cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High Stakes and Religiously Significant Propositions

I spent Chapter 1 defending several principles of encroachment which will continue to be of interest to us as this book proceeds. In this chapter we will focus on two of those principles. These are Fantl and McGrath’s KA principle and its epistemic counterpart, EA: KA: S knows that p only if s is rational to act as if that p. EA: S is justified that p only if s is rational to act as if that p.
Biological Scaffolds for Regenerative Medicine

This chapter evaluates biological scaffold materials in comparison to conventional synthetic scaffold materials, with a focus on intact acellular extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold materials. Collagens, glycosaminoglycans, chitosans, and other components of the extracellular matrix are used as implantable scaffold materials. Collagen is the most common and abundant naturally occurring scaffold material that can be extracted from various tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues, solubilized, and reconstituted into fibers of various geometries that could, in turn, be transformed into a variety of shapes and sizes to mimic body structures such as heart valves, blood vessels, and skin. Allogeneic and xenogeneic collagen is generally recognized as “self” tissue when used as a biological scaffold material regardless of its species of origin, and it is subjected to the fundamental biological processes of degradation and integration into adjacent host tissues when left in its native ultrastructure. Intact ECM could be isolated from a large variety of different tissues, including heart valves, blood vessels, skin, nerves, skeletal muscle, tendons, ligaments, small intestine, urinary bladder, and liver. These biological scaffolds could be harvested from several different species including tissues from human, porcine, bovine, and equine or from cells grown in vitro . ECM degradation leads to an initial decrease in overall strength during the early phase of in vivo remodeling, followed by an increase in strength due to the deposition of site-specific ECM and the formation of functional site-appropriate neotissue by infiltrating cells in response to their experienced mechanical stresses.
Economic Value of Nature and Ecosystems in the Delaware River Basin

The Delaware River basin is a valuable ecological and economic resource that supplies drinking water to five percent of the population of the United States. Located in Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, the basin supplies drinking water to the nation's first (New York City) and seventh (Philadelphia) largest metropolitan economies, and supports the largest freshwater port in the world while sustaining a recovering anadromous shad and striped bass fishery. The Delaware basin contributes over $22 billion in annual economic activity from potential Marcellus Shale gas extraction ($425 million), recreation ($1.2 billion), fish/wildlife ($1.5 billion), public parks ($1.8 billion), water quality ($2.5 billion), navigation ($2.6 billion), agriculture ($3.4 billion), water supply ($3.8 billion), and forest ($5.1 billion) benefits. The value of natural goods and services from Delaware basin ecosystems is $21 billion ($2010) with net present value of $683 billion with contributions from Delaware ($2.5 billion), New Jersey ($6.6 billion), New York ($3.5 billion), and Pennsylvania ($8.6 billion). The Delaware basin supports 600,000 direct/indirect jobs with $10 billion in wages in the coastal, farm, ecotourism, water/wastewater, ports, and recreation industries. This research demonstrates that the Delaware River basin provides significant economic benefits to the region and is worthy of priority investments by elected officials and decision-makers to protect and restore these natural resources.
Postoperative Pain Management following Thoracic Outlet Decompression

Background Thoracic outlet decompression (TOD) is associated with significant postoperative pain often leading to hospital length of stay out of proportion to the risk profile of the operation. We seek to describe the improvement in hospital length of stay and patient pain control with an improved multiagent pain management regimen. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the hospital length of stay, medication regimen/usage, operative details, and operative indications for all patients undergoing TOD from January 2012 through June 2015. During early experience, single-agent narcotic therapy was the mainstay of postoperatively pain control. Since 2014, we have adopted a regimen consisting of narcotic patient controlled analgesia, oral narcotics, and scheduled ibuprofen and valium, which is transitioned to oral narcotics/valium upon discharge. Operative approach (supraclavicular, infraclavicular, transaxial, or paraclavicular) was determined by patient anatomy and indication for procedure (neurogenic/arterial thoracic outlet syndrome or arteriovenous access dysfunction). Results Seventy-four patients were treated with TOD over the study period: 36 (49.3%) for neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, 23 (31.5%) for venous thoracic outlet syndrome, and 15 (19.2%) for arteriovenous access dysfunction. Prior to 2014, the mean length of stay was 4 days with a median pain score of 6. Since 2014, the mean length of stay was 2.6 ( P = 0.04) with a median pain score of 4 ( P = 0.005). There was no statistically significant difference in the indication for operation or operative approach between the two periods. Conclusions Since adoption of a multiagent pain management regimen to include scheduled NSAIDs and benzodiazepines, we have reduced the mean pain score experienced by our patients as well as the hospital length of stay.
Extreme longevity in a deep-sea vestimentiferan tubeworm and its implications for the evolution of life history strategies

