cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related esophageal perforation in osteogenesis imperfecta

A 77-year-old woman with osteogenesis imperfecta was admitted with symptomatic choledocholithiasis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was carried out and mild resistance was encountered in the distal esophagus with “red out” during intubation. The duodenoscope was withdrawn and gastroscopy revealed a tear in the distal esophagus (● " Fig.1). As a perforation was suspected, a nasogastric tube was deployed, intravenous antibiotics were started, and surgery was consulted. An esophagogram confirmed the esophageal leak (● " Fig.2) and thoraco-abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed a 0.7-cm esophageal perforation and air– fluid collection (3cm×10cm) in the posterior mediastinum (● " Fig.3). Conservative management was decided on due to clinical stability and poor operative candidacy. Within 48 hours the liver function tests normalized and parenteral nutrition was started. The day 7 esophagogram showed partial healing. Enteral feeding was started with a nasojejunal tube placed fluoroscopically. An esophagogram on day 27 showed complete healing (● " Fig.4). The patient started an oral diet and was discharged with plan for elective cholecystectomy. Osteogenesis imperfecta is an autosomal dominant disorder of collagen synthesis (1 in 10000 births). Gastrointestinal manifestations in osteogenesis imperfecta are rare although spontaneous colon perforation has been reported, where histopathological examination showed absence of muscle layers in the perforated segment [1]. Murine models of osteogenesis imperfecta showed thinner esophageal submucosa and muscularis compared with wild mice [2]. ERCP-related perforations are infrequent (0.4%) and are commonly related to improper guidewire insertion or sphincterotomy [3]. Esophageal perforation in ERCP is rare and is attributed to use of sharp accessories [3,4]. This is the first reported case of esophageal perforation in osteogenesis imperfecta. We believe that perforation in our patient occurred due to abnormal esophageal submucosa and muscularis and limited view with duodenoscope. Esophageal perforations are traditionally managed surgically; however, good outcomes are reported with conservative management in smaller perforations and contained leaks [5]. The present case highlights the propensity for esophageal perforation in osteogenesis imperfecta. We recommend caution and low threshold to suspect perforation during gastrointestinal endoscopy in osteogenesis im
A theoretical approach to understand spatial organization in complex ecologies.

Abstract Predicting the fate of ecologies is a daunting, albeit extremely important, task. As part of this task one needs to develop an understanding of the organization, hierarchies, and correlations among the species forming the ecology. Focusing on complex food networks we present a theoretical method that allows to achieve this understanding. Starting from the adjacency matrix the method derives specific matrices that encode the various inter-species relationships. The full potential of the method is achieved in a spatial setting where one obtains detailed predictions for the emerging space–time patterns. For a variety of cases these theoretical predictions are verified through numerical simulations.
Jews and the Making of the Cosmopolitan Culture

In the years following World War II, a “golden age” seemed to open up for Jews. “Suddenly,” Irving Kristol remembered, “things were possible that seem[ed] utterly impossible.” Hitler's Holocaust had demonstrated the depths of human depravity at the cost of six million Jewish lives, but the battle against Nazism had been won. The United Nations was established to keep the peace, and a Jewish homeland was created. Anti-Semitism, while still a force to be reckoned with, seemed to be in retreat. The position of the Jew had been normalized, social critic Will Herberg proclaimed in his influential Protestant, Catholic and Jew (1955). In the transformation of American society after the war, no ethnic group took greater advantage of the new emphasis on egalitarianism than the Jews. Their numbers were tiny even back then – there are still fewer than 6 million Jews in a national population of well over 220 million. Yet their influence in field after field – from law, medicine, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy to virtually all forms of high and popular culture – was extraordinary. “People talk about what Episcopalians have accomplished and their power,” wrote the University of Pennsylvania sociologist E. Digby Baltzell, an Episcopalian, “but what Jews have done in the United States … is now the great, untold story.” It was not that American Jews merely began to win acceptance in the overwhelmingly Christian society, but rather that many became bright stars in a new cultural firmament.
A Scale for Assessing Multicultural Shopping Responsibility Among Generation X Consumers

A concept and scale of Consumer Shopping Responsibility in four measures: normative and actual, conscientious versus honest shopper is developed. The scale is tested for its multicultural sensitivities across three samples of "Generation X" Whites, African-Americans and Asians. No significant multicultural differences were found, but using LISREL-7 some group differences were identiffied.
In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Studies with a Bird Resistant Sorghum Grain

