cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Critical Examination of Sellars’s Theory of Perception

It is a central thesis in Sellars’s theory of perception that the given is mythical, that the non-conceptual element in perception has no rational force. Sellars thus offers a coherence theory of the reasonableness of perceptual judgments. I suggest that Sellars is right in rejecting the idea that the non-conceptual element provides knowledge; more generally, he is right in rejecting the propositional given. I argue, however, that Sellars’s coherence theory is unable to make sense of basic features of perceptual judgments. Sellars is not right, I argue, in denying all rational role to the non-conceptual element in perception. The given exists, but it is not propositional.
Enabling portable application development for new media networks

Unless the overall application development community is able to develop portable applications that can be deployed easily and cost effectively over the entire range of broadband networks the "community network" will provide a limited set of services that are controlled by a small number of service providers. As we have all witnessed in the world of the personal computer, a rich set of compelling applications is necessary to attract a critical mass of consumers to drive the economics of a fledgling industry. The key to portable applications is a widely accepted, open set of high level objects that provide an environment that hides the particulars of the network, the hardware, and the operating environment. It is most important to address the execution environment (sessions, connections, users, access, etc.), the set of services (messaging, directory, etc.), as well as the organization of information (content organization, navigation, etc.). This paper proposes such a set of objects.
Caution with Epidural Opioid Use in Sleep Apnea Patients

Dear Editor, Epidural opioids are now routinely used in surgical patients for postoperative pain relief. Opioids commonly used include morphine and hydromorphone (dilaudid). Sleep apnea patients are prone to developing respiratory depression with the use of opioids. Over the last 10 years in our institution …
'Easy in, Easy Out': A Future for U.S. Workplace Representation

This paper proposes an amendment to our basic labor laws that I call “easy in, easy out.” Essentially, representation elections — secret-ballot votes to decide whether employees want union representation and whether they want to be represented by the particular petitioning labor organization(s) — in relatively broad units, would, over time, become automatic. Every two years (unless the union achieved a collective bargaining agreement, in which case every three years) the employees in the unit, after an initial minimal required showing of interest, would have an opportunity to vote in a secret ballot whether they wish to continue the union’s representation, select another organization, or have no union representation at all. Petitioning labor organizations and employers would be required to share certain specified information, in electronic form, with the voting employees. The theory is to make representation elections more like general political elections, to make it easier to vote in a union (if that is the employees’ preference), and to vote the union out if the employees no longer believe the bargaining agent is accountable to them or worth the dues they pay. Other aspects of the labor laws would continue unchanged.
Spiralian gastrulation: germ layer formation, morphogenesis, and fate of the blastopore in the slipper snail Crepidula fornicata

Gastrulation is a critical step in bilaterian development, directly linked to the segregation of germ layers, establishment of axes, and emergence of the through-gut. Theories about the evolution of gastrulation often concern the fate of the blastopore (site of endomesoderm internalization), which varies widely in a major branch of bilaterians, the Spiralia. In this group, the blastopore has been said to become the mouth, the anus, both, or neither. Different developmental explanations for this variation exist, yet no modern lineage tracing study has ever correlated the position of cells surrounding the blastopore with their contribution to tissues of the mouth, foregut, and anus in a spiralian. This is the first study to do so, using the gastropod Crepidula fornicata. Crepidula gastrulation occurs by epiboly: the first through third quartet micromeres form an epithelial animal cap that expands to cover vegetal endomesodermal precursors. Initially, descendants of the second and third quartet micromeres (2a–2d, 3a–3d) occupy a portion of the blastopore lip. As the blastopore narrows, the micromeres’ progeny exhibit lineage-specific behaviors that result in certain sublineages leaving the lip’s edge. Anteriorly, cells derived from 3a2 and 3b2 undergo a unique epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition involving proliferation and a collective movement of cells into the archenteron. These cells make a novel spiralian germ layer, the ectomesoderm. Posteriorly, cells derived from 3c2 and 3d2 undergo a form of convergence and extension that involves zippering of cells and their intercalation across the ventral midline. During this process, several of these cells, as well as the 2d clone, become displaced posteriorly, away from the blastopore. Progeny of 2a-2c and 3a-3d make the mouth and foregut, and the blastopore becomes the opening to the mouth. The anus forms days later, as a secondary opening within the 2d2 clone, and not from the classically described “anal cells”, which we identify as the 3c221 and 3d221 cells. Our analysis of Crepidula gastrulation constitutes the first description of blastopore lip morphogenesis and fates using lineage tracing and live imaging. These data have profound implications for hypotheses about the evolution of the bilaterian gut and help explain observed variation in blastopore morphogenesis among spiralians.
Production of Vibrio El Tor Toxin in a Liquid Medium.

