cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nature as Discourse: Transdisciplinarity and Vagus Nerve Function

Within the definition of evolution and Transdisciplinary Becoming the finer qualities of human awareness and perception are in question. This paper derives from a philosophy of nature and presents the argument that Transdisciplinarity’s triad model will only succeed in obtaining the three levels of Reality that Being Transdisciplinary entails if it incorporates autonomic/cognitive forces within Homo sapiens’ phylogenetic organization. Since co-evolutionary principles of human-brain and autonomic nervous system functioning are a biological imperative for raising normative levels of Being, individuals, schools, and cultural institutions must instill both phylogenetic and experiential understanding of human neurobiology in their curricula. After a brief historical introduction to metaphysics and vagus nerve functioning [Fig.1], I will move to the contemporary perspective of Polyvagal Theory and conclude with Transdisciplinarity’s intrinsic need to articulate the science (nature’s way) with regard to the project of grounding education within the whole primordial sense of Transdisciplinary Being.
Peripheral Circulating Tumor DNA Detection Predicts Poor Outcomes After Liver Resection for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Liver resection can be curative for well-selected metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has shown promise as a biomarker for tumor dynamics and recurrence following CRC resection. This prospective pilot study investigated the use of ctDNA to predict disease outcome in resected CRC patients. Between November 2014 and November 2015, 60 patients with CRC were identified and prospectively enrolled. During liver resection, blood was drawn from peripheral (PERIPH), portal (PV), and hepatic (HV) veins, and 3–4 weeks postoperatively from a peripheral vein (POSTOP). Kappa statistics were used to compare mutated (mt) genes in tissue and ctDNA. Disease-specific and disease-free survival (DSS and DFS) were assessed from surgery with Kaplan–Meier and Cox methods. For the 59 eligible patients, the most commonly mutated genes were TP53 (mtTP53: 47.5%) and APC (mtAPC: 50.8%). Substantial to almost-perfect agreement was seen between ctDNA from PERIPH and PV (mtTP53: 89.8%, κ = 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53–0.93; mtAPC: 94.9%, κ = 0.83, 95% CI 0.64–1.00), as well as HV (mtTP53: 91.5%, κ = 0.78, 95% CI 0.60–0.96; mtAPC: 91.5%, κ = 0.73, 95% CI 0.51–0.95). Tumor mutations and PERIPH ctDNA had fair-to-moderate agreement (mtTP53: 72.9%, κ = 0.44, 95% CI 0.23–0.66; mtAPC: 61.0%, κ = 0.23, 95% CI 0.04–0.42). Detection of PERIPH mtTP53 was associated with worse 2-year DSS (mt+ 79% vs. mt− 90%, P = 0.024). Peripheral blood reflects the perihepatic ctDNA signature. Disagreement between tissue and ctDNA mutations may reflect the true natural history of tumor genes or an assay limitation. Peripheral ctDNA detection before liver resection is associated with worse DSS.
Practical Considerations in Management of Allergic Asthma

Allergic asthma is the dominant form of asthma in school-aged children and young adults. Diagnosis of allergic asthma is based on patient’s symptoms, demonstration of specific IgE to aeroallergens, and significant exposure to the appropriate aeroallergens. Environmental control and avoidance of exposure is critical in the management of allergic asthma and their use is well supported by the current literature. Allergen-specific immunotherapy can play a role in the treatment of allergic asthma but only in patients whose asthma is well controlled. Overall, allergic asthma responds well to conventional medications for asthma, but about 5% of cases have severe disease that may benefit from biologic therapies. The use of biologic therapies including those that target IgE, IL-5, and IL-4/IL-13 have demonstrated efficacy in patients with severe allergic disease.
Stress and physiology in clinical research with risk-exposed children: from mechanism to application:

Research findings from diverse studies converge in suggesting that the experience of early severe and protracted stress is associated with a wide range of behavioural and physical health problems. ...
Chemical reactions involved in the deep-fat frying of foods: VIII. Characterization of nonvolatile decomposition products of triolein

