cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A History of Violence in the Media

Violence has been a regular and popular component of media for as long as we have recorded literature. Similarly, efforts to condemn, control, regulate, or censor “offensive” media have been a regular component of popular discourse. This chapter tracks trends regarding the inclusion of violence in popular entertainment, as well as efforts by societal leaders to control media. Although violent content in media or popular entertainment varies somewhat from culture to culture, few are without substantial violence in popular entertainment. Interestingly, as mass media entered its golden age in the second half of the twentieth century, societal violence decreased overall. It is argued that understanding these past, historical trends is essential if we are to fully understand how society treats media in the modern era.
Optimal airline ticket purchasing using automated user-guided feature selection

Airline ticket purchase timing is a strategic problem that requires both historical data and domain knowledge to solve consistently. Even with some historical information (often a feature of modern travel reservation web sites), it is difficult for consumers to make true cost-minimizing decisions. To address this problem, we introduce an automated agent which is able to optimize purchase timing on behalf of customers and provide performance estimates of its computed action policy based on past performance. We apply machine learning to recent ticket price quotes from many competing airlines for the target flight route. Our novelty lies in extending this using a systematic feature extraction technique incorporating elementary user-provided domain knowledge that greatly enhances the performance of machine learning algorithms. Using this technique, our agent achieves much closer to the optimal purchase policy than other proposed decision theoretic approaches for this domain.
3D Tissue elongation via ECM stiffness-cued junctional remodeling

Organs are sculpted by extracellular as well as cell-intrinsic forces, but how collective cell dynamics are orchestrated in response to microenvironmental cues is poorly understood. Here we apply advanced image analysis to reveal ECM-responsive cell behaviors that drive elongation of the Drosophila follicle, a model 3D system in which basement membrane stiffness instructs tissue morphogenesis. Through in toto morphometric analyses of WT and 9round egg9 mutants, we find that neither changes in average cell shape nor oriented cell division are required for appropriate organ shape. Instead, a major element is a reorientation of elongated cells at the follicle anterior. Polarized reorientation is regulated by mechanical cues from the basement membrane, which are transduced by the Src tyrosine kinase to alter junctional E-cadherin trafficking. This mechanosensitive cellular behavior represents a conserved mechanism that can elongate 9edgeless9 tubular epithelia in a process distinct from those that elongate bounded, planar epithelia.
Comparison of Running Cutaneous Suture Spacing During Linear Wound Closures and the Effect on Wound Cosmesis of the Face and Neck: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance:Surgeons have varying opinions on the ideal cutaneous suture spacing for optimal cosmetic outcomes. To date, no studies concerning the effect of suture spacing on cosmetic outcomes exist in the literature. Objective:To compare outcomes and wound cosmesis achieved with running cutaneous sutures spaced 2 vs 5 mm apart. Design, Setting, and Participants:This randomized clinical trial was conducted at the University of California, Davis dermatology clinic from November 28, 2017, to June 15, 2018. Fifty-six patients 18 years or older with surgical fusiform wounds (from Mohs procedure or surgical excision) on the head or neck with assumed closure lengths of at least 3 cm were screened. Six patients were excluded, 50 patients were enrolled, and 48 patients were followed up. Interventions:Fifty surgical fusiform wounds were randomized to running cuticular closure with 2-mm spacing on half and 5-mm spacing on half. Main Outcomes and Measures:At 3 months, patients and 2 masked observers evaluated each scar using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Results:A total of 50 patients (mean [SD] age, 71.1 [11.4] years; 43 [86%] male; 50 [100%] white) were enrolled in the study. The mean (SD) sum of the POSAS observer component scores was 10.7 (4.3) for the 2-mm interval side and 10.8 (3.5) for the 5-mm side at 3 months (P = .77). No statistically significant difference was found in the mean (SD) sum of the patient component for the POSAS score between the 2-mm interval side (10.2 [4.7]) and the 5-mm interval side (11.5 [6.4]) at 3 months (P = .24). No statistically significant difference was observed in mean (SD) scar width between the 2-mm side (0.9 [0.6] mm) and the 5-mm side (0.8 [0.4] mm; P = .15). Conclusions and Relevance:No statistically significant difference in wound cosmesis or total complications were noted between running cuticular sutures spaced 2 vs 5 mm apart. Both suturing techniques resulted in similar cosmetic outcomes and complication rates. Surgeons may want to consider whether the extra time involved in placing very closely spaced cuticular sutures is worthwhile. Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03330041.
Management of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Institutional Experience, Integration into Neurosurgical Practice, and Impact on Resident Training.

