cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Occurrence and Persistence of Dyes in a Canadian River

A study of the Yamaska River in Quebec, Canada, in the period 1985 - 1987 has revealed the occurrence of fifteen dyes in water, suspended solids and sediment downstream of textile mills. The most contaminated area was downstream of the city of Granby, which has the largest concentration of textile mills in the basin. Three dyes were positively identified - Disperse Red 60, Disperse Blue 26 and Disperse Blue 79, the most widely used dye in the world. In addition, a mutagenic degradation product of Disperse Blue 79, 2-bromo-4,6-dinitroaniline, was identified in sediment at a location about 6 km downstream of Granby. This product is a result of the reductive cleavage of the azo bond of Disperse Blue 79 in anaerobic sediments. Most of the dyes found are expected to be moderately stable in aerobic environments, but may degrade under anaerobic conditions. This is the first demonstration of the occurrence of dyes in the Canadian environment.
Atrial flutter. I. Clinical aspects.

Abstract 1. 1. The controversial aspects regarding atrial flutter are discussed with the clinical and electrocardiographic criteria for diagnosis. 2. 2. A study is made of eighty-two patients with atrial flutter, 83 per cent of the patients being over 40 years of age and men predominating in a ratio of 4.7 to 1. 3. 3. Most of the patients had arteriosclerotic heart disease, and in twelve instances atrial flutter complicated myocardial infarction. The incidence of rheumatic heart disease was 9.8 per cent and of thyrotoxicosis 4.9 per cent. Seven (8.5 per cent) had no demonstrable evidence of organic heart disease. 4. 4. In twenty-three patients (28.0 per cent) cardiac decompensation was aggravated by the rapid disorder, and in ten others (12.2 per cent) left ventricular failure was precipitated by atrial flutter. Five patients (6.1 per cent) were in peripheral vascular collapse. Four patients had anginal pain accompanying the rapid heart action. Weakness and cerebral symptoms were occasionally present. Embolism occurred in only two patients with atrial flutter. 5. 5. Since duration of atrial flutter apparently is related to the clinical response, an arbitrary division of seventy-two hours was made between transient and established flutter. Precipitating factors were not uncommon, especially in the short duration flutter.
Risk Aware Approach to Data Confidentiality in Cloud Computing

This paper explores the issue of "loss of control" that results when users outsource data and computation to the clouds. While loss of control has multiple manifestations, we focus on the data privacy and confidentiality implications when cloud providers are untrusted. Instead of following the well studied but still unsolved path of encrypting data when outsourcing and computing on the encrypted domain, the paper advocates a risk-based approach over a hybrid cloud architecture as a possible solution. Hybrid clouds are a composition of two or more distinct cloud infrastructures private, community, or public that remain unique entities, but are bound together by standardized or proprietary technology that enables data and application portability. Hybrid clouds offer an opportunity to selectively outsource data and computation based on the level of sensitivity involved. The paper postulates a risk-aware approach to partitioning computation over hybrid clouds that provides an abstraction to address secure cloud data processing in a variety of system and application contexts.
Brain Tumor Stem Cell Markers

Brain tumors display striking heterogeneity of cellular morphology and differentiation status. Recent studies have identified tumor subpopulations in several brain tumor types that self-renew and can propagate tumor formation in mice models. These cells, called tumor stem cells, are defined functionally but several markers are under investigation to identify brain tumor stem cells. Although no marker has proven absolutely informative for the identification of brain tumor stem cells, several markers show promise for either prospective enrichment of some populations of brain tumor stem cells or for their identification in immunohistologic studies. The use of stem cell markers must be approached with caution as the method of detection and context are essential in interpretation. Several studies have investigated the relationship between expression of stem cell markers and patient prognosis with variable findings. The information provided by tumor stem cell markers may depend on the subtypes of tumors generated from different tumor cells of origin or oncogenic stimuli. Future studies may refine the utility of stem cell markers to the study of cancer stem cells through the identification of improved or additional markers and/or new methodologies. It is imperative to realize that brain tumor stem cells remain defined through functional assays (self-renewal, multilineage differentiation, and tumor propagation) and the expression of any marker is not definitive for a tumor stem cell phenotype.
The Envelope and the Halo: Reading Susanna Allegorically:

The tale of Susanna in the Greek versions of the book of Daniel has its roots in allegorical readings of Hebrew Scripture, and the church has read the story of Susanna both as an allegory of the church and of Christ. The allegorical treatment of Susanna as the church is the most acceptable to modern criticism, since it preserves the narrative coherence of the book; but the more fragmentary, piecemeal allegory of Susanna as Christ was compelling in antiquity, especially in visual interpretations. This essay explores how allegorical readings of Susanna as a Christ figure capture an essential part of the reader’s visual, non-sequential experience of the text and provides a satisfying and meaningful image for Christians.
The Extremely Active 2017 North Atlantic Hurricane Season