Abstract Watanabe, Yoshikazu (U. S. Army Medical Center, Japan), and Oscar Felsenfeld. Production of vibrio El Tor toxin in a liquid medium. J. Bacteriol. 82:43–47. 1961.—High toxin titers (as measured by mouth lethality and hemolytic activity) were obtained from culture supernatants of strains of El Tor vibrio isolated from patients in Indonesia. Cultivation of the organism in vitro revealed that the concentration of ferrous ion in the medium was critical for the production of maximal yields of toxin. Toxins produced under appropriate conditions were antigenic in rabbits and produced antibodies capable of neutralizing both the hemolytic and lethal actions in multiple proportion. Suggestive evidence has been obtained that the hemolytic and lethal toxins may be separate molecules.
Deviant Behavior in Computer-Mediated Communication: Development and Validation of a Measure of Cybersexual Harassment

The use of computer-mediated communication continues to increase dramatically in organizations, bringing with it new avenues for sexual harassment. Despite the recognition that cybersexual harassment is an important phenomenon and that the online behaviors of employees can adversely affect the organization, there is little research on the development of instruments to measure related constructs. In the present study, scales are created to measure perceptions of the online environment that are thought to precipitate the occurrence of harassment and intentions to engage in sexually harassing behavior. It is found that perceptions of the online environment as stimulating where risk taking is exhilarating, and as an environment in which blatant prejudice is acceptable, are related to multiple forms of cybersexual harassment.
Silurian and pre-Upper Devonian bio-events

Between the end Ordovician and mid-Upper Devonian extinctions there are no major bioevents. There are, though, a number of minor bio-events. Recognizable with shelly benthos are bio-events in the C2–C3 interval of the Upper Llandovery, in the early Wenlock, late Wenlock, late Ludlow, Silurian-Devonian boundary, near the base of the Emsian, near the end of the Eifelian, and near the end of the Givetian. The last two coincide in time with what may have been global lowerings of the climatic patterns. The first, also, may have involved a gateway. The correlation of extensive black shales, some rich in graptolites or other pelagic organisms, with these bio-events is not easy to see. Ranking these lower level bio-events is of questionable significance since we do not presently have any truly “objective ”criteria possessed of real biologic significance (mere taxon counting is certainly not the answer).
Corner reflector dielectric surface wave antenna with enhanced directivity

In this work, we present a dielectric surface wave antenna (DSWA) for applications requiring a directive radiation pattern. The proposed design is composed of a grounded, gradually tapered quarter of a dielectric cylinder with a low-profile corner reflector. The design is simulated, and its overall performance is investigated. Results show that the proposed antenna has an end-fire radiation pattern with high directivity in both the E-plane and H-plane. In addition, an impedance bandwidth that is better than 44% can be achieved.
TLR2 Regulates Gap Junction Intercellular Communication in Airway Cells

The innate immune response to inhaled bacteria, such as the opportunist Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is initiated by TLR2 displayed on the apical surface of airway epithelial cells. Activation of TLR2 is accompanied by an immediate Ca(2+) flux that is both necessary and sufficient to stimulate NF-kappaB and MAPK proinflammatory signaling to recruit and activate polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the airway. In human airway cells, gap junction channels were found to provide a regulated conduit for the movement of Ca(2+) from cell to cell. In response to TLR2 stimulation, by either lipid agonists or P. aeruginosa, gap junctions functioned to transiently amplify proinflammatory signaling by communicating Ca(2+) fluxes from stimulated to adjacent, nonstimulated cells thus increasing epithelial CXCL8 production. P. aeruginosa stimulation also induced tyrosine phosphorylation of connexin 43 and association with c-Src, events linked to the closure of these channels. By 4 h postbacterial stimulation, gap junction communication was decreased indicating an autoregulatory control of the connexins. Thus, gap junction channels comprised of connexin 43 and other connexins in airway cells provide a mechanism to coordinate and regulate the epithelial immune response even in the absence of signals from the immune system.
Mucolytics, Expectorants, and Mucokinetic Medications

In health, the airways are lined by a layer of protective mucus gel that sits atop a watery periciliary fluid. Mucus is an adhesive, viscoelastic gel, the biophysical properties of which are largely determined by entanglements of long polymeric gel-forming mucins, MUC5AC and MUC5B. This layer entraps and clears bacteria and inhibits bacterial growth and biofilm formation. It also protects the airway from inhaled irritants and from fluid loss. In diseases such as cystic fibrosis there is almost no mucin (and thus no mucus) in the airway; secretions consist of inflammatory-cell derived DNA and filamentous actin polymers, which is similar to pus. Retention of this airway pus leads to ongoing inflammation and airway damage. Mucoactive medications include expectorants, mucolytics, and mucokinetic drugs. Expectorants are meant to increase the volume of airway water or secretion in order to increase the effectiveness of cough. Although expectorants, such as guaifenesin (eg, Robatussin or Mucinex), are sold over the counter, there is no evidence that they are effective for the therapy of any form of lung disease, and when administered in combination with a cough suppressant such as dextromethorphan (the "DM" in some medication names) there is a potential risk of increased airway obstruction. Hyperosmolar saline and mannitol powder are now being used as expectorants in cystic fibrosis. Mucolytics that depolymerize mucin, such as N-acetylcysteine, have no proven benefit and carry a risk of epithelial damage when administered via aerosol. DNA-active medications such as dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) and potentially actin-depolymerizing drugs such as thymosin beta(4) may be of value in helping to break down airway pus. Mucokinetic agents can increase the effectiveness of cough, either by increasing expiratory cough airflow or by unsticking highly adhesive secretions from the airway walls. Aerosol surfactant is one of the most promising of this class of medications.
Achievement and Growth in the Classroom