Triolein was heated under simulated deep-fat frying conditions at 185 C for 74 hr. The thermally oxidized triolein was converted into methyl esters and then fractionated by urea exclusion. The urea adduct-forming ester (89.2%) was found to be methyl oleate unchanged by the frying treatment. The nonurea adduct-forming esters (10.8%) were further fractionated by silicic acid column chromatography into nine fractions with molecular weights ranging from 304 to 742. Physical and chemical analyses of the fractions indicated that some of them contained oxygen atoms which could not be accounted for by ordinary functional group analyses. The polymers isolated were formed by both carbon-to-carbon and carbon-to-oxygen linkages. The nonpolar dimers were further purified by thin layer and gas chromatography. Structure elucidation revealed that they consisted of a noncyclic dimer and a noncyclic dimer containing a carbonyl group, each of which amounted to 1.36% of the triolein originally used. The polar polymers were studied by depolymerization and the analysis of the depolymerized products. It was estimated that the triolein used for simulated deep fat frying contained 1.1% trimers formed through carbon-to-carbon linkages, 1.9% dimers and trimers joined through carbon-to-carbon linkages, and 3.1% dimers and trimers joined through carbon-to-oxygen or carbon-to-carbon linkages in the same molecule and also dimers and trimers in which all the monomeric units were joined through carbon-to-oxygen linkages. The precise form of the oxygen linkages are not known. However, the fact that it is not cleavaged by HC1 and HI suggests ether linkages.
Normed Phase Space Model of Natural Variation in Bacterial Chromosomes

This study uses multidimensional, information vectors of amino acid composition and codon usage to characterize natural variation in a wide, phylogenetic spectrum of bacteria, and probes the limits of natural variation. These vectors are used to construct a phase space of natural variation that represents all possible states the evolving genes or sets of genes occupy within a viable organism.
The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Intestinal Failure Healthcare Delivery.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has influenced how healthcare is being provided, particularly in patients whose diagnoses require multidisciplinary care, such as pediatric intestinal failure (IF). We sought to ascertain the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare delivery for pediatric patients with IF. METHODS: A 20-question survey was administered to members of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Intestinal Rehabilitation (IR) Special Interest Group. Input values were "yes" and "no," along with a free-text response. Following a 10-day open survey period, data were divided into cohorts based on patient population size and disease burden by state. Analysis was then performed using the χ2 test application. RESULTS: Responses from 29 centers were included in analysis. Centers that followed >50 patients on parenteral nutrition (PN) were more likely to have social workers present in telemedicine visits and observed more central line difficulties among families. Centers located in states with <40,000 reported cases of COVID-19 saw patients less frequently and were more likely to withhold changes to PN prescriptions. Additionally, the survey revealed a significant degree of financial hardship and food insecurity among families. CONCLUSION: Many aspects of pediatric IF healthcare delivery have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, both for care providers and caregivers. Despite the availability of telemedicine, IR centers should remain attentive to the global needs of the pediatric IF patient, as well as their families.
A Progressive Case of Eosinophilic Myocarditis Due to Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis in a Caucasian Male

Vasculitis is an inflammatory process involving blood vessels of various sizes, including the small vessels in the kidneys to the large vessels, such as the aorta. This inflammatory condition is us...
Cognitive and demographic drivers of attitudes toward using genetic engineering to restore American chestnut trees

Abstract This article explored attitudes toward using genetic engineering (GE) for restoring American chestnut (AC) trees, and cognitive and socio-demographic factors related to these attitudes. Questionnaires were completed by a random representative sample of the US public (n = 278) and a purposive sample of forest interest groups (FIG) such as scientists and managers (n = 195). Results showed somewhat positive attitudes toward all three GE applications (change existing AC genes, add genes from distantly related organism to AC, add oxalate oxidase [OxO] gene from bread wheat to AC) for mitigating chestnut blight (CB) and restoring AC trees. FIGs were more aware of CB, had more favorable attitudes, and perceived greater benefits and lower risks of these GE uses. Perceived benefits and risks were among the strongest drivers of attitudes for both groups, with environmental benefits the most strongly related to attitudes toward all three GE uses for the public sample and two of the three uses for the FIGs. Benefits and risks to humans, general environmental value orientations, specific value orientations toward forests, trust in agencies, awareness about CB, and socio-demographic characteristics (e.g., age, income, education, political orientation, forestry involvement, residential proximity to forests) were not as strongly related to these attitudes. These findings can inform research on reactions to using GE for conservation, and enable organizations to effectively communicate about using emerging technologies (e.g., GE) for addressing natural resource challenges.
Import Tariffs vs. Antidumping Duties: A Comparative Analysis with Policy Implications

This paper analyzes and compares differences in policy implications between import tariffs and antidumping (AD) duties in the presence of dumping under free trade. We present a vertical differentiation model of international trade in "like" products under duopolistic competition, allowing for the endogenous quality decisions by two competing firms located separately in a developed country (DC) and a less-developed country (LDC). Product markets in the trading countries exhibit different degrees of competition due to an inter-country income differential. We show that the LDC firm sells a lower-quality product and practices dumping in the DC market by charging a price lower than the product's price in its LDC local market (i.e., less than fair value). Relative to an AD policy, the DC government's import tariff policy makes its domestic firm better off. As for DC consumers, they are better off under free trade than a tariff or an AD policy when international market competition is high. However, if the market competition is low, the import tariff policy generates the highest surplus for DC consumers. Moreover, the DC government's response to LDC dumping results in higher domestic welfare than alternative policies such as AD duties or free trade. From the perspective of global welfare, our results indicate that a tariff policy is preferred over an AD policy when dumping occurs under free trade.
Diagnostic contribution of contrast-enhanced 3D MR imaging of peripheral nerve pathology

