cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Compiler for Scalable Construction by the TERMES Robot Collective

Abstract The TERMES system is a robot collective capable of autonomous construction of 3D user-specified structures. A key component of the framework is an off-line compiler which takes in a structure blueprint and generates a directed map, in turn permitting an arbitrary number of robots to perform decentralized construction in a provably correct manner. In past work, this compiler was limited to a non-optimized search approach which scaled poorly with the structure size. Here, we first recast the process as a constraint satisfaction problem (CSP) to apply well-known optimizations for solving CSP and present new scalable compiler schemes and the ability to quickly generate provably correct maps (or find that none exist) of structures with up to 1 million bricks. We compare the performance of the compilers on a range of structures, and show how the completion time is related to the inter-dependencies between built locations. Second, we show how the transition probability between locations in the structure affect assembly time. While the exact solution for the expected completion time is difficult to compute, we evaluate different objective functions for the transition probabilities and show that these optimizations can drastically improve overall efficiency. This work represents an important step towards collective robotic construction of real-world structures.
Repurposing didanosine as a potential treatment for covid-19 using single-cell RNA sequencing data

ABSTRACT As of today (7 April 2020), more than 81,000 people around the world have died from the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. There is no approved drug or vaccine for COVID-19, although more than 10 clinical trials have been launched to test potential drugs. In an urgent response to this pandemic, I developed a bioinformatics pipeline to identify compounds and drug candidates to potentially treat COVID-19. This pipeline is based on publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data and the drug perturbation database “Library of Integrated Network-Based Cellular Signatures” (LINCS). I developed a ranking score system that prioritizes these drugs or small molecules. The four drugs with the highest total score are didanosine, benzyl-quinazolin-4-yl-amine, camptothecin, and RO-90-7501. In conclusion, I have demonstrated the utility of bioinformatics for identifying drugs than can be repurposed for potentially treating COVID-19 patients.
A Probabilistic Automated Isochrone Picking Routine to Derive Annual Surface Mass Balance From Radar Echograms

The surface mass balance (SMB) of West Antarctica is an important glaciological input to understanding polar climate and sea-level rise but with historically poor in situ data coverage. Previous studies demonstrate the utility of frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar to image subsurface layering in ice sheets, providing an additional source of data with which to estimate SMB. Traditional methods, however, require time-intensive manual oversight. Here, we present a probabilistic, fully automated approach to estimate annual SMB and uncertainties from radar echograms using successive peak-finding and weighted neighborhood search algorithms with the Monte Carlo simulations based on annual-layer likelihood scores. We apply this method to ground-based and airborne radar in a 175-km transect of the West Antarctic interior and compare the results to traditional manual methods and independent estimates from firn cores. The method demonstrates an automated estimation of SMB across a range of accumulation rates (100–450-mm water equivalent per year) and layer gradients up to 2 m/km. Based on likelihood-weighted F-scores, automated layer picks have a success rate between 64% and 84.6% compared with manually picked layers for three validation sites dispersed across the region. Comparisons between the automated SMB estimates and independent firn cores show a bias of 24 ± 70-mm water equivalent per year (12% ± 35% water equivalent of the in situ mean accumulation rate) although individual core site biases differ. This new approach permits the fully automated extraction of annual SMB rates and should be broadly and readily applicable to previously collected and ongoing radar data sets across polar regions.
Marijuana and Its Movement: Issues with Transporting a Legally Ambiguous Substance

Regardless of whether you are a commercial truck driver performing a job, a patient driving to get her medicine, or a citizen who just recreationally enjoys marijuana, the rules surrounding the transportation of marijuana are important. California became the first state to legalize the medical use of marijuana in 1996, and the prevalence of medical and recreational marijuana legalization has only expanded since then. At this point, some product or chemical compound from the cannabis plant is virtually everywhere in the United States, yet the transportation of these products has not been comprehensively debated by the public, let alone legislated. This article is focused on exploring the unique legal landscape surrounding the transportation of marijuana, hemp, and cannabidiol (CBD) from both a business and individual perspective. By showcasing examples of how businesses and individuals have been impacted by the unclarity in this area, the goal is to convey that nothing about transporting these products is risk-free and that there is unnecessary conflict between state and federal law.
100 Years of Suffrage and Girls Still Struggle to Find their “Fit” in Politics

When women gained the national right to vote 100 years ago, remarkable possibilities for their voice and presence in politics opened. However, despite gains in women’s representation, numerous gaps continue to exist in which adult women engage less in politics than men. In identifying and explaining adult gender gaps, little attention has been given to whether gaps emerge among children. This is a pressing issue because children’s perceptions are likely to influence their participation as adults. This article explores whether and how girls and boys differently view politics and their role in it. We report survey data from more than 1,600 children ages 6 to 12 to explore basic gender gaps in political interest and ambition. We argue that these results may reveal the roots of a larger problem: 100 years after women gained suffrage, girls still express less interest and enthusiasm than boys for political life and political office.
P34 Examining Skill, Stress, and Time in Food Procurement and Preparation in Food Insecure University Students