The deep sea is home to many species that have longer life spans than their shallow-water counterparts. This trend is primarily related to the decline in metabolic rates with temperature as depth increases. However, at bathyal depths, the cold-seep vestimentiferan tubeworm species Lamellibrachia luymesi and Seepiophila jonesi reach extremely old ages beyond what is predicted by the simple scaling of life span with body size and temperature. Here, we use individual-based models based on in situ growth rates to show that another species of cold-seep tubeworm found in the Gulf of Mexico, Escarpia laminata, also has an extraordinarily long life span, regularly achieving ages of 100–200 years with some individuals older than 300 years. The distribution of results from individual simulations as well as whole population simulations involving mortality and recruitment rates support these age estimates. The low 0.67% mortality rate measurements from collected populations of E. laminata are similar to mortality rates in L. luymesi and S. jonesi and play a role in evolution of the long life span of cold-seep tubeworms. These results support longevity theory, which states that in the absence of extrinsic mortality threats, natural selection will select for individuals that senesce slower and reproduce continually into their old age.
The Evolution of the NOAA Satellite Platforms

The history and upcoming changes to the constellation of satellites operated by the National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service (NESDIS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are described.
Interpretation And Understanding

To understand a term or other symbol, I argue that it is generally neither necessary nor sufficient to assign it a unique determinate reference. Independent of and prior to investigation, it is frequently indeterminate not only whether a sentence is true, but also what its truth conditions are. Nelson Goodman's discussions of likeness of meaning are deployed to explain how this can be so.
The Isolated Ureter in Vitro

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the application of in vitro method for ureteral activity. The in vitro method consists of separating living cells, organs, or organ systems from the host and maintaining the cellular life and contractile ability of smooth muscle under the conditions of the experiment. The use of isometric technique can demonstrate the presence of alpha (stimulatory) and beta (inhibitory) sympathetic receptors in mammalian ureteral tissue. Alpha adrenergic receptors have been demonstrated to be present throughout the entire length of the human ureter. Beta adrenergic receptors have been demonstrated only in the distal half of the human ureter. Response to the addition of acetylcholine to the bathing physiologic solution has been varied. Hog and bovine ureters respond dramatically with an increase in the rate of contraction.
Zombie Ent(r)ailments in Risk Communication: A Rhetorical Analysis of the CDC’s Zombie Apocalypse Preparedness Campaign:

Apocalypticism is a powerful brew of eschatological belief and political imagination that is extremely persuasive. This article addresses the intersections between apocalyptic rhetoric and the tech...
Dynein harnesses active fluctuations of microtubules for faster movement

The cytoskeleton forms a dynamic network that generates fluctuations larger than thermal agitation of the cytoplasm1. Here, we tested whether dynein, a minus-end-directed microtubule (MT) motor2, can harness energy from these fluctuations using optical trapping in vitro. We show that dynein forms an asymmetric slip bond with MTs, where its detachment rate increases more slowly under hindering forces than assisting forces. This asymmetry enables dynein to generate unidirectional motility towards the minus-end from force fluctuations. Consistent with our model, oscillatory forces exerted by the trap drive dynein stepping without net force and ATP. Dynein is capable of ratcheting towards the minus-end even when the net force is in the plus-end direction. With ATP, force oscillations increase the velocity and stall force of dynein as it transports cargos and glides MTs. Therefore, dynein is a mechanical ratchet that rectifies cytoskeletal fluctuations to move faster and resists higher forces along MTs.
Simulating the Fabrication of Nb/Al-O/Nb Josephson Junction for Superconductive Electronics Application

Josephson junction devices enable computation of binary data by switching between superconductive and resistive states. The switching is triggered by a current flowing through the junction below or above the critical limit $(I_{c})$ , which is sensitive to the physical features of the junction. Modeling the variation in the physical properties of these tunnel junctions due to processing conditions is crucial to understanding the variation in $I_{c}$ across the chip and simulating the electrical characteristics of the device. The aim of this research is to model the steps involved in the fabrication of Nb/Al-O/Nb Josephson Junction for large scale integrated superconductive circuits, which consists of mainly: (i) sputter deposition of Al on top of the Nb base electrode (ii) oxidation of the Al layer to form Al-O tunnel barrier (~1nm] and (iii) anodization of the junction. Developing a process TCAD tool by implementing the fabrication steps from the base layer will ultimately complement device simulation and offer useful insights for optimization.
Morton-PELT: Efficient De-Noising Spatial-Change Point Detection for Large Scale Normalized Digital Elevation Model Data Set