To assess the diagnostic contribution of contrast-enhanced 3D STIR (ce3D-SS) high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of peripheral nerve pathology relative to conventional 2D sequences. In this IRB-approved retrospective study, two radiologists reviewed 60 MR neurography studies with nerve pathology findings. The diagnostic contribution of ce3D-SS imaging was scored on a 4-point Likert scale (1 = no additional information, 2 = supports interpretation, 3 = moderate additional information, and 4 = diagnosis not possible without ce3D-SS). Image quality, nerve visualization, and detection of nerve pathology were also assessed for both standard 2D neurography and ce3D-SS sequences utilizing a 3-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics are reported. The diagnostic contribution score for ce3D-SS imaging was 2.25 for the brachial plexus, 1.50 for extremities, and 1.75 for the lumbosacral plexus. For brachial plexus, the mean consensus scores for image quality, nerve visualization, and detection of nerve pathology were 2.55, 2.5, and 2.55 for 2D and 2.35, 2.45, and 2.45 for 3D. For extremities, the mean consensus scores for image quality, nerve visualization, and detection of nerve pathology were 2.60, 2.80, and 2.70 for 2D and 1.8, 2.20, and 2.10 for 3D. For lumbosacral plexus, the mean consensus scores for image quality, nerve visualization, and detection of nerve pathology were 2.45, 2.75, and 2.65 for 2D and 2.0, 2.45, and 2.25 for 3D. Overall, our study supports the potential application of ce3D-SS imaging for MRN of the brachial plexus but suggests that 2D MRN protocols are sufficient for MRN of the extremities and lumbosacral plexus.
Transition Cow Index

A tool called the Transition Cow Index (TCI) has been developed to objectively evaluate the effectiveness of transition cow management at the herd level. Fourteen factors from the historical Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) record of each individual cow are used to predict her milk yield and projection at her first test date, a date that frequently overlaps with fresh cow disease periods. Deviations from her expected milk yield are calculated and used at the herd level to evaluate the overall effectiveness of transition cow management programs. TCI offers dairy managers and consultants an objective tool to benchmark current programs and monitor the effectiveness of interventions.
Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2)

CB2 receptor was once considered to be the “peripheral cannabinoid receptor.” This label was based on its discovery and abundant expression in the immune system and, until recently, absence from the central nervous system. It is now accepted that CB2 receptors are expressed in the central nervous system as well. CB2 receptors have been expressed in the brain microglia during neuronal inflammation. Dorsal root ganglion upregulation of CB2 receptors plays a major role in the antinociceptive effects.
What can we learn about islands and state paradox from quantum information theory

Recent progress on the black hole information paradox has succeeded in reconstructing Page curves compatible with unitary evolution. The formula of generalized entropy derived from the gravitational path integration, nevertheless, does not provide concrete insight on how the information comes out from the black hole given that the state of the radiation seems to follow what was given by Hawking. In this paper, we provide a quantum informational interpretation of entanglement islands and draw the parallel between the black hole information paradox and the problems of measurements in quantum mechanics. We show that the Page curve can be realized by effective Bell-basis measurements on the entanglement island. We argue that such interpretation is necessary for a quantum informational model if smooth horizons and bulk reconstruction are assumed, and show how it explains the Page curves of solvable models of 2D gravity. The correspondences between concepts in black hole studies and that in the quantum information theory are summarized in a list. The similarities between the black hole information problem and the measurement problem may suggest some link in the origins of the two fundamental issues of distant fields.
Introducing the Cryptocurrency VIX: CVIX

We present a theoretical and empirical methodology that reflects the Cryptocurrency version of VIX, which we name it as CVIX (Crypto VIX), and captures the future 30 days forward Crypto risk (fear). Our framework is built on idiosyncratic and systematic Crypto risk, and is not based on the option implied volatility model, that developed by the CBOE for the S&P Volatility Index VIX. For back testing, our CVIX projected with accuracy of over 89% the 30 days forward Crypto realized volatility. We apply our CVIX framework on the S&P index, and show it projects the 30 days forward realized S&P volatility with accuracy of 91.8%, while VIX’s accuracy is only 63.4%. Our framework is superior over the option based VIX due to the fact that the option market does not represents all the stock market, and our methodology accounts properly for the idiosyncratic risk.
The Meaning of Particle / Prefix Constructions in German

