cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Empirically Guided Optimization Framework for FPGA OpenCL

FPGAs have been demonstrated to be capable of very high performance, especially power-performance, but generally at the cost of hand-tuned HDL code by FPGA experts. OpenCL is the leading industry effort in improving performance-programmability. But while it is recognized that optimizing OpenCL code using published best practices is critical to achieving good performance, even optimized code has so far rarely matched that of HDL code, or that available with competing technologies such as GPUs. In this paper we propose a series of systematic and empirically guided code optimizations that augment current best practices and substantially improve achieved performance. Our work characterizes and measures the impact of all of these optimizations. This enables programmers to not only follow a script when optimizing their own kernels, but also opens the way for the development of autotuners to perform optimizations automatically. We also demonstrate that, by applying these proposed code design practices to a number of parallel computing dwarfs, our optimized kernels outperform CPU and previous FPGA OpenCL implementations by 1.2x and 5x respectively. Moreover, our optimizations enable OpenCL FPGA codes to consistently achieve performance within striking distance of approximately 2x best current equivalent code for GPUs and HDL. To the best of our knowledge, this is at least 2x better than previous characterizations of OpenCL FPGA optimizations.
Augmented Reality: Teaching Daily Living Skills to Adults With Intellectual Disabilities:

Independent living is recognized as a marker of adulthood. For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, however, the need for continued support in completing daily living tasks...
Citizen Health Science: Foundations of a New Data Science Arena.

Psychology has a long tradition of interest and experience in single subject studies, providing a forerunner scientific platform for person-level trends as they contribute to population data science. Building on this long-standing tradition, population health scientists are increasingly concerned with opportunities to draw inferences about the single case, or studies utilizing an ‘N-of-1’. At the same time, citizen scientists with health interests have become more equipped to conduct their own types of N-of-1 studies given new tools such as smart phone tracking and many other mobile health or “mHealth” devices. These advances in the single case or N-of-1 tradition sometimes involve self-tracking of health data and/or self-experimentation with one’s own health. As networks (increasingly, virtual ones) of people work to maintain or improve their health, a new platform for scientific inquiry has emerged. This paper considers how the confluence of the single case tradition and self-experimentation are key ingredients in a new data science-rich platform, that of citizen health science. Keywords: Citizen health science, single-case designs, single-subject studies, idiographic research, self-experimentation.
O7D.5 Subjective cognitive decline among us workers aged ≥45 years by occupation, BRFSS, 2015–2016

Background Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is one of the earliest noticeable symptom of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Some studies have shown that half of older adults with subjective memory complaints go on to develop more severe cognitive decline within 7–18 years. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of SCD among US workers and to identify occupations with a high prevalence of SCD, even after adjustment for common risk factors. Methods Data from the 2015–2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were used to examine the prevalence of SCD among US workers aged ≥45 years who were currently employed or were employed at some point in the past 12 months. SCD is defined as frequent confusion or memory loss within the previous 12 months. Only states (n=28) that collected data on both industry/occupation and cognitive decline were included in this study. Results The overall prevalence of SCD among US workers aged ≥45 years was 6.2%, and was higher for workers 65 years and older. The prevalence was significantly higher among Veterans (8.3%) compared to non-veterans (5.9%). 29.2% of those with SCD reported that they need assistance with day-to day activities and 35.1% had discussed confusion/memory loss with a healthcare professional. The prevalence of SCD was significantly lower among workers in management, business and financial operations, Healthcare practitioners and technical, and office and administrative support occupations. While workers in building and ground cleaning and maintenance, and personal care and service occupations had elevated prevalence of SCD. Conclusion Cognitive decline is an important public health issue affecting older workers and their ability to work. SCD prevalence is much higher among occupations that are less mentally challenging which indicates that interventions to improve or maintain cognitive functioning may help older workers to remain productive and in the workforce.
Unraveling exhaustion in adaptive and conventional NK cells.

Immune exhaustion in T cells significantly impacts their ability to control malignancies and infections, and its discovery has led to revolutionary therapies for cancer in the form of checkpoint blockade. NK cells, like T cells, are lymphocytes that recognize virally infected and malignantly transformed cells. However, it remains unclear if NK cells are similarly susceptible to exhaustion. In this review, the aims are to summarize what is currently known and to identify key areas of variability that skew the scientific literature on NK cell exhaustion. A lack of consensus on the defining features of NK cell dysfunctional states such as senescence, suppression, and exhaustion has made a comparison between studies difficult. There are also significant differences in the biology of NK cell subsets with long-lived, adaptive NK cells sharing an epigenetic signature closer to memory CD8+ T cells than to conventional NK cells. Very different checkpoint receptor expression and effector functions have been shown in adaptive versus conventional NK cells chronically exposed to activating signals. Adaptive NK cells develop in individuals with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and well over half of the human population worldwide is CMV seropositive by adulthood. Despite this high prevalence, most studies do not account or control for this population. This may contribute to some of the variability reported in the literature on checkpoint receptor expression on NK cells. In this review, the protective role that exhaustion plays in T cells will also be discussed and the evidence for a similar phenomenon in NK cells will be examined.
E-149 The outcome of transvenous embolization for vein of galen malformation as a last procedure

