in women and 1.85 times higher if evaluated by ophthalmologists compared to optometrists, after controlling for provider × time interaction. Older age and female sex are associated with narrow angles. The rate of narrow angle detection was significantly higher if patients are seen by ophthalmologists compared to optometrists only. Evaluation with an ophthalmologist may be important for patients at high risks for developing primary angle closure glaucoma.
Design and Calibration of a Radiation-Pressure Based Laser Power Meter and Force Sensor

We describe the calibration of a radiation-pressure based laser power meter and force sensor which provides a metrological link between mass & force and laser power at 1 W and 10 nN scales.
Luther, Thomas Diedrich Robert 1868–1945

Thomas Diedrich Robert Luther was born on January 2, 1868, in Moscow to German parents. His father Alexander was a lawyer. Among his direct ancestors was Hans Luther (1492–1558), a late cousin of the reformer Martin Luther. From 1885 to 1889, he studied chemistry at the University of Dorpat in Russia.
Skin Detection with Small Unmanned Aerial Systems by Integration of Area Scan Multispectral Imagers and Factors Affecting their Design and Operation

Dismount skin detection from an aerial platform has posed challenges compared to ground-based platforms. A small, area scanning multispectral imager was constructed and tested on a Small Unmanned Aerial System SUAS. Computer vision registration, stereo camera calibration, and geolocation from autopilot telemetry were utilized to design a dismount detection platform. The test expedient prototype was 2kg and exhibited skin detection performance similar to a larger line scan hyperspectral imager HSI. Outdoor tests with a line scan HSI and the prototype resulted in an average 5.112% difference in Receiver Operating Characteristic ROC Area Under Curve AUC. This research indicated that SUAS-based Spectral Imagers are capable tools in dismount detection protocols.
QUALITY CHANGES IN VACCINIA VIRUS DURING ADAPTATION TO GROWTH IN CULTURES OF EARLE'S L CELLS.

Abstract Sharp, D. G. (University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill), P. Sadhukhan, and G. J. Galasso. Quality changes in vaccinia virus during adaptation to growth in cultures of Earle's L cells. J. Bacteriol. 88:309–312. 1964.—Although particle production improves rapidly with passage of vaccinia (mouse neurotropic strain) virus in L cells, plaque production improves much more slowly. Beyond the passage when maximal particle yield was reached (18th), further improvement in plaquing quality of 1,000-fold was observed. Particle count and plaque titrations showed that plaquing efficiency improves at comparable rates in either plaque-to-plaque passage on plates or in tube cultures inoculated at high multiplicity. The host cell is probably exerting some influence in addition to that of the selection of mutants from the initial population.
The Power of Infrastructures: a Counternarrative and a Speculation

“Infrastructural power” refers to how states “penetrate” their societies and also how local organizations resist such attempts. This essay explores the latter sense of infrastructural power. First, it notes aspects of local power in ancient Mesopotamia, tracing the existence of councils and assemblies over about 3000 years and establishing the concept of a “heterarchy of power” in Mesopotamia, which is a counternarrative to assertions of totalitarian power by kings and central governments. There follows a cross-cultural review of selected other ancient cities and states in order to assess comparable and contrasting local organizations and degrees of infrastructural power. Finally, resistance to state power is explored, and a speculation about the qualities of stability and fragility of political power in early cities and states is advanced.
A framework interweaving tangible objects, surfaces and spaces

In this paper, we will introduce the ROSS framework, an integrated application development toolkit that extends across different tangible platforms such as multi-user interactive tabletop displays, full-body interaction spaces, RFID-tagged objects and smartphones with multiple sensors. We will discuss how the structure of the ROSS framework is designed to accommodate a broad range of tangible platform configurations and illustrate its use on several prototype applications for digital media content interaction within education and entertainment contexts.
Double-Strand Break-Induced Mitotic Intrachromosomal Recombination in the Fission Yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae HO gene and MATa cutting site were used to introduce site-specific double-strand breaks (DSBs) within intrachromosomal recombination substrates in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The recombination substrates consisted of nontandem direct repeats of ade6 heteroalleles. DSB induction stimulated the frequency of recombinants 2000-fold. The spectrum of DSB-induced recombinants depended on whether the DSB was introduced within one of the ade6 repeats or in intervening unique DNA. When the DSB was introduced within unique DNA, over 99.8% of the recombinants lacked the intervening DNA but retained one copy of ade6 that was wild type or either one of the heteroalleles. When the DSB was located in duplicated DNA, 77% of the recombinants were similar to the deletion types described above, but the single ade6 copy was either wild type or exclusively that of the uncut repeat. The remaining 23% of the induced recombinants were gene convertants with two copies of ade6 and the intervening sequences; the ade6 heteroallele in which the DSB was induced was the recipient of genetic information. Half-sectored colonies were isolated, analyzed and interpreted as evidence of heteroduplex DNA formation. The results are discussed in terms of current models for recombination.
Producing the Ethylene Signal: Regulation and Diversification of Ethylene Biosynthetic Enzymes