This is really two books in one: a valuable reference resource, and a groundbreaking case study that represents a new approach to constructional semantics. It presents a detailed descriptive survey, using extensive examples collected from the Internet, of German verb constructions in which the expressions durch (‘through’), uber (‘over’), unter (‘under’), and um (‘around’) occur either as inseparable verb prefixes or as separable verb particles. Based on that evidence, the author argues that the prefixed verb constructions and particle verb constructions themselves have meaning, and that this meaning involves subjective construal processes rather than objective information. The constructions prompt us to distribute focal attention according to patterns that can be articulated in terms of Talmy’s notion of “perspectival modes”. Among the other topics that play an important role in the analysis are incremental themes, reflexive trajectors, fictive motion, “multi-directional paths”, and “accusative landmarks”.
Determination of the Electronic Density of States of N-Type Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon from Transient Sweep-Out Experiments

We analyze the forward-bias transient response of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) i/n/i structures in terms of the space-charge and emission limited currents. It is shown that the initial space-charge limited current in the thicker i layer gives way at later times to an emission-limited current from the n layer. The temporal dependence of the current depends upon the density of states and the position of the Fermi level in the n layer as well as upon the applied voltage and characteristics of the i layer. Comparison with the experimental data suggests that the electronic density of states in n-type a-Si:H has a peak within 0.3 eV below the conduction-band mobility edge.
EMERGING INFRARED LASER ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPIC TECHNIQUES FOR GAS ANALYSIS

Laser based spectroscopic techniques are useful for the quantitative detection and monitoring of molecular trace gas species in the mid-infrared spectral region because many molecules have their fundamental absorption band in this region. The spectroscopic instrumentation generates a measurable signal that depends on the absorption of the target medium. The choice of an optimum detection scheme depends on the requirements of the specific application and the characteristic features of the infrared laser source. Well established detection methods include several types of multipass gas absorption cells with the option to apply wavelength, frequency and amplitude modulation to the laser source. Internal and external cavity-enhanced spectroscopies are two methods to increase the magnitude of the molecular absorption signal. Photoacoustic and photothermal open path monitoring (with and without retro-reflector), such as light detection and ranging (LIDAR), differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS), laser induced fluorescence (LIF), laser breakdown
Assessing the Resolution of Insolvent Thrift Institutions post FIRREA: The Impact of Resolution Delays

The Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC) was created by FIRREA in 1989 to manage and dispose of troubled thrifts in a manner that would minimize resolution costs. In this study, we focus on the transition of troubled thrifts from conservatorship into resolution via sales in RTC auctions. We examine the determinants of bidder participation, observed premiums, and RTC estimates of resolution costs, including the impact of resolution delays in RTC-insured-deposit-transfer and purchase-and-assumption auctions from August 1989 to November 1991. Our analysis indicates that resolution delays were associated with lower premiums and higher resolution costs. These associations are found to be economically and statistically significant and result from both the deterioration in franchise value and the deterioration in asset value while being held in conservatorship.
Simpson's paradox: An example using accident data from the state of Texas

Two-way tabulation of data when a third interacting variable is present can lead to false inferences. In this paper it is shown that the probability of an occupant fatality given a crash in a single-vehicle accident is independent of vehicle size in an aggregate data set. When the data set is partitioned into 2 occupant age groups, it is seen that both of the age groups have higher fatality rates in smaller cars. This is discussed as an example of a paradox presented by Simpson in his 1951 paper.
Self-expansion and flow: The roles of challenge, skill, affect, and activation

The self-expansion model posits that engaging in challenging activities with one's romantic partner increases the quality of that romantic relationship. Research on flow suggests that the optimal level of challenge for such experiences is determined by the skill of the individual. In a series of 5 studies spanning experimental, survey, and experience sampling methodologies, we elaborate on the self-expansion model to describe how activity challenge effects romantic relationship quality. The results suggest that engaging in challenging activities with one's partner results in increases in relationship quality, though this effect is dependent on the skill of the individual. Changes in affect appear to fully mediate this process. We present a theoretical model combining self-expansion and flow theories.
Discussion of Financing State and Local Government Services in a Cyclical Economy

Drs. White and Musser bring an important new insight: given recent and prospective variations in inflation and income growth, stability must become an important criterion for assessing alternative local and state government fiscal systems. The 1960s was an expansionary period for U.S. and world economies. Equity, growth and efficiency appeared to be appropriate and sufficient criteria for evaluating local and state tax and expenditure systems. The economic turmoil of the 70s, however, makes it obvious we were a bit over-optimistic. Stability must be added to our list.
Clastic Sediments in the Butler Cave – Sinking Creek System, Virginia, USA