Background In recent years, university campuses have found high rates of food insecurity. Food insecurity is associated with negative health and academic outcomes. Identifying contributing and mediating factors can inform appropriate intervention development. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine skill, stress, and time related to meal planning, grocery shopping, food preparation, and budgeting in undergraduate university students. Study Design, Setting, Participants This was a cross-sectional study with undergraduate students at a private, mid-sized university in the US Midwest. Students from engineering, business, health science, education, and sociology were recruited through their campus email accounts. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Informed by qualitative semi-structured interviews with the target population, a short questionnaire examining student perception of skill, time, and stress in meal planning, grocery shopping, food preparation, and budgeting was developed. Further, the USDA short 6-item food security questionnaire was used to measure food security in the sample population. One-way Analysis of Variance and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were employed to examine the differences in skill, time, and stress across the 3 food security groups (food secure, low food security, and very low food security). Results Of the 270 undergraduate students who completed the questionnaires, 26.4% identified as low food secure and 15.5% as very low food secure. Further, there was a significant difference between groups in terms of skill, time, and stress (P Conclusions When addressing food insecurity in this population, skill-based factors and time may be mediating factors. Interventions addressing these factors may help to address food insecurity and develop lifelong skills.
Vascular Surgery in the Elderly

Evidence-based medicine has demonstrated that the geriatric population is at risk for poor surgical outcomes due to the prevalence of chronic diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and chronic lung and kidney disease. These long-standing chronic medical conditions, together with years of exposure to environmental stressors, poor diet, nicotine, alcohol, polypharmacy etc., are strong risk factors for developing vascular pathologies requiring medical and surgical intervention. The incidence of arterial diseases increases with age. Vascular surgery as a branch of surgery deals with treating and attending to this unique age group of the population. It is important for the treating physician to understand the concepts of physiological changes in the vasculature in the elderly, the different disease processes that arise as a result of them, and the various modalities available for their management. The decision to perform a vascular procedure in the elderly does not depend on knowing merely what surgeries to perform. Understanding the patient’s social background, anticipated quality of life after intervention, and presence or absence of family support forms the other half of the toolkit required to provide not only the best available treatment for the disease but the best-suited management for that patient. This patient-centered approach with the patient participating in the overall management plan is the new paradigm. This chapter acknowledges the scope of this unique issue and analyzes various vascular diseases in the elderly with special focus on the current trends in diagnosis and treatment.
A Specific Capsular Repair Technique Lowered Early Dislocations in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Through a Posterior Approach.

Abstract Background Dislocation is a challenging problem after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We sought to evaluate the incidence of early dislocation with 2 different posterior repair techniques after THA using a posterior approach. Methods From September of 2008 to August of 2019, we evaluated 841 THAs performed by a single surgeon using a posterior approach. Before November of 2015, the capsule was repaired to the greater trochanter (group 1, 605 patients). Starting November 2015, the posterior capsule was repaired in a side-to-side fashion (direct soft-tissue repair) (group 2, 236 patients). There was a mean follow-up of 31.1 months (range, 2.5-122.5 months). A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to assess the impact of baseline patient and operative factors on the dislocation rate. Results There were 22 dislocations, all of which occurred in group 1. There were no dislocations in group 2. After adjusting for patient and operative factors, the direct soft-tissue repair had a large impact on the overall multivariable model as indicated by its effect likelihood ratio of 10.33 (P = .001); however, the odds ratio was not calculable for this factor, given that there were no dislocations in hips with direct soft-tissue repair. Increasing age was associated with an increased odds of dislocation (odds ratio, 1.04, P = .017), with an effect likelihood ratio of 6.25 (P = .012). Conclusions Switching from a capsular repair to the greater trochanter to a side-to-side capsular repair was associated with a decreased rate of dislocation in primary THA through a posterior approach.
Diversity within Protestant Transnationalism: Differences in the Scope and Reach of Pentecostal/Charismatic and Evangelical Missions

