cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The formation and evolution of U(1) gauged vortices in an expanding universe

Abstract The formation and evolution of gauged U(1) vortices in an expanding (2 + 1)-dimensional space-time are analyzed numerically. We find that, starting with thermal initial conditions with random phases, vortices form with a mean separation smaller than the Hubble radius. Thus the Kibble mechanism holds also in local gauge theories. In contrast to the case of global vortices, there are no long-range forces. However, for certain initial conditions, vortex may collide with an antivortex. In this case, they annihilate in a spiral path with evident angular momentum. We s show that the phase waves which are produced during the annihilation are emitted predominantly at 90° from the axis through the incident topological defects.
Type A behavior and physiological responsivity in young women

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess the coronary-prone behavior pattern and physiological responses to stress in young women. Thirty-seven women, aged 18–25 yr, were tested; half were studying in nontraditional fields for women, half in traditional. Based on the Jenkins Activity Survey, women in the male-dominated fields of study were more Type A. Subjects were monitored while resting and while solving mental arithmetic problems and visual puzzles; the dependent variables were heart rate, and blood pressure. Comparisons were made based on both the Jenkins Activity Survey and the structured interview, and using both median splits and extreme groups. There were no physiological differences between Types A and B women. Possible methodological issues accounting for the lack of results are considered.
A statistical analysis of worldwide coauthorship relationships in scholarly journals of business

Abstract This study involves a multiple regression analysis of variables affecting the percentage of coauthorship at all 540 institutions that published in 19 scholarly journals of business. The period covered was 1972–1983. The r2 for the regression equation was .53 with the most important variable being total pages published. The analysis also included an investigation of trends in coauthorship and patterns between institution as well as with the government and private sectors.
The Use Of Videography For Three-Dimensional Motion Analysis

Special video path editing capabilities with custom hardware and software, have been developed for use in conjunction with existing video acquisition hardware and firmware. This system has simplified the task of quantifying the kinematics of human movement. A set of retro-reflective markers are secured to a subject performing a given task (i.e. walking, throwing, swinging a golf club, etc.). Multiple cameras, a video processor, and a computer work station collect video data while the task is performed. Software has been developed to edit video files, create centroid data, and identify marker paths. Multi-camera path files are combined to form a 3D path file using the DLT method of cinematography. A separate program converts the 3D path file into kinematic data by creating a set of local coordinate axes and performing a series of coordinate transformations from one local system to the next. The kinematic data is then displayed for appropriate review and/or comparison.© (1988) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
L -Fucosamine and 4-Oxo-norleucine as Constituents in Mucopolysaccharides of Certain Enteric Bacteria

THE presence of D-fucosamine (2-amino-2,6-dideoxy-D-galactose) in materials of bacterial origin1 was first established in 1958. This amino sugar was isolated from a lipo-polysaccharide obtained from Chromobacterium violaceum (N.C.T.C. 7917) and has been detected in a few other strains of Rhizobiaceae. D-Fucosamine2 has also been found in Bacillus cereus of the family Bacillaceae3. On the other hand, L-fucosamine (2-amino-2,6-dideoxy-L-galactose) has been obtained from the capsule of Diplococcus pneumoniae type V of the Lactobacillaceae4. This communication concerns the isolation of L-fucosamine from a mucopolysaccharide obtained from Citrobacter freundii 05 : H30 of the Enterobacteriaceae. Thus, L-fucosamine is found for the first time in a Gram-negative bacterium.
Cognitive representation of rewards in delay of gratification

A study was conducted comparing the effects of two modes of cognitively representing rewards on delay of gratification. Nursery school children were told to think about the rewards in a delay situation as either “real” or “pictures.” They were also given instructions designed to elicit either arousal or cueing functions of the cognitive representations. It was found that previously obtained differences of focusing on actual or symbolic rewards were found also when the children represented the rewards cognitively. It was also found that, consistent with our hypothesis, there was an interaction between cognitive representation and instructional set. These results are discussed in terms of Berlyne's (1960)and Estes's (1972)distinction between two functions of a reward stimulus.
Those (In)destructible disks; or, another myth exploded

The characteristics of the ubiquitous 360K 5 1/4 inch floppy disk are described. Based on personal experience, and subsequent related experiments, the author details steps to be taken to salvage disks which have been damaged by spilled substances such as coffee with cream and sugar, Classic Coke, hamburger and french fries, and hand cream.
Psychometric performance of the National Eye Institute visual function questionnaire in Latinos and non-Latinos.

