cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blindisms: Treatment by Punishment and Reward in Laboratory and Natural Settings.

Reports on study designed to test the effectiveness of using punishment (pre-recorded sound of chalk screeching on a blackboard) and positive reinforcement to reduce blindisms (stereotypic behavior...
Interactionism in language: from neural networks to bodies to dyads

In a science of language, it can be useful to partition different formats of linguistic information into different categories, such as phonetics, phonology, semantics, and syntax. However, when the...
Modelling the transmission and control strategies of varicella in Shenzhen

Objective To model the transmission dynamics of varicella among school children in Shenzhen,to determine the effect of the school-based vaccination intervention. Introduction Varicella (chickenpox) is a highly transmissible childhood disease. Between 2010 and 2015,it displayed two epidemic waves annually among school populations in Shenzhen, China. However, their transmission dynamics remain unclear and there is no school-based vaccination programme in Shenzhen to-date. In this study, we developed a mathematical model to compare a school-based vaccination intervention scenario with a baseline (i.e. no intervention)scenario. Methods Data on varicella reported cases were downloaded from the Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management System. We obtained the population size, age structure of children aged 15 or under, the class and school distribution from Shenzhen Education Bureau. We developed an Agent-Based Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (ABM-SEIR) Model that considered within-class, class-to-class and out-of-school transmission modes. The intervention scenario was that school-wide vaccination intervention occurred when an outbreak threshold was reached within a school. We varied this threshold level from five to ten cases. We compared the reduction of disease outbreak size and estimated the key epidemiological parameters under the intervention strategy. Results Our ABM-SEIR model provided a good model fit to the two annual varicella epidemic waves from 2013 to 2015. The transmission dynamics displayed strong seasonality. Our results suggested that a school-based vaccination strategy could effectively prevent large outbreaks at different thresholds. Conclusions There was a considerable increase in reported varicella cases from 2013 to 2015 in Shenzhen. Our modelling study provided important theoretical support for disease control decision making during school outbreaks and the development of a school-based vaccination programme.
Two-Photon Excitation of Flavins and Flavoproteins with Classical and Quantum Light

In this contribution, the entangled two-photon absorption (ETPA) process on naturally occurring flavoproteins was studied. Low temperature responsive protein (LOT6P) and b-type dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHOD B), which possess flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) chromophores embedded in the protein environment, were investigated. The ETPA cross-section was measured, and we found that it increases when going from an aqueous solution of the free flavin chromophore to the chromophore embedded in the protein. This enhancement is particularly evident when entangled photons are used as excitation light compared to classical light. Our results prove the potential of ETPA as a sensing technique for fluorescent proteins even for those whose classical TPA cross-section is small compared to well-known fluorescent proteins.
Reply to Audi, Bliss, Rosen, Schaffer, and Wang

ABSTRACTI reply to five critics of my book. In particular, I tackle criticisms of my treatment of causation, relative fundamentality, and generativity. I also take on the question of my reliance on...
Compensatory Hippocampal Recruitment Supports Preserved Episodic Memory in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Abstract Background The degree to which individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) evidence impairments in episodic memory relative to their typically developing (TD) counterparts remains unclear. According to a prominent view, ASD is associated with deficits in encoding associations between items and recollecting precise context details. Here, we evaluated behavioral and neural evidence for this impaired relational binding hypothesis using a task involving relational encoding and recollection during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Methods Adolescents and young adults (nASD = 47, nTD = 60) performed the Relational and Item-Specific Encoding task during functional magnetic resonance imaging, including item and associative recognition testing. We modeled functional recruitment within the medial temporal lobes (MTLs), and connectivity between MTL and the posterior medial (PM) network thought to underlie relational memory. The impaired relational binding model would predict a behavioral deficit driven by aberrant recruitment and connectivity of MTL and the PM network. Results The ASD and TD groups showed indistinguishable item and associative recognition performance. During relational encoding, the ASD group demonstrated increased hippocampal recruitment, and decreased connectivity between MTL and PM regions relative to the TD group. Within ASD, hippocampal recruitment and MTL-PM connectivity were inversely correlated. Conclusions The lack of a behavioral deficit in ASD does not support the impaired relational binding hypothesis. Instead, the current data suggest that increased recruitment of the hippocampus compensates for decreased MTL-PM connectivity to support preserved episodic memory in ASD. These findings suggest a compensatory neurodevelopmental mechanism that may support preserved cognitive domains in ASD: local hyperrecruitment may offset connectivity aberrations in individuals with ASD relative to TD subjects.
Adaptive Packet Dropout Compensator for Wide-Area Damping Control: A MIMO Observer-Driven Reduced Copy ApproachBehaviors