Background: A growing number of studies have begun to emphasize differences between Pentecostals and Charismatics (P/Cs), on the one hand, and Evangelicals, on the other. Yet few of these studies have considered differences in transnational missions. Purpose: This study explores the extent to which P/C and Evangelical organizations vary in their transnational outreach, both in terms of what they do and where they operate. Methods: To examine these differences, I explore data on transnational American Protestant mission agencies using descriptions of trends over time and time series logistic regressions. Results: Although both P/Cs and Evangelicals tend to be concerned with otherworldly soteriological issues, I find that P/Cs are even more likely to engage in otherworldly types of activities that allow for the propagation and proliferation of the Gospel, especially with respect to evangelism and the publication and distribution of Christian literature. In addition, although both P/C and Evangelical agencies gravitate towards countries where the percentage of Protestants is low, P/C agencies are comparatively less active in countries with the lowest percentages. However, there is little evidence of differences between P/C and Evangelical agencies’ ministries when it comes to countries’ varying levels of development. Conclusions and Implications: The study concludes with several implications. First, although many differences may be more salient when distinguishing Evangelicals and P/Cs together from other Protestant traditions, there are sufficient important variations between the two former traditions to warrant treating them as analytically distinct, at least with respect to their organized transnational activism. Second, at the same time, non-findings in the study also suggest that differences between Evangelicals and P/Cs are not as pronounced at the organizational as compared to the individual level. Finally, the study reflects on the limitations of the data with recommendations for further research.
In Anxious Anticipation of Our Imminent Obsolescence

This essay focuses on exploring the anxieties of the present revealed in Blade Runner 2049. Given the projected increasing obsolescence of human beings in the face of the rapid growth of autonomous artificial intelligence, the empty dystopic vision of Blade Runner 2049 isn’t simply a fictional projection of what will be, but the manifest content of our collective avoidance of what already is taking place. It’s increasingly clear that the existence of autonomous artificial intelligences is imminent, emerging as a set of nonhuman beings that function in relationship to our own symbolic constructs only in a limited and tangential causal manner, and that they will begin to act not as a result of their programming but their own desires, dreams, anxieties and fears.
A Virtual Clinical Reasoning Case for Medical Students Using an Ophthalmology Model: A Case of Red Eye.

Introduction Triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, medical education has moved online, tasking medical educators with developing virtual learning experiences. This is particularly challenging for les...
Access to the COVID-19 Vaccine in Centralized and Dispersed Distribution Scenarios

Living near vaccination sites can reduce transportation barriers to getting the COVID-19 vaccine. We examine how access in North Carolina varies among demographic groups based on residents’ geographic proximity to potential vaccination sites in centralized and dispersed distribution scenarios. We find American Indians have substantially less proximity-based access in both scenarios; non-Hispanic Whites, older adults, and adults with lower educational attainment also live farther than average from potential vaccination sites. However, access increases more for these groups in the dispersed vaccine distribution scenario. Findings suggest programs seeking to increase vaccine access should focus on reaching members of these demographic groups.
Emerging quantum computing algorithms for quantum chemistry

Digital quantum computers provide a computational framework for solving the Schrodinger equation for a variety of many-particle systems. Quantum computing algorithms for the quantum simulation of these systems have recently witnessed remarkable growth, notwithstanding the limitations of existing quantum hardware, especially as a tool for electronic structure computations in molecules. In this review, we provide a self-contained introduction to emerging algorithms for the simulation of Hamiltonian dynamics and eigenstates, with emphasis on their applications to the electronic structure in molecular systems. Theoretical foundations and implementation details of the method are discussed, and their strengths, limitations, and recent advances are presented.
Individual and Colony Level Effects of Interactions between Two Common Forest Ant Species, Aphaenogaster carolinensis (Wheeler) and Nylanderia faisonensis (Forel)

The purpose of this project was to isolate and describe the behaviors of individuals of two ant species, Aphaenogaster carolinensis Wheeler and Nylanderia faisonensis Forel, during their interference interactions, and to relate those to effects on colonies and their access to resources. Videos were taken of baited index cards from within the shared habitat of the ant species in northeast Georgia forests. Two measures of individual behavior, change in speed and deflection, and three measures of colony behavior, time to first ant, recruitment time and maximum number of individuals, were collected from video. Nest occurrence for each species within a specified distance of baits was determined for both species as well. Nylanderia faisonensis saw greater change in speed and deflection angle in response to species interactions than A. carolinensis. Locations with N. faisonensis nests had a higher maximum number of individuals of both species. Nylanderia faisonensis had longer recruitment times at locations with A. carolinensis nests. Although N. faisonensis was always the aggressor, they experienced clear negative consequences of their interactions.
Congenital Giant Megaureter in a Sixteen-Year-Old Female Presenting with Abdominal Pain: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Abstract We describe a case of congenital giant megaureter (CGM) in a sixteen-year-old female. She presented with a five-day history of abdominal distention, right flank pain and tenderness. Right pyelonephritis was suspected. Computerized tomography (CT) showed a large cystic abdominal mass with no appreciably functioning left kidney causing secondary compression of the contralateral right ureter. A left upper nephroureterectomy was performed, draining over 3.5 L of fluid. Our experience suggests that CGM should be considered in the differential for pediatric patients presenting with a cystic abdominal mass.
Reports of Seizures Caused by Drugs

