cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strain and Vibration in Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells capable of differentiating into any mesenchymal tissue, including bone, cartilage, muscle, and fat. MSC differentiation can be influenced by a variety of stimuli, including environmental and mechanical stimulation, scaffold physical properties, or applied loads. Numerous studies have evaluated the effects of vibration or cyclic tensile strain on MSCs towards developing a mechanically based method of differentiation, but there is no consensus between studies and each investigation uses different culture conditions, which also influence MSC fate. Here we present an overview of the response of MSCs to vibration and cyclic tension, focusing on the effect of various culture conditions and strain or vibration parameters. Our review reveals that scaffold type (e.g., natural versus synthetic; 2D versus 3D) can influence cell response to vibration and strain to the same degree as loading parameters. Hence, in the efforts to use mechanical loading as a reliable method to differentiate cells, scaffold selection is as important as method of loading.
Color inference in visual communication: the meaning of colors in recycling

People interpret abstract meanings from colors, which makes color a useful perceptual feature for visual communication. This process is complicated, however, because there is seldom a one-to-one correspondence between colors and meanings. One color can be associated with many different concepts (one-to-many mapping) and many colors can be associated with the same concept (many-to-one mapping). We propose that to interpret color-coding systems, people perform assignment inference to determine how colors map onto concepts. We studied assignment inference in the domain of recycling. Participants saw images of colored but unlabeled bins and were asked to indicate which bins they would use to discard different kinds of recyclables and trash. In Experiment 1, we tested two hypotheses for how people perform assignment inference. The local assignment hypothesis predicts that people simply match objects with their most strongly associated color. The global assignment hypothesis predicts that people also account for the association strengths between all other objects and colors within the scope of the color-coding system. Participants discarded objects in bins that optimized the color-object associations of the entire set, which is consistent with the global assignment hypothesis. This sometimes resulted in discarding objects in bins whose colors were weakly associated with the object, even when there was a stronger associated option available. In Experiment 2, we tested different methods for encoding color-coding systems and found that people were better at assignment inference when color sets simultaneously maximized the association strength between assigned color-object parings while minimizing associations between unassigned pairings. Our study provides an approach for designing intuitive color-coding systems that facilitate communication through visual media such as graphs, maps, signs, and artifacts.
Probing metalloproteins by voltammetry

Dynamic electrochemical methods, which have long held an important place among the techniques of the coordination chemist, have generally remained unexploited by those seeking to understand the complex and often elusive chemistry of metal centres in proteins. For a number of reasons, electron transfer between electrodes and proteins' has been regarded as being too slow and irreversible to provide useful information. This article seeks to counter such a view and outlines the advances that have been made towards achieving and interpreting voltammetric responses from metal-containing active sites. The main theme, exploitation, is developed through discussion of several investigations that demonstrate the advantages that are now on offer from electrodes that “talk” to metalloproteins. Far from being restricted to measurements of stable equilibria, voltammetry can address reactive states; species which are thermodynamically inaccessible by normal chemical titration or which display interesting yet complicating dynamic properties such as structural change or catalytic activity. In such cases, the coupled processes are visualised and may be investigated quantitatively and under controlled conditions. The resolution of chemical activity which is thus afforded extends even to multi-site enzyme complexes.
The Adaptive Suite of Genus Homo: Cognitive Modernity and Niche Construction

In the previous chapter we saw the early evolution of our genus, and began to see some glimmers of behavior that seem familiar: the making and use of stone tools, in particular, reminds us of our dependence, today, on technology to survive. In this chapter we show how the evolution of modem human cognition - characterized by symbolism and language used in concert in cognitive modernity -led to the staggering power of yet another adaptive tool, niche construction, by which the genus Homo colonized the globe despite its small numbers and relatively frail body. This will give us an evolutionary context for the colonization of space, which will be the most thoroughgoing and intensively proactive case of niche construction in the history of our genus.
Rethinking Consensus vs. Majoritarian Democracy

Arend Lijphart's distinction between two dimensions of consensus and majoritarian democracy has been an influential concept. However, several scholars have reported that the distinction does not travel well to other regions or historical periods. This paper argues, more generally, that Lijphart's dimensions can be replicated only when using Lijphart's own data. If one substitutes conceptually similar indicators (in this case, mostly from V-Dem), three or four dimensions emerge, and they are not robust to different samples. Such substitutions would be necessary for anyone wishing to measure Lijphart's dimensions beyond his chosen cases. It is hard to avoid the conclusion that these concepts are not generally useful. However, it is possible to construct a couple of simple indices measuring thinner related concepts.
Using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to predict surgical outcome and postoperative recurrence following neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) for borderline resectable/locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).

562Background: This study was designed to assess the capability of perioperative ctDNA analysis to predict surgical outcome and recurrence following neoadjuvant CRT for LARC. Methods: Thirty-one pa...
Multispectral photoacoustic imaging for the detection of subclinical melanoma.