Wide-Area Measurement and Control Systems (WAMCSs) will have a significant impact on a smart power grid implementation to enhance the power system stability. The dynamic performance of such WAMCSs can significantly deteriorate in presence of data dropout in the remote feedback signals from Phasor Measurement Units. Consideration of such an issue is important for any networked control system for ensuring efficient and reliable operation. To that end, in this paper, a new multi-input multi-output (MIMO) Observer-driven Reduced Copy (ORC) i.e. MIMO-ORC architecture is proposed for wide-area damping control using multiple doubly fed induction generator-based wind farms to mitigate the issue of packet dropout with multiple feedback signals. In this context, the concepts of cyber-physical self-coupling and cross-coupling are introduced and their impact on deterioration of closed-loop performance with data dropout is quantified through an analytical derivation. A framework for stability analysis of MIMO-ORC architecture is also presented. Finally, time-domain simulations show superiority of the proposed approach over its single-input single-output (SISO) ORC counterpart in a WAMCS for power grid.
Making the 21st Century Mobile Journalist: Examining Definitions and Conceptualizations of Mobility and Mobile Journalism within Journalism Education

This paper considers new and old challenges to journalism production and education, focusing on the rising field of mobile journalism. The article examines how journalism schools are adapting to th...
Correlation clustering-based multi-robot task allocation: a tale of two graphs

Robots currently available in the market are somewhat limited in their capabilities, which makes it difficult for a single robot to handle many real-world tasks that are inherently complex. Thus, it becomes necessary to engage multiple robots which might form coalitions to complete such complex tasks. In this paper, we consider the well-known NP-hard problem of forming coalitions with the goal of instantaneous allocation (IA) of a group of robots to a set of tasks for optimal completion of the tasks. With the goal of bringing similar robots together to form coalitions, we use a correlation clustering technique, which uses a Linear Programming-based graph partitioning approach along with a region growing strategy. Our proposed approach is shown to gracefully handle both cost and utility-based objective functions for task allocation. We demonstrate that the resulting algorithm is fast and efficient in allocating (near) optimal robot coalitions to tasks. Furthermore, it outperforms two existing approaches in terms of execution times while yielding similar new-optimal solutions.
Enhanced stimulated raman scattering of solvent due to anharmonic energy transfer from resonance raman solute molecules.

A new nonlinear optical process, named enhanced stimulated Raman scattering (ESRS), is reported for the first time from resonance Raman in β-carotene-methanol solution. It is well known that absorption decreases the efficiency of the nonlinear optical and laser processes; however, we observed enhanced stimulated Raman peaks at the first and second Stokes from methanol solvent at 2834 cm−1 with the addition of β-carotene solutes. This enhanced SRS effect in methanol is attributed to the resonance Raman (RR) process in β-carotene, which creates a significant number of vibrations from RR and the excess vibrations are transferred to methanol from anharmonic vibrational interactions between the β-carotene solutes and the methanol solvent, and consequently leads to the increased Raman gain.
Fungal Periprosthetic Joint Infection: A Review of Demographics and Management.

Abstract Background Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most feared complications of total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Although commonly the result of colonization by Staphylococcal species, a growing number of cases of PJI with fungal pathogens have been reported within the last decade. Although standard treatment with two-stage exchange mirrors that of bacterial PJI, the variability in virulence between fungal species makes for an unpredictable and challenging treatment course. Methods A review of Pubmed and Scopus from years 2009 to 2019 was conducted with the search terms fungal, infection, Candida, arthroplasty, periprosthetic, and prosthesis. Publications were reviewed and screened, yielding data for 286 patients with fungal PJI in the hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow prosthetics. Results Patient comorbidities generally included conditions impairing wound healing and immune response such as diabetes mellitus. Candida species were the most common fungal pathogens identified (85%); 30% had a concomitant bacterial infection. A two-stage exchange was most utilized, with a mean success rate of 65%. Antifungal impregnated spacers were utilized in 82 cases, with a comparatively high success rate (81%). Attempts at debridement with implant retention had substantially lower cure rates (15%). Conclusions Two-stage exchange is the favored approach to treating fungal PJI. Debridement with implant retention does not appear adequate to control infection, and retrieval of implanted materials should be prioritized. The use of antifungal impregnated spacers is an important area of ongoing research, with uncertainty regarding the type and quantity of antifungal agent to incorporate, although recent reports support the use of these agents.
Energy Transmission Across Wild and Scenic Rivers: Balancing Increased Access to Nontraditional Power Sources with Environmental Protection Policies

