cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of bicyclopyrone herbicide on sweetpotato and Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri)

Management options are needed to limit sweetpotato yield loss due to weeds. Greenhouse studies were conducted in 2018 in Greensboro, NC, and in the field from 2016 to 2018 in Clinton, NC, to evaluate the effect of bicyclopyrone on sweetpotato and Palmer amaranth (field only). In greenhouse studies, Covington and NC04-531 clones were treated with bicyclopyrone (0, 25, 50, 100, or 150 g ai ha–1) either preplant (PP; i.e., immediately before transplanting) or post-transplant (PT; i.e., on the same day after transplanting). Sweetpotato plant injury and stunting increased, and vine length and shoot dry weight decreased with increasing rate of bicyclopyrone regardless of clone or application timing. In field studies, Beauregard (2016) or Covington (2017 and 2018) sweetpotato clones were treated with bicyclopyrone at 50 g ha–1 PP, flumioxazin at 107 g ai ha–1 PP, bicyclopyrone at 50 or 100 g ha–1 PP followed by (fb) S-metolachlor at 800 g ai ha–1 PT, flumioxazin at 107 g ha–1 PP fb S-metolachlor at 800 g ha–1 PT, flumioxazin at 107 g ha–1 PP fb S-metolachlor at 800 g ha–1 PT fb bicyclopyrone at 50 g ha–1 PT-directed, and clomazone at 420 g ai ha–1 PP fb S-metolachlor at 800 g ha–1 PT. Bicyclopyrone PP at 100 g ha–1 fb S-metolachlor PT caused 33% or greater crop stunting and 44% or greater marketable yield reduction compared with the weed-free check in 2016 (Beauregard) and 2017 (Covington). Bicyclopyrone PP at 50 g ha–1 alone or fb S-metolachlor PT resulted in 12% or less injury and similar no. 1 and jumbo yields as the weed-free check in 2 of 3 yr. Injury to Covington from bicyclopyrone PT-directed was 4% or less at 4 or 5 wk after transplanting and marketable yield was similar to that of the weed-free check in 2017 and 2018.Nomenclature: Bicyclopyrone; Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson; sweetpotato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam
Layer Embedding Analysis in Convolutional Neural Networks for Improved Probability Calibration and Classification

In this project, our goal is to develop a method for interpreting how a neural network makes layer-by-layer embedded decisions when trained for a classification task, and also to use this insight for improving the model performance. To do this, we first approximate the distribution of the image representations in these embeddings using random forest models, the output of which, termed embedding outputs, are used for measuring how the network classifies each sample. Next, we design a pipeline to use this layer embedding output to calibrate the original model output for improved probability calibration and classification. We apply this two-steps method in a fully convolutional neural network trained for a liver tissue classification task on our institutional dataset that contains 20 3D multi-parameter MR images for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as on a public dataset with 131 3D CT images. The results show that our method is not only able to provide visualizations that are easy to interpret, but that the embedded decision-based information is also useful for improving model performance in terms of probability calibration and classification, achieving the best performance compared to other baseline methods. Moreover, this method is computationally efficient, easy to implement, and robust to hyper-parameters.
Simulating the effects of agricultural production practices on water conservation and crop yields using an improved SWAT model in the Texas High Plains, USA

Abstract A calibrated SWAT model equipped with an improved auto-irrigation function was used to evaluate the impacts of agricultural production practices on water balances and crop yields of corn, sorghum, and winter wheat for the Palo Duro watershed located in the Texas High Plains (THP). Fourteen scenarios were simulated including alternative irrigation application depths of 12.7 mm and 38.1 mm for irrigated corn, sorghum, and wheat and with different planting dates for irrigated corn, sorghum, wheat, and dryland wheat. Results indicated the greater irrigation depth (38.1 mm) led to reductions in seasonal irrigation requirements and crop evapotranspiration (ETc) when compared to the baseline scenarios using an irrigation depth of 25.4 mm for corn, sorghum, and wheat. However, soil water content, surface runoff, and percolation were increased. The opposite was observed for simulations of the same hydrologic variables but with an irrigation depth of 12.7 mm. Crop yields associated with the alternative irrigation depths were similar to those achieved with the baseline. Delayed planting of corn and sorghum resulted in the decrease of all the studied hydrologic parameters relative to the baseline. By contrast, the early planting scenarios showed the increase in those variables generally. Simulated corn yields were relatively stable, but a 3.7% reduction in irrigated sorghum yield was found with late planting. Notably, the early planting of wheat resulted in a clear increase in both irrigated and dryland yields of 11.2% and 13.5%, respectively. However, the yields of irrigated and dryland wheat were reduced by 28.8% and 2.7%, respectively, for the late planting. These findings suggest the greater irrigation application depth is promising for maintaining crop yields and reducing groundwater use from the Ogallala Aquifer. Also, the late planting of corn may benefit water conservation. Nevertheless, the early planting of wheat might be warranted to enhance yield in the THP.
The 9th ACM SIGSPATIAL International Workshop on Analytics for Big Spatial Data (BigSpatial 2020): November 3, 2020

