cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NEBULA: a neuromorphic spin-based ultra-low power architecture for SNNs and ANNs

Brain-inspired cognitive computing has so far followed two major approaches - one uses multi-layered artificial neural networks (ANNs) to perform pattern-recognition-related tasks, whereas the other uses spiking neural networks (SNNs) to emulate biological neurons in an attempt to be as efficient and fault-tolerant as the brain. While there has been considerable progress in the former area due to a combination of effective training algorithms and acceleration platforms, the latter is still in its infancy due to the lack of both. SNNs have a distinct advantage over their ANN counterparts in that they are capable of operating in an event-driven manner, thus consuming very low power. Several recent efforts have proposed various SNN hardware design alternatives, however, these designs still incur considerable energy overheads. In this context, this paper proposes a comprehensive design spanning across the device, circuit, architecture and algorithm levels to build an ultra low-power architecture for SNN and ANN inference. For this, we use spintronics-based magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) devices that have been shown to function as both neuro-synaptic crossbars as well as thresholding neurons and can operate at ultra low voltage and current levels. Using this MTJ-based neuron model and synaptic connections, we design a low power chip that has the flexibility to be deployed for inference of SNNs, ANNs as well as a combination of SNN-ANN hybrid networks - a distinct advantage compared to prior works. We demonstrate the competitive performance and energy efficiency of the SNNs as well as hybrid models on a suite of workloads. Our evaluations show that the proposed design, NEBULA, is up to 7.9x more energy efficient than a state-of-the-art design, ISAAC, in the ANN mode. In the SNN mode, our design is about 45x more energy-efficient than a contemporary SNN architecture, INXS. Power comparison between NEBULA ANN and SNN modes indicates that the latter is at least 6.25x more power-efficient for the observed benchmarks.
Toward enhanced performance of integrated photo-bioelectrochemical systems: Taxa and functions in bacteria–algae communities

An integrated photo-bioelectrochemical (IPB) system uses microalgae in the cathode of a microbial fuel cell to achieve higher electricity generation and nutrient removal from wastewater. Using multivariate analysis and surveys of IPB studies, this paper identifies key algal and bacterial taxa and discusses their functions critical for IPB performance. Unicellular algae with high photosynthetic oxygen production and biofilm formation can enhance IPB energy production. Diverse bacterial taxa achieve nitrogen transformations and can improve total nitrogen removal. Understanding bacteria-algae interactions via quorum sensing in the IPB cathode may potentially aid in boosting system performance. Future advances in development of IPBs for wastewater treatment will benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration in analysis of microbial community functions.
Scope, Extent, and Challenges of an Automated Global Crop Classification Model

Automated crop classification and mapping is currently a topic of significant research interest worldwide due to the following two factors. First, it is one of the key tasks on which the success of digital agriculture hinges, and second, there is wider availability of remote-sensed imagery, both optical and radar-based, that can help with remote monitoring of crops. Several different models have been developed for the purpose, but a hitherto unexplored geography or time period generally requires fresh ground data specific to the space and time, and, in many cases, fresh feature engineering as well, due to lack of intra-class compactness and inter-class separability. A near-universal model that can be applied with minimal fine-tuning using free and open access satellite imagery and requiring no new ground data, which can reduce data costs, is elusive. This paper underscores the challenges involved via a case study with two different classification approaches at various regions. Methods and techniques that can ameliorate the problems are discussed.
Computational catalysis for metal-organic frameworks: An overview

Abstract Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a family of porous hybrid organic/inorganic materials, have shown great promise for many challenging chemical applications including gas separations, catalysis, and sensors. Numerous recent articles explore the field of catalytically active MOFs at an experimental and computational level. The stability, porosity, and periodic nature of MOFs allow them to act as both the active catalyst as well as supporting material to single atoms or small metal clusters. This review highlights recent work performed on catalytic reactions promoted by MOFs from a computational and theoretical standpoint. Computational modeling includes the elucidation of reaction mechanisms, the characterization of electronic structure effects of key intermediates and transition states, and the interpretation of experimental data. These topics are covered in this review article, and examples from the recent literature are presented. Studies that aim to better understand structure–function relations such as descriptors of catalytic activity have the potential to contribute to the design of new MOF catalysts are also included. We believe that the future of computational MOF catalysis will involve the use of high-throughput virtual screening and machine learning methods, some aspects of which are discussed in the current review.
Information Acquisition and Innovation under Competitive Pressure