AbstractThe 2017 North Atlantic hurricane season was extremely active, with 17 named storms (1981–2010 median is 12.0), 10 hurricanes (median is 6.5), 6 major hurricanes (median is 2.0), and 245% o...
How long should we follow simple ovarian cysts with pelvic ultrasonography

Before menopause, most simple cysts smaller than 5 cm resolve in 2 to 3 menstrual cycles and need no further intervention.
Detecting Gravitational Wave Bursts with LISA in the presence of Instrumental Glitches

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) will open a rich discovery space in the milli-Hertz gravitational wave band. In addition to the anticipated signals from many millions of binary systems, this band may contain new and previously un-imagined sources for which we currently have no models. To detect unmodeled and unexpected signals we need to be able to separate them from instrumental noise artifacts, or glitches. Glitches are a regular feature in the data from ground based laser interferometers, and they were also seen in data from the LISA Pathfinder mission. In contrast to the situation on ground, we will not have the luxury of having multiple independent detectors to help separate unmodeled signals from glitches, and new techniques have to be developed. Here we show that unmodeled gravitational wave bursts can be detected with LISA by leveraging the different way in which instrument glitches and gravitational wave bursts imprint themselves in the time-delay interferometery data channels. We show that for signals with periods longer than the light travel time between the spacecraft, the "breathing mode" or Sagnac data combination is key to detection. Conversely, for short period signals it is the time of arrival at each spacecraft that aids separation. We investigate the conditions under which we can distinguish the origin of signals and glitches consisting of a single sine-Gaussian wavelet and determine how well we can characterize the signal. We find that gravitational waves bursts can be unambiguously detected and characterized with just a single data channel (four functioning laser links), though the signal separation and parameter estimation improve significantly when all six laser links are operational.
Social network migration and anonymity expectations: What anonymous social network apps offer

Abstract Social networking is not a new phenomenon, but what outlet people use continues to evolve. Recently, anonymous social networking applications (SNAs) have gained in popularity, particularly among young people who are reducing use of traditional social networking sites (SNSs). Anonymous SNAs prevent other users from identifying individuals, which is the most marketed appeal. Despite the popularity, little research investigates why people are moving from traditional SNSs to anonymous SNAs. Using migration theory, we consider the transition through push, pull, and mooring factors. Findings indicate social norms, not anonymity features, drive migration. These findings have important implications for developers and researchers.
Comprehensive Analysis of Differential Expressed Genes Related with Myocardial Reverse Remodeling Following HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Purpose Clinical and experimental studies have suggested that the powerful mechanical unloading effects caused by left ventricular assist device (LVAD) may induce reverse remodeling of the failing heart. However, the detailed mechanism and process have not been fully elucidated. Recent advances in next generation sequencing has enhanced transcriptomic analysis to quantify gene expression extensively. We aimed to characterize gene expression profiling related with left ventricle (LV) reverse remodeling in failing human heart, before and after HeartWare LVAD (HVAD) implant. Methods Sequencing-based comprehensive analysis of gene expression profiling was performed through next generation sequencing in paired human failing LV samples (n=5; median age, 54 years; 4 men) collected pre- and post- HVAD, as well as non-failing human LV collected from donors (n=8, median age, 41 years; 3 men). Results Overall, mapping of sequencing reads corresponded to 48,162 genes in these human LV samples. Among them, 9,094 differentially expressed genes were found in pre- HVAD compared with non-failing LV, while 6,788 differentially expressed genes were detected in post- HVAD compared with non-failing LV (Figure). The discrepancy in the number of differentially expressed genes between pre- and post- HVAD is associated with the effect caused by HVAD. Furthermore, paired analysis performed between pre- and post- HVAD suggest serum amyloid A1 may contribute a major mechanism of LV reverse remodeling. Conclusion Our proposed analysis identified that the gene expression profiling was markedly influenced in response to HVAD. These results suggest that the altered genes expression during HVAD implantation may play important role in the pathogenesis of heart failure and reverse remodeling.
Single and double Wiebe function combustion model for a heavy-duty diesel engine retrofitted to natural-gas spark-ignition

Abstract The conversion of existing diesel engines to natural-gas spark-ignition operation would reduce the dependence on oil imports, reduce the burden on refining capacity, and increase U.S. energy security. The use of simple combustion models such as the Wiebe function to analyze or predict the combustion process in such retrofitted engines can accelerate and optimize the engine conversion. This study compared the standard single Wiebe function to a double-Wiebe function to investigate if the latter will improve the predicted mass fraction burned and, if yes, which of formats of the duel-Wiebe function in the literature described the best the mass fraction burned in such converted engine. The results showed that while the standard Wiebe function could not predict the mass fraction, a double-Wiebe function (one for the fast burn inside the piston bowl and a second for the slower burning process inside the squish region) predicted with good accuracy the mass fraction burned, heat release rate, in-cylinder pressure, and combustion phasing in such converted engines (∼90% reduction in error) for the conditions investigated here, especially if the start of the second Wiebe was delayed. Moreover, such a condition-dependent model as the double-Wiebe model is limited to the operating conditions used for determining the model parameters. However, the model can be developed into a condition-independent model if enough experimental data or CFD simulations are available to find the unique set (or sets) of parameters that minimizes the error at most conditions.
The Role of Classroom Design in Facilitating Student Engagement in Recreation and Leisure Education

