cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From Laplace to Supernova SN 1987A: Bayesian Inference in Astrophysics

The Bayesian approach to probability theory is presented as an alternative to the currently used long-run relative frequency approach, which does not offer clear, compelling criteria for the design of statistical methods. Bayesian probability theory offers unique and demonstrably optimal solutions to well-posed statistical problems, and is historically the original approach to statistics. The reasons for earlier rejection of Bayesian methods are discussed, and it is noted that the work of Cox, Jaynes, and others answers earlier objections, giving Bayesian inference a firm logical and mathematical foundation as the correct mathematical language for quantifying uncertainty. The Bayesian approaches to parameter estimation and model comparison are outlined and illustrated by application to a simple problem based on the gaussian distribution. As further illustrations of the Bayesian paradigm, Bayesian solutions to two interesting astrophysical problems are outlined: the measurement of weak signals in a strong background, and the analysis of the neutrinos detected from supernova SN 1987A. A brief bibliography of astrophysically interesting applications of Bayesian inference is provided.
A Strategy for Diagnosing Modern Truck Electrical Systems

A strategy is presented for diagnosing heavy vehicle electrical systems, today and into the future. The realities of diagnosing modern electronic systems are explored. In the future, original equipment manufacturers (OEM's) will hold an increasing responsibility in aiding the mechanic during the repair process. Electronic diagnostic capabilities are investigated from basic to futuristic concepts. The strategy is provided to guide the OEM and "black box" vendors through a diagnostic evolution. Diagnostic aids for today's vehicles should be realistic and compatible with systems already in place. A gradual evolution toward more sophisticated diagnostics in future vehicle electrical systems will follow.
Retirement Savings Shortfalls

An article in the Spring 2014 issue of The Journal of Retirement focused on the probability that households will not run short of money in retirement. This article expands the earlier analysis by analyzing the size of the deficits that retired households are simulated to incur. These retirement savings shortfalls (RSSs) are reported by age cohorts, marital status, gender, and years of future eligibility for defined contribution plan participation. The results demonstrate the extreme importance of longevity risk and nursing home and home health care costs in simulating RSSs. Analysis of the potential of a generic auto-IRA proposal to decrease retirement deficits is also included. The baseline aggregate national retirement deficit number is estimated to be $4.13 trillion for all U.S. households whose heads are between ages 25 and 64, inclusive. This value decreases to $3.86 trillion with auto-IRAs and no opt outs.
Power consumption analysis for video coding algorithms in embedded multimedia systems

The power consumption for the battery-supplied DSP-embedded multimedia systems based on a test platform, i.e. TI C64x, is analyzed in this research. We focus on the behavior of some frequently used compress/decompress functional modules. In particular, a MPEG-4 simple-profile decoder consisting of these modules is evaluated at the highest compiler optimization level so as to understand power allocation in embedded multimedia systems. Two DCT schemes are examined to find out a better power behavior. The integer DCT can reach 47% power saving as compared with an implementation of the float DCT. Overall, our studies provide a better understanding of the system-level power modeling and consumption estimation for embedded multimedia applications, and suggest some optimization methods.
Reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration of stillage solubles from dry-milled corn fractions

Grits, flour, degerminated meal and hominy feed from corn were fermented to make ethyl alcohol. The stillage, remaining after distillation of alcohol, was separated by screening and centrifuging into insoluble and soluble fractions. The stillage solubles contained 0.036 to 0.080% nitrogen and 1.4 to 7.2% total solids. Ultrafiltration (UF) membranes separated stillage solubles into permeate and concentrate fractions. Permeates from stillage solubles accounted for 85 to 95% of the original volume, 44 to 67% of the total solids and 40 to 75% of the total nitrogen. Reverse osmosis (RO) membranes separated the UF permeate into RO permeate and RO concentrate fractions. The RO permeate accounted for 70 to 92% of the original volume, 5 to 15% of the total solids and 5 to 21% of the total nitrogen in the UF permeate. Conductivity of some RO permeate fractions was lower than that of tap water. The combination of UF and RO processing of stillage solubles from corn dry-milled fractions appears to be an attractive method to recover most of the solids and nitrogen in small volumes of concentrate, and produces a final permeate with a low concentration of solids and nitrogen. The RO permeate may be reused as water, treated further or discharged.
Vagal cardiopulmonary reflexes after left ventricular deafferentation.