IN VITRO rumen fermentations were made with Arkansas (AKS) 614 (bird resistant sorghum grain to measure the effects of processing on these grains. Differences among and within grains were measured as milliliters of gas produced per gram of dry matter incubated and in vitro dry matter disappearance. Dry ground AKS 614 sorghum grain consistently produced less gas than a similarly treated non-bird resistant hybrid. However, when these grains were steam processed and flaked, the differences in gas production were less. Tannic acid addition to both nonprocessed and processed AKS 614 and red grain significantly depressed gas production and dry matter disappearance but this effect was not as large when the additions were made to steam processed flaked grains. A larger percentage of the isolated tannic acid was necessary to depress gas production than could be accounted for by the tannic acid content of the AKS 614 grain; thus, it would appear that tannic acid alone cannot account for the decreased utilization of AKS 614 sorghum grain unless the naturally occurring tannins have the ability to act in much lower concentrations than isolated tannic acid. Pearling AKS 614 did not significantly change gas production from that of the nonpearled grain; however, gas production was reduced when AKS 614 pericarp was added to AKS 614 or red pearled grain steam processed by the laboratory method. This depression in gas production was not evident when the AKS 614 pericarp was added to the pearled, nonprocessed grains. When the red grain pericarp was added to the two grains, gas production was enhanced
Endovascular Treatment of Noncavernous Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: Analysis of Outcomes with and without Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol

Objective Noncavernous dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are uncommon lesions that can be treated from an endovascular approach using various embolic materials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our outcomes for endovascular treatment of DAVFs with and without the use of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 65 patients treated for DAVF at our institution from January 1995 to May 2015. Lesions were classified as aggressive or benign, based on angiography according to Cognard classification. Demographic data, medical comorbidities, presenting symptoms, treatment modality, treatment outcomes, and complications were evaluated for each group. Primary outcome was defined as angiographic occlusion for an aggressive DAVF, and resolution of clinical symptoms for a benign DAVF. Results The primary outcome was met in 47 (82.5%) of 57 cases with endovascular therapy alone; 23 (69.7%) of 33 aggressive fistulas; and 24 (100.0%) of 24 benign fistulas. There was a 5% overall complication rate. The primary outcome was achieved via endovascular approach in 80.0% (24 of 30) of cases with EVOH, and 85.2% (23 of 27) of cases without EVOH ( P = .73). There was a 6% complication rate for procedures using EVOH versus 3% for cases without EVOH ( P = 1.00), a 13% clinical recurrence rate for cases using EVOH compared to .0% when EVOH was not used ( P = .24), and no angiographic recurrences in either group ( P = 1). There were no procedure-related mortalities. Conclusions Endovascular treatment of DAVFs has a high success rate and low complication rate. Our experience demonstrated no difference in outcomes between lesions treated with EVOH and those treated without EVOH.
Of beans and bonds: Canadian farmers, Japanese buyers, and the moral economy of the non-GM soybean

The following study examines how the spread of transgenic crops in North America and a concomitant rise in Japanese consumer concern over food safety allows spaces for human interaction and agency ...
FISH ASSEMBLAGE STRUCTURE AND GROWTH IN THE LOWER MILK RIVER, MONTANA IN RELATION TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

With the major habitat alterations on the Missouri River in the 20th century, native fishes must rely more heavily on the larger, more natural, inflowing tributaries for spawning and rearing habitat. A two-year study was conducted to investigate the occurrence and abundance of fishes in the lower Milk River, Montana, which enters the Missouri River immediately below Fort Peck Dam. In sampling conducted from May to August in successive years (2002, 2003), the fish species assemblage included multiple species of special concern (blue sucker Cycleptus elongatus, paddlefish Polydon spathula, sauger Sander canadense) and multiple watch list species identified by the Montana Natural Heritage Program (burbot Lota lota, brassy minnow Hybognathus hankinsoni, plains minnow Hybognathus placitus). Relationships with environmental conditions and their interactions with temporal variables (month, year) were investigated for occurrence and total catch data. Models were generally similar for individual species with temperature and turbidity being the primary environmental conditions influencing fish occurrence and abundance. Age and growth analysis was conducted on channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), sauger, walleye (Sander vitreus), northern pike (Esox lucius) and shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus). Channel catfish, sauger, walleye and shovelnose sturgeon all grew slower and lived longer in the lower Milk River than populations at lower latitudes. In view of the lower Milk River’s role as spawning and rearing habitat for native fishes and its history of alterations from upriver dams and irrigation withdrawals, more attention should be given to maintaining or improving existing habitat conditions, including adequate instream flows and turbidity.
Pseudogaps and Photoemission Experiments

The study of the density of states (DOS) of a material is important to understand its properties, particularly regarding its metallic or insulating character. If a gap exists at the Fermi energy E F, then the system is insulating. However, if at that Fermi energy the DOS is nonzero and featureless, the system should be metallic (unless Anderson localization is at work). In many transition-metal oxides, such as the-high temperature superconductors and the manganites, evidence is accumulating that a “pseudogap” exists at E F. A pseudogap is an intermediate case between a fully established gap, and a standard metallic case with no gap. The DOS of a pseudogapped system has a substantially depleted DOS at E F, but its actual value does not reach exactly zero. The explanation of pseudogap behavior has been at the forefront of investigations in cuprates [18.1], and a similar concept is rapidly reaching similar relevance in manganites. In fact, a pseudogap has already been observed in theoretical investigations of models for Mn oxides, as well as in photoemission experiments in bilayer manganites. Both issues are reviewed in this chapter. Clearly, this is a fairly novel subarea of investigations in manganites, and the research is at its early stages. Considerable work should be devoted to the study of this phenomenon in Mn oxides and related compounds.
Pre-service elementary teachers’ strategies for tiling and relating area units