Success in the field of recreation management requires a variety of 21st-century skills including the abilities to solve complex problems, think creatively, and collaborate with peers. Research sug...
Understanding the flushing capability of Bellingham Bay and its implication on bottom water hypoxia

Abstract In this study, an unstructured-grid finite-volume coastal ocean model (FVCOM) was used to simulate hydrodynamic circulation and assess the flushing capability in Bellingham Bay, Washington, USA. The model was reasonably calibrated against field observations for water level, velocity and salinity, and was further used to calculate water residence time in the study site. The model results suggest that, despite the large tidal ranges (∼4 m during spring tide), tidal currents are relatively weak in Bellingham Bay with surface currents generally below 0.5 m/s. The local water residence time in Bellingham Bay varies from near zero to as long as 15 days, depending on the location and river flow conditions. In general, Bellingham Bay is a well-flushed coastal embayment affected by freshwater discharge, tides, wind, and density-driven circulation. The basin-wide global residence time ranges from 5 to 7 days. The model results also provide useful information on possible causes of the emerging summertime hypoxia problem in the north central region of Bellingham Bay. Model results suggest that the formation of hypoxia in bottom water results from an enhanced oxygen consumption rate in the oceanic bottom water inflow with low dissolved oxygen by organic matters accumulated at the regions characterized with relatively long residence time in summer months.
Under-allocation: Critical Supply Chain Hurdles Negatively Impact the Ability of Community Hospitals To Perform Repeat SARS-CoV-2 Testing.

There is increasing recognition that not all severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assays are created equal with respect to test performance ([1][1]). A recently published study found that 7.1% of COVID-19 patients with initially negative RT-
A Survey of Machine Learning Methods for Detecting False Data Injection Attacks in Power Systems

Over the last decade, the number of cyberattacks targeting power systems and causing physical and economic damages has increased rapidly. Among them, False Data Injection Attacks (FDIAs) is a class of cyberattacks against power grid monitoring systems. Adversaries can successfully perform FDIAs in order to manipulate the power system State Estimation (SE) by compromising sensors or modifying system data. SE is an essential process performed by the Energy Management System (EMS) towards estimating unknown state variables based on system redundant measurements and network topology. SE routines include Bad Data Detection (BDD) algorithms to eliminate errors from the acquired measurements, e.g., in case of sensor failures. FDIAs can bypass BDD modules to inject malicious data vectors into a subset of measurements without being detected, and thus manipulate the results of the SE process. In order to overcome the limitations of traditional residual-based BDD approaches, data-driven solutions based on machine learning algorithms have been widely adopted for detecting malicious manipulation of sensor data due to their fast execution times and accurate results. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the most up-to-date machine learning methods for detecting FDIAs against power system SE algorithms.
One for all: Decentralized optimization of lateral position of autonomous trucks in a platoon to improve roadway infrastructure sustainability

Abstract Introduction of autonomous and connected trucks (ACTs) is expected to result in drastic changes in operational characteristics of freight shipments, which may in turn have significant impacts on highway safety, vehicle fuel consumption, and infrastructure durability. One such important change is the formation of truck platoons which can be defined as the convoy of trucks travelling in a very close distance. Reducing congestion, regulating traffic, and improving fuel efficiency are some of reported and expected benefits of platooning. Yet such platooning operations may accelerate the damage accumulation within pavement structures because the lateral position of successive trucks within a lane is expected to be similar (i.e., channelized traffic) and the time between two consecutive axle loads (i.e., resting period) is expected to be reduced. Therefore, this study develops a platooning-control strategy for a fleet of ACTs such that the lateral position of trucks and spacing between them can be explicitly optimized to minimize damage to the pavement. Pavement damage is simulated using recently developed pavement performance models. On the other hand, fluid dynamics models were developed to compute fuel-cost due to aerodynamic drags. Three numerical optimization algorithms, genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization and pattern search algorithm were used to solve the objective function. The proposed control strategy efficiency is demonstrated through a case study; relative costs to agencies and users could be reduced by 9%.
Characterization of symptom severity and impact on four fecal incontinence phenotypes in women presenting for evaluation