This paper studies information acquisition under competitive pressure and proposes a model to examine the relationship between product market competition and the level of innovative activity in an industry. Our paper o¤ers theoretical support for recent empirical results that point to an inverted-U shape relationship between competition and innovation. The model presents an optimal timing decision problem where a rm endowed with an idea trades the bene ts of waiting for additional information on whether this idea can be converted into a successful project against the cost of delaying innovation: a given rms pro t following innovation is decreasing in the number of rms that invested at earlier dates. By recognizing that a rm can intensify its innovative activity on two dimensions, a risk dimension and a quantitative dimension, we show that rms solve this trade-o¤ precisely so as to generate the inverted-U shape relationship. The dynamic setup of our model o¤ers insights not just in the cross-section on the relationship between competition and innovation, but also intertemporally on the optimal timing of innovation at rm level. JEL Classi cation: D40, L10 Keywords: Innovation, Information Acquisition, Timing Games, Preemption. I have bene ted from helpful feedback from Alessandro Pavan and Marciano Siniscalchi. I also thank comments and suggestions from the editor, two referees, Andrew Daughety, Eddie Dekel, Silvana Krasteva, Sorin Maruster, Asher Wolinsky, and from audiences at USF, FSU, IIOC 2010, and ESWC 2010. All errors are mine. yE-mail : andreibarbos@gmail.com; Address : 4202 East Fowler Ave, CMC 206, Tampa, FL 33620-5500; Phone : 813-974-6514; Fax : 813-974-6510; Website : http://sites.google.com/site/andreibarbos/
Preliminary data demonstrate the Geriatric Surgery Verification program reduces postoperative length of stay.

OBJECTIVES/BACKGROUND The Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) Program promotes clinical standards aimed to optimize the quality of surgical care delivered to older adults. The purpose of this study was to determine if preliminary implementation of the GSV Program standards improves surgical outcomes. DESIGN Prospective study with cohort matching. SETTING Data from a single institution compared with a national data set cohort. PARTICIPANTS All patients aged ≥75 years undergoing inpatient operations between January 2018 and December 2019 were included. Cohort matching by age and procedure code was performed using a national data set. MEASUREMENTS Baseline pre- and intraoperative characteristics prospectively recorded using Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP) variable definitions. Postoperative outcomes were recorded including complications as defined by VASQIP, 30-day mortality, and length of stay. RESULTS A total of 162 patients participated in the GSV program, and 308 patients comprised the matched comparison group. There was no difference in postoperative occurrence of one or more complications (p = 0.81) or 30-day mortality (p = 0.61). Patients cared for by the GSV Program had a reduced postoperative length of stay (median 4 days [range 1,31] vs. 5 days [range 1,86]; p < 0.01; and mean 5.4 ± 4.8 vs. 8.8 ± 11.8 days; p < 0.01) compared with the matched cohort. In a multivariable regression model, the GSV Program's reduced length of stay was independent of other associated covariates including age, operative time, and comorbidities (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Preliminary implementation of the GSV Program standards reduces length of stay in older adults undergoing inpatient operations. This finding demonstrates both the clinical and financial value of the GSV Program.
Incremental Dental Expenditures Associated With Diabetes Among Noninstitutionalized U.S. Adults Aged ≥18 Years Old in 2016-2017.

OBJECTIVE Diabetes is associated with poor oral health, but incremental expenditures for dental care associated with diabetes in the U.S. are unknown. We aimed to quantify these incremental expenditures per person and for the nation. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We analyzed data from 46,633 noninstitutionalized adults aged ≥18 years old who participated in the 2016–2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. We used two-part models to estimate dental expenditures per person in total, by payment source, and by dental service type, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and geographic variables. Incremental expenditure was the difference in predicted expenditure for dental care between adults with and without diabetes. The total expenditure for the U.S. was the expenditure per person multiplied by the estimated number of people with diabetes. Expenditures were adjusted to 2017 USD. RESULTS The mean adjusted annual diabetes-associated incremental dental expenditure was $77 per person and $1.9 billion for the nation. Of this incremental expenditure, 51% ($40) and 39% ($30) were paid out of pocket and by private insurance, 69% ($53) of the incremental expenditure was for restorative/prosthetic/surgical services, and adults with diabetes had lower expenditure for preventive services than those without (incremental, −$7). Incremental expenditures were higher in older adults, non-Hispanic Whites, and people with higher levels of income and education. CONCLUSIONS Diabetes is associated with higher dental expenditures. These results fill a gap in the estimates of total medical expenditures associated with diabetes in the U.S. and highlight the importance of preventive dental care among people with diabetes.
Almond consumption increased UVB resistance in healthy Asian women.

Author(s): Li, Jason N; Henning, Susanne M; Thames, Gail; Bari, Omar; Tran, Patrick T; Tseng, Chi-Hong; Heber, David; Kim, Jenny; Li, Zhaoping | Abstract: BackgroundAlmonds are a rich source of phenolic and polyphenolic compounds, which have antioxidant activity. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that topical application of almond oil and almond skin extract reduces UVB-induced photoaging. Ultraviolet-B (UVB) protection by oral almond consumption has not been previously studied in humans.ObjectivesTo investigate whether oral almond consumption can increase resistance to UVB radiation and reduce skin aging in healthy Asian women.MethodsThirty-nine female participants (18-45nyears) with Fitzpatrick skin type II-IV were randomly assigned to consume either 1.5noz of almonds or 1.8noz of pretzels daily for 12nweeks. Minimal erythema dose (MED) was determined using a standardized protocol, which determined the minimal radiation needed to induce erythema on the inner arm following UVB exposure. Facial skin texture was evaluated by two dermatologists using the Clinician's Erythema Assessment scale and Allergan Roughness scale. Facial melanin index, hydration, sebum, and erythema were determined using a cutometer.ResultsThe MED was increased in the subjects consuming almonds compared to the control group consuming pretzels. There were no differences noted between the groups consuming almonds versus pretzels in Allergan roughness, melanin, hydration, or sebum on facial skin.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that daily oral almond consumption may lead to enhanced protection from UV photodamage by increasing the MED.
Neuraminidase reprograms lung tissue and potentiates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice.