The Butler Cave - Sinking Creek System in Bath County, Virginia, consists of a master trunk passage along the axis of a syncline with a trellis arrangement of dip-oriented side caves. The western set of dip passages contain a sequence of massively and chaotically bedded sand and cobble sediments. Massive cobble fills also occur in the strike-oriented trunk passage. Cave passages on the eastern side of the syncline contain mostly sand and silt. The light fraction of the sediments consists predominantly of quartz and rock fragments. The sediments contain several percent heavy minerals composed of iron oxides, zircon, rutile, tourmaline and other minerals. Measurement of the visible and near infrared diffuse reflectance spectra shows at least three populations of sediments to be present: an iron-rich, clay-poor group; a clay-rich group; and a gypsiferous sediment. The iron minerals provided a paleomagnetic signal. Sediments from the trunk passage, deposited by recent underground drainage, contained a normal pole direction. Sediments from the dip passages were paleomagnetically reversed, showing the deposition dates from prior to 780,000 years. In one instance reversed polarity deposits overlie normal polarity, implying a minimum age of 990,000 years for the reversed sediments.
Unmasking the Powerful Force that Has Mis-Shaped the American Civil Justice System

The contingency fee, once largely a uniquely American institution, is beginning to gain serious consideration in Europe and elsewhere. It is essential that those considering adopting some form of the contingency fee to finance civil litigation have a proper understanding of the impact of the contingency fee on the U.S. civil justice system. That understanding, however, appears woefully lacking. In Lawyer Barons: What Their Contingency Fees Really Cost America (Cambridge University Press 2011), I discuss the underappreciated and indeed, often unrealized costs of reliance on contingency fees to finance access to the tort system. In this essay, I reprise some of the impacts policymakers should take into account in determining whether the anticipated benefits of the American contingency fee system outweigh the considerable costs.
Classification of Targets

This chapter contains sections titled: Representation and Classification of Targets Bayes Decision Rule The Neyman-Pearson Decision Rule Bayes Error Bounds Estimation of Parameters from Data Nonparametric Classification Coherent Decomposition Decomposition of Power-Type Matrices Decomposition of the D Matrix Polarized Clutter A Similar Decomposition Polarimetric Similarity Classification References Problems ]]>
Accessing and Sharing Knowledge Resources for Soil Health Research in Africa

Agricultural researchers and practitioners throughout Africa are conducting soil health-related research and applying the results, though many are not accessing or sharing available knowledge resources effectively. During 2007, 73 respondents (primarily researchers and educators with an interest in soil fertility) in 23 African countries were surveyed to identify: 1) where and how they access soil health and other agricultural information; 2) their use of libraries and agricultural networks; and 3) potential improved pathways for African soil health researchers to locate and share knowledge resources. The survey results suggest that building 1) librarians’ capacity for outreach and accessing knowledge resources, and 2) network staff capacity for pro active knowledge brokering could be useful avenues to increase access, sharing and use of soil health research in Africa. Further study of networks and network membership will help determine the potential benefits of increasing inter-network links to share information more effectively among soil health researchers and between scientists and both practitioners and policymakers. Increasing support for collaborative efforts including low or no-cost information resources such as The Essential Electronic Agricultural Library (TEEAL) and AGORA (Access to Global Online Research in Agriculture) and promoting information sources on frequently-visited websites and at conferences could also improve access to soil health knowledge resources in Africa.
An electronic spectroscope for classroom displays of visible spectra

Abstract This article is an electronic publication in Spectrochimica Acta Electronica (SAE), a section of Spectrochimica Acta Part B (SAB). The hardcopy text is accompanied by an electronic archive, stored on the SAE homepage at http://www.elsevier.nl/locate/sabe . The archive contains program, data and text files. The hardcopy text describes a program that has been developed to accept data from a compact electronic spectrograph and translate the data into a display on a computer screen. The computer display mimics the view seen through a direct vision spectroscope. Atomic spectra appear as vertical lines of the appropriate color dispersed on a black field. A conventional plot of intensity versus wavelength is simultaneously displayed. The update of the display is sufficiently rapid that the image on the screen is essentially a real-time representation of the light entering the spectrograph. The system was designed for use in conjunction with video projection equipment in demonstrations to large groups of students.
The maternal and fetal cardiovascular effects of epidural fentanyl in the sheep model

Since the demonstration of opiate receptors in the spinal cord in the mid-1970s, investigators have been looking for the most effective epidural narcotic. With the use of the chronically catheterized maternal sheep model, we injected two different doses of preservative-free fentanyl (50 and 100 μg) into the epidural space. No statistically significant changes were observed, either in maternal or fetal arterial pressure and acid-base status or in maternal central venous pressure, systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance, cardiac output, and intrauterine pressure (p > 0.05). With a dose of 50 μg of fentanyl, maternal levels of fentanyl peaked at 60 minutes (50 pg/ml) and the fetal levels of fentanyl peaked at 45 minutes (20 pg/ml). With the 100 μg dose of fentanyl, maternal levels of fentanyl peaked at 45 minutes (230 pg/ml) and the fetal levels peaked at 15 minutes (110 pg/ml). We conclude that the injection of 50 and 100 μg of fentanyl into the maternal epidural space has no adverse effects on mother or fetus in the sheep model.
Artificial E-region field-aligned plasma irregularities generated at pump frequencies near the second electron gyroharmonic