Increases in the level of renewable energy production, spurred by climate change mitigation goals and regulatory programs such as state renewable energy portfolio standards, and in the level of fossil fuels extraction spurred by technological developments allowing access to previously unavailable natural gas supplies, have created a need for new energy transmission facilities. The new supplies are often located far from centers of high energy demand, requiring transportation over long distances. Some of the routes chosen for the new electric transmission lines and natural gas pipelines have already come into conflict with the environmental protections provided by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (WSRA). Other, similar conflicts are sure to follow. This article explores the clash between the policies that support increased production of and access to renewable energy and unconventional natural gas supplies and the preservationist impulse reflected in the WSRA. The parameters of this clash are difficult to discern, given the frustrating, obtuse, and rarely construed provisions of the Act that constrain federal assistance to and approval of energy-related facilities. This article identifies unresolved questions concerning the proper interpretation of these provisions and suggests how they should be resolved. Using the WSRA’s application to energy transmission facilities as an example of traditional conflicts between energy and environmental policies, it suggests an approach to accommodation. That approach involves avoidance, mitigation, and careful creation of exemptions from WSRA constraints that promise to * J.B. & Maurice C. Shapiro Professor of Environmental Law, The George Washington University Law School. The author thanks Alex Klass, Lee Paddock, and Richard Pierce for helpful comments on drafts and Kathy Oprea, J.D. class of 2013, The George Washington University Law School, for valuable research assistance. 2 PUBLIC LAND & RESOURCES LAW REVIEW Vol. 34 serve energy policy goals and contribute to climate change mitigation, while retaining key protections for the nation’s most treasured river habitats. ENERGY TRANSMISSION ACROSS WILD & SCENIC RIVERS 3
Etnobotânicas da recusa: metodologias de engajamento com a resistência humana-implantada : Methodologies in Respecting Plant(ed)-Human Resistance

This article examines the scholarly moment of the "Botanical Turn" or what Natasha Myers has called "The Plant Turn" (2015) in North American anthropology and philosophy. It represents an opportunity to highlight the legacy and continued contributions of indigenous cosmologies to social theory, underlining how people within-and-without Western thought have long thought about "becoming-with" plants. Considering the disciplinary as well as the political ramifications of botanico-human relations when plant healers and practitioners go largely un-cited in these scholarly discussions, this article engages multiple thinkers: Audra Simpson on ethnographic refusal, Emilia Sanabria on Ayahuasca and the psychedelic sciences, Michel-Rolph Trouillot on the 'Savage Slot', Zoe Todd's critique of citational practices and continued erasure of indigenous thinkers, Davi Kopenawa and Bruce Albert's joint effort, as well as the work of Natasha Myers and Michael Marder. The analysis frames possible approaches in ethnobotanies and methodologies of refusal to respecting plant(ed)-human resistance.
Progressive enhancement of kinetic proofreading in T cell antigen discrimination from receptor activation to DAG generation

T cells use kinetic proofreading to discriminate antigens by converting small changes in antigen binding lifetime into large differences in cell activation, but where in the signaling cascade this computation is performed is unknown. Previously, we developed a light-gated immune receptor to probe the role of ligand kinetics in T cell antigen signaling. We found significant kinetic proofreading at the level of the signaling lipid diacylglycerol (DAG) but lacked the ability to determine where the multiple signaling steps required for kinetic discrimination originate in the upstream signaling cascade (Tischer and Weiner, 2019). Here we uncover where kinetic proofreading is executed by adapting our optogenetic system for robust activation of early signaling events. We find the strength of kinetic proofreading progressively increases from Zap70 recruitment to LAT clustering to downstream DAG generation. These data suggest a distributed kinetic proofreading mechanism, with proofreading steps both at the receptor and at downstream signaling events. Leveraging the ability of our system to rapidly disengage ligand binding, we measure slower reset rates for downstream signaling events. Our observations of distributed kinetic proofreading and slowed resetting of downstream steps suggest a basis of cooperativity between multiple active receptors with implications in tissue homeostasis, autoimmunity, and immunotherapy off-target effects.
The Output of the Heart

Understanding the mechanisms that control blood flow is the central problem of circulatory physiology. Factors that affect the size of the aortic stream and its distribution determine the environment in which the tissues function. In this complex process, the initial effort is the total output of blood by the ventricles of the heart.
Hazard assessment of resmethrin: I. Effects and fate in aquatic systems.

A comparative aquatic hazard assessment of resmethrin was conducted to investigate the need for its restricted use classification by the US. EPA as an adult mosquito control agent. This paper describes the environmental fate and aquatic toxicity of resmethrin. The following paper compares resmethrin to the alternative insecticides. Environmental fate studies indicate that resmethrin has a short photolytic half-life in water (< 1h). Furthermore, it is immobile in soil and biodegradable (half-life=36.5d) under aerobic conditions. Laboratory studies with constant 48- to 96-h exposures show it is acutely toxic to fish and invertebrates in the 0.22–15.0μg/L range. Daphnia magna, pink shrimp (Penaeus duorarum) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are the most sensitive and mollusks are the least sensitive species. Chronic laboratory studies indicate that the maximum acceptable toxicant concentrations (MATCs) for resmethrin and D. magna, Pimephales promelas, O. mykiss, and Cyprinodon variegatus are 0.58, 0.52, 0.43, and 10.3μg/L, respectively. The acute-to-chronic ratios (1.1–7.3) for all species studied indicate that chronic toxicity will not be an issue for resmethrin. Furthermore, the characteristics of acute exposures (48- to 96-h) used in the laboratory will not occur under field conditions because of the short half-life of resmethrin in fresh- and salt-water.
Issues in MEMS macromodeling