Language educators frequently ask questions about students’ progress, learning, or development—that is, about their growth in achievement over time rather than simply about their levels of achievement at a given time. This chapter describes three central issues in assessing and describing growth in achievement for language learners. The first issue revolves around modeling growth appropriately to distinguish students’ rates of growth from their initial levels, while isolating true growth parameters from the measurement error involved in assessment at any given point in time. The second issue involves addressing threats to the validity of inferences about gains in achievement. The third issue involves addressing the relationship between content knowledge and language proficiency in order to support valid inferences about the constructs of interest. Keywords: Assessment methods; Research methods; Statistical analysis; Structural modeling
Behavioral ecological models of lithic technological change during the later Middle Stone Age of South Africa

Abstract This paper examines changes in the organization of lithic technological systems during the later Middle Stone Age (MSA) of South Africa. Using principal components analysis (PCA), the study looks at the lithic data from two important South African MSA sites: Blombos Cave and Klasies River Mouth. The paper uses PCA to describe the transition to (1) the biface-dominated Still Bay industry at Blombos Cave and (2) the microlithic Howiesons Poort industry at Klasies River Mouth. Based on these analyses, the paper offers a synthetic scenario of the emergence of the Still Bay industry from earlier MSA industries, closely followed by the dramatic transition to the Howiesons Poort. Using a few principles of tool design and behavioral ecological models derived from the study of modern foragers, the paper suggests that the Still Bay came about as the result of deteriorating environmental conditions at the beginning of Oxygen Isotope Stage 4, which caused resources to become scarce and more widely distributed. The study proposes that the bifacial point strategy of the Still Bay was a response to wider mobility patterns and increased movement away from lithic raw material sources. The paper then suggests that Howiesons Poort emerged as information sharing strategies improved, and resources in the environment could be more efficiently targeted with more task-specific tools. The paper closes by reviewing the implications of these findings for modern human origins in South Africa.
Multi-scale analysis of disturbance regimes in the northern Chihuahuan Desert

Abstract Remote sensing facilitates cross-scale validation, enables analysis of processes and patterns in time and space, and is thus viable for the conduct of earth system science. Multi-scale analyses of natural vegetation patterns and processes in the northern Chihuahuan Desert show that natural vegetation is capable of recovering from short-term, high intensity disturbances such as an atomic bomb blast. In contrast, mesquite dunelands persist on other sites grazed before the blast, showing the Chihuahuan is less resilient to long-term low intensity disturbances. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to register historical Landsat Multi-Spectral Scanner (MSS) data acquired over Trinity National Historic Site (TNHS), New Mexico, and the vicinity. Aerial and ground photography provide supporting detail, at finer scales, regarding the distribution and pattern of natural vegetation at TNHS Ground Zero and adjacent weapons impact targets. Aside from initial mechanical or thermal damage to vegetation from the first atomic test over a half century ago, analyses of vegetation at satellite and airphoto scales show no apparent persistent blast effects around TNHS.
Litho-aware and low power design of a secure current-based physically unclonable function

Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs) are lightweight cryptographic primitives for generating unique signatures from complex manufacturing variations. In this work, we present a current-based PUF designed using a generalized lithographic simulation framework for improving inter-die and inter-wafer uniqueness. The sensitivity of the circuit to manufacturing variations is enhanced by placing the gate structures at pitches closer to forbidden zone, where the sensitivity of Critical Dimension (CD) to the pitch variations is very high. Simulation results show that the litho-aware current based PUF has improved inter- and intra-distance over the conventional current-based PUF. The litho-aware PUF consumes about 0.034 pico joules of energy per response bit, which is substantially better than delay-based PUF implementations.
Speech perception without hearing.