Objective To compare the psychometric performance of Spanish versions of the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) and the NEI VFQ-39 administered to Latino patients with the psychometric performance of the standard English NEI VFQ-25 and NEI VFQ-39 administered to non-Latino patients. Design Clinic-based cross-sectional survey. Participants Four hundred three patients (160 Latinos and 243 non-Latinos) recruited from general ophthalmology clinics of an urban public hospital over a 6-month period. Methods Structured face-to-face interviews were conducted in Spanish and English to collect data for the NEI VFQ-25 and NEI VFQ-39. We calculated the mean, standard deviation, and percentage of participants having the minimum (floor) and maximum (ceiling) possible score for each item and scale. Internal consistency reliability of the NEI VFQ-25 and NEI VFQ-39 was estimated using the Cronbach α and average inter-item correlation. Construct validity for the instruments was assessed by comparing scores for participants classified as having normal versus impaired visual acuity. Main Outcome Measures Instrument scales for general health; general vision; ocular pain; near activities; distance activities; vision-specific social functioning, mental health, role difficulties, and dependency; driving; color vision; and peripheral vision. Results Internal consistency reliability was significantly lower in the Spanish version than in the English version for 3 scales of the NEI VFQ-25. More importantly, 3 scales in the Spanish version manifested inadequate reliability (α≤0.70), compared with only 1 inadequately reliable subscale in the English version. Reliability coefficients associated with the Spanish NEI VFQ-39 scales exceeded commonly accepted minimum standards. Comparison of reliability coefficients between Latino and non-Latino subgroups demonstrated statistically significant differences for 4 scales: Ocular Pain, Mental Health, Role Difficulties, and Dependency. In each case, the Latino group had the lower internal consistency reliability. However, only for the Ocular Pain subscale was reliability both significantly lower and inadequate (α Conclusion Overall performance of the NEI VFQ in Latino populations is adequate. However, in the absence of modifications to improve the reliability of specific Spanish version subscales, comparisons between Latino and non-Latino subgroups using the NEI VFQ must be interpreted with appropriate caution.
Optimization of shock intensities generated by high current exploding wires

A 400 µF capacitor bank, charged as high as 3.5 kV (2.45 J) is used to drive an exploding wire in air with up to 10s kA over a 100s of microsecond timescale. Utilizing a short wire with 286 µm diameter enables generating an intense shockwave with overpressures on the order of 1 psi (6.9 kPa). Investigation of the energy dependence of the overpressure magnitude was completed by both varying the initial capacitor voltage, as well as parasitically introducing additional resistive dampening into the circuit. Additionally, variation in both capacitance and inductance were made in order to observe the effect of varying the driving source timescale on generated overpressure. Optimization of the exploding wire load involved exploring various materials, radii, length, as well as the number of exploding wires. Preliminary theoretical predictions are made using the Sandia National Laboratories ALEGRA-MHD software. Theoretical and experimental results are benchmarked against one another to assess the accuracy of the theoretical predictions.
Cost-effectiveness of routine childhood vaccination for hepatitis A in the United States.

Objectives Economic analysis is an important component in formulating national policy. We evaluated the economic impact of hepatitis A vaccination of all US children ages 12 to 23 months as compared with no vaccination and with current implementation of the preexisting (issued in 1999), regional policy. Methods We developed a Markov model of hepatitis A that followed a single cohort from birth in 2005 through death or age 95 years. From the societal perspective, the model compared the outcomes that resulted from routine vaccination at age 1 year to 2 scenarios: no hepatitis A vaccination and hepatitis A vaccination at levels observed in 2003 under the preexisting policy. We evaluated the economic impact of vaccination nationwide, in areas where vaccination was already recommended, and in areas where no previous recommendation existed. Results Without childhood vaccination, the approximately 4 million children in the 2005 birth cohort would be expected over their lifetimes to have 199,000 hepatitis A virus infections, including 74,000 cases of acute hepatitis A and 82 deaths, resulting in 134 million dollars in hepatitis A-related medical costs and productivity losses. Compared with no vaccination, routine vaccination at age 1 year would prevent 172,000 infections, at a cost of 28,000 dollars per quality-adjusted life year saved. Compared with maintaining the levels of hepatitis A vaccination under the preexisting regional policy, routine vaccination at age 1 year would prevent an additional 112,000 infections, at a cost of 45,000 dollars per quality-adjusted life year saved. Conclusions The cost-effectiveness of nationwide hepatitis A vaccination compared with no vaccination, and the incremental cost-effectiveness of this recommendation compared with preexisting recommendations, is similar to that of other accepted public health interventions. In October 2005, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended extending hepatitis A immunization to all US children ages 12 to 23 months.
Natural Disaster and Disability: Case Study of the Florida 2004 Hurricane Season Based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