BACKGROUND Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a noninvasive technique for melanin detection within melanoma metastases. While ex vivo and early studies suggest promising clinical application, there are no standardized parameters for defining presence of melanoma metastases. METHODS Following flank/hindlimb melanoma induction in BRaf-PTEN transgenic mice, bilateral inguinal lymph nodes (LN) were imaged in vivo at 4 to 8 weeks using PAI. Fourteen diagnostic parameters for in vivo detection of LN metastases were compared using the receiver operating characteristic and area-under-the-curve (AUC). Limits of detectability were assessed in ex vivo and in vitro phantom studies. RESULTS Forty-nine LNs were imaged in 25 mice. Among metastatic LNs, tumor size ranged from scattered cells to 2.8 mm. The strongest predictor of LN metastasis was the ratio of peak 10% PA melanin signal in the LN compared with adjacent soft tissue (median 4.22 for positive LNs vs 1.07 for negative LNs, P < 0.0001). The AUC was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.90-1.00). In phantom studies, B16 tumor cells were detectable at a concentration of 10 to 25 cells/μL and at a tissue depth of 2.5-3 cm. CONCLUSIONS We identified a simple, objective diagnostic parameter for identifying melanoma LN metastases in vivo. These findings may help inform the design of future clinical trials.
Age and body mass index associations with body segment parameters.

Abstract Body segment parameters (BSPs) such as segment mass, center of mass, and radius of gyration are required in many ergonomic tools and biomechanical models to estimate injury risk, and quantify muscle and joint contact forces. Currently, the full effects of age and obesity have not been taken into account when predicting BSPs. The goal of this study is to quantify the impact of body mass index (BMI) and age on BSPs, in order to provide more representative measures necessary for modeling inputs. A whole body dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan was collected for 280 working men and women with a wide range of BMI and aged 21 to 70 years. Established DXA processing methods were used to determine in-vivo estimates of the mass, center of mass, and radius of gyration for the upper arm, forearm, torso, thigh, and shank for males and females. Regression models were used to determine if age and BMI terms, as well as their interactions, were associated with these BSPs. The variability in BSPs explained by BMI alone ranged from 4 to 51%, and age explained an additional 3–19%. Thus, BMI and age are significant correlates of BSPs, and need to be taken into account when predicting certain BSPs in order to obtain accurate and representative results in biomechanical models.
Liquid chromatographic determination of trace residues of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in smoked foods

A liquid chromatographic (LC) method was developed and applied to the determination of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a variety of smoked, market basket commodities. The PAHs are extracted with 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane (Freon 113) from alcoholic KOH digests of the commodities. The extracts are purified by column chromatography through a deactivated silica gel/alumina column and by liquid-liquid partitioning between dimethyl sulfoxide and cyclohexane before separation of the PAHs by LC. Both fluorescence and UV detectors are used to monitor the LC column effluent to detect nanogram quantities of PAHs. Trace levels of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic PAHs were found in all samples analyzed, although generally at less than 1 ppb levels.
Optical design of the Mapping Imaging Spectrometer for Europa (MISE)

The Mapping Imaging Spectrometer for Europa (MISE) is a high-throughput pushbroom imaging spectrometer designed for NASA’s planned flyby mission to Jupiter’s moon Europa. The MISE design utilizes heritage from previously demonstrated instruments on airborne platforms, while advancing the state of the art to operate within Europa’s challenging environment. The instrument operates at F/1.4 and covers a spectral range from 0.8 to 5 microns with 10 nm spectral sampling. Through high resolution mapping, MISE is designed to identify distributions of organics, salts, acid hydrates, water ice phases, altered silicates, radiolytic compounds, and warm thermal anomalies at global, regional, and local scales. Such distribution maps will help study surface and subsurface geologic processes, and assess the habitability of Europa’s ocean. We discuss the optical specifications and baseline performance of the MISE optical design.
Calcium in Carbonate Water Facilitates the Transport of U(VI) in Brassica juncea Roots and Enables Root-to-Shoot Translocation.

The role of calcium (Ca) on the cellular distribution of U(VI) in Brassica juncea roots and root-to-shoot translocation was investigated using hydroponic experiments, microscopy, and spectroscopy. ...
Recent Advances in Pediatric Ophthalmology

Advances in pediatric ophthalmology have in the past 5 years encompassed genetic, surgical and diagnostic. Using a systematic approach, from the front of the eye to the back and then considering the neurophysiology of vision the following areas are the most noteworthy with respect to either evolution of understanding or surgical development. For the cornea, neurotization for anesthetic cornea, and selective endothelial removal for congenital corneal opacification (CCO) together with a new classification for CCO. For the lens, cataract surgery techniques and understanding the outcomes of pediatric cataract surgery. For the retina, gene therapy for retinal dystrophies has exploded in terms of research and commercial treatment. In extraocular muscle surgery the use of tenotomy and reattachment surgery for nystagmus surgery. The neurophysiology of vision, the discovery that even late surgery for neglected congenital cataracts can result in visual development suggesting that our understanding of the critical period may need to be modified. While the field of molecular genetics has exploded there are two concepts that are extremely important for a pediatric ophthalmologist to be aware of; nonsense suppression therapy and the understanding of ciliopathies.
Peer Supports in Recovery