Abstract It has been established that preservice elementary school teachers (PSTs) often employ procedural methods when solving measurement problems without conceptual understanding or flexibility, but a significant gap exists in the literature identifying why. Through the lens of discrete and continuous interpretations of area, this study extends the research base by describing strategies PSTs use to tile a two-dimensional space with varying size tiles and what these strategies imply about PSTs’ conceptions of area measurement. These strategies and implied conceptions enable further discussion on the multiple purposes of the area model as an illustrative measure for mathematics throughout the elementary school curriculum.
Monogenic Hypertension in Children: A Review With Emphasis on Genetics

Hypertension (HT) is a public health problem in children particularly related to the epidemic of overweight and obesity. Monogenic forms of HT are important in the differential diagnosis in children presenting with severe or refractory HT, who have a family history of early-onset HT, unusual physical examination findings, and/or characteristic hormonal and biochemical abnormalities. Most genetic defects in these disorders ultimately result in increased sodium transport in the distal nephron resulting in volume expansion and HT. Genetic testing, which is increasingly available, has diagnostic, therapeutic, and predictive implications for families affected by these rare conditions.
Dietary Fat, Lipids, Immunology in Carcinogenesis

For the past several decades, the quality and quantity of dietary lipid has come under close scrutiny regarding its role in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease and cancer at any site, the two leading causes of moribidity and mortality in affluent societies. This concern over dietary lipids has resulted in a serious controversy among health professionals who are in disagreement as to whether a reduction in dietary lipid from some stated average of 40% to 30%, or lower, of total calories is beneficial, harmful or warranted. Even a cursory review of the current literature will provide support for each of these positions.
Farm business financial performance in local foods value chains

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors associated with farm financial success for those farms known to produce for local supply chains. The analysis considers alternative measures of farm financial performance and considers the role of the local foods supply chain in the choice to market locally.,The paper uses a two-stage Heckman approach which addresses the possibility of sample selection bias. In the first stage, the choice model to engage in direct marketing is estimated. In the second stage, the authors estimate a model of the financial performance of those in the sample that direct marketed which includes an IMR term calculated from the parameters of the first stage equation. The analysis uses national farm-level data from the Agricultural and Resource Management Survey of the US Department of Agriculture and combines data from 2009 to 2012 to overcome the constraint of small samples.,Indicators of the development of a local foods supply were positively related to the choice to engage in direct marketing. Factors affecting farm financial performance varied significantly between a short-term and a long-term measure. The results emphasize the importance of considering multiple outcome measures, developing local supply chains and provide implications about beginning farms.,If a local foods system is going to thrive, the farms that market the agricultural products in the local food system must attain a certain level of profitability. The value of the analysis is an improved understanding of the financial performance of farms producing for a small, but growing segment of the food supply chain.
Non-neurological outcomes of anterior and posterolateral approaches in the surgical treatment of thoracic disc disease: a retrospective study

Background: Symptomatic thoracic disc herniation (TDH) is rare, and for those patients that fail conservative treatment, two main categories of surgical approaches exist—anterior and posterolateral. In many cases either approach would be considered equally appropriate. Recommendations in support of either anterior or posterolateral approaches are currently based on case series and expert opinion. Here, we utilize National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database to determine and compare the rates of complication associated with anterior or posterolateral approaches in the treatment of TDH. Methods: An analysis of NSQIP data from 2005 to 2014 was conducted. Patients were included based on a combination of a postoperative diagnosis of TDH. Patients were then grouped according to anterior or posterior approaches on the basis of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Propensity score matching was performed to account for baseline demographics [sex, race, age, obesity, diabetes, smoking, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), history of CHF, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class]. The 30-day outcome measures of these patients were analyzed. Results: A total of 432 patients were identified, 80.3% underwent posterolateral and 19.7% anterior interventions. There were no significant differences in 30-day outcome measures between the anterior or posterior intervention groups. Within the matched group of 170 patients, the anterior group had significantly longer lengths of stay (5.49±3.96 vs . 4.01±4.81, P Conclusions: Posterolateral and anterior approaches carry an equal non-neurological perioperative complication profile. Posterolateral approaches may carry shorter hospital stays compared to anterior interventions.
The Plication Technique to Enhance the Endoscopic Approach to Zenker’s Diverticulum