Backgrounds Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM) is a rare congenital vascular malformation representing Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed 141 consecutive patients with VGAM treated in our institute between 2004 and 2019. Thalamic AVMs were excluded. 9 patient underwent TVE. Results Among 9 TVE, 1 underwent partial TVE for palliative measures and excluded from this analysis. The other 8 underwent TVE. All of them had undergone more than 3 transarterial nBCA embolizations. 4 out of 8 patients had complete obliteration of the VOGM. 2 patients underwent stereotactic radiosurgery for the residual fistula and complete obliteration was confirmed (prior to 2000). The outcome 6 out of 8 patient head total obliteration, and achieved normal development without neurological deficit. On the other hand, two hemorrhagic complications occured, 1 imediatelly after the procedure (2013), and the 2nd within 2 days after TVE (2018), where there was a small residual. Of them, the 1st expired and the 2nd had significant neurological impairment. Both had coils embolization. 2 patients with coils embolization were cured. This difficulty in predicting the risk of hemorrhage, prompted us to improve our ability to close the shunt, and the small remaining arterial supply by using the Chapot ‘Pressure cooker’ (CHPC) technique in 2 with compleat obliteration. Discussion There has not been any report before, about the TVE to cure the VGAM after multiple sessions of TAE. In this study, two issues can be brought up. One, there is a chance to close the fistula compleatelly or incompletely only using coils. In addition there is the concern of imparing drenage of the normal brain. To improve these two issues, complete closure of the fistula using the CHPC technique with liquid embolic material in TVE, which we performed recently with great success, seems to be a solution. Conclusion In endovascular treatment of the vein of Galen malformation, TVE is feasible option, once the dilated vein of Galen becomes small enough. To prevent incomplete occlusion or post procedural hemorrhagic complication, the use of the Chapot ‘Pressure cooker’ technique using liquid embolic material is considered to be necessary. Disclosures T. Shigematsu: None. A. Berenstein: None.
Changes in Cardiovascular Risk Factors Over 6 Years in Young Adults in a Randomized Trial of Weight Gain Prevention.

Objective This study aimed to determine the impact of weight gain prevention interventions on changes in cardiovascular risk factors over 6 years. Methods The Study of Novel Approaches to Weight Gain Prevention (SNAP) randomized 599 participants (ages 18-35; 46% with BMI 21-25; 54% with BMI 25-30) to Large Changes (produce buffer by losing 5-10 pounds initially), Small Changes (daily small changes in intake and activity) or Control and followed 355 participants with ongoing intervention and assessments through 6 years. Results There were no significant differences among interventions for changes in weight or cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors from baseline to 6 years. However, 44% of participants gained ≥5%, and only 14% lost ≥5% over 6 years. Weight changes, from baseline to year 6, were significantly associated with changes in risk factors, especially insulin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Earlier weight changes (e.g., weight cycling) had no beneficial or adverse effect on changes in CVD risk factors at 6 years, independent of 6-year weight changes. Conclusions Despite participation in a weight gain prevention trial, almost half of these young adults gained ≥5% or more over 6 years, with significant worsening in CVD risk factors. Greater attention to long-term weight gain prevention in young adults is needed.
Corpora amylacea in pleural effusion.

Corpora amylacea are predominantly found in the brain, prostate, and lung. Recent characterizations of their components suggest an important role in protection and clearing. We report the presence of corpora amylacea in pleural effusion in a patient with lupus. The differential diagnoses and potential significance are discussed.
Ceteris Paribus Post

Many have claimed that ceteris paribus (CP) laws are a quite legitimate feature of scientific theories, some even going so far as to claim that laws of all scientific theories currently on offer are merely CP. We argue here that one of the common props of such a thesis, that there are numerous examples of CP laws in physics, is false. Moreover, besides the absence of genuine examples from physics, we suggest that otherwise unproblematic claims are rendered untestable by the mere addition of the CP operator. Thus, “CP all Fs are Gs” when read as a straightforward statement of fact, cannot be the stuff of scientific theory. Rather, we suggest that when ``ceteris paribus'' appears in scientific works it plays a pragmatic role of pointing to more respectable claims.
An overview of non-biodegradable bioplastics

