cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A century of change in neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins: 1889-1989.

✓ Neurosurgical admissions to The Johns Hopkins Hospital during the first year of its existence, the first and last years of Harvey Cushing's practice, the last years of Walter Dandy's practice, the last years of Earl Walker's tenure, and the current neurosurgical case load are reviewed. Sixteen patients with neurosurgical problems were admitted during the first year of the hospital's existence. In the first year of Harvey Cushing's staff appointment, 38 neurosurgical patients were admitted. Infection, trauma, and trigeminal neuralgia were the most common neurosurgical problems at that time. When Harvey Cushing retired in 1912, his practice had grown to 100 operations per year. By the end of Walter Dandy's tenure, the surgical volume was much larger, more than 500 major operations per year. The development of neurosurgery virtually can be mirrored in the practice of neurosurgery under Harvey Cushing and Walter Dandy. From its humble beginnings in the treatment of trauma and infection, neurosurgery has exp...
Auditory event-related potentials in attention and reading disabled boys

Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded from 4 groups of children: (1) reading disabled, (2) attentional deficit disorder with hyperactivity, (3) attentional deficit disorder without hyperactivity, and (4) normal controls. Subjects were instructed to press a button to a low probability tone (target, P = 0.168) and to ignore all other events which included a high probability tone (non-target, P = 0.664) and an unexpected novel sound (P = 0.168). The amplitude of several late ERP components and the latency of the P3b component were examined. As in a previously reported visual study with the same sample of children, the overall amplitude of the P3b component was significantly smaller in all the clinical groups than in controls. Two other late components (slow wave and Pc) were also smaller in the clinical groups than in controls. P3 latency did not, however, differentiate the groups.
Differences Among Those who Complete and Fail to Complete Inpatient Detoxification

Some individuals hospitalized for alcohol or drug detoxification leave against medical advice (AMA). We hypothesized that certain characteristics would be associated with AMA discharges. A case-control study of 1,426 hospital admissions for detoxification (representing 1,080 individuals) was conducted to compare patients leaving the hospital AMA (n=231) with a random sample of those completing detoxification (n=286). Latino ethnicity, detoxification from drugs, Friday or Saturday discharge, Medicaid or no health insurance, and not being treated by one specific attending physician were characteristics associated with an AMA discharge in a backward logistic regression model. Although 85% of the patients with all these characteristics left AMA, only one patient, without any of these five characteristics, did so. We conclude that clinicians can use certain clinical features to predict AMA discharge. Additional research could evaluate if treatment strategies that consider these ethnic and socioeconomic disparities may reduce rates of AMA discharge.
The Role of Victim-Related Factors in Victim Restitution: A Multi-Method Analysis of Restitution in Pennsylvania

Mandatory statutes do not always produce change, but a 1995 Pennsylvania statutory change making restitution mandatory dramatically increased the proportion of cases in which restitution was imposed. There are three possible reasons for this generally successful implementation: (a) judges agreed with the victim-centered goals of the statute, (b) there were mechanisms in place to implement the goals of assisting victims, and (c) there was a context supportive of victims that made it easier to follow the law. Two studies investigated these possible explanations. First, a statewide survey of trial court judges suggested that they agreed with the statute's goals of compensating victims. Second, hierarchical logistic models of 55,119 statewide restitution-eligible decisions indicated that a victim-related contextual factor, the nature and location of the victim/witness assistance office, was significantly related to the imposition of restitution, although a more general contextual factor relating to funding for victim programs had only small effects.
Mg II Line Variability of High-Luminosity Quasars

We monitored five high-luminosity quasars with λL 3000 A > 1045 erg s–1 at 0.4 z 0.6 to measure the flux variability of the Mg II λ2798 line and explore the feasibility of reverberation mapping using Mg II. Over the two-year monitoring program, imaging data were obtained with the A Noble Double-Imaging Camera on the 1.3 m telescope at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO), while spectroscopic data were obtained on the same nights with the R-C spectrograph on the 1.5 m telescope at the CTIO. By performing differential photometry using available field stars in each quasar image, we measured variability—10-24% peak-to-peak changes and 3-8% rms variations—in the B band, which includes flux changes in the rest-frame UV continuum (~2500 A-3600 A) as well as the Mg II line. Utilizing photometric measurements for spectroscopic flux calibration, we measured the Mg II line flux and the continuum flux at 3000 A from each single-epoch spectrum. Four objects showed Mg II line flux variability with 23-50% peak-to-peak changes and 8-17% rms variations over 1-1.5 year rest-frame timescales, while one object showed no Mg II flux variability within the measurement error (<5%). We also detected 4-15% rms variations of the Mg II line width for all five objects. With synchronous observations for photometry and spectroscopy, we demonstrated the feasibility of the Mg II line reverberation mapping for high-luminosity quasars at intermediate redshift.
Demonstration of Germacrene A as an Intermediate in 5-Epi-aristolochene Synthase Catalysis