Objective Management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in neurosurgery residency training may have a significant impact on resident experience, even though few trainees are likely to pursue careers in the field of AIS. The impact of this exposure on resident knowledge in adult spinal disease management is the subject of our retrospective analysis. Methods An analysis was performed of all adolescent patients undergoing surgical correction of spinal deformity between 2006 and 2016. Patient characteristics, including age at operation, Cobb angles, length of stay, operative time, blood loss, and complications, were collected. Objective benchmarks were created for resident education in the management of AIS. A survey was sent to the last 7 years of graduates to assess the impact of exposure to AIS during neurosurgery training on their current practice. Results Nine male and 37 female patients ages 11 to 22 years were identified. Neurosurgical residents assisted in all procedures without fellows or surgical assistants. Average operative time was 336 minutes (range, 215–575 minutes), and blood loss per procedure was 603 mL (range, 200–4000 mL). The average Cobb angle correction was 72.2% (range, 35.3%–90.9%). Zero of the past 7 graduates currently treat AIS surgically. All 7 graduates agreed that exposure to AIS during residency enhanced their knowledge of adult spinal disease management. Conclusions Treatment of AIS by surgeons with specialized training can be effective and safe. Resident exposure to these patients enhances their understanding of spinal biomechanics and deformity correction, which is applicable to treating AIS and adult spinal deformity.
Racial categorization and word identification: The influence of sex, race and regional dialect

The speech signal provides information on talker characteristics including socio-ethnic affiliation and racial identity. Regional variation, both similar and divergent from White American English, has been described in African American English. However, it is unknown if such regional dialect variation influences listeners’ racial categorization or word identification accuracy. This work evaluated the influence of listeners’ sex, race, and regional dialect on racial categorization and word identification for Black and White talkers from two dialect regions within North Carolina. Black and White listeners (n = 23) from eastern and central North Carolina participated. In the racial categorization task, listeners heard /hVd/ words produced by male and female Black and White talkers from eastern and western North Carolina. Listeners categorized the perceived talker race for each token as Black or White. In the word identification task, the same listeners matched the speech tokens from the same talkers to one of fourteen /hVd/ words. Results showed an effect of listener sex on word identification accuracy such that female listeners were more accurate than male listeners. No effect of listener race or regional dialect was observed for either task. Follow-up analyses will investigate the interaction between listener and talker sex, race, and regional dialect.
Chronic caffeine exposure in adolescence promotes diurnal, biphasic mood-cycling and enhanced motivation for reward in adult mice.

Abstract Adolescent’s consumption of caffeine and caffeinated beverage is increasing, yet little is known about the consequences of chronic caffeine exposure during the critical development period of adolescence. In the present study, we investigated the effect of beginning chronic caffeine consumption in adolescence on locomotor, mood, sensorimotor gating, and reward seeking behaviors through adolescence and in adulthood. During the light cycle, caffeine exposed mice exhibited hypoactivity in a novel open-field box and increased anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors, while maintaining normal home cage locomotor activity. In contrast, during the dark cycle caffeine exposed mice displayed normal locomotor activity in a novel open-field box with hyperactive home cage activity. Interestingly, we found that caffeine exposed mice also showed enhanced prepulse inhibition during the light cycle whereas they displayed a deficit of prepulse inhibition during the dark cycle. Reward seeking for sucrose was higher in caffeine exposed than control mice during the light cycle. Additionally, when granted 24 -h access to ethanol as adults, caffeine exposed mice consumed more ethanol in the absence of acute caffeine use. Altogether, mice that consumed chronic caffeine beginning in adolescence had increased reward seeking and exhibited a circadian-dependent pattern of mood fluctuations in adulthood.
Understanding Stubborn Inequities: A Critical Lesson in History

The K12 teaching corps in the U.S. remain majority White, while student demographics are and will continue to be much more racially and ethnically diverse. This discrepancy is linked to lower academic outcomes for students from marginalized groups. Through the application of elements of Critical Race Theory, particularly the concepts of critwalking and of movement building, as well as Critical Whiteness Studies, we have created a professional development exercise for K12 educators. The exercise is focused on the normalization and institutionalization of racism in the U.S. and centers a timeline history that exposes the systemic, historically-rooted, and legalized ways that the nation has, over time, denied access and opportunity to individuals from marginalized groups. In this manuscript, we detail the professional development exercise, focusing on how we consider it to be both pedagogical critwalking and movement building. The timeline exercise intends to help equip educators to not only understand the history that created and supports institutionalized racism and other forms of marginalization in the U.S., but also to challenge it in their classrooms and schools today. That is, we want educators to recognize their role in disrupting Whiteness and the larger system of White supremacy. We do this by first exposing K12 educators to evidence that shows that institutional racism has been normalized in the U.S. and can be demonstrated through a historical review of policies and practices. We then encourage K12 educators to use the knowledge gained from this exercise to challenge traditional, deficit views by linking the historical patterns of a lack of access and opportunity to the disparities they see in their classrooms today and in U.S. society and institutions at large.
Nuclear halo measurements for accurate prediction of field size factor in a Varian ProBeam proton PBS system