In this paper, we propose a work flow for processing and analysing large-scale Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data that uses an infrastructure for change point detection methods based on a space filling curve representation of point patterns. The Digital Elevation Model usually maps to a three dimensional data set, and falls into the category of geo-spatial data. In a different realm, the field of statistical sequence analysis developed change point analysis methods, designed for time series, that are able to detect discontinuities in the data. Since the detection of discontinuities in geo-spatial data would be a worthwhile task, the purpose of this research is to find ways to combine geo-spatial processing with change-point detection in order to perform change-point detection on geo-spatial data. If successful, this endeavor would greatly extend the toolset available for geo-spatial data. In more detail, we propose to use a space filling curve method (Morton Order) to transform the high dimensional geospatial data into a time series. Once it is in sequential format, existing change point detection methods can be directly applied. This paper implements this suggested method and demonstrates its practical utility. To make it more effective, the HDBSCAN(Hierarchical Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise) algorithm is also applied in its capacity of de-noising algorithm to remove the noisy points in the intermediate phase. The resulting work flow is robust and has the capability to detect sea mountains among large-scale DEM data. Furthermore, it returns visualized reports to end users.
Preoperative Factors Associated with Appendiceal Tumors in Nonelective Appendectomy.

Background: The rates of incidental appendiceal neoplasms after appendectomy performed for acute appendicitis is <2%. To date, no large studies have investigated the preoperative risk factors or imaging findings associated with incidental appendiceal tumors that present as appendicitis. Our study aims to identify preoperative factors that are associated with an increased risk of appendiceal tumors in patients who present with signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis. Materials and Methods: Using the targeted appendectomy American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, we identified patients who underwent nonelective appendectomy for acute appendicitis in 2016. Patients with final pathology consistent with a tumor were compared with those with only appendicitis. A nonmatched case/control method was used to pull a random sample from the appendicitis cohort using a 1:4 ratio (tumor: acute appendicitis) to obtain adequate power for comparison. Preoperative patient variables and imaging findings were investigated using stepwise logistic regression to identify variables associated with appendiceal tumor. Results: Following multivariate analysis, preoperative imaging read of "indeterminate" and "not consistent with appendicitis," female gender, increased age, and lower preoperative white blood cell (WBC) count were significant predictors of tumor causing symptoms of appendicitis. The odds of having tumor pathology were significantly increased in patients with preoperative imaging of "indeterminate" and "not consistent with appendicitis." The odds of having tumor pathology were 82% higher for females than for males, increased by 2% for every 1-year increase in age, and increased by 3% for every one-unit decrease in WBC count. Conclusion: While incidental appendiceal tumors can present as acute appendicitis, 3 patient variables and one imaging finding were identified that may increase suspicion for appendiceal tumors. Consideration should be given to patients with these associated risk factors for additional preoperative consultation in addition to the potential for intraoperative pathology consultation.
Abstract IA28: Systematic interrogation of KRAS in cancer

To complement ongoing large-scale characterization of cancer genomes, we have developed genome-scale tools to systematically annotate the function of genes involved in cancer initiation and progression. In particular, we have dissected the signaling pathways related to one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes KRAS. Using both gain-of-function (ORFs) and loss-of-function (RNAi and CRISPR-Cas9) approaches, we have identified new components of KRAS effector pathways that are essential for the survival of KRAS driven cancers. We have also performed comprehensive genetic screens to identify genes that modulate the response of KRAS-driven cancer cell lines to clinical-grade MEK inhibitors. Together these ongoing approaches provide new insights into KRAS signaling and identify potential targets for KRAS-driven cancers. Citation Format: William C. Hahn. Systematic interrogation of KRAS in cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Targeting RAS-Driven Cancers; 2018 Dec 9-12; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2020;18(5_Suppl):Abstract nr IA28.
Segmentation of point clouds via joint semantic and geometric features for 3D modeling of the built environment

Abstract Generating 3D models from point cloud data is a common Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) service. Research has focused on automating several key steps, including segmenting point clouds based on appearance and geometric attributes. These methods dominantly use Manhattan-World assumptions in their approach. Hence, in cases where building systems are close to architectural/structural elements, these methods result in over-segmentation and require significant fine-tuning by the users. To overcome these limitations, this paper presents a learning method based on Markov Random Field (MRF) that assigns semantic labels to point cloud segment. The MRF enforces coherence between the semantic (e.g., beam, column, wall, ceiling, floor, pipe) and geometric labels (e.g., horizontal, vertical, cylindrical), and it uses the neighborhood context to enhance the semantic labeling accuracy. Experimental results show an average accuracy of 90% on semantic labeling, achieving state-of-the-art performance on labeling beam, ceiling, column, floor, pipe, and wall elements.
The comparative effect of HMX content on the detonation performance characterization of PBX 9012 and PBX 9501 high explosives