Sesquiterpene synthases are a family of enzymes that catalyze farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) cyclization via alternative pathways to produce a variety of cyclic sesquiterpene products. Catalysis by several of these enzymes, including tobacco 5-epi-aristolochene synthase (TEAS), has been proposed to include the formation of germacrene A as a stable intermediate. Neither germacrene A nor any other intermediate is released from sesquiterpene synthase active sites during normal catalysis. Evidence to support the intermediacy of germacrene A has been derived from investigations of aristolochene synthases from Aspergillus terreus and Penicillium roquefortii (Cane, D. E. Chem. Rev. 1990, 90, 1089−1103 and references therein. Cane, D. E.; Bryant, C. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1994, 116, 12063−12064. Cane, D. E.; Tsantrizos, Y. S. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, 118, 10037−10040). However, until the present investigations of TEAS, formation of this postulated intermediate has never been directly demonstrated. TEAS catalyzes the cycl...
Correlation between preoperative Kimura inching studies and intraoperative findings during endoscopic-assisted decompression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow

During the evolution of the senior author's technique of ulnar nerve transposition to in situ decompression for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow, nerve conduction studies (NCS) including the Kimura inching method were performed preoperatively in an effort to ensure that all potential sites of compression were investigated intraoperatively. The purpose of this study is to compare the results of the Kimura inching technique with the intraoperative findings noted during decompression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. The medical records of consecutive patients who underwent in situ decompression of their ulnar nerves combined with endoscopic examination between March and December of 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. The site of ulnar nerve compression noted using the Kimura inching technique was compared with the intraoperative findings. Twelve consecutive patients (four with bilateral symptoms) underwent endoscopic ulnar nerve compression in the study period for a total of 16 cases analyzed. In 12 cases, the Kimura method localized the site of compression to Osborne's bands and/or the aponeurosis of the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU). Intraoperatively, compression was noted at Osborne's bands, the FCU aponeurosis, and/or the FCU) muscle proper in all 16 patients. There was partial or full correlation between the nerve conduction data and intraoperative findings in 13/16 cases. There was good but not perfect agreement between the NCS and intraoperative findings, perhaps because transcutaneous NCS are less accurate when a nerve is surrounded by muscle. The information obtained in this study is valuable when planning surgery to address ulnar nerve compression.
Fixed point properties of the binomial function

Fixed point properties of the binomial function are developed. It is shown that for any 1 pD if, and only if, pFA < p < pD. When this condition is satisfied, as N → ∞, TLN(pFA) → 0 and TLN(pD → 1.
The glass transition in athermal poly(α‐methyl styrene)/oligomer blends

The glass transition behavior in athermal blends of poly(α-methyl styrene) (PaMS) and its hexamer is investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results, along with previous data on similar blends of PaMS/pentamer, are analyzed in the context of the Lodge–McLeish self-concentration model. A methodology is described to partition the calorimetric transition to obtain effective Tgs for each component of the blend. The dependences of these effective Tgs on overall blend composition are described by the Lodge–McLeish model, although the self-concentration effect is less than expected based on the Kuhn length. The length scales of the cooperatively rearranging regions for the two components in the blends are also calculated adapting Donth's fluctuation model to the partitioned DSC transitions and are found to be similar for the two components and show a slight decrease at intermediate concentrations. The kinetics associated with the glass temperature, Tg, is examined by studying the cooling rate dependence of Tg for the pure components and the blends, as well as by examining the enthalpy overshoots in the heating DSC scans. It is observed that the cooling rate dependence of Tg in PaMS/hexamer blends at intermediate concentrations is similar to that of the hexamer, indicating that the kinetics of the glass transition for blends is dominated by the high mobility oligomeric component. Moreover, compared to the pure materials, the PaMS/hexamer blends exhibit a considerably depressed enthalpy overshoot, presumably resulting from their broader relaxation time distribution. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 418–430, 2008
Dynamic formation of diffuse boundaries and quasi-static domain growth in magnetic thin films

Using photographs obtained with a 10 nsec exposure time Kerr magneto-optic camera, the dynamic and quasi-static growth of reverse domains from nucleation centers at the edge of magnetic thin films have been studied and compared. The dynamic reverse domains grow wide, jagged ends consisting of segments of transverse diffuse boundaries, while the quasi-static domains are commonly observed to have sharp, well-defined tips. The photographs clearly show that dynamic domain tip propagation does not occur by the lateral movement of the domain walls defining the tip, but rather by the longitudinal propagation of the diffuse boundary at the end. The widening of the tips is shown to be expected theoretically and to be caused by the magnetostatic stray fields arising from the divergence of the magnetization at the tip.
Assessing and managing risks to information assurance: A methodological approach