Methods: We performed a retrospective study of the reports delivered to the Peripheral Effector of the Chaco Province, during the period 2000-2007. Such reports were received from Hospitals and public and private Health Centers. For the drug classification the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification code system was used. And the Karch and Lasagna algorithm, modified by Naranjo and Colab, to determine causation was also used; labeling the ADRs as Confirmed, Probable, Possible and Doubtful.[2-3] Results: From a total of 1116 reports, 6 belong to drugs that caused seizures (0.53%), and according to the cause-effect relationship(causation), 33.3% were probables and 66.7% posibles. About the ATC code system, the first report corresponded to the R group(16.7%) with Aminophylline (5 years-old patient, male, indicated for Bronchial Asthma treatment); the following two to the A Group(33.3%) with Metoclopramide(18 months-old patient, male and 3 months-old patient, female, in both patients used as antiemetic); fourth and fifth to the J Group(33.3%) in which the first case was with Peniciline Benzatinica 2.400.000(28 years-old patient, used for Amigdalitis Pult´ acea) and in the second case with Sulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprime (17 years-old patient, male, used for pharyngitis and also previously medicated with Risperidone); the sixth report concerned the N Group (16.7%) with Lidocaine as a local anaesthetics(patient showed Grand Mal seizures after a wrist fracture infiltration). Conclusions: In case of seizure attack, a careful anamnesis has to be made and the possibility of having been produced by a drug must be considered. Beyond the etiological agent, seizures are serious events that require urgent treatment as they can be life-threatening and thereby the constant need of monitoring drugs to better test its safety.
Multistatic false alarm mitigation using a contact proximity feature Analysis and MHT processing of the Metron data set

The Metron data set was developed to facilitate and encourage collaborative analysis and comparisons of tracking methodologies within the Multistatic Tracking Working Group (MSTWG) of the International Society of Information Fusion (ISIF). It was designed to be very challenging, with dim targets and large bearing and range errors in a high noise multistatic environment. Tracking results to date have shown limited success with the full data set, although some groups have shown good results using only the tagged target contacts. This paper describes a viable method for detecting and tracking targets in partial clutter using a Kalman filter-based multihypothesis tracker. The use of Gaussian mixtures is discussed and demonstrated to address the large bearing and range errors. The high false alarm rate is mitigated using a contact proximity feature that makes use of the sequential probability ratio test-based track scoring of a multihypothesis tracker (MHT) and avoids some of the challenges and limitations of contact clustering prior to tracking.
Promising Avenues, False Starts and Dead Ends: Global Governance and Development Finance in the Wake of the Crisis

Significantly revised, April 2011The paper examines three related questions. How is the crisis affecting the governance of the IMF and the influence that developing countries have within the institution; what new policy space is available to developing countries; and what alternative financial architectures will emerge as competitors or complements to the Fund? At this point it appears that IMF practice on capital controls has changed partly as a consequence of the crisis, that relatively autonomous developing countries are taking advantage of the policy space that has emerged, and that the global financial architecture is becoming more heterogeneous and multi-nodal. To date, developing countries have secured only modest commitments for increases in their formal influence at the IMF as a consequence of the crisis. However, it is premature to conclude now that the formal and informal influence of developing countries will not increase in the coming years. To the degree that the current crisis has precipitated ruptures in the global financial architecture, then, it may also create some space for pressing an inclusive, participatory, feminist agenda in this domain.
Glass Transition and Fragility of Iron Phosphate Glasses.: II. Effect of Mixed-alkali

Abstract Changes in the heat capacity from the glass state (Cpg) to the supercooled liquid state (Cpl), ΔCp=Cpl−Cpg, the ratio of heat capacities, Cpl/Cpg, width of the glass transition temperature, ΔTg, and activation enthalpy for structural relaxation, Δ H ∗ , in the glass transition region for the xNa2O–(20−x)R2O–32Fe2O3–48P2O5 (R=K and Cs) mol% glasses, where x=0, 5, 10, 15, 20, have been investigated using differential scanning calorimetry. ΔCp and Cpl/Cpg are in the range of 57–68 J/mol/K and 1.41–1.51, respectively, for the xNa2O–(20−x)R2O–32Fe2O3–48P2O5 (R=K and Cs) mol% glasses, which suggests that the alkali-containing iron phosphate glasses, similar to the alkali-free binary iron phosphate glass, also belong in the category of fragile liquids. Adding 20 mol% of alkali oxides to the 40Fe2O3–60P2O5 (mol%) composition does not change the glass transition behavior or melt fragility very much, but does increase the glass transition temperature, Tg. No mixed-alkali effect is observed on any glass transition properties for the iron phosphate glass.
Strong Communities for Children: A Community-Wide Approach to Prevention of Child Maltreatment