Abstract. E region ionospheric modification experiments have been performed at HAARP using pump frequencies about 50 kHz above and below the second electron gyroharmonic frequency. Artificial E region field-aligned plasma density irregularities (FAIs) were created and observed using the imaging coherent scatter radar near Homer, Alaska. Echoes from FAIs generated with pump frequencies above and below 2Ω e did not appear to differ significantly in experiments conducted on summer afternoons in 2008, and the resonance instability seemed to be at work in either case. We argue that upper hybrid wave trapping and resonance instability at pump frequencies below the second electron gyroharmonic frequency are permitted theoretically when the effects of finite parallel wavenumbers are considered. Echoes from a sporadic E layer were observed to be somewhat weaker when the pump frequency was 50 kHz below the second electron gyroharmonic frequency. This may indicate that finite parallel wavenumbers are inconsistent with wave trapping in thin sporadic E ionization layers.
Refining Retinoic Acid Stimulation for Osteogenic Differentiation of Murine Adipose-Derived Adult Stromal Cells

Murine adipose-derived adult stromal cells (ADAS) seeded onto appropriate scaffolds and pre-incubated with retinoic acid have been shown to generate in vivo bone rapidly. Prompt resorption ensues, however, as a result of osteoclastogenesis, likely secondary to retinoic acid carryover. In this study, we determined the effects of abbreviated retinoic acid exposure on ADAS osteogenic differentiation. Histological staining and gene expression analysis revealed that longer retinoic acid exposure resulted in better in vitro bone differentiation. However, significant osteogenesis was observed in ADAS after just 15 days of retinoic acid supplementation, suggesting that continual culture with retinoic acid is unnecessary for initiation of the osteogenic program. This was confirmed using ADAS pre-incubated in monolayer with an abbreviated 15 days of retinoic acid exposure before implantation into critical-sized calvarial defects. Similar rates of regeneration were observed between ADAS exposed to for 15 days or for a full 25-day course of retinoic acid before defect repair. Furthermore, by limiting retinoic acid exposure to ADAS in monolayer without scaffold, accelerated bone formation was observed without concomitant osteoclastic resorption. These data suggest that skeletal regeneration may be improved by modulating retinoic acid exposure before implantation, markedly accelerating the repair of bone defects using ADAS.
Influence of seed weight and planting depth on common vetch establishment and growth

Abstract Deep planting is a method recommended to improve seedling establishment when there is insufficient moisture in the upper layer of the soil at planting. However, a frequent consequence of deep planting is poor emergence and weak seedlings. A means to improve seedling vigor may be the use of heavier seeds for deep planting. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of seed weight and planting depth and their interactions on emergence, seedling growth, biomass production, and seed yield of common vetch ( Vicia sativa L.) in a series of greenhouse, growth chamber, and field experiments. Seeds of three weight groups (light, medium, and heavy) of each of three genotypes, cv. Cahaba White, cv. Warrior, and PI 284563 were placed at depths ranging from 2 to 8 cm. No interaction among genotypes, seed weight, and planting depth was found for emergence, seedling traits, biomass production, and seed yield. Seed weight did not affect time to emergence or percent emergence. Seedlings from heavier seeds had more branches, leaves, leaf area, and shoot, stem and leaf dry weights than seedlings from light seeds and, consequently, plants from heavy seeds had high seed yield. Common vetch can be planted up to 6 cm deep without a reduction in seedling vigor regardless of the weight of the seed planted.
On the Climatology of Precipitable Water and Water Vapor Flux in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States

AbstractThe seasonal and diurnal climatologies of precipitable water and water vapor flux in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States are examined. A new method of computing water vapor flux at high temporal resolution in an atmospheric column using global positioning system (GPS) precipitable water, radiosonde data, and velocity–azimuth display (VAD) wind profiles is presented. It is shown that water vapor flux exhibits striking seasonal and diurnal cycles and that the diurnal cycles exhibit rapid transitions over the course of the year. A particularly large change in the diurnal cycle of meridional water vapor flux between spring and summer seasons is found. These features of the water cycle cannot be resolved by twice-a-day radiosonde observations. It is also shown that precipitable water exhibits a pronounced seasonal cycle and a less pronounced diurnal cycle. There are large contrasts in the climatology of water vapor flux between precipitation and nonprecipitation conditions in the mid-Atlantic ...
Lateral antebrachial cutaneous neuropathy in a windsurfer.