We previously reported that removal of sialyl residues primed PBMCs to respond to bacterial LPS stimulation in vitro. Therefore, we speculated that prior desialylation can sensitize the host to generate an enhanced inflammatory response upon exposure to a TLR ligand, such as LPS, in a murine model of acute lung injury. Intratracheal instillation of neuraminidase (NA) 30 min prior to intratracheal administration of LPS increased polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and the wet-to-dry lung weight ratio, a measure of pulmonary edema, compared with mice that received LPS alone. Administration of NA alone resulted in desialylation of bronchiolar and alveolar surfaces and induction of TNF-α, IL-1β, and chemokines in lung homogenates and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid; however, PMN recruitment in mice treated with NA alone did not differ from that of PBS-administered controls. NA pretreatment alone induced apoptosis and markedly enhanced LPS-induced endothelial apoptosis. Administration of recombinant Bcl-2, an antiapoptotic molecule, abolished the effect of NA treatment on LPS-induced PMN recruitment and pulmonary edema formation. We conclude that NA pretreatment potentiates LPS-induced lung injury through enhanced PMN recruitment, pulmonary edema formation, and endothelial and myeloid cell apoptosis. A similar “reprogramming” of immune responses with desialylation may occur during respiratory infection with NA-expressing microbes and contribute to severe lung injury.
Selection against Disability: Abortion, ART, and Access

This essay re-examines the disability critique of prenatal and pre-implantation screening in light of evidence about the larger context in which fertility and reproductive healthcare is rendered in the U.S. It argues that efforts to identify acceptable criteria for trait-based selection or otherwise impose reasons-based limitations on reproductive choice should be avoided because such limitations tend to perpetuate the discrimination encountered by adults with disabilities seeking fertility and reproductive health services.
SBS threshold reduction using feedback

Ordinary self-pumped phase conjugate mirrors (PCMs) that employ stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) turn on when the gain exponent (G = gIL) is in the range of 25 to 30. Feedback makes it possible to reduce this threshold gain considerably. In this paper we describe several experiments involving SBS with feedback using focused, nearly diffraction-limited pump beams. >
Framing the value and valuing the frame? Algorithms for child safety seat use☆

Abstract This study uses both the consumption value and framing theories to examine consumers' choices when making risky decisions. This examination uses a framework of “gives” and “gets” to test the consumer's perception of value and then uses a sequential fsQCA to take the mental accounting of a risky decision. The findings indicate that the value equation provides a beneficial conceptualization of safety that can guide managers and policymakers on ways to connect consumers' perceptions of value with mechanisms that create value-based framing.
Sources of the discontinuity effect: Playing against a group versus being in a group

Abstract Intergroup relations tend to be more competitive than relations between individuals. This difference, called the “discontinuity effect,” has been demonstrated under a wide variety of conditions. Two separate explanations for the discontinuity effect were explored in our research. The first explanation is that something about playing against a group leads people to compete. The second explanation is that something about being in a group leads people to compete. The results supported both explanations, although the evidence more strongly favored the effect of being in a group. Distrust mediated both effects.
Uncertainty Associated with Semivariograms Used for Site Simulation

Uncertainty is associated with interpretation of the subsurface, and stochastic simulation techniques are incapable of accounting for all the uncertainty if only a single deterministic semivariogram model is utilized. Jackknifing the data bounds the limits of model semivariograms but typically indicates that a large number of simulations must be conducted to consider the full distribution of possible semivariograms. Latin-hypercube sampling, particularly when combined with expert opinion, reduces the number of simulations that must be created and evaluated. For small data sets, where there is significant uncertainty, this process provides for a more complete assessment of the potential variability of the subsurface and of flow paths for contaminants, given the available data. Such assessment can be used to guide the data collection program and the decision-making process.
Glass: A Multi-Platform Specimen Supporting Substrate for Precision Single Molecule Studies of Membrane Proteins