Purpose The purpose of this project was to evaluate the impact of the hurricane season on frequent mental distress (FMD ≥ 14 days in the past 30) and the potential difference by disability status in Florida. It is essential to evaluate the quality of life before and after the hurricanes for people with disabilities (PWD), compared to people without disabilities (PWOD). If there are disparities in outcomes, all levels of government may need to modify their preparedness plans. Methods Of the 7,192 Floridians that participated in the 2004 BRFSS, 4,898 were included in the sample for weighted analysis. Participants who refused to answer or had missing data on key variables were excluded from the sample (n=537). Season was based on the interview month, where “before” is from January-May and “after” is November-December. People were defined as having a disability if they answered “yes” to either question relating to activity limitation and special equipment usage. Results Self-reported FMD in PWD is significantly higher than those without disabilities, regardless of season. However, when examining the effect of the hurricane season, PWD exhibited a 4.7% increase in self-reported FMD, with 21% before the hurricane season compared to 25.7% after the hurricane season. Whereas, PWOD exhibited a 2.1% increase between hurricane seasons, with 6.6% before and 8.7% after. No statistically significant interaction was found between hurricane season and disability, therefore disability is not considered an effect modifier. The study also found that after the hurricane season, people were more likely to report FMD (AOR 1.31, 95% CI 0.99–1.922). Conclusion Although no interaction was found between hurricane season and disability, factors influencing FMD were uncovered, most importantly disability. With approximately 21% of the participants in the Florida BRFSS reporting a disability and around 23% of PWD reporting FMD, consideration should be given in reference to mental health regardless of whether or not a natural or man made disaster is in effect.
Coming attractions for semiconductor quantum dots

Applications of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have recently begun to move from the laboratory into the commercial sector. This article provides a brief description of QDs and their associated optical properties, highlighting the concept that QD size is now a parameter used to tune photophysical properties. Additionally, three major applications of QDs are discussed: biological imaging, photovoltaic devices, and light-emitting devices. Progress in each area is highlighted, as well as potential advantages over existing technologies when QD products are realized. Finally, some of the challenges to the further development of QDs for each respective application and in the field overall are addressed.
Spectrum of renal vascular malformation.

Summary In summary, renal AVMs are rare. The possibility of these lesions should be raised in cases of hematuria of unknown etiology, prolonged hematuria following trauma or needle biopsy, unexplained congestive heart failure or abdominal/flank bruit, or hypertension after renal trauma. Selective renal arteriography is the study of choice for establishing the diagnosis, the hallmark being demonstration of an abnormal arterial communication with a vein The goal of management should be maximum preservation of renal parenchyma. Observation with follow-up is indicated for asymptomatic AVMs.
Chemiluminescence spectra from cool and blue flames: Electronically excited formaldehyde

Resolved emission spectra of electronically excited formaldehyde (1A2 → 1A1) have been obtained from two-stage ignition in a Vertical Tube Reactor combustion flow system, using acetaldehyde and n-butane as fuels. The very low intensity UV-visible emission from both the cool flame reaction zone (200–400°C) and blue flame reaction zone (400–800°C) is due to formaldehyde chemiluminescence. The “continuum” observed by previous researchers is due to formaldehyde band overlap, with typical hot flame emission from radicals, CO flame bands and continuum, and black body radiation being absent except for minor contributions in the acetaldehyde blue flame (800°C). Differences in the spectra band structure and underlying ‘continuum’ are due to the temperatures of the various flames. The cool flame formaldehyde emission yield per reacting fuel molecule is ∼10−8 for the fuels studied.
SCDU (Spectral Calibration Development Unit) Testbed Narrow Angle Astrometric Performance

The most stringent astrometric performance requirements on NASA's SIM(Space Interferometer Mission)-Lite mission will come from the so-called Narrow-Angle (NA) observing scenario, aimed at finding Earth-like exoplanets, where the interferometer chops between the target star and several nearby reference stars multiple times over the course of a single visit. Previously, about 20 pm NA error with various shifts was reported. Since then, investigation has been under way to understand the mechanisms that give rise to these shifts. In this paper we report our findings, the adopted mitigation strategies, and the resulting testbed performance.
Treacher Collins syndrome and achalasia

Achalasia is often a familial disease and may be inherited in association with other familial defects. I report a patient born with a familial facial dysostosis, Treacher Collins syndrome, who also has achalasia to propose that these two defects are associated familial disorders in this patient.
Induction and selection of the minute-rough (MR) colonial variant of Candida albicans.

An adenine requiring strain ofCandida albicans, WC-7, forms large smooth colonies. When grown at 37° C under conditions of severe adenine deprivation, WC-7 cultures accumulate variant cells (MR variants) which produce minute, rough colonies. The variants are stable in that they persist upon repeated selective subculturing. However, they do exhibit high rates of reversion to their large, smooth colony progenitor form. It is shown that cultural conditions which favor the appearance of variants in WC-7 populations create a metabolic stress within the WC-7 cells which leads to their direct transformation into variants. These same conditions also impart a selective growth advantage to variant cells over WC-7 cells. Considerations of the genetic properties of the variants and the factors involved in their induction argue strongly that variant cells originate through alteration of a non-genic, hereditary determinant.
Edge linking by a directional potential function (DPF)