Aim To characterize symptom-specific distress and impact on quality of life (QOL) among women with urge, passive, and combined urge/passive fecal incontinence (FI) phenotypes. A secondary aim was to characterize FI symptom-specific distress and impact on women with a novel fourth phenotype, stress FI. Methods Women with at least monthly FI from 2003 to 2017 were included. Participants completed the Modified Manchester Health Questionnaire (MMHQ) including MHQ and Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI). Anorectal manometry (ARM) and endoanal ultrasound (EAUS) testing was performed. Total MHQ and FISI scores were compared across FI subtypes controlling for pertinent baseline covariates. Results The cohort included 404 subjects, 220 meeting criteria for urge FI, 67 passive FI, and 117 combined urge/passive FI. On MHQ, women with combined urge/passive FI were most impacted (p 0.05). Twenty-nine subjects were identified with stress FI. There were no differences in overall MHQ or FISI scores or anal sphincter evaluation among the urge, passive, and stress FI groups (all p > 0.05). Conclusion Women with combined urge/passive FI have higher symptom distress and impact on QOL than urge or passive FI alone. Further research is needed to determine the significance of stress FI as a subtype and response to treatment.
Failure of I-statements for Mitigating Interpersonal Conflict in Arguments Between Young Adult Couples

This study examines how young adult romantic couples use I-language (talk about one’s own feelings or thoughts) in arguments that emerge in the couple’s natural contexts. A discourse analytic approach is used to examine how I-language is used in conflict among young adult intimates. Focus is given to the role that evaluations and assessments play in managing talk about one’s feelings during arguments. One of the central findings is that arguments tend to be intiated with I-language feelings talk. However, rather than stymieing conflict, I-language use was met with deflection that utilized objective rejoinders. However, when I-language was built not simply as a way of showing how one felt, but rather to show an awareness of the other’s feelings or the overall dynamic in general (a kind of meta-subjective awareness), I-language did tend to promote alignment and/or affiliation. This study thus offers a helpful window into not only the lived everyday texture of young adult couples argumentative interactions, but also a micro-analytic look at how those interactions both falter and at times succeed in circumventing conflict.
The biology of Acanthamoeba keratitis

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare protozoal infection of the cornea. At least eight species of Acanthamoeba are known to cause this sight-threatening disease of the ocular surface. Acanthamoeba spp. exist in a wide array of niches ranging from thermal springs to under ice and every conceivable habitat in between. Contact lens wear is the leading risk factor for AK and is practiced by over 30 million individuals in the United States, yet the incidence of AK is less than 33 cases per one million contact lens wearers. Serological studies have reported that 90%-100% of individuals with no history of AK possess antibodies specific for Acanthamoeba antigens indicating that exposure to this organism is commonplace, yet disease is remarkably rare. Animal studies have shed light on the pathobiology and immunobiology of AK and indicate that a constellation of factors including the ocular surface microbiome and the microbiome of Acanthamoeba itself contribute to the pathogenesis of AK. Interesting, secretory antibodies produced by the adaptive immune response can prevent the initiation of corneal infection, but once Acanthamoeba trophozoites breach the corneal epithelium the adaptive immune system is helpless in altering the course of AK. It has been almost 50 years since AK was first described, yet many questions remain unanswered about this curious and enigmatic disease of the ocular surface.
Primary facial nerve paraganglioma: report and review of the literature

This report describes the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with a rare primary facial nerve paraganglioma as well as a review of the current literature. A 60-year-old male patient presented to our clinic with a 4-month history of left-sided progressive facial paralysis House-Brackmann V. Biopsy taken during facial nerve (FN) decompression confirmed the diagnosis of paraganglioma. The left FN was sacrificed during resection of the mass and a 12-7 jump graft, using the left greater auricular nerve, was performed with acceptable outcomes. The rarity of these tumours does not discount their clinical importance or the necessity to include them in the differential when presented with unilateral FN paralysis. Investigation should begin with CT and MRI imaging to identify and localise the potential mass. Histologic confirmation requires tissue. While surveillance imaging is occasionally an option, often complete surgical resection of the mass and sacrifice of the nerve is necessary.
Use of fenoldopam in children with congenital heart disease for acute increase in diuresis: descriptive study and insights into predictors of increased urine output

Introduction Fenoldopam is a dopamine D1 receptor agonist that is being increasingly used in pediatric cardiac patients for its presumed renoprotective effects and ability to increase urine output. There are very few studies that have investigated the effects of fenoldopam in pediatric cardiac patients to truly determine the effect on serum creatinine and urine output. This study set forth to determine the acute effects of creatinine on serum creatinine, serum blood urea nitrogen, urine output, and hemodynamics after the first few hours of infusion. Methods Pediatric patients under 18 years …
Nanomaterial Biointerfacing via Mitochondrial Membrane Coating for Targeted Detoxification and Molecular Detection