Recent events such as the September 11th attack, the Yahoo! denial-of-service attack, the I Love You virus, and the Code Red worm have sparked a dramatic interest in assuring the future security of information infrastructures. Information systems are increasingly interconnected, interdependent, and complex. Information assurance (IA) attempts to answer critical questions of trust and credibility associated with our digital environment. It presents myriad considerations and decisions that transcend many dimensions: technological advancement, legal, political, economic, social, cultural, institutional, organizational, and educational. Despite the millions of dollars spent on firewalls, encryption technologies, and intrusion detection software, information infrastructure vulnerabilities and disruptive incidents continue. These trends have a significant impact on military operations now and for the next decades. This paper identifies and develops a methodological framework for assessing and managing IA risks. The methodology is based on the systems engineering design process as well as on the guiding principles of risk assessment and management. It builds on hierarchical holographic modeling (HHM) and risk filtering, ranking, and management (RFRM). HHM identifies a plethora of risk scenarios and sources of risk that are innate in current complex information systems. The flexibility of the HHM philosophy permits limitless representations of systems perspectives, constrained only by the knowledge, creativity, and imagination of the analyst and the appropriateness of the modeling efforts. RFRM is an eight-phase process that filters the hundreds of risk scenarios down to a manageable few (10–20), and ranks them. The risk management phase then identifies the acceptable policy options and analyzes the tradeoffs among them by using quantifiable risk management tools. This process analyzes the wealth of statistical data on losses due to system failures, to intrusions, or to vulnerabilities of information assurance. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 5: 286–314, 2002
Thermometry of Polycrystalline Silicon Structures Using Raman Spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy was investigated as a method for the temperature and stress measurement in thermal MEMS devices. Calibrations of the Stokes Raman shift and the Stokes to anti-Stokes intensity ratio for doped samples were performed in order to calculate the temperature on simple polysilicon structures. Straight and serpentine micro-heaters of various sizes were fabricated from 2 micron doped polysilicon films on thick sacrificial oxide layers. Operating temperatures were measured at a range of input powers for devices attached to the oxide layer as well as released structures. Measurements show that all devices can exceed 400°C with the released devices requiring much less power, as expected. Temperature measurements using the Stokes shift method were compared to the conventional intensity ratio method in order to deduce the effects of thermal stresses on the temperature measurements. Using this method, it was found that thermal stresses could be qualitatively determined simultaneously with temperature in silicon MEMS devices. The effects of stress, however, results in less than a 10% difference in temperature over all of the input powers tested in this study.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
A Framework for Understanding the Relationships between Religions and Markets

Religions and religious institutions affect markets in a variety of ways. The objectives of this study are threefold. First, it details the parameters of market activity affected by religions and r...
MATURITY AND REFUNDING EFFECTS ON TREASURY-BOND FUTURES PRICE VARIANCE

Both Samuelson's maturity hypothesis and the Anderson-Danthine state variable hypothesis are tested in this study of the variance of Treasury-bond futures prices. Both maturity and the quarterly refunding of Treasury debt have statistically and economically significant effects on futures price variance. The evidence for a monotonic maturity effect is highly statistically significant and robust to changes in model specification. The quarterly refunding is less statistically significant, and it is not clear whether the greatest effect is in the auction week or two weeks thereafter. Economically, these two predictable effects are of greater importance than a change in the discount rate.
Biomass energy of rice drying

Abstract An indirect-fired biomass furnace was used to determine the thermal energy available from rice straw, Dallis bermudagrass and sugarcane bagasse. Bomb calorimetry was used to determine the energy content of the agricultural biomass. Temperature, airflow and relative humidity measurements were made to determine the heat utilized for drying. Three batches of rough rice were dried from 21 to 12·7% moisture with average furnace efficiency of 41% for rice straw and bermudagrass bales. Drying efficiency of over 60% was achieved with air temperature rise of at least 5°C.
The mechanics of automated trade execution systems

Abstract The algorithms of three automated trade execution systems are compared with respect to price discovery and quantity determination in markets for futures, options, and stocks. Efficiency of these systems is measured using the classical benchmark of Walrasian equilibrium pricing; welfare is measured in terms of trader and customer surplus. Floor trading is analyzed similarly and provides another benchmark for comparison of system performance. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Number: 314.
A three-fluid model of solar winds

Abstract A three-fluid model of solar winds is studied, in which the three constituents, electrons, protons and alpha particles, are coupled by an electric field. Each constituent expands isothermally under the action of a pressure gradient and solar gravitation. It is found that the three-fluid hydrodynamic equations possess a critical solution, in which all three constituents expand supersonically to infinity. In this hydrodynamic equilibrium the abundance of alpha particles compared to protons decreases as the solar plasma expands.
Towards privacy-preserving fault detection