Abstract A series of detonation performance experiments are described for the plastic-bonded high explosive (HE) PBX 9012, nominally composed of 90% octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazine (HMX) and 10% polymeric binder vinylidene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (Viton VTR-5883), by weight. The experiments provide information on the PBX 9012’s detonation propagation properties and metal pushing characteristics. Although this HE formulation has been in use for 50 years as a booster (compositionally similar to LX-07), our new data represent the first full detonation performance characterization for the HE (along with recently reported shock initiation experiments). Here, we compare the new PBX 9012 data with the well-studied PBX 9501 (95% HMX and 5% polymeric binder), establishing how the 5% difference in HMX content between the explosives is manifested in the performance measurements. A scaling argument based on the known energetic material content in a large selection of high HMX content formulations is also given to help explain the observed results. Finally, the accumulated PBX 9012 data is used to generate performance models using both programmed and reactive burn techniques, providing an additional avenue to compare PBX 9012 to the more energetic PBX 9501.
Suscetibilidade de populações de Echinochloa a cyhalofop-butyl na região Sul do Brasil e impacto da fenologia da infestante sobre a eficácia do seu controle

satisfied with the control achieved with this herbicide. The objectives were to evaluate in regional scale the susceptibility of Echinochloa populations to cyhalofop-butyl, and quantify the effect of the weed phenology on its efficacy of control. For this, three trials were carried out under greenhouse conditions with a fully random design, using Echinochloa populations collected in rice fields in the southern region of Brazil. In two trials, the susceptibility level of 156 (2012/13 growth season) and 103 (2013/14 growth season) populations were evaluated with the application of cyhalofop-butyl at 360g ha-1. In other trial, in which treatments were arranged in a bi-factorial design (A = 6 x B = 5), it was evaluated six cyhalofop-butyl rates and five phenological stages of E. crus-galli populations. Echinochloa populations had showed differential susceptibility to cyhalofop-butyl, especially in the 2013/14 growth season, where 20 out of the 103 populations had control lower than 90%. The efficacy of this herbicide was inversely proportional to the phenological stage, and the application timing delay contributed directly to the decrease of susceptibility to the herbicide. Cyhalofop-butyl is an effective alternative to control imidazolinone-resistant Echinochloa populations, as long as the application timing occurs in the early phenological stages (2 to 4 leaves).
Association between omentin-1 and indices of glucose metabolism in early pregnancy: a pilot study.

Omentin-1 plays an important role in regulating insulin sensitivity outside pregnancy. As an adipokine derived from human placental and adipose tissue, it may be an important contributor in the biological pathway of gestational diabetes. Omentin-1 was measured in a sub-cohort of 50 participants in the Omega study. We aimed to evaluate whether circulating maternal omentin-1 concentrations are associated with fasting serum glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and maternal obesity as measured by body mass index (BMI) and subcutaneous and intra-abdominal fat thickness measurements in normoglycemic pregnant participants. We performed a subgroup analysis by BMI category. Omentin-1 was negatively correlated with HOMA-IR and insulin and inversely associated with serum glucose concentration in the fully adjusted model (− 47%; slope per tertile increase in concentration − 0.19; P-trend 0.01). This association was significant in non-overweight/obese (< 25 kg/m2) but not among overweight/obese (≥ 25 kg/ m2) participants. The association with serum insulin was not significant in the fully adjusted model. Circulating omentin-1 concentrations are inversely associated with serum glucose concentrations. Although the relevance of these findings remains to be elucidated, they may indicate a mechanism for the development of insulin resistance and gestational diabetes. Follow-up studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.
Propagation of electromagnetic waves into anisotropic media from an external point-dipole source.

Fields generated by infinitesimal, arbitrarily oriented, electric-dipole source located in isotropic medium bounded by parallel plane- stratified, anisotropic media
Designing and Using Scalable Type for Display as Graphic Elements on Digital Devices

Today's typographic designs are displayed on many different output devices. The type designer can not make a single letterform and expect that single representation to remain faithful to the original artwork. Intelligent font files can provide a type designer the mechanism to tailor the image for multiple screen based devices.
Three Research Essays: Organizational Learning Structure and Motivations within Open Source Software Development

This work proposes a multi-method, multi-theoretic approach to increasing our understanding of open source software development. Three research projects explore different aspects of the open software development process. A computerbased simulation allows the investigation of consequences from organizing the work of software development in either traditional hierarchical form or in the emerging open-source organizational form. Organizational learning is studied in the open source context through the examination of routines before and after a crisis in software functionality. Role theory emerges as an explanation of both increasing and decreasing motivations for individual developers in the open source community. These essays give insight into micro-behaviors, processes of learning and implications of organizational design on the performance of software development organizations.
Coffee and Chocolate – Can We Help Developing Country Farmers Through Geographical Indications?