As recovery-oriented practices have become increasingly embraced around the globe, so has the involvement of people in recovery from mental illness, providing peer supports for persons with serious mental illnesses. In this chapter, we review the meaning and often overlooked long-standing history of peer support in mental health. We also discuss the contextual factors that promote or interfere with the work of peer supporters in public mental health settings, based on our personal and research experience implementing peer support and a meta-review of the qualitative research on this topic. We then turn our attention to summarizing the current evidence base for peer support based on recent meta-analyses and systemic reviews devoted to mental and physical health outcomes for adults with serious mental illness. Peer support is a promising addition to the evidence-based practice available to mental health systems and appears to be especially effective at engaging people into care, reducing costly acute care services and substance use, and promoting self-care.
Media Framing of Integration in Belgian Newspapers

I deconstruct the distinctive facets of mediated framing of integration through a textual analysis of Flemish newspapers. Using Entman’s framing theory, I identified four primary integration frames...
Shootin-1 is required for nervous system development in zebrafish.

Background Semaphorin6A (Sema6A) and its PlexinA2 (PlxnA2) receptor canonically function as repulsive axon guidance cues. To understand downstream signaling mechanisms, we performed a microarray screen and identified the "clutch molecule" shootin-1 (shtn-1) as a transcriptionally repressed target. Shtn-1 is a key proponent of cell migration and neuronal polarization and must be regulated during nervous system development. The mechanisms of Shtn-1 regulation and the phenotypic consequences of loss of repression are poorly understood. Results We demonstrate shtn-1 overexpression results in impaired migration of the optic vesicles, lack of retinal pigmented epithelium, and pathfinding errors of retinotectal projections. We also observed patterning defects in the peripheral nervous system. Importantly, these phenotypes were rescued by overexpressing PlxnA2. Conclusions We demonstrate a functional role for repression of shtn-1 by PlxnA2 in development of the eyes and peripheral nervous system in zebrafish. These results demonstrate that careful regulation of shtn-1 is critical for development of the nervous system.
Optimization of Delivery of Pediatric Otolaryngology Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis.

Objectives There is limited evidence regarding use of routine perioperative antibiotics for pediatric otolaryngologic procedures. The objectives of this quality improvement study were (1) to characterize the otolaryngology case mix for which antibiotics were delivered and (2) determine the percentage of surgical encounters with appropriate timing of antibiotic administration. Methods Pediatric otolaryngology procedures meeting criteria from 2015 to 2019 were evaluated as a component of an institution-wide pediatric surgical antibiotic prophylaxis study using A3 problem solving to identify and roll out interventions for appropriate antibiotic administration. Descriptive statistical analysis of the interrupted time-series data was used to describe the otolaryngology case mix for which antibiotics were delivered. The primary outcome measure was percentage of surgical encounters with appropriate timing of antibiotic administration in minutes relative to incision. Results In total, 1520 pediatric otolaryngology procedures with perioperative antibiotic delivery were performed from July 2015 to September 2019. While surgical site infection number (n = 2/year) was stable, administration of timely prophylactic antibiotics significantly improved: 27.5% of cases per month at baseline and 86.9% at the conclusion of the rollout of the sequential interventions (P Discussion Given the exceedingly low infection rate of clean otolaryngology surgery, there is limited evidence in favor of perioperative antibiotics for the majority of procedures. Prophylactic antibiotics were most commonly used in otologic surgery involving cochlear implantation or in the setting of draining ears or cholesteatoma and in clean-contaminated head and neck surgery cases. Implications for practice Iterative continuous performance improvement can optimize evidence-based delivery of preoperative prophylactic antibiotics. Additional interventions to ensure antimicrobial stewardship in pediatric otolaryngology are indicated.
Management of Insomnia in Chronic Lung Diseases

Review the treatment of insomnia in those with chronic lung diseases. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and positive airway pressure, the latter for those with sleep disordered breathing, are effective and safe alternatives to hypnotic therapy. Some new hypnotics improve sleep via mechanisms that theoretically render them safe to use in those afflicted with both insomnia and chronic lung disease. Treatment for insomnia may include cognitive behavioral therapy, positive airway pressure, and pharmacotherapy. Computerized cognitive behavioral therapy is a safe and effective treatment alternative for insomnia. Insomnia comorbid with obstructive sleep apnea can respond favorably to positive airway pressure therapy. Prescription hypnotics that affect sleep via modulation of melatonin, histamine, and orexin pathways are theoretically well suited for treatment of insomnia in those with chronic lung diseases. We offer the reader an algorithm to manage a patient with insomnia and chronic lung disease.
The “gold” standard? A 4-year-old boy with somnolence and focal weakness