Since the "Big Data Research and Development Initiative" launched by the White House in 2012, big data has received great attention from industry and federal agencies alike emerging as an important area of research for scientists worldwide. Within the realm of big data, spatial and spatiotemporal data continues to be among the fastest-growing types of data. With advances in remote sensors, sensor networks, and the proliferation of location sensing devices in daily life activities and common business practices, the generation of disparate, dynamic, and geographically distributed spatiotemporal data has exploded in recent years. In addition, significant progress in the ground, air- and space-borne sensor technologies have led to unprecedented access to earth science data for scientists from different disciplines, interested in studying the complementary nature of different parameters. Today, analyzing this data poses a massive challenge to researchers.
Rapid, in situ detection of chemical warfare agent simulants and hydrolysis products in bulk soils by low-cost 3D-printed cone spray ionization mass spectrometry

Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) are toxic chemicals that have been used as disabling or lethal weapons in war, terrorist attacks, and assasinations. The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) has prohibited the use, development, production, and stockpiling of CWAs since its initiation in 1997, however, the threat of deployment still looms. Detection of trace CWAs post-deployment or post-remediation, in bulk matrices such as soil, often requires lengthy sample preparation steps or extensive chromatographic separation times. 3D-printed cone spray ionization (3D-PCSI), an ambient ionization mass spectrometric (MS) technique, provides a rapid, simple, and low-cost method for trace CWA analysis in soil matrices for both in-laboratory and in-field detection. Described here is the utilization of conductive 3D-printed cones to perform both rapid sampling and ionization for CWA simulants and hydrolysis products in eight solid matrices. The analysis of trace quantities of CWA simulants and hydrolysis products by 3D-PCSI-MS coupled to both a commercial benchtop system and a field-portable MS system is detailed. Empirical limits of detection (LOD) for CWA simulants on the benchtop MS ranged from 100 ppt to 750 ppb and were highly dependant on solid matrix composition, with the portable system yielding similar spectral data from alike matrices, albeit with lower sensitivity.
The Right 'To Be Secure': Los Angeles v. Patel

In Los Angeles v. Patel, the U.S. Supreme Court provided additional guidance on the scope of the "administrative" exception to the Fourth Amendment's warrant requirement. The Court in Patel held that a city ordinance requiring operators to turn over guest registries to police on demand was facially unconstitutional because it denied operators the opportunity for pre-compliance review. The majority did not address Fourth Amendment text or values, and it made only vague, passing references to its practical implications. I argue in this short article that the Patel majority was quietly influenced by the “to be secure” text of the Fourth Amendment. At the time of the founding, the right “to be secure” guaranteed not simply a right to be “spared” unreasonable searches and seizures, but also a right to be left “tranquil” or “confident” against such government actions. The influence of the “to be secure” text on Patel can be gleaned from the majority’s emphasis on the “relative power” of hotel operators during police encounters, respondents’ counsel Tom Goldstein’s focus on “tranquility” at oral argument, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s lengthy discussion as amicus on the original meaning of “to be secure.” The upshot is that the original meaning of the Fourth Amendment appears to have played a silent but important role in Patel.
Association of cognitive impairment and breast cancer survivorship on quality of life in younger breast cancer survivors.

Younger breast cancer survivors (BCS) often report cognitive impairment and poor quality of life (QoL), which could be interrelated. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of cognitive impairment and breast cancer status (BCS versus healthy control (HC)), with QoL, which included psychological (depressive symptoms, well-being, perceived stress, and personal growth) and physical well-being (physical functioning and fatigue). Four hundred ninety-eight BCS (≤45 years at diagnosis) who were 3 to 8 years post-chemotherapy treatment and 394 HC completed subjective questionnaires and a one-time neuropsychological assessment, including tests of attention, memory, processing speed, and verbal fluency. For each test, cognitive impairment was defined as scoring 1.5 and 2.0 standard deviations below the mean of the HC group. Separate linear regression models for each outcome were ran controlling for known covariates. BCS reported significantly more memory problems than HC (p < 0.0001), with up to 23% having significant impairment. Cognitive performance did not differ significantly between BCS and HCs. BCS vs. HCs had greater depression and fatigue, yet more personal growth. Objective and subjective cognitive impairment were significantly related to greater depressive symptoms and perceived stress and lower well-being and physical functioning; whereas, objective impairment was related to less personal growth and subjective impairment was related to greater fatigue. Younger BCS report significant cognitive impairment years after treatment which may relate to greater decrements in QoL. Assessment and interventions to address cognitive concerns may also influence QoL outcomes in younger BCS.
Bleeding risk in patients with cardiac disease from ischaemic stroke reperfusion therapy: an update