In this paper, we discuss the problem of detecting general faults in distributed systems that handle confidential information. Detecting non-crash faults is difficult in this setting because, to check the behavior of a given node, we need to know its expected behavior -- but that can depend on the confidential information. Classical zero-knowledge proofs are difficult to apply because they are designed to verify functions with a fixed number of inputs, but in many distributed systems, both the size and the number of a node's "inputs" (the messages it has received from other nodes) are not known.We propose an approach that can efficiently provide zero-knowledge fault detection for certain systems. Our approach spreads the detection tasks across multiple nodes, leveraging a node's existing knowledge whenever possible. We use epistemic reasoning to infer such knowledge, and we combine classical zero-knowledge proofs with a special data structure to handle inputs of unknown size. We show how our approach can be applied to a simple example system, and we report some initial performance measurements.
Plasma dynamics and stability of radial foil explosions on COBRA

Radial foil configurations can generate high energy density plasmas with pressures on the order of 1 Mbar on a 1MA, 100 ns rise time pulsed-power generator such as the COrnell Beam Research Accelerator (COBRA). In this experimental set-up, a thin metallic foil stretched on a circular anode connects to a very small “pin” cathode. Radially directed currents flow through the foil then down the pin cathode, thereby generating an axisymmetric toroidal magnetic field. The plasma current density J interacts with the magnetic field B and the resulting J×B force accelerates the foil vertically until a plasma cavity forms. Connecting to the cathode via a central plasma column (Z-pinch), this “bubble” contains most of the magnetic field produced by the current discharge. Using very simple considerations, the plasma force density f roughly follows a quadratic power law equation. As a result, it is possible to control the plasma dynamics by adjusting the foil thickness h and the pin radius r pin . This level of control proved extremely efficient at improving plasma properties and limiting the growth of plasma instabilities. For instance, radial foil discharges using 5µm aluminum foils and 500 µm-diameter pin cathodes produce many hot spots with electron densities above 5×1022 cm−3 and electron temperatures above 1.5 keV. On the other hand, pin cathodes with diameter larger than 2 mm yielded plasmas with more modest properties: electron densities below 1020cm−3, temperatures below 300 eV and no hot spot. Instabilities tend to appear early in the discharge with smaller cathodes, before current peak. They are dominant inside the central plasma column and are responsible for generating most hot spots. By adjusting the foil thickness, the onset of instabilities can be delayed until the current peaks, de facto maximizing plasma radiation burst intensity. When possible, we will compare experimental data to computational results obtained with the newly developed PERSEUS code, which solves extended MHD equations, a model that goes beyond standard MHD and includes electron inertia, Hall effect and electron pressure.
Material Resources, Family Structure Resources, and Husbands' Housework Participation A Cross-National Comparison

This cross-national analysis examines whether wives' material resources and family structure resources affect husbands' housework. Logistic regressions analyze data from four Southeast and East Asian countries at varying levels of capitalist development as well as from one late industrialized country (the United States). Resources embodied in employment, education, reproductive decision making, and childbearing are found to have no consistent effects on husbands' regular housework participation. These findings corroborate international studies on the division of family labor that call for more cultural and ideological examinations of housework rather than resource and economic exchange approaches.
The SNP Consortium website: past, present and future

The SNP Consortium website (http://snp.cshl.org) has undergone many changes since its initial conception three years ago. The database back end has been changed from the venerable ACeDB to the more scalable MySQL engine. Users can access the data via gene or single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) keyword searches and browse or dump SNP data to textfiles. A graphical genome browsing interface shows SNPs mapped onto the genome assembly in the context of externally available gene predictions and other features. SNP allele frequency and genotype data are available via FTP-download and on individual SNP report web pages. SNP linkage maps are available for download and for browsing in a comparative map viewer. All software components of the data coordinating center (DCC) website (http://snp.cshl.org) are open source.
A two-dimensional self-consistent numerical model for high electron mobility transistor

A new two-dimensional self-consistent numerical model for a high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) is presented. In previous two-dimensional models, the quantization of electrons in the quantum well has been treated by using a triangular well approximation in which the width of the quantum well is assumed to be zero and the quantized electrons are assumed to reside right at the heterojunction. The authors do not make the above assumptions. Instead, the spatial spreading of the electron concentration in the quantum well normal to the heterojunction is taken into account by solving Schrodinger's and Poisson's equations self-consistently. The Boltzmann transport equation, in the form of a current continuity equation, and an energy balance equation are solved to obtain the transient and steady-state transport behaviour. The I/sub d/-V/sub d/ characteristics, transconductance, gate capacitance, and unity-gain frequency of a single quantum-well HEMT are discussed. Also discussed are the dependencies of the device performance on the gate length and the doping concentration of the AlGaAs layer. >
Correlation between DFT calculated and X-ray structures from CSD, for Cu(II) and Cu(I) coordination spheres when coordinated to four acyclic amine ligands. A reconsideration of copper(II) planarity