Case Report: A 4-year-old previously healthy male presented with headache, abdominal pain, unresponsiveness, left-sided weakness, and right eye deviation. Vital signs were T 37.1°C, BP 126/80, and HR 61. Exam showed somnolence, rightward eye deviation, left-sided hyperreflexia, and a benign abdomen. Brain MRI demonstrated multi-focal ischemic infarcts and leptomeningeal enhancement. CSF revealed WBC 66 (52L/46N), protein 41, and glucose < 20. Ceftriaxone, vancomycin, and fluconazole were empirically started; blood, urine, and CSF cultures remained negative. MRA, echo, HIV, HSV, hypercoagulability labs, and autoimmune labs were unrevealing. Further history revealed patient had lived …
Postracial Resistance: Black Women, Media, and the Uses of Strategic Ambiguity

In Postracial Resistance: Black Women, Media, and the Uses of Strategic Ambiguity, Ralina L. Joseph tackles the ways that Black women celebrities, audiences, and producers navigate the difficult te...
Resolving the Mortierellaceae phylogeny through synthesis of multi-gene phylogenetics and phylogenomics

Early efforts to classify Mortierellaceae were based on macro- and micromorphology, but sequencing and phylogenetic studies with ribosomal DNA (rDNA) markers have demonstrated conflicting taxonomic groupings and polyphyletic genera. Although some taxonomic confusion in the family has been clarified, rDNA data alone is unable to resolve higher level phylogenetic relationships within Mortierellaceae. In this study, we applied two parallel approaches to resolve the Mortierellaceae phylogeny: low coverage genome (LCG) sequencing and high-throughput, multiplexed targeted amplicon sequencing to generate sequence data for multi-gene phylogenetics. We then combined our datasets to provide a well-supported genome-based phylogeny having broad sampling depth from the amplicon dataset. Resolving the Mortierellaceae phylogeny into monophyletic groups led to the definition of 14 genera, 7 of which are newly proposed. Low-coverage genome sequencing proved to be a relatively cost-effective means of generating a well-resolved phylogeny. The multi-gene phylogenetics approach enabled much greater sampling depth and breadth than the LCG approach, but was unable to resolve higher-level organization of groups. We present this work to resolve some of the taxonomic confusion and provide a genus-level framework to empower future studies on Mortierellaceae diversity, biology, and evolution.
Nutritional Management of Transition Dairy Cows

Nutrition and management during late gestation impact peripartal health problems and influence subsequent milk production. Obesity at calving is a known risk factor for health problems and suboptimal production. Our evidence indicates that higher energy-density close-up diets do not increase subsequent milk production or energy balance. Our data indicate that even modest overfeeding results in changes analogous to obesity, with elevated insulin and NEFA and poor dry matter intake before calving, but substantial body fat mobilization, increased liver fat deposition, and prolonged increases in blood ketone bodies after calving. Modest energy excess during the dry period can lead to substantial internal fat deposition even without detectable changes in body condition. We conclude that requirements for energy (and other nutrients) should be met but not greatly exceeded during the dry period. This can be achieved by limit-feeding of moderate-energy diets or ad libitum feeding of high-roughage low-energy diets. Requirements for energy for dry cows and first-gestation heifers are modest (ca. 100 MJ ME or 14 Meal NE per cow daily) and can be met with relatively low-energy diets. Conversely, diets high in starch from corn silage or whole-crop cereals and supplemented with additional concentrates result in excess energy intake relative to requirements, as cows do not regulate intake to meet energy needs over the short-term. Dilution of those diets with low-quality roughages such as cereal straws can control energy intake to near cow’s requirements. Careful feeding management is critical to ensure that formulated nutrient intakes are actually achieved in practice.
The development of a spatially resolved retrospective ensemble forecast model of West Nile virus in Long Island, New York

The development of a spatially resolved retrospective ensemble forecast model of West Nile virus in Long Island, New York Nicholas DeFelice, Meytar Sorek-Hamer, Scott R Campbell and Krishna Vemuri ...
Simulated Exoskeletons with Coupled Degrees-of-Freedom Reduce the Metabolic Cost of Walking

Exoskeletons that assist multiple joints could reduce the metabolic cost of walking beyond reductions achieved with single-joint devices. However, assisting many degrees-of-freedom can require multiple actuators with complicated controllers and long experiment times to tune these controllers. Coupled assistance, where the same control signal is applied to multiple joints, may help simplify exoskeleton design but has not been tested extensively. In this study, we used direct collocation optimal control and a lower-limb musculoskeletal model to simulate five different exoskeleton control strategies to assist multiple joints during walking. We simulated strategies where the torque provided at each joint was controlled independently or coupled between joints. We found that coupled assistance was able to provide similar savings in whole-body metabolic power consumption compared to independent assistance. Our results may help device designers create exoskeletons that achieve good metabolic savings while requiring fewer actuators and less experimental testing to create effective assistance strategies.
Do 311 Systems Shape Citizen Satisfaction with Local Government