BACKGROUNDCardiac transplantation and chronic myocardial infarction interrupt vagal afferent nerve fibers, which originate mainly from the ventricles. Marked abnormalities of reflexes mediated by cardiopulmonary receptors with vagal afferent fibers have been demonstrated after both cardiac transplantation and chronic myocardial infarction. The relation between these reflex abnormalities and ventricular deafferentation is not known.METHODS AND RESULTSTo further assess this relation, we investigated the effects of left ventricular (LV) deafferentation on the control of renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) by the vagal cardiopulmonary reflex in chloralose-anesthetized, mechanically ventilated dogs with sinoaortic denervation. Responses of left atrial pressure (LAP) and RSNA to hemorrhage and volume expansion were measured before and after application of 88% phenol to either the inferoposterior LV (n = 12) or the entire LV (n = 14). In control experiments, measurements were made before and after applicatio...
The clinical spectrum of autism

Abstract Autism, as defined by Kanner in 1943, required two features: the abnormal development of social relationships and the obsessive desire for the maintenance of sameness. This definition was applied only to children without dysmorphic features (except macrocephaly) and without profound mental retardation. This definition resulted in a strongly familial disorder. Family members of such cases have not only strictly defined autism but the milder Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDDNOS), and Asperger syndrome as well as milder social dysfunction, obsessional personality characteristics, language and reading disorders, and anxiety and depression. Some of these conditions have come to be called “autism spectrum disorders”. Family members of strictly defined autism cases do not tend to have mental retardation, even when the proband with autism may have marked cognitive impairment and limited language. Another group of children that often meet modern criteria for autism and PDDNOS are those with profound mental retardation (IQ
Triple Bypass Graft for the Treatment of Severe Triple Coronary Vessel Disease

Abstract In a 3-year period (January, 1970, to January, 1973) three or more bypass grafts were placed in 397 patients who had severe triple coronary vessel disease. Ten patients (2.5%) died in the hospital postoperatively. Fifteen patients (4%) had postoperative myocardial infarctions. Late myocardial infarction occurred in 11 patients (2.8%), and in 6 of these the infarctions were fatal. Late deaths occurred in 11 patients; 7 of the deaths were of cardiac origin. Three patients were lost to follow-up. The remaining 373 patients were followed from 10 to 46 months. Three hundred sixty-one patients (96.7%) improved, 295 (79%) of these becoming asymptomatic. Two hundred twenty-one patients (672 grafts) were restudied from 6 weeks to 31 months after operation. The overall patency rate was 81.5%. There was a direct correlation between relief of angina and completeness of the revascularization. With one functioning graft, 9 patients (42.8%) became asymptomatic; with two functioning grafts, 52 patients (74.2%) became asymptomatic; and with three functioning grafts, 108 patients (87.8%) became asymptomatic. This experience suggests that three or more bypass grafts can be placed with a low operative risk in selected patients. Total or complete revascularization should be attempted in patients with severe triple-vessel disease.
Characterization of castration‐induced cell death in the rat prostate by immunohistochemical localization of cathepsin D

Activities of cathepsin D (EC 3.4.23.5) were determined in three lobes of the prostate during their involution by both biochemical and immunohistochemical procedures. The activity of cathepsin D in noncastrated rats was 0.9 +/- 0.2 (mean +/- SE) 5.7 +/- 0.6, and 13.1 +/- 0.8 units/mg protein for the ventral, lateral, dorsal lobes, respectively. Following castration, there was a significant increase in enzymatic activity in all three lobes within 2-3 days. In the ventral lobe, the activity peaked in 5 days to 6.2 +/- 0.9 units/mg protein and declined slightly thereafter. In the lateral and dorsal lobes, the activity remained elevated (14-20 units/mg protein) throughout the postcastration period studied. Immunohistochemical staining of cathepsin D was localized in the cytoplasm of prostatic epithelial cells as fine discrete lysosomal granules. These granules were larger and more abundant in the dorsal and lateral lobes than in the ventral lobe and were not detected in prostatic stromal cells and seldom in the luminal fluid. Castration resulted in an immediate increase in the size and number of these granules in the epithelial cells, followed by a sudden further increase in cathepsin D staining in some but not all epithelial cells. Lysosomal granules gradually coalesced in these cells to form large vacuoles that fit the characteristic description of apoptotic bodies. Finally, after day 7 postcastration, collapse and disintegration of the entire glandular structure was noted. Using this procedure to localize cathepsin D as a tool, we were able to follow the morphological events of prostatic cell death during castration-induced involution in the rat at the light microscopic level.
Probabilistic Searching Using a Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Ground breaking concepts in optimal search theory were developed during World War II by the U.S. Navy. These concepts use an assumed detection model to calculate a detection probability rate and an optimal search allocation. Although this theory is useful in determining when and where search effort should be applied, it offers little guidance for the planning of search paths. This paper explains how search theory can be applied to path planning for an SUAV with a fixed CCD camera. Three search strategies are developed: greedy search, contour search, and composite search. In addition, the concepts of search efficiency and search completeness are offered as metrics for search effectiveness. Simulation results comparing the effectiveness of the strategies are presented.
The evolution of consumer knowledge and sources of information: Hungary in transition

The authors’ research in Hungary during the period of transition to a market economy provides an opportunity to examine the evolving relationships between consumer product knowledge and its antecedents, including advertising, personal search, interpersonal sources, and brand experience. Their findings, based on survey data collected in Budapest in 1992 and 1998, indicate that the market information variables explain more variance in consumer knowledge later rather than earlier in the transition. Advertising is an important predictor of consumer knowledge later but not earlier in the transition, personal search is important at both times, and interpersonal sources are not important in either time period; brand experience is negatively related to knowledge earlier in the transition and positively related later in the transition. This study allows one to begin to understand the boundary conditions associated with studies conducted in developed economies. Managerial implications for firms investing in transitional economies are presented.
Effects of somatostatin and a somatostatin agonist on diet-induced pancreatitis in mice.

