cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Double Standards in Medical Research in Developing Countries

This book examines the ethical controversies that have surrounded the design and conduct of international medical research sponsored by industrialized countries or industry, and carried out in developing countries. The chief concern is that research subjects in developing countries may be exploited because sponsors of research employ double standards. One debate focuses on whether the standard of care provided to subjects of medical research in developing countries should be the same as what research subjects receive in North America and Europe. Other concerns are whether the process of obtaining informed consent in developing countries is adequate, and whether prior ethical review of research meets standards that are well established in the industrialized world. Recent international developments show that essential medications can be made affordable and accessible to developing countries, and that double standards need not prevail.
Effects of sevoflurane and isoflurane on cardiac and coronary dynamics in chronically instrumented dogs.

To assess the hemodynamic properties of the new inhalational anesthetic sevoflurane, 22 dogs were chronically instrumented for measurement of heart rate, aortic, left ventricular and left atrial pressures, cardiac output, and coronary blood flow. Dogs were randomly assigned to two groups, receiving
Hydrothermal and microwave-hydrothermal preparation of silica gels

Abstract We report here the rapid preparation and characterization of silica gels under conventional-hydrothermal (CH) as well as microwave-hydrothermal (MH) conditions from tetraethoxysilane and water in a molar ratio of 1:4 but without adding any alcohol as a co-solvent. Silica gels were prepared at 138 °C in 2 h by both CH and MH processing while heating in an oven at 60 °C required 48 h for complete gelation. Gelation was not complete in a water bath at 60 °C even after 48 h. The rapid preparation of silica gels under CH and MH conditions is expected to save time, and maybe energy.
Crystal structures of an antibody to a peptide and its complex with peptide antigen at 2.8 A

The three-dimensional structures of an antibody to a peptide and its complex with the peptide antigen have been determined at 2.8 A resolution. The antigen is a synthetic 19-amino acid peptide homolog of the C helix of myohemerythrin (Mhr). The unliganded Fab9 crystals are orthorhombic with two molecules per asymmetric unit, whereas the complex crystals are hexagonal with one molecule per asymmetric unit. The Fab9 and the Fab9-peptide complex structures have been solved independently by molecular replacement methods and have crystallographic R factors of 0.197 and 0.215, respectively, with no water molecules included. The amino-terminal portion of the peptide sequence (NH2-Glu-Val-Val-Pro-His-Lys-Lys) is clearly interpretable in the electron density map of the Fab9-peptide complex and adopts a well-defined type II beta-turn in the concave antigen binding pocket. This same peptide amino acid sequence in native Mhr is alpha-helical. The peptide conformation when bound to the Fab9 is inconsistent with binding of the Fab9 to native Mhr, and suggests that binding of the Fab9 to conformationally altered forms of the native Mhr or to apo-Mhr. Immunological mapping previously identified this sequence as the peptide epitope, and its fine specificity correlates well with the structural analysis. The binding pocket includes a large percentage of hydrophobic residues. The buried surfaces of the peptide and the antibody are complementary in shape and cover 460 A2 and 540 A2, respectively. These two structures now enable a comparison of a specific monoclonal Fab9 both in its free and antigen complexed state. While no major changes in the antibody were observed when peptide was bound, there were some small but significant side chain and main chain rearrangements.
Burge's Literal Interpretation of Frege

There was a time when philosophers assumed that no exegetical work was required to understand Frege's fundamental doctrines. Granted, people found certain passages in his writings puzzling. But they typically regarded these passages as presenting isolated difficulties that could not undermine the general consensus about Frege's central views. The need for exegesis of passages expressing those central views seemed obviated by the clarity of Frege's prose and the closeness of his concerns to ours. ' In recent years, however, this view of Frege's writings has been challenged. The secondary literature now includes interpretations of Frege's corpus so revisionist in spirit that they construe even the most renowned passages in his writings as expressing unfamiliar views. One purpose of Tyler Burge's recent article, "Frege on Knowing the Third Realm"(1992), is to respond to this challenge.2 Burge believes that, whatever motivates such interpretations, it cannot be a desire to give a straightforward literal reading of the text. For the meaning of the texts is obvious: Frege is the uncompromising realist and Platonist most have thought him. Those who have offered idealist or deflationary interpretations of Frege's writings, according to Burge, must face up to the fact that their interpretations simply go afoul of the words on Frege's pages.3 But, as I will argue below, it is Burge, not the revisionist, whose interpretation goes afoul of the words on Frege's pages; it is Burge whose interpretation requires that numerous passages be reinterpreted or explained away.4 My argument has two parts. Because, on his view, the content of Frege's fundamental views is so obvious, Burge thinks that the appropriate response to revisionist interpretations amounts to straightfor-
Short-term adaptation of the VOR: Non-retinal-slip error signals and saccade substitution