In this study of visual phonetic speech perception without accompanying auditory speech stimuli, adults with normal hearing (NH;n=96) and with severely to profoundly impaired hearing (IH;n=72) identified consonant-vowel (CV) nonsense syllables and words in isolation and in sentences. The measures of phonetic perception were the proportion of phonemes correct and the proportion of transmitted feature information for CVs, the proportion of phonemes correct for words, and the proportion of phonemes correct and the amount of phoneme substitution entropy for sentences. The results demonstrated greater sensitivity to phonetic information in the IH group. Transmitted feature information was related to isolated word scores for the IH group, but not for the NH group. Phoneme errors in sentences were more systematic in the IH than in the NH group. Individual differences in phonetic perception for CVs were more highly associated with word and sentence performance for the IH than for the NH group. The results suggest that the necessity to perceive speech without hearing can be associated with enhanced visual phonetic perception in some individuals.
Case Report: Lymphoma Arising in an Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis After Immunomodulatory Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The risk of lymphoma in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has raised concerns regarding the lymphogenic potential of immunomodulatory therapy. The link between immunosuppressive therapy and lymphoma risk is well established in patients with solid organ transplantations. In this population, it is postulated that lymphocytes infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) proliferate unchecked due to impaired cell-mediated immunity. A similar phenomenon may occur in IBD patients treated with multiple immunomodulators and biological agents. In this report, we describe a case of EBV-positive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma arising in the ileal pouch of a patient with ulcerative colitis. This patient was maintained on prednisone (>20 mg/day) for 8 months, cyclosporine for 7 months, and 6-mercaptopurine for nearly 2 years prior to a single infusion of infliximab (5 mg/kg). The cumulative effects of more than three agents, simultaneously and/or sequentially, may simulate posttransplantation immunosuppression and pose a significant threat of malignancy. Such patients may warrant more aggressive diagnostic surveillance and evaluation.
Strategy-proofness and the strict core in a market with indivisibilities

We show that, in markets with indivisibilities (typified by the Shapley-Scarf housing market), the strict core mechanism is categorically determined by three assumptions: individual rationality, Pareto optimality and strategy-proofness.
The role of master kits in assembly operations

Abstract In a JIT environment the production policy of having the right materials of the right quality of the right quantity available at the workstation must be operative. To ensure component availability, companies are returning to floor inventory systems which are creative, simple and cost effective, although they may appear to ignore some cost accounting principles. The procedures relevant to master kitting exemplify several MRP, JIT, FMS and group technology concepts for reducing total inventory, reducing setups and changeover time and increasing productivity, flexibility and service to customers be they inside or outside the plant or department.
Selective Damping in a Galerkin Method for Solving Wave Problems with Variable Grids

Abstract A dissipative Galerkin procedure is used to solve two hyperbolic problems on an irregular or variable grid. Both forced wave motions (Gaussian) and boundary induced wave propagations are considered. It is shown that results obtained by using the traditional Galerkin approximation can be improved by using the dissipative procedure. Reflections or noise produced an a grid because of mesh refinements can be substantially reduced by this technique. Comparisons are also made with the dissipative effects obtained from an added artificial viscosity term.
Nucleotides that determine Escherichia coli tRNA(Arg) and tRNA(Lys) acceptor identities revealed by analyses of mutant opal and amber suppressor tRNAs.

Abstract We have constructed an opal suppressor system in Escherichia coli to complement an existing amber suppressor system to study the structural basis of tRNA acceptor identity, particularly the role of middle anticodon nucleotide at position 35. The opal suppressor tRNA contains a UCA anticodon and the mRNA of the suppressed protein (which is easily purified and sequenced) contains a UGA nonsense triplet. Opal suppressor tRNAs of two tRNA(Arg) isoacceptor sequences each gave arginine in the suppressed protein, while the corresponding amber suppressors with U35 in their CUA anticodons each gave arginine plus a second amino acid in the suppressed protein. Since C35 but not U35 is present in the anticodon of wild-type tRNA(Arg) molecules, while the first anticodon position contains either C34 or U34, these results establish that C35 contributes to tRNA(Arg) acceptor identity. Initial characterizations of opal suppressor tRNA(Arg) mutants by suppression efficiency measurements suggest that the fourth nucleotide from the 3' end of tRNA(Arg) (A73 or G73 in different isoacceptors) also contributes to tRNA(Arg) acceptor identity. Wild-type and mutant versions of opal and amber tRNA(Lys) suppressors were examined, revealing that U35 and A73 are important determinants of tRNA(Lys) acceptor identity. Several possibilities are discussed for the general significance of having tRNA acceptor identity in the same positions in different tRNA acceptor types, as exemplified by positions 35 and 73 in tRNA(Arg) and tRNA(Lys).
Mixed Convection in Cooling of a Surface by Two-Dimensional Confined Slot Jet Impingement

The flow and heat transfer characteristics in the cooling of a heated surface by impinging confined jets have been investigated numerically through the steady state solution of laminar two-dimensional Navier-Stokes and energy equations. The principal objective of this study is to investigate the effect of buoyancy on the associated heat transfer process. Numerical computations are done for vertically downward directed two-dimensional confined slot jets impinging on a hot isothermal surface at the bottom. The computed flow patterns and isotherms for various domain aspect ratios and for a range of jet exit Reynolds numbers (100–500) and Richardson numbers (0–10) are analyzed to understand the heat transfer phenomena. The local and average Nusselt numbers at the hot surface for various conditions are compared. It is observed that for a given domain aspect ratio and Richardson number, the average Nusselt number at the hot surface increases with increasing jet exit Reynolds number. On the other hand, for a given aspect ratio and Reynolds number the average Nusselt number does not change significantly with Richardson number indicating that the buoyancy effects are not very significant on the overall heat transfer process for the range of jet Reynolds number considered in this study.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Determination of hydraulic behavior of hillsides with a hillslope infiltrometer