Lateral antebrachial cutaneous neuropathy (LACN) was diagnosed in a young woman who developed pain and paresthesias in the right forearm after a long day of windsurfing (board sailing). The symptoms resolved with conservative treatment, including cessation of windsurfing and a brief course of oral corticosteroids. There was a permanent residual cutaneous sensory deficit in the distribution of the LACN. LACN is important to recognize because the symptomatology may mimic pathology of a cervical root, the brachial plexus, and the radial and median nerves at the level of the elbow.
The Muscatine Cholesterol Family Study: distribution of cholesterol levels within families of probands with high, low and middle cholesterol levels.

Abstract The Muscatine Cholesterol Family Study includes the relatives of three groups of schoolchildren: those with cholesterol levels above the 95th percentiles in two consecutive school screens, those with cholesterol levels below the 5th percentile twice, and a random sample of those with cholesterol levels between the 5th and 95th percentiles twice. This paper examines the cholesterol distribution within and among these families for evidence of major gene effects. Three screening techniques are used: admixture analysis using maximum likelihood, comparison of within-sibship variances among groups, and regression of within-sibships variance on within-sibship mean. The results of the three techniques are consistent and indicate the existence of a major gene in a subset of the families with a proband above the 95th percentile, but not in the other two groups of families. We estimate that 15% of schoolchildren with a cholesterol level above the 95th percentile twice, or 3 per thousand in the general population, have a dominant gene as a cause of the cholesterol elevation.
Elemental PGNAA analysis using gamma–gamma coincidence counting with the library least-squares approach

Abstract An accurate method for determining elemental analysis using gamma–gamma coincidence counting is presented. To demonstrate the feasibility of this method for PGNAA, a system of three radioisotopes (Na-24, Co-60 and Cs-134) that emit coincident gamma rays was used. Two HPGe detectors were connected to a system that allowed both singles and coincidences to be collected simultaneously. A known mixture of the three radioisotopes was used and data was deliberately collected at relatively high counting rates to determine the effect of pulse pile-up distortion. The results obtained, with the library least-squares analysis, of both the normal and coincidence counting are presented and compared to the known amounts. The coincidence results are shown to give much better accuracy. It appears that in addition to the expected advantage of reduced background, the coincidence approach is considerably more resistant to pulse pile-up distortion.
On propriety of posterior distributions of variance components in small area estimation

Abstract In this article, we investigate for various noninformative improper priors the propriety of the resulting posterior distributions of variance components in a mixed normal linear model. We have considered the usual Jeffreys’ prior, reference priors and Jeffreys’ prior based on residual likelihood for variance components. The latter prior is recently advocated as a standard default prior for Bayesian analysis using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS.
Theory of scanning tunneling spectroscopy of fullerene peapods

~Received 4 June 2002; revised manuscript received 15 October 2002; published 31 December 2002! A theory for the hybridization of tube and encapsulant derived electronic states is developed for fullerene peapods: carbon nanotubes encapsulating molecular C60 . The interaction between tube and encapsulant is constrained by symmetry and it is studied using a long-wavelength theory of the tube states and a nearly free particle theory of the ball orbitals. Calculations of the local densities of states, resolved in energy and position, are obtained for the gapped bands of a nanotube interacting with a single encapsulated fullerene, with an encapsulated dimer, and with a periodic fullerene peapod lattice. The calculations identify features in the bound state and scattering spectra of the tube produced by hybridization with the encapsulant. For the peapod lattice we identify ~a! a narrow defect induced electronic band, ~b! a hybridization gap resulting from the strong mixing of tube and ball degrees of freedom, and ~c! Bragg gaps produced by electron motion in a periodic defect potential. The theory provides a good description of the prominent features of the measured electronic spectra of fullerene peapods obtained by low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy.
Solid-State 13C NMR Studies of Ionic Surfactants Adsorbed on C-18 and C-8 Silicas: Implications for Micellar Liquid Chromatography

Abstract Solid-state 13 C NMR spectroscopy techniques, including cross polarization (CP), magic angle spinning (MAS), and high-power proton decoupling, have been used to study the interactions of two ionic surfactants with octadecylsilica (C-18) and octylsilica (C-8) HPLC stationary phases. The two surfactants, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), are commonly used in micellar reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC). Variable contact time CP/MAS 13 C NMR data suggest that differences in selectivity between SDS and CTAB micellar RPLC are due to the differing nature of the SDS- and CTAB-bonded phase association. For CTAB the association leads to a more hydrophobic bulk stationary phase, whereas SDS adsorption results in the formation of an anionic, hydrophilic surface layer. These results suggest that proper matching of surfactant monomer and bonded stationary phase is critical to ensure selective separations in micellar RPLC.
Evidence of continuing methylchloroform emissions from the United States