This paper analyzes the possible existence of a relationship between San Francisco residents' use of the 311 center and their satisfaction with local government services. Earlier works have shown that people who participate in government are generally more satisfied with their government.The results of our analysis suggest a more nuanced relationship between coproduction of government services and citizen’s satisfaction with their government. From a broad perspective we find that the more frequently one engages in coproduction (that is the use of 311 phone or web/mobile) the more satisfied they are with their government. However, when we investigate the specific types of problems people see in their city (street and sidewalk maintenance, for example), more frequent coproducers are less satisfied with their government. This would suggest that these more frequent coproducers are seeing the results of their perceived complaints, and thus are more satisfied with overall government operations (even if some problems do exist).
Numerical modeling of bubble dynamics in viscoelastic media with relaxation

Cavitation occurs in a variety of non-Newtonian fluids and viscoelastic materials. The large-amplitude volumetric oscillations of cavitation bubbles give rise to high temperatures and pressures at collapse, as well as induce large and rapid deformation of the surroundings. In this work, we develop a comprehensive numerical framework for spherical bubble dynamics in isotropic media obeying a wide range of viscoelastic constitutive relationships. Our numerical approach solves the compressible Keller–Miksis equation with full thermal effects (inside and outside the bubble) when coupled to a highly generalized constitutive relationship (which allows Newtonian, Kelvin–Voigt, Zener, linear Maxwell, upper-convected Maxwell, Jeffreys, Oldroyd-B, Giesekus, and Phan-Thien-Tanner models). For the latter two models, partial differential equations (PDEs) must be solved in the surrounding medium; for the remaining models, we show that the PDEs can be reduced to ordinary differential equations. To solve the general constitutive PDEs, we present a Chebyshev spectral collocation method, which is robust even for violent collapse. Combining this numerical approach with theoretical analysis, we simulate bubble dynamics in various viscoelastic media to determine the impact of relaxation time, a constitutive parameter, on the associated physics. Relaxation time is found to increase bubble growth and permit rebounds driven purely by residual stresses in the surroundings. Different regimes of oscillations occur depending on the relaxation time.
Therapeutic Effects of Acivicin and N-(Phosphonacetyl)-l-aspartic Acid in a Biochemically Designed Trial against a N-(Phosphonacetyl)-l-aspartic Acid-resistant Variant of the Lewis Lung Carcinoma

Abstract The N -(phosphonacetyl)-l-aspartic acid (PALA)-resistant variant of the Lewis lung carcinoma, LL/PALA-C, has a target enzyme (l-aspartate transcarbamylase) activity identical to that of its parent PALA-sensitive counterpart; however, the activity of the antecedent enzyme of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis, carbamyl phosphate synthetase II (CPS II), is elevated two-fold in this resistant variant. Inasmuch as inhibition of l-aspartate transcarbamylase by PALA is competitive with respect to the substrate carbamyl phosphate, investigations were conducted to determine the effects of carbamyl phosphate depletion, provoked by inhibition of CPS II, on the biochemical and therapeutic activity of PALA in this tumor line. Towards this end, a spectrum of l-glutamine antagonists were screened in vitro as possible inhibitors of crude extracts of CPS II (a l-glutamine-utilizing amidotransferase) prepared from LL/PALA-C tumors. Acivicin was found to be the best of the CPS II inhibitors. The kinetics of Acivicin inhibition of CPS II activity was established. Doses greater than 10 mg Acivicin per kg inhibit CPS II activity in LL/PALA-C tumors up to 85% as assessed by direct enzyme assay and by measuring the inhibition of orotate and orotidine accumulation in tumors of pyrazofurin-treated mice. Restitution of tumor CPS II following a single treatment with 10 mg Acivicin per kg was rapid ( t 1/2 = 24 hr). Estimation of the impact on pyrimidine biosynthesis of Acivicin used singly and in combination with PALA were made by measuring the inhibition of the accumulation of orotate and orotidine provoked by treatment with pyrazofurin. Combinations of 10 to 25 mg Acivicin per kg and 200 mg PALA per kg significantly enhanced inhibition of pyrimidine biosynthesis over single-drug activities. On the basis of these and collateral studies with PALA, a therapeutic trial was set up to evaluate the combination of PALA and Acivicin against LL/PALA-C tumors. The results of this trial show that, as single agents, neither drug was active against this line; however, combinations of 5 or 10 mg Acivicin per kg (every day, Days 1 to 9) and 200 mg PALA per kg (every other day, Days 1 to 9) showed >80% inhibition of tumor growth on Days 10 and 21. Long-term cures (3/10) and a 50% increase in life span were observed in the 10-mg Acivicin per kg plus 200-mg PALA per kg treatment group. Higher doses of Acivicin ( e.g. , 25 mg/kg) given with PALA were toxic. These experiments suggested that ( a ) carbamyl phosphate production is an important modulator of PALA therapeutic activity and ( b ) the rigorous biochemical definition of a rationally designed drug combination protocol can provide enhanced therapeutic results.
Challenges of Deliberation and Participation