Natural cell membranes derived from various cell sources have been successfully utilized to coat nanomaterials for functionalization. However, intracellular membranes from the organelles of eukaryotes remain unexplored. Herein, we choose mitochondrion as a representative cell organelle and coat outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) from mouse livers onto nanoparticles and field-effect transistors (FETs) through a membrane vesicle-substrate fusion process. Polymeric nanoparticles coated with OMM (OMM-NPs) can bind with ABT-263, a B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2) inhibitor that targets the OMM. As a result, OMM-NPs effectively protect the cells from ABT-263 induced cell death and apoptosis in vitro and attenuated ABT-263-induced thrombocytopenia in vivo. Meanwhile, FET sensors coated with OMM (OMM-FETs) can detect and distinguish anti-Bcl-2 antibody and small molecule agonists. Overall, these results show that OMM can be coated onto the surfaces of both nanoparticles and functional devices, suggesting that intracellular membranes can be used as coating materials for novel biointerfacing.
Information, Confidence, and the Gender Gap in Bargaining

We test whether the observed difference in the propensity to negotiate between men and women can be explained by gender differences in information about other people's negotiating experiences and outcomes and by confidence in one's abilities and in talking to strangers. Using survey data from Wisconsin public school teachers, we show that up to 54 and 17 percent of the gender gap in the likelihood of negotiating pay can be explained by differences in information and confidence between men and women.
Robust Characterization of Non-Invasive Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis Mouse Model

Objective: Biochemical and molecular changes involved in the pathophysiology of post-traumatic arthritis (PTOA) have not been fully understood. This study used non-invasive mouse models to study biochemical, biomechanical and pain-related behavior changes induced in mice following repetitive mechanical knee loading. Mouse models were used to reflect the effects of the early stages of PTOA in humans. Methods: Forty-eight twelve week old male mice were obtained for three groups: normal control without mechanical loading, trauma (24 hours after loading), and PTOA (early OA) groups. For the non-invasive PTOA mouse model, cyclic comprehensive loading (9 N) was applied on the left knee joint of each mouse. Biochemical and molecular changes induced by mechanical loading were analyzed after loading was completed. Blood and cartilage were collected and further examined using gene expression analysis. Grading of the tissue sections was completed using the osteoarthritis research society international (OARSI) scale. Biomechanical features of mechanically loaded knee joints were determined after 24 hours (Trauma) and three weeks (PTOA) post-mechanical loading sessions to examine the development of PTOA, respectively. Results: The loaded left knee joint showed a greater ROS/RNS signal than the right knee that was not loaded. There was an increase in cartilage damage and MMP activity in the affected knee as the intensity of MabCII680 and MMP750 signal increased in the mechanical loaded joints as compared to unloaded control knee joints. There was also an increase in the difference of viscoelastic energy dissipation ability (tan δ) in PTOA. The OA score increased significantly in mechanically loaded knee joints. Conclusion: This study showed that biomechanical, biochemical, and behavioral characteristics of the murine PTOA groups are significantly different from the control group. These results validate that the current mouse model can be used for translational studies to examine PTOA.
Peroxy-Acid Treatment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Degradation Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Predictive Modeling

AbstractPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are potentially carcinogenic organic compounds that are persistent in the environment. The peroxy-acid treatment is an advanced oxidation process (AO...
Lexical Navigation: Using Incremental Graph Drawing for Query Refinement

Query refinement is a powerful tool for a document search and retrieval system. Lexical navigation—that is, the exploration of a network that expresses relations among all possible query terms—provides a natural mechanism for query refinement. An essential part of lexical navigation is the visualization of this network. This dynamic visualization problem is essentially one of incrementally drawing and manipulating a non-hierarchical graph. In this paper, we present the graph-drawing system we have developed for lexical navigation.
Civility Initiatives: The 2008 Allerton House Conference

The 2008 Allerton Conference of the Illinois State Bar Association was devoted to possible new civility/professionalism initiatives for civil litigation. In this paper the conference reporter summarizes the discussions and recommendations. Conference panelists addressed such topics as whether recent changes in legal practice have prompted greater incivility; who should promulgate any new initiatives; how to handle lawyers who act unprofessionally beyond disciplinary, sanction and malpractice proceedings; free speech rights and other constraints on new civility initiatives; and, expanded civility training for law students and new lawyers. At the close of the panels attendees were questioned about possible new civility initiatives. Most attendees opined that no single entity (i.e., Supreme Court, Commission on Professionalism, local courts, state or local bar associations) should maintain exclusive, or even primary, responsibility. They supported additional statewide training for law students as well as new and experienced lawyers. There was strong support for expanding both law student certification standards and the mandated skills courses for all new lawyers in order to promote professional conduct. Finally, there was strong support for continuing with civility pledge opportunities as well as for establishing new intermediary programs for lawyers and judges who acted unprofessionally.
Anti-hyperalgesic effects of AG490, a Janus kinase inhibitor, in a rat model of inflammatory pain