The U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect advocated a neighborhood-based approach to child protection. This strategy’s most extensive application was in Strong Communities for Children, located in a diverse area in northwestern South Carolina. Strong Communities used outreach workers (approximately one per town) to mobilize communities so that all children and parents would be noticed and cared for. In comparison with matched communities and across time, significant changes occurred in community norms (especially in high-need neighborhoods) and in children’s safety, as determined in a random survey of parents and in analyses of archives in health, social services, and education systems. The approach is applicable in diverse communities and probably diverse societies.
Checklists and Worker Behavior: A Field Experiment

Abstract We analyze data from a field experiment in which an auto repair firm provided checklists to mechanics and monitored their use. Revenue was 20 percent higher during the experiment, and the effect is equivalent to that of a 1.6 percentage point (10 percent) commission increase. Checklists appear to boost productivity by serving both as a memory aid and a monitoring technology. Despite the large benefits to the firm, mechanics did not use checklists without the firm directly monitoring their use. We show that a moral hazard can explain why mechanics do not otherwise adopt checklists. (JEL C93, D82, L25, L81)
CT appearances following laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma using a rolled cellulose bolster.

Abstract Purpose: To describe the evolving computed tomography (CT) appearances of a cellulose surgical bolster used as a hemostatic agent in patients who undergo laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the follow-up CT studies of 33 patients with stage T1N0M0 renal carcinoma who underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using a rolled, oxidized, regenerated cellulose sheet sutured in place as a bolster in the parenchymal defect. Thirteen patients undergoing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy without the use of a bolster were also evaluated to differentiate imaging features. Results: The bolster-related masses were significantly larger than those seen in the non-bolster patients. There was a decrease in size of the post-operative bolster-related mass with time. The bolster shape evolved with time, initially appearing oval, and becoming irregular with decreasing size. Equivocal increase in attenuation of 10–20 HU was seen in 6 patients. Increase in attenuation of greater than 20 HU was seen in 3 patients. There was no evidence of tumor recurrence in any of the patients. Invagination of fat was seen in two bolster-related masses at 18 months or greater. Conclusions: Cellulose bolster has a variable appearance on follow-up CT exams. Evolutionary features include reduction in bolster size and shape with time leading finally to non-visualization. Bolster enhancement can mimic abscesses and tumor recurrence.
A review of the problem of distinguishing true homogeneous catalysis from soluble or other metal-particle heterogeneous catalysis under reducing conditions

This review considers cases in which a discrete transition-metal complex is used as a precatalyst for reductive catalysis; it focuses on the problem of determining if the true catalyst is a metal-complex homogeneous catalyst or if it is a soluble or other metal-particle heterogeneous catalyst. The various experiments that have been used to distinguish homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis are outlined and critiqued. A more general method for making this distinction is then discussed. Next, the circumstances that make heterogeneous catalysis probable, and the telltale signs that a heterogeneous catalyst has formed, are outlined. Finally, catalytic systems requiring further study to determine if they are homogeneous or heterogeneous are listed. The major findings of this review are: (i) the in situ reduction of transition-metal complexes to form soluble-metal-particle heterogeneous catalysts is common; (ii) the formation of such a catalyst is easy to miss because colloidal solutions often appear homogeneous to the naked eye; (iii) a variety of experiments have been used to distinguish homogeneous catalysis from heterogeneous catalysis, but there is no single definitive experiment for making this distinction; (iv) experiments that provide kinetic information are key to the correct identification of the true catalyst; and (v) a more general approach for distinguishing homogeneous catalysis from heterogeneous catalysis has been developed. Additionally, (vi) the conditions under which a heterogeneous catalyst is likely to form include: (a) when easily reduced transition-metal complexes are used as precatalysts; (b) when forcing reaction conditions are employed; (c) when nanocluster stabilizers are present; and (d) when monocyclic arene hydrogenation is observed. Finally, (vii) the telltale signs of heterogeneous catalysis include the formation of dark reaction solutions, metallic precipitates, and the observation of induction periods and sigmoidal kinetics.
Least absolute deviation estimation for general fractionally integrated autoregressive moving average time series models

Abstract We introduce a new class of ARFIMA models, which removes the restrictions that the roots of AR and MA polynomials are outside the unit circle. We establish consistency and asymptotic normality of the least absolute deviation estimator under non-Gaussian setting.
Parallel Sorting on Cache-coherent DSM Multiprocessors

The performance of parallel sorting is not well understood on hardware cache-coherent shared address space (CC-SAS) multiprocessors, which increasingly dominate the market for tightly-coupled multiprocessing. We study two high-performance parallel sorting algorithms, radix and sample sorting, under three major programming models-a load-store CC-SAS, message passing, and the segmented SHMEM model-on a 64-processor SGI Origin2000. We observe surprisingly good speedups on this demanding application. The performance of radix sort is greatly affected by the programming model and particular implementation used. Sample sort exhibits more uniform performance across programming models on this platform, but it is usually not so good as that of the best radix sort for larger data sets if each is allowed to use the best programming model for itself. The best combination of algorithm and programming model is radix sorting under the SHMEM model for larger data sets and sample sorting under CC-SAS for smaller data sets.
Reconnaissance using adaptive multi-carrier radar