AHDL modeling of MEMS components for system simulation is slowly maturing, however many issues remain regarding interoperability and composability. A discussion of MEMS natures, hierarchy and model partitioning helps to introduce the issues. Specific conventions for interoperability include choice of component reference frame and associated reference directions. A composite discipline extension to AHDLs is proposed to enable a single-port representation of micromechanical connection points in 2D and 3D space.
Interactivity and expectation: eliciting learning oriented behavior with tutorial dialogue systems

We investigate the reasons behind students’ different responses to human versus machine tutors and explore possible solutions that will motivate students to offer more elaborated responses to computerized tutoring systems, and ultimately behave in a more “learning oriented” manner. We focus upon two sets of variables, one surrounding the students’ perceptions of tutor qualities and the other surrounding the conversational dynamics of the dialogues themselves. We offer recommendations based on our empirical investigations.
Perceptions, concerns, and influence of growth charts among low-income mothers (627.3)

Perceptions, concerns, and influence of growth charts among low-income mothers Juhee Kim & Hema Chagarlamudi, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC Growth charts (GC) information is widely used in pediatric clinics and WIC program to monitor infancy growth and development. However, relatively less information is available on the use and importance of GC among mothers and their influence on infant feeding decisions in relation to obesity prevention. The aim of this study was to assess mothers’ perception and concerns about the GC and their impact on breastfeeding rate. Participants were mother-infant dyads enrolled in an eastern Illinois WIC office (n=106). Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses with covariates of age, sex, race, and birth weight were performed. 66.0% of mothers reported that a pediatrician introduced the GC while 51.9% reported that WIC staff introduced the GC. 88.7% of mothers said their provider showed them where their child falls on the GC, but 74.8% reported ...
15. Microsprinkler irrigation

Publisher Summary Micro-sprinkler systems are primarily used to irrigate tree and vine crops. The system designs are similar to other micro-irrigation systems, but micro-sprinkler systems generally tend to require a higher flowrate per unit area. Typically micro-sprinkler installations have one 40 to75 L/h flowrate emitter per tree. The most common (spray) emitters have slotted caps or deflector plates that distribute water in distinct streams. Other designs (spinners) have a moving part that rotates to disperse the water stream more uniformly over the wetted diameter. During the design stage, long-term maintenance costs should be included in the economic analysis. The emitter selection process should consider uniformity as well as other factors, such as cost, wind effects, system constraints, maintenance, and soil type, such that the best emitter for a particular field condition is selected. Micro-sprinkler systems should be capable of applying the maximum crop water need plus any application inefficiency. The emitters should have a coverage area sufficient to allow this volume of water to be stored in the soil without causing unintentional deep percolation. Emitters should also have a sufficient application rate in the wetted area, such that the required run times are compatible with the power unit and labor availability. High application rates can lead to leaching of nutrients and pesticides. By adjusting spray diameter, irrigation duration, and emitter flowrate, systems can be managed to meet tree water needs, while minimizing over-irrigation and chemical leaching.
Yoga in the schools: a systematic review of the literature.

Objective: The objective of this research was to examine the evidence for delivering yoga-based interventions in schools. Methods: An electronic literature search was conducted to identify peer-reviewed, published studies in which yoga and a meditative component (breathing practices or meditation) were taught to youths in a school setting. Pilot studies, single cohort, quasi-experimental, and randomized clinical trials were considered. Research: quality was evaluated and summarized. Results: Twelve published studies were identified. Samples for which yoga was implemented as an intervention included youths with autism, intellectual disability, learning disability, and emotional disturbance, as well as typically developing youths. Conclusion: Although effects of participating in school-based yoga programs appeared to be beneficial for the most part, methodological limitations, including lack of randomization, small samples, limited detail regarding the intervention, and statistical ambiguities curtailed the...
Maneuvering control problems for a spacecraft with unactuated fuel slosh dynamics

This paper studies maneuvering control problems for a spacecraft with fuel slosh in a zero gravity environment. The spacecraft is represented as a rigid body and fuel slosh dynamics are included using a single vibrating mass model. Both pendulum and mass-spring analogies are considered. The control inputs are defined by a thrust along the spacecraft's longitudinal axis, a transverse body fixed force and a pitching moment about the center of mass of the spacecraft. The control objective is to suppress the slosh mode, as well as the transverse and pitch dynamics, while the spacecraft accelerates in axial direction. A nonlinear feedback controller is developed to achieve this objective.
Cake filtration research—a personal view

An outline of the directions and topics of future cake filtration research is presented. The proposed topics include the formulation of more accurate and efficient procedures of determining filter cake characteristics from experimental data, more complete analysis of cake formation and growth, the effect of accurate and non-intrusive measurements of the evolution of cake thickness histories. The selection is based on practical needs, intrinsic significance or both. The relationships between these proposed topics and some current and past research are also discussed.
Did suburban zoning become more restrictive