Purpose For pencil-beam scanning proton therapy systems, in-air non-Gaussian halo can significantly impact output at small field sizes and low energies. Since the low-intensity tail of spot profile (halo) is not necessarily modeled in treatment planning systems (TPSs), this can potentially lead to significant differences in patient dose distribution. In this work, we report such impact for a Varian ProBeam system. Methods We use a pair magnification technique to measure two-dimensional (2D) spot profiles of protons from 70 to 242 MeV at the treatment isocenter and 30 cm upstream of the isocenter. Measurements are made with both Gafchromic film and a scintillator detector coupled to a CCD camera (IBA Lynx). Spot profiles are measured down to 0.01% of their maximum intensity. Field size factors (FSFs) are compared among calculation using measured 2D profiles, calculation using a clinical treatment planning algorithm (Raystation 8A clinical Monte Carlo), and a CC04 small-volume ion chamber. FSFs were measured for square fields of proton energies ranging from 70 to 242 MeV. Results All film and Lynx measurements agree within 1 mm for full width at half maximum beam intensity. The measured radial spot profiles disagree with simple Gaussian approximations, which are used for modeling in the TPS. FSF measurements show the magnitude of disagreements between beam output in reality and in the TPS without modeling halo. We found that the clinical TPS overestimated output by as much as 6% for small field sizes of 2 cm at the lowest energy of 70 MeV while the film and Lynx measurements agreed within 4% and 1%, respectively, for this FSF. Conclusions If the in-air halo for low-energy proton beams is not fully modeled by the TPS, this could potentially lead to under-dosing small, shallow treatment volumes in PBS treatment plans.
A genomic integration platform for heterologous cargo encapsulation in 1,2-propanediol utilization bacterial microcompartments

Abstract Bacterial microcompartments (MCPs) are protein structures that encapsulate specific metabolic pathways in bacteria. The 1,2-propanediol utilization (Pdu) MCP in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium LT2 encapsulates the pathway for 1,2-propanediol degradation to sequester a toxic intermediate, enable cofactor recycling, and enhance pathway flux. The Pdu MCP has potential as an enclosed scaffold for metabolic engineering applications. To successfully use Pdu MCPs for this purpose, however, methods to enable and control heterologous cargo encapsulation are critical. To this end, we here developed a genomic expression platform for cargo encapsulation in Pdu MCPs. We integrated signal sequence-tagged fluorescent reporters into the pdu operon in place of native Pdu enzymes and evaluated the resulting expression and encapsulation levels. We found that fluorescent reporters were successfully co-encapsulated, with varying relative encapsulation levels achieved when using different integration locus and signal sequence combinations. We also observed that the native Pdu signal sequences mediated different encapsulation efficiencies independent of expression levels. This work establishes the genomic integration platform as a viable method for controlling cargo encapsulation, expanding the toolkit toward engineering the Pdu MCP as a tunable nanobioreactor.
The correlations between physical attributes and golf clubhead speed: A systematic review with quantitative analyses

Clubhead speed (CHS) is a commonly assessed golf performance measure and has been demonstrated to increase in response to physical training. Knowledge of the physical attributes that correlate with...
Outpatient Mastectomy: Factors Influencing Patient Selection and Predictors of Return to Care

Background After implementation of the Surgical Home Recovery (SHR) initiative for mastectomy within a large, integrated health delivery system, most patients are discharged on the day of the procedure. We sought to identify predictors of SHR and unplanned return to care (RTC). Study Design Mastectomy cases with and without reconstruction from October 2017 to August 2019 were analyzed. Patient characteristics, operative variables, and multimodal pain management were compared between admitted patients and SHR patients using logistic regression. We identified predictors of RTC in SHR patients, defined as 7-day readmission, reoperation, or emergency department visit. Results Of 2,648 mastectomies, 1,689 (64%) were outpatient procedures and the mean age of patients was 58.5 years. Predictors of SHR included perioperative IV acetaminophen (odds ratio [OR] 1.59; 95% CI, 1.28 to 1.97), perioperative opiates (OR 1.47; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.02), and operation performed by a high-volume breast surgeon (OR 2.12; 95% CI, 1.42 to 3.18). Bilateral mastectomies (OR 0.70; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.91), immediate reconstruction (OR 0.52; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.70), and American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 to 4 (OR 0.69; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.87) decreased the odds of SHR. Of SHR patients, 111 of 1,689 patients (7%) experienced RTC. Patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 to 4 (OR 2.01; 95% CI, 1.29 to 3.14) and African American race (OR 2.30; 95% CI, 1.38 to 4.91) were more likely to RTC; receiving IV acetaminophen (OR 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.88) and filling an opiate prescription (OR 0.51; 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.77) decreased the odds of RTC. Conclusions Surgeon volume and multimodal pain medication increased the odds of SHR. Within the SHR group, American Society of Anesthesiologists Class 3 to 4 and African American patients increased the likelihood of RTC. This study helps optimize patient selection and perioperative practice for successful SHR.
Hierarchical morphologies in co-sputter deposited thin films