Abstract We examined the effects of somatostatin-14 and the potent somatostatin agonist (N-acetyl-[Des(Ala1, Gly2),p-Cl-Phe6,D-Trp8]-somatostatin amide) on choline deficient, ethionine enriched diet (CDED)-induced acute pancreatitis in mice. Serum amylase determinations were performed, and specimens from the pancreas were examined by light and electron microscopy. No significant beneficial effects of somatostatin or its agonist were found in this model of acute pancreatitis.
Thrust during ambulation and the progression of knee osteoarthritis

Objective To determine whether the presence of varus thrust at baseline increases the risk of progression of medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis (OA), whether knees with thrust have a greater adduction moment, whether thrust has any additional impact on top of static varus, and whether thrust is associated with poor physical function outcome. Methods Two hundred thirty-seven patients with knee OA (definite osteophytes and symptoms) underwent baseline gait observation to assess varus thrust and full-limb radiography to assess alignment. Sixty-four of these 237 patients also underwent quantitative gait analysis to determine the maximum knee adduction moment. Two hundred thirty patients (97%) returned for followup at 18 months. At baseline and 18 months, the 230 participants had semiflexed, fluoroscopically confirmed knee radiographs (with progression defined as worsening of medial joint space grade); self-reported and performance-based measures of function were also assessed. Logistic regression with generalized estimating equations was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for medial OA progression, after excluding knees that were not at risk for progression. Results Varus thrust was present in 67 of 401 knees. Thrust increased 4-fold (age-, sex-, body mass index–, and pain-adjusted OR 3.96, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.11–7.43) the odds of medial progression, with some reduction after further adjustment for varus alignment severity. In varus-aligned knees, thrust increased the odds of OA progression 3-fold (adjusted OR 3.17, 95% CI 1.60–6.31). In the gait substudy, the adduction moment was greater in knees with a thrust compared with knees without a thrust. Having a thrust in both knees versus neither knee was associated with a 2-fold increase in the OR for poor physical function outcome (P not significant). Conclusion Varus thrust is a potent risk factor, identifiable by simple gait observation, for disease progression in the medial compartment, the most common site of OA involvement at the knee. Varus thrust may also predict poor physical function outcome. Varus thrust increased the odds of progression among varus-aligned knees considered separately, suggesting that knees with a thrust are a subset of varus-aligned knees at particularly high risk for progression of OA.
The influence of dietary cholesterol on cardiac and hepatic beta-adrenergic receptors in egyptian sand rats

We examined the effects of dietary cholesterol on cardiac and hepatic beta-adrenergic receptor functioning. Age-matched adult desert rodents (Psammomys obesus) were randomized to either a 5% cholesterol diet (CD, n = 20), or normal rabbit chow (RC, n = 18). After a 2-month exposure to the diets, animals were sacrificed and tissue from both heart and liver were retained for radioligand bindings studies. In heart tissue, cholesterol fed animals, relative to controls, showed an increased production of adenosine 3,5¢-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) in response to isoproterenol. Cholesterol supplementation was not associated with an increase in heart beta-adrenergic receptor number. Animals fed the 5% cholesterol diet showed significant increases in the number of beta-adrenergic receptor sites in hepatic tissue (M = 13.2 vs. 10.4 pmol/mg protein, CD and RC, respectively). The increased number of receptor sites in the liver was accompanied by a significant increase in isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP production. Results are supportive of the hypothesis that dietary cholesterol contributes to an upregulation of beta-adrenergic receptor function in cardiac, as well as hepatic tissue. These findings may be relevant to the observations of excessive stress-induced cardiovascular reactivity in persons with high cholesterol levels.
Hydrogen—Halogen Exchange Reactions on Silicon (100)

Using thermal mass desorption and LEED we have studied interactions of H, C12, and F2 with a silicon (100) surface, and exchange reactions of the gases with adsorbates on the silicon (100) surface. Thermal desorption spectra were measured for surfaces dosed with H, C12, and F2 singly and then for surfaces dosed first with a halogen and then atomic hydrogen. Finally, the reverse sequence was studied, with atomic hydrogen dosing and then the halogen exposure. Results indicate that the molecular halogens C12 and F2 are not effective at removing H from a Si (100) surface. However, for the reverse reaction, atomic hydrogen appears quite effective at removing the halogens.
Geographies of Trash