The future of sustainability is tied to the future of our ability to manage interconnectedness and interdependence, and thus to our abilities to engage in cooperative, value-creating public deliberations and negotiations. To understand these issues, we need a better understanding of the micro-politics of planning and public participation, the relationships between our received theories and our practices, and in particular, the work of public dispute resolution and its implications for democratic deliberation and governance. We need better to understand the differences between dialogue, debate, and negotiation, as well as the corresponding work of facilitating a dialogue, moderating a debate, and mediating an actual negotiation. Contrasting processes and practical attitudes of dialogue, debate, and negotiation can teach us, in the context of creating a sustainable future, that we must devise discursive and conversational political processes and institutions that explore possible commitments so that we not only know the right things to do but actually bring ourselves and one another to do those right things.
Evidence of Abnormal Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density in Fibromyalgia: Clinical and Immunologic Implications

Objective A subset of patients with fibromyalgia (FM) exhibit a large fiber demyelinating peripheral polyneuropathy akin to that seen in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). It has been suggested that this demyelinating process is likely to be immune mediated. Because it is known that similar large fiber neuropathic lesions may be associated with a cutaneous small fiber neuropathy, we sought to determine the prevalence of small fiber neuropathy, as measured by epidermal nerve fiber density (ENFD), in a series of patients with FM and clinically healthy control subjects. Methods Forty-one consecutive patients with FM and 47 control subjects underwent a 3-mm punch skin biopsy at the proximal thigh and distal leg near the ankle, for analysis of the ENFD. Patients with FM who had clinical evidence of a disorder known to be associated with small fiber neuropathy were excluded. The patients with FM also underwent pinwheel testing and vibratory testing for hypesthesia and serologic testing for a series of cytokine, circulating immune complex, and complement measurements. Results All patients with FM had evidence of stocking hypesthesia. The ENFD of patients with FM was lower than that of control subjects at both the calf (mean ± SD 5.8 ± 2.8 versus 7.4 ± 1.9; P = 0.0002) and thigh (9.3 ± 3.2 versus 11.3 ± 2.0; P = 0.0007). There was an inverse correlation between calf ENFD and age at the time of skin biopsy in patients with FM (r = −0.29, P = 0.03) but not in control subjects; however, analysis of covariance showed that this relationship could not be explained by aging alone. Serologic evaluation showed an inverse correlation between calf ENFD in patients with FM and the interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) level (r = −0.28, P = 0.04). However, an inverse correlation between thigh ENFD and serum IL-2R levels did not reach significance (P = 0.08). Analysis of thigh-to-calf ENFD ratios suggested that the ENFD decline in FM is affected by both a diffuse and a length-dependent process. Conclusion The calf and thigh ENFD in patients with FM is significantly diminished compared with that in control subjects. Advancing age alone cannot explain this finding. Calf ENFD was inversely correlated, although weakly, with serum levels of IL-2R. These findings suggest that small fiber neuropathy is likely to contribute to the pain symptoms of FM; that pain in this disorder arises, in part, from a peripheral immune-mediated process; and that measurement of ENFD may be a useful clinical tool in FM.
Experimental verification of a four-port model of coaxial cables

A brief overview of the four-port parameter model for analysis of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) coupling to coaxial cables is provided. The experimental testing designed to help validate the model is described. The focus of this effort is on the external cable parameters. The network parameters obtained from the external response of the four-port model are compared with measured data for various cable configurations. Because each parameter is computed differently, studying the parameters can provide insight not attainable by studying simple cable responses. >
Design principles for nonequilibrium self-assembly

We consider an important class of self-assembly problems, and using the formalism of stochastic thermodynamics, we derive a set of design principles for growing controlled assemblies far from equilibrium. The design principles constrain the set of configurations that can be obtained under nonequilibrium conditions. Our central result provides intuition for how equilibrium self-assembly landscapes are modified under finite nonequilibrium drive.
Variable dimension spectral coding of speech at 2400 bps and below with phonetic classification

The low bit rate enhanced multiband excitation or EMBE speech coder adds several important new features including phonetic classification and a naval spectral quantization technique called variable dimension vector quantization (VDVQ) to the basic multiband excitation vocoder. Phonetic classification allows the adaptation of spectral modeling and quantization to the local acoustic-phonetic character of the speech signal, enhancing quality and robustness. The VDVQ scheme quantizes the log-spectrum with relatively few bits while preserving perceptually important features. Both the fixed rate (2.4 kb/s) and the variable rate (1.44 kb/s average) implementations of EMBE deliver speech quality comparable to the 4.8 kb/s Federal Standard 1016 CELP coder and the 4.15 kb/s Inmarsat-M standard IMBE coder.
Mental health service use by older adults: the role of chronic pain.

