cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experimental investigation of cross flow mixing in a randomly packed bed and streamwise vortex characteristics using particle image velocimetry and proper orthogonal decomposition analysis

The study of flow and heat transfer through porous media or randomly packed beds is important as these configurations are widely used in many engineering applications, for example, heat energy storage, chemical catalytic reactors, and nuclear reactors. The flow mixing characteristics in a cross-flow plane of a facility with randomly packed spheres at an aspect ratio of 6.3 were experimentally investigated. The velocity fields at several regions of the cross-flow plane located in the vicinity of the wall and in the pores between spheres were obtained by applying the matched-index-of-refraction and time-resolved particle image velocimetry (TR-PIV) techniques for Reynolds numbers ranging from 700 to 1700. The TR-PIV results revealed various flow patterns in the transverse plane of the packed spheres, including swirling flow structures aligned with the axial flow direction, a strong bypass flow near the enclosure wall, and a circulation region created when the bypass flow ejected into a large spatial gap. When the Reynolds number was increased, the peaks of root-mean-square fluctuating velocities, urms′ and vrms′, were found to increase approximately at the same ratio as the increase in Reynolds number, and the magnitude of the Reynolds stress increased considerably. In addition, the characteristics of flow mixing in different flow regions were investigated via the two-point cross-correlation of fluctuating velocities. Using Taylor’s hypothesis, the vorticity iso-surfaces were constructed. Thus, constructed iso-surfaces showed that shear layers generated from the bypass flow gaps were stretched, broken into smaller flow structures, and then evolved as vortex pairs when entering the neighboring gaps. The results obtained by applying proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) analysis to the velocity fields showed that the statistically dominant flow structures had approximately the same size and shape as those depicted by Taylor’s hypothesis. Vortex characteristics, such as populations, spatial distributions, and strengths, for various spatial regions and Reynolds numbers were obtained by a combination of POD analysis and vortex identification.
Collaborative research for justice and multi-issue movement building: challenging discriminatory policing, school closures, and youth unemployment

This special issue engages ethical, epistemic, political, and institutional issues in projects of collaborative research for justice that were designed with movements contesting policing, school closures, and youth disinvestment and unemployment. Three of the articles were collaboratively written by activists and scholars who drew from movements that deployed research for community-driven progressive change. The movements and the research are thus situated at the intersection of struggles against a resurgent anti-immigrant white supremacy, gentrification, a punitive carceral state, low pay and lack of meaningful employment opportunities, and the privatization of the public sector. These articles build upon and are in conversation with a set of related articles published in the spring 2018 special issue of Urban Education(Warren et al, 2018) that also addressed ethical, epistemic, political, and institutional tensions in collaborative research for justice. This EPAA special issue aims to advance the discussion through deep reflection within the context of focal ‘cases’ and within efforts to open space within universities for modes of engaged scholarship that can respond to the challenges of the current moment, as described in the articles that bookend the cases. Taken all together, this special issue demonstrates how scholars, educators, teachers, activists, community leaders, and policy makers can use the production and mobilization of knowledge as a force for building, supporting, sustaining, and advancing multi-issue movements for justice not just in schools and the academy but also in communities of color and others aggrieved by current inequities.
I Go to Die, You to Live

We think of death in many ways: the shedding of a mortal coil, the transition to a different state of being, a return to Earth in a form based on the karmic load, or for some, the end. For those loved ones, left behind, it certainly appears to be the end of a life together. Even the terminology of “left behind” denotes some sort of finality. Certainly, for the collection of atoms and molecules that came together in some miraculous way to produce a living, breathing individual, they shall part their molecular ways most likely to never meet again. Ashes to ashes and dust to dust should be atoms to atoms, molecules to molecules. In the grand scheme of nature, death and life are simply two sides of the same coin.
Overview of Exertional Heat Illness

Exertional heat illness (EHI) is a cause for concern in athletic, military, occupational, and recreational settings where individuals are participating in physical activity, especially in hot environmental conditions. EHI includes a spectrum of medical conditions that range from non-life-threatening, such as heat syncope, to potentially fatal in the case of exertional heat stroke. Given the severity of the latter condition, it is prudent for clinicians providing medical care in the aforementioned settings to develop evidence-based protocols for the prevention, recognition, treatment and return to activity for each of the medical conditions falling under the classification of EHI. The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of the classification and nomenclature of EHI, particularly the specific conditions contained within this general domain. We will discuss the current incidence and epidemiology of EHI to provide additional context surrounding the content covered within this text.
Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon nanodots in living EA.hy926 and A549 cells: oxidative stress effect and mitochondria targeting