In August 1966, LIFE Magazine published “Planet Earth by Dawn's Early Light,” a photo-essay from the Gemini 10 shuttle flight. Capturing the earth from the most remote perspective to date, the seri...
Linear Summation of Excitatory Inputs by CA1 Pyramidal Neurons

Abstract A fundamental problem in neurobiology is understanding the arithmetic that dendrites use to integrate inputs. The impact of dendritic morphology and active conductances on input summation is still unknown. To study this, we use glutamate iontophoresis and synaptic stimulation to position pairs of excitatory inputs throughout the apical, oblique, and basal dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons in rat hippocampal slices. Under a variety of stimulation regimes, we find a linear summation of most input combinations that is implemented by a surprising balance of boosting and shunting mechanisms. Active conductances in dendrites paradoxically serve to make summation linear. This "active linearity" can reconcile predictions from cable theory with the observed linear summation in vivo and suggests that a simple arithmetic is used by apparently complex dendritic trees.
Internal motions studies of an angiotensin pentapeptide using proton relaxation parameters.

We report mono and bi-selective excitation proton relaxation studies of internal motion of three side chaing in a peptide fragment of angiotensin of sequence Tyr1. Ile2. His3. Pro4. Phe5. The motion of this peptide does not satisfy the extreme narrowing conditions and the general approach to the interpretation of proton relaxation rates given here can be used in larger peptides and proteins.
Management of Alcoholic Liver Disease

Understanding alcohol addiction and abstinence is key to treating alcoholic liver disease, since abstinence leads to improvement in all forms of alcoholic liver damage. Although pharmacotherapy for alcoholism, using agents such as naltrexone, acamprosate, topiramate, and baclofen, is an exciting field, few studies have included patients with liver disease or cirrhosis. To treat alcoholic liver injury, corticosteroids have become the standard of care in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis. In contrast, the role of pharmacotherapy to treat alcoholic fibrosis is unclear, with failure to observe a benefit in randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials of colchicine, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), or phosphatidylcholine. Liver transplantation remains an option in selected patients with life-threatening alcoholic liver disease.
Determination of the iron-carbonyl bond geometry of carboxyprotoheme in solution using picosecond infrared-optical photoselection

Abstract The iron-carbonyl bond geometry in carboxyprotoheme in ambient temperature solution has been investigated. Polarized visible and infrared beams have been used to monitor the change in infrared absorbance of the bound CO stretch bands on photodissociation of the ligand. A theoretical description of the picosecond infrared-optical photoselection method is presented in which the anisotropic change in the infrared absorption may be expressed in terms of either the photoselection anisotropy or the polarization ratio, which may be used to deduce the properties of the FeCO geometry in carboxyprotoheme in terms of 〈P2(cos α)〉, where α is the angle between the ligand bond axis and the normal to the heme plane. Various models for the equilibrium distribution of the angle are considered. The results for cos−1 (〈cos2α〉) 1 2 in the solutions studied lie in the range 17–26° which correspond to geometries significantly different from the linear and perpendicular configuration observed in single-crystal studies of similar compounds. Additionally, geminate recombination kinetics are observed following photodissociation in high viscosity solvents.
Simulation study comparing high-purity germanium and cadmium zinc telluride detectors for breast imaging.

We conducted simulations to compare the potential imaging performance for breast cancer detection with High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) and Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) systems with 1% and 3.8% energy resolution at 140 keV, respectively. Using the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP5) simulation package, we modelled both 5 mm-thick CZT and 10 mm-thick HPGe detectors with the same parallel-hole collimator for the imaging of a breast/torso phantom. Simulated energy spectra were generated, and planar images were created for various energy windows around the 140 keV photopeak. Relative sensitivity and scatter and the torso fractions were calculated along with tumour contrast and signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). Simulations showed that utilizing a ±1.25% energy window with an HPGe system better suppressed torso background and small-angle scattered photons than a comparable CZT system using a −5%/+10% energy window. Both systems provided statistically similar contrast and SNR, with HPGe providing higher relative sensitivity. Lowering the counts of HPGe images to match CZT count density still yielded equivalent contrast between HPGe and CZT. Thus, an HPGe system may provide equivalent breast imaging capability at lower injected radioactivity levels when acquiring for equal imaging time.
Signal Timing and Coordination Bridging Theories and Practices

Many models, algorithms, and computer software have been developed for optimizing signal timing and improving traffic progression along signalized arterials. However, solutions generated from theoretical models or software tools are generally not readily implementable in the field due to gaps between theories and practices. This paper focuses on addressing these issues through a case study. The paper describes a tool called cycle timer for assisting field timing implementation and diagnosis of signal timing problems. The case study results showed significant improvement over a recently timed signalized arterial in Reno, Nevada by simply fixing some of the common problems with the assistance of the cycle timer.
Analysis of bit error probability for imperfect timing synchronization in virtual MISO networks