Low level edge detection operators do not usually guarantee the generation of contiguous boundaries of objects in images. This, coupled with other inherent signal noises, makes many image analysis tasks difficult. We present a new algorithm that is theoretically inspired by a potential function method originated in physics. In this algorithm an edge image is modelled as a potential field with energy depositions at the detected edge positions. Pixels at the edge broken points are charged by the potential forces of the energy in proportion to the relative distances and directions of the surrounding edge pixels. A directional potential function (DPF) is applied to measure the energy charges, which in turn direct the edge connections at these points. Heuristic techniques are utilized in the algorithm to assist the search of charged pixels and improve the effectiveness of the DPF evaluations.
Parking Search Equilibrium on a Network

Abstract This paper describes an equilibrium formulation for incorporating parking search into traffic network assignment models. The proposed model allows general network topologies and reflects uncertainty related to parking availability, including the possibility of cycling behavior as drivers search for parking. The equilibrium framework represents the mutual dependence between the probabilities of finding parking at different locations and the search processes employed by drivers to minimize total expected journey time (or cost). In this framework, network loading is represented by a system of nonlinear flow conservation networks, and feasibility and uniqueness issues are discussed. The equilibrium problem is formulated as a variational inequality and a convex combinations heuristic is proposed. Numerical results show that neglecting parking search can substantially underestimate network flows, and quantitatively demonstrate the relationship between parking duration effects and the cost of time spent walking relative to driving, and the expected driving and walking times.
History of Depression and Frontostriatal Connectivity During Reward Processing in Late Adolescent Boys

Given that depression in men is associated with risk for seriously adverse consequences, evaluating how putative neural mechanisms of depression-such as reward-related frontostriatal connectivity-may be altered in late adolescent boys with a history of depression is an important research aim. Adolescents and adults with depression have been demonstrated to show blunted striatal response and heightened medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) activation to winning reward. Function in reward circuits appears to be best understood as coordination of regions within frontostriatal circuitry, and alterations to this circuitry could occur in those with a history of depression. The current study evaluated functional connectivity between the nucleus accumbens and mPFC in a sample of 166 ethnically diverse boys with and without a history of depression. Participants completed an fMRI monetary reward paradigm at age 20. Lifetime history of depression and other psychiatric illnesses was measured prospectively and longitudinally, using structured clinical interviews at 7 time points from ages 8 to 20. Boys with a history of depression showed heightened positive connectivity between the nucleus accumbens and the mPFC relative to boys with no psychiatric history when winning rewards relative to losing rewards. This altered frontostriatal connectivity pattern was also associated with greater number of depressive episodes in the boys' lifetime. History of depression in late adolescent boys may be associated with altered coordination between the nucleus accumbens and mPFC when winning reward. This coordination could reflect oversignaling of the mPFC to dampen typical ventral striatum response or enhance weak ventral striatum response.
CURRENT RESEARCH ON REDUCING PRE- AND POST-HARVEST AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION OF U.S. ALMOND, PISTACHIO, AND WALNUT

Aflatoxins are considered to be potent carcinogens and teratogens to humans and farm animals. A variety of species of the fungal genus Aspergillus (mainly A. flavus and A. parasiticus) synthesize aflatoxins. Spores of these fungi are common in air and soil of agricultural areas of temperate and tropical environments. Because aflatoxigenic fungi are ubiquitous and opportunistic, aflatoxin contamination has become a food safety concern. The chief U.S. crops affected by the threat of contamination with aflatoxin include corn, peanuts, cottonseed, and certain tree nuts. Additionally, aflatoxin contamination has also become an international trade issue. Major trading partners of U.S. agricultural products have set total aflatoxin action threshold levels at four ng/g (ppb). This action level is far below the 20 ppb level recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug administration for domestic foods. Almonds, pistachios and walnuts are one of the major food commodities affected by food safety and trade issues associate...
Sex-change linked growth acceleration in a coral-reef fish, Thalassoma duperrey

Environmental factors are known to affect the growth rates of fishes through most of their adult life. In the hermaphroditic saddleback wrasse (Thalassoma duperrey), the effects of social factors on growth were studied experimentally by subjecting individuals in submerged enclosures to various social environments that induce sex change. The results showed that social factors may either stimulate or inhibit the growth of adult fish. Individuals with one or more pen mates grew better than isolated individuals. Conspecifics stimulated more growth than heterospecifics. In paired fish, larger individuals inhibited the growth of smaller individuals. Growth rates were independent of both the sex and color phase of associates. Placing a tactile barrier between fish did not alter growth rates, but a tactile—visual barrier did. Increasing the space available to a fish did not increase the growth rate. Dominance relationships based on relative size and visual stimuli best explain the results obtained. Since all fish that showed growth acceleration also changed sex, a unitary, hypothalamically mediated, causal system is suggested. From an evolutionary perspective, sex-change linked growth acceleration may reduce the cost of changing sex by shortening the nonreproductive interim in species in which males must be large to compete successfully for multiple matings.
Reactions of cis-silyl tin olefins: (Anti-Denmark) nazarov cyclization of β-silyl divinyl ketones