Abstract Bioplastics have introduced numerous flexibilities to humankind. However, bioplastics have brought newer challenges in waste management. Approximately half of the current bioplastic market is not biodegradable, and with a larger market volume, its end-of-life allocation will be problematic for the governments and policymakers. This study aims to provide an overview of the non-biodegradable bioplastics market, including their underlined challenges, typical production methods, characterization, and possible alternative waste utilization perspective. Bioplastic production usually starts from a biological source i.e., biomass and a series of modification techniques such as pretreatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation are carried out to produce bioethanol. Then, bioethanol is converted to non-biodegradable bioplastics. The major non-biodegradable bioplastics are bio-polyethylene (bio-PE), bio-polypropylene (bio-PP), bio-polyethylene-terephthalate (bio-PET), bio-polytrimethylene terephthalate (Bio-PTT), and bio-polyamide (bio-PA). In this review article, an overview of each bioplastic is presented with flow diagrams. Also, the production method of compostable bioplastics—polylactic acid (PLA) — is briefly discussed for comparison purpose. Since the chemical structure of bio-based non-biodegradable plastics is similar to the conventional fossil-based plastics, the characterization and alternative thermochemical utilization techniques of five bioplastic wastes are discussed based on the conventional plastics characterizations. Per ultimate analysis, considering high hydrogen, low oxygen, and low fixed carbon content, bio-PE and bio-PP are recommended as potential feedstocks for the catalytic pyrolysis process to produce gasoline and diesel range liquid hydrocarbons. Alternatively, bio-PET, bio-PA, and PLA are recommended as potential feedstocks for the gasification process, considering their higher oxygen content.
Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography

Lymphatic flow disorders include a broad spectrum of abnormalities that can originate in the lymphatic or the venous system. The development of these disorders is multifactorial and is most commonly associated with congenital heart diseases and palliative surgeries that these patients undergo. Central lymphatic disorders might be secondary to traumatic leaks, lymphatic overproduction, conduction abnormalities or lymphedema, and they can progress to perfusion anomalies. Several imaging modalities have been used to visualize the lymphatic system. However, the imaging of central lymphatic flow has always been challenging. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphangiography (DCMRL) allows for visualization of central lymphatic flow disorders and has been recently applied for the assessment of plastic bronchitis, protein-losing enteropathy, chylothorax and chylopericardium, among other lymphatic disorders. The hepatic and mesenteric accesses are innovative and promising techniques for better identification and understanding of these abnormalities. The main objectives of this review are to discuss the physiology and anatomy of the lymphatic system and review the current uses of DCMRL in the diagnosis and management of lymphatic flow disorders.
I’m Too Sexy For My … Taking A Sexual History In The Hospital Setting To Capitalize On A Missed Opportunity

Background: Half of all new sexually transmitted infections occur among 15-24 year olds and 1 in 4 adolescent females has an STI. Adolescents are known to have poor access to reproductive health care. Hospitalized adolescents are a captive audience, yet reproductive healthcare is not often discussed during hospitalization as preliminary research, from our institution, demonstrated only 55% of hospitalized adolescents had any documentation of sexual history, with males, patients admitted directly to the intensive care unit (ICU), and those hospitalized for …
Molecular basis and functional consequences of the interaction between the Base Excision Repair DNA glycosylase NEIL1 and RPA

NEIL1 is a DNA glycosylase that recognizes and initiates base excision repair of oxidized bases. The ubiquitous ssDNA binding scaffolding protein replication protein A (RPA) modulates NEIL1 activity in a manner that depends on DNA structure. Interaction between NEIL1 and RPA has been reported, but the molecular basis of this interaction has yet to be investigated. Using a combination of NMR spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), we show that NEIL1 interacts with RPA through two contact points. An interaction with the RPA32C protein recruitment domain was mapped to a motif in the common interaction domain (CID) of NEIL1 and a dissociation constant (Kd) of 200 nM was measured. A substantially weaker secondary interaction with the tandem RPA70AB ssDNA binding domains was also mapped to the CID. Together these two contact points reveal NEIL1 has a high overall affinity (Kd [~] 20 nM) for RPA. A homology model of the complex of RPA32C with the NEIL1 RPA binding motif in the CID was generated and used to design a set of mutations in NEIL1 to disrupt the interaction, which was confirmed by ITC. The mutant NEIL1 remains catalytically active against ionizing radiation-induced DNA lesions in duplex DNA in vitro. Testing the functional effect of disrupting the NEIL1-RPA interaction in vivo using a Fluorescence Multiplex-Host Cell Reactivation (FM-HCR) reporter assay revealed that RPA interaction is not required for NEIL1 activity against oxidative damage in duplex DNA, and furthermore revealed an unexpected role for NEIL1 in nucleotide excision repair. These findings are discussed in the context of the role of NEIL1 in replication-associated repair.
Engineering the electromechanical response of piezoelectric transducers: Some challenging applications

Piezoelectric transducers are widely used for ultrasonic applications both as actuators to excite and as sensors to receive vibration/wave response. The electromechanical characteristics of the piezoelectric transducers dictate their choice for specific applications. These can be tuned in several ways ranging from modifying the geometry and material properties of the element to changing the excitation electrode pattern and the boundary conditions of the vibrating piezoelectric element. This talk discusses two different ways to achieve such tuning for single-element piezoelectric transducers and their corresponding applications. The first application is to achieve a low-frequency collimated beam using lateral stiffening of a piezoelectric disc vibrating in its radial resonance. The resonance and vibration characteristics of such a disc are presented and the ultrasonic wave propagation from such a laterally stiffened disc in fluids is discussed. The second application uses tailored polarization profiles for piezoelectric elements to enhance/suppress specific resonant modes in an otherwise homogeneous element. The fundamental theory for such behavior is presented and some applications of such polarization-tuned piezoelectric elements are discussed.
War and Religion: Europe and the Mediterranean from the First through the Twenty-first Centuries: by Arnaud Blin, Berkeley, University of California Press, 2019, xx + 360 pp., $34.95/£29.00 (cloth)