This paper considers a virtual multiple-input single-output (VMISO) network, where spatially separated single-antenna radios cooperatively transmit the same data to a destination. The existing works for the VMISO system assume perfect synchronization between the nodes. However, in this paper, we investigate the effects of imperfect timing synchronization on the performance of this network. For that purpose, we develop a statistical model for the timing errors and derive the expressions for the bit error probability (BEP) using this model. The results indicate that the BEP performance is degraded due to imperfect timing synchronization and the BEP is dependent upon the number of radios per cluster, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the distance disparities between the nodes.
Suicidal Ideation and Attempted Suicide Among Women Living With HIV/AIDS

The prevalence, timing, and predictors of suicidal ideation and attempted suicide were evaluated in a sample of 207 HIV-positive women in New York City. Twenty-six percent of the women reported attempting suicide since their HIV diagnosis. Of those who made an attempt, 42% acted within the first month after diagnosis and 27% acted within the first week. AIDS diagnosis, psychiatric symptoms, and physical or sexual abuse were significant positive predictors of both suicidal ideation and attempts. Contrary to expectations, having children and being employed were also significant positive predictors. Spirituality was significantly negatively associated with suicidal ideation only. These results suggest that suicide prevention measures should be implemented for HIV-positive women immediately after diagnosis. Specifically, interventions should target those with an AIDS diagnosis, psychiatric symptoms, an abuse history, children, or employment. The encouragement of spiritual connection seems to be a deterrent to suicidal thoughts and is a possible avenue for intervention.
Acidic Soil Amendment with a Magnesium-Containing Fluidized Bed Combustion By-Product

Removal of SO₂ from the emissions of coal-fired boilers produces by-products that often consist of CaSO₄, residual alkalinity, and coalash. These by-products could be beneficial to acidic soils because of their alkalinity and the ability of gypsum (CaSO₄.2H₂O) to reduce AI toxicity in acidic subsoils. A 3-yr field experiment was conducted to determine the liming efficacy of a fluidized bed combustion boiler by-product (FBC) that contained 129 g Mg kg⁻¹ as CaMg(CO₃)₂ and MgO and its effects on surface and subsurface soil chemistry. The FBC was mixed in the surface 10 cm of two acidic soils (Wooster silt loam, an Oxyaquic Fragiudalf, and Coshocton silt loam, an Aquultic Hapludalf) at rates of 0,0.5,1, and 2 times each soil's lime requirement (LR). Soils were sampled in 10-cm increments to depths ranging from 20 to 110 cm, and corn (Zea mays L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were grown. Application of Mg-FBC increased alfalfa yields in all six site-years, whereas it had no effect on corn grain yield in five site-years and decreased grain yield in one site-year. Plant tissue concentrations of Mg, S, and Mo were increased by Mg-FBC, while most trace elements were either unaffected or decreased. Application of Mg-FBC at one or two times LR increased surface soil pH to near 7 within 1 wk. Although surface soil pH remained near 7 for 2 yr, there was minimal effect on subjacent soil pH. Application of Mg-FBC increased surface soil concentrations of Ca, Mg, and S, which promoted downward movement of Mg and SO₄. This had different effects on subsoil chemistry in the two soils: in the high-Ca-status Wooster subsoil, exchangeable Ca was decreased and exchangeable Al was increased, whereas in the high-Al-status Coshocton subsoil, exchangeable Al was decreased and exchangeable Mg was increased. The Mg-FBC was an effective liming material and, because of the presence of both Mg and SO₄, may be more effective than gypsum in ameliorating subsoil Al phytotoxicity. Salaries and research support provided by state and federal funds appropriated to the OARDC, Ohio State Univ. Manuscript no. 34-98.
The transtheoretical model of change in adolescents: implications for injury prevention.

INTRODUCTION: Many injury prevention interventions require changes in human behavior to reduce self-risk or risk to others. Promising injury prevention interventions may be discarded if they lack power to create a significant difference in outcomes when judging their ability to "move a person from nonaction or negative action to positive action (safety)." The transtheoretical model of change (TMC) allows greater sensitivity in detecting along the change process where an intervention may be effective. The stages of change consist of precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and termination. Change is not viewed as an "all or none phenomenon." METHOD: Use of the TMC was examined using a quasiexperimental, cross-over design involving high school agriculture students enrolled in 21 schools in Kentucky (n=9), Iowa (n=7), and Mississippi (n=5). A series of physical and narrative simulations (safety training exercises) were developed with a focus on preventing amputation, spinal cord injury, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and noise-induced hearing loss. Contemplation and action, as part of the TMC, were measured using a 10-item, Likert-type, stages of change (SOC) instrument comprised of two subscales (reliability coefficients were.88 and.81, respectively). The final sample consisted of 790 students (373 treatment and 417 control). RESULTS: There was a significant group effect for both contemplation, F(1,732)=197.4; p
It's (for) you; or, the tele-t/r/opical post-human