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) has a critical role in pain mechanisms. IL-6 signals through the Janus-activated kinases 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway. The contribution of JAK2 signaling in inflammation-induced hyperalgesia has not been addressed previously. The role of this pathway was investigated using the JAK2 inhibitor, AG490, in a rat model of inflammatory pain. Unilateral hind paw inflammatory pain was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by intraplantar (i.pl.) injection of 3.5% ʎ-carrageenan. Inflamed rats received an i.pl. injection of either 3.5% of dimethylsulfoxide or AG490 (1-10 µg). The antinociceptive effects of AG490 were assessed by 2 pain behavioral assays 4 h later: The thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia tests. AG490 (1-10 µg) significantly attenuated ʎ-carrageenan-induced thermal hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner. AG490 also reduced mechanical hyperalgesia. Co-administration of opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (10 µg) and AG490 (10 µg) did not reverse AG490-produced antinociceptive activity, suggesting that the µ-opioid receptor is not responsible for the anti-hyperalgesic effects of AG490. Therefore, we suggest that AG490 produces these effects by blocking JAK2 signaling. In conclusion, JAK2 inhibitors may represent a novel class of non-narcotic drugs to treat inflammatory pain.
Ship to Shore: An Online Information Literacy Tutorial Using BlackBoard Distance Education Software

Summary Shippensburg University Library has created an online Information Literacy skills tutorial for freshman College Writing students, called Ship to Shore. This tutorial makes use of the distance education software BlackBoard. The primary areas addressed in the planning and creation of the tutorial were the past experiences of Shippensburg University and other universities in creating such tutorials, ACRL Information Literacy Standards, the input of Ship's College Writing faculty, and the BlackBoard software itself.
Sensitivity of 21st century sea level to ocean‐induced thinning of Pine Island Glacier, Antarctica

[1] Pine Island Glacier (PIG), Antarctica, is rapidly losing mass, supporting arguments that it may play a major role in 21st century sea-level rise. Yet this glacier's quantitative contribution to sea level based on theoretical and computational models is poorly known. We have developed a basin-scale glaciological model to examine the sensitivity of PIG to a range of environmental forcings. While oceanic melt likely played the leading role in recent thinning and retreat, we find that the particular grounding-line geometry with an extended ice plain in the 1990s made it susceptible to such forcing. Our model further indicates that while the rate of grounding-line retreat should diminish soon, the glacier's mass loss may continue at rates similar to, or moderately elevated from, the present. While substantial, our model-derived maximum rate of 2.7 cm/century is considerably smaller than previous heuristically-derived bounds on the sea-level contribution.
Lysogens and free viruses in fresh, brackish, and marine waters: a Bayesian analysis

A yearlong study was conducted to determine factors that affect the abundance and distribution of lysogens and free viruses at fresh-, brackish-, and saltwater stations in Newport Bay, CA. The viral and bacterial abundance were highest in the freshwater (average 1.1 × 108 and 1.1 × 107 mL−1, respectively) and lowest in the marine water (average 0.4 × 108 and 0.5 × 107 mL−1, respectively). Bacterial and viral counts were also several times higher during the summer than in winter. Approximately, 35% of the 141 samples were inducible in the presence of mitomycin C. The highest percentage of inducible lysogens was observed in marine waters (42%), while the lowest percentage was observed in the warmer freshwater (23%). A statistical model for the joint occurrence of lysogens and free viruses was formulated and estimated using Bayesian techniques to understand the key environmental determinants of viruses and lysogens. Our results support the existence of significant heterogeneity between the saltwater and freshwater sites. A parsimonious model that combines the two saltwater sites performs best among the specifications that were considered. Bacteria and water temperature were significant determinants of virus counts, whereas lysogen relationships are unclear. Importantly, conditional on the covariates, viruses and lysogen fractions exhibit robust negative correlation.
Resolved: All Otolaryngology Programs Should Participate in the Residency Matching Program

The following is a debate that was held on the topic of the participation of all otolaryngology programs in the National Intern and Residency Matching Program. For the most part, questions were posed by members of the audience. Dr Tucker: The forum will consist of questions from the audience, which are intended to be questions and not speeches from the floor. They will be directed to the team captain. There will be alternating affirmative and negative responses if possible. Then the closing statements will be three to five minutes in length and only one statement per team. We'll start with the affirmative team. Dr Jafek: Nearly all program directors are faced with similar problems. The applicant comes and says, "Dr Program Director, I've got some good news and some bad news. The good news is I'd really like to stay with your program. The bad news is I've been offered
Effects of culture on the pre-production design of the HIV Game