The Cambridge Crystallographic Database (CSD) shows [CuIIL4]2+ complexes, L = acyclic amine, fitting well with theoretically calculated structures to describe a planar-to-flat tetrahedral transformation pathway. Statistically, the CuII “planar” coordination sphere shows two distinct sets of trans N–Cu–N bond angles, 180° and near 150°, with the latter somewhat energetically favored according to DFT results. The planar structure is not confirmed theoretically when an example of these molecules in the CSD is geometrically minimized, suggesting that crystallographic or packing forces help to generate the planar structure in the crystal. Results of energy calculations from DFT seem to explain this feature. Less planar and more tetrahedral examples in the CSD are also found and compare well with theoretically converged related molecules. Trans N–Cu–N bond angles near 130° seem feasible for both CuI and CuII coordination spheres. These copper complexes having the copper coordination sphere in a less tetrahedral...
Rethinking Culture in Interior Design Pedagogy: The Potential Beyond CIDA Standard 2g

An elusive concept to capture and convey, culture—in terms of a way of life—is at the heart of interior design education. The discipline’s commitment to understanding and responding to the needs of all humans is also reflected in CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation) 2014 Professional Standards that mandate the demonstration of cultural competency in interior design education. CIDA Standards represent minimum competencies for entry-level practice and, as such, they change and evolve as new knowledge, theories, and discoveries emerge across disciplines. Often exceeded by leading interior design programs, CIDA Standards serve as a bridge between the changing world environment and the direction of the profession.
Educational Needs and Barriers for Refugee Students in the United States: A Review of the Literature

Since 1975, the United States has resettled more than 2 million refugees, with approximately half arriving as children. Refugee children have traumatic experiences that can hinder their learning. The United Nations has specified in conventions, and researchers have concurred, that education is essential for refugee children's psychosocial adjustment. However, government officials, public opinion, and researchers have often differed about what is best for refugees' healthy acculturation. On the basis of a large-scale longitudinal study of the children of immigrants and refugees, Portes and Zhou (1993) suggested the theory of segmented assimilation, which accounts for diverse entry situations and receptions of immigrant and refugee populations. This review uses their theory to consider the needs and obstacles to education for refugees, and interventions for success.
Low-blank digestion of geological samples for platinum-group element analysis using a modified Carius Tube design

We have developed a modified Carius Tube design that permits the low-blank digestion of geological samples prior to platinum-group element analysis. The new Carius Tubes in- corporate a liner of high-purity quartz glass that retains the sample and acids during the digestion procedure. This dramati- cally reduces the comparatively high Pt blank associated with dissolutions in conventional Carius Tubes. Using the new Car- ius Tube design we are able to achieve total procedural blanks for the determination of the PGE in geological samples that are at the 1-15 pg/g level for Ru, Pd, Ir and Pt. This constitutes a reduction of blank values by a factor of ~10-100 compared to standard NiS fire assay sample preparation techniques.
Bistable electrical-switching behaviour in glasses and other media

Abstract : Reversible bistable electrical switching in uncommon thin-film glasses has recently been reported. A brief study of the mechanisms involved has produced evidence of similar switching in other insulators and air gaps. The device appears to function by producing a metallic bridge between the electrodes. (Author)
Diffusion on a nanoparticle surface as revealed by electrochemical NMR

Surface diffusion of chemisorbed CO (from MeOH electrochemisorption) on pure and Ru-modified nanoscale Pt electrocatalyst surfaces has been investigated by solid-state electrochemical NMR (EC-NMR) in the presence of supporting electrolyte. Temperature-dependent nuclear spin-spin and spin-lattice relaxation measurements enable the diffusion activation energy, E, to be deduced. It is shown that the activation energy E correlates with the steady state current for MeOH electro-oxidation. A simple two-dimensional collision theory model is proposed to explain this intriguing observation, which may provide new mechanistic insights into the promotion of CO-tolerance in Pt/Ru fuel cell catalysts.
Response summation with discriminative stimuli controlling responding on separate manipulanda

Rats were reinforced on a VI 30-sec schedule for responding on one lever during light and on the other lever during tone. Responses were never reinforced when neither light nor tone was on, and a response on either lever could produce reinforcement when both stimuli were present. Although reinforcement frequency was the same during light, tone, and light plus tone, subjects made more total responses during the last condition and shifted rapidly from bar to bar only when both light and tone were present. Response summation was interpreted as an example of concurrent schedules.
Feeding behavior, epidermal structure and mucus cytochemistry of the scleractinian Mycetophyllia reesi, a coral without tentacles.