Carbon nanodots (CNDs) have been studied in the field of biomedicine, such as drug delivery, bioimaging and theragnosis because of their superior biocompatibility and desirable optoelectronic properties. However, limited assessments on the biological effects of CNDs, particularly the effect on oxidative stress and toxicity in living cells, are not adequately addressed. In this work, a type of nitrogen, sulfur-doped carbon nanodots (N,S-CNDs), which were found to have strong antioxidant capacity in free radical scavenging in physicochemical conditions, was investigated through measuring the fluctuations of the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as the hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion, at different dose exposure in two types of cell lines, EA.hy926 and A549 cells. Instead of showing antioxidative capacity, the results indicate the uptake of the N,S-CNDs induces the production of intracellular ROS, thus causing oxidative stress and deleteriousness to both cell lines. The mitochondrial membrane potential of the cells was monitored upon the N,S-CNDs treatment and found to increase monotonically with the concentration of the CNDs. In addition, the confocal imaging of the cells confirms the localization of the CNDs at the mitochondria. More evidence suggests that the N,S-CNDs may stimulate ROS generation by interacting with the electron transport chain in the mitochondrial membrane due to the sulfur composite in the CNDs.
Whistleblowers: Honesty in America from Washington to Trump

Allison Stanger’s [1], book Whistleblowers: Honesty in America from Washington to Trump not only provides a thorough history of whistleblowing in the United States, but also delves into the philoso...
A Framework for Design of Self-Repairing Digital Systems

This paper introduces a scalable framework for the design of self-testable, self-correcting, and self-repairing digital systems. Modular redundancy and re-programmability are used to accomplish generic self-test and to enable self-repair. Bit error rates (BER) are measured throughout the design to distinguish between transient errors and errors due to semi- or permanent-logic faults. Tri-modular redundancy (TMR) is used for error correction and fault-isolation with a fourth module available for automated repair. Modular reconfiguration (repair) occurs automatically, so that the system continues to operate error-free even during partial dynamic reconfiguration (in FPGAs). The state of a repaired module is re-synchronized with the running system within one cycle after the damaged module is replaced. The framework is capable of simultaneous repair of multiple faults, while ensuring error-free operation. A case study evaluates the reliability improvement of an FPGA-based neural network image classification application.
The effect of edge gaps on shear strength and rolling shear modulus of cross laminated timber panels

Abstract The effect of gaps between boards in transverse layers of cross-laminated timber (CLT) on shear strength was investigated. Five-ply specimens with gaps of 0, 6, 89 and 178 mm were subjected to short-span three-point bending tests. Digital imaging correlation (DIC) was used to quantify strains and displacements in core layers. Panel shear capacity met the requirements of the PRG 320 standard for performance-rated CLT for the gap sizes tested, suggesting that small gaps do not reduce shear strength enough to warrant consideration in design. DIC data and Timoshenko beam theory were used to estimate rolling shear modulus and specimen deflections, which agreed well with measured values.
Analyze the Attentive & Bypass Bias: Mock Vignette Checks in Survey Experiments

Respondent inattentiveness threatens to undermine experimental studies. In response, researchers incorporate measures of attentiveness into their analyses, yet often in a way that risks introducing post-treatment bias. We propose a design-based technique—mock vignettes (MVs)—to overcome these interrelated challenges. MVs feature content substantively similar to that of experimental vignettes in political science, and are followed by factual questions (mock vignette checks [MVCs]) that gauge respondents’ attentiveness to the MV. Crucially, the same MV is viewed by all respondents prior to the experiment. Across five separate studies, we find that MVC performance is significantly associated with (1) stronger treatment effects, and 2) other common measures of attentiveness. Researchers can therefore use MVC performance to re-estimate treatment effects, allowing for hypothesis tests that are more robust to respondent inattentiveness and yet also safeguarded against post-treatment bias. Lastly, our study offers researchers a set of empirically-validated MVs for their own experiments.
Studies of binding by sulfonylureas with glyoxal- and methylglyoxal-modified albumin by immunoextraction using affinity microcolumns.

Abstract Diabetes is characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose, which can result in the modification of serum proteins. The modification of a protein by glucose, or glycation, can also lead to the formation of advanced glycated end-products (AGEs). One protein that can be modified through glycation and AGE formation is human serum albumin (HSA). In this study, immunoextraction based on polyclonal anti-HSA antibodies was used with high-performance affinity microcolumns to see how AGE-related modifications produced by glyoxal (Go) and methylglyoxal (MGo) affected the binding of HSA to several first- and second-generation sulfonylureas, a class of drugs used to treat type II diabetes and known to bind to HSA. With this approach, it was possible to use a single platform to examine drug interactions with several preparations of HSA. Each applied protein sample could be used over 20–50 experiments, and global affinity constants for most of the examined drugs could be obtained in less than 7.5 min. The binding constants measured for these drugs with normal HSA gave good agreement with global affinities based on the literature. Both Go- and MGo-related modifications at clinically relevant levels were found by this method to create significant changes in the binding by some sulfonylureas with HSA. The global affinities for many of the drugs increased by 1.4-fold or more; gliclazide and tolazamide had no significant change with some preparations of modified HSA, and a small-to-moderate decrease in binding strength was noted for glibenclamide and gliclazide with Go-modified HSA. This approach can be adapted for the study of other drug-protein interactions and alternative modified proteins by altering the antibodies that are employed for immunoextraction and within the affinity microcolumn.
Analysis of the Power Converter Used in Wind Power Generator System