Abstract Readily available silyl tin olefins efficiently couple with acid chlorides (Stille Reaction) to give β-silyl divinyl ketones. These ketones with large silyl groups (Et3Si, t-BuMe2Si) undergo Nazarov cyclizations wherein the silicon group is retained in the product.
Burning Chemical Wastes as Fuels in Cement Kilns

Hazardous wastes in the environment represent one of our most serious problems. Ever increasing quantities of toxic wastes have contaminated our land, air, and water. Lack of adequate hazardous waste disposal facilities is a critical problem. Landfilling toxic wastes is no longer considered safe. The tragedy of the Love Canal has demonstrated the need for proper hazardous waste disposal facilities. The best organic chemical waste disposal method is process incineration. Cement kilns have been used for burning toxic chemical industrial wastes in Canada, Michigan, New York, Sweden, etc. Existing cement kilns, when properly operated, can destroy most organic chemical wastes. Even the most complex chlorinated hydrocarbons, including PCB can be completely destroyed during normal cement kiln operations, with minimal emissions to the environment. Burning toxic chemical wastes in cement kilns, and other mineral industries, is mutually beneficial to both industry, who generates such wastes, and to society and gove...
Studies on mevalonate kinase, phosphomevalonate kinase and pyrophosphomevalonate decarboxylase in developing rat brain.

— We have in the present study investigated the properties of mevalonate kinase, phosphomevalonate kinase and pyrophosphomevalonate decarboxylase in the 105,000 g supernatant fractions from rat brain, and determined whether the activities of these enzymes change during brain development. All three enzymes in brain showed a specific requirement for ATP for optimal activity. The presence of Mg2+ as divalent cation was also required for optimal activity of mevalonate kinase and phosphomevalonate kinase. Both Mg2+ and Mn2+ were equally effective divalent metal ions for pyrophosphomevalonate decarboxylase in brain. Mevalonate kinase as well as phosphomevalonate kinase were active in a broad pH range of 6.5–8 while the pH curve for pyrophosphomevalonate decarboxylase showed a peak activity at approx 6. No age-dependent change occurred in the activities of mevalonate kinase and phosphomevalonate kinase in developing brain, whereas pyrophosphomevalonate decarboxylase activity in brain increased during the 1st week after birth, reached a peak value at about the 8th day of age and declined slowly thereafter. The Km for brain mevalonate kinase in 2, 13 and 52 day old rats were 312, 400 and 434 μM, respectively. The Vmax for the kinase in 2, 13 and 52 day old rats were in the range of 45–52 nmol/h/mg protein, respectively. This suggests that, like in liver (Ramachandran & Shah, 1976), pyrophosphomevalonate decarboxylase in brain may also be one regulatory step for cholesterol synthesis.
Linear Fish Growth Models for Intensive Aquaculture

Abstract Fish growth is frequently projected in time based on the temperature units required per increment of fish length. Temperature units are degree-days or degree-months and are derived by plotting growth on the horizontal axis and temperature on the vertical axis. Coldwater fish have a temperature intercept near 0°C, but the plot of warmwater fish growth is likely to cross the vertical axis at a considerably warmer temperature. This theoretical zero-growth temperature should be subtracted from the average water temperature to obtain an accurate growth model. Temperature units have been described for the Fahrenheit and Celsius scales for incremental growth in English and metric units of measure with and without the intercept correction. Different definitions of temperature units and scales of measurement and the complicated and confusing calculations required to predict fish growth in this manner necessitate a simpler universal method. A simple and useful fish growth model is obtained by regressing th...
The effect of hypoxia on experimental ventricular tachycardia.

Abstract Ventricular tachycardia produced in dogs by ligation of the anterior descending coronary artery was studied during exposure to hypoxic gas mixtures. Exposure to concentrations of oxygen between 5 and 10 per cent in the inspired air caused a significant increase in the percentage of beats of supraventricular origin. Lower concentrations of oxygen commonly resulted in ventricular fibrillation; higher concentrations were ineffective. The antiarrhythmic effect was shown to be primarily the result of a reduction in the frequency of idioventricular discharge. Elevation of arterial pressure was not a factor.
Dynamical properties of the shift maps on the inverse limit spaces

In this paper, we prove the following results about the shift map on the inverse limit space of a compact metric space and a sole bonding map: (1) the chain recurrent set of the shift map equals the inverse limit space of the chain recurrent set of the sole bonding map. Similar results are proved for the nonwandering set, ω-limit set, recurrent set, and almost periodic set. (2) The shift map on the inverse limit space is chaotic in the sense of Devaney if and only if its sole bonding map is chaotic. (3) If the sole bonding map is ω-chaotic, then the shift map on the inverse limit space is ω-chaotic. With a modification of the definition of ω-chaos we show the converse is true. (4) We prove that a transitive map on a closed invariant set containing an interval must have sensitive dependence on initial conditions on the whole set. Then it is both ω-chaotic and chaotic in the sense of Devaney with chaotic set the whole set. At last we give a new method of constructing chaotic homeomorphisms on chainable continua, especially on pseudo-arcs.
ADOPTING A VALUE‐ADDED TAX IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY*