High resolution (≈1 nm lateral resolution) biological AFM imaging has been carried out almost exclusively using freshly cleaved mica as a specimen supporting surface, but mica suffers from a fundamental limitation that has hindered AFM's broader integration with many modern optical methods. Mica exhibits biaxial birefringence; indeed, this naturally occurring material is used commercially for constructing optical wave plates. In general, propagation through birefringent material alters the polarization state and bifurcates the propagation direction of light in a manner which varies with thickness. This makes it challenging to incorporate freshly cleaved mica substrates with modern optical methods, many of which employ highly focused and polarized laser beams passing through then specimen plane. Using bacteriorhodopsin from Halobacterium salinarum and the translocon SecYEG from Escherichia coli, we demonstrate that faithful images of 2D crystalline and non-crystalline membrane proteins in lipid bilayers can be obtained on common microscope cover glass following a straight-forward cleaning procedure. Direct comparison between data obtained on glass and on mica show no significant differences in AFM image fidelity. This work opens the door for combining high resolution biological AFM with powerful optical methods that require optically isotropic substrates such as ultra-stable1 and direct 3D AFM2. In turn, this capability should enable long timescale conformational dynamics measurements of membrane proteins in near-native conditions.1.King, G.M., Carter, A.R., Churnside, A.B., Eberle, L.S. & Perkins, T.T. Ultrastable atomic force microscopy: atomic-scale stability and registration in ambient conditions. Nano Letters 9, 1451 (2009).2.Sigdel, K.P., Grayer, J.S. & King, G.M. Three-dimensional atomic force microscopy: interaction force vector by direct observation of tip trajectory. Nano Lett 13, 5106-5111 (2013).
IR peak shift due to phase separation of Na2O–SiO2 system glasses

Abstract The IR reflection peak shift of a silica structural band was found to be a sensitive measure of phase separation in glasses. In order to examine the details of the origin of the peak shift, a model system glass, Na 2 O–SiO 2 , with a well-established immiscibility boundary was examined. Selected glasses in the system were heat-treated for phase separation and the IR reflection peak wavenumber was measured as a function of heat-treatment time and temperature. The IR peak wavenumber approached constant values, which varied systematically with the heat-treatment temperature. The observed constant values of the IR peak wavenumber were compared with the IR peak positions of the spectra synthesized by summing spectra of separated phase compositions at appropriate molar ratios. The peak wavenumbers obtained by the synthesis agreed reasonably well with the observed values. It appears that the main cause of the phase separation-related IR peak shift is the compositional shift weighted by the fractional contribution of the separated phases.
Nucleophilic addition versus electron transfer in carbonylmetallate salts. Donor–acceptor interactions in the precursor ion pairs

The isostructural pentacarbonylmetallate anions M(CO)−5 (M=Mn and Re) react with a series of N-methylpyridinium cations (Py+) to yield products of nucleophilic addition [NA=Py–M(CO)5] or of one-electron redox reaction [ET=Py·+M(CO)·5]. The partitioning of the reaction along the two reaction pathways is controlled by steric factors and the electronic structure of the pyridinium cation, with cations which form stable, delocalized radicals favoring the ET pathway. The central metal also plays a role in determining the stoichiometry, and the NA pathway is favored by the rhenate anion and ET by the manganate analogue. Rates of both reactions correlate with the driving force for electron transfer, and the differing reaction pathways are not distinguished on the basis of linear free energy relations, previously discussed by Bordwell and co-workers. The contact ion pair [Py+, M(CO)−5] is identified as the critical precursor for both electron transfer and nucleophilic coupling. Based on these observations, it is proposed that the rates and mechanisms of these interionic reactions are controlled by donor–acceptor bonding in the transition states, which in turn is directly related to the charge-transfer interactions extant in the ion-pair intermediate. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyperspectral target detection from incoherent projections

This paper studies the detection of spectral targets corrupted by a colored Gaussian background from noisy, incoherent projection measurements. Unlike many detection methods designed for incoherent projections, the proposed approach a) is computationally efficient, b) allows for spectral backgrounds behind potential targets, and c) yields theoretical guarantees on detector performance. In particular, the theoretical performance bounds highlight fundamental tradeoffs among the number of measurements collected, the spectral resolution of targets, the amount of background signal present, signal-to-noise ratio, and the similarity between potential targets in a dictionary.
Acellular cadaveric dermis decreases the inflammatory response in capsule formation in reconstructive breast surgery.

Background:Acellular cadaveric dermis in implant-based breast reconstruction provides an alternative to total submuscular placement. To date, there has been no detailed in vivo human analysis of the histopathologic sequelae of acellular cadaveric dermis in implant-based breast reconstruction. Based
AN ISOTHERMAL FLOW CALORIMETER FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS

An isothermal flow calorimeter suitable for measuring heats of reaction in aqueous solutions from 373 to 773 K and from 0.1 to 40.5 MPa is described. Chemical and corrosion resistance was obtained by using only tantalum metal in the calorimeter proper. An automatically controlled pulsed heater and a highly stable heat-leak path are used to maintain the reaction zone at a constant temperature. Energy effects from 0.15 to 120 J min−1 can be measured to an accuracy of ±1.0% at constant temperature and pressure. The calorimeter was tested by measuring the heat of mixing of water-ethanol at 373 K and 1 MPa and of hexane-toluene at 413 K and 10.50 MPa and was found to produce data in good agreement with previously measured values.
The hydrodynamic behavior of sclerites from the trilobite Flexicalymene meeki

Artificial trilobite sclerites may be used as surrogates in flow tank and field experiments to reveal the settling and transport characteristics which affected the deposition of fossil trilobite remains. In this study, epoxy casts were produced of molds taken directly from a fossilized cephalon, several pygidia, and a complete enrolled specimen of the Ordovician trilobite Flexicalymene meeki. The models were cast in a range of densities estimated to subsume that of fresh trilobite exoskeleton. Settling velocity and behavior were determined as the sclerites fell through a column of still water. The cephalon and pygidium always settled in a concave-up orientation. The threshold velocity of transport was tested in a hard-floored flow tank for each sclerite model in both concave-up and concave-down attitudes, in three orientations to the current
Calcium flux and contractility in guinea pig atria.