Co-depositions of immiscible alloy films at specific processing conditions have yielded hierarchical microstructures which consist of distinct features at multiple length scales, often agglomerates and concentration modulations on the submicrometer scale and fine nanoprecipitates in a matrix on the nanoscale. The present work examined a series of immiscible alloy systems: Cu-Mo, Cu-Ag, Cu-Fe, Cu-Ta, Mo-Ag, Cu-Mo-Ag, to determine the kinetic conditions favorable for hierarchical organization and the formation mechanism of such structures. Thin films of six immiscible systems were sputter co-deposited over a range of deposition rates from 0.12 to 2 nm/s and various temperatures from 400 to 800\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. The resulting microstructures indicate that hierarchical structures form with sufficient disparity in kinetic energy between the constituent atoms, one species being highly mobile ($A$) and the other relatively immobile ($B$). This condition arises typically at elevated deposition temperatures and reduced deposition rates but is also alloy dependent. The hierarchical structures form during deposition via phase separation and self-organization processes across the multiple length scales. The adatoms diffuse on the film surface with the highly mobile species swiftly agglomerating into $A$-rich domains within which $B$-rich nanoprecipitates form, often self-organizing into periodic arrays. The smallest $B$-rich nanoprecipitates in the $A$-rich domains are found to be coherent and in a metastable crystal structure ($B$ taking the structure of $A$), but coarser precipitates exhibit the equilibrium structure of the $B$ element. The $A$-rich domains are surrounded by a $B$-rich matrix that phase-separates into a concentration modulated structure. The observations are interpreted via a model incorporating material properties and process parameters.
Outcome-based comparison of SMFM and ISUOG definitions of fetal growth restriction

OBJECTIVE The recent international guidelines by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) and the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) differ in their definitions of fetal growth restriction (FGR). Our aim was to compare the performance of the two definitions in predicting neonatal small-for-gestational age (SGA) and composite adverse neonatal outcome (ANO). METHODS This was a secondary analysis of data from a prospective study of women referred for fetal growth ultrasound examination between 26 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks' gestation. The SMFM and ISUOG guidelines were used to define pregnancies with FGR. The SMFM definition of FGR is estimated fetal weight (EFW) or abdominal circumference (AC) < 10th percentile. The ISUOG-FGR definition follows the Delphi consensus criteria and includes either EFW or AC < 3rd percentile or EFW or AC < 10th percentile combined with abnormal Doppler findings or a decrease in growth centiles. The primary outcome was the prediction of neonatal SGA, defined as birth weight < 10th percentile, and a composite of ANO, which was defined as one or more of: Grade-III or -IV intraventricular hemorrhage, respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal death, cord blood pH < 7.1, seizures and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Test characteristics (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value and positive (LR+) and negative likelihood ratios) and area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve were determined. The association between FGR detected by each definition and selected adverse outcomes was assessed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Of the 1054 pregnancies that met the inclusion criteria, 137 (13.0%) and 55 (5.2%) were defined as having FGR by the SMFM and ISUOG definitions, respectively. Composite ANO and SGA neonate each occurred in 139 (13.2%) pregnancies. For the prediction of neonatal SGA, the SMFM-FGR definition had a higher sensitivity (54.7%) than did the ISUOG definition (28.8%). The ISUOG-FGR definition had higher specificity (98.4% vs 93.3%), LR+ (18.0 vs 8.2) and PPV (72.7% vs 55.5%) than did the SMFM definition for the prediction of a SGA neonate. The SMFM- and ISUOG-FGR definitions had similarly poor performance in predicting composite ANO, with sensitivities of 15.1% and 10.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The SMFM definition of FGR is associated with a higher detection rate for SGA neonates but at the cost of some reduction in specificity. The ISUOG-FGR definition has a higher specificity, LR+ and PPV for the prediction of neonatal SGA. Both definitions of FGR performed poorly in predicting a composite ANO. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Graph-Based Shape Analysis for Heterogeneous Geometric Datasets: Similarity, Retrieval and Substructure Matching

Abstract Practically all existing shape analysis and processing algorithms have been developed for specific geometric representations of 3D models. However, the product development process always involves a large number of often incompatible geometric representations tailored to specific computational tasks that take place during this process. Consequently, a substantial effort has been expended to develop robust geometric data translation and conversion algorithms, but the existing methods have well known limitations. The Maximal Disjoint Ball Decomposition (MDBD) was recently defined as a unique and stable geometric construction and used to define universal shape descriptors based on the contact graph associated with MDBD. In this paper, we demonstrate that by applying graph analysis tools to MDBD in conjunction with graph convolutional neural networks and graph kernels, one can effectively develop methods to perform similarity, retrieval and substructure matching from geometric models regardless of their native geometric representation. We show that our representation-agnostic approach achieves comparable performance with state-of-the-art geometric processing methods on standard yet heterogeneous benchmark datasets while supporting all valid geometric representations.
Off-label chemotherapy use in a military treatment facility

6631 Background: Off-label prescribing of chemotherapeutics is thought to be frequent but scant data exist to quantify its occurrence. The few studies evaluating off-label drug use in oncology show...
Delivery of Proteins, Peptides or Cell-impermeable Small Molecules into Live Cells by Incubation with the Endosomolytic Reagent dfTAT