Background Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) and arterial endovascular therapy (ET) rapidly restore cerebral perfusion in eligible patients who had an acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). It is unknown whether patients who had an AIS with premorbid cardiac disease respond differently to reperfusion therapies than those without. These patients may have risk factors that worsen outcomes or may represent those who would most benefit from reperfusion therapy. Objective To determine whether patients who had an AIS with the most frequently encountered pre-existing cardiac conditions, atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure (HF), left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), or taking anticoagulation for cardiac indications, are at increased risk for poor outcome, such as symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH), after reperfusion therapy. Results Although AF is an independent risk factor for poor poststroke outcomes, intravenous rtPA is not associated with increased risk of sICH for those not on anticoagulants. Likewise, HF is independently associated with mortality post stroke, yet these patients benefit from reperfusion therapies without increased rates of sICH. Patients with LVADs or who are on anticoagulation should not be given IV rtPA; however, ET remains a viable option in those who meet criteria, even patients with LVAD. Conclusion There is no evidence of an increased risk for sICH after intravenous rtPA or ET for those with AF or HF. Intravenous rtPA should not be given to patients on anticoagulation or with LVADs, but ET should be offered to them when eligible. Whenever possible, future AIS reperfusion research should include patients with premorbid cardiac disease as they are frequently excluded, representing a gap in evidence.
Combined cART Including Tenofovir Disoproxil, Emtricitabine, and Dolutegravir Has Potent Therapeutic Effects in HIV-1 Infected Humanized Mice

HIV-1 reservoirs persist in the presence of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). However, cART has transformed HIV-1 infection into a chronic disease marked by control of HIV-1 viral load and mortality reduction. Major challenges remain, including viral resistance upon termination of cART and persistence and identification of tissue distribution of HIV-1 reservoirs. Thus, appropriate animal models that best mimic HIV-1 pathogenesis are important, and the current study complements our previously published validation of the CD34+ hematopoietic humanized mouse model for this purpose. Here we analyze viral suppression using the recently developed combination of antiretrovirals that include Tenofovir Disoproxil (TDF), Emtricitabine (FTC), and Dolutegravir (DTG), a choice based on recent clinical outcomes showing its improved antiretroviral potency, CD4+ T cell preservation, tolerability, and prevention of viral drug resistance compared to that of previous regimens. We used quantitative Airyscan-based super resolution confocal microscopy of selected mouse tissues. Our data allowed us to identify specific solid tissue reservoirs of human T cells expressing the HIV-1 core protein p24. In particular, lymph node, brain, spleen, and liver were visualized as reservoirs for residual infected cells. Marked reduction of viral replication was evident. Considering that detection and visualization of cryptic sites of HIV-1 infection in tissues are clearly crucial steps towards HIV-1 eradication, appropriate animal models with pseudo-human immune systems are needed. In fact, current studies with humans and non-human primates have limited sample availability at multiple stages of infection and cannot easily analyze the effects of differently administered combined antiretroviral treatments on multiple tissues. That is easier to manage when working with humanized mouse models, although we realize the limitations due to low human cell recovery and thus the number of cells available for thorough and comprehensive analyses. Nonetheless, our data further confirm that the CD34+ humanized mouse model is a potentially useful pre-clinical model to study and improve current anti-HIV-1 therapies.
Introduction to Chapters 4 and 5

In this chapter and the next, we discuss the consequences of work structures and their correlates: how they make a difference in explaining things that people care about. The dependent variables we consider selectively, and thus illustratively, are broad-ranging but prototypal areas of research in many subfields within sociology, economics, and related disciplines. The dependent variables include labor market outcomes such as income inequality, career paths, and mobility; and labor force outcomes such as work attitudes, unemployment, collective bargaining phenomena, labor force participation rates of different subsets of the population, and the distribution of skills.
The Effects of Affirmative Action: The review by Robert E. Thach*

The Shape of the River Long-Term Consequences of Considering Race in College and University Admissions. William G. Bowen and Derek Bok. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 1998. 511 pp. $24.95. ISBN 0-691-00274-6. The authors and their collaborators provide an in-depth, quantitative assessment of the policies and outcomes of the preferential admission of minority applicants into selective colleges and universities.
Bringing a global perspective to community work and family: an examination of extended work hours in families in four countries.