Endoscopic stapler approaches to Zenker's diverticulum often yield a persistent diverticulum and recurrent dysphagia up to 20%. A novel technique to reduce the postoperative diverticulum is described. Eight consecutive patients with Zenker's diverticulum who underwent endoscopic stapler diverticulotomy had adjunctive endoscopic plication of the diverticulum wall to functionally reduce the residual diverticulum size. On postoperative esophagram, there was no visible diverticulum in 4 of 7 patients (57%). The remaining 3 patients had a reduction in common wall of 76%, 50%, and 40% with a mean postoperative size of 1.0 cm. All patients had resolution or significant improvement in dysphagia. There were no complications or recurrences at a mean follow-up of 6.3 months. As an adjunct to endoscopic treatment of Zenker's diverticulum, the plication technique can reduce diverticulum size. Further studies will determine if the plication technique affects long-term recurrence of endoscopic stapler approaches.
Physical Dependence on Ethanol: Methodological Considerations

An ethanol-induced biological change may be: 1) cause, 2) effect, 3) unrelated covariate of physical dependence, or 4) an experimental artifact. The first three possible relationships are shown in the Figure and have been discussed in detail elsewhere (Freund, in press, b). In addition to correlation, other criteria were listed to establish the significance of an observation to the pathogenesis of physical dependence. This discussion deals with the fourth possible relationship—the experimental artifact.
Computer Speech and the Remediation of Reading and Spelling Problems.

A high-quality speech synthesizer (DECtalk, by Digital Equipment Corporation) is very intelligible to children with reading disabilities. Linking the DECtalk to a microcomputer yields a “talking co...
Tunneling in Schottky Barrier Rectifiers

When a metal is brought into intimate contact with a semiconductor there sometimes arises a potential barrier within the semiconductor which impedes the flow of electrons between it and the metal. The formation of such Schottky barriers will be described by Professor Mead and this chapter will be mainly concerned with the tunneling of electrons through them. Clearly, if a bias is applied between a metal and a semiconductor, current will flow. If the barriers are sufficiently thin and the temperature is sufficiently low, then the current flow will be primarily by electron tunneling. Conversely, for thicker barriers and higher temperatures the current flow will be due to thermionic emission over the barrier. We will also consider intermediate ranges of thickness and temperature, where the current is primarily due to tunneling of thermally excited carriers. This is the socalled TF emission first introduced by Dolan and Dyke (1) in connection with field emission from a metal tip.
Principles of immunosuppression.

The mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, and clinical use of the five immunosuppressive agents commonly employed today in the prophylaxis and treatment of allograft rejection (cyclosporine, azathioprine, corticosteroids, antilymphocyte globulin, and Orthoclone OKT3) are reviewed with a focus on renal transplantation. Balanced immunosuppressive protocols permit the combined use of these agents in lower individual doses, resulting in a synergistic antirejection effect and decreased systemic drug toxicity. Although I-year graft survival rates of 80% to 90% can now be achieved routinely for primary cadaveric renal transplants with a variety of cyclosporine-containing regimens, there is much room for improvement in long-term allograft results, which may be sought through better use of currently available immunosuppressants or from newer, more specific agents.
The Extremely Thermophilic Genus Caldicellulosiruptor: Physiological and Genomic Characteristics for Complex Carbohydrate Conversion to Molecular Hydrogen

Extremely thermophilic, carbohydrate-utilizing bacteria from the genus Caldicellulosiruptor should be considered for biohydrogen production to take advantage of their broad growth substrate range and high substrate conversion efficiency. In fact, Caldicellulosiruptor species produce molecular hydrogen at yields approaching the Thauer limit of 4 mol H2/mol glucose equivalent. Caldicellulosiruptor species can utilize pentoses, hexoses, di/oligosaccharides, as well as complex polysaccharides, including crystalline cellulose. The broad appetite of these organisms relates to the natural environment of Caldicellulosiruptor, where they thrive at high temperatures (65–78 °C), utilizing the variable saccharide composition of lignocellulosic biomass as growth substrate. The ability to degrade recalcitrant plant biomass and utilize a wide variety of polysaccharides in their fermentation pathways sets Caldicellulosiruptor species apart from many other candidate biofuel-producing microorganisms. The conversion of lignocellulose to fuels in Caldicellulosiruptor is driven by an array of novel multi-domain glycoside hydrolases that work synergistically to degrade plant polysaccharides into oligo/monosaccharides that enter the cytoplasm via an array of carbohydrate specific ABC sugar transporters. These carbohydrates are then processed through a series of catabolic pathways, after which they enter the EMP pathway to produce reducing equivalents in the form of NADH and Fdred. The reducing equivalents are ultimately utilized by both cytoplasmic and membrane-bound hydrogenases to form molecular hydrogen. Recently completed genome sequences for a number of Caldicellulosiruptor species have revealed important details concerning how plant biomass is deconstructed enzymatically and shown significant diversity within the genus with respect to lignocellulose conversion strategies.
Background of the Employment Act I: A Living Wage