Strictly controlled production of ethylene gas lies upstream of the signaling activities of this crucial regulator throughout the plant life cycle. Although the biosynthetic pathway is enzymatically simple, the regulatory circuits that modulate signal production are fine tuned to allow integration of responses to environmental and intrinsic cues. Recently identified posttranslational mechanisms that control ethylene production converge on one family of biosynthetic enzymes and overlay several independent reversible phosphorylation events and distinct mediators of ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation. Although the core pathway is conserved throughout seed plants, these posttranslational regulatory mechanisms may represent evolutionarily recent innovations. The evolutionary origins of the pathway and its regulators are not yet clear; outside the seed plants, numerous biochemical and phylogenetic questions remain to be addressed.
A genetic approach to automatic bias generation for biased random instruction generation

Biased random instruction generators are commonly used in architectural verification of microprocessors, with biases specified manually by designers. As the complexity of processors grows, so does the complexity of specifying biases. Automatic bias generation speeds up the verification flow and may lead to better coverage of potential design errors. In this work, we present a genetic algorithm based framework to automatically generate biases. We target utilization of specific buffers for a new version of the PowerPC architecture. Our results show that the GA is effective in achieving high buffer utilization. Also, in targeting multiple objectives, the best approach to use depends on whether the objectives are related.
Control of Thickness and Chemical Properties of Atomic Layer Deposition Overcoats for Stabilizing Cu/γ‐Al2O3 Catalysts

Whereas sintering and leaching of copper nanoparticles during liquid-phase catalytic processing can be prevented by using atomic layer deposition (ALD) to overcoat the nanoparticles with AlOx , this acidic overcoat leads to reversible deactivation of the catalyst by resinification and blocking of the pores within the overcoat during hydrogenation of furfural. We demonstrate that decreasing the overcoat thickness from 45 to 5 ALD cycles is an effective method to increase the rate per gram of catalyst and to decrease the rate of deactivation for catalysts pretreated at 673 K, and a fully regenerable copper catalyst can be produced with only five ALD cycles of AlOx . Moreover, although an overcoat of MgOx does not lead to stabilization of copper nanoparticles against sintering and leaching during liquid-phase hydrogenation reactions, the AlOx overcoat can be chemically modified to decrease acidity and deactivation through the addition of MgOx , while maintaining stability of the copper nanoparticles.
An interactive teaching device simulating intussusception reduction

Intussusception is relatively uncommon, occurring in 0.5 to 2.3 cases per 1,000 live births in the USA. Radiology residents, therefore, have few opportunities to participate in intussusception reduction during training, and practicing radiologists encounter it infrequently. Training is essential, as successful reduction avoids surgery. The judgment involved in reducing an intussusception is best gained with experience. We developed a training device that simulates fluoroscopic intussusception reduction with air. The device consists of a doll that contains a cylinder with similar stress and strain characteristics to the human colon. The trainee pumps air into the cylinder through a rectal tube using a standard hand-held air reduction pump. A sensor measures the pressure within the chamber and transmits readings to a computer, which displays images from actual intussusception reductions based on the pressure maintained within the device. A random component in the software gives the user a new experience each time and models uncertainties in the actual reduction process, including perforation. This intussusception reduction simulator can enhance resident education, giving residents the opportunity to practice this technique before employing it on a real patient. The simulator can also help practicing radiologists become more comfortable with intussusception air reduction.
Characterization of a putative nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in mammalian brain.