To date, much of the research on the interaction between work and family has focused on single countries or comparative studies on OECD countries. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate the feasibility of bringing a truly global perspective to comparative research on work, family, and community questions. We conducted an examination of extended‐hour work in four countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. This paper highlights two facts: first, the feasibility of using existing data sources to carry out comparative research on a more diverse range of countries than has generally been conducted to date, and second, the importance of conducting such analyses because of the critical insights that are gained for improving public policies and services.
Medical Image Segmentation by a Multi-Agent System Approach

In this paper, we propose an approach for medical Image segmentation based on a FIPA compliant multi-agent system. The idea consists in merging the regions following several criteria and with a massive population of situated agents which cooperate, negotiate with the help of interaction protocols and communicate by passing asynchronous messages. The efficiency of our approach is shown through some experimental results.
Calculation of neutron fluence to dose conversion factors for extremities

The Pacific Northwest Laboratory is developing a standard for the performance testing of personnel extremity dosimeters for the US Department of Energy. Part of this effort requires the calculation of neutron fluence-to-dose conversion factors for finger and wrist extremities. This study focuses on conversion factors for two types of extremity models: namely the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantom (as specified in the draft standard for performance testing of extremity dosimeters) and more realistic extremity models composed of tissue-and-bone. Calculations for each type of model are based on both bare and D{sub 2}O-moderated {sup 252}Cf sources. The results are then tabulated and compared with whole-body conversion factors. More appropriate energy-averaged quality factors for the extremity models have also been computed from the neutron fluence in 50 equally spaced energy bins with energies from 2.53 {times} 10{sup {minus}8} to 15 MeV. Tabulated results show that conversion factors for both types of extremity phantom are 15 to 30% lower than the corresponcung whole-body phantom conversion factors for {sup 252}Cf neutron sources. This difference in extremity and whole-body conversion factors is attributable to the proportionally smaller amount of back-scattering that occurs in the extremity phantoms compared with whole-body phantoms.
Photovoice Engages Rural Youth in Childhood Obesity Prevention

Photovoice is a participatory action research methodology that involves the use of photography and enables people to document, reflect upon, and communicate community needs to policymakers for the purpose of promoting social change. We describe how Photovoice was used to engage rural youth in childhood obesity prevention research and obtain their perspectives of community assets and barriers that influenced children's physical activity and diets in their county. The photographs and stories produced by the youth garnered public interest and were beneficial in raising community awareness of community conditions that may contribute to childhood obesity and the need for environmental change. Utilization of the method also provided a beneficial leadership experience for the youth participants.
A wavelet approach to far-field signal reconstruction of transient electric fields

Large antenna sizes present a severe limitation in the generation of low frequency signals. To alleviate this issue, a series of high frequency sources (and thus, smaller antenna sizes) may be combined to produce a lower frequency output in the far-field. This reconstruction technique applies to signals of arbitrary shapes in addition to frequency lowering. Due to the large parameter space, wavelet decomposition theory is coupled with particle swarm optimization to define appropriate time shifts and amplitude adjustments to the high frequency sources (wavelets) in order to synthesize an output signal with the desired frequency or shape. Fifteen individual high frequency wavelets (f = 1 GHz) are utilized in this application to produce a final output signal in the far-field of 600 MHz. The radiation of a single wavelet is simulated using a broadband Chebyshev TEM horn antenna in order to perform far-field constructive and destructive interference analysis of all 15 wavelet signals. Simulation of the TEM horn antenna shows reasonable wavelet signal fidelity with minimal reflections from the antenna aperture as the pulse is propagated to the far-field. Examination of the far-field electric field enables accurate temporal depiction of the reconstructed signal from the 15 pulsed sources at any given point in space. By adjusting the source array geometry, the location of the desired signal (determined by the particle swarm optimization) can be narrowed down to a single location. Overall, combining particle swarm optimization, wavelet decomposition theory, and electromagnetic wave propagation enables the accurate reconstruction of far-field temporal electric fields from the combination of 15 wavelet sources and verification of the desired signal location.
Visual Consciousness and The Phenomenology of Perception

Ideally, psychological and phenomenological studies of visual experience should be mutually informative. In that spirit, this article outlines parts of Maurice Merleau-Ponty's phenomenological view of visual experience as a kind of independently active opaque bodily synthesis, and uses those views to (a) help ground and extend Alva Noe's rejection of the “snapshot” theory of visual experience in favor of a more enactive view of visual content, (b) critique a failing of Noe's account, and (c) show how the assumptions underlying more internalist and Cartesian views of visual experience can illegitimately creep in even when they are being carefully criticized.
Inventories and sorption-desorption trends of radiocesium and radiocobalt in James River estuary sediments

Anthropogenic radionuclides (137Cs,134Cs,60Co) have been introduced to the James River estuary as a result of low-level releases from the Surry Reactor site since 1973 and worldwide atmospheric fallout from nuclear weapons tests since the early 1950s The total radionuclide burden in the estuary sediments has been estimated by integrating radionuclide activities in 29 box cores and extrapolating these integrated values over surface areas subdivided on the basis of sediment type, rates of accumulation, and proximity to the reactor release site. Our results indicate that 30% of the60Co, but only 15% of the134Cs released from the reactor site, has been retained in the estuary sediments, and about 40% of the134Cs and60Co sediment inventory is in areas that represent less than 5% of the total estuarine surface area. Depletion of the134Cs in downstream sediments forms a noticeable trend in the James River estuary, and we postulate that seawater cation competition and exchange is primarily responsible.
Effects of local tax structures on the factor intensity composition of manufacturing activity across cities