This paper discusses the implementation and verification of original methods for performing short-range navigation and detection in common indoor environments. These methods utilize a software-defined ultra-wideband (UWB) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) radar system. Specifically, the system is used to identify the presence of targets while being subjected to realistic noise and clutter by using disturbance models created using experimentally-collected training data. Additionally, the same sensor is utilized to detect and the location and dimensions of doorways using the generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) and frequency profile matching (FPM), thus allowing for a localized navigation solution should the system need to move into adjoining rooms. These developments provide functionality that will assist a robotic platform that operates autonomously in unknown indoor environments.
Trapping of hydrogen and helium at grain boundaries in nickel: An atomistic study

Atomistic computer simulations of the trapping of hydrogen and helium at defect free grain boundaries in nickel are presented. Three symmetrical tilt boundaries that encompass a number of compact polyhedra of atoms are considered as regions of potential trapping sites. By employing the structural unit model, these boundaries are shown to be representative of a wide range of grain boundary structures. A general correspondence of trap locations in regions of expansion for both hydrogen and helium has been found; however, the binding energy for helium trapping is much greater than that for hydrogen. Consequently, clean grain boundaries in nickel appear to be important trapping sites for helium, but not significant sites for hydrogen binding. These results are consistent with experimental autoradiography, thermal desorption, and transmission electron microscopy observations. They imply that grain boundary trapping plays an important role in mechanisms of helium embrittlement, but not in hydrogen embrittlement of nickel.
A meandering inflaton

Abstract If the cosmological inflationary scenario took place in the cosmic landscape in string theory, the inflaton, the scalar mode responsible for inflation, would have meandered in a complicated multi-dimensional potential. We show that this meandering property naturally leads to many e-folds of inflation, a necessary condition for a successful inflationary scenario. This behavior also leads to fluctuations in the primordial power spectrum of the cosmic microwave background radiation, which may be detected in a near future cosmic variance limited experiment like PLANCK.
Reconciling aggression and social manipulation as means of competition. 1. Life-History perspective

I reexamined male competitive options via long-term data on adolescent and adult male consort success and data on male weights, age, size, residency status, and friendships with females collected from one troop of wild baboons. The options available to a male result from a complex interaction of variables and change with maturation, migration, and age. The acquisition of aggressive and social competence, the development of alternative nonaggressive strategies, the loss of physical prowess, and perhaps the effect of inbreeding avoidance all play a role. Aggressive and nonaggressive strategies may be mutually exclusive options for brief periods in a male’s life because of ontogenetic, historical, or physical constraints. But for most of the time, the two are likely to coexist. I assess the evolutionary significance of optional strategies of competition and discuss the conditions that might select for optional strategies.
Scientific reduction and the synonymy principle of property identity

The traditional principle of property identity, which asserts that properties are identical if, and only if, the predicates expressing the properties are synonymous, has been widely attacked in recent years. Some philosophers argue that the appeal to synonymy is just too vague to form the foundation for any principle of individuation.' Others maintain that there are common or garden contingent property identities, for example, 'Blue is the color of the sky', which falsify the principle.2 Still others believe that the principle is shown to be false by various scientific reductions.3 My aim, in this note, is to refute the last of these charges. I have argued elsewhere that the second charge is mistaken.4 Hence I believe that the traditional principle of property identity is free from counterexamples. I also believe that doubts about the notion of synonymy are ill-founded, but I shall not pursue that issue here.
Acute viral hepatitis in Lebanon: evidence for an HAV‐like non‐A non‐B hepatitis

Ninety-three cases of acute viral hepatitis in adult Lebanese patients were followed-up prospectively for a period ranging from 6 to 18 months. These included 33 hepatitis A (HAV), 32 hepatitis B (HBV) and 21 non-A, non-B hepatitis (NANB) cases. The clinical and seroepidemiologic characteristics of the three types were evaluated. HAV was characterized by a short prodroma (less than 1 week) and a high IgM level. HBV did not differ from similar cases reported in the Western world except for a complete absence of male homosexuals and drug addicts as a possible route of transmission. NANB hepatitis in Lebanon is mainly a sporadic infection similar to HAV except that the prodromal phase is prolonged (greater than 14 days) and IgM levels are within normal limits. The failure to develop chronicity in NANB suggests that the virus of sporadic NANB may be different from that which causes post-transfusional (PTH) NANB.
Ductus arteriosus responses to prostaglandin E1 at high and low oxygen concentrations