The US National Commission on Urban Problems in 1968 alleged that an increase in minimum residential lot sizes in the suburbs was a leading cause of suburban restrictiveness, and that part of the motivation for the increase was discrimination against households of low and moderate income. An examination of the zoning ordinances in all of the suburban municipalities in Cook County, Illinois for 1946 and 1971 shows that, except for a few prominent examples, such an allegation cannot be substantiated. Cook County is the second‐largest county in the USA and had a suburban population of 2.124 million in 1970. Suburban Cook County consisted largely of dormitory suburbs in 1940. Eleven suburbs increased the restrictiveness of zoning during the 1946–71 period, but only two of these are of major importance. Nine suburbs reduced the restrictiveness of zoning, of which eight reduced the land requirements for multi‐family housing. The study confirms the view that, in the 25 years after Word War II, some of the impact...
MULTIVARIABLE MPC PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT, MONITORING AND DIAGNOSIS

Abstract This study focuses on performance assessment and monitoring of model predictive control systems. A methodology is proposed to determine a benchmark and monitor MPC performance on-line. A performance measure based on the ratio of historical and achieved performance is used for monitoring and a ratio of design and achieved performance is used for diagnosis. Case studies with linear and nonlinear models of an evaporator illustrate the methodology and limitations of linearity assumptions.
The contribution of GSH peroxidase-1, catalase and GSH to the degradation of H2O2 by the mouse lens

Utilizing cultured lenses from normal and homozygous glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx-1) knockout mice and inhibitors for GSSG Reductase (GSSG Red), 1,3-bis(2-chlorethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) and catalase (Cat), 3-aminotriazole (3-AT), the ability to degrade H2O2 was examined at two H2O2 concentrations, 300 microM and 80 microM. It was found that GSHPx-1 contributed about 15% to the H2O2 degradation. The Cat contribution was concentration dependent being about 30% at 300 microM H2O2 and approximately 8% to 15% at 80 microM H2O2. GSH loss measured as nonprotein thiol (NP-SH) was shown to be linked to most of the remaining H2O2 degradation accounting for about 54% to 72% of the H2O2 degradation at 300 microM and 80 microM, respectively. However, based on evaluation of the ability of GSH to nonenzymatically degrade H2O2, it can only account for about 36% at 300 microM and 19% at 80 microM H2O2 of the observed lens H2O2 degradation. It is, therefore, concluded that lens GSH must be involved in other reactions either directly or indirectly related to H2O2 degradation.
Determination of Refractive Indices of Dyed Polymer Monospheres

The complex refractive indices of commercial composite spherical particles (black dyed [Dp = 1.041 μm] and red dyed [D p = 0.999 μm]) were determined by two different methods. The first method measured angular scattered-energy distributions to determine experimental phase functions that were compared with Mie phase functions. The second method examined several mixture rules to obtain the effective refractive indices of dyed polymer monospheres. The refractive indices of black and red dyes were measured independently for the mixture rule study. The effect of different refractive indices on the particle sizing accuracy was investigated using an optical liquid-borne particle counter and a wafer surface scanner.
Principal developments in band saw vibration and stability research

This paper reviews fundamental investigations of band saw vibration and stability. The literature is spread out in journals and reports in a variety of languages, and consklerable duplication of effort exists. It is this diffusion of references which makes a review necessary. The authors have reviewed all pertinent papers known to them, and apologize to both authors and readers for significant work that is missing. It should be noted that a critical review such as this is necessarily tinged by the authors' interpretation of what is fundamental knowledge in a particular field. The review has been limited to topics of direct, ftmdamental importance to band saw vibration and stability. Topics in which vibration is not the main consideration, such as tooth design, power requirements, fatigue cracking, etc., are not explicitly discussed here. Band saw vibration belongs to a class of vibration problems, called axially moving material vibrations, first investigated by Rudolf Skutch [1897]. This class contains research on magnetic and paper tape vibrations [Miranker 1960], moving belt dynamics [Chubachi 1957, 1958 ; Doyle, Hornung 1969; Rhodes 1970; Lai, Chen 1971], chain drive vibrations [Mahalhlgam 1957], vibration of pipes transporting fhlids [Housner 1952; Niordson 1953; Naguleswaran, Williams 1968b: Thurman, Mote 1969b; Liu, Mote 1974: and many others], moving strings and fibers [Sack 1954; Archibald, Emslie 1958: Swope, Ames 1963: and others], cables and catenaries [Simpson 1972], and of course band saw vibrations. The problems listed above are analogous as a first approximation, because the linearized equation of motion and boundary con-
Vibrational spectra and conformational stability of cyclopropylmethyl ketone