Religious beliefs influence the making of war and war-making influences religious belief, but religion is not a cause of war. That would be the general conclusion one can take from this work by Arn...
The Routledge Companion to Film History

Editor's introduction Part I: Film history: a thematic approach 1. Natural Magic: A Cultural history of Moving Images Erkki Huhtamo 2. Film as popular culture Hilary Radner 3. Film as art Prakash Younger 4. The stages of the production process William Guynn 5. The evolution of sound in cinema Jay Beck 6. Experimental Cinema Wheeler Winston Dixon 7. Documentary film Brian Winston 8. Animation Norman M. Klein 9. Filming difference David Desser 10. Making history through media Marcia Landy 11. Inscribing the historical: film texts in context Rosemarie Scullion Part II: A critical dictionary: history, theory, technique Bibliography Index
Navigation and Mission Design Techniques and Tools

Online tools that can be used for background studies for small bodies are described in Sect. 7.2. A tool for use in designing orbital maneuvers is treated in Sect. 7.3, together with examples, the description of the computer algorithm, and a brief discussion of some maneuver constraints. Two methods for designing free-return lunar trajectories for use in ensuring as much as possible the safe return of humans to the moon are described in Sect. 7.4.
Chapter 2 Intracellular Sodium Activities and Basolateral Membrane Potassium Conductances of Sodium-Absorbing Epithelial Cells

Publisher Summary An early, natural outgrowth of the Koefoed-Johnsen-Ussing (KJU) (1958) double-membrane model for Na + absorption by isolated frog skin was the concept of the Nu' transport pool, which is defined as the intracellular Na + originating from the outer, or mucosal, solution that is in transit or awaiting transport out of the cell across the basolateral (inner) membrane (Andersen and Zerahn, 1963; Frazier ef al., 1962). Further, it was not unreasonable to infer that changes in the rate of Na + entry across the apical membrane result in parallel changes in the size of this pool and, in turn, the turnover rate of the basolateral sodium pump. However, many early, and often ingenious, attempts to identify this active transport pool and to relate its size to the rate of transcellular Na + transport, employing chemical techniques and/or analyses of the kinetics of isotope exchange, yielded equivocal, and sometimes conflicting, results Indeed, some investigators were unable to identify an intracellular active Na + transport pool and suggested that active transepithelial Na' transport may be the result of Na + skirting around the cells without entering the intracellular compartment.
Genetic Studies of Leucine Biosynthesis in Bacillus subtilis

The mutations in a series of leucine auxotrophs isolated after treatment with nitrosoguanidine, ultraviolet light, and ICR-191 have been mapped between ilvC and pheA on the Bacillus subtilis chromosome. A fine structure map of the region was constructed by transformation. Analysis of several strains by assaying levels of their leucine bioysnthetic enzymes has shown that the region encodes three enzymes. The order of the genes with respect to the biosynthetic steps catalyzed by the gene products is 1-3-2.
Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer Observations of Neutron Stars

We present the results of searches for EUV emission from neutron stars conducted with the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer Deep Survey and scanner telescopes. To date, 21 fields containing known neutron stars have been observed in the Lexan/boron (40–190 A) band. Of these, 11 fields were simultaneously observed in the aluminum/carbon (160–385 A) band. Five neutron stars that have been detected in the EUV have been reported previously; no new detections have been made in the studies reported here. For those sources not detected, we have used the observations to obtain limits on the spectral flux from the neutron stars in these bands. We provide means to convert these fluxes into intrinsic source fluxes for blackbody and power-law spectra for varying levels of absorption by the interstellar medium.
Rheology of Surimi-Based Products from Fatty Fish Underutilized by the Industry: Argentine Croaker (Umbrina canosai)

Abstract Different products, like emulsified sausages, can be made from surimi from Argentine croaker (Umbrina canosai). This fish is caught in large amounts in the Southern Brazil coast, but is underutilized and has a low commercial value. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the influence of soy protein, potato starch and heating temperature on the texture of an emulsified sausage processed from this surimi. For this, a factorial design was carried out with gel strength and cohesiveness being the measured processing parameters. It could be concluded that cohesiveness diminishes with the increase in soy protein or increase in potato starch. The heating temperature was the parameter that most affected the gel strength. When the soy protein or potato starch concentrations were increased the gel strength decreased.
A commercial approach for designing synthetic instrumentation - serial bus test instrument

The current implied requirement in instrumentation design is coercing commercial instrumentation suppliers into providing as much functionality as possible within as little physical space as possible. A number of design methods are needed to effectively deliver this, including miniaturization and a tight integration of digital and analog functionality. Another result is the introduction of instrumentation that can provide more than one capability.
Design of an embedded robot control sublanguage