The calcium in guinea pig atria can be divided into three components by kinetic studies with Ca45: (a) a rapidly exchangeable fraction with a half-time of 4.5 minutes; (b) a slowly exchangeable fraction with a half-time of 86 (or 168) minutes; and (c) an inexchangeable fraction. In Krebs-Henseleit solution containing 2.5 mM calcium, the calcium content of the tissue at rest remains constant, the flux being about 0.02 µµmol/cm2-second. An increase or a decrease in extracellular calcium concentration by 1.25 mM causes a proportionate change in influx. A large increase in Ca45 entry, equivalent to as much as 0.55 µµ/mol/cm2 accompanies a contraction. When the strength of contraction is varied by stimulating at different frequencies or in solutions containing calcium at different concentrations, the increment of Ca45 uptake per beat changes proportionally with the strength of the beat. Total atrial calcium is not increased by stimulation; however, the increase in outflux of Ca45 during contraction that this constant tissue calcium implies could not be demonstrated under the experimental conditions employed. The observations are discussed in the light of the possible role of calcium transfer in excitation-contraction coupling.
Studies of the chemical modifications of wool and their effects on the wool-water relationship. Part I. Chemical modification of wool

Wool has been modified to render it more hydrophobic by two methods. The first method involved treating the wool with benzoyl, lauroyl, stearoyl, and dodecenyl chlorides and with trifluoroacetic anhydride. Substantial degrees of reaction with the wool were achieved when the correct solvent media and reaction conditions were used. These varied with the particular reagent employed. Pyridine was particularly effective with the acid chlorides, whereas dimethyl sulfoxide was best with trifluoroacetic anhydride. Pyridine is believed to function both as a swelling agent and as an acid acceptor in these treatments. The second method of treatment was the grafting of vinyl and allyl monomers to wool by the use of high energy radiation. Both 60Co γ-rays at 0.3 Mrad/hr. and Van de Graaff γ-radiation at 3 Mrad/min. were found to be highly effective. The presence of a swelling agent in the monomer solution was found to be essential even in the case of acrylonitrile in dimethyl formamide. Water and methanol in small amounts were found to be highly efficient swelling agents. Substantial quantities of monomer could be grafted in most cases without difficulty when the correct conditions were used.
Polymorphism in the 3′ Untranslated Region ofMTG8Is Associated with Obesity in Pima Indian Males

Obesity has a genetic component and predisposes for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. One approach to identifying new candidate genes for obesity is to explore potential regulatory factors expressed in fat tissue that may play a role in adipocyte development or metabolic control. Because we found relatively abundant mRNA levels of the putative transcription factor MTG8 in human adipose tissue, a polymorphic microsatellite marker in the 3' untranslated region of this gene was genotyped in 281 Pima Indians, a population with one of the highest reported rates of obesity. We detected a male-specific association with age-adjusted percentage body fat (p = 0.0002), body mass index (p = 0.01), waist circumference (p = 0.008), and thigh circumference (p = 0.02). Comparative analysis of all 13 MTG8 exons in 30 Pimas did not reveal any genetic variants which could explain the association with obesity in males.
Examination of the effect of the cannabinoid receptor agonist, CP 55,940, on electrically evoked transmitter release from rat brain slices.

Abstract In the present study we examined the effect of the cannabinoid receptor agonist, {[1a,2-( R )-5-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)-2-[5-hydroxy-2-(3-hydroxypropyl)cyclohexyl]-phenol; CP 55,940} on [ 14 C]acetylcholine and [ 3 H]norepinephrine release from hippocampal slices and on [ 14 C]acetylcholine release from striatal slices. CP 55,940 potently inhibited electrically evoked [ 14 C]acetylcholine release from hippocampal slices, with an EC 50 of 0.02 μM and a maximal inhibition of 61% at 1 μM. The inhibition of acetylcholine release by CP 55,940 was partially antagonized (60%) by the cannabinoid receptor antagonist, {[ N -piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1 H -pyrazole-3-carboxamide hydrochloride; SR 141716A}. Alone, SR 141716A significantly enhanced stimulated [ 14 C]acetylcholine release. In contrast to the effects of CP 55,940 on [ 14 C]acetylcholine release, electrically evoked [ 3 H]norepinephrine release from hippocampal slices and [ 14 C]acetylcholine release from striatal slices were both unaffected by this compound. Similarly, hippocampal [ 3 H]norepinephrine release and striatal [ 14 C]acetylcholine release were not affected by SR 141716A. In conclusion, the results of this study extend our previous data indicating that cannabinoid receptors modulate acetylcholine release in the hippocampus. The effects of cannabinoid receptor activation on [ 3 H]acetylcholine release in the hippocampus does not appear to extend to [ 3 H]norepinephrine release from this region or to acetylcholine release from the striatum. © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Linking learning goals and educational resources through interactive concept map visualizations