Abstract The paper analyzes the effects of differences in local economic conditions on the distribution of economic activity across cities. A new data base on a cross section of large American cities is used to examine the influence of local factors, fiscally related ones especially, on the factor intensity of manufacturing activity across cities. Property taxes are found to increase the labor intensity of a city's manufacturing base but payroll and corporate income taxes are not found to have any significant effect on the factor intensity of manufacturing activity across cities. High-wage cities are found to have relatively capital-intensive manufacturing bases.
Nonlinear model-based fault detection with fuzzy set fault isolation

This paper presents a nonlinear fault detection and isolation system that is able to distinguish single faults that have the same fault signatures. The detection mechanism is based on nonlinear state estimation. Fuzzy set theory followed by parameter estimation of certain parameters of the fault-free model are applied for fault isolation. This parameter estimation step is used to differentiate between a variety of faults, including those with similar signatures. The proposed fault detection and isolation (FDI) method is validated using an air heater lab experiment. Actuator and sensor faults are considered and comparisons with other methods are presented and analyzed under different fault scenarios. The proposed FDI method shows significant advantages when it is applied to nonlinear model systems with fault-free models available.
Formation, Evolution, and Dissipation of Coastal Sea Fog

Evolution of sea fog has been investigated using three-dimensional Mesoscale Model 5 (MM5) simulations. The study focused on widespread fog-cloud layers advected along the California coastal waters during 14–16 April 1999. According to analysis of the simulated trajectories, the intensity of air mass modification during this advection significantly depended on whether there were clouds along the trajectories and whether the modification took place over the land or ocean. The air mass, with its trajectory endpoint in the area where the fog was observed and simulated, gradually cooled despite the gradual increase in sea-surface temperature along the trajectory. Modelling results identified cloud-top cooling as a major determinant of marine-layer cooling and turbulence generation along the trajectories. Scale analysis showed that the radiative cooling term in the thermodynamic equation overpowered surface sensible and latent heat fluxes, and entrainment terms in cases of the transformation of marine clouds along the trajectories. Transformation of air masses along the trajectories without clouds and associated cloud-top cooling led to fog-free conditions at the endpoints of the trajectories over the ocean. The final impact on cloud-fog transition was determined by the interaction of synoptic and boundary-layer processes. Dissipation of sea fog was a consequence of a complex interplay between advection, synoptic evolution, and development of local circulations. Movement of the high-pressure system over land induced weakening of the along-shore advection and synoptic-pressure gradients, and allowed development of offshore flows that facilitated fog dissipation.
Evaluation of fenestrated and non-fenestrated biologic grafts in a porcine model of mature ventral incisional hernia repair

Introduction The purpose of this study is to compare the tissue incorporation of a novel fenestrated and non-fenestrated crosslinked porcine dermal matrix (CPDM) (CollaMend™, Davol Inc., Warwick, RI) in a porcine model of ventral hernia repair.
Simultaneous measurement of x-ray absorption spectra and kinetics : a fixed-bed, plug-flow operando reactor.

An inexpensive fixed-bed, plug-flow operando reactor is described in which X-ray absorbance and kinetic data can be measured simultaneously. Pt L3 (11.56 keV) XANES and EXAFS data were obtained on a 1.5% Pt/silica catalyst in borosilicate glass reactors of different diameters, 3–6 mm, and thicknesses, 0.3–1.2 mm, some of which are capable of operation at pressures up to about 40 atm. Additionally, polyimide tubular reactors with low absorbance can be used for lower energy edges of the 3d transition metals, or fluorescence detection for low concentration or highly absorbing supports. With the polyimide reactor, however, the pressure is limited to ~3.5 atm and the reaction temperature to about 300 °C. To validate the reactor, the rate and activation energies for the water-gas shift reaction on 2% Pd, 13.7% Zn on Al2O3 catalyst were within 15% of those obtained in a standard laboratory reactor, which is within laboratory reproducibility. In addition, the Pd K edge (24.35 keV) XANES and EXAFS data on pre-reduced catalyst were identical to that previously determined on a regular cell. The EXAFS data show that the degree of Pd–Zn alloy formation changes with reaction temperature demonstrating the importance of characterizing the catalyst under reaction conditions.
A screening methodology for improved solvent selection using economic and environmental assessments

Solvents are used in many applications in chemical manufacturing. An ideal solvent exhibits superior solubility, economic, and environmental impact characteristics. There are many approaches developed for identifying the best solvents, including the use of the Hansen solubility parameters, activity coefficients, toxicity properties, flammability characteristics, and methods based on structure–activity relationships.
The effect of transient voltages on dielectrics — III (An investigation with very high lightning voltages)