Macromolecular delivery strategies typically utilize the endocytic pathway as a route of cellular entry. However, endosomal entrapment severely limits the efficiency with which macromolecules penetrate the cytosolic space of cells. Recently, we have circumvented this problem by identifying the reagent dfTAT, a disulfide bond dimer of the peptide TAT labeled with the fluorophore tetramethylrhodamine. We have generated a fluorescently labeled dimer of the prototypical cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) TAT, dfTAT, which penetrates live cells and reaches the cytosolic space of cells with a particularly high efficiency. Cytosolic delivery of dfTAT is achieved in multiple cell lines, including primary cells. Moreover, delivery does not noticeably impact cell viability, proliferation or gene expression. dfTAT can deliver small molecules, peptides, antibodies, biologically active enzymes and a transcription factor. In this report, we describe the protocols involved in dfTAT synthesis and cellular delivery. The manuscript describes how to control the amount of protein delivered to the cytosolic space of cells by varying the amount of protein administered extracellularly. Finally, the current limitations of this new technology and steps involved in validating delivery are discussed. The described protocols should be extremely useful for cell-based assays as well as for the ex vivo manipulation and reprogramming of cells.
Multiple chemical messengers in hypothalamic magnocellular neurons.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on magnocellular neurons. There are two major groups of large neurosecretory neurons in the hypothalamus: one in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and the other in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). The magnocellular neurons develop from midline neuroblasts. Those in the SON migrate ventrolaterally and take up residence alongside the optic chiasm. The scattered nests of cells fail to complete this migration and come to rest between the PVN and SON. These nests of neurons are called “accessory magnocellular cells” and make up less than 5% of the magnocellular population. The chapter demonstrates the presence or absence of particular transmitters in magnocellular cells. The studies of the effect of stalk transections or PVN lesions on transmitter levels in the posterior pituitary have helped to show whether neurotransmitters are in non-neuronal cells intrinsic to the posterior lobe or in processes provided by neurons extrinsic to it. The various magnocellular neurons make vasopressin—the antidiuretic hormone—or oxytocin—the hormone responsible for milk letdown.
Semi-formal verification of memory systems by symbolic simulation

We propose a debugging method for data-path intensive systems, in particular, memory systems. The approach is based on strengthening invariants by deriving constraints on data in the design using symbolic simulation with constrained inputs. A new heuristic is introduced for finding the appropriate input constraints for the symbolic simulation. We give up soundness in order to gain more automation and efficiency, minimizing or even eliminating the required manual effort. While it is no longer possible to prove the correctness of the design, experimental results demonstrate that the technique is quite effective in finding design errors.
Knowledgesheet: A Graphical Spreadsheet Interface for Interactively Developing a Class of Constraint Programs

We introduce a generalization of the spreadsheet paradigm, called Knowledgesheet, for solving a class of constraint satisfaction problems. The traditional spreadsheet paradigm is based on attaching arithmetic expressions to individual cells and then evaluating them; our Knowledgesheet interface instead allows finite domain constraints to be attached to individual cells that are then solved to obtain a solution. This extension provides an easy-to-use interface for solving a large class of constraint satisfaction problems--those whose specification and solution conforms to a 2-dimensional structure, e.g., scheduling problems, timetabling problems, etc. A prototype for the Knowledgesheet has been developed and applied to solve many different types of problems.
A new Wold ordering for image similarity

The problem of measuring perceptual similarity between images is addressed using a new image model based on the Weld decomposition. The model permits separate treatment of image components which correspond approximately to periodicity, directionality, and randomness. The authors compare its performance in an image search application to two other methods-one based on shift-invariant principle components and one based on a multiscale simultaneous autoregressive model. When textured images are ordered by distances between their Wold components, the results appear to be much closer to the human perception of similarity. The authors discuss how decoupling the three components can increase flexibility for measuring image similarity and can save computation, permitting the "quickest" matches when the features are the most perceptually "salient". >
Biological Methanogenesis in Sediments and Sanitary Landfills

Biological methanogensis, carried out by a mixed culture of bacteria, is an exceedingly common and widespread process in nature. Methane is produced in the soil, in peat bogs, in both fresh-water and marine sediments, in sanitary landfills, and in the anaerobic digesters used to dispose of sludge in sewage plants. Yet the process requires a rather specific set of environmental conditions, including the presence of suitable energy-yielding substrates, the usual nutrient elements, a pH near neutrality, a low Eh, and a sufficiently low concentration of inhibitory compounds. Substances found to be inhibitory include organic acids, ammonia, certain heavy metals, sulfide, sulfate and nitrate. Why, then, does the process appear to take place, sooner or later, whenever naturally occurring organic matter decays under anaerobic conditions? The answers appear to be in the realm of microbial ecology. Microorganisms widely distributed in nature alter the environment in such a way that the growth of methanogenic bacteria eventually is assured. Methanogenesis then proceeds until substrate exhaustion.
Computers under attack: intruders, worms, and viruses