This paper surveys the decisions that have to be made in coming up with a unique value-added tax (VAT), taking into account the conditions typical in developing countries. It discusses the following issues: the type of VAT, the principle of locus of taxation, the calculation method, vertical and horizontal average, and the issues of single versus multiple rates of tax. Further, it summarizes the factors related to the minimum design of VAT relevant to developing countries and the administrative transition related to the adoption of a VAT. Although the paper is addressed to the question of introducing a new VAT, the same issues discussed are very relevant to any improvements of any existing VAT.
Activity-dependent changes in the intrinsic properties of cultured neurons

Learning and memory arise through activity-dependent modifications of neural circuits. Although the activity dependence of synaptic efficacy has been studied extensively, less is known about how activity shapes the intrinsic electrical properties of neurons. Lobster stomatogastric ganglion neurons fire in bursts when receiving synaptic and modulatory input but fire tonically when pharmacologically isolated. Long-term isolation in culture changed their intrinsic activity from tonic firing to burst firing. Rhythmic stimulation reversed this transition through a mechanism that was mediated by a rise in intracellular calcium concentration. These data suggest that neurons regulate their conductances to maintain stable activity patterns and that the intrinsic properties of a neuron depend on its recent history of activation.
Wrongful Termination: Lessons From the Geron Clinical Trial

Geron Corporation is a publically traded company that launched a phase I clinical trial of a human embryonic stem cell-based therapy for spinal cord injury. The company enrolled the first patient in October 2010 and stopped the trial 1 year later. The fifth patient had been enrolled but not transplanted when the company announced the trial’s end. After discussions with clinical staff and family, an agreement was reached to add her to the cohort and proceed with the transplant. Two and half years later, the research is still waiting to restart. With this background in mind, we discuss the major ethical and social questions raised by the Geron case. We offer recommendations for institutional review boards and clinical sites as they deliberate approvals of early-phase trials in frontier medicine.
An sequential linear programming algorithm for security-constrained optimal power flow

This paper describes a new formulation of the security-constrained optimal power flow (SCOPF) problem and proposes a sequential linear programming algorithm for its solution. The new formulation introduces mismatch variables to ensure that the algorithm remains in the feasible region. Thus the algorithm starts from an arbitrary state: mismatch currents are computed and introduced at each bus to make the present iterate appear in a feasible region. The algorithm moves the solution towards the optimal while minimizes the mismatch variables. When the mismatch variables are zeroed, the optimal has been found. At each iteration, the problem is formulated as a nonlinear optimization problem with linear or quadratic equations via a quadratization procedure presented in earlier papers. The formulation and algorithm is demonstrated on a three-bus system.
Optical parallel set of half adders using spatial light rebroadcasters

Previously, we showed experimental results using spatial light rebroadcasters (SLRs) for orthogonal associative memory and for key word addressable memory. The SLR is suitable for memory because it may be written and then read later. In this paper, a parallel set of half adders is constructed using a single spatial light rebroadcaster together with an image intensifier and optically addressable liquid crystal light valve (LCLV). Experimental results using a 10 X 10 array show 100 additions in one step. We describe how to construct a parallel ripple-carry full adder and a bit-slice full adder with a single half adder.
Work–Life Balance Among Community College Faculty Members: Generational and Life Course Theory Lenses

Generational and life course theory lenses were placed upon one finding of a large-scale qualitative interview-based study focused on if and how community college faculty members construct work–life balance. Twenty-eight interviews with faculty members at a midwestern community college were conducted. Differences regarding to work-life balance approaches between Baby Boomer (n = 15) and Generation X (n = 13) faculty and as mediated by position within the life course are elucidated. We termed this finding tides of life, which is comprised of three subfindings: roles, tenure, and gender performance. Practical implications of this finding are put forward. Better understanding of the nuanced ways in which community college faculty construct work–life balance can inform policy decisions that impact faculty work. Moreover, better understanding of faculty life in a general sense is critical as community college leaders craft policies and refine practices related to faculty employment contracts, work environments...
Maya utilization of karst groundwater resources