The authors present the design and implementation of an embedded robot control sublanguage. The current implementation uses the C language as the host language running on an IBM PC interfaced to a Rhino SCARA robot arm through a Mark III controller. Standard Unix compiler construction tools YACC and LEX are utilized to implement the language translator. It is concluded that language system is valuable for learning basic robot control principles and provides a basis for future extension to a comprehensive and integrated robot programming system for sophisticated robot applications. >
Resolving power of 2D pion interferometry

Abstract A χ2 analysis is performed to test the resolving power of two-dimensional pion interferometry using for illustration the preliminary E802 data on Si+Au at 14.6 A GeV/c. We find that the resolving power to distinguish two decoupling geometries of different dynamical models is enhanced by studying the variation of the mean χ2 per degrees of freedom with respect to the range of the analysis in the qT,qL plane. The preliminary data seem to rule out dynamical models with significant ω, η resonance formation yields.
Episodic but not continuous hypoxia elicits long-term facilitation of phrenic motor output in rats.

1. Intermittent hypoxia elicits long-term facilitation (LTF) of phrenic motor output in anaesthetized rats. We tested the hypothesis that an equal cumulative duration of continuous hypoxia would not elicit phrenic LTF. 2. Integrated phrenic nerve activity was recorded in urethane-anaesthetized, vagotomized, paralysed and ventilated rats exposed to: (1) 3 X 3 min hypoxic episodes (inspired O2 fraction (FI, O2) = 0.11) separated by 5 min hyperoxia (FI,O2 = 0.5; n = 6), (2) 9 min continuous hypoxia (n = 6), or (3) 20 min continuous hypoxia (n = 7). Isocapnia was maintained throughout the protocol. 3. Consistent with previous studies, phrenic amplitude was significantly elevated for at least 1 h following intermittent hypoxia (78 +/- 15% 60 min post-hypoxia; P 0.05) or frequency (4.6 +/- 1.3 and 5.1 +/- 2 bursts min-1 60 min post-hypoxia, respectively; P > 0.05). 4. The results indicate that hypoxia-induced long-term facilitation of phrenic motor output is sensitive to the pattern of hypoxic exposure in anaesthetized rats.
Reinforcement of poly(dimethylsiloxane) networks by blended and in‐situgenerated silica fillers having various sizes, size distributions, and modified surfaces

Elastomeric networks of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) were reinforced with silica particles introduced in two rather different ways. The first was by the simple blending of separately-prepared particles into hydroxyl-terminated PDMS chains that were subsequently end-linked, and the second was by in-situ precipitation through the catalyzed "sol-gel" hydrolysis and condensation of a tetraalkoxysilane. Both approaches permitted control of particle sizes and particle-size distributions. Strongly bimodal size distributions in which there were equal weights of small and large particles were of particular interest, and were achieved in the in-situ approach by using two consecutive steps for generating the two sizes of particles. In addition, some in-situ generated particles were treated to make their surfaces more hydrophobic using co-hydrolyses of dialkoxysilanes with the tetraalkoxysilane. X-ray scattering measurements and electron microscopy were used to characterize the particles and their dispersion within the PDMS matrix. In the in-situ approach, an increased amount of catalyst gave larger particles, but in smaller amounts. It also gave better dispersions, both with regard to the particles within the matrix in general, and in the mixing of the two sizes of particles amongst themselves. The resulting composites were also characterized with regard to their mechanical properties in elongation, both in continuous extension and in near-equilibrium measurements. In the latter case, the extents of stress relaxation were also measured and found to be smaller for the in-situ reinforced systems. The bimodal size distributions did not give mechanical properties superior to those of the unimodal ones, with most of the improvements in mechanical properties coming from the smaller particles. The surface-modified silica particles, however, did seem to give improved mechanical properties, presumably through stronger polymer-filler interfacial interactions.
Virtual Design and Structural Optimization of Dry Twin Screw Vacuum Pump with a New Rotor Profile

Twin screw vacuum pump is an important kind of dry vacuum pump, which is widely used in the oil-free vacuum system. The design of the screw rotor profile directly influences the working performance and manufacture cost of the screw pumps. In this paper, a new rotor profile for twin screw vacuum pump is introduced which is comprised of the cycloid curve, the dedendum circle arc, the involute curve and the addendum circle arc. The processes of three-dimensional modeling, motion simulation, interference checking and structural optimization for twin screw vacuum pumps are studied by means of Solidworks software. The works provide theoretical basis for optimal designing and reference for test prototype manufacturing. The results showed the performance of the vacuum pump according with the designer’s intention.
Empathy, Embodiment, and the Unity of Expression