The preponderance of evidence suggests that neurons respond electrophysio-logically to ACh and ACh antagonists in a manner consistent with the existence of AChRs, and at least some of these AChRs are nicotinic in nature. The binding of neurotoxins to brain tissue generally occurs in areas where other cholinergic markers exist. The biochemical properties of binding sites are remarkably similar to muscle tissues in size, the presence of a sulf hydryl group that alters ligand affinities, pharmacology, and glycoprotein nature. The dissimilarities, however, are also unmistakable: the association and dissociation rates of toxin binding are different, the inability of Butx to block electrophysiological activity in some tissues, the ratio of toxin sites blocked by MBTA and the apparent lack of antigenic similarity between peripheral nAChRs and brain. In at least one area the relationship to other cholinergic markers has been questioned. It is not likely that brain possesses non-functional sites with such similarity to nAChRs, but it is possible that some sites are non-synaptic and possibly non-specific (see ref. 74 for a discussion of some of these topics). We believe it is possible, however, that the dissimilarities between toxin binding sites in brain and muscle tissue reflect a structural difference between nAChRs. It is likely that toxins bind to nAChRs but do not prevent ACh binding to all sites. Since ACh has apparently not undergone evolutionary change, it is likely that evolutionary changes in cholinergic functionring are reflected in receptor specialization 36. The neuromuscular synapse evolved for a highly specialized function requiring fast, excitatory post-synaptic depolarization. The muscle nAChR probably evolved from a primitive, possibly less specific, form of a molecule sensitive to acetylcholine. Although little is known regarding phylogenetic changes in receptor sites, evidence has recently been presented that the four Torpedo subunits are not immunologically distinct and may have evolved from a common precursor116. While some CNS neurons may have evolved with similar needs, other CNS neuronal groups might necessitate both the possibility of excitation and inhibition. Other synapses may have retained simpler evolutionary traits of mixed nicotinic-muscarinic responsiveness. There is, also, evidence for the interaction of ACh with neuromodulators and other putative neurotransmitters. It is presently not clear whether the characteristics of a receptor are similar when it is pre-synaptic, non-synaptic or inhibitory, in contrast to the peripheral excitatory post-synaptic nAChR. Future studies must determine if currently used neurotoxins bind to a functional CNS nAChR site in any of these cases. We must also find a ligand that specifically binds to and blocks nAChRs that are not affected by Butx. Only then will we be able to address the central questions. Specifically, do Butx and similar neurotoxins bind to an nAChR?, and are there nAChRs which are not bound by currently known neurotoxins?
Audit partner specialization: the case of Andersen followers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of auditor specialization, at both the partner and office levels, on audit quality within a developed market (the USA).Design/methodology/approach – This study exploits the environment created when several large accounting firms purchased select Andersen offices following the firm's demise in 2002. OLS regressions were estimated from a sample of companies that assumingly followed their Andersen partner to the purchased accounting firm to examine the association between abnormal discretionary accruals and auditor specialization at both the office and partner levels.Findings – The descriptive statistics and regression results show a significant negative relation between audit partner specialization and abnormal accruals. Furthermore, the results suggest that partner level specialization has a greater effect on audit quality than that of office level specialization.Originality/value – This study contributes to the literature by examining the effec...
On the histologic measurement of osteonal BMU activation frequency

When cortical bone is remodeled by osteonal basic multicellular units (BMUs), activation frequency is defined as the number of new BMUs created per unit volume of cortex per unit time. When osteonal remodeling is histomorphometrically analyzed, a different definition of activation frequency is usually used; it is equivalent to the number of previously activated BMUs reaching the plane of the section per unit area per unit time. Using simple geometric analysis, it is shown that the latter histologic measurement is equal to the former definition multiplied by the mean distance that a BMU tunnels before it ceases its activity.
Memantine prevents HIV coat protein‐induced neuronal injury in vitro

Studies with in vitro model systems suggest that at least part of the neurologic deficits of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-associated cognitive/motor complex may stem from neuronal injury mediated by the HIV-1 coat protein gp120. Concurrent activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors is also necessary for gp120 to induce neuronal damage. We studied memantine, a drug that blocks NMDA receptor-operated ion channels, for possible protective effects from gp120-induced neuronal injury. In identified rat retinal ganglion cells in culture, we found that 2 microM memantine completely prevented the injury engendered by 20 pM gp120. These data suggest that memantine has therapeutic potential as an NMDA antagonist capable of ameliorating neuronal damage associated with gp120.
Token Reinforcement in an Exercise Program for Hospitalized Geriatric Patients