We studied short-term (30 min) adaptation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) in five normal humans using a "position error" stimulus without retinal image motion. Both before and after adaptation a velocity gain (peak slow-phase eye velocity/peak head velocity) and a position gain (total eye movement during chair rotation/amplitude of chair motion) were measured in darkness using search coils. The vestibular stimulus was a brief ( approximately 700 ms), 15 degrees chair rotation in darkness (peak velocity 43 degrees /s). To elicit adaptation, a straight-ahead fixation target disappeared during chair movement and when the chair stopped the target reappeared at a new location in front of the subject for gain-decrease (x0) adaptation, or 10 degrees opposite to chair motion for gain-increase (x1.67) adaptation. This position-error stimulus was effective at inducing VOR adaptation, though for gain-increase adaptation the primary strategy was to substitute augmenting saccades during rotation while for gain-decrease adaptation both corrective saccades and a decrease in slow-phase velocity occurred. Finally, the presence of the position-error signal alone, at the end of head rotation, without any attempt to fix upon it, was not sufficient to induce adaptation. Adaptation did occur, however, if the subject did make a saccade to the target after head rotation, or even if the subject paid attention to the new location of the target without actually looking at it.
Acute segmental renal infarction: Difficulty in diagnosis despite multimodality approach

Abstract The radiographic features of an acute segmental renal infarct are described as determined by intravenous urography, retrograde pyelography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, and radionuclide renography. Despite the combined approach, the radiographic features alone were not sufficiently distinctive to permit preoperative diagnosis. The limitations of these radiographic modalities are discussed with respect to differentiating an acute segmental renal infarct from other hypovascular infiltrating renal lesions.
Self-monitoring and humor production1

According to reviews by Goodchilds (1972) and Lieberman (1977) of research on humor, the least studied component of the humorous event is the humorous person. Results of two studies investigating the relation between individual differences in self-monitoring and humor production are reported. In the first study, subjects completed a self-report measure of humorousness, captioned as many cartoons as possible within five minutes, and performed a three-minute monologue. The second study involved a group-discussion task. As predicted, high self-monitors compared to low self-monitors rated themselves as more humorous, generated more humorous cartoon captions, produced more humorous monologues, and were nominated by group participants as having made more witty remarks. The humorousness of the high self-monitors was discussed in terms of control of affective display and mastery of interpersonal skills required to initiate and maintain social interaction.
Autoradiographic experiments to examine uptake, anterograde and retrograde transport of tritiated serotonin in the mammalian brain.

In an attempt to define the potential application of neurotransmitter-specific transport as a method of tracing fiber connections, we have examined the uptake and subsequent ortho- and retrograde transport of tritiumlabeled serotonin (3H-5HT) in the cerebellum-raphe pallidus system. Injection of various concentrations of 3H-5HT followed by different post-injection survival times revealed different labeling patterns in the injected sites and different patterns of transport. The most striking feature is that nonserotonin neurons as well as serotonin cells were able to take up and transport the tritium label in both ortho- and retrograde fashion. The non-sertonin-specific nature of this uptake and transport is more obvious at higher concentrations of 3H-5HT (more than 9x10-5 M), with longer survival times and following pretreatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. At a concentration of 9x10-6 M 3H-5HT, only specific uptake seems to take place as evidenced by label in known serotonin cells and fiber systems; however, it was impossible to detect by autoradiography any ortho- or retrograde transport at this low concentration. Non-specific uptake and transport were observed following injection into the vestibular nuclei and oculomotor complex. This suggests that non-specific uptake and the transport of 3H-5HT or metabolites may also occur in other regions of the central nervous system.
Laboratory Chemical Hoods: A Historical Perspective

A historical review of laboratory fume hoods leads to a consideration of the current status of structural design, operating characteristics (with special reference to face velocity), safety (relative to standardized test results), energy conservation, and certification methods. Noteworthy are (1) the increasing complexity of instrumentation designed to assure full safety function plus airflow modulation to minimize energy consumption; (2) the extreme plasticity of accepted and recommended face velocity values; (3) the insensitivity of standardized hood test protocols to variations in face velocity; and (4) a serious lack of correlation between operator risk, face velocity, and standard hood test results. Safety considerations lead to the selection of laboratory fume hoods having the highest demonstrated containment capability. This is in spite of the fact that most hood operations have a low hazard rating. Energy savings could be realized if the face velocity of each hood could be modulated to match the risk associated with the work being conducted.
Human images by nuclear magnetic resonance

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals may be obtained from the human body in such a way as to produce images of anatomical slices. The NMR signal is mapped in the selected slice by application of field gradients which provide spatial encoding. Excellent NMR images are now obtained which are useful in clinical practice. Introduction of NMR imaging into major hospitals is proceeding rapidly, with 10 commercial companies supplying the market; over 500 whole body systems have been installed worldwide. As a method of medical imaging NMR has the advantage that it uses no ionizing radiation and is therefore inherently safe; moreover, it gives sections in transverse, coronal, and sagittal planes with equal ease, and has good tissue contrast and pathological contrast arising from relaxation time differences. Contrast may be improved by use of contrast agents. Current trends suggest that before very long, whole-body NMR systems will be found in all major hospitals.
The effectiveness of biofield therapies for decreasing symptoms of pain and anxiety, and improving QoL