Objective Mental health disorders commonly co-occur in patients with chronic pain, but little is known about the role of chronic pain in mental health service use. In this study, the authors explored the role of chronic pain in mental health service use by adults according to age group. Method The authors conducted a cross-sectional analysis of survey data from the second wave of the Health Care for Communities telephone survey collected in 2000–2001. Participants consisted of U.S. civilian adults (N = 6629) from randomly selected U.S. households. Common mental disorders were assessed using the short-form versions of the World Health Organization's Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Chronic pain conditions and mental health services received were identified by self-report. Physical and mental functioning was assessed using the Short Form-12. Results Adults older than age 60 had higher rates of chronic pain and lower rates of mental health service use compared with those aged 18–60 years. In multiple logistic regression models, an interaction effect was found between age and chronic pain (odds ratio: 3.0 [1.1–8.0]) with chronic pain significantly increasing the odds of any mental health care in the past year in adults older than 60 years of age. Conclusions Chronic pain increases the likelihood of mental health service use among older adults. Chronic pain may facilitate the presentation of distress in medical settings for these adults.
Interfacial Restructuring of Ionic Liquids Determined by Sum-Frequency Generation Spectroscopy and X-Ray Reflectivity

Surface sum-frequency generation spectroscopy and X-ray reflectivity were used to study the surface of [BMIM][X] ionic liquids (BMIM = 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium cation, X = BF4−, PF6−, and I−). Sum-frequency signal strength from the terminal methyl groups of the cation at the surface indicates that the topmost surface of these ionic liquids is occupied by polar-oriented hydrophobic butyl chains having approximately 1/3 of the in-plane density of fully packed alkyl chains as observed by the same method for the hexadecanol Langmuir monolayer. X-ray reflectivity data reveal a layer with density larger than that of bulk. However, the reflectivity is not sufficiently sensitive to the exact location of this layer either at the vacuum interface or sandwiched between the bulk and the low-density alkyl chain, as observed in the sum-frequency measurements. Analysis of the reflectivity data in conjunction with the sum-frequency spectra strongly suggests the molecules forming the topmost layer are on average polar-...
A core-particle coupled model of the effective charge: Theory and calculation in A = 39, 41 nuclei

Abstract In this paper we describe how effective charges may be calculated within the framework of the full-shell model by means of a core-particle coupling model (CPCM). We consider nuclei with a single particle (hole) outside (inside) a doubly magic core. The nuclear Hamiltonian is obtained from coupling the valence particle (hole) to the eigenstates of the diagonalized core. It is shown how the perturbation theory effective charge formalisms, as given by Brown and Shukla and by Siegel and Zamick, may be obtained from the more complete core-particle coupling formalism via various approximations to the eigenfunctions of the full-shell model matrix. The validity of these approximations is examined, and the formal equivalence of the two perturbation approaches is demonstrated. The formalism of the CPCM as a framework in which to calculate the effective charge, is applied to the single-particle and single-hole nuclei A = 41 and A = 39 with a 40 Ca core. The calculation of the TDA (RPA) core states and the valence-particle (hole) effective charges are done using the Kallio-Kolltveit matrix elements, with and without density dependence, as well as the “bare” Kuo-Brown matrix elements. The calculation is also performed, and comparisons made between the full-shell model, restricted shell model and the Siegel-Zamick effective charges, for the three sets of matrix elements.
A communication approach for aerial surveillance of long linear infrastructures in non-urban terrain

3-D modeling of aerial wireless coverage is an important requirement for many an applications of UAVs. Typically such model is used in communication-aware path planning of the vehicle. When the surveillance area is vast, such as that of long linear utility infrastructures e.g. power grids, oil and gas pipelines, railway corridors etc., signal coverage is quite sparse due to lack of transmitters in rural/forested terrain. On the other hand, maximal connectivity so as to robustly transmit huge volumes of sensed data in downlink is highly required. However, coverage models for vast areas, especially in remote rural surroundings having complex terrain, are not publicly known, thus inhibiting mission planning for an important class of UAV applications. In this paper, we have tried to address this requirement by establishing such a coverage model. The model is based on a 3-D mesh of sampling locations, over which a sparse set of signal strength measurements are available using pilot flights. From the sparse set, we use heuristics of distance-weighted averaging to closely approximate and predict signal strength measurements at other grid points. We propose a novel metric of representative distance, which leads to approximation error become as less as 5%. The solution holds the promise of being scalable to big grid sizes, as is demonstrated by the simulation results. We believe that this model will form an important stepping stone towards evolution of more robust models, which in turn are needed to enable many an important civilian applications of UAV as a sensing platform.
Juvenile hormone-specific esterases in the haemolymph of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