This paper presents an account of empathy as the form of experience directed at embodied unities of expressive movement. After outlining the key differences between simulation theory and the phenomenological approach to empathy, the paper argues that while the phenomenological approach is closer to respecting a necessary constitutional asymmetry between first-personal and second-personal senses of embodiment, it still presupposes a general concept of embodiment that ends up being problematic. A different account is proposed that is neutral on the explanatory role of the first-person sense of embodiment, which leads to an emphasis on the transformative nature of empathy and a broadening of the scope of possible targets of empathic awareness.
ADSORPTION EQUILIBRIUM OF CARBON TETRACHLORIDE ON DRY SOILS

Vapor phase adsorption equilibrium of carbon tetrachloride, a priority pollutant, on dry soils was studied at 288, 293, and 298 K. Using a gravimetric adsorption apparatus, adsorption /desorption isotherms of carbon tetrachloride were generated on two different soil samples. The effects of temperature and soil characteristics were examined. Isosteric heals of adsorption were calculated and heat curves were constructed. Adsorption isotherms of carbon tetrachloride on dry soil samples were Type II, indicating formation of multilayers of adsorbate on the soil particle surface. Considerable hysteresis effects, associated with capillary condensation, were observed upon desorption. Thermal data confirmed that the adsorption of carbon tetrachloride vapor on soil was primarily physical adsorption. Heat curves showed that the soil samples had energetically heterogeneous surfaces. A positive correlation between The soil's specific surface area and its sorption capacity was observed. Clay content and pore size were ...
Effect of low-dose doxorubicin on calcium content and norepinephrine response in rat aorta.

Doxorubicin (DXR) is a common antineoplastic agent whose clinical utility is limited by development of a dose-related cardiomyopathy. Recent studies demonstrating DXR toxicity in skeletal muscle suggest that this compound may in fact be a general depressant of muscle function. Although previous studies have reported possible indirect actions of DXR on blood vessels, we have investigated the direct effects of this agent on vascular smooth muscle. Chronic, low-dose treatment of rats with intraperitoneal DXR (12 mg/kg total dose over 4 weeks) had no significant effect on body or heart weight, left ventricular water or calcium content, or aortic water or calcium content. Contractile responses to norepinephrine of thoracic aortic strips taken from DXR-treated rats were attenuated by this treatment, and sensitivity (ec50) of these strips to norepinephrine was significantly reduced compared to controls. These results suggest that DXR may have physiological effects on vascular smooth muscle function at doses which produce no signs of toxicity in cardiac muscle.
Comparison of Rates of Positivity for Bordetella pertussis by Real-Time PCR between Specimens Collected with Rayon Swabs on Aluminum Wire Shaft in Amies Gel with Charcoal and Specimens Collected with Flocked Swabs in Universal Viral Transport Medium during an Epidemic

A comparison of real-time PCR positivity rates for Bordetella pertussis between specimens collected with rayon swabs on an aluminum wire shaft in Amies gel with charcoal and those collected with flocked swabs in universal viral transport medium during an epidemic revealed that their performances were comparable.
Localization and inhibition of calcium-activated neutral protease (CANP) in primate skeletal muscle and peripheral nerve

Localization of calcium-activated neutral protease in normal monkey (Cebus apella) skeletal muscle and peripheral nerve was studied by application of the indirect immunofluorescent and peroxidase-antiperoxidase techniques for light and electron microscopy. In muscle, the protease was demonstrated in association with endomysial collagen fibrils, basal lamina, sarcolemma, and Z-bands and also at neuromuscular junctions. In nerve, the enzyme was demonstrated in association with endoneurial collagen fibrils, basal lamina, axolemma, and neurofilaments of both myelinated and unmyelinated axons. Intramuscular injections of the thiol protease inhibitor, leupeptin, abolished Ca-activated neutral protease immunoreactivity in both muscle and peripheral nerve. These data suggest that the protease is localized both intracellularly and extracellularly in normal primate muscle and peripheral nerve. Inhibition of basal lamina associated neutral protease by leupeptin after denervation may hold significance for protecting this structure against degradation and preserving it as a neurotrophic lattice for axon regeneration.
Uranium density and enrichment in fuel tubes determined from 232U and 235U γ-activities

Gamma spectroscopy is used to determine 235U density and enrichment in UAl fuel tubes containing recycled fuel. A collimated HPGe γ-detector views the tube surface, such that UAl disk volumes of 6.35 mm diameter and ∼1.0 mm thickness are examined. The γ-activities from 232U and 235U, along with the tube design parameters, are used to deduce the attenuation-corrected results. Respective density and enrichment variations of <1% and <0.6 e% were measurable with 2000 s counting time per tube location. Such measurements are useful for certifying tube quality and characterizing problems associated with blending the UAl alloy.
The unified approach to spectral analysis

We develop a new, unified, method to construct a closed (selfad-joint in ℒ2) extension of a partial differential operator in all the spaces ℒ p (ℝ n ) 1≦p≦∞. Our method is not only an unified approach but it is also very efficient. We obtain very weak conditions on the potentials.
Early Detection of Doxorubicin Cardiomyopathy Using Two-Dimensional Strain Echocardiography