Watersheds, in many parts of the world, consist of sloping soils with a dense subsoil at shallow depth. Very few measurement techniques exist for realistically determining hydraulic properties in situ on these hillside soils. A hillslope infiltrometer, open at the bottom, top, and downhill sides, was developed that can measure the vertical saturated conductivity of the horizon sequence and lateral hydraulic conductivity of the horizon most conductive to water. The infiltrometer was tested on the steeply sloping soils in Honduras. Increasing rainfall intensities were applied and lateral flow rate was measured in several troughs at the downslope end of the hillslope infiltrometer. Vertical infiltration rates for the horizon sequence and lateral conductivity were calculated at each rainfall rate after steady state conditions were established. The hillslope infiltrometer proved useful in the characterization of subsurface flow on the steep slopes in Honduras.
Short-term international volunteerism in dermatology: Ethical considerations

Dr Goodheart is a general dermatologist in the United States who has signed up for a 3-week international volunteer trip to an underserved area. Her trip is coordinated by a reputable organization that partners with a local health care system and sends dermatologists to this site 2 to 3 times per year. Dr Goodheart brings along a box of sample-sized tubes (15 g) of topical steroids of various potencies that were donated by a pharmaceutical company and approved for use by the partnering health care organization. Upon arrival at the clinic site, she pairs up with a local primary care provider to evaluate patients. The first patient they encounter is a 7-year-old boy with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Although topical steroids are available and relatively inexpensive at the local pharmacy, his family cannot afford them. In addition, the health care system does not have sufficient means to dispense free medication under normal circumstances. In addition to providing basic education about atopic dermatitis to the boy and his family, Dr Goodheart and her colleague should: A. Give half of the topical steroid samples to the boy B. Give a few samples of topical steroid to the boy. Advise the family to return to the clinic when the next volunteer dermatologist arrives in 4 to 6 months C. Give 1 sample of topical steroid to the boy. Go to the local pharmacy and buy a year-long supply of topical steroids to donate to the boy D. Do not give any topical steroid samples to the boy
The Stories of Possibility

There are three things that future generations may never experience: the smell of books, the sound of a computer, and the sanctuary of privacy. These human considerations are all unintended consequences of computing. The Web extra at http://youtu.be/Vkqkn0i5jgo is an audio podcast of author Grady Booch reading his On Computing column, in which he discusses how some unintended consequences of computing might be that future generations never experience the smell of books, the sound of a computer, or the sanctuary of privacy.
Estimating Mediated Effects in Prevention Studies

The purpose of this article is to describe statistical procedures to assess how prevention and intervention programs achieve their effects. The analyses require the measurement of intervening or mediating variables hypothesized to represent the causal mechanism by which the prevention program achieves its effects. Methods to estimate mediation are illustrated in the evaluation of a health promotion program designed to reduce dietary cholesterol and a school-based drug prevention program. The methods are relatively easy to apply and the information gained from such analyses should add to our understanding of prevention.
An Iterative Procedure for Estimating the Mode

Abstract An estimate of the mode of a distribution is proposed. The estimate is obtained from a set of nested intervals each of which is a shortest interval containing a certain number of observations. The convergence properties of the estimator are presented along with some results of simulation studies.
Hybrid Neodymium-doped passively Q-switched waveguide laser

Abstract In the mid 80s, the doping of optical fibers’ core with rare earth atoms has been a major breakthrough in the field of optical telecommunications since it allowed the realization of in line optical amplifiers. However, erbium-doped fiber amplifiers are a few meters long and a huge effort has been made in order to realize compact and efficient active devices based on rare-earth-doped waveguides. For this purpose the use of phosphate glasses instead of silicate ones has been investigated because they allow a better solubility of the inserted rare earths. In this paper we present the realization of a hybrid Neodymium-doped passively Q-switched waveguide laser made by an ion-exchange on a Schott IOG-1 phosphate laser glass combined with the deposition of a bis(4-dimethylaminodithiobenzil)nickel (BDN) saturable absorber diluted in a cellulose acetate polymer cladding. In a first step, we present the continuous wave (CW) operation of the laser with an undoped cladding. We show that for a 3.5 μm wide, 1.5 cm long waveguide realized by a silver–sodium ion-exchange, a 6 mW output has been achieved by creating a Fabry–Perot cavity with dielectric multilayers mirrors sticked to the chip facets. Then, the characterizations performed on the BDN-doped layers are presented. It is shown that a proper selection of the hybrid guiding condition and saturable absorber concentration entail a non-saturated excess absorption of 3.4 dB/cm. Finally, we present the results we obtained on the Q-switched behaviour of the laser. Indeed a repetition rate of 330 kHz is achieved for a pulse energy of 10 nJ and a peak power of 1 W.
A Critique of the Plaque Assay Technique in Bottle Cultures.