Jain S, Mills PJ. Biofield therapies: helpful or full of hype? A best evidence synthesis. Int J Behav Med 2010; 17: 1–16.
On Moments of Negative Eigenvalues for the Pauli Operator

Abstract This paper concerns the three-dimensional Pauli operator P =(σ·( p − A (x))) 2 +V(x) with a nonhomogeneous magnetic fieldB=curl A. The following Lieb–Thirring type inequality for the moment of negative eigenvalues is established as ∑ λ j |λ j |⩽C 1 ∫ R 3 |V(x)| 5/2 − dx+C 2 ∫ R 3 [b p (x)] 3/2 |V(x)| − dx, wherep>3/2 andbp(x) is theLpaverage of |B| over certain cube centered atxwith a side length scaling like |B|−1/2. We also show that, ifBhas a constant direction, ∑ λ j |λ j |⩽C 1, λ ∫ R 3 |V(x)| γ+3/2 − dx+C 2, γ ∫ R 3 b p (x) |V(x)| γ+1/2 − dx, whereγ>1/2 andp>1.
Equine-Facilitated Prison-Based Programs within the Context of Prison-Based Animal Programs: State of the Science Review.

Equine-facilitated prison programs have become more prevalent and operate in correctional facilities in 13 states throughout the United States. However, there is a deficit of empirical knowledge to guide them. This article reviews 19 studies of prison-based animal programs and centers on patterns in the literature. It reveals how previous studies are relevant and how they can be applied to the examination of equine-facilitated prison-based interventions. Research of this field is warranted in order to study issues, such as the effectiveness of these programs, suitable participants for such programs and contraindications, and the impact of these programs on variables such as recidivism and disciplinary misconduct.
Social Connectedness and Self-Esteem: Predictors of Resilience in Mental Health among Maltreated Homeless Youth

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore social connectedness and self-esteem as predictors of resilience among homeless youth with histories of maltreatment. Connectedness variables included family connectedness, school connectedness, and affiliation with prosocial peers. The sample included 150 homeless youth aged 14 to 21 (mean age = 18 years) with the majority being an ethnic minority. Participants completed surveys using audio-CASI. Results revealed that youth with higher levels of social connectedness and self-esteem reported lower levels of psychological distress. When all predictor variables were controlled in the analysis, self-esteem remained significant for predicting better mental health.
Is antenatal care effective in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality

Women in developing countries are dying from simple preventable conditions but what impact can the procedures collectively called antenatal care having in reducing maternal mortality and morbidity? More importantly what is antenatal care? This review found that questions have been raised about the impact of antenatal care (specifically on maternal mortality) since its inception in developed countries, and that although the questions continue to be asked there is very little research trying to find answers. Many antenatal procedures are essentially screening tests yet it was found that there were very few results showing sensitivity and specificity, and that they rarely complied with the established criteria for the effectiveness of a screening test. The acknowledged gold standard measurement of effectiveness is the randomized controlled trial, yet the only results available referred to nutritional supplementation. This service of flawed methodology has been exported to developing countries and is being promoted by WHO and other agencies. This paper argues that there is insufficient evidence to reach a firm decision about the effectiveness of antenatal care, yet there is sufficient evidence to cast doubt on the possible effect of antenatal care. Research is urgently required in order to identify those procedures which ought to be included in the antenatal process. In the final analysis the greatest impact will be achieved by developing a domiciliary midwifery service supported by appropriate local efficient obstetric services. That this domiciliary service should provide care for women in pregnancy is not disputed but the specific nature of this care needs considerable clarification.
HORMONAL ALTERATIONS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, INCLUDING THE EFFECTS OF PREGNANCY

The observation in 1938 that pregnancy and jaundice ameliorate rheumatoid arthritis (RA) prompted P. S. Hench to hypothesize that adrenal insufficiency was the cause of RA. 72 These observations led to the discovery of corticosteroids, a major product of the adrenal cortex, and what was then considered a miracle cure for RA. 71 Although corticosteroids were not the cure for RA as Hench envisioned, the pursuit of hormonal abnormalities responsible for the development and expression of RA continued. The ensuing 50 years have provided many clinical studies of hormones in RA, including corticosteroids, estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate (DHEAS), adrenocorticotropic hormone, and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). Taken together, these studies support the hypothesis that abnormalities in the production and action of gonadal and sympathoadrenal hormonal mediators occur in RA and may play an important role in the susceptibility, severity, and progression of RA.
A computer-based problem-solving courseware for reinforced concrete design