During a thunder storm lightning voltages that reach the transmission line appear across insulators, transformers and other apparatus at the extremely rapid rate of millions of volts per second. With this rapid rate of application the voltage may reach a very high value in a microsecond (millionth of a second). Hence, since there is always a delay or lag in the breakdown of insulation, quite peculiar effects result from these voltages. For instance, some remarkable phenomena that take place are: Much higher lightning voltages are usually required to jump a given distance than voltages at normal operating frequency; conductors at normal frequency voltages are often good insulators for lightning voltages; water may be punctured like oil; the wet and dry spark-over voltage of insulators are equal; the lightning discharge has a decidedly explosive effect, etc. In addition to the characteristics just mentioned, a study has also been made of the change in voltage and shape of a lightning wave as it travels over a transmission line at the velocity of light. In order that a laboratory study may be of a practical as well as a theoretical interest, it is necessary to be able to reproduce lightning voltages in the laboratory on a large scale and of known characteristics. This investigation was started some years ago with a 200-kv. generator. The generator has been added to from time to time until now, 2,000,000 volts are available and single lightning strokes can be obtained that increase at the rate of 50 million million volts per second. The power is of the order of millions of kilowatts. It is believed that this generator closely approximates voltage and other conditions that usually occur on transmission lines. The lightning voltages used in this investigation were far in excess of any heretofore produced in a laboratory. This impulse generator discharge must not be confused with that produced by an oscillator. The lightning generator, unlike the ocillator, discharges with a loud sharp report or crack. The photographic study shows the lightning spark-over of insulator strings that are of such a length as rarely to spark-over in practise even in bad lightning country. The photographs of the flashes show all the characteristics of lightning such as a zig-zag path, side flashes, etc. The study of the travel of the lightning wave on transmission lines is of interest. It indicates for instance, a certain protective effect of corona and shows that under certain conditions inductance coils may increase the lightning voltage four fold. Certain phases of the ground wire have also been studied.
Structure and Chromosomal Localization of the Gene (BDKRB2) Encoding Human Bradykinin B2 Receptor

Abstract The bradykinln B2 receptor (BDKRB2) has high affinity for the intact kinins, which mediate a wide spectrum of biological effects, including pain, inflammation, vasodilation, and smooth mnscle contraction and relaxation. In the present study, we have cloned and sequenced the gene encoding human bradyklnin B2 receptor from a human genomic library. The B2 receptor gene contains three exons separated by two introns. The first and second exons are noncoding, while the third exon contains the full-length coding region, which encodes a protein of 364 amino acids forming 7 transmembrane domains. The human B2 gene shares high sequence identity with rat and mouse B2 receptor genes and significant similarity with the gene encoding the angiotensin 11 type I receptor in the nucleotide sequence and exon-intron arrangement. In the 5′ flanking region, a consensus TATA box and several putative transcription factor-binding sites have been identified. Genomic Southern blot analysis showed that the B2 receptor is encoded by a single-copy gene that was localized to chromosome 14q32 by in situ hybridization. In a Southern blot analysis following reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction, the human B2 receptor was found to be expressed in most human tissues.
Phrenology as clinical neuroscience: how American academic physicians in the 1820s and 1830s used phrenological theory to understand neurological symptoms.

(1992). Phrenology as clinical neuroscience: How American academic physicians in the 1820s and 1830s used phrenological theory to understand neurological symptoms. Journal of the History of the Neurosciences: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 131-143.
Differential Treatment of Whole Classes by a University Dance Teacher

abstract The purpose of this case study was to examine whether a university dance teacher treated students in two dance classes differentially. Based on instructor feedback results, it was found that students were treated differentially. Students in the beginning jazz class received less instructive feedback than students in the beginning modern dance class. Data were collected through informal interviews and analysed following tenets of qualitative research. Themes which emerged from the interviews included the teacher's teaching philosophy, her style of teaching, her preference for one dance style over the other, her physical limitations, and the mixture of student abilities. It was suggested that this differential treatment was the result of the teacher viewing the two classes differently through her own lenses composed of her beliefs, curricular knowledge, values, movement preferences, and experiences as a student herseff. Findings from this study have relevance for teacher educators, dance teachers, ...
Compared to angiotensin II, epinephrine is associated with high myocardial blood flow following return of spontaneous circulation after cardiac arrest.

Abstract Introduction: Epinephrine (adrenaline) and vasopressin are used currently to improve myocardial blood flow (MBF) during cardiac arrest. Angiotensin II has also been shown to improve MBF during CPR. We explored the effects of angiotensin II or epinephrine alone, and the combination of angiotensin with epinephrine, on myocardial and cerebral blood flows in a swine model of cardiac arrest. Methods: Swine were instrumented for regional blood flow measurements. Ventricular fibrillation was induced and CPR begun. Angiotensin II 50 mcg/kg (ANG), epinephrine 0.02 mg/kg (EPI) or the combination (ANG+EPI) was administered. Blood flow was measured during baseline normal sinus rhythm (NSR), before (CPR) and after drug administration (CPR+DRUG), and post reperfusion return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Results: All groups had a significant increase in MBF during CPR following drug administration ( P MBF ANG EPI ANG+EPI NSR 134±37 192±123 155±70 CPR 13±19 2±4 1±2 CPR+DRUG 63±64 82±54 81±84 ROSC 213±58 988±454 938±542 There was a trend toward higher flows in the EPI groups. The group receiving both EPI and ANG did not have higher blood flows than the EPI or ANG alone groups. Both groups that received EPI had markedly elevated MBF following ROSC compared with angiotensin II ( P Conclusions: The combination of ANG and EPI did not improve MBF during cardiac arrest. Epinephrine may increase MBF compared with angiotensin II post-reperfusion.
A titania thin film annular photocatalytic reactor for the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in dilute water streams.