Doxorubicin is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents; however, it causes dose-dependent cardiomyopathy that may lead to heart failure. Conventional measures of ventricular function, such as fractional shortening, are insensitive in detecting early doxorubicin cardiomyopathy. We tested whether novel 2-dimensional radial strain echocardiography (2DSE) can detect early doxorubicin injury following chronic administration in a rat model. 14 male Sprague Dawley rats (240−260 g) received doxorubicin 2.5 mg/k IV per week for 10 (n=4) or 12 weeks (n=10); 17 controls received saline (10 weeks, n=7 and 12 weeks, n=10). Serial 2DSE from 0−12 weeks was done at the mid left ventricle using Vivid 7 echo (General Electric, Waukesha, WI, USA). With Q analysis software, radial strain was obtained. From the 2D image, anatomical M-mode through the anterior/inferior walls was used to measure fractional shortening. Fibrosis (Masson's trichrome) and caspase-3 activity were measured from excised hearts. Radial strain was lower in the doxorubicin group (12 week: 26.7±3 vs. 38.3±2.6%, p=0.006), with significant difference by 8 weeks whereas fractional shortening was lower with doxorubicin only after 12 weeks (30.2±1.7 vs. 37.6±1.4%, p=0.02). Doxorubicin group had lower cardiac mass (0.85±0.09 vs. 1.14±0.04 g, p=0.001), higher caspase-3 activity (1.95±0.2 fold increase over control, p<0.0001) and fibrosis (3.9±0.7 vs. 0.7±0.1%, p=0.005). Radial strain was related directly to cardiac mass (R=0.61, p=0.0007) and inversely to caspase-3 activity (R=−0.5, p=0.005). 2-dimensional radial strain echocardiography is useful in the early detection of doxorubicin cardiac injury and the reduction in radial strain is associated with histologic markers of doxorubicin cardiomyopathy.
Onion fly (Delia antiqua) egg depositional behaviour: Pinpointing host acceptance by an insect herbivore

Abstract Egg deposition by the onion fly, Delia antiqua (Meigen), consisted of an almost completely deterministic behavioural sequence including Subsurface Probing, Egg Into Bursa, Stationary Phase, Ovipositor Contractility and Egg Expulsion. Ancillary behaviours, such as body repositioning, leg grooming and mouthpart extension, occurred during, but not between, the sequential behaviours. Stationary Phase duration (mean ± SEM = 18 ± 0 s) was less variable than the durations for other behavioural states, indicating a very precise timing mechanism associated with fertilization. Small, but significant, shortening of the ovipositor from Subsurface Probing (3.7 mm) to Egg Into Bursa (3.2 mm) to Stationary Phase (2.9 mm) suggests exact positioning of the egg for fertilization. The command to move an egg, sent during Subsurface Probing, marks the boundary between examining and consuming behaviours and appears to be associated with a switch from motor programmes generating highly probabilistic predepositional behaviour to a programme generating deterministic depositional behaviour. Onion fly egg deposition is a fixed action pattern possibly triggered by mechanosensory and/or chemosensory input received by ovipositor setae during Subsurface Probing. This deterministic depositional behaviour contrasts with the recently preceding unfixed, sensory-dependent predepositional examining behaviours. Hence, for D. antiqua , egg movement is synonymous with ovipositional host acceptance.
Metal composition and solubility determine lung toxicity induced by residual oil fly ash collected from different sites within a power plant.

Residual oil fly ash (ROFA) is a particulate pollutant comprised of soluble and insoluble metals and is produced by the combustion of fossil fuels. The objective was to examine the pulmonary responses to chemically distinct ROFA samples collected from either a precipitator or air heater within the same power plant. The collected ROFA samples were suspended in saline (total sample), incubated for 24 h at 37°C, centrifuged, separated into soluble and insoluble fractions, and the metal composition was determined. In addition, electron spin resonance (ESR) was used to detect short-lived free radical intermediates produced by the ROFA samples and the different fractions. On day 0, Male Sprague-;Dawley rats were intratracheally instilled with saline (vehicle control) or the ROFA samples (1 mg/100 g body wt). At day 1, bronchoalveolar lavage was performed, and lung inflammation was assessed. On day 3, additional rats that had been treated with ROFA were intratracheally inoculated with 5 × 105Listeria monocytogenes, and pulmonary bacterial clearance was measured at days 6, 8, and 10. The precipitator ROFA was found to be more soluble and acidic with a significantly greater mass of each metal compared with the air heater ROFA. A prominent hydroxyl radical signal was measured for the total and soluble precipitator ROFA after the addition of H2O2, whereas the air heater ROFA and its fractions did not produce a signal. Precipitator ROFA induced a greater inflammatory response than air heater ROFA illustrated by a significant elevation in lung neutrophils. In addition, pulmonary clearance of L. monocytogenes was greatly diminished in the rats treated with the soluble and total precipitator ROFA samples. None of the air heater ROFA samples had an effect on lung bacterial clearance. In conclusion, precipitator ROFA, particularly the soluble fraction, generated a metal-dependent hydroxyl radical as measured by ESR and was shown to cause more inflammation and result in reduced lung defense against infection compared with air heater ROFA. These results are most likely due to differences in metal composition and solubility of the ROFA samples.
Determination of Microgram Quantities of Inorganic Sulfate in Atmospheric Particulates