Concept browsing interfaces can help educators and learners to locate and use learning resources that are aligned with recognized learning goals. The Strand Map Service enables users to navigate interactive visualizations of related learning goals and to request digital library resources aligned with learning goals. These interfaces are created using a programmatic Web service interface that dynamically generates interactive visual components. Preliminary findings suggest that these library interfaces appear to help users stay focused on the scientific content of their information discovery task, as opposed to focusing on the mechanics of searching.
Heat transfer during inward melting in a horizontal tube

Abstract Inward melting in a horizontal cylindrical capsule was studied experimentally and analytically. The shadowgraph technique was used to measure the local heat transfer coefficients at the heat source surface. The solid-liquid interface motion during phase change was recorded photographically. The convective motion in the liquid during melting was visualized using aluminum powder as a flow tracer. The experimental results reaffirmed the dominant role played by the natural convective fluid motion in the melt during the inward melting in the tube. In addition to the major natural convective recirculation flow in the liquid, secondary vortex circulation occurred at the bottom part of the melt region. To support the experiments, the data were compared with the numerical predictions and were found to be in good agreement.
Empirical Demonstration of Techniques for Computing the Discrimination Power of a Dichotomous Item Response Test

The study was designed to examine the various statistical techniques for computing the Discriminating power of a dichotomous item response test. The simple Discrimination Index, the Cramer’s phi coefficient and conventional phi coefficient, Point Biserial Correlation, and t-test for independent sample was used to test the difference in mean of the criterion scores between those who got the item correct and wrong. Item 1 of the Senior Secondary Agricultural Science test was used as the computational example. In the analysis, the simple Discrimination Index and 3 formulae of the Point-Biserial correlation gave the same result (r = 0.63). The Cramer’s phi coefficient was 0.49 and phi coefficient (0.65). There was significance difference between the mean criterion scores of students who got the item right and those who failed the item (t+ 5.05 p DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2014.v4n1p189
Temperature sensitivity of muscle and neuron differentiation in embryonic cell cultures from the Drosophila mutant, shibirets1

The sex-linked temperature-sensitive mutation, shibirets1, which causes, at the restrictive temperature, adult paralysis and pleiotropic morphological defects in embryonic, larval, and pupal development, has been shown to exhibit temperature-sensitive inhibition of differentiation in embryonic cultures in vitro. When shi cultures were incubated at 30°C for 24 hr, both muscle and neuron differentiation were inhibited more than 90% compared to control shi cultures incubated at 20°C. Heat shift experiments showed that the temperature-sensitive periods for neuron and muscle differentiation occurred at 11 to 18 and 14 to 16 hr, respectively, where zero time was the initiation of gastrulation in donor embryos. Short heat pulses (4 and 8 hr) which extended into the temperature-sensitive period resulted in moderate inhibition of differentiation; greater inhibition occurred as the duration of the pulses increased. In contrast, heating wild-type Oregon-R cultures at 30°C for 24 hr did not inhibit muscle cell differentiation and inhibited neuron differentiation relatively little. The temperature-sensitive period in shibire for muscle differentiation occurred well after myoblast division, during the period of myocyte elongation, aggregation, and fusion, whereas that for neuron differentiation took place during a period of enzyme synthesis (acetylcholinesterase and choline acetyltransferase) and axon elongation. Thus, the shi temperature-sensitive gene product affects at least two different cell types, in vitro, at different times during differentiation.
A novel helical double-layered cobalt(II)-organic framework with tetranuclear [Co4(μ3-OH)2] clusters linked by an unsymmetrical pyridylbenzoate ligand

A novel cobalt(II)−organic framework, [Co2(OH)(3,4-PBC)3]n (I), has been acquired by the reaction of CoO with an unsymmetrical pyridylbenzoate ligand, 3-pyrid-4-ylbenzoic acid (3,4-PBC). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal that it is comprised of [CoII4(μ3-OH)2] clusters linked by the unsymmetrical ligand 3,4-PBC, forming a novel helical double-layered metal−organic architecture. A significant overall antiferromagnetic behavior has been observed for this compound.
Some physical and chemical properties of cucumber mosaic virus (strain Y) and of its isolated ribonucleic acid.