This book is broken down into 6 parts. The first describes the emergence of a worldwide network of computers, here called Worldnet, and the practices that people have engaged in as a result. The second part describes the problem of electronic breakins. The third part deals with the phenomenon of worms. The fourth part deals with viruses. The fifth part of the book gives a glimpse of the worlds in which hackers live. The final part deals with the social context in which people make ethical and moral interpretations and propose new laws.
Abstract W MP50: Pair Housing Reverses the Detrimental Effect of Social Isolation and Restores BDNF and MBP in Aged Mice after Stroke

Background: Age is an important non-modifiable risk factor for stroke. Stroke rates double every decade after age 55. Social isolation (SI) exacerbates behavioural deficits, slows functional recovery and worsens histological injury after stroke in young animals, primarily by increasing the inflammatory response. However, the inflammatory response differs in aging, and whether the detrimental effects of SI are seen in aged animals is unknown. We hypothesize that acute and chronic post stroke SI will worsen stroke pathology and recovery in aged mice and pair housing (PH) will reverse these effects. Methods: Eighteen-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were pair housed (PH) for two weeks prior to stroke and randomly assigned to various housing conditions immediately after stroke. Behavioral analysis was done weekly starting at day 7. Mice were sacrificed either at 72 hours or 4 weeks after 60-minute right MCAO or sham surgery (n=9-10/group). Results: Mice isolated after stroke (ST-ISO) mice had significantly greater...
Stigmatized and Perpetual Parents: Older Parents Caring for Adult Children with Life-Long Disabilities

Common misconceptions in the popular press focus on the dependency of the aged population, or cast the elderly in the role of the "greedy old geezer." However, large numbers of elders provide care for family members rather than receive care. This paper explores the unique stresses and strains in the caregiving relationships between older parents and their adult children with developmental disabilities or mental illness. Implications for practice and policy are drawn.
Nutritional factors stimulating the formation of lysine decarboxylase in Escherichia coli.

Maretzki, Andrew (Pennsylvania State University, University Park) and M. F. Mallette. Nutritional factors stimulating the formation of lysine decarboxylase in Escherichia coli. J. Bacteriol. 83:720–726. 1962 — Inclusion of complex nitrogen sources in the induction medium was shown to be necessary for the synthesis of appreciable amounts of l-lysine decarboxylase by Escherichia coli B. Hy-case, a commercial acid hydrolyzate of casein, was especially effective in enzyme production, which was assayed manometrically after lysis of the bacteria from without by bacteriophage. Partial fractionation of the Hy-case, identification of the free amino acids, and addition of these amino acids to test media revealed stimulatory effects by methionine, threonine, proline, leucine, and tyrosine. A full complement of amino acids did not match the enzyme levels reached in the presence of Hy-case. Certain peptide fractions obtained from this mixture supplemented the effects of the amino acids in such a way as to suggest direct incorporation of peptide rather than transport or protective roles. Added purines, pyrimidines, iron, and water-soluble vitamins were without effect. Neither carbohydrates nor phosphorylated materials could be detected in the stimulatory fractions.
On Quantifying the Distinctions Between the Cusp and the CLEFT/LLBL

The distinction between the cusp (the region of fairly direct entry of magnetosheath plasma to low altitudes) and the cleft (the ionospheric signature of the magnetospheric boundary layer) is placed on a firm quantitative foundation. Case examples illustrating the difference are shown; when both regions are seen on a given pass the cusp lies poleward of the cleft, generally with a sharp boundary between the regions. The statistical differences are developed, for example the ion number flux in the cusp is approximately 4 times higher than in the cleft. The different responses of the cusp and the cleft to the interplanetary magnetic field Bz are documented; the cusp (cleft) ion fluxes increase (stay nearly unchanged) and the statistical local time width increases (decreases) when Bz changes from northward to southward. A brief review of the various previous attempts at distinctions between the cusp and the cleft is given, as is a brief summary of all known differences between the two regions as observed at low altitude.
Fallen Behind: Science, Technology and Soviet Statism

Why, despite the overwhelming enthusiasm from the state for science and technology, did the Soviet Union fail in its project of modernization? This essay argues that the fundamental reason behind the Soviet Union’s technological lag, and its consequent catastrophic decline, is the incompatibility between the logic of statism and the demands of 21st century informationalization. The damaging logic of Soviet statism manifested itself in five key areas: 1) the extensive military-industrial black hole exhausting the Soviets of key resources; 2) the ideological capture of science; 3) bureaucratic logic, risk aversion, and structural disincentives against innovation; 4) technological conservatism and a dependence on the West; 5) the dominance of vertical structures in closed information loops at the expense of horizontal linkages.
The importance of progressive senescence in the biomass dynamics of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera)