Abstract The scleractinian Mycetophyllia reesi lacks even the vestiges of tentacles, but quickly captures particulate food by mucus entanglement. Mesenterial filaments emerge through the oral opening, collect the mucus-embedded particulates, and withdraw to the gastrovascular system within 15 min. Mucocytes dominate the outer epidermis with about 3000 cells/mm2 and are capable of apocrine discharge en masse. Mucocytes are spumous, typically with web-like inclusions, which for the most part lack electron opacity with ordinary staining, and are only weakly PAS positive. In contrast, the mucus reacts strongly to diamine and other reagents that suggest an appreciable acidic mucopolysaccharide component. The strongest staining reaction occurs in the presence of high iron diamine, suggesting with other tests that the mucus contains significant quantities of sulfated polysaccharides. Cells with cilia anchored by spiriliform microvilli flank the mucocytes and possess small, spumous inclusions that contain acidic, sulfated, and neutral polysaccharides that do not appear to discharge during feeding. These support cells are closely intertwined with narrow, sinuous, secretory cells containing an electron-opaque cytoplasm of unknown composition that is discharged along with mucus during feeding. The outer epidermis also contains scattered cnidae, rather than the clusters or batteries typical of tentacles. The overwhelming abundance of mucocytes is consistent with their importance in feeding. Likewise, the small number of epidermal cnidae suggest they play a minor role in acquiring food. An inner epidermal layer associated with the mesoglea contains epitheliomuscular cells, nerve cells and pigment cells. The two epidermal layers form an essentially pseudostratified, architecturally simple epithelium.
Combining GPS and repeating earthquakes for a high resolution analysis of subduction zone coupling

Abstract Increasingly complex spatiotemporal patterns of subduction zone coupling are being revealed by geodetic and seismic observations. Understanding the mechanisms which control it is useful for improving seismic hazard assessments. GPS and characteristically repeating earthquakes (CREs) are complementary datasets for monitoring aseismic slip. Here, both of them are combined to estimate the rate and distribution of creep on the northeast Japan subduction zone between 21 March 1996 and 24 September 2003. We find that the majority of the upper part at 0–30 km depth remains locked. There are three regions creeping at 7–8 cm/yr distributed along-strike at 40–70 km depth. We observe that these creeping regions occur in areas of low effective pressure and reduced porosity, which are inferred from Vp and Vs velocities. Moreover, an area of high clay content and high effective pressure coincides with the rupture area of the Tohoku-oki earthquake. We discuss these results in the context of potential mechanisms governing creep in northeast Japan. Our results highlight the benefits of combining GPS and CREs for advancing our understanding of the seismic cycle in subduction zones.
Root and Tuber Phytoliths and Starch Grains Document Manioc (Manihot Esculenta), Arrowroot (Maranta Arundinacea), and Llerén (Calathea sp.) at the Real Alto Site, Ecuador

Although roots and tubers are dietary staples in many parts of the world, their use is difficult to document archaeologically because their organic remains are often poorly preserved in archaeological sediments. Here we describe the first diagnostic phytoliths from the underground storage organs of the important New World agricultural crops manioc or yuca (Manihot esculenta Crantz), arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea L.), and lleren (Calathea allouia [Aubl.] Lindl.) and demonstrate their usefulness for identifying prehistoric root and tuber processing with a study of stone artifacts from a Valdivia 3 (2800–2400 B.C., calibrated) household at Real Alto, Ecuador. Gelatinized starch (heat-altered) and unaltered starch from maize (Zea mays L.), arrowroot, and manioc were also found on these stone tools. Our data document early evidence for manioc in Ecuador's coastal lowlands. In combination, these phytoliths and starch residues provide evidence that both raw and cooked foods were processed in this early mixed agricultural economy.
Storage Conditions Affecting Increase in Falling Number of Soft Red Winter Wheat Grain

Falling number (FN) of wheat grain, a measure of preharvest sprouting, tends to increase during storage; however, grain and storage conditions that impact FN changes are poorly understood. Wheat grain samples of varying FN from several cultivars were obtained by artificial sprouting, by incubating wheat stalks, or directly from the field and were used to determine the effects of cultivar, storage temperature, grain moisture content, and initial FN on changes in FN and α-amylase activity. Increases in FN of artificially sprouted grain during storage were affected by temperature but not evidently by grain moisture in the range of 10.0–13.0%. The FN of artificially sprouted grain increased when stored at 5, 23, and 35°C for 20 weeks by averages of 9.4, 24.1, and 34.4, respectively. The influences of storage temperature and initial FN of grain obtained from incubated stalks were different between cultivars when stored for 8 weeks. Wheat grain obtained directly from the field also exhibited significant increas...
Neural control of gonadotropin secretion in primates.

In the rhesus monkey, there is abundant evidence to indicate that ovarian secretions, mainly estradiol-17β, control “tonic” as well as “cyclic” secretion of gonadotropins during the menstrual cycle. This mechanism of control ensures coordination of ovarian morphology and anterior pituitary secretory patterns. The primary site of action of estradiol in controlling both “tonic” and “cyclic” secretion of gonadotropins has been circumscribed to the medial basal hypothalamic-pituitary unit. A modulatory role in “cyclic” secretion by neural structures situated within the anterior hypothalamic-preoptic area or by efferent fibers in passage through this region also has been postulated. However, the accrued evidence indicates that in the primate, contrary to the rodent, the role of these rostral neural structures is not essential for menstrual cyclicity. Strong evidence also indicates that the isolated pituitary gland can respond to estrogen signals as well. Secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, the hypothalamic decapeptide, into the long portal vessels is, however, essential to maintain function of the gonadotroph. Further, pulsatile release of luteinizing hormone is distinctly under the control of a similarly paced hypothalamic clock.
Innovative Tools and Technology for Analysis of Single Cells and Cell–Cell Interaction