Abstract Strain Y of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV-Y) contains 1.8% phosphorus and 16.4% nitrogen. Its base ratio is: adenine 24.3%, guanine 23.4%, cytosine 23.2%, and uracil 29.0%. CMV-Y has a ribonucleic acid (RNA) content of 18.5%. The sedimentation constant is 92 Svedberg units (S). In 0.02 M phosphate buffer of pH 7, CMV-RNA preparations (obtained by phenol extraction of several different virus batches) sedimented as paucidisperse mixtures of three components (A, B, and C) with sedimentation rates of 13.3 S, 19.6 S, and 22.9 S in which the latter was usually the major component. The molecular weight of the 22.9 S component of CMV-RNA was estimated to be in the range of 0.9–1.2 million. On the assumption that this represented a full complement of CMV-RNA, the molecular weight of CMV-Y was calculated to fall in the range of 4.9–5.8 million. Highly infectious CMV-RNA with the same physical properties was also prepared by degrading CMV-Y in 1.5 M KCl. The two fastest-sedimenting species in CMV-RNA, B and C, had the same sedimentation characteristics under the influence of either high (0.1 M ) or low (6 × 10 −4 M ) phosphate buffer concentration and under the influence of traces of Mg ++ ions or spermine. These “mergers” could be reversed in all but the low phosphate concentration treatment to the original three-component system. After heating of CMV-RNA up to 10 minutes at 80°C or 20 minutes at 60°C or after reacting with formaldehyde, a three-component system was retained although the slowest sedimenting component A had become somewhat polydisperse and its amount had increased at the expense of the fastest sedimenting species C. No significant loss of infectivity occurred upon heating CMV-RNA for 20 minutes at 60°C. Hypochromicity studies on CMV-Y and on CMV-RNA suggested that the RNA inside the virus possessed a large amount of secondary structure, which was retained in the isolated RNA. This was confirmed in optical density-temperature profiles of CMV-RNA. The above findings are discussed in relation to two alternative models for CMV-RNA: (1) CMV-RNA is a mixture of three molecular species with different molecular weights. (2) CMV-RNA is also a mixture of three molecular species, but the fastest-sedimenting ones (B and C) are of equal molecular weight, component C being ring-structured.
The Effects of Acupuncture on White Cell Counts

The anticipation of acupuncture, simple insertion of needles or the electrical stimulation of needles at both classical acupuncture points and "false" points, all produce an increase in white blood cell count. Electrostimulation produced the greatest, expectation of needle insertion the least, increase in white cell count. Though needles remain to place, the white cell count returns to basal level within one hour. Preliminary data on peripheral skin temperature as affected by stimulation of acupuncture points and non-points, suggests a higher temperature on the side of stimulation. For acupuncture site stimulation, the temperature differential appears to be more persistent than is true when non-sites are stimulated. Subjects reported needle insertion at acupuncture points as less painful than at non-points. Feelings of numbness were produced by stimulation of both classical and false acupuncture points.
The National Society for Experiential Education in Service‐Learning

Professors do not have to reinvent the wheel when they teach service-learning courses. The National Society for Experiential Education provides a variety of resources to help both novices and veterans succeed.
Surface plasmon dispersion of semiconductors with depletion or accumulation layers

We have calculated the effect on the surface-plasmon-polariton dispersion of a space-charge layer at a semiconductor surface, representing it by a dielectric function $\ensuremath{\epsilon}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ that has an exponentially varying part with a $\frac{1}{e}$ decay depth of the order of the layer thickness. Since we are interested in frequencies below those where interband transitions are important, we have used a free-electron model for $\ensuremath{\epsilon}(\ensuremath{\omega})$, with the plasma frequency varying continuously from ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{ps}}$ at the surface to ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{pb}}$ in the bulk. Particular attention has been paid to the frequency range for which the real part of $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ vanishes within the sample. Use of a local relation between dielectric displacement and electric field is justified, even in this range, by the fact that we use complex $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ and the imaginary part varies little with depth. Evaluating the dispersion numerically, with damping included, we obtain for the dispersion of a depletion layer (${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{ps}}l{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{pb}}$) a single branch that starts at the light line, is reentrant at ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{ps}}$, and goes asymptotically to the frequency for which $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ at the surface ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{s}$ equals $\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ of the medium above. For samples with thick enough depletion layers, additional branches, corresponding to guided modes, are found both above and below ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{pb}}$. For an accumulation layer (${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{ps}}g{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{pb}}$) there is always one branch which starts at the light line and goes asymptotically to the frequency for which ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{s}=\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ of the medium above. For large enough values of $d$, a second branch appears, lying between ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{pb}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{\mathrm{ps}}$, curving upward in contradiction to results obtained earlier. Comparison of this theory with experimental data for InSb, some for samples with disturbed surfaces, leads to reasonable estimates for the thickness of the surface depletion layers.
Mothering While Disabled

Sociologist Angela Frederick argues the legacy of the Eugenics movement persists today. She explores how mothers with disabilities continue to face pervasive threats to their right to parent.
Structures of reverse transcriptase pre- and post-excision complexes shed new light on HIV-1 AZT resistance.