This essay asks what kind of trope or rhetorical operation is activated by the call of the ‘post-human’? What modes of inscription does the term deploy? I argue that the ‘post-ing’ of the human proceeds by refiguring of the ‘human’ as telephone or screen, as a surface that registers the action or presencing of the inhuman via an overwhelming apostrophe or prosopopeia. Allied to this call is a refiguring of the ‘post-humanities’ as an inquiry into how the modeling of non-human entities inflects the constitution of a common world, leading us to embark on a quest for less lethal or more friendly modes of inscription or writing. The philosophical movement known as ‘speculative metaphysics’ provides a rubric for this quest and so for a speculative literary history that would refigure our contacts with the textual traces named ‘past’ as a contact zone with alternate ways of being.
Evaluation method for arc fault detection algorithms

Many methods have been proposed to detect arc faults within photovoltaic systems. However, because of the dearth of data surrounding arcs that actually occur in commercial or residential PV systems, a sound method is necessary to systematically check for the effectiveness of algorithms claiming the ability to detect PV arc faults. This method should include data representing actual background PV system noise and seek to quantify the limits of the detection capability for the algorithms of interest.
Solution Structure of a Unique G-Quadruplex Scaffold Adopted by a Guanosine-Rich Human Intronic Sequence

Summary We report on the solution structure of an unprecedented intramolecular G-quadruplex formed by the guanosine-rich human chl1 intronic d(G 3 -N-G 4 -N 2 -G 4 -N-G 3 -N) 19-mer sequence in K + -containing solution. This G-quadruplex, composed of three stacked G-tetrads containing four syn guanines, represents a new folding topology with two unique conformational features. The first guanosine is positioned within the central G-tetrad, in contrast to all previous structures of unimolecular G-quadruplexes, where the first guanosine is part of an outermost G-tetrad. In addition, a V-shaped loop, spanning three G-tetrad planes, contains no bridging nucleotides. The G-quadruplex scaffold is stabilized by a T•G•A triple stacked over the G-tetrad at one end and an unpaired guanosine stacked over the G-tetrad at the other end. Finally, the c hl1 intronic DNA G-quadruplex scaffold contains a guanosine base intercalated between an extended G-G step, a feature observed in common with the catalytic site of group I introns. This unique structural scaffold provides a highly specific platform for the future design of ligands specifically targeted to intronic G-quadruplex platforms.
Cost and workforce implications of subjecting all physicians to aviation industry work-hour restrictions.

Abstract Background Efforts to improve patient safety have attempted to incorporate aviation industry safety standards. We sought to evaluate the cost and workforce implications of applying aviation duty-hour restrictions to the entire practicing physician workforce. Methods The work hours and personnel deficit for United States residents and practicing physicians that would be created by the adoption of aviation standards were calculated. Results Application of aviation standards to the resident workforce creates an estimated annual cost of $6.5 billion, requiring a 174% increase in the number of residents to meet the deficit. Its application to practicing physicians creates an additional annual cost of $80.4 billion, requiring a 71% increase in the physician workforce. Adding in the aviation industry's mandatory retirement age (65 years) increases annual costs by $10.5 billion. The cost per life-year saved would be $1,035,227. Conclusions Application of aviation duty-hour restrictions to the United States health care system would be prohibitively costly. Alternate approaches for improving patient safety are warranted.
Quantitative high throughput screening using a primary human three-dimensional organotypic culture predicts in vivo efficacy

The tumour microenvironment contributes to cancer metastasis and drug resistance. However, most high throughput screening (HTS) assays for drug discovery use cancer cells grown in monolayers. Here we show that a multilayered culture containing primary human fibroblasts, mesothelial cells and extracellular matrix can be adapted into a reliable 384- and 1,536-multi-well HTS assay that reproduces the human ovarian cancer (OvCa) metastatic microenvironment. We validate the identified inhibitors in secondary in vitro and in vivo biological assays using three OvCa cell lines: HeyA8, SKOV3ip1 and Tyk-nu. The active compounds directly inhibit at least two of the three OvCa functions: adhesion, invasion and growth. In vivo, these compounds prevent OvCa adhesion, invasion and metastasis, and improve survival in mouse models. Collectively, these data indicate that a complex three-dimensional culture of the tumour microenvironment can be adapted for quantitative HTS and may improve the disease relevance of assays used for drug screening.
Permanently implanted electrode for electromyography of the diaphragm in the waking cat.