Abstract A new sensitive method for determining juvenile hormone (JH) hydrolysis has been developed which measures the release of tritiated methanol from JH labelled in the methyl ester group. Using this assay we investigated the interaction of JH with haemolymph esterases and haemolymph JH-binding protein. Haemolymph from fifth instar larvae of Manduca sexta contains two families of esterases which can be distinguished by their reactivity with diisopropylphosphorofluoridate (DFP). One group consists of general esterases which are capable of hydrolysing free JH but not JH complexed to the binding protein and are completely inhibited by low concentrations of DFP (10 −4 M). The other group (JH-specific esterases), relatively DFP resistant, has little detectable general esterase activity but can hydrolyse JH bound to the binding protein as well as free JH. The major JH-esterase has a sedimentation coefficient of 4·98 S and a diffusion coefficient of 6·4 × 10 −7 cm 2 sec −1 . The molecular weight calculated from these values is 6·7 × 10 4 . The general esterases are present throughout the larval stage, but the JH-specific esterases are barely detectable until the fourth day of the fifth instar when they suddenly appear at a high concentration. Since the general esterases cannot hydrolyse bound JH, one function of the binding protein is to protect JH during transport in the early instars, thus confirming that the binding protein is a true carrier of JH. In the late fifth instar prior to metamorphosis, however, JH-specific esterases appear in the haemolymph resulting in the hydrolysis of JH complexed to the carrier protein. Thus, by lowering JH titre, the JH-esterases play an important role in development in M. sexta .
A storage-hierarchy system for batch processing

Operating System/360 was designed to meet a severe core-memory constraint: a 14K-bytes resident supervisor plus a repertoire of compilers, utility programs, sort programs, and application packages fitting into 18K bytes (approximately 4500 data words and executable instructions). Many supervisory functions included in the nucleus of pre-360 systems were repackaged into 1000-byte overlays for OS/360 (e.g. logic to OPEN and CLOSE files---hereafter called data sets, following OS/360 nomenclature). Specification of device type, buffering technique, and data set identification---which was assembled, compiled, or link-edited into many pre-360 application programs --- is deferrable in OS/360 until the data set is actually opened for processing, essentially "latest-possible binding of data-set attributes and processing mode" (cf. Part 3 of Reference 5 for a complete discussion).
Quantitation of GLUT1 and GLUT4 mRNA using a solution hybridization assay.

Summary The development of a solution hybridization assay for detecting GLUT1 and GLUT4 mRNA is described. The details of this assay are described in which copy RNA is used to quantitate messenger RNA in total RNA samples. This solution hybridization assay is highly specific and reproducible and is significantly more sensitive than Northern blotting. Since GLUT mRNAs can be quantitated in as little as 25 mg tissue, this technique is essential when the supply of tissue is limited. Furthermore, the elimination of gel-based separation techniques allows for mRNA quantitation in several hundred samples within two days following isolation of samples.
Natural Convection and Radiation Heat Transfer From an Array of Inclined Pin Fins

Natural convection and radiation from an air-cooled, highly populated pin-fin array were studied experimentally. the effects of pin density, pin length, and the angle of the pin to the horizontal were measured. Previous work by Sparrow and Vemuri treated the case of a vertical base plate with horizontal fins. recently, Sparrow and Vemuri (1986) extended their study to include results for vertical fins with a horizontal down-facing base plate, as well as vertical fins with a horizontal up-facing base plate. In this study, the base plate is maintained in a vertical position and the angle of the pins is varied from the horizontal. The main intent of this study was to compare the performance of inclined pin fins with straight pin fins. In all cases studied, the straight, horizontal fins were superior to the inclined fins. It was possible to obtain a single general correlation of the test data. While this correlation is recommended within the range of parameters that were tested here, one significant parameter, the size of the base plate, was not varied.
Interstitial plasmin activity with epsilon aminocaproic acid: temporal and regional heterogeneity.

Background Epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) is used in cardiac surgery to modulate plasmin activity (PLact). The present study developed a fluorogenic-microdialysis system to measure in vivo region specific temporal changes in PLact after EACA administration. Methods Pigs (25 to 35 kg) received EACA (75 mg/kg, n=7) or saline in which microdialysis probes were placed in the liver, myocardium, kidney, and quadricep muscle. The microdialysate contained a plasmin-specific fluorogenic peptide and fluorescence emission, which directly reflected PLact, determined at baseline, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after EACA/vehicle infusion. Results Epsilon aminocaproic acid caused significant decreases in liver and quadricep PLact at 60, 90, 120 minutes, and at 30, 60, and 120 minutes, respectively ( p p p Conclusions Using a large animal model and in vivo microdialysis measurements of plasmin activity, the unique findings from this study were twofold. First, EACA induced temporally distinct plasmin activity profiles within the plasma and interstitial compartments. Second, EACA caused region-specific changes in plasmin activity profiles. These temporal and regional heterogeneic effects of EACA may have important therapeutic considerations when managing fibrinolysis in the perioperative period.
III.—On the Occurrence of the Genus Dalmanites in the Lower Carboniferous Rocks of Ohio

Of the abounding Trilobites which mark the faunas of the Lower and Middle Palaeozoic rocks few survive into the Upper Palaeozoic. Three genera, if indeed they really deserve that name, have been described from the Carboniferous beds in England— Phillipsia, Griffithides and Brachymetopus. Only the first of these is yet known to occur in American Palaeozoic strata. But on the other hand two species of Proetus have been announced from America—a genus not yet recognized in England. It is true that the distinctions are so slight that possibly these last might be as correctly referred to Phillipsia as to Proetus.