Despite extensive provisions for their protection in the TRIPS Agreement, “geographical indications” (GIs) remain one of the least harmonized and most debated components of the international intellectual property system. Yet to date there has been little discussion as to how economic growth from GI-based marketing occurs. This study explores the potential for GIs as a tool to promote developing country agriculture in two specific products: coffee and chocolate (cocoa). The study explores and refutes a conceptual error that strengthening GI law will, by itself, substantially help developing countries. This error mistakes the piling up of laws for the accumulation of reputational capital, the real way to help developing world agricultural products. Concerning the international debate about strengthening GI law – that is, the “extension” of TRIPS Article 23 to protect all GI names without consumer confusion – the study concludes that such “usurpation” protection generally will not help developing world agricultural products, although it could help coffee and cocoa producers better control the use of coffee names in “blends.” Instead of advocating new legal norms, the study looks at the practical barriers to promotion of coffee and cocoa GIs and concludes that most developing countries which hope to promote their coffees and cocoas through GI-based marketing will need to rely on large corporations to make the investment in building GI consumer awareness. This trend – western companies using developing world GIs to differentiate their products – is well underway and moving toward narrower and narrower geographic specifications. These narrower specifications are good for farmers and means that GI-based marketing of coffee and cocoas may actually move closer to a true terroir theory – without any changes in law. Eschewing any a priori role of the state or central government in GI systems, the study looks at the quality control and marketing experiences of Jamaica (Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee) and Ethiopia (Harrar, Yirgacheffe, and Sidano), concluding that the weakness of public institutions in many developing countries and the history of central governments extracting rents from farmers should caution us against any GI laws that rely too heavily on government regulation. The study also seeks to debunk the more strident advocacy that GI protection is a good means to protect developing countries’ “traditional knowledge” (TK) and “traditional cultural expressions” (TCE). The connection between legal protection of GIs and the protection of TK/TCE is complex and includes cases where extremely successful GIs actually are detrimental to local traditions.
Tracking of interfaces for fluid flow: Accurate methods for piecewise smooth problems.

A survey of hyperbolic conservation laws is presented, with an emphasis on issues raised by a front tracking code developed by the author, Eli Isaacson, D. Marchesin and 0. McBryan. The organization of the code is described and results of the calculations are summarized. The aim of the code is to provide a general and flexible method for obtaining accurate solutions to problems which are piecewise smooth.
Turning Palomar into a deep-space optical receiver

The approach for adapting the 200-inch Hale telescope, located at Mt. Palomar, CA to support a deep space optical communications project is outlined. Considerations include protecting the telescope for daytime operations and limiting the amount of background detected by the receiver.
Stability of Plasma Enzymes During Storage

For measurement of plasma enzyme stability, 18 specimens of whole blood, plasma, and serum from normal subjects were stored at different temperatures. Eight enzymes were assayed after different times of storage: acetylcholinesterase, pseudocholinesterase, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, lactic dehydrogenase, acid and alkaline phosphatases, and amylase. At -200° all enzymes except lactic dehydrogenase were stable for 8 days, while at 38° all except amylase were unstable. At 4° the stability of the enzymes differed in whole blood, plasma, and serum, with a tendency toward greater stability than is usually reported.
Exploring workload factors across future environments

A human-in-the-loop simulation was conducted that examined separation assurance across four progressive future time frames. Decision support, traffic density, separation assurance roles and responsibilities, and aircraft equipage mix were varied across conditions. In a near-term condition, these factors were set to approximate current day operations. In contrast, the most far-term condition involved two times current traffic, full air-ground data communications equipage, and automated conflict resolution working independently. The variation across the four conditions provided an opportunity to explore the pattern of reported controller workload, and what factors contributed to any observed differences. Despite increasing levels of traffic, results showed that mean workload ratings did not differ across conditions with the exception of the furthest term condition which was significantly lower. However, additional analyses were conducted that examined the relationship between workload and the varying traffic characteristics per condition. Although each condition had different significant contributors to workload, the one consistent contributor to workload across each condition was the number of conflicts. This result highlights the importance of work being done to develop the concepts and automation necessary to progressively balance the allocation of separation assurance functions between automation and the air traffic controller of the future.
From Black and White to Left and Right: Race, Perceptions of Candidates’ Ideologies, and Voting Behavior in U.S. House Elections

While there is a strong scholarly consensus that race continues to play a central role in American politics, research on the effects of the race of candidates on electoral behavior has produced decidedly mixed results. Using American National Election Studies data, Cooperative Congressional Election Studies data, and a non-linear systems of equations approach to estimation, I show that race-based misperceptions of candidates’ ideologies have a significant indirect impact on voting decisions in elections to the U.S. House of Representatives. The indirect effects of race on voting behavior outweigh any direct effects of racial prejudice by a substantial margin. More specifically, the results suggest that white citizens will tend to perceive black candidates to be more liberal than white candidates who adopt similar policy positions, and that these race-based misperceptions disadvantage black candidates at the ballot box.
A Study of Co and Mn in ZnO Varistors