Temporal variation in primary producer biomass has profound effects on the structure and function of the surrounding ecological community. The giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) exhibits strong intra-annual variation in biomass density, which is better explained by the demographic rates of fronds than by those of whole plants. To better understand the processes controlling the dynamics of giant kelp fronds we collected monthly time-series data of frond initiation and survival. These data were used to determine how frond loss and frond initiation rates were predicted by factors thought to affect the growth and survival of Macrocystis, including external environmental factors (i.e., wave height, day length, temperature, nutrient concentration, and neighborhood density) and intrinsic biological characteristics (i.e., frond age, plant size, and nutritional status). Our results revealed that frond dynamics were better explained by intrinsic biological processes rather than external environmental factors. A metric of frond age structure that incorporated progressive senescence was the best predictor of frond loss rate, accounting for 58% of the explained variation in frond loss. A similar analysis revealed that frond age structure was also the single best predictor of frond initiation rate, accounting for 46% of the explained variation. To further examine the importance of senescence in biomass dynamics, we used frond age-dependent mortality and frond initiation rates to predict biomass in subsequent months and found that the model explained 73% of the observed variation in biomass at our sites. Vegetation dynamics of many species including giant kelp are often considered largely in the context of external controls on resource availability and physical disturbance. Our results indicate that investigations of the processes controlling vegetation dynamics may benefit greatly from the inclusion of intrinsic biological factors such as age-dependent mortality and growth, which can outweigh the effects of external forcing in accounting for fluctuations in vegetation biomass.
Continuous hydrogen peroxide production by organic buffers in phytoplankton culture media.

We investigated the production of hydrogen peroxide (HOOH) in illuminated seawater media containing a variety of zwitterionic buffers. Production rates varied extensively among buffers, with 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) highest and N-Tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl-3-aminopropanesulfonic acid (TAPS) among the lowest. The rate of HOOH accumulation was remarkably consistent over many days, and increased linearly with buffer concentration, natural seawater concentration, and light level. Concentrations of HEPES commonly used in culture media (1-10 mM) generated enough HOOH to kill the axenic Prochlorococcus strain VOL1 during growth in enriched seawater media at lower, environmentally realistic cell concentrations and/or under high light exposure. We also demonstrated that HEPES can be used experimentally to study the biological effects of chronic exposure to sublethal levels of HOOH such as may be experienced by light-exposed microorganisms.
Citizen Attitudes Toward Transparency in Local Government

The proper balance between governmental secrecy and open government is at the forefront of contemporary public debate. Citizens have different degrees of interest in and demand for governmental tra...
A review of the feminist pedagogy literature: The neglected child of feminist psychology

Abstract Feminist psychologists have introduced feminist values, critiques, and methods into the science and practice of psychology. On the topic of teaching, feminist psychologists have done a thorough job of addressing curricula issues, but they have been involved marginally in developing the literature on feminist pedagogy. A comprehensive review of the feminist pedagogy literature was compiled based on a review of 60 articles, 25 chapters from books, 10 books, and 4 bibliographies. The review covers major aspects of the legacy of patriarchy in schools as well as feminist transformations of traditional educational practice. Explanations are posed for the minimal involvement of feminist psychologists in the development of the feminist pedagogy literature. Reciprocal benefits are identified for both the field of psychology and the feminist pedagogy scholars if more bridges are built between the two.
Metal insertion into a CH bond as a route to the heterobimetallic μ-methylidene complex C5H5(CO)2Re(μ-CH2)Pt(PPh3)2

Abstract The reaction of C 5 H 5 (CO) 2 Re(CH 3 )−Li + -THF ( 5 ) with (Ph 3 P) 3 Pt[( E )-C(CH 3 )CHCH 3 ] + CF 3 SO 3 − ( 3E ) in an attempt to prepare the heterobimetallic complex C 5 H 5 (CO) 2 (CH 3 )RePt[( E )-C(CH 3 )CHCH 3 ](PPh 3 ) 2 ( B ) led to the formation of the new heterobimetallic μ-methylene complex C 5 H 5 (CO) 2 Re(μ-Ch 2 )Pt(PPh 3 ) 2 ( 4 ), which was characterized by X-ray crystallography. A mechanism involving initial generation of intermediate B followed by insertion of Pt into a CH bond and reductive elimination is suggested. The related substituted alkylidene complexes C 5 H 5 (CO) 2 Re[μ-CH( E -CH 3 CCHCH 3 )]Pt(PPh 3 ) 2 ( 9 ) and C 5 H 5 (CO) 2 Re(μ-CHCH 3 )Pt(PPh 3 ) 2 ( 11 ) were prepared from Pt(C 2 -H 4 )(PPh 3 ) 2 and the appropriate rhenium alkylidene complexes C 5 H 5 (CO) 2 ReCHR.
The Story of Biotinidase Deficiency and Its Introduction into Newborn Screening: The Role of Serendipity

Today, all of the states in the United States and many countries screen their newborns for biotinidase deficiency. Biotinidase deficiency meets the major criteria for including a disorder into screening programs. However, rarely do we learn the actual story behind the discovery of a disorder where the underlying etiology was elusive or about the events leading to a disorder’s incorporation into a newborn screening program. This is the story of the role that serendipity played in the story of biotinidase deficiency and the newborn screening of the disorder.
Social Science as Practical Reason