The first three decades of the twentieth century saw the USA transformed into a mature economy. Manufacturing became the dominant industry of the nation and a large number of low-skilled workers were being employed in factories often run by giant corporations. This combination of low-skilled workers employed in factories that were not easy to monitor created what was known as “the labor problem.” This chapter will investigate the solutions to this “labor problem” that were formulated by the political economy of a living wage. Proponents of a living wage for workers focused on the improvement of wages as going a long way to solve the labor problem by treating workers fairly. Higher wages and steady work would make workers healthier and happier in their jobs, especially if they were to improve their lot in life by joining unions to engage the giant corporations in collective bargaining. Proponents of the political economy of a living wage hoped their program would be adopted voluntarily but were willing to seek the help of government if they failed to secure volunteers among business leaders.
Line Tip-Toers

Some priests, rabbis, and physicians tiptoed along the boundary of legality during Prohibition, utilizing legal loopholes to their economic advantage. Medicinal and sacramental Volstead allowances provided opportunities to clergy and physicians that many accepted. Some loophole leapers were facilitated by vague definitions, lose organization, and lack of law enforcement to generate profits. Their actions and those of their outraged peers are detailed in this chapter along with the public stance taken by organized groups such as the American Medical Association.
Implementation of Model Predictive Control into Closed-Loop Micro-Traffic Simulation for Connected Automated Vehicle

Abstract Connected automated vehicles can utilize and share driving information with other vehicles and infrastructure in real time. Applying plentiful vehicle-driving data enhances the safety, mobility and performance of connected automated vehicles. Adaptive cruise control, one of the connected automated vehicle achievements, optimizes the speed in a constrained environment to achieve the best fuel economy while maintaining the safety of the vehicle. Model predictive control is widely used to achieve both fuel savings and robustness. It is important to validate the performance, robustness and implementability of model predictive control under real-world conditions that reflect the features of connected automated vehicle driving. In this research, model predictive control using quadratic programming and dynamic programming was implemented in a newly developed micro-traffic simulation program. That program, RoadRunner, can simulate the various driving conditions such as intersection status, speed limit, and grade of the road. RoadRunner is based on a forward-looking vehicle simulation tool, Autonomie, which has various types of configurations and validated vehicle models based on vehicle dynamics that make the simulation more reliable. As a result, the controllers show 3-5 % fuel savings accompanying the applicability to the real world driving.
Neonatal Immune Activation May Provoke Long-term Depressive Attributes.

Background Studies have shown the relationship between neuroinflammation and depressive- like parameters. However, research still has not been carried out to evaluate neuroinflammation in the neonatal period and psychiatric disorders in adulthood. Objective To verify the association between neonatal immune activation and depressive-like parameters in adulthood using an animal model. Methods Two days old C57BL/6 animals were exposed to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or phosphate- buffered saline (PBS). When the animals were 46 days old, they received PBS or Imipramine at 14 days. At 60 days, the consumption of sucrose; immobility time; adrenal gland and the hippocampus weight; levels of plasma corticosterone and hippocampal Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were evaluated. Results It was observed that the animals exposed to LPS in the neonatal period and evaluated in adulthood decreased the consumption of sucrose and had reducted hippocampus weight. Also, the exposed animals presented an increase of immobility time, adrenal gland weight and plasma levels of corticosteroids. The use of imipramine did not only modify the decreased hippocampal weight. On the other hand, there were no alterations in the BDNF levels in the hippocampus with or without the use of imipramine. Conclusion These results suggest that neonatal immune activation may be associated with depressive- like parameters in adulthood. It is believed that endotoxemia may trigger physiological and behavioral alterations, increasing vulnerability for the development of depression in adulthood.
Predicting Buckled and Unbuckled Trips of Occasional Seat Belt Users in SHRP2 Data

Seat belts are the most effective injury prevention tool available in motor vehicles. However, researchers have a limited understanding of the factors underlying occasional seat belt use. Strategic...
Waves and Light