SummaryPoliovirus was regularly recovered from the agar surface of bottle cultures exhibiting plaques. From the area immediately surrounding a plaque virus recovery was frequent. Only rarely was vi...
Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes in Recirculated Brine for Chilling Thermally Processed Bacon Using an Electrochemical Treatment System

An electrochemical treatment system consisting of a pulsed electrical power supply and an electrical treatment chamber was designed and evaluated for inactivation Listeria monocytogenes in recirculated brine for chilling processed bacons. The brine was tested under different currents and temperatures. An average D-value of 1.61 min in the storage tank could be achieved at 7 mA/cm 3 current with the fresh brine (t = 0 h). For the spent brine (t = 20 h), the D-value was 2.5 min in the treatment chamber at 35 mA/cm 3 . The average D-values in the treatment chamber were approximately 2.5 min at all three temperatures (4, 0, -88C) at 35 mA/cm 3 . Un systeme de traitement electrochimique consistant en une source d'electricite pulsee et une chambre de traitement est mis au point et evalue. L'inactivation de Listeria monocytogenes qui contamine la saumure utilisee pour le refroidissement du bacon est etudiee. La saumure est testee a differentes temperatures et differents voltages: Un traitement a 7mA/cm 3 pendant 1,61 minutes est necessaire pour la saumure fraiche, alors que le traitement a 35mA/cm 3 pendant 2,5 minutes est necessaire pour la saumure recirculante.
Electrostatic control with discrete area variation for beam steering and focusing using membrane mirrors

This paper reports on the development and testing of electrostatically actuated deformable mirrors for optical correction. The system considered here is limited to the lower modes of aberration; namely, focus/defocus and tip/tilt. The main problem with using electrostatics is due to the nonlinear relationship between force and distance in such a system. Accordingly, this work uses a nonlinear control system in order to obtain greater deflection for a given voltage. The paper describes recent experimental results with closed loop control.
Computational approaches to drug design

The rational approach to pharmaceutical drug design begins with an investigation of the relationship between chemical structure and biological activity. Information gained from this analysis is used to aid the design of new, or improved, drugs. Primary considerations during this investigation are the geometric and chemical characteristics of the molecules. Computational chemists who are involved in rational drug design routinely use an array of programs to compute, among other things, molecular surfaces and molecular volume, models of receptor sites, dockings of ligands inside protein cavities, and geometric invariants among different molecules that exhibit similar activity. There is a pressing need for efficient and accurate solutions to the above problems. {Often, limiting assumptions need to be made, in order to make the calculations tractable. Also,} the amount of data processed when searching for a potential drug is currently very large and is only expected to grow larger in the future. This paper describes some areas of computer-aided drug design that are important to computational chemists but are also rich in algorithmic problems. It surveys recent work in these areas both from the computational chemistry and the computer science literature.
The relationship between genotype, developmental stability and mating performance: disentangling the epigenetic causes

Developmental stability (DS) may confer an advantage in competition for mates. The present study tests this hypothesis using Drosophila immigrans, and proposes a novel approach to help broadly define the epigenetic factors causing such an effect. We first estimated the magnitude of isofemale heritability in sternopleural bristle fluctuating asymmetry (FA), using replicate genetic lines extracted from nature. Positional FA (PFA) exhibited significant among-line variation, and the heritability estimate of 0.10 (0.046 s.e.m.) was statistically significant. Among individual males, there was a significant positive relationship between PFA and copulation latency (time elapsed between introduction of females and copulation) and duration, but not copulation frequency. Moreover, high-DS lines exhibited significantly shorter copulation latency and duration compared with low-DS lines. When these components of sexual performance were again contrasted between lines with among-individual differences in bristle asymmetry controlled statistically, significant line effects on copulation latency and duration disappeared. The results suggest that deficits in the developmental apparatus underlying one particular trait can compromise individual sexual performance, and weaken the hypothesis that FA is a cue of overall 'genetic quality'.
O'Connor's A Good Man is Hard to Find

(2006). O'Connor's A Good Man is Hard to Find. The Explicator: Vol. 64, No. 2, pp. 125-127.
Intervention strategies and conceptions of child abuse

This study examines the relationship between the illness conception of child abuse, the inconclusive research that supports it, and child welfare intervention policy. An analysis is presented of the negative effects that can occur when intervention choices are guided by an illness conception of child abuse. Since the illness conception of abuse is not supported by empirical research, and since it may cause potential harm, the study recommends that protective service agencies set aside the medical model. It is further suggested that agencies adopt a low profile during intervention until more definitive research is conducted and accurate knowledge is obtained about child abuse.
Separate neurons in the paraventricular nucleus project to the median eminence and to the medulla or spinal cord