Typically code-based structural design uses trial-and-error procedure that often requires several iterations, involving tedious, repetitive calculations. Also, only a limited number of examples can be presented in the classroom due to time constraint. To circumvent the situation, a logical option is to capitalize on the computer's abilities to compute, display graphics, and interface with the user. Some asynchronous Web-based course materials are available in the civil engineering technology area, but to the author's knowledge, very few exist in structural design. The purpose of this paper is to present a computer-based problem-solving courseware that has been developed to complement traditional lecture-format delivery of the reinforced concrete design course in order to enhance student learning. The courseware consists of interactive, Web-based modules. Commercial symbolic-manipulation software (e.g., Mathcad) is utilized for the calculations performed in different modules. Besides allowing for faster solution of a problem, the tool is useful for experimentation with parameter changes as well as graphical visualization.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: the evolution of a disease once considered rare

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a formerly rare disease that chiefly occurred in persons with underlying lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, is now seen with increasing frequency...
The Determination of Trace Levels of Cyanide by Ion Chromatography with Electrochemical Detection.

An improved method for the determination of trace quantities of free cyanide has been developed using ion chromatography with electrochemical detection. Detection limits of I Ag/L have been achieved with linearity of response over the range I to 1000 pg/L. The precision of replicate injections is 0.6 percent, expressed as the relative standard deviation. The method has been applied to the analysis of dust samples.
On the relationship between carbon fixation efficiency and bio-optical characteristics of phytoplankton

Bio-optical characteristics of phytoplankton and carbon assimilation were measured in the NW Atlantic Ocean near the continental shelf break South of New England (40°N/70°W) in August 2002. Discrete samples included: chlorophyll a (Chl a), phytoplankton absorption (a ph ), the photosynthetic versus irradiance (P versus E) response using carbon fixation, the maximum quantum yield for charge separation at Photosystem II (PSII) (F v /F m ) and its recovery kinetics and the functional absorption cross-section (σ PSII ). In this study, we present a robust empirical relationship that illustrates the possibility of estimating photosynthetic carbon uptake using independent measures of absorption and variable fluorescence. Covariations between the initial slope of the photosynthesis-irradiance curve normalized per Chl a, the a ph index of the ratio of photoprotective to total photosynthetic carotenoids and the dark recovery of the maximum quantum yield efficiency of PSII suggest a new pathway to estimate primary production in the marine environment, including the effect of the recent light history. Recovery kinetics in laboratory culture confirmed the effects of light history in the derived parameter from the dark incubations from natural populations.
Detection of alkanes, alcohols, and aldehydes using bioluminescence

We report a novel method for the rapid, sensitive, and quantitative detection of alkanes, alcohols, and aldehydes that relies on the reaction of bacterial luciferase with an aldehyde, resulting in the emission of light. Primary alcohols with corresponding aldehydes that are within the substrate range of the particular luciferase are detected after conversion to the aldehyde by an alcohol dehydrogenase. In addition, alkanes themselves may be detected by conversion to primary alcohols by an alkane hydroxylase, followed by conversion to the aldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase. We developed a rapid bioluminescent method by genetically engineering the genes encoding bacterial luciferase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and alkane hydroxylase into a plasmid for simultaneous expression in an E. coli host cell line. Alkanes, alcohols, or aldehydes were detected within seconds, with sensitivity in the micromolar range, by measuring the resulting light emission with a microplate reader. We demonstrate the application of this method for the detection of alkanes, alcohols, and aldehydes and for the detection of alkane hydroxylase and alcohol dehydrogenase activity in vivo. This method is amenable to the high-throughput screening needs required for the identification of novel catalysts.
Retinal Arterial Pressure Before and After Surgery for Carotid Artery Stenosis

This is a study of 45 patients who underwent angiography and surgery of one or both carotid arteries (56 surgical procedures). All patients had detailed neuro-ophthalmological evaluations including determination of retinal artery pressure (RAP) and scrutiny for emboli in small vessels. Preoperatively, the absolute RAP value has a high correlation with the degree of stenosis of the ipsilateral carotid artery when that stenosis exceeds 80%. The asymmetry of RAP values is greatest when the stenosis is much more severe in one artery than in the other. Both RAP values may show an absolute decrease when the stenosis is severe bilaterally. In these patients, postoperatively there usually is not only an increase in the RAP on the side operated on but also on the side contralateral to the initial procedure. Almost without exception, RAP should be normal after carotid artery surgery. The finding of a subnormal RAP after operation demands immediate investigation.
Finding diversity in remote code injection exploits

Remote code injection exploits inflict a significant societal cost, and an active underground economy has grown up around these continually evolving attacks. We present a methodology for inferring the phylogeny, or evolutionary tree, of such exploits. We have applied this methodology to traffic captured at several vantage points, and we demonstrate that our methodology is robust to the observed polymorphism. Our techniques revealed non-trivial code sharing among different exploit families, and the resulting phylogenies accurately captured the subtle variations among exploits within each family. Thus, we believe our methodology and results are a helpful step to better understanding the evolution of remote code injection exploits on the Internet.
The Key Role of Lower-Level Meridional Shear in Baroclinic Wave Life Cycles