Waves have the capacity to propagate energy over great distances. Ocean waves can transmit energy halfway around the world, even though the molecules of water do not themselves experience any significant net motion. Sound waves in air and seismic waves propagating through Earth's interior likewise transmit energy without net motion of material. Indeed, many of the energy systems described in this book depend at a fundamental level upon energy propagation by waves. Most notably, all of the energy that is transmitted from the Sun to Earth comes in the form of electromagnetic waves, composed of propagating excitations of the electric and magnetic fields (§22). This incident electromagnetic solar energy is the source of almost all energy used by humanity. Other examples of energy systems based on waves include technologies that harvest the energy in ocean surface waves (§31.2), the use of seismic waves to probe the structure of Earth's interior in search of geothermal (§32) or fossil fuel (§33) resources, and the vibrational waves in crystals called phonons that facilitate the conversion of light into electricity in photovoltaic cells (§25). In the atomic and subatomic world, particles themselves are in many ways best characterized in terms of a quantum mechanical wavefunction that replaces the classical position of the particle with a diffuse probability distribution (§7). In this chapter we introduce some of the basic properties of waves, focusing on wave solutions of Maxwell's equations that describe the propagation of light. The theory of waves is a complex and many-faceted subject. Rather than treating the subject comprehensively at the outset, we introduce the basics here and develop the theory of waves further as needed throughout the book. In §4.1 we describe the simplest type of waves and the wave equation they obey. In §4.2 we use the example of waves on a stretched string to introduce some of the fundamental features of wave propagation. We introduce electromagnetic waves in §4.3, and discuss energy in electromagnetic fields and energy and momentum propagation in electromagnetic waves in §4.4. In §4.5 we conclude with a brief overview of some further wave-related phenomena that are encountered later in the book.
Intraoperative Microelectrode Recordings in Substantia Nigra Pars Reticulata in Anesthetized Rats

The Substantia Nigra pars reticulata (SNr) is a promising target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) to treat the gait and postural disturbances in Parkinson's disease (PD). Positioning the DBS electrode within the SNr is critical for the development of preclinical models of SNr DBS to investigate underlying mechanisms. However, a complete characterization of intraoperative microelectrode recordings in the SNr to guide DBS electrode placement is lacking. In this study, we recorded extracellular single-unit activity in anesthetized rats at multiple locations in the medial SNr (mSNr), lateral SNr (lSNr), and the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA). Immunohistochemistry and fluorescently dyed electrodes were used to map neural recordings to neuroanatomy. Neural recordings were analyzed in the time domain (i.e., firing rate, interspike interval (ISI) correlation, ISI variance, regularity, spike amplitude, signal-to-noise ratio, half-width, asymmetry, and latency) and the frequency domain (i.e., spectral power in frequency bands of interest). Spike amplitude decreased and ISI correlation increased in the mSNr versus the lSNr. Spike amplitude, signal-to-noise ratio, and ISI correlation increased in the VTA versus the mSNr. ISI correlation increased in the VTA versus the lSNr. Spectral power in the VTA increased versus: (1) the mSNr in the 20-30 Hz band and (2) the lSNr in the 20-40 Hz band. No significant differences were observed between structures for any other feature analyzed. Our results shed light on the heterogeneity of the SNr and suggest electrophysiological features to promote precise targeting of SNr subregions during stereotaxic surgery.
A shift in sulfur-cycle manipulation from atmospheric emissions to agricultural additions

Burning fossil fuels has resulted in a prominent yet unintended manipulation of the global sulfur cycle. Emissions of sulfur dioxide and reactive sulfur to the atmosphere have caused widespread health and environmental impacts and have led, ultimately, to calls to decrease sulfur emissions. However, anthropogenic modification of the sulfur cycle is far from over. Using four contrasting case studies from across the United States, we show how high levels of sulfur are added to croplands as fertilizers and pesticides and constitute a major yet under-studied environmental perturbation. Long-term sulfur additions to crops probably cause similar consequences for the health of soil and downstream aquatic ecosystems as those observed in regions historically impacted by acid rain, yet the cascade of effects has not been broadly explored. A new wave of research on the sulfur cycle will require studies that examine the integrated roles of climate, hydrology and other element cycles in modifying sulfur processes and flows within and downgradient of agricultural source areas. Such research must include not only scientists, but also farmers, regulating authorities and land managers who are engaged in developing approaches to monitor and mitigate environmental and human health impacts. Deliberate application of sulfur onto croplands as fertilizer and pesticide probably causes environmental damage similar to historical acid rain events, according to a literature review and four case studies from the United States.
Frequency-dependent alternating current piezoresistive switching behavior in self-sensing carbon nanofiber composites

Abstract Carbon nanofillers have received much attention for piezoresistive-based self-sensing of deformation in polymeric, cementitious, and ceramic composites. To date, direct current (DC) conductivity has been overwhelmingly favored for self-sensing. This is important because alternating current (AC) methods, though much less studied, have advantages over DC methods. Therefore, we herein explore AC conductivity-strain relations for polymeric carbon nanofiber (CNF) composites. It was found that Jonscher’s power law accurately describes AC conductivity as a function of both normal and shear strain. This provides a framework by which macroscale AC piezoresistivity can be characterized. Further, it was observed that the coefficients of this power law are non-linear in strain. During this testing, it was also observed that the CNF/epoxy exhibits a frequency-dependent piezoresistive switching behavior. At low frequencies, the material exhibits positive piezoresistivity. At higher frequencies, however, the material exhibits negative piezoresistivity. A state of zero piezoresistivity also exists between these cases. Computational micro-modeling revealed that this piezoresistive switching behavior is the consequence of inter-CNF AC transport behaving like a parallel resistor-capacitor arrangement and strain affecting the parallel or tunneling resistance. This novel switching behavior opens the door to many exciting possibilities for frequency-selective piezoresistive behavior in next-generation carbon nanofiller-based sensors.
Assessing a fiber probe-based approach to detect near infrared fluorescence for identifying and preserving parathyroid glands during neck surgeries