ZnO varistors are polycrystalline materials which have highly nonlinear current/voltage characteristics controlled by depletion regions around the grain boundaries. Dissolved transition metals at concentrations of about 1 at. % are required to achieve this large nonlinearity, but their role is unclear. To address this issue we have used the technique of photothermal deflection spectroscopy to measure the optical absorption of varistors containing Co or Mn, both common dopants. Prominent peaks and edges appear in the spectra, and are associated with substitutional Co/sup 2 +/ and Mn/sup 2 +/ ions whose ground states are deep within the ZnO bandgap. Electro- and photoluminescence spectra show Stokes shifted peaks for some of these transitions. The spectral dependence of the photoconductivity shows that some of the absorption features correspond to ionization of the impurities. This result is used to show how the dark impact ionization of these impurities due to a high applied voltage can contribute to the current/voltage nonlinearity.
A monosynaptic fiber track studied in vitro: Evidence of a hippocampal CA1 associational system?☆

Abstract An excitatory afferent system previously undescribed in the in vitro slice was found to be present in the hippocampal CA1 stratum oriens. Evidence was provided that the system makes monosynaptic, en passage contact with CA1 pyramidal cells in the region of their basal dendrites. Slices from partially deafferented hippocampi were used in evaluating the possibility that the s. oriens pathway originated in the contralateral hippocampus. This possibility was not confirmed and the results were discussed in terms of an ipsilateral associational system in CA1 s. oriens.
Unlike-particle collision operator for gyrokinetic particle simulations

Plasmas in modern tokamak experiments contain a significant fraction of impurity ion species in addition to main deuterium background. A new unlike-particle collision operator for @df particle simulation has been developed to self-consistently study the non-local effects of impurities on neoclassical transport in toroidal plasmas. A new algorithm for simulation of cross-collisions between different ion species includes test-particle and conserving field-particle operators. The field-particle operator is designed to enforce conservation of number, momentum and energy. It was shown that the new operator correctly simulates the thermal equilibration of different plasma components. It was verified that the ambipolar radial electric field reaches steady state when the total radial guiding center particle current vanishes.
Profiles in Science for Science Librarians: Clyde Snow: Forensic Anthropologist, Social Justice Advocate, and Super Sleuth

Clyde Snow became the father of modern-day forensic anthropology during a 50-year career identifying the skeletonized victims of U.S. air crashes and mass murders around the world. His cases included the victims of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, the identification of Nazi war criminal Dr. Josef Mengele, and the investigation of the 1979 American Airlines crash in Chicago. He founded and trained forensic anthropology teams that led to international human rights investigations into genocide, war crimes, and massacres in Argentina, Chile, and many other countries. His research appears in scholarly journals, book chapters, scientific conference papers, and government reports.
Compressive imaging applied to infrared-based semiconductor failure analysis

We present IR emission images obtained from semiconductor devices using compressive sensing mathematics combined with a single-element infrared photon detector as method of defect detection. High signal to noise ratio, robust measurements and fast acquisition have make compressive imaging a strong supplement to traditional IR analysis systems.
Space Sciences Laboratory, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720

One of the many processes that occur in our Milky Way Galaxy is the in- teraction of Neutral Hydrogen (H I) shells with the Interstellar Medium (ISM). H I shells are formed when material from stellar winds and supernova explosions expands outward and mixes with the ISM. Without this phenomenon the heavy elements made in stars would not be recycled and reused for future star and planet systems. The goal of this project is to better understand how interstellar shells evolve. To acquire a better grasp of a shell’s characteristics and develop- ment, we compared images for 55 shells that were discovered in the Search for Extraterrestrial Neutral Hydrogen (SETHi) radio database. The SETHi images show cold, neutral gas, the H-Alpha Composite Survey images show warm, ion- ized gas, the IRIS (infrared) images show warm dust, and the RASS (X-ray) images reveal hot gas. The initial comparison identified nine potentially interest- ing shells. Of these, four are most suitable for detailed follow-up study, based on information available from their kinematic distances. We present a catalog of the shells we classified, including details of those that are likely targets. Follow-up detailed multi-wavelength comparisons can give us estimates on a shells’s age and evolutionary status.
Frequency of use and rated effectiveness of cognitive and behavioural coping responses to burn pain

Abstract Cognitive and behavioural pain control coping techniques were studied in a sample of burn clinic outpatients. Forty-four subjects of generally low socioeconomic status were recruited for the study. TBSA average 8 per cent, the mean subject age was 38.1 years, and subjects reported experiencing pain during half their waking hours the previous week. The Burn Pain Questionnaire (BPQ) was used to assess the reported frequency of use and effectiveness of eight behavioural and seven cognitive coping strategies for average and severe levels of pain. The BPQ was also used to assess pain duration as a correlate of the efficacy of coping techniques. The results indicated that three behavioural techniques (listening to TV/radio/stereo, sleeping, talking about pain) and one cognitive technique (thinking about something else) were rated as effective by the majority of subjects for average levels of pain. None of the techniques were rated by subjects as useful with severe pain. Use of two behavioural approaches (use of TV/radio/stereo, talking) and two cognitive approaches (concentrating attention, imagining self elsewhere) were significantly correlated with increased pain duration. Results are discussed in terms of tailoring psychological pain control techniques to the individual needs of the patient.
Depleting endogenous neurotrophin-3 enhances myelin formation in the Trembler-J mouse, a model of a peripheral neuropathy.