A series of idealized nonlinear life cycle experiments is performed to compare changes in life cycle behavior caused by upper-level and near-surface meridional shear of the initial zonal wind. It is shown that both the eddy kinetic energy and the zonal flow accelerations produced during a cycle of growth and equilibration respond primarily to the meridional shear of the zonal wind near the surface and only weakly to shear near the tropopause. Near the critical shear for transition from anticyclonic to cyclonic life cycle behavior, the zonal flow accelerations are minimized and the eddy persistence is maximized. Above this critical shear, eddy breaking on the poleward side of the jet increases and strong cyclonic zonal wind shears are generated. The influence of baroclinic shears is minimized by using dipolar wind anomalies that are zero near the center of a basic baroclinic jet and by taking advantage of the fact that the life cycle response is very sensitive to small changes in the magnitude of initial meridional shear. The small baroclinic shears contribute to the differences in the sense that a cyclonic shear decreasing with height is slightly more effective in inducing cyclonic behavior than is a barotropic cyclonic shear with the same surface value. Upper-tropospheric eddy momentum fluxes by linear normal modes are also much more sensitive to lower-tropospheric meridional shear than to upper-tropospheric meridional shear. The primary response of normal modes to lower-tropospheric meridional shear is to change the momentum flux at all levels.
Cell wall structure of Pythium debaryanum.

The chemical composition of the fungal cell wall and particularly the occurrence of cellulose and chitin has been a matter of concern to mycologists for many years. However, relatively few genera have been carefully and completely investigated (Aronson, 1965). The Oomycetes in particular have not been extensively studied and conflicting results have been reported for some genera in this group. The cell walls of Pythium debaryanum Hesse were first investigated by Thomas (1942) who claimed to have demonstrated the presence of both cellulose and chitin, while Frey (1950) found only cellulose in his reinvestigation of this genus. We have attempted to reconcile these conflicting results and to determine the degree of complexity in the chemical composition of Pythium cell walls.
Efficacy and Safety of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Inhibitors Treatment on Cholesterol Levels: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of All Randomized Clinical Trials

Recent clinical trials have demonstrated concomitant lipid lowering treatments (LLT) with Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9I) effective in reducing blood LDL levels in hypercholesterolemia. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of PCSK9I. A
Direct simulation of diatomic gases using the generalized hard sphere model

The generalized hard sphere model which incorporates the effects of attraction and repulsion is used to predict flow measurements in tests involving extremely low freestream temperatures. For the two cases considered, a Mach 26 nitrogen shock and a Mach 20 nitrogen flow over a flat place, only rotational excitation is deemed important, and appropriate modifications for the Borgnakke-Larsen procedure are developed. In general, for the cases considered, the present model performed better than the variable hard sphere model.
Prevalence of chronic kidney disease risk factors among low birth weight adolescents.

Background By adulthood, low birth weight infants have an increased risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD). The extent to which objective CKD risk factors are present at earlier ages is unclear.
Epidermal growth factor regulation of rat NHE2 gene expression.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is involved in acute regulation of Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs), but the effect of chronic EGF administration on NHE gene expression is unknown. The present studies showed...
Clinical experience with iodine-123-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid

Initial research in dogs and later research in normal volunteers and patients with coronary artery disease indicated that 123 I-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (IPPA) can provide valuable diagnostic information. This agent compared favorably to 201 Tl in detecting stenosed coronary arteries and identified reversible lesions was greater frequency. Testing with both 201 Tl and IPPA before and after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty produced similar results, supporting the notion that IPPA deserves inclusion among the diagnostic tools used to evaluate coronary heart disease
Working with Families

This chapter elaborates on how to perform culturally relevant family assessment, and suggesting ways to conduct culturally appropriate family therapy. In order to elaborate on family pathology, it is useful to first clarify from a conceptual point of view the potential relations that may exist between individual and family pathology. Although individual psychopathology may initially receive clinical attention, individual psychopathology is merely an expression of the pathological function of the whole family. Closer examination generally reveals a particular set of dysfunctional family relationships that deserve therapeutic intervention. The next formulation is the family dynamics and environment, which can be the sources of the development of certain individual vulnerabilities, particularly throughout his or her early life. The expressions of certain observed family behavior patterns are the manifestations of subclinical pathologies of parents or family members who have the same spectrum of genetic predispositions as an individual's identified disorder. The unique environment and dynamic of the family can also provoke, maintain, or aggravate the individual psychopathology. In each society, there is a setting-dependent, culturally sanctioned way for a family to function, interact, and adapt. If for some reason a family is unable to perform in this way, the purpose of therapy is to help the family restore culturally appropriate functioning. When there is a great gap in opinions, beliefs, and attitudes among different family members, the family therapy should aim to promote the exchange of different points of view and to enhance cultural empathy and cultural translation.
Modeling infrastructure resilience using Bayesian networks