In this paper we documented the pre-production design process of "The HIV Game," an interactive serious game with cultural and sociotechnological implications for youths living in the Yucatan. Students at Purdue University's IDeaLaboratory are researching, designing, and developing the Flash animation game, which will be delivered via the Internet in Cyber Cafes set up in four third-world villages in the Yucatan. The design process combines knowledge and measures from user-centered design, serious play theory, sociotechnology, cultural implications, interactive media design, gaming, usability engineering, healthcare, and cognitive learning. While no single area is new, it is a novel approach to understanding and developing new ways of using interactive media to measure and change healthcare behavior of the Mayans and Mexicans living with HIV/AIDS in the Yucatan, and to prevent future spreading of the disease. The demographic research on the Mayan culture and the perceptions of technology survey that was implemented summer 2008 by Dr. La Verne Abe Harris, was used for the foundation of the pre-production design of "The HIV Game."
Pulvinar Sign in Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: Exploring the Diagnostic Modalities of Prion Diseases

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease ( CJD ) refers to the most common t ransmissible s pongiform e ncephalopathies. The distinction between a diagnosis of sporadically acquired CJD and the exogenously acquired CJD is important, and has previously been assisted by imaging modalities revealing the pulvinar sign. This case report describes a 71-year-old n ative-American female with rapidly deteriorating mental status, progressive personality changes, ataxia, and 50-pound weight loss. Non-contrast MRI of the brain was significant for symmetrical high diffusion signal in the bilateral pulvinar thalami. CSF studies performed by the National Prion Disease Surveillance Center showed a positive 14-3-3 level and an elevated tau conveying a positive predictive value of 72.6% for CJD. The case exemplifies commonality between sporadic CJD and variant CJD and challenges the utility of radiological findings differentiating the diseases. Our case emphasizes that the pulvinar sign may not be as specific for a diagnosing variant CJD as we once thought. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/jmc1278w
Decreased Phorbol Myristate Acetate-Induced Release of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Interleukin-lβ from Peripheral Blood Monocytes of Patients Chronically Infected with Hepatitis C Virus

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from persons chronically infected with HCV. Reports describe altered monocytic function during HCV infection; however, the immunologic consequences of HCV tropism for human macrophages are not well defined. Thus, the possibility that HCV infection of monocytes may alter patterns of cytokine release was investigated. The in vitro secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1 beta in response to phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated monocytes and PBMC of subjects chronically infected or not infected with HCV was compared. TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta release were suppressed in cells from infected subjects. Although virus-induced immunosuppression is not a major clinical syndrome of HCV infection, the findings support a hypothesis that HCV can induce selective defects in antigen-presenting cells that may enhance the ability of HCV to persist despite the presence of cytotoxic killer cells and antibody directed against HCV.
Threat of severe space weather to the U.S. electrical grid explored at conference

The next solar maximum, expected to occur around May 2013, could also generate peak interest in space weather. However, major solar storms that could disrupt electrical grids in the United States and around the world may not necessarily overlap with solar activity peaks, and more efforts need to be made to understand and prepare for solar storms. Those were some of the messages at a 6 October conference entitled “Severe Space Weather Threats to the National Electric Grid” in Washington, D. C., which included speakers from the National Defense University, space weather experts, members of Congress, and presentations on recent exercises to better understand how space weather could affect a grid. Looking back at some historically severe storms—including events in 1859, 1921, and 1989—John Kappenman, principal consultant with Storm Analysis Consultants, Duluth, Minn., said it is just a matter of time before another severe event strikes the Earth. Kappenman told Eos the risk is 1–3% per year that “a big one” could hit our planet. “We are playing Russian roulette with the Sun,” he said.
Estimation of directional-dependent thermal properties in a carbon-carbon composite

Abstract This paper presents a laboratory method to measure the thermal properties of a carbon-carbon composite material that is characterized by an orthotropic thermal conductivity and isotropic volumetric heat capacity. Thermal properties are estimated using parameter estimation techniques with measured surface heat flux and temperature histories for an experiment with two-dimensional heat flow. Thermal properties were determined for a temperature range of 65–400°C. The thermal conductivity parallel to the fibers is 12–15 times larger than the conductivity normal to the fiber. The results show excellent agreement with separate one-dimensional results, demonstrating a presumed quadratic relationship with temperature.
An Electrical Quadrupole Moment of the Deuteron The Radiofrequency Spectra of HD and D 2 Molecules in a Magnetic Field

The molecular-beam magnetic-resonance method has been applied to study the radiofrequency spectra of the molecules ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ and HD, in the state $J=1$. All the measurements were made in applied magnetic fields large enough to decouple the angular momentum vectors concerned. The spectrum of ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ for the transitions ${m}_{I}=\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1$ consists of six lines as in ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$. The HD spectrum consists of two sets, one of nine lines in the region of the Larmor frequency of the proton, and another of twelve lines in the region of the Larmor frequency of the deuteron. The analyses of these spectra into sets of energy levels and a consistent theory are presented. As a consequence of the analysis one has to assume the existence in the deuteron of an electrical quadrupole moment, $Q$. The other quantities which are evaluated from these measurements are the spin-orbit interaction constants for the molecules concerned and the magnetic moments of the proton and deuteron, through the magnetic dipole-dipole interactions. The values of the constants are $Q=2.73\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}27}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, ${H}^{\ensuremath{'}}({\mathrm{D}}_{2})=14.0$ gauss, $H_{}^{\ensuremath{'}}{}_{D}{}^{}(\mathrm{HD})=20.1$ gauss, and $H_{}^{\ensuremath{'}}{}_{P}{}^{}(\mathrm{HD})=20.48$ gauss. These spin-orbit interaction constants represent the magnetic field produced by the molecular rotation at the position of a nucleus. The values of the magnetic moments of the proton and deuteron agree with the direct measurements previously reported.
Geospatial Perspective-Taking: How Well Do Decision Makers Choose Their Views?