Much of the Maya civilization in pre-Columbian Meso-America was established on karst terrain that included parts of what are now Belize, Guatemala, northern Honduras and southern Mexico. By definition, little surface water exists in karst, so for the Maya to flourish on that terrain they had to effectively and efficiently utilize all their water resources. Access to groundwater was by means of springs and caves. Maya life, urban and rural, lay and elite, religious and secular was often a function of groundwater exploitation and surface water development. The Maya's use of groundwater was predominantly to supplement enhanced surface water supplies and was used more often in semiarid zones than in humid zones. The pattern of Maya settlements, especially in the semiarid zones, occurred in areas with greater access to the groundwater. Maya groundwater retrieval methods were primitive, inefficient, labor intensive, and uninnovative, as compared to their other technologic achievements. Groundwater contamination, from human effluent, could have resulted in widespread disease and contributed to the Maya's downfall.
Seasonal and spatial trends in south Greenland snow chemistry

Abstract The spatial, temporal, source and physical controls on chloride, nitrate, sulfate and sodium in south Greenland snow are presented in this paper based on chemical data from snowpit and fresh snow samples. The snowpit samples cover the period June 1982–June 1984 and the fresh surface snow samples represent one storm event sampled over a 38-km traverse from Dye 3 to the southwest. Oxygen isotope dated records of chloride, sodium, excess sulfate and nitrate are discussed with respect to input timing and source. Notably the anthropogenic influx of excess sulfate is apparent in addition to an influx of excess sulfate that coincides with and is attributed to the arrival of the El Chichon cloud in S Greenland. The El Chichon event is also marked by highs in chloride and nitrate. Examination of fresh surface snow reveals geographic, temperature and moisture controls on deposition. Some excess sulfate close to Dye 3 can be attributed to local pollution.
Regulating Stop-Loss Coverage May Be Needed To Deter Self- Insuring Small Employers From Undermining Market Reforms

As implementation of the Affordable Care Act reshapes the US health insurance market, state policy makers should be prepared to revisit regulation of stop-loss coverage—a form of reinsurance—for small businesses. Aspects of the reform law could motivate small businesses to self-insure, rather than participate in state-regulated markets either inside or outside the new health insurance exchanges. If younger or healthier groups self-insure, premiums for insured plans might rise to an extent that could seriously impair the regulated market. States can influence small businesses to participate in the regulated market by making it more difficult or costly to obtain stop-loss coverage, which self-funded employers rely on to protect their businesses from catastrophic medical costs incurred by one or more insured workers. States can limit the comprehensiveness of stop-loss coverage, ban stop-loss coverage outright, or regulate it as they do primary coverage. But states need federal guidance about how to exercise ...
Eight weeks of citicoline treatment does not perturb sleep/wake cycles in cocaine-dependent adults.

Abstract Background Citicoline (cytidine-5′-diphosphate) is a mononucleotide composed of ribose, cytosine, pyrophosphate, and choline, and is involved in the biosynthesis of the structural phosopholipids of cell membranes. Treatment with citicoline, improves memory in patients with dementia, and reduces damage to the brain after traumatic brain injury or stroke. Recent research has been conducted to assess whether citicoline is an effective treatment for cocaine dependence. In cocaine-dependent individuals, withdrawal from cocaine is associated with disturbed sleep, which may contribute to the high rate of relapse to cocaine use. Therefore, it is important to know the impact of citicoline on the sleep/wake cycle in these individuals in order to rate its overall efficacy. Method In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, the effects of citicoline treatment on the sleep/wake cycles of cocaine dependent participants were assessed. The results of the current study are reported as part of a larger study, consisting of an eight-week treatment period to assess the efficacy of longer-term treatment with citicoline at decreasing cocaine consumption in cocaine-dependent polydrug using participants. Results In this non-abstinent, cocaine-dependent population, citicoline had no effect on any of the sleep parameters measured including sleep efficiency, sleep latency, total sleep time, number of waking episodes, time awake per episode, amount of time in bed spent moving, number of sleep episodes, time asleep per episode, and amount of time in bed spent immobile. Conclusions These data suggest that eight weeks of citicoline administration does not disturb sleep/wake cycles of cocaine-dependent individuals.
Postoperative Pubic Osteomyelitis Misdiagnosed as Osteitis Pubis: Report of Four Cases and Review

Osteitis pubis is a painful inflammatory process resulting in bony destruction of the margins of the symphysis pubis. Despite six decades of speculation, the pathogenesis of, criteria for diagnosis of, natural history of, and optimal therapy for osteitis pubis remain controversial. We present four cases of postoperative pubic osteomyelitis that were initially thought to be typical cases of osteitis pubis. These cases illustrate that pubic osteomyelitis can mimic the principal features of osteitis pubis including characteristic pelvic pain and gait disturbance, symmetrical bony destruction of the symphysis pubis, absence of fever, a long interval between surgery and onset of symptoms, lack of response to antimicrobial therapy, and apparent spontaneous cure. We believe that many previously reported cases of osteitis pubis were actually cases of unrecognized pubic osteomyelitis. We advise an aggressive diagnostic approach to cases of apparent postoperative osteitis pubis including biopsy and needle aspiration of the symphysis pubis guided by computer-assisted tomography. If cultures of biopsy specimens are not diagnostic, open biopsy of the symphysis pubis is recommended.
Economic cycles and socialist policies