We discuss the use of Bayesian networks to calculate resilience.We model resilience from absorptive, adaptive, and restorative capacity perspectives.We study the resilience of an inland waterway network example. Infrastructure systems, including transportation, telecommunications, water supply, and electric power networks, are faced with growing number of disruptions such as natural disasters, malevolent attacks, human-made accidents, and common failures, due to their age, condition, and interdependence with other infrastructures. Risk planners, previously concerned with protection and prevention, are now more interested in the ability of such infrastructures to withstand and recover from disruptions in the form of resilience building strategies. This paper offers a means to quantify resilience as a function of absorptive, adaptive, and restorative capacities with Bayesian networks. A popular tool to structure relationships among several variables, the Bayesian network model allows for the analysis of different resilience building strategies through forward and backward propagation. The use of Bayesian networks to quantify resilience is demonstrated with the example of an inland waterway port, an important component in the intermodal transportation network.
Positive Impact of Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation on Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Advanced Chronic Systolic Heart Failure

tudy Objective To evaluate the impact of continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and advanced chronic systolic heart failure. Design Retrospective medical record review. Setting Large academic tertiary and quaternary care hospital. Patients Eighty-three adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and advanced chronic systolic heart failure who underwent implantation of a continuous-flow LVAD between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2013. Measurements and Main Results Baseline demographic data and laboratory values pertinent to glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c [A1C], total daily insulin requirements, noninsulin antidiabetic medication use, and body mass index [BMI]) were collected for each patient. Pre-LVAD data were compared with data obtained during the 24 months after LVAD implantation. The mean age of the study population was 61.3 years, 70% were men, and 63% had ischemic cardiomyopathy. The first available mean ± SD A1C after LVAD implantation was 6.21 ± 1.5% at a median of 4.8 months (interquartile range 3.3–8.9), which represented a significant decrease from the pre-LVAD A1C of 7.46 ± 1.5% (p<0.001). Average daily insulin requirements decreased by 22.9 units at the end of 24 months (p<0.001). Over half of patients with prescriptions for noninsulin antidiabetic medications were able to discontinue therapy by the end of the study. Of note, BMI increased in the second year after LVAD implantation from a baseline of 32.3 kg/m2 to 34.9 kg/m2 (p=0.004). Regression analysis revealed that baseline A1C was the only independent predictor of change in A1C. Conclusion LVAD implantation was associated with a significant improvement in glycemic control. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the long-term impact of LVAD implantation on the clinical course of diabetes.
Atomic physics: Quantum theory verified by experiment

Systems of quantum objects can be characterized by the correlations between the objects. A technique that precisely measures even the most delicate of these correlations allows models of quantum systems to be tested. See Letter p.323 Ultracold gases of rubidium atoms on a quantum chip are well established analogue quantum simulators of quantum many-body physics. The system has been proposed to be described by a field theory called the sine-Gordon model, but verifying this requires direct measurement of higher-order correlation functions. Knowing all of the correlation functions of a system implies being able to characterize the system and solve the underlying quantum many-body problem. Here, the authors measure the higher-order correlation functions in an ultracold gas on a quantum chip from interference patterns, quantitatively confirming that it can indeed be described by a sine-Gordon model. Their methodology could in principle be applied to many types of quantum systems and hence will help to transform analogue quantum simulators into more quantitative and insightful tools.
Resistance and Invention: Becoming Academic, Remaining Other.

AbstractIn this paper, we take an unsanctioned academic network, a writing group, as a site of inquiry into both the broad given-ness of the norms of the neoliberal academy and our simultaneous compliance with and resistance to these norms. We choose to comply because we are invested in becoming academics; we continue to research and write for conferences and publication and to frame our scholarly work in terms of how it can be used on our CVs. We choose to resist by working collaboratively and towards remaining intelligible (both to ourselves and to those outside the academy) while becoming scholars. Here we put several concepts to work to think about the role of the writing group in our experiences as becoming-scholars, in particular ‘becoming-minoritarian,’ ‘schizoid subjectivities,’ ‘agential assemblage,’ and ‘institutional passing.’ Then, to think about how we (might) live through the process of becoming academic, we turn to the concept of survivance.
THz QCL frequency combs and their applications

We demonstrate our development of THz frequency combs based on quantum cascade lasers and their preliminary applications in dual-comb spectroscopy.
Well-Being With Soul: Science in Pursuit of Human Potential:

This essay examines core contributions of a model of psychological well-being that has had widespread scientific impact. It drew on distant formulations to identify new dimensions and measures for assessing what it means to be well. Key themes among the more than 750 studies using the model are sketched, followed by reflections about why there has been so much interest in this eudaimonic approach to well-being. A final section looks to the future, proposing new directions to illuminate the forces that work against the realization of human potential as well as those that nurture human flourishing and self-realization.
Urca reactions during neutron star inspiral

We study the impact of nonlinear bulk viscosity due to Urca reactions driven by tidally-induced fluid motion during binary neutron star inspiral. Fluid compression is computed for low radial order oscillation modes through an adiabatic, time-dependent solution of the mode amplitudes. Optically thin neutrino emission and heating rates are then computed from this adiabatic fluid motion. Calculations use direct and modified Urca reactions operating in a $M=1.4\, M_\odot$ neutron star, which is constructed using the Skyrme Rs equation of state. We find that the energy pumped into low order oscillation modes is not efficiently thermalized even by direct Urca reactions, with core temperatures reaching only $T \simeq 10^8\, {\rm K}$ during the inspiral. Although this is an order of magnitude larger than the heating due to shear viscosity considered by previous studies, it reinforces the result that the stars are quite cold at merger. Upon excitation of the lowest order g-mode, the chemical potential imbalance reaches $\beta > 1\, {\rm MeV}$ at orbital frequencies $\nu_{\rm orb} > 200\, {\rm Hz}$, implying significant charged-current optical depths and Fermi blocking. To asses the importance of neutrino degeneracy effects, the neutrino transfer equation is solved in the static approximation for the three-dimensional density distribution, and the reaction rates are then computed including Fermi-blocking. We find that the heating rate is suppressed by factors of a few for $\nu_{\rm orb} > 200\, {\rm Hz}$. The spectrum of emitted $\nu_e$ and $\bar{\nu}_e$, including radiation transfer effects, is presented for a range of orbital separations.
Cognitive software defined radar: A reactive approach to RFI avoidance

The need for radar systems to autonomously adapt to their environment is growing along with the desire for utilizing more bandwidth. However, the RF spectrum will only continue to become more crowded. A cognitive radar system with the functionality to sense and avoid other RF signals in the radar's frequency band of interest is presented. In order to meet this challenge, the radar system developed is capable of sensing and avoiding time varying signals that change on the order of tens of milliseconds. This paper outlines the cognitive radar system design with an emphasis on system timing. The paper also describes a hardware implemented test bed for analyzing the cognitive sense and avoid algorithm with various communication signals as interference.
Diffusion kinetics of transient liquid phase bonding of Ni-based superalloy with Ni nanoparticles: A molecular dynamics perspective

Abstract Transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding has been broadly utilized to join and repair Ni-based superalloy components; however, the understanding of its diffusion kinetics is still in infancy due to challenges in in situ experimental characterization under high operating temperatures. In this research, we examine detailed diffusion kinetics of Ni-based superalloy bonding with Ni nanoparticles employing molecular dynamics (MD), aiming to advance TLP bonding by achieving a desirable diffusion-induced joint microstructure. Diffusion kinetics of TLP bonding is compared with traditional constant heating method (CHM) bonding, by examining diffusion behaviors and microstructure. Self-diffusivity of each specific element is firstly calculated using MD, demonstrating a good agreement with the reported experimental values. The nanoscale size of Ni fillers and high operating temperature induce a large mobility, thus less porosity, while a slower diffusion in TLP bonding than CHM leads to a more crystallized microstructure with nano-sized grains. In addition, non-uniform diffusivity distribution of the surrounding elements influences diffusion pathway and joint microstructure. Therefore, desirable bonding properties can be achieved through Ni nano-filler, optimal temperature, as well as effective composition of atomic surroundings.
TSV Current Crowding and Power Integrity

Due to the large geometry of through-silicon-vias (TSVs) and their connections to the power grid, significant current crowding can occur in 3D ICs. Prior works model TSVs and power wire segments as single resistors, which cannot capture the detailed current distribution and may miss trouble spots associated with current crowding. This chapter studies DC current crowding and its impact on 3D power integrity. First, we explore the current density distribution within a TSV and its power wire connections. Second, we build and validate effective TSV models for current density distributions. Finally, these models are integrated with global power wires for detailed chip-scale power grid analysis.
Vicariance and dispersal in southern hemisphere freshwater fish clades: a palaeontological perspective.