Heterogeneity in single-cell responses and intercellular interactions results from complex regulation of cell-intrinsic and environmental factors. Single-cell analysis allows not only detection of individual cellular characteristics but also correlation of genetic content with phenotypic traits in the same cell. Technological advances in micro- and nanofabrication have benefited single-cell analysis by allowing precise control of the localized microenvironment, cell manipulation, and sensitive detection capabilities. Additionally, microscale techniques permit rapid, high-throughput, multiparametric screening that has become essential for -omics research. This review highlights innovative applications of microscale platforms in genetic, proteomic, and metabolic detection in single cells; cell sorting strategies; and heterotypic cell–cell interaction. We discuss key design aspects of single-cell localization and isolation in microfluidic systems, dynamic and endpoint analyses, and approaches that integrate ...
Reviewing Conversation Theory and Mobile Learning

To understand that learning comes from a communication process is the first step to comprehending Conversation Theory. A message is sent through a channel, causing dialogue between two entities. Thus, effective communication occurs when a participant in a dialogue is able to recognize other participants’ understanding.
Functional Heteromeric PIEZO1 Ion Channels

Eukaryotic PIEZO1 ion channels are cation selective and open with membrane tension. The channel is further characterized by voltage dependent inactivation and a conductance of ∼45 pS. We mutated the glutamic acid at position 2117 to an aspartic acid and this increased channel conductance to 72 pS. The mutations E2117A or E2117K lowered channel conductance. These mutations did not alter the current-voltage relationship or the ion selectivity, suggesting that the site is not in the selectivity filter but possibly near the pore. This is consistent with the cryo EM structure of mPiezo1 where the homologous residue is near, but not in the pore located toward the C-terminus. These mutations also affected the rates of activation and inactivation implying that the C-terminus is involved in channel gating. The mutation E2117D slowed the inactivation rate 8-fold. We made heteromeric channels in HEK cells by co-transfecting with high and low conductance mutants. This created active channels with two new unitary conductances indicating that pore formation occurs at the subunits’ interface. The number of new conducting states supports the trimer structure as revealed by Cryo EM. This is the first demonstration of functional heteromers of Piezo channels. Heteromeric formation is likely to be important for understanding the physiological activity of these channels.
The Influence of the Size of the Inoculum on the Incubation Period and Course of Rabbit Syphilis

Neisser 1 concluded that the number of Spirochaeta pallida in the infecting suspension exerted an appreciable influence, not only on the success of the inoculation, but also on the incubation period of the primary lesion in apes. More recently, Nichols and Walker 2 reported that apparently the inoculation of a suspension rich in spirochetes into the scrotum of rabbits shortened considerably the incubation period of the primary lesion. Brown and Pearce 3 found that the inoculation of a dilute lymph node emulsion of spirochetes into the testicles of rabbits lengthened the incubation period but did not alter the later progress of the orchitis. Chesney and Kemp 4 infected rabbits intratesticularly with graduated doses of the Nichols strain of the organism. They found an inverse ratio between the size of the dose of the spirochete and the incubation period, but observed no marked effect of the number of spirochetes in the inoculum on the subsequent course of the disease. These workers also comment on the desirability of studying the effect of an even smaller inoculum on the incubation period and on the subsequent course of experimental rabbit syphilis. We have conducted a similar study, but have used greater dilutions of the spirochete for our inoculations than did Chesney and Kemp.
Growth and sporulation of Botrytis convoluta with various carbon and nitrogen sources.

Botrytis convoluta Whetzel & Drayton utilized the carbohydrates maltose, glucose, sucrose, starch, galactose, and fructose, in order from good to poor. Lactose and sorbose were very poor carbon sources. Nitrogen sources, from good to poor, were casein hydrolysate, L-asparagine, ammonium tartrate, ammonium sulfate, L-glutamine and potassium nitrate. Glycine and urea were very poor nitrogen sources. Sporulation was generally most profuse on the solid media which stimulated maximum growth. No sporulation occurred on media containing sorbose, glycine or urea or on media lacking a carbon or nitrogen source.
Polymer Chain Shape of Poly(3-alkylthiophenes) in Solution Using Small-Angle Neutron Scattering

The chain shape of polymers affects many aspects of their behavior and is governed by their intramolecular interactions. Delocalization of electrons along the backbone of conjugated polymers has been shown to lead to increased chain rigidity by encouraging a planar conformation. Poly(3-hexylthiophene) and other poly(3-alkylthiophenes) (P3ATs) are interesting for organic electronics applications, and it is clear that a hierarchy of structural features in these polymers controls charge transport. While other conjugated polymers are very rigid, the molecular structure of P3AT allows for two different planar conformations and a significant degree of torsion at room temperature. It is unclear, however, how their chain shape depends on variables such as side chain chemistry or regioregularity, both of which are key aspects in the molecular design of organic electronics. Small-angle neutron scattering from dilute polymer solutions indicates that the chains adopt a random coil geometry with a semiflexible backbon...
Post Implantation Treatment of Silicon Carbide-Based Sensors for Hydrogen Detection Properties Enhancement