Identifying parathyroid glands can be challenging for surgeons during head and neck operations. For the surgeon, it becomes essential to preserve healthy parathyroid glands, while successfully removing diseased parathyroid glands. This study presents PTeye – a commercial fiber probe-based device that was designed for intraoperative parathyroid identification by detecting near infrared autofluorescence. The results of this study demonstrate that PTeye had 95% accuracy in identifying parathyroid glands in 78 patients. The device had an overall detection rate of 97% for healthy and diseased parathyroid glands. PTeye could also quantify parathyroid vascularity in real-time by using indocyanine green during neck surgeries.
Asymmetry of Hippocampal Tau Pathology in Primary Age-Related Tauopathy and Alzheimer Disease.

Primary age-related tauopathy (PART) is a neurodegenerative entity defined as neurofibrillary degeneration generally restricted to the medial temporal region (Braak stage I-IV) with complete or near absence of diffuse and neuritic plaques. Symptoms range in severity but are generally milder and later in onset than in Alzheimer disease (AD). Recently, an early predilection for neurofibrillary degeneration in the hippocampal CA2 subregion has been demonstrated in PART, whereas AD neuropathologic change (ADNC) typically displays relative sparing of CA2 until later stages. In this study, we utilized a semiquantitative scoring system to evaluate asymmetry of neurofibrillary degeneration between left and right hippocampi in 67 PART cases and 17 ADNC cases. 49% of PART cases demonstrated asymmetric findings in at least one hippocampal subregion, and 79% of the asymmetric cases displayed some degree of CA2 asymmetry. Additionally, 19% of cases revealed a difference in Braak score between the right and left hippocampi. There was a significant difference in CA2 neurofibrillary degeneration (p = 0.0006) and CA2/CA1 ratio (p < 0.0001) when comparing the contralateral sides, but neither right nor left was more consistently affected. These data show the importance of analyzing bilateral hippocampi in the diagnostic evaluation of PART and potentially of other neurodegenerative diseases.
Maternal posttraumatic stress and FKBP5 Genotype interact to predict trauma-related symptoms in preschool-age offspring.

Abstract Background Children of parents with posttraumatic stress (PTS) face heightened risk for developing emotional and behavioral problems, regardless of whether they experience a traumatic event themselves. The current study investigates whether child FKBP5, a stress relevant gene shown to interact with child trauma exposure to increase risk for PTS, also moderates the well-established link between maternal PTS and child symptoms. Methods Data are derived from a longitudinal lab-based study for which 205 dyads of trauma-exposed mothers and their preschool-age children from a sample enriched for violence exposure provided DNA samples and completed measures of maternal and child trauma-related symptoms. Hypotheses tested whether child FKBP5 rs1360780 SNP genotype interacts with child trauma exposure and maternal PTS to predict child trauma-related symptoms. Results Hypotheses were partially supported, with maternal PTS predicting increased child symptoms for children carrying the minor T-allele (CT/TT), but not those homozygous for the major C-allele. Limitations Study results may not generalize to lower-risk or non-clinical populations, did not assess between-group differences in race/ethnicity, and do not consider other genes that may interact with FKBP5 or contribute to genetic risk for trauma-related impairment. Conclusions These findings provide the first evidence that the robust gene x environment interaction involving FKBP5 and child trauma exposure extends to other environmental perturbations, including maternal PTS. Our results highlight the importance of efforts to address trauma-related psychopathology in caregivers, which may disrupt intergenerational risk processes and improve outcomes for children.
State of Security and Privacy Practices of Top Websites in the East African Community (EAC)

Growth in technology has resulted in the large-scale collection and processing of Personally Identifiable Information by organizations that run digital services such as websites, which led to the emergence of new legislation to regulate PII collection and processing by organizations. Subsequently, several African countries have recently started enacting new data protection regulations due to recent technological innovations. However, there is little information about the security and privacy practices of top websites serving content to EAC citizens. We, therefore, analyze the website operators' patterns in terms of third-party tracking, security of data transmission, cookie information, and privacy policies for 169 top EAC website operators using WebXray, OpenSSL, and Alexa top websites API. Our results show that only 75 percent of the analyzed websites have a privacy policy in place. Out of this, only 16 percent of the third-party tracking companies that track users on a particular website are disclosed in the site's privacy policy statements which means that users don not have a way of knowing which third parties collect data about them when they visit a website. Such privacy policies take time to read and are difficult to understand; on average, it takes a college graduate to comprehend the policy and a user spends 12 minutes to read the policy. Additionally, most third-party tracking on EAC websites is related to advertisement and belongs to companies outside the EAC. This means that EAC lawmakers need to enact suitable laws to ensure that people's privacy is protected as the rate of technology adoption continues to increase.
Quad-switch push-pull (QSPP) RF amplifier with direct, simultaneous modulation of phase and pulse position for spread-spectrum power applications