This method makes it possible for a minimally equipped analytical laboratory to measure the microgram quantities of water soluble inorganic sulfate in respirable-sized ambient air particulates. It is particularly appropriate for indoor and personal dosimeter samples which often contain cigarette smoke.
Algorithmic implementations of domain decomposition methods for the diffraction simulation of advanced photomasks

The domain decomposition method developed in [1] is examined in more detail. This method enables rapid computer simulation of advanced photomask (alt. PSM, masks with OPC) scattering and transmission properties. Compared to 3D computer simulation, speed-up factors of approximately 400, and up to approximately 200,000 when using the look-up table approach, are possible. Combined with the spatial frequency properties of projection printing systems, it facilitates accurate computer simulation of the projected image (normalized mean square error of a typical image is only a fraction of 1%). Some esoteric accuracy issues of the method are addressed and the way to handle arbitrary, Manhattan-type mask layouts is presented. The method is shown to be valid for off-axis incidence. The cross-talk model developed in [1] is used in 3D mask simulations (2D layouts).
Base-Promoted Benzene C−H Activation Chemistry at an Amido Pincer Complex of Platinum(II)

The thermally robust platinum(II) complex (BQA)Pt(OTf) undergoes benzene C−H bond activation at 150 °C but requires the presence of N^iPr_2Et. The reaction products are the phenyl complex (BQA)Pt(Ph) and a stoichiometric equivalent of [HN^iPr_2Et][OTf].
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and the productivity and structure of prairie grassland communities

Due to their complementary roles in meeting plant nutritional needs, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (N2-fixers) may have synergistic effects on plant communities. Using greenhouse microcosms, we tested the effects of AMF, N2-fixers (symbiotic: rhizobia, and associative: Azospirillum brasilense), and their potential interactions on the productivity, diversity, and species composition of diverse tallgrass prairie communities and on the productivity of Panicum virgatum in monoculture. Our results demonstrate the importance of AMF and N2-fixers as drivers of plant community structure and function. In the communities, we found a positive effect of AMF on diversity and productivity, but a negative effect of N2-fixers on productivity. Both AMF and N2-fixers affected relative abundances of species. AMF shifted the communities from dominance by Elymus canadensis to Sorghastrum nutans, and seven other species increased in abundance with AMF, accounting for the increased diversity. N2-fixers led to increases in Astragalus canadensis and Desmanthus illinoense, two legumes that likely benefited from the presence of the appropriate rhizobia symbionts. Sorghastrum nutans declined 44 % in the presence of N2-fixers, with the most likely explanation being increased competition from legumes. Panicum monocultures were more productive with AMF, but showed no response to N2-fixers, although inference was constrained by low Azospirillum treatment effectivity. We did not find interactions between AMF and N2-fixers in communities or Panicum monocultures, indicating that short-term effects of these microbial functional groups are additive.
A Preliminary Investigation of the Use of the Cloze Procedure as a Measure of Program Understanding.

Abstract Program understanding is an integral part of the testing and maintenance phases of the software life cycle. There have been numerous investigations of the influence of various aspects of a program and the programming process on program comprehension. However, the many different measures of understanding used in these studies make any comparison or analysis difficult. Some of the different measures include time to find a bug, a comprehension quiz, ability to reproduce a functionally equivalent program without notes, time to perform a modification and Halstead's E. All of these have limitations such as inability to measure both low- and high-level understanding, difficulty of administering and objectively grading, or impractical for large or non-trivial programs. Of the measures, the comprehension quiz is probably the most commonly used and accepted measure of program understanding. This paper reports on a controlled experiment that compared the “cloze” procedure and comprehension quiz as measuring program understanding. In a cloze procedure, the subjects are presented a program listing with some of the program tokens (operands, operators, reserved words, single parenthesis or brackets, etc.) replaced with blanks and are required to fill in the blanks. Our experiment tested students in sophomore, junior and senior level computer science courses. These were assumed to correspond to three levels of programming experperience. Each subject was given one of two versions of a sorting program and either a cloze version of the program or a comprehension quiz over it. Results for the cloze procedure closely approximated those of the comprehension quizzes for both programs and each level of experience. These results and the ease of administration and grading make the cloze procedure a potentially attractive means for measuring program understanding.
Widows and divorcees: The same or different?

Abstract On the surface, widows and divorcees appear to be confronted with a number of similar problems. Their reactions to being single again, sometimes quite suddenly, are frequently based, however, on a different sequence of events. The similarities and differences of the two statuses are discussed as they are affected by legal issues and in terms of the implications in therapy.
The Kindness of God: Metaphor, Gender, and Religious Language – By Janet Martin Soskice

This article is a review of the book The Kindness of God: Metaphor, Gender, and Religious Language by Janet Martin Soskice.