Abstract An external lamp, annular photocatalytic reactor with titania immobilized on a quartz tube was used to degrade two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), viz. phenanthrene (PHE) and pyrene (PYR) from a dilute water stream. The thin film geometry was used to obtain both the mass transfer coefficients and intrinsic reaction rate constants for the two compounds on immobilized titania (Degussa P-25) particles. Beyond a feed velocity of 7 cm min−1, the conversion was solely reaction rate controlled and was not subjected to mass transfer limitations from the aqueous phase to the immobilized titania film. The overall reaction rate constant was independent of the feed concentration as large as the saturation aqueous solubility of the two compounds. However, the conversion was dependant on the ultraviolet (UV) light illumination intensity at the reactor. The quantum efficiency ranged from 3.7×10−5 to 2.7×10−4 which was somewhat low because of the very low aqueous concentrations of the chemicals. The overall reaction rate constant was 1.6 times larger for pyrene than for phenanthrene. Seven reaction intermediates were identified for the conversion of phenanthrene, while for the degradation of pyrene two intermediates were identified. The presence of the phthalate ester as an intermediate product in the degradation of both PAHs indicates the presence of a quinone in both cases which degrades to the products CO2 and H2O, along with other stable intermediates. Mass balance in a batch reactor showed that only 28.6–40.1% of phenanthrene is mineralized to CO2 in 1–3 h of reaction although 35–67% of the parent compound has disappeared, confirming that a substantial fraction of the parent compound has been converted to stable intermediates that remain in the reactor. A plausible mechanism based on these observations is proposed.
J chain synthesis and secretion of hexameric IgM is differentially regulated by lipopolysaccharide and interleukin 5.

Abstract Two functional polymeric forms of IgM can be produced by antibody-secreting B cells. Hexameric IgM lacks detectable J (joining) chain and activates complement 17-fold better than pentameric IgM, which usually contains one J chain per pentamer. Using the inducible B-cell lymphoma CH12, we determined if the synthesis of a particular polymeric form of IgM is a fixed property of B cells or can be altered. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated CH12 cells produced mixtures of IgM hexamers and pentamers, resulting in antibody with high complement-fixing activity. In contrast, interleukin-5-stimulated CH12 cells secreted predominantly pentameric IgM, with a correspondingly lower lytic activity. Differences in lytic activity were due only to the amount of hexameric IgM in the secreted antibody. Interleukin 5 stimulated higher production of J chain RNA and protein than LPS, while LPS induced the highest levels of the secretory form of mu protein. The amount of hexameric IgM secreted was therefore inversely proportional to the level of intracellular J chain protein in the responding B cells. We conclude that the biologic function of IgM produced by B cells differs depending on how they are stimulated and that this difference may be regulated by the relative availabilities of J chain and secretory mu proteins during IgM polymerization.
Echinocephalus crassostreai sp. nov., a larval nematode from the oyster Crassostrea gigas in the orient.

A new gnathostomatid nematode, Echinocephalus crassostreai sp. nov., is described from the Japanese oyster, Crassostrea gigas, from Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China. The erection of the new species is based on conspicuous differences between the third-stage larva of the nematode and the other valid species of the genus. A description of the second-stage larva is also provided. Echinocephalus crassostreai third-stage larvae are found primarily in the gonoducts of the molluscan host. There are no histopathological changes of the cells lining the gonoduct associated with these parasites. There is, however, a tunic of reaction elements surrounding the gonoduct. Occasional larvae may invade the gonad and cause some damage to adjacent molluscan gametes. Based on preliminary findings by others, E. crassostreai third-stage larvae may be of public health importance.
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Ring-current effects upon carbon-13 chemical shifts☆

Ring currents have played a crucial role in modern chemistry, but they have been analyzed and discussed almost entirely in terms of their effect upon proton nmr chemical shifts. The application of carbon magnetic resonance spectroscopy to this area has received relatively little attention. In fact, only a few alternate and nonalternate aromatic hydrocarbons have been studied in an attempt to elucidate the effect of ring currents on the shifts of carbon nuclei. Unfortunately, the previous conclusions regarding ring-current effects on ^(13)C shifts are not always unambiguous. For example, the observed cmr-shift data for biphenylene might be interpreted in terms of electronegativity and strain superimposed on a diamagnetic ring current, rather than by invoking a paramagnetic ring-current effect, interpretation of the cmr data from biphenylene, pyrene and the majority of other compounds studied suffer somewhat from the lack of suitable model compounds, which are needed to derive “normal” chemical shifts.
“Achieving Child-Health-Related Millennium Development Goals: The Role of Infrastructure”—A Comment