We present a new RF power amplifier for spread spectrum applications, including wireless power transfer with low electromagnetic interference (EMI). The amplifier delivers half sine wave voltage pulses of either polarity through direct push-pull modulation of phase and pulse position. EMI is a concern not only from a regulatory perspective, but also in medical and other critical environments. The voltage pulses can be optimized by a variety of methods for specific spectral characteristics to create a current, and hence a high frequency magnetic field with a spread spectrum. The topology takes advantage of the inherent characteristics of GaN FET devices.
On the Natural Selection of Market Choice

An evolutionary approach to the problem of economic mechanism choice is presented. It demonstrates the power that a single participant has on the choice of a preferred market mechanism. A population of sellers, each with one of two possible economic mechanisms, facing potential buyers, is presented as a test model. It is shown that if two auctions, such as first- and second-price auctions, are to attract an identical number of buyers, although under the model assumptions their expected revenues are identical, sellers using a first-price auction mechanism will be selected for. However, if a second-price auction attracts one additional buyer, then it will be selected for by the evolutionary process. These results are extended to the choice between an arbitrary k- and l-price auctions.
Cosmopolitan Power in International Relations: A Synthesis of Realism, Neoliberalism, and Constructivism

Introduction 1. The theory of cosmopolitan power 2. Crucial-case textual analysis of the founding fathers of Realism: the classical inspirations 3. Crucial-case textual analysis of the founding fathers of Realism: the modern inspirations 4. Case studies of soft empowerment: free trade, the classical gold standard, and dollarization 5. Case study of hard disempowerment: US foreign policy and the Bush doctrine 6. Case study of soft empowerment: the power of modern American culture 7. Conclusions.
EMC and power quality standards for 20-kHz power distribution

The Space Station Power Distribution System has been baselined as a sinusoidal single phase, 440 VRMS system. This system has certain unique characteristics directly affecting its application. In particular, existing systematic description and control documents were modified to reflect the high operating frequency. This paper will discuss amendments made on Mil STD 704 (Electrical Power Characteristics), and Mil STD 461-B (Electromagnetic Emission and Susceptibility Requirements for the Control of Electromagnetic Interference). In some cases these amendments reflect changes of several orders of magnitude. Implications and impacts of these changes are discussed.
CM-Trio-99

The robots used in this competition were generously provided by Sony [3]. The robots are the same as the commercial AIBO robots except for slight hardware changes and programming capabilities. These autonomous robots are about 30cm long and have 18 degrees of freedom. The neck pans ±90° allowing the robot to scan the field with its on board camera. Six uniquely colored landmarks are placed around the field (at the corners and center-line) to help the robots localize. Each team consists of three robots. Like our team last year, CMTrio-98 [5], we divided our team between two identical attackers and one goalie.
More Than Metaphorical Power

Nature An Economic History. by Geerat J. Vermeij. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 2004. 461 pp. $35, £22.95. ISBN 0-691-11527-3. The author discusses fundamental economic principles that, he argues, have determined the historical patterns of biological systems as well as those of human economics.
Application of species distribution models and conservation planning software to the design of a reserve network for the riverine fishes of northeastern Mesoamerica

SUMMARY 1. Protected area networks for river ecosystems must account for the highly connected nature of river habitats and the fact that conditions in distant locations can influence downstream habitats and biota. We used Marxan conservation planning software to address the unique constraints of reserve design in river ecosystems and structure a reserve network to overcome key challenges to freshwater conservation. 2. The range limits of 63 fish species in Mesoamerica were predicted and used in Marxan to design a network of conservation focal areas that encompasses 15% of the range of each species in areas with low risk of environmental degradation. Upstream risk intensity was estimated by propagating landscape-based sources of stress downstream along the direction of flow in GIS. We constrained Marxan solutions to account for basin divides, and we defined critical management zones to include important habitats that contribute to species persistence and mitigate threats. 3. The proposed reserve network encompassed 11% of the study area, half of which was contained within existing protected areas. Our exercise also identified important gaps in protection. Because terrestrial-based environmental risks were propagated through the river network and considered in the solution, focal areas were constrained to catchments with low levels of upstream human activity. Addition of critical management zones – riparian buffers and fish migration corridors – expanded the network area by one-fifth. 4. Our application of Marxan allowed longitudinal connectivity and topographic barriers to species movement to be considered. Adding critical management zones expanded the size of the reserve network, but is crucial to the network’s conservation efficacy. We call for an evaluation of the added management capacity needed to conserve critical management zones and suggest ways to further improve the reserve design process.