Abstract The infrared (3500 to 40 cm −1 ) and Raman (3200 to 30 cm −1 ) spectra have been recorded for the gaseous and solid states of cyclopropylmethyl ketone, c-C 3 H 5 C(CH 3 )O. Additionally, the Raman spectrum of the liquid has been recorded and qualitative depolarization values have been obtained. Evidence is presented which suggests the molecule exists mainly in the cis conformation for the gaseous phase and exclusively in this conformation in the solid phase; however, it is proposed that a second conformer having a trans configuration exists in considerable proportion in the liquid phase. Additionally, the ground vibrational state of the asymmetric torsion for the cis conformer has been observed as a doublet at 61.05 and 60.95 cm −1 with additional “hot bands” falling on the high frequency side of the ground state band. From the relative intensities of the Raman lines of the liquid at 743 ( cis ) and 725 cm −1 ( trans ) as a function of temperature, the enthalpy difference is found to be 217 cm −1 (621 cal mol −1 ) with the cis conformer being more stable. The methyl torsion was observed at 124.8 cm −1 in the far IR spectrum of the gas (168 cm −1 in the solid) from which a periodic barrier of 381 cm −1 (1.09 kcal mol −1 ) has been calculated. A complete vibrational assignment is proposed based on IR band contours, depolarization values and group frequencies. Several of the normal modes are split into doublets in the IR spectrum of the solid indicating that there are two or more molecules per primitive cell which is consistent with the seven lattice modes observed in the Raman spectrum of the solid. These results are compared to similar quantities in related molecules.
Human NOTES Cholecystectomy: Transgastric Hybrid Technique

Background Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is an emerging field in minimally invasive surgery that is driving the development of new technology and techniques. There are several proposed benefits to the NOTES approach, including potentially decreased abdominal pain, wound infections, and hernia formation Ko and Kalloo (Chin J Dig Dis 7:67–70, 2006); Wagh et al. (Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 3(9):892–896, 2005); ASGE/SAGES Working Group on Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (Gastrointest Endosc 63(2):199–203, 2006); and Pearl and Ponsky (J GI Surg 12:1293–1300, 2008). Cholecystectomy has been one of the most commonly performed NOTES procedures to date, with the majority being performed through the transvaginal approach Marescaux et al. (Arch Surg 142:823–826, 2007); Zorron et al. (Surg Endosc 22:542–547, 2008); and Ramos et al. (Endoscopy 40:572–575, 2008). Transgastric approaches for cholecystectomy have been shown to be technically feasible in animal models and in several unpublished human patients Sumiyama et al. (Gastrointest Endosc 65(7):1028–1034, 2007). This video demonstrates the technique by which we perform transgastric NOTES hybrid cholecystectomy in human patients.
New X-ray free-electron laser architecture for generating high fluxes of longitudinally coherent 50 keV photons

Materials science needs to study dynamic properties of high-Z materials lead to a unique and challenging set of requirements for future X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs), with single-pulse fluxes of up to 1012 50 keV X-rays that are both transversely and longitudinally coherent. These parameters cannot be met through an extension of the beam and FEL technologies used at existing and currently planned X-ray FEL facilities. We describe a novel technique to achieve higher fluxes by reducing the transverse beam emittance of high bunch charges and another to achieve longitudinal coherency by pre-modulating the electron beam current before it reaches the undulator. These techniques are investigated numerically and analytically, and also hold potential for increasing performance and decreasing cost of soft X-ray FELs.
Morphological, structural, and chemical effects in response of novel carbide derived carbon sensor to NH3, N2O, and air.

The response of two carbide derived carbons (CDCs) films to NH3, N2O, and room air is investigated by four probe resistance at room temperature and pressures up to 760 Torr. The two CDC films were synthesized at 600 (CDC-600) and 1000 °C (CDC-1000) to vary the carbon morphology from completely amorphous to more ordered, and determine the role of structure, surface area, and porosity on sensor response. Sensor response time followed kinetic diameter and indicated a more ordered carbon structure slowed response due to increased tortuosity caused by the formation of graphitic layers at the particle fringe. Steady state sensor response was greater for the less-ordered material, despite its decreased surface area, decreased micropore volume, and less favorable surface chemistry, suggesting carbon structure is a stronger predictor of sensor response than surface chemistry. The lack of correlation between adsorption of the probe gases and sensor response suggests chemical interaction (charge transfer) drive sens...
A life-cycle assessment of Portland cement manufacturing: comparing the traditional process with alternative technologies

Concern over the impact of anthropogenic carbon emissions on the global climate has increased in recent years due to growth in global warming awareness. Approximately 5% of global CO2 emissions originate from the manufacturing of cement, the third largest source of carbon emission in the United States. In addition to the generation of CO2 the cement manufacturing process produces millions of tons of the waste product cement kiln dust (CKD) each year contributing to respiratory and pollution health risks. In this paper LCA is used to evaluate the environmental impact of four cement manufacturing processes: (1) the production of traditional Portland cement, (2) blended cement (natural pozzolans), (3) cement where 100% of waste cement kiln dust is recycled into the kiln process, and (4) Portland cement produced when cement kiln dust (CKD) is used to sequester a portion of the process related CO2 emissions. To reduce uncertainty this manuscript presents a cradle-to-gate life-cycle assessment of several cement products. Analysis using SimaPro 6.0 software shows that blended cements provide the greatest environmental savings followed by utilization of CKD for sequestration. The recycling of CKD was found to have little environmental savings over the traditional process.
Estimating hidden unit number for two-layer perceptrons