HIV-1 resistance to 3′-azido-2′,3′-deoxythymidine (AZT, zidovudine) results from mutations in reverse transcriptase that increase the ability of the enzyme to excise AZT-monophosphate after it has been incorporated. Crystal structures of complexes of wild type and mutant reverse transcriptase with double-stranded DNA with or without the excision product, AZT adenosine dinucleoside tetraphosphate (AZTppppA), have recently been reported [1]. The excision-enhancing mutations dramatically change the way the enzyme interacts with the excision product.
Paraneoplastic neurological autoimmunity associated with ANNA-1 autoantibody and thymoma

Neurologic autoimmunity frequently occurs with thymoma, particularly myasthenia gravis and skeletal muscle-specific autoantibodies. Type 1 antineuronal nuclear antibody (ANNA-1/"anti-Hu"), which is recognized as an immunoglobulin G marker of small-cell lung carcinoma, has not been reported with thymoma. The authors identified four patients (three under age 40) with ANNA-1 and a paraneoplastic neurologic complication of thymoma. Retrospective testing of stored serum from 172 patients with thymoma revealed ANNA-1 in 3%. This report extends the oncologic implications of ANNA-1 seropositivity.
II. FREEDOM OF SPEECH, COMMITMENTS, AND TEACHING PUBLIC SPEAKING

(1972). II. FREEDOM OF SPEECH, COMMITMENTS, AND TEACHING PUBLIC SPEAKING. Free Speech Yearbook: Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 88-91.
Computational stochastic dynamic programming on a vector multiprocessor

Numerical methods which have been developed to solve optimal feedback control problems for nonlinear, continuous-time dynamical systems, perturbed by Poisson as well as by Gaussian random white noise, are discussed. Predictor-corrector methods are modified for the nonstandard functional partial differential equation of stochastic dynamic programming to treat nonlinearities attributable to quadratic costs and nonsmoothness attributable to control switching. This numerical formulation is highly suitable for vectorization and parallelization techniques. Advanced computing techniques and hardware are used to help alleviate Bellman's curse of dimensionality in dynamic programming computations. >
A Psychometric Study of 150 Adult Delinquents

Resume UNE ETUDE PSYCHOMETRIQUE DE 150 DELINQUANTS ADULTES Un groupe de 150 delinquants adultes mǎles d'un ǎge moyen de 25,7 ans, n'ayant recu l'enseignement que pendant les huit premieres annees de l'ecole elementaire en moyenne, presque tous des recidivistes, ont subi un examen psychometrique compose du Stanford-Binet, la Worcester Formboard Series, la Completion de Tableaux Healy II, les Labyrinthes Porteus, et le Test du Tapping Whipple-Healy. L'ǎge mental moyen Stanford-Binet a ete de 12,4 ans, les moyennes des autres tests n'etant pas differentes d'une manieee signifiante. Bien que le groupe ne differe pas statistiquement d'un groupe de l'Armee a l'egard de l'ǎge mental Stanford-Binet, il a une plus grande incidence de sujets aux bas niveaux intellectuels. L'incidence de la faiblesse d'esprit sclon le critere d'un QI de 70 n'est pas differente dans les deux groupes. Une evaluation des divers tests de rendement employes indique que le Test de Completion de Tableaux Healy II semble offrir les plus gra...
Medical errors arising from outsourcing laboratory and radiology services.

Abstract Objective Document errors and the nuisance factor inherent in the informational exchange that occurs with the outsourcing of laboratory and radiology examinations. Methods Three infectious diseases physicians at a tertiary care hospital recorded problems involving data transmitted by telephone or fax from outsource providers for 4 months. This included in- and outpatients, and those in transition from one status to another. Results Outsourcing laboratory and radiology examinations of insured outpatients is a common practice. Insurance companies determine which healthcare facility performs these tests based on contractual agreements with outsource providers. This leads to confusion and frustration for the doctor and patient alike, and occasionally, to medical error. Conclusions The exchange of patient data involved in outsourcing is subject to systemic errors that do not allow of easy solution.
Noncoordinate expression of SV40-induced transformation and tumorigenicity in mouse cell hybrids

Somatic mouse cells hybrids formed by fusion of nontumorigenic 3T3 and closely related SV40-transformed SVT2 cells were analyzed in a study designed to probe the genetic basis of the multiple phenotypic changes induced by SV40 transformation. These hybrids showed noncoordinate expression of the transformation phenotype. Although they cloned at high efficiency in medium with low serum and expressed the SV40 T-antigen of the SVT2 parent, hybrid cells grew poorly without anchorage and exhibited a cell and colony morphology intermediate between that of the parents. Tumorigenicity was assayed quantitatively by subcutaneous coinjection into athymic nude mice of serial dilutions of 102 to 105 hybrid cells with 107 lethally irradiated 3T3 cells. The results showed that 100–1000 times more hybrid cells had to be injected for tumor formation than were required with SVT2. These and other observations show that most 3T3/SVT2 hybrid cells are not tumorigenic but that each population contains a rare subset of tumorigenic cells.
Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH) Mediated Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Release from Human Anterior Pituitary Tissue in Vitro

This study demonstrates the effect of thyrotropin-releasing hormone on human pituitary tissue in vitro. One and 10 ng/ml doses of TRH causes prompt release of TSH, while on two occasions 100 ng/ml doses were ineffective. Thyroxine and triiodothyronine added to the medium completely inhibited TRH-mediated TSH release. The release of TSH from pituitary tissue from a patient with a history of brain irradiation was not enhanced by TRH. TSH release from a chromophobe adenoma was not detectable, either with or without TRH.