Abstract It previously has been suggested that prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) relaxes the ductus arteriosus in a low but not in an elevated oxygen environment. However, in the experiments reported here PGE1 relaxed rings on fetal lamb ductus arteriosus in vitro at both low (14 to 20 torr) and high (680 to 720 torr) oxygen tensions. The threshold concentration for PGE1 was 10−10 M in either PO2 and the ED50's of PGE1 relaxation in high and low oxygen were 8.5 ± 3.4 × 10−10 M and 5.5 ± 0.7 × 10−10 M respectively. The magnitude of the relaxation was greater for the oxygen contracted ductus arteriosus than for that exposed to low oxygen. It is suggested that earlier reports of the lack of response of the ductus arteriosus to PGE1 in a high oxygen environment following relaxation in a low oxygen environment may be related to loss of response of the ductus arteriosus to repeated doses of PGE1 rather than to differences in PO2. Prostaglandin E1 therefore may play a significant role in the regulation of ductus arteriosus tone in the elevated oxygen environment of the newborn as well as the low oxygen environment of the fetus.
Determination of metoprolol and α-hydroxymetoprolol in plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract A sensitive, selective and reproducible high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for the simultaneous determination of metoprolol and α-hydroxymetoprolol in plasma was developed with (±)-ethyl-2-(4-(3-isopropyl-amino-2-hydroxy-propoxy)phenyl)-ethyl carbamate as the internal standard. Samples were acidified and subjected to an organic wash to remove interfering neutral and acidic components. Final extraction is made from the alkalinized aqueous phase with methylen chloride. The samples were chromatographed on a microparticulate silica gel column with fluorescent detection. Sensitivity was 3 ng/ml for metoprolol and 12.5 ng/ml for α-hydroxymetoprolol. Specificity was established by comparison of retention times of samples with standard materials. A typical absorption/disposition profile for metoprolol and α-hydroxymetoprolol is presented for one subject who received 50 mg of metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor®).
Long-range amplification of genomic DNA detects the t(2;5)(p23;q35) in anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, but not in other non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, Hodgkin's disease, or lymphomatoid papulosis

Design: Determine the frequency of t(2;5)(p23;q35) in anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), Hodgkin's disease (HD), and lymphomatoid papulosis (LP). Patients and methods: The t(2;5) was detected with a long-range nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using 0.5 μg of DNA (60000-80000 cells), 5'-primers from the NPM gene, 3'-primers from the ALK gene, agarose electrophoresis, hybridization, and autoradiography. Patients were evaluable if a 3016 base pair amplicon could be generated from tumor DNA with β-globin primers. Results: Amplicons were detected by PCR of genomic DNA from three ALCL cell lines and four primary ALCLs known to t(2;5) positive. DNA from t(2;5)-positive cell lines diluted 10 4 -fold or 10 5 -fold generated amplicons in 100% or 20% of reactions, respectively. Archival tumor DNA from 144 patients was amplifiable by β-globin amplicons in 126 (88%) who are considered evaluable for this study. Twenty-two had ALCL, 69 other NHLs, 30 HD, and five LP. Genomic DNA PCR detected the t(2;5) in 5 of 22 with ALCL (23%, 95% confidence intervals [95% CI] 8%-45%) but not in those with NHLs, HD, or LP. Among ALCLs the t(2;5) was confined to 5 of 20 with nodal presentations (25%, 95% CI 9%-49%), among whom it was seen in 5 of 15 with T-cell or null-cell phenotype (33%, 95% CI 12%-62%), in 4 of 11 with age < 40 years (36%, 95%, CI 11%-69%), and in 4 of 9 with nodal presentations, T-cell or null-cell phenotype, and age <40 years (44%, 95% CI 14%-79%). Amplicon sizes were different between cell lines and patients, reflecting unique genomic DNA breakpoints, as confirmed by DNA sequencing, and served as an internal control against specimen cross-contamination in the laboratory. Conclusions: Long-range PCR of genomic DNA detects t(2;5) only in ALCL, but not in other NHLs, HD, or LP. Long-range PCR may be useful in establishing diagnosis, determining prognosis, and monitoring minimal residual disease in ALCL.
Identification of a mutation in chloroplast DNA correlated with formation of defective chloroplasts in a variegated mutant of Nicotiana tabacum.