Double labeling experiments with the retrogradely transported fluorescent tracers bisbenzimide and True blue indicate that separate populations of cells in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus project to the median eminence and to the dorsomedial medulla or spinal cord in the rat. The cell populations giving rise to each projection are, however, at least partially intermixed in different parts of the nucleus.
Tseng's calculations of low energy pair production

Abstract We review the theoretical work 1971–1997 of H.K. Tseng on low energy pair production. In this work numerical calculations were performed in independent particle approximation in a screened self-consistent central potential, expanding the S-matrix element in partial waves and multipoles. Sampling techniques in partial waves and multipoles were used to extend the calculations to higher energies (up to 10 Mev). Total cross sections, the positron energy spectrum, the positron angular distributions, and the positron–photon polarization correlations were studied. Agreement was obtained with most experiments, although some anomalies remained at the lowest energies (particularly at 1082 keV). Atomic screening of the nuclear charge decreases cross sections at higher energies, as described by a form factor in the momentum transfer to the nucleus. In an intermediate energy regime point Coulomb results in a shifted energy spectrum may be used. At low energies screening increases cross sections, and this is characterized in terms of a normalization screening factor which describes the change in magnitude of electron and positron wave functions at small distances. In this low energy regime angular distribution shapes and polarization correlations are independent of screening.
Chinese Newspapers and Market Theories of Web Journalism

This article tests market-based theories of online journalism on the web editions of printed-page Chinese newspapers. It focuses on differentiation, defined as the extent to which a newspaper gives its online readers internet-specific features with news content. The findings suggest a relationship between print circulation and the technical complexity that a newspaper builds or not into its online news content. They also are consistent with the notion of a global, perhaps capitalist-driven, template for web newspaper journalism. General theoretic rules for web journalism are proposed.
Anemia Status, Hemoglobin Concentration, and Mortality in Nursing Home Older Residents

Background Anemia status is a typical feature of the “frailty syndrome” of elderly subjects. Increasing evidences suggest that low hemoglobin concentration is common in elderly subjects and adversely affects morbidity and mortality. Objective In the present study, we evaluate the impact of hemoglobin concentration on the risk of all-cause mortality in a large population of frail and old subjects living in a nursing home. Methods There were 372 residents admitted to the teaching nursing home of Catholic University of Rome aged 65 years and older from January 2002 to November 2004 who were enrolled. For the present study we selected all the subjects with a full MDS-NH assessment within 14 days after admission. The main outcome measure was the relative hazard ratio of death after 2 years of follow-up for different levels of hemoglobin concentration. Results Based on the WHO criteria for anemia, 235 participants were anemic at enrollment (63.1% of the cohort). A total of 130 deaths (44 men and 86 women) occurred during 2-years of follow-up. Death rates for those with and without anemia based on the WHO criteria were 38% and 28%, respectively (P = .03). The age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratio for mortality was 1.56 (95% CI, 1.07–2.28) for persons with anemia. Compared with the lower tertile, the age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratios of mortality for hemoglobin in the second and third tertiles were 0.40 (95% CI, 0.26–0.61), and 0.39 (95% CI, 0.24–0.58), respectively. Adjusting for potential confounders, including markers of frailty, cognitive impairment, creatinine levels, cancer, stroke, body mass index, and pressure ulcer, somewhat reduced the strength of the association between hemoglobin level and mortality, but it remained statistically significant. Conclusion Our results obtained from a representative sample of very old and frail elderly subjects living in a nursing home expand the knowledge that high levels of hemoglobin are associated with better survival. Anemia should be actively sought, appropriate diagnostic strategies should be implemented to search for potentially correctable causes, and aggressive interventions may be warranted to reduce mortality and improve functional status.
Effect of Cover Crops on Aphids, Whiteflies, and Their Associated Natural Enemies in Organic Squash

Field experiments conducted in fall 2006 and 2007 evaluated the effects of monoculture and diculture cover crops on aphids, whiteflies and beneficials in organic squash. Insect populations were assessed using in situ and leaf disc counts, blue pan traps and unbaited yellow sticky traps. High levels of parasitoids and coccinellids were found in sorghum sudangrass (SSG) plots. The grass monoculture pearl millet had lower aphid populations than other treatments in 2006. The diculture sunnhemp/pearl millet treatment and the grass cover crop SSG had low whitefly populations in 2006. Therefore, the potential use of cover crops in organic agriculture is discussed.
Bottle Feeding in the Bed or Crib Before Sleep Time and Wheezing in Early Childhood