Abstract The interpretation of economic cycles in the literature ranges from the technical/economic to the political. It is argued here that the question of the transition from the end of the B-phase in a cycle to the beginning of the A-phase is essentially a political rather than an economic issue. Each succeeding B-phase has been hailed by socialist movements as the ‘crisis’ that would ignite true class consciousness, although such interpretations have failed to appreciate the variety of mechanisms available to prevent change and looked at only at those available to promote it. An analysis of innovation and reform shows that these linked, contradictory phenomena, although anti-conservative in the short run, are simultaneously essentially conservative in the middle run and anti-conservative in the long run. Their processes are likely to lead to the demise of capitalism as a world-system but will lead to its replacement by a new world-system that will not necessarily be non-exploitative, egalitarian and democratic—ie will not necessarily be socialist.
Graded-Layer-Thickness Bragg X-Ray Reflectors

Multilayer x-ray reflectors which have layers that vary in thickness, either in depth or laterally along the surface, were prepared by sputtering. Alternating layers of W and C were deposited on flexible mica and smooth silicon-wafer substrates. X-ray diffraction properties of the multilayers were measured in the 1.54-8.34 A region. The mutlilayer on mica represents a dual-spacing depth-graded device. Diffraction from both the multilayer and mica was observed. A smoothly-depth-graded multilayer on silicon has a relatively-wide rocking curve which agrees well with diffraction theory. A laterally-graded multilayer on silicon has a bilayer thickness (d value) which varies linearly from 24.8 to 29.2 A in 6 cm.
Expression of the genome of noninfectious particles in stocks of standard and defective, interfering pseudorabies virions

Abstract The behavior of noninfectious particles present in stocks of standard and defective, interfering pseudorabies virus was determined by infecting cultures of rabbit kidney or human embryonic lung cells at low virus: cell ratios and incubating the cultures under methyl cellulose. The number of cells which had synthesized viral antigens only, those which had synthesized viral antigens and viral DNA, and those which had produced foci of infection, was determined by a technique which combines immunofluorescence with autoradiography. The results showed that cells infected with the viral particles present in populations of standard pseudorabies virus, which are unable to produce plaques, do not synthesize detectable amounts of immediate-early viral antigens. These particles probably do not initiate infection. On the other hand, noninfectious particles present in some populations of defective, interfering virions are able to induce the synthesis of immediate-early viral antigens but not of viral DNA.
The relationship between the lethal freezing temperatures and the amounts of ice formed in the foot muscle of marine snails (Mollusca: Gastropoda).

Abstract The differences in the lethal freezing temperatures of the foot muscles of the marine snails used in this study were related to the vertical distributions of the snails on the shore. The muscles of the subtidal species Thais lapillus and Nassarius obsoletus were injured at temperatures that were significantly higher than those of the muscles of the intertidal species Littorina obtusata, Littorina littorea , and Littorina saxatilis . The lethal freezing temperatures also varied among the intertidal species. The foot muscle of the high-intertidal species, L. saxatilis , was injured at a significantly lower temperature than the foot muscles of the low-intertidal species L. obtusata . Calorimetry was used to show that the differences in the lethal freezing temperatures between the subtidal and intertidal snails were related to the amounts of tissue ice formed. The ability of the muscles of the intertidal snails to tolerate lower subfreezing temperatures was associated with an increased tolerance to greater quantities of tissue ice. In contrast, the differences in the lethal freezing temperatures among the intertidal species were independent of the amounts of tissue ice formed. The percentage of water frozen in the muscles of these snails at their respective lethal freezing temperatures were not significantly different and were equal to 82%. Thus, the physiological mechanism responsible for the differences in the lethal freezing temperatures of the muscles of the intertidal snails is associated with an increased tolerance to a factor other than the amounts of tissue ice formed.
MICROWAVE FINISH DRYING OF POTATO CHIPS

The effect of microwave finish drying of potato chips on their texture, color and oil content was studied. The intermediate moisture content (IMC) of the chips before microwave application and the reducing sugar content of the raw potatoes were the primary variables. The slices were individually submerged in oil at 320° F to various IMC and finish dried with 2500 watts microwave power for 1–3 min. Chip color was rated against PC11 Color Standards. Texture was evaluated subjectively by a panel and objectively by the L.E.E. Kramer Shear Press. Oil determination was made by Soxhlet extraction. The results showed that potato chips removed from the oil at IMC above 13% were unacceptably tough after microwave drying. Potatoes containing more than 0.9% reducing sugar had to be removed from the oil at IMC above 13% in order to obtain acceptable color of the microwave-finished product. Therefore, microwave finishing raises the limiting reducing sugar content from about 0.4 to about 0.9%. Oil content of microwave-finished chips was 90% that of conventional controls