The authors concentrate on estimating how many hidden units are needed for large nets. The design method is adapted from a more rigorous one developed for smaller nets where all possible input/output relationships are presented in the training vectors. It provides a 'ballpark' estimate of the minimum number of hidden units required by a two-layer perceptron for a provided training subset of the possible input/output pairs. Typically, the number of hidden units is slightly overestimated in this approach. To obtain an estimate of the number of hidden units for a fully connected net with n output units, it is necessary to obtain an estimate of the number of conflicts contained in the individual binary responses that must be learned by each output unit. The estimate produced is data dependent, as the number of conflicts for an output unit depends on the specific responses of the output unit to the input vectors contained in the training set. >
Perceived Problems and Sources of Help For American Indian Students

One hundred-Fifty American Indian and fifty non-Indian 11th- and 12th-grade students were surveyed to assess self-reported problem areas and persons perceived as potential sources of help. Problems indicated by Indian students in metropolitan, rural, and boarding schools are noted, as well as those of non-Indian students. Problems likely to be discussed with counselors or with significant others are identified and different patterns of persons nominated as providing help are described. Although we caution against over-generalization, the findings are intended to increase the understanding of those concerned with training counselors to work with Indian youth.
The 1-Mile Walk Test is a Valid Predictor of VO2max and is a Reliable Alternative Fitness Test to the 1.5-Mile Run in U.S. Air Force Males

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of the 1-mile walk (Rockport Walk Test) as a predictor of VO(2max) and determine whether the 1-mile walk is a reliable alternative to the 1.5-mile run in moderately fit to highly fit U.S. Air Force males. Twenty-four (33.0 +/- 1.5 years) males completed a maximal treadmill VO(2max) (50.3 +/- 1.4 mL/ kg/min), 1-mile walk, and 1.5-mile run. For the 1-mile walk, there were no significant differences between measured and predicted VO(2max) (p = 0.177, r = 0.817). There were no significant differences (p = 0.573) between points scored in the Air Force Fitness Test for the 1-mile walk and 1.5-mile run tests. In conclusion, the 1-mile walk test is a valid predictor of VO(2max) and can be used as an alternative fitness test to the 1.5-mile run in assessing cardiovascular fitness in Air Force males.
Some Concepts for Improving Non‐Precision Approach Guidance Through Use of On‐Board Data Bases

Only a small portion of the airports in the U.S. with relatively long, hard surfaced runways are served with a dedicated ILS or MLS installation, and roughly half of these have a VOR/DME-based published non-precision approach. As a result, there is a great deal of interest in exploiting GPS and other precision navaids to provide this service. While GPS, and perhaps other navaids have the position fixing accuracy potential to support N-P approaches down to the near Category I level, dependable position fixing accuracy is only one of the two major factors which enter in to determination of a specified decision height. The other factor is means of using the basic position information in a manner which will allow the flight crew to conduct the desired approach safely. This paper presents some concepts for augmenting the information from a navigation system to yield a total approach control performance that can be compared in safety to that of a dedicated landing system. A key to accomplishing this is utilization of the equivalent of a computerized approach plate on board the aircraft to reduce the blunder potential in inserting the required flight path descriptions, and to yield improved visibility of the navigation situation during the terminal area maneuvering and final approach.
Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism as a complication of bed rest for low back pain

A case of bilateral lower extremity deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism as a complication of bed rest prescribed for an acute low back pain episode is presented. A 29-year-old woman with low back pain was prescribed more than 2 weeks of bed rest, during which she developed progressive bilateral lower extremity complaints that were ascribed to nerve root irritation. Her symptoms were initially treated with physical therapy and epidural steroid injections. A Doppler examination and ventilation-perfusion scan revealed extensive deep venous thromboses and mismatches consistent with pulmonary embolism. This case illustrates an unusual extraspinal source of lower extremity symptoms associated with low back pain and further supports the role of early mobilization in the treatment of back pain.
Inhibition in penicillin-induced epileptic foci