Palladium ion implantation was performed at energies of 35 keV, 50 keV and 100 keV, at both room temperature (RT) and 500 °C, on two identical sets of 6H, n-type silicon carbide samples. Then, one set of samples was subjected to a post-implantation sputtering process, in order to eliminate the substrate layer damaged by the palladium ions during implantation. Electrical and micro-Raman measurements have been performed on both sets of samples, aiming for a better understanding of the chemical processes that take place in the presence of hydrogen atmosphere in the chemical sensors prepared this way.
Therapeutic Biomaterials from Chemically Modified Hyaluronan

This chapter explores the chemical modification of hyaluronan and the potential uses of these biomaterials in tissue engineering and drug delivery. Most chemical modification strategies target the carboxyl and hydroxyl groups of the sugar moieties. First, the basic chemistry of these modifications is reviewed. Then, the uses of these and other reactions to produce biomedically useful hyaluronan-derived materials are explored. Hyaluronan is a nonsulfated glycosaminoglycan present in all connective tissues as a major constituent of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Due to its unique physicochemical properties and distinctive biological functions, this polyanionic polymer is an attractive building block for new biocompatible and biodegradable materials in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and viscosupplementation. However, the poor biomechanical properties of this soluble, natural polymer and its rapid degradation in vivo preclude many direct clinical applications. Therefore, to obtain materials that are more mechanically and chemically robust, a variety of chemical modification strategies have been explored to produce insoluble or gel-like hyaluronan materials. These hyaluronan derivatives have physicochemical properties that may significantly differ from the native polymer. Most derivatives are biocompatible and biodegradable and retain the pharmacological and therapeutic properties of native hyaluronan.
Referral Tracking of TB Patients Reported by Sichuan Non-TB Control Institutions on Network,2006-2010

Objective To analyze the referral tracking situation of TB patients reported by Sichuan non-TB control insititutions on network,explore the effective mechanism for cooperation of medication and prevention,further to enhance the capacity of TB patients discovery from the crowd.Methods Relevant statistical data was analyzed by using Excel 2003;descriptive analysis of track referrals for five years was conducted according to indicators of national requirements.Results Among the TB patients and suspected TB patients reported by non-TB control institutions on network during 2006-2010,the rate of proper referral and proper tracking was 44.76% and 64.65% respectively,with the overall proper rate 80.43%.Rate of proper referral in 5 years were 37.37%,44.75%,46.29%,43.63% and 53.23%;rate of proper tracking in 5 years were 41.91%,59.87%,67.18%,82.57% and 86.03%;overall proper rate in 5 years were 63.61%,77.83%,82.19%,90.17% and 93.47%.TB patients reported by non-TB control institutions were mainly patients without sputum examination,accounting for 75.31%.Among the TB patients or suspected TB patients that properly tracked by TB control institutions,40.64% of them were excluded by TB control institutions,only 3.77% had not take sputum examination.Conclusion During the past five years,the rate of proper referral,proper tracking and the overall proper rate increased year by year.The cooperation of medication and prevention has significant achivement.
Staging ovarian cancer diagnosed during laparoscopy: accuracy rather than immediacy.

ABSTRACTImmediate staging and debulking of an unsuspected ovarian malignancy detected at the time of diagnostic laparoscopy is appropriate when personnel knowledgeable in these procedures are available. However, when assistance is unavailable, termination of the diagnostic laparoscopy and timely ref
Arg188 drives RhoC membrane binding

RhoA and RhoC GTPases are 92% identical but demonstrate unique regulation and function. Phosphorylation of Ser188 has widely been reported to inhibit RhoA activity. RhoC possesses Arg188 in place of Ser188 but retains a canonical upstream PKA recognition sequence. We report here that RhoC-R188S was a PKA substrate in vitro and exhibited less GTP loading compared to wild-type RhoC when expressed in cells. Transiently expressed RhoC was found to be significantly more membrane associated than RhoA. Membrane association of RhoC-R188S and RhoC-R188A were similar to each other and wild-type RhoA, suggesting that Arg188 directly promotes RhoC membrane binding. The positive influence of Arg188 on RhoC membrane association was evident in a constitutively active (Q63L) background. In accordance, RhoA-S188R was significantly more membrane associated than either RhoA or RhoA-S188A. Altogether, these data suggest that swapping residue 188 identity effectively flips the membrane binding profile of wild-type RhoA and RhoC through positive arginine contribution rather than negative phosphoserine regulation.
Belief and certainty

I argue that believing that p implies having a credence of 1 in p. This is true because the belief that p involves representing p as being the case, representing p as being the case involves not allowing for the possibility of not-p, while having a credence that’s greater than 0 in not-p involves regarding not-p as a possibility.