Abstract Brief description of a technique to record action potentials of the diaphragm in respiratory studies on unrestrained animals.
Arabs and Arabic Grammar Instruction in Israeli Universities: Alterity, Alienation and Dislocation

Arabic grammar classes at Israeli universities are sites of an effective cultural/sectarian clash that presents itself as a profound underperformance of Arab undergraduate students in university Ar...
Evolutionary Advantages of Intense Spiritual Experience in Nature

Although records of intense spiritual experiences in nature exist throughout history, the phenomenon remains a little-investigated question. This article is the first in a series describing empirical findings on intense spiritual experiences in nature. Three data points were established including: 1) a cognitive analysis of forest attitude research interviews; 2) a cognitive analysis of nature authors who write about forests; and 3) a broad review of literature drawn primarily from research in neuroscience, psychology, medicine, consciousness studies, and philosophy. The findings suggest that intense spiritual experience in nature has two variations: mystical and traumatic experience. The positive (mystical) and negative (traumatic) variation share seven physiological and psychological characteristics, with each characteristic providing adaptive, evolutionary advantages. Although partial and preliminary, the data offers compelling evidence demonstrating the existence of certain basic properties of the role of nature in intense spiritual experience. The findings suggest that natural selection may favor intense spiritual experiences in nature.
Poverty, insurance, and well‐baby care among mainland Puerto Rican children

Using data from the Puerto Rican Maternal and Infant Health Study, we investigate the implications of family income and insurance status for well-baby care among mainland Puerto Ricans. Given the socioeconomic disadvantage of Puerto Ricans, it is critical to understand the extent to which low income and lack of health insurance create barriers to well-baby care and result in low utilization. The analysis shows that the income-to-needs ratio is related to barriers to well-baby care, and a key intervening factor is insurance status. The odds of reporting any barriers to care are lowest among those with both adequate income and private health insurance. Access to insurance is also vital in achieving adequate well-baby care. Uninsured children receive inadequate care more often than children with public or private insurance, especially when their income is also low. Children with public insurance are as likely as children with private insurance to receive an adequate number of well-baby visits, despite the fact that their mothers report more barriers to care.
Phosphoinositide metabolism and cGMP levels are not coupled to the muscarinic-cholinergic receptor in human erythrocyte

Abstract Recently, Tang et al. [BBA 772 , 235 (1984)] reported that cholinergic agonists stimulate calcium uptake and cGMP formation in the human erythrocyte. We undertook this investigation since polyphosphoinositide breakdown precedes calcium mobilization and cGMP formation in several tissues. In [32P]-prelabeled erythrocyte ghosts, calcium (0.5 mM) but not carbachol (0.1 mM) caused a 2- and 20-fold increase in the accumulation of IP2 and IP3, respectively. This was accompanied by a 50% decrease in PIP2 and PIP. In intact erythrocytes prelabeled with [32P], 1 μM A23187 but not carbachol (0.1 mM) produced a 300% increase in radioactivity in PA after a 30-min incubation. cGMP levels after a 2-min incubation with saline, A23187 (1 μM), or carbachol (0.1 mM) were 0.27 ± .03, 0.27 ± .04, and 0.34 ± .04 fmol/106 cells. Our studies indicate that the muscarinic receptor in the erythrocytes is “non-functional” insofar as its stimulation is not accompanied by phosphoinositide breakdown or cGMP formation.
Physiological N response of field-grown maize hybrids (Zea mays L.) with divergent yield potential and grain protein concentration.

Fertilizer N availability impacts photosynthesis and crop performance, although cause–effect relationships are not well established, especially for field-grown plants. Our objective was to determine the relationship between N supply and photosynthetic capacity estimated by leaf area index (LAI) and single leaf photosynthesis using genetically diverse field-grown maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids. We compared a high yield potential commercial hybrid (FR1064 x LH185) and an experimental hybrid (FR1064 x IHP) with low yield potential but exceptionally high grain protein concentration. Plant biomass and physiological traits were measured at tassel emergence (VT) and at the grain milk stage (R3) to assess the effects of N supply on photosynthetic source capacity and N uptake, and grain yield and grain N were measured at maturity. Grain yield of FR1064 x LH185 was much greater than FR1064 x IHP even though plant biomass and LAI were larger for FR1064 x IHP, and single leaf photosynthesis was similar for both hybrids. Although photosynthetic capacity was not related to hybrid differences in productivity, increasing N supply led to proportional increases in grain yield, plant biomass, LAI, photosynthesis, and Rubisco and PEP carboxylase activities for both hybrids. Thus, a positive relationship between photosynthetic capacity and yield was revealed by hybrid response to N supply, and the relationship was similar for hybrids with a marked difference in yield potential. For both hybrids the N response of single leaf CER and initial Rubisco activity was negative when expressed per unit of leaf N. In contrast, PEP carboxylase activity per unit leaf N increased in response to N availability, indicating that PEP carboxylase served as a reservoir for excess N accumulation in field-grown maize leaves. The correlation between CER and initial Rubisco activity was highly significant when expressed on a leaf area or a total leaf basis. The results suggest that regardless of genotypic yield potential, maize CER, and potentially grain yield, could be improved by increasing the partitioning of N into Rubisco.
Peroxide genesis in plant tissues and its relation to indoleacetic acid destruction.