Today decision makers may benefit from richer sources of data and a wider variety of visualization tools than ever. However, the extent to which individuals make adequate use of a “toolkit” of visualization modes – choosing the right formats to support different task demands – has received relatively little attention. In the present study, a sample of 43 participants learned to perform three decision-making tasks with a five geospatial formats or “views.” When allowed to choose their own views prior to beginning different tasks, few participants spontaneously selected those displays that would provide the greatest performance support. Most participants fell prey to “naive realism” (a preference for realistic-looking displays) or “viewpoint inertia” (a preference for familiar map-like displays). These data suggest that greater attention needs to be given to the training of basic visualization skills as well as possibly limiting display choices in some contexts.
Age, volume, compositional and spatial relations of small isolated oceanic central volcanoes☆

Abstract The volumes and ages of small isolated seamounts from both fracture zone and normal crust settings are related to the chemical composition of their lavas. Small volcanoes on or near ridge crests are composed of LIL-depleted ocean ridge tholeiite and are later capped successively by alkalic basalt and alkalic differentiated lavas as they drift away from the ridge. In addition, it appears that contemporaneous seamount volcanism is tholeiitic near the ridge crest and alkalic on the ridge flanks. No significant differences are found between the chemical compositions of lavas from small seamounts located on fracture zones and those on normal oceanic crust.
Mass-Energy Relations in the Fission of Highly Excited Heavy Nuclei.

Mass-energy relations in the fission of the compound nucleus Fm/sup 254/ were studied at excitation energies in the range from 58 to 116 Mev. This compound nucleus was produced by bombardments of Th/sup 232/, U/sup 238/, and Pu/ sup 242/, with the heavy ions Ne/sup 22/, O/sub 16/, and C/sup 12/, respectively. The kinetic energies of the two fission fragments from each event were measured by using semiconductor detectors. From these energies the masses and total kinetic energies were calculated. The mass distributions were studied as a function of the total kinetic energy. The bell-shaped mass distributions narrowed rapidly as the kinetic energies of the fragments increased. The quantitative behavior of this narrowing suggests that most of the initial excitation energy of the compound nucleus is not available either for conversion into kinetic energy of the fragments or for the production of asymmetric mass divisions that are energetically unfavorable. (auth)
Does Racism Fuel Conviction Proneness Among Non–African Americans? Assessing the Impact of Juror Bias at the Conviction Stage of Capital Trials

Previous theory has attempted to explain the disproportionate application of death sentences to African American defendants. It has been argued that racial prejudice directly and indirectly influences attitudes toward capital punishment, and this ultimately impacts conviction proneness, a tendency to favor conviction over acquittal among capital jurors. In the current research, the 1990 and 1996 General Social Survey are used in a series of multiple and logistic regression equations in an effort to extend this theoretical framework by applying it to non–African American respondents who favor capital punishment (N = 372). Although age, low education level, and conservatism influence racial prejudice among non–African American death penalty supporters, the findings suggest that racial bias is not a significant predictor of conviction proneness either directly or indirectly. Implications for the theory are discussed.
Racial Differences in the Use of Respiratory Medications in Premature Infants after Discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Objective To determine the effect of race and ethnicity on the use of oral beta-agonists, inhaled beta-agonists, and inhaled corticosteroids to treat respiratory symptoms in former premature infants after controlling for medical conditions, socioeconomic status, and site of outpatient care. Study design Using a population cohort of infants born at a gestational age ≤34 weeks at 5 Northern California Kaiser Permanente hospitals between 1998 and 2001 (n = 1436), we constructed multivariable models to determine predictive factors for the receipt of respiratory medications during the first year after discharge. Results After controlling for confounding factors, black infants were more likely to receive oral beta-agonists compared with white infants (OR 4.30, 95% CI 2.33-7.94), and Hispanic infants were less likely to receive inhaled beta-agonists (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.39-0.99) or inhaled corticosteroids (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.12-0.67). These findings were not explained by more outpatient visits for respiratory symptoms in black or Hispanic infants, because the observed racial differences persisted when children of similar respiratory symptoms were examined. Conclusions Even in a high-risk population of insured infants, substantial racial differences persist in the use of respiratory medications that could not be explained by differences in respiratory symptoms.