Summary Using the differences observed across countries and asset quintiles within countries, Fay, Leipziger, Wodon, and Yepes argue that basic infrastructure brings large reductions in child mortality and stunting. Their estimation method makes a number of questionable assumptions, some of which can be readily relaxed with the same data. On using an alternative estimator and augmenting their data set to include female schooling, one finds little sign that better infrastructure lowers either child mortality or stunting. The infrastructure impacts found by Fay et al . stem from a combination of functional-form misspecification, latent country effects, and omitted quintile-specific schooling effects.
The progression of hepatitis B- and C-infections to chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma: epidemiology and pathogenesis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a relatively common cancer worldwide. Chronic viral hepatitis, with progression to cirrhosis, remains the predominant risk factor for HCC. Although most HCC cases arise in hepatitis B-endemic areas outside North America, the United States is experiencing a significant rise in cases associated with cirrhosis from hepatitis C. This article reviews the link between chronic viral hepatitis B and C and HCC. Advances in the understanding of HCC epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, prevention, screening, and treatment are reviewed.
Chronic Abdominal Pain in Children Is Associated with High Prevalence of Abnormal Microbial Fermentation

Chronic abdominal pain (CAP) in children, a condition that accounts for approximately 25% of pediatric gastroenterology office visits, may be a precursor to irritable bowel syndrome in adults. Recently, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been reported in 78–84% of IBS patients regardless of their abdominal symptoms, compared to 20% in healthy controls. The aim of this study was, therefore, to assess the prevalence of SIBO in children with CAP. Seventy-five children aged 8–18 years diagnosed with CAP based on the Rome II criteria and 40 healthy controls were enrolled. All subjects underwent a lactulose breath hydrogen test (LBT) to assess for SIBO. Children with CAP also filled out symptom questionnaires. There was a 91% prevalence of an abnormal LBT suggestive of SIBO in the children with CAP and 35% in controls (odds ratio = 16.7, 95% confidence interval 6.0–57.5, P < 0.0001). A comparison of CAP children with a positive LBT to CAP children with a negative LBT revealed the former had significantly more “urgency to have a bowel movement” (P = 0.049) and experienced less “soiling” (P = 0.016) than those with a negative LBT. No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of the location of their pain or any other associated symptoms. Similar to adults with IBS, there is a significantly higher prevalence of SIBO in children with CAP. Randomized controlled studies are needed to determine if eradication of SIBO will lead to symptom improvement in these patients.
Acoustic Evidence for the Development of Gestural Coordination in the Speech of 2-Year-Olds: A Longitudinal Study.

Studies of child phonology have often assumed that young children first master a repertoire of phonemes and then build their lexicon by forming combinations of these abstract, contrastive units. Ho...
Inhibitory B7-family molecules in the tumour microenvironment

The B7 family consists of activating and inhibitory co-stimulatory molecules that positively and negatively regulate immune responses. Recent studies have shown that human and rodent cancer cells, and stromal cells and immune cells in the cancer microenvironment upregulate expression of inhibitory B7 molecules and that these contribute to tumour immune evasion. In this Review, we focus on the roles of these B7 molecules in the dynamic interactions between tumours and the host immune system, including their expression, regulation and function in the tumour microenvironment. We also discuss novel therapeutic strategies that target these inhibitory B7 molecules and their signalling pathways to treat human cancer.
A randomized parallel backtracking algorithm

A technique for parallel backtracking using randomization is proposed. Its main advantage is that good speedups are possible with little or no interprocessor communication. The speedup obtainable is problem-dependent. In those cases where the problem size becomes very large, randomization is extremely successful achieving good speedups. The technique also ensures high reliability, flexibility, and fault tolerance. >
Oxidative phosphorylation in synchronized cultures of Tetrahymena pyriformis.

Cell homogenates and fractionated particles of Tetrahymena pyriformis GL were assayed for coupled oxidative phosphorylation activity. With β-hydroxybutyrate as an electron donor, a crude mitochondrial function precipitable at 26000 × g showed a phosphorus/acetoacetate ratio of about i.o. Dinitrophenol at a concentration of 4·10−4 M was effective in uncoupling the oxidation from phosphorylation. During the heat treatment, necessary for inducing synchronized division, phosphorylation activity declined but oxidation activity was not affected. Between the end of heat treatment and the beginning of the first synchronized division, phosphorylation phorylation activity is restored to a level found in normal cells. However, a sharp decrease in phosphorylation activity occurs during the division period. Similar but less pronounced changes were observed in the second division.