A previous study indicated that the early surface negative component (associated with recurrent inhibition) of the evoked potential recorded from cat pericruciate cortex, subsequent to pyramidal tract stimulation, was altered after application of penicillin to the cortical surface (Van Duijn et al. 1973). This suggested that decreased effectiveness of recurrent inhibition might be the basis for epileptogenicity of penicillin. To verify that recurrent inhibition is functionally decreased in the penicillin epileptic focus and to assess alternative sites for penicillin action, this phenomenon was investigated at the cellular level. Neurons were recorded extracellularly and response to stimuli monitored throughout the transition from normal cortex to epileptogenic cortex. Stimuli employed were peduncular stimulation (to test recurrent inhibitory pathways), epicortical stimulation (to test inhibitory pathways, bypassing the recurrent collateral system), and forepaw footpad shock (to test the responsiveness ofneurons to afferent input). In normal cortex, PT cells were inhibited by peduncular or epicortical stimulation and excited by forepaw stimulation, with the excitation followed by a period of inhibition. In the penicillin focus, inhibition was not observed in response to any of the 3 stimuli, and the excitatory response to forepaw stimulation was maintained. The bursting non-PT cells, most likely candidates for interneurons, exhibited excitation in response to peduncular and epicortical stimulation, consistent with involvement in inhibitory pathways. Nonetheless, in the penicillin focus, excitatory response to peduncular and epicortical stimulation was maintained. Excitatory response to forepaw stimulation was also maintained in the penicillin focus. The results demonstrate a loss of effectiveness of recurrent inhibition measured at the PT cell body in the penicillin focus. Further, the reduction in inhibitory feedback occurs in conjunction with maintained or enhanced excitability of the neurons which are most likely candidates for inhibitory interneurons. Thus, penicillin is most likely exerting its effect at the inhibitory synapses onto PT cells in the cortex, thereby allowing excitatory input to have greater influence on neuronal firing.
The Plücker Parametrization and the Theta Multiplier

Abstract In this paper we give an explicit description of the symplectic theta multiplier in terms of the Plucker coordinates.
Needling adenosine receptors for pain relief

Acupuncture entails stimulating discrete points on the body with needles to alleviate pain. A study in this issue finds that local activation of adenosine A1 receptors in mice contributes to the anti-nociceptive effects of acupuncture.
Patterns of functional activity associated with cocaine self-administration in the rat change over time

Rationale Although imaging studies in human addicts have been valuable for identifying the neural substrates of the effects of abused drugs, few studies have used this approach in animal models where conditions can be carefully controlled.
The presence of receptors for bombesin/GRP and mRNA for three receptor subtypes in human ovarian epithelial cancers.

Abstract Bombesin-like peptides can function as autocrine or paracrine growth factors and stimulate the growth of various cancers. The antagonists of bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) suppress the proliferation of diverse tumors including ovarian cancer by mechanisms likely mediated by bombesin receptors. In this study, we used the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method to evaluate the mRNA expression of three bombesin receptor subtypes: gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR), neuromedin B receptor (NMBR), and bombesin receptor subtype 3 (BRS-3), in 22 specimens of human epithelial ovarian cancer and in two human ovarian cancer lines. Of the 22 ovarian cancer specimens analyzed, 17 tumors (∼77%) expressed mRNA for GRPR, 19 (∼86%) showed NMBR mRNA and six (∼27%) revealed BRS-3 mRNA. Thus, 14 of 22 specimens (∼64%) expressed mRNAs for both GRPR and NMBR, and five (∼23%) expressed all three subtypes. The expression of GRPR appeared to be greater in poorly differentiated ovarian carcinomas. A higher incidence of BRS-3 expression was observed in samples with tumor Stage IV (4/4, 100%) compared with Stage III (1/17, ∼6%). mRNA for both GRPR and NMBR was also detected in OV-1063 and UCI-107 human ovarian cancer xenografts, but BRS-3 was found only in OV-1063, which originated from a metastatic tumor. In addition, functional receptors for bombesin/GRP were found in eight of 11 ovarian cancer specimens investigated and in both ovarian cancer lines by receptor binding assay. Our study indicates that GRPR and NMBR are widely distributed in human ovarian carcinomas with BRS-3 being found in Stage IV tumors. Some approaches based on bombesin/GRP receptor antagonists or targeted bombesin analogs could be considered for treatment of ovarian cancers.
Modeling and predicting group activity over time in online social media

This paper develops a probabilistic framework that can model and predict group activity over time on online social media. Users of social media sites such as Flickr often face the enormous challenge of which group to choose, due to the presence of numerous competing groups of similar content. Determining an empirical measure of significance of a group can help tackle this problem. The proposed framework therefore determines an optimal measure per group based on past user participation and interaction as well as likely future activity in the group. The framework is tested on a Flickr dataset and the results show that this method can yield satisfactory predictions of group activity. This implies that the computed measure of significance of a group can be used by end users to choose groups with rich activity.
Altered Stress Responses in Rats with low Glial Angiotensinogen

Rats with low glial-derived angiotensinogen (ASrAogen) have higher AT1 receptors in subfornical organ and paraventericular nucleus, brain regions important in stress responses, compared to Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats at 48 and 68 weeks of age consistent with decreased tissue angiotensins (Ang). However, neuronal expression of Ang II and Ang-(1–7) in these nuclei is similar between strains. We measured systolic blood pressure (SBP) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS; bradycardia in response to increase in pressure) in conscious 68 week old rats with intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) cannulae. SBP averaged 151 mm Hg in SD and 122 mm Hg in ASrAogen rats, confirming their lower resting SBP ( P