Kenneth Prewitt begins his 1979–80 annual report as president of the Social Science Research Council with the sentence: “As the social sciences enter the 1980s, they move from a decade in which purpose or relevance became the dominant metaphor into a new decade characterized by the themes of performance, productivity, and usefulness.”1 The issue of the “usefulness” of social science might be less salient at the moment did it not bear so directly on decisions about funding that may have far-reaching consequences for American social science. Russell R. Dynes, executive officer of the American Sociological Association, in a recent letter addressed to graduate departments of sociology, urged a variety of forms of action to protest cuts proposed by the Reagan administration in the National Science Foundation budget for the social sciences. In that letter he says, “Again, the case has to be made for the importance and usefulness of support for the social sciences. Many of the goals of the present administration are informed by the social sciences.” Perhaps the goals of an administration that has embarked on programs profoundly different from any administration since 1932—programs that will have extraordinarily broad political, ethical, and human consequences—are indeed “informed by” social science. But does that thought not arrest us and move us to consider things entirely beyond the question of “usefulness?” Does it not raise questions about the ethical meaning of social science?
Prostaglandin E generation during storage of plasma samples.

Abstract Generation of prostaglandin E (PGE) was found during storage of plasma at 4C for three weeks and in plasma specimens that were kept frozen and then thawed before being assayed. PGE production was greater in the refrigerated than in the frozen samples. The increment in PGE correlated with the number of platelets present in the plasma. Sodium salicylate decreased the amount of PGE generated in the refrigerated but not in the frozen plasma samples. Under the same experimental conditions, PGE generation was not observed in serum samples. Awareness of this phenomenon is important whenever stored plasma samples are used for prostaglandin determinations.
Evaluating precursor processing of Ba2 YCu3O7 – y Compounds Using High‐Resolution Scanning Auger Microscopy

Superconducting materials, particularly the rare earth perovskite compounds have been shown recently to be the most promising materials for high Tc applications. Numerous techniques have been utilized to study the composition and structure of these materials. Of particular interest is the microstructure and grain boundaries. Consequently, the analytical technique must have sufficient spatial resolution to distinguish grain boundaries and the ability to characterize those grain boundaries, as well as the adjacent microstructure. This work will present a study in microstructure and grain boundary composition using high resolution scanning Auger microscopy. Electron-beam degradation of these compounds was evident. However, using cation ratios circumvented this problem in the scope of this investigation. By correlating electronic properties to a specific microstructure and composition, we can prescribe processing which optimizes the formation of the preferred crystal structure or phase.
SNAr-Based, facile synthesis of a library of Benzothiaoxazepine-1,1’-dioxides

The construction of a library of benzothiaoxazepine-1,1′-dioxides utilizing a one-pot, SNAr diversification−ODCT50 scavenging protocol is reported. This protocol combines microwave irradiation to facilitate the reaction, in conjunction with a soluble ROMP-derived scavenger (ODCT) to afford the desired products in good overall purity. Utilizing this protocol, a 78-member library was successfully synthesized and submitted for biological evaluation.
Spectroscopic characterization of alumina-supported transition metal carbonyl catalysts. 1. Mo(CO)6

Abstract A spectroscopic study is reported of the adsorption and decomposition of Mo(CO) 6 on a γ-alumina surface. Initial adsorption involves both physical adsorption and dissociative chemisorption. On subsequent heating in vacuo , most physically adsorbed Mo(CO) 6 is desorbed. The remainder decomposes, forming a variety of subcarbonyl species which are identified from their infrared spectra and published temperature programmed desorption data for this system. Evidence is presented for bimolecular carbonyl species in which bridging carbonyl ligands are coordinated to Lewis acid sites on the alumina support.
Ion Beam Mixing In Silicon Systems

A brief review is presented of the basic properties of ion beam mixing of layers of material on Si and Si0 2 , and current models for the observed phenomena. Following this, some potential applications of ion beam mixing to processing of Si devices are reviewed. These applications are: (1) dispersal of impurities which would otherwise block thermal reactions, (2) formation of uniform, well-aligned metal-silicide contacts to devices, and (3) adhesion of metal interconnects to Si0 2 layers. In each of these, the mixing is executed with a simple implantation step, conducted at room temperature. The alternative processes are mostly either more complex, or require annealing at very high temperatures.
Salesperson competitive intelligence and performance: The role of product knowledge and sales force automation usage

Abstract This research models and tests the relationship between a salesperson's product knowledge, competitive intelligence behaviors (SCIB), and performance. Moreover, the research examines how a salesperson's use of a sales force automation (SFA) system influences the knowledge–SCIB–performance relationship. Our model and empirical evidence suggest that a salesperson's product knowledge influences performance indirectly through SCIB, and that this indirect influence is moderated by salesperson SFA use. Results show that the indirect positive influence of salesperson product knowledge on salesperson performance through SCIB is attenuated as SFA use increases, and enhanced when SFA use decreases. Theoretical and managerial implications are presented, followed by a discussion of limitations and future research.