As in wild-type Nicotiana tabacum L., two satellite DNAs having densities of 1.700 and 1.705 g cm−3 in CsCl were identified in the organelle fraction of homogenates made from variegated leaves of a cytoplasmic mutant of N. tabacum. As the proportion of white to green tissue increased a great reduction in the 1.700 chloroplast DNA occurred correlated with a concomitant reduction in the total number of defective and normal chloroplasts per cell. At the same time, there was an absolute increase in the 1.705 satellite DNA. Separation of the two satellite DNAs was achieved by one cycle of purification on NaI gradients. When the 1.700 chloroplast DNAs from white and from green tissue of variegated leaves were compared, identical properties were found by the conventional buoyant density, T m and renaturation kinetics measurements. However, using a specially constructed difference melting system, the 1.700 DNA from defective chloroplasts was shown to have an approximately 1% higher GC composition than the DNA from normal chloroplasts. Also, by renaturation of a mixture of alkali denatured normal and defective chloroplast DNAs and subsequent spreading in formamide for electron microscopy, internal regions of mismatching were observed. The nonhomologous region corresponded to about 500–1000 base pairs. No differences in composition of the 1.705 satellite DNA derived from white or green tissues were detected either by difference melting or formation of heteroduplexes.
Pleiotrophic Effects of the Sex-Linked Delayed Feathering Gene, Kn, in the Chicken

Abstract In several series of comparative measurement studies the effect that the sex-linked delay feathering (Kn) gene had on comb and uropygial gland development was measured in chickens from two to 60 weeks of age. The gene’s effect on heart, adrenal gland and reproductive organ weights were also determined. The comb and uropygial gland size differences were very dramatic throughout the whole age range. Combs of mutant birds were greatly reduced in size while the uropygial glands were greatly hypertrophied. Heart and adrenal gland weights were also significantly increased in the mutant birds. Gonad weights however showed no difference. Responsiveness of mutant chick’s combs to injections of testosterone propionate was also tested and shown to have a response similar to that of non-mutant chicks.
Electron-dense material within sarcoplasmic reticulum apposed to transverse tubules and to the sarcolemma in dog papillary muscle fibers.

The space between the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) apposed to the transverse (T) tubules and the sarcolemma in dog papillary muscle fibers is traversed by structures of varying densities. The distance between apposed membranes is about 70 A at the level of densities and about 100 A at the level of less dense areas that alternate with the densities. The apposed SR shows a marked increase in electrondense material when comparison is made with the SR not apposed. The electron-dense material is located in a dense layer parallel to and about midway between the membranes of the apposed SR and in numerous projections from the inside surface of the membranes. With appropriate staining procedures the central dense layer and the projections are as thick as membranes and they frequently show paired densities separated by a distance about equal to the distance between the outer dense layers of trilaminar membranes. The paired densities in the central dense layer and in the projections indicate that the electron-dense material within apposed SR has structure. The projections are frequently in register with scallops or serrations in the SR membranes and they also appear to contribute to a waviness in the central dense layer. The serrations and waviness are interpreted as evidence that the projections exert a holding force because they project from the SR membranes and connect with the central dense layer.
Improved biliary decompression with large caliber endoscopic prostheses.

In the past, nonsurgical decompression for biliary obstruction by the endoscopist was limited by the small size of the 5F drain and required insertion of two drains or larger ones. New endoscopes provide a larger channel permitting mroe effective decompression with 7F catheters, but occlusion remains a problem. A prototype instrument with a channel large enough to insert a 10F drain was used in 43 patients with decreased frequency of occlusion.
Angiotensin II Receptors and Prolactin Release in Pituitary Lactotrophs

logical properties of angiotensin II receptors in the rat adenohypophysis were analyzed in cultured rat pituitary cells incubated with angiotensin II and known stimuli of pituitary hormone secretion. PRL release during incubation for 3 h with 3 nM angiotensin II was consistently increased by 68 ± 5%, comparable with that elicited by TRH (63.1 ± 4%). The ED50 of 0.5 nM for PRL release by angiotensin II was significantly lower than that of TRH (2.9 nM) in the same cell cultures. The antagonist analog [Sar1,Ala8]angiotensin II prevented the angiotensin- induced rise in PRL production but not that evoked by TRH, whereas dopamine and SRIF inhibited basal, angiotensin, and TRH-stimulated PRL release. Angiotensin II also caused a small increase in ACTH release but had no effect on the release of LH, TSH, and GH. Angiotensin II binding and PRL release were measured in partially purified lactotrophs prepared by elutriation, by which the initial cell suspension was separated into seven fractions. Most of the lactot...
Posttraumatic headache in combat soldiers and civilians: what factors influence the expression of tension-type versus migraine headache?

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is highly prevalent in the United States and a common cause of posttraumatic headache (PTH) and disability. The criteria that define PTH include timelines and features that are not based on clearly established physiologic data and may result in the underrecognition and incorrect treatment of these headaches. A clear understanding of the classification of PTH becomes even more elusive when one takes into account combat-related head injuries, which are also highly prevalent and frequently lead to headaches with features that are different from those suffered by civilians with PTH. The fact that tensiontype headache phenotypes are uncommon in military personnel with PTH suggests that there are features unique to the combat environment, which may predispose to the development of migraine. Further insight may also be obtained from soldiers with PTH with regard to the true pathophysiology and timelines of headache in the context of TBI.