Objective. Bottle feeding in the bed or crib before sleep time has been associated with an increased risk of wheezing in the first year of life. We examined whether bottle feeding in the bed or crib before sleep time in the first year of life is associated with wheezing in the first 5 years of life. Methods. In a prospective cohort study of 448 children with parental history of atopy followed from birth, we examined the relation between the number of bimonthly parental reports of bottle feeding in the bed or crib before sleep time in the first year of life (range: 0–6 reports) and parental report of wheezing in the first 5 years of life. Additional outcome measures included recurrent wheezing (≥2 episodes of wheezing in the previous year) and asthma (physician-diagnosed asthma and ≥1 episode of wheezing in the previous year) at the age of 5 years. Results. The risk of recurrent wheezing and asthma at 5 years of age increased significantly with each additional report of bottle feeding in the bed or crib before sleep time in the first year of life. The risk of wheezing between the ages of 1 and 5 years increased with each additional report of bottle feeding in the bed or crib before sleep time in the first year of life. As an example, a child whose parents reported bottle feeding in the bed or crib before sleep time on 3 occasions in the first year of life had 1.5 times higher risk of wheezing between the ages of 1 and 5 years than a child whose parents did not report bottle feeding in the bed or crib before sleep time in the first year of life (95% confidence interval for relative risk: 1.12–2.12). Conclusions. Among children with parental history of atopy, bottle feeding in the bed or crib before sleep time in the first year of life is a risk factor for recurrent wheezing and asthma at 5 years of age and a risk factor for wheezing between the ages of 1 and 5 years.
Making Meaning: Women's Birth Narratives

Birth stories are personal narratives grounded in the pivotal life experience of giving birth. Richly descriptive birth narratives from culturally diverse childbearing women document the importance of listening to the voices of women. Benefits of sharing birth stories include the opportunity for integration of a major event into the framework of a mother's life; the opportunity to share a significant life experience; the opportunity to discuss fears, concerns, "missing pieces" or feelings of inadequacy or disappointment; the opportunity for the woman to gain an understanding of her strengths; and the opportunity to connect with other women. Providing women with the opportunity to share their birth stories is an important nursing intervention.
Subbottom profile of ARSRP sediment pond as determined from vertical towed array data

The Acoustic Reverberation Special Research Program (ARSRP) acquired a unique set of towed vertical array data across a sediment pond adjacent to the mid-Atlantic ridge. Processing of the deep-towed vertical array data to map the subbottom structure within the sediment pond provided the basis for a geological interpretation of the pelagic sediments contained within the pond. The layering in this pond is parallel and subparallel in nature with very gentle dips increasing with depths of the sediment. The gentle dips and the faults within the sediment layers are the result of differential compaction and slumping of the sediments.
Endoscopic placement of spreader grafts in the nasal valve

Objective Surgery to the internal nasal valve is presently approached either externally via an open rhinoplasty incision or transnasally. The endoscopic approach has become the preferred method of access to various other sinonasal conditions. The goal of this study was to evaluate 1) whether the internal nasal value could be accessed and evaluated endoscopically and 2) whether a spreader graft placed under endoscopic visualization could widen the nasal valve area. Study design and setting Single-blinded study on 8 cadaveric heads. One side per head was randomly selected to be studied. The contralateral side served as the control. The nasal valve was approached endoscopically via the submucoperichondrial plane of the nasal septum with a 30-degree endoscope. After fully examining and subsequently separating the internal nasal valve, a spreader graft was placed. A blinded examiner then performed acoustic rhinometry to measure the nasal valve area as well as corroborate the position from an external approach. This data was then statistically analyzed using the paired Student t test. Results The nasal valve was easily detected endoscopically and the position of the spreader grafts was externally confirmed in all 8 specimens. The mean change of the nasal valve area on the side with the spreader grafts was 0.28 cm2. On the control side, the mean change was 0.026 cm2. This difference was statistically significant (P = 0.004). Conclusion The endoscopic approach is a viable option in accessing the nasal valve. Endoscopic placement of a spreader graft has also been shown to statistically widen the nasal valve area.
Baseline leptin levels predict change in leptin levels during weight loss in obese breast cancer survivors.

n Abstract: Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone involved in regulation of satiety, and it also appears to have a role in breast cancer risk. Leptin therefore might be a useful indicator of the potential preventive effects of weight loss in breast cancer survivors. In this study we examined whether the change in leptin levels could be predicted by weight loss in obese breast cancer survivors. The subjects in this study were participating in a randomized trial of an individualized approach towards weight loss in Detroit, MI. Breast cancer survivors (body mass index of 30–44 kg ⁄m 2 ) were enrolled and fasting blood samples were obtained for leptin analysis over 1 year of study. Leptin levels were available from at least two time points for 36 women, and weight change ranged from a gain of 11% to a loss of 25% of baseline weight. Using a repeated-measures regression model, both baseline leptin level and concurrent percent body fat were found to synergistically predict leptin levels. Thus, for women with the same body fat, those with higher baseline leptin levels are predicted to exhibit smaller decreases in leptin with weight loss. Similar results were obtained for body weight and body weight change, but the associations with body fat were stronger. Breast cancer survivors with initially higher leptin levels may differ with regard to regulation of change in leptin during weight loss resulting in relatively smaller changes in leptin with equivalent amounts of weight loss. n