The heterozygous Trembler-J (TrJ/+) mouse, containing a point mutation in the peripheral myelin protein 22 (Pmp22) gene, is characterized by severe hypomyelination and is a representative model of Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1A (CMT1A) disease/Dejerine-Sottas syndrome (DSS). Given that the neurotrophin-3 (NT3)-TrkC signaling pathway is inhibitory to myelination during development, we investigated the role of the NT3-TrkC pathway in myelination and manipulated this pathway to improve myelin formation in the CMT1A/DSS mouse model. Injection of NT3 to the TrJ/+ mice decreased the myelin protein P0 level in the sciatic nerves. Suppressing the NT3-TrkC pathway with TrkC-Fc, an NT3 scavenger, enhanced myelination in vitro and in vivo in the TrJ/+ mouse. Furthermore, we found that full-length TrkC was expressed in adult TrJ/+ mouse sciatic nerves but was not detected in the wild-type adults, suggesting that the full-length TrkC is a potential target of treatment to enhance myelination in the TrJ/+ mouse. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The effect of adsorbed polystyrene on the stability of graphon dispersions in toluene

Abstract This paper presents some experimental results of the effect of the molecular weight of a nonionic stabilizer, polystyrene, on the stability of Graphon dispersions in toluene. Five samples of polystyrene of molecular weights ranging from 20,400 to 1,800,000 were used. The rate of flocculation of Graphon dispersions containing each of these samples was measured by the change in optical density as a function of time of flocculation. The concentration of polystyrene in these samples was chosen to give a substantially closed packed adsorbed layer on the particle. The results show that the logarithm of the stability ratio varies linearly as a function of the logarithm of the molecular weight of polystyrene with a nonzero intercept. This empirical relationship indicates that the stability is not increased unless the molecular weight of polystyrene exceeds a certain value, that it has a direct power dependence on the molecular weight similar to that of the intrinsic viscosity of polymer solutions, and that the stability increases as the thickness of the adsorbed layer increases.
Living systems: basic concepts.

The first issue of this journal began with an editorial which said in part: “Our present thinking—which may alter with time—is that a general theory will deal with structural and behavioral properties of systems. The diversity of systems is great. The molecule, the cell, the organ, the individual, the group, the society are all examples of systems. Besides differing in the level of organization, systems differ in many other crucial respects. They may be living, nonliving, or mixed; material or conceptual; and so forth.” A decade later, the thinking has not altered greatly. Every year the structure and process of many sorts of systems have been analyzed in these pages. The following article and its companions in the next issue epitomize general systems behavior theory as presented in the author's Living Systems, to be published in a few months.
The influence of midsole cushioning on mechanical and hematological responses during a prolonged downhill run.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of midsole durometer on mechanical and hematological responses during a prolonged downhill run. Twenty-four men completed a 30-min downhill run (-12% grade) wearing either soft, medium, or hard midsole shoes. Data describing mean peak tibial acceleration (PTA), stride frequency, plasma free hemoglobin, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and creatine kinase (CK) were collected. While there were no significant differences in PTA among midsole durometer shoes, PTA increased by 20% after the first 5 min of the run over all other time intervals during the run (p < .05). Hemolysis showed a 50.2% increase from prerun to postrun values (p < .05). CK increased from the prerun state to 24 hr after the run (p < .05). Downhill running, irrespective of midsole durometer, showed increased levels of leg shock, hemolysis, and muscle damage over values that are present in the literature for a level running protocol.
Relationship of renal size to nephropathy in type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes.

Thirty-five patients with Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus and 90 normal subjects had renal size (renal area index) determined by X-ray and also had examination of renal biopsies by light and electron microscopy. Renal area index of 206±32 cm2/1.73 m2 (mean±SD) in the Type 1 diabetic patients exceeded that in the normal subjects (180±25 cm2/1.73 m2, p<0.001). In the diabetic patients, the renal area index correlated with creatinine clearance (r=+0.43, p<0.05), but did not correlate with urinary albumin excretion, or the electron microscopic measurements of percentage total mesangium and glomerular basement membrane width. In diabetic patients with clinical nephropathy or severe glomerulopathy on biopsy, the kidneys may remain large. Thus, renal size does not indicate the severity of diabetic renal lesions on biopsy.
Syngas production from heptane in a non-catalytic counter-flow reactor