Four geriatric patients from a psychiatric hospital were reinforced for exercising on a stationary bicycle. 3 of the 4 increased their rate of exercising under the experimental condition, suggestin...
Characterization of isochromatic fringe patterns for a dynamically propagating interface crack

The isochromatic fringes surrounding a crack propagating along a bimaterial interface have been developed and characterized. A parametric investigation has also been conducted to study the influence of various fracture parameters on this isochromatic fringe pattern. The relevant fracture parameters of interest were the crack-tip velocity, the mode mixity of loading and the non-singular stress field component. In all the cases the fringe pattern was compared with the more familiar patterns that are generated for the case of crack propagation in homogeneous media. It was found that both the crack tip velocity and the mode mixity of loading have a significant effect on the size and shape of the isochromatic fringe pattern surrounding a crack tip propagating along a bimaterial interface. However, the non-singular stress field component was found not to have a substantial effect on the fringe pattern. This is in contrast with the case of crack propagation in homogeneous media, where the non-singular stress field component determines the tilt of the fringe contours. The paper also presents an appropriate scheme to analyze experimental fringe contours to extract the various fracture parameters of interest. Finally, this scheme is employed to analyze actual experimental data from a typical bimaterial interface fracture experiment.
Cystic cervical metastases: Incidence and diagnosis using fine needle aspiration biopsy

BACKGROUND: Seventeen patients presenting with a cystic cervical metastasis were identified after either having undergone excision of a cyst, initially diagnosed as a branchial cyst but subsequently found to be malignant, or after having had fluid aspirated from a neck mass that ultimately proved to be malignant while undergoing fine needle aspiration biopsy.METHODS: Patients had primary cancer documented at a variety of primary sites, including hypopharynx (3 patients), oropharynx (2 patients), lower lip (2 patients), nasopharynx, supraglottis, oral cavity, and prostate (1 patient each). Six cases (35%) remained occult.RESULTS: In nearly half of the cases (8 of 17), there was no evidence of the primary cancer at presentation. In the same period, 25 branchial cysts were encountered, giving an incidence of unsuspected carcinoma in cervical cysts of 24% (8 of 33).CONCLUSION: In contrast to previous studies in which smaller numbers of patients underwent the procedure, we found fine needle aspiration to be ve...
Black Hills–Alberta carbonatite–kimberlite linear trend: Slab edge at depth?

Abstract Carbonatites and kimberlites (~ 48 to ≤ 46 Ma) occur along a 700-km-long, N40°W linear trend of alkalic magmatism (~ 55 to ≤ 46 Ma) that extends from the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming, across eastern Montana to southern Alberta. Isotopic and trace-element concentrations point to a genetic linkage among alkalic igneous rocks, carbonatites, and kimberlites along the trend (group 1), with Sr–Nd isotopic ratios flanking bulk silicate earth. In contrast, alkalic rocks southwest of the N40°W trend (groups 2 and 3) have significantly lower initial epsilon-Nd values and different trace-element contents (e.g. higher Ba, but lower REE, U, and Th). A tectonomagmatic model is proposed here to account for placement of the genetically related group 1 magmas along the N40°W linear zone; the model suggests that the edge of the Kula plate was lodged in the mantle transition zone directly below the N40°W trend by ~ 50 Ma. Mantle material rising through the Kula–Farallon slab window may have been concentrated at the southwest edge of the Kula slab, focusing melts upward along the trend. Geochemical attributes of group 1 magmas along the trend can be explained by an extremely small partial melt of carbonated peridotitic mantle (0–1%). Initiation of extension at ~ 53–49 Ma is important because it may have stimulated mantle upwelling and decompressional melting, as well as facilitated intrusion of asthenospheric melts into the Wyoming Archean craton. Although groups 2 and 3 are thought to be largely lithospheric melts, their Sr–Nd isotopic compositions reflect a greater proportion of asthenospheric component after ~ 50 Ma, following onset of extension in the west.