[1] We present measurements from three sites during 2001-2002 showing that methylchloroform emissions have continued in the U.S., despite the 1996 production ban under the Montreal Protocol. Available data from urban regions, if representative, suggest that 1997-2002 U.S. emissions declined exponentially from 18.5 to 3.0 Gg/yr. F-11 also showed evidence of ongoing emissions, whereas F-113 emissions have effectively ceased. Continuous in-situ measurements in urban regions provide an effective means of detecting ongoing emissions of banned compounds. Neglecting continuing emissions causes underestimates in tropospheric OH abundance derived from methylchloroform concentrations.
Mass spectroscopy of epoxylated novolac resin cured with phthalocyanine tetraamines

Mass spectroscopy was done at different temperatures on epoxylated novolac resin DEN 438 (Dow Chemical Co.) alone, and after curing with various metal(II) phthalocyanine tetraamines (MPTA). Possible modes of fragmentation are given to explain the experimental results. Gas-chromatographic/mass-spectroscopic (GC–MS) analyses of MPTA derivatives indicated the presence of only trace quantities of benzene, aniline, cyanobenzene, and orthodicyanobenzene. The GC–MS studies of the cured DEN 438 epoxy resins indicated that the mechanisms of thermal degradation are qualitatively similar, and some common features were observed in their fragmentation in an electron beam and by thermal degradation. This study is a further assessment of the utility of these phthalocyanine derivatives for curing epoxy resins to produce heat-resistant polymer systems.
Challenges: communication through silence in wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are typically characterized by a limited energy supply at sensor nodes. Hence, energy efficiency is an important issue in the system design and operation of WSNs. In this paper, we introduce a novel communication paradigm that enables energy-efficient information delivery in wireless sensor networks. Compared with traditional communication strategies, the proposed scheme explores a new dimension - time, to deliver information efficiently. We refer to the strategy as Communication through Silence (CtS). We identify a key drawback of CtS - energy - throughput trade-off, and explore optimization mechanisms that can alleviate the trade-off. We then present several challenges that need to be overcome, primarily at the medium access control layer of the network protocol stack, in order to realize CtS effectively.
“I Am Science and the World Is Mine”: Embodied Practices as Resources for Empowerment

Those who are most marginalized, both culturally and economically, in society are concentrated in the nation's largest urban centers and have the least opportunities to be successful in school science or to pursue higher education and career trajectories in science, mathematics, or engineering. This article shares the results of a study in which African American economically disadvantaged high school students living in Philadelphia were hired as student researchers and had the opportunity to develop a curriculum enhancer — a movie entitled Sound in the City. The findings reveal that the students' capacity to act, or their sense of agency, expanded both through the process of making the movie and with the final movie product. During the production of the movie, the youth accessed multiple resources (both physical and human) to represent abstract physics facts in contextualized ways. Specifically, this article illuminates how they drew upon embodied practices that included rhythm, verbal fluency, and high energy in creating and filming the movie segments, as well as behind the scenes as they worked to understand the physics content. This study urges the science education community to consider how students' embodied practices can connect them to science in empowering ways that expand their capacity for action in multiple spaces.
Development Of The Chacon Dakota Associated Pool

Discovery and development of the Chacon Dakota associated pool is a very important Dakota formation development outside of the basic Dakota gas pool in the San Juan Basin area. Other Dakota formation developments are not of the magnitude as the Chacon Dakota associated pool.
Regulating the Feeding of Certain Roughages to Minimize Their Influence on the Flavor of Milk

Most roughages have been shown to cause flavor in milk when appreciable quantities are consumed by dairy cows within one to five hours before milking (1). The general recommendation has been to withhold from cows all flavor produceing feeds such as clover and alfalfa during the five hour period before milking. It is recognized that if superb flavored milk is to be produced, such a procedure is necessary. The general milk supply at present, however, is not produced according to this standard. The experiments reported in this paper were designed to arrive at a feeding procedure that would not be burdensome and expensive for the dairyman to carry out and yet would make it possible for him to produce milk with a flavor that would be acceptable to the average consumer.
Distinct mechanisms for the endocytosis of muscarinic receptors and Gq/11.

Abstract To determine whether the agonist-mediated endocytosis of muscarinic receptors and Gq/11 are mechanistically related events, the internalization of Gαq/11 was monitored under conditions established to prevent muscarinic receptor endocytosis. Incubation of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells with oxotremorine-M resulted in the translocation of both muscarinic receptors and Gq/11 into a `light vesicle' membrane fraction. Although muscarinic receptor translocation was prevented by either the depletion of phosphoinositides or by disruption of clathrin assembly, the endocytosis of Gq/11 was unaffected. These results demonstrate that the agonist-induced internalization of muscarinic receptors and Gq/11 proceed via distinct mechanisms.