With the constant improvement of the grid-connected wind farm and the increasing capacity of the wind power system, there is a higher requirement for the converter technology of wind farm. This paper first elaborates several converter topological structures used in the variable wind power generator system, then introduces the converters and the control strategy applying in medium and low-voltage wind power system at present. At last from the aspects of improving the topological structures with advantages, control strategy, and meeting the application requirements of wind power system, discussing the development trend of the wind power converter.
Chronically unprepared: emergency preparedness status among US medically vulnerable populations.

The prevalence of large-scale natural and biological disasters has increased in recent years and can have detrimental impacts on health. Some populations are more susceptible to these impacts, including medically vulnerable populations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between medically vulnerable populations and perceived emergency preparedness status. This study used 2010 and 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data (n = 33,852). Participants were classified into four exposure groups related to medical vulnerability for each of three chronic diseases. The outcome was based on responses to a question that asked how prepared the individual’s household was to handle a large-scale disaster or emergency. Logistic regression was used to assess the medical vulnerability-preparedness association. In adjusted analyses, individuals who were considered medically vulnerable had approximately 40% decreased odds of feeling prepared (OR range 0.61–0.64) compared to individuals without chronic diseases and disabilities. Public health professionals should direct their efforts toward medically vulnerable individuals and their preparedness statuses. This study further solidifies the need for community partnerships between medical, emergency, and public health professionals to help individuals prepare for future emergencies.
Investigation of sluggish diffusion in FCC Al0.25CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy

To validate the ‘sluggish diffusion’ in high-entropy alloys, interdiffusion coefficients of individual elements and tracer diffusion coefficient of Ni were experimentally determined in FCC Al0.25Co...
Weshalb teleologische Prinzipien eine Notwendigkeit der Vernunft sind. Natürliche Theologie nach Darwin

Das Kapitel behandelt die religiosen Ideen von Charles Darwin, stellt seine Revolutionierung der Biologie in den Kontext einer allgemeinen Entwicklung des Gottes- und des Naturbegriffs seit dem 17. Jahrhundert, diskutiert die Argumente seines Freundes und Kollegen Asa Gray fur eine Vereinbarkeit von Darwinismus und Theismus und schliest mit einer an Kant orientierten, aber objektiv-idealistischen Verteidigung teleologischen Denkens, innerhalb dessen auch das Prinzip der naturlichen Auslese einen legitimen Platz hat.
Axon Regeneration: A Subcellular Extension in Multiple Dimensions

Axons are a unique cellular structure that allows for the communication between neurons. Axon damage compromises neuronal communications and often leads to functional deficits. Thus, developing strategies that promote effective axon regeneration for functional restoration is highly desirable. One fruitful approach is to dissect the regenerative mechanisms used by some types of neurons in both mammalian and nonmammalian systems that exhibit spontaneous regenerative capacity. Additionally, numerous efforts have been devoted to deciphering the barriers that prevent successful axon regeneration in the most regeneration-refractory system-the adult mammalian central nervous system. As a result, several regeneration-promoting strategies have been developed, but significant limitations remain. This review is aimed to summarize historic progression and current understanding of this exciting yet incomplete endeavor.
Understanding Early Christian Art

Understanding Early Christian Art is designed for students of both religion and of art history. It makes the critical tools of art historians accessible to students of religion, to help them understand better the visual representations of Christianity. It will also aid art historians in comprehending the complex theology, history and context of Christian art. This interdisciplinary and boundary-breaking approach will enable students in several fields to further their understanding and knowledge of the art of the early Christian era. Understanding Early Christian Art contains over fifty images with parallel text.
Introduction: Why Three Poles and Why Protect Them?

I recently asked an editor of one of the larger international ornithological journal, one that also deals with arctic species and is owned by a wealthy international publishing house (this scientist also works as a senior professor at an established governmentally funded Western research institution with a science tradition of more than 100 years), the following question:
Exercise Mitigates Aberrant Mitophagy and Cardiovascular Remodeling in Diabetes

Previously, we reported aberrant mitophagy contributed to cardiac failure and inhibition of mitochondrial fission was cardioprotective. Cardiac connexins (Cxs