Abstract Hydrogen-based power systems, such as fuel cells, are promising clean energy technologies. A significant obstacle, however, is the production and distribution of hydrogen. Production at the site of use is widely believed to be a viable near-term solution. Hydrocarbon fuels that are readily transported can be reformed into synthesis gas, or syngas, which is a gaseous mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and other species. Fuel reforming therefore permits high density energy storage that can effectively replace or supplement batteries for remote applications. Current industrial methods of syngas production do not scale down efficiently, but an alternative method, non-catalytic partial oxidation, is a viable option for small scale production. An advantage of this method is the lack of catalyst, which is expensive and prone to damage. In this paper we present the experimental results of syngas production from heptane using a non-catalytic reactor based on the concept of counter-flow heat exchange. The reactor operates on the principle of heat recirculation in order to achieve temperatures that are superadiabatic, or higher than those predicted by equilibrium, thereby permitting increased oxidation rates of reactant mixtures. A key advantage of this type of reactor is that the reaction zones are stationary, allowing continuous operation. Previous studies have examined the reforming of methane and propane using the counter-flow reactor, and those results are compared with the results of the current study. Heptane is notably the first liquid fuel to be reformed using the counter-flow reactor. This is important for establishing the fuel flexibility of the reactor and, in conjunction with previously acquired data, guiding future design and operation.
Patterns of Intimate Partner Violence Among Married Women in the Military: Type, Level, Directionality and Consequences

While separate evidence exists that married military women have high rates of both intimate partner violence victimization and aggression, little is known about the context of this violence, including the extent to which the violence committed toward and by military women is physical, psychological or sexual, whether the violence is unilateral or bi-directional, and the extent of injury sustained or inflicted. In order to gain a more multi-dimensional understanding of the violence in the lives of military women, this study involved 248 enlisted females who completed a self-report survey about themselves and their spouses’ behavior. Results indicate that the majority of violence reported was bi-directional and symmetrical in terms of type and level of severity. However, enlisted females were more than three times as likely to be victims of unilateral severe violence as their male civilian spouses. Demographic factors associated with these patterns of violence were also identified.
Drug-Induced Methemoglobinemia: a Case Report and Review of Literature

Drugs, including those used during diagnostic procedures, can have adverse effects and potentially serious side-effects, especially in complicated patients with significant comorbidity. Benzocaine is frequently used as an oropharyngeal anesthetic agent during bronchoscopy, transesophageal echocardiography, and upper GI endoscopy and can cause methemoglobinemia, a potentially life-threatening event if not diagnosed and treated quickly. Co-oximetry is the gold standard for the diagnosis of methemoglobinemia and can quantitate blood levels, which in turn correlate with the clinical presentation and the urgency for treatment. Methylene blue is the treatment of choice for methemoglobinemia. In this case report we discuss the pathophysiology, the clinical presentation, the diagnosis, and the treatment of benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia.
CURRENT ISSUES IN ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY

Contemporary medical and legal trends in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are presented. The history of ECT, underlying neurophysiological theory, recent treatment developments, potential side effects and health risks, and contrasting views between the proponents and opponents are examined. Issues involving informed consent and psychotherapy are also discussed. The analysis recognizes ECT's documented record in treating major depression but calls for further stringent research to validate its efficacy.
Allosteric activation of the hydrolysis of specific substrates by chymotrypsin.

A variety of azobenzene compounds having bis-quaternary nitrogens have been shown to accelerate the hydrolysis by chymotrypsin of certain specific substrates by an allosteric mechanism. One of the most potent, 2,2'-bis[alpha-(benzyldimethylammonium)methyl]azobenzene dibromide (2,2'-QBzl) accelerated the hydrolysis of glutaryl-L-phenylalanine p-nitroanilide 40-fold at saturating concentration. Acceleration was by increasing kcat without altering Km. The hydrolysis of acetyl-L-tyrosine p-nitroanilide and acetyl-L-tyrosine anilide was also accelerated by Q-Bzl (25-fold and 1.8-fold respectively) while the hydrolysis of hemoglobin, azocoll and a number of esters was not affected. The inactivation of chymotrypsin by diphenylcarbamyl chloride and diphenylcarbamyl fluoride was accelerated by 2,2'-Q-Bzl. Reac;ivation in the presence of NH2OH was also accelerated, but in the absence of added nucleophile (i.e. of NH20H) no increase in rate was detectable. An allosteric effector was covalently attached to chymotrypsinogen A by reaction with 2,2'-bis[alpha-(o-bromomethylbenzyldimethylammonium)methyl]azobenezene dibromide. The product, when converted to active enzyme, was about 4 times more active than chymotrypsin as a result of an increase in kcat of hydrolysis; Km was unaffected. The mechanism of the allosteric acceleration process is not known but, because for all of the substrates affected acylation of the enzyme is rate-limitimg, it is tentatively suggested that the effectors facilitate proton transfer to the leaving group by an inductive effect on the 'charge relay system'. Spectral studies indicate that the allosteric site is a portion of the enzyme with a polarity near that of water, possibly on the outside surface of the enzyme molecule.