Abstract 1. 1. All tissues of etiolated pea plants and the stems of green pea plants produce peroxides from endogenous substrates. Such peroxides are not accumulated; in the absence of exogenous peroxidizable substrate, they decay, and in the presence of exogenous pyrogallol, they result in the appearance of purpurogallin in the tissue and in the medium. 2. 2. The rate of peroxide formation is increased by visible light, 2,4-dichlorophenol, and manganous ion. Thus, the enhancement of IAA oxidase activity by these three agents is believed due to their effect on peroxide genesis. 3. 3. Peroxide formation in suitably starved tissue may be increased by the addition of typical flavoprotein substrates, such as glycolic acid, xanthine, butanal, and alanine, or by indoleacetic acid itself. Peroxide generation from such substrates is unaffected by Mn ++ or dichlorophenol. These peroxigenic materials must therefore be presumed to operate via other peroxide-generating pathways. 4. 4. Some implications of the metabolic role of peroxides are discussed.
The decision to begin talks with terrorists: Lessons for policymakers

Governments have many means to begin a dialogue with terrorist groups. The offer of talks may lead terrorists’ constituents to reduce their support for violence, and moderates within a group itself may also turn away from violence. Despite these potential benefits, even the consideration of entering discussions carries many risks. Talks with U.S. officials do indeed reward the use of terrorism, tangibly demonstrating that groups can kill innocents and yet become legitimate interlocutors—a reward that is costly both in terms of reducing the prevalence of this tactic worldwide and because it inevitably angers local allies fighting the groups. Moreover, talks often fail in a variety of ways, giving the terrorists a breathing space to rearm and organize and leaving the government looking foolish. Because talks often fail, policymakers should carefully explore whether the conditions are right for any hope of success before they begin a dialogue.
Gene-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy

As one targeting strategy of prodrug delivery, gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) promises to realize the targeting through its three key features in cancer therapy—cell-specific gene delivery and expression, controlled conversion of prodrugs to drugs in target cells, and expanded toxicity to the target cells’ neighbors through bystander effects. After over 20 years of development, multiple GDEPT systems have advanced into clinical trials. However, no GDEPT product is currently marketed as a drug, suggesting that there are still barriers to overcome before GDEPT becomes a standard therapy. In this review, we first provide a general introduction of this prodrug targeting strategy. Then, we utilize the four most thoroughly studied systems to illustrate components, mechanisms, preclinical and clinical results, and further development directions of GDEPT. These four systems are herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir, cytosine deaminase/5-fluorocytosine, cytochrome P450/oxazaphosphorines, and nitroreductase/CB1954 system. Later, we focus our discussion on bystander effects including local and distant bystander effects. Lastly, we discuss carriers that are used to deliver genes for GDEPT including virus carriers and non-virus carriers. Among these carriers, the stem cell-based gene delivery system represents one of the newest carriers under development, and may brought about a breakthrough to the gene delivery issue of GDEPT.
The Formation and Function of Plant Cuticles

The plant cuticle is an extracellular hydrophobic layer that covers the aerial epidermis of all land plants, providing protection against desiccation and external environmental stresses. The past decade has seen considerable progress in assembling models for the biosynthesis of its two major components, the polymer cutin and cuticular waxes. Most recently, two breakthroughs in the long-sought molecular bases of alkane formation and polyester synthesis have allowed construction of nearly complete biosynthetic pathways for both waxes and cutin. Concurrently, a complex regulatory network controlling the synthesis of the cuticle is emerging. It has also become clear that the physiological role of the cuticle extends well beyond its primary function as a transpiration barrier, playing important roles in processes ranging from development to interaction with microbes. Here, we review recent progress in the biochemistry and molecular biology of cuticle synthesis and function and highlight some of the major questions that will drive future research in this field.
Multivariate Raman imaging of simulated and ``real world'' glass-reinforced composites

A Raman imaging system has been used to investigate chemical and physical homogeneity in interstices of glass-reinforced composites. A protocol for monitoring chemical and physical spatial variations via multivariate statistics has been developed with the use of a simulated composite which provides a well-defined system of known chemical composition and curing conditions. Finally, a preliminary study of a “real world” glass-reinforced composite is presented.
Physiologic effects of functional electrical stimulation-induced exercises in spinal cord-injured individuals

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in multiple degenerative changes that may in part be related to physical inactivity. There are indications that some of these changes may be reversed by exercise and fitness training. Computerized functional electrical stimulation (FES) allows active exercise of limbs paralyzed by upper motor neuron lesions. Thirty SCI subjects safely participated in an FES-induced exercise program for lower extremity strengthening and endurance training. Increased strength, endurance, and bulk of stimulated muscles were noted. The subjects were able to perform a greater amount of work on a lower extremity ergometer, both per unit of time and per length of time, indicating a training effect. A multistage stress test showed evidence that the subjects had increased their aerobic metabolism during the training program. Twitch time tests showed slowing of muscle contraction, and computed tomography showed increased muscle density.