Widespread fish clades that occur mainly or exclusively in fresh water represent a key target of biogeographical investigation due to limited potential for crossing marine barriers. Timescales for the origin and diversification of these groups are crucial tests of vicariant scenarios in which continental break-ups shaped modern geographic distributions. Evolutionary chronologies are commonly estimated through node-based palaeontological calibration of molecular phylogenies, but this approach ignores most of the temporal information encoded in the known fossil record of a given taxon. Here, we review the fossil record of freshwater fish clades with a distribution encompassing disjunct landmasses in the southern hemisphere. Palaeontologically derived temporal and geographic data were used to infer the plausible biogeographic processes that shaped the distribution of these clades. For seven extant clades with a relatively well-known fossil record, we used the stratigraphic distribution of their fossils to estimate confidence intervals on their times of origin. To do this, we employed a Bayesian framework that considers non-uniform preservation potential of freshwater fish fossils through time, as well as uncertainty in the absolute age of fossil horizons. We provide the following estimates for the origin times of these clades: Lepidosireniformes [125-95 million years ago (Ma)]; total-group Osteoglossomorpha (207-167 Ma); Characiformes (120-95 Ma; a younger estimate of 97-75 Ma when controversial Cenomanian fossils are excluded); Galaxiidae (235-21 Ma); Cyprinodontiformes (80-67 Ma); Channidae (79-43 Ma); Percichthyidae (127-69 Ma). These dates are mostly congruent with published molecular timetree estimates, despite the use of semi-independent data. Our reassessment of the biogeographic history of southern hemisphere freshwater fishes shows that long-distance dispersals and regional extinctions can confound and erode pre-existing vicariance-driven patterns. It is probable that disjunct distributions in many extant groups result from complex biogeographic processes that took place during the Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic. Although long-distance dispersals likely shaped the distributions of several freshwater fish clades, their exact mechanisms and their impact on broader macroevolutionary and ecological dynamics are still unclear and require further investigation.
AKI and the Neuroimmune Axis

Neuroimmune interaction is an emerging concept, wherein the nervous system modulates the immune system and vice versa. This concept is gaining attention as a novel therapeutic target in various inflammatory diseases including acute kidney injury (AKI). Vagus nerve stimulation or treatment with pulsed ultrasound activates the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway to prevent AKI in mice. The kidneys are innervated by sympathetic efferent and sensory afferent neurons, and these neurons also may play a role in the modulation of inflammation in AKI. In this review, we discuss several neural circuits with respect to the control of renal inflammation and AKI as well as optogenetics as a novel tool for understanding these complex neural circuits.
Sortable silt records of intermediate-depth circulation and sedimentation in the Southwest Labrador Sea since the Last Glacial Maximum

Abstract The Labrador Sea is a vital region for the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), where overflow waters from the Nordic Seas mix with locally produced Labrador Sea Water (LSW), before exiting to the interior of the Atlantic Ocean. The dynamical sedimentary proxy of mean sortable silt size ( SS ¯ ) can give information on past changes in deep water circulation speed and the strength of AMOC. We have produced SS ¯ records from two core sites at depths between 1500 and 2000 m on the continental slope east of Newfoundland, to reconstruct changes in intermediate depth water circulation speed, including Glacial North Atlantic Intermediate Water and Labrador Sea Water over the past 22,000 years. Increases in SS ¯ appear to coincide with much of the deglaciation as well as the mid-late Holocene. End-member modeling suggests that ice-rafted debris (IRD) is an important factor in interpreting SS ¯ during the deglaciation. We find that a robust increase in SS ¯ is likely unrelated to IRD during the past 5 ka, and probably reflects increased flow at intermediate depths due to local production of LSW strengthening as Nordic Seas overflows weakened at this depth. Our results highlight both the complications of producing SS ¯ records in IRD-rich, slope environments and the promise that this proxy nevertheless has for reconstructing dynamical changes in deep ocean currents.
An economic analysis of harvest timing to manage the physiological storage disorder firm flesh browning in ‘Empire’ apples

Abstract Firm flesh browning of ‘Empire’ apple (Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill var. domestica Borkh.) fruit is a major cause of revenue loss for growers and storage operators. In this study, the economic impact of harvest date on revenue based on percentage pack-out (fruit size/weight and red coloration) and disorder incidence has been investigated using a budgeting model. Fruit were harvested from a commercial orchard weekly for three weeks; H1 (one week before normal harvest), H2 (normal harvest), and H3 (one week after normal harvest). Fruit samples were either untreated or treated with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and stored under controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions (2 kPa O2; 2 kPa CO2) at 0.5 °C and 2 °C. Field bins of fruit were used to assess pack-out percentages. Flesh browning was low at H1 and unaffected by 1-MCP treatment, whereas incidence was highest in fruit from H3, and especially in 1-MCP treated fruit stored at 2 °C. The enterprise budget model shows that net profits for a one hectare high density planting vary slightly between fresh-marketed fruit in the fall, and for fruit stored after nine months in CA storage, both with and without 1-MCP treatment. Net profits from one hectare are higher for H3 when fruit are marketed in the fall, in comparison to the normal harvest (H2), but at harvest, pack-out was substantially lower for fruit from H1. Fruit quality and pack-out percentages after storage depended not only on the harvest date but also on storage temperature and 1-MCP treatment. Therefore, there is an economic tradeoff between harvest date, occurrence of flesh browning, and likely net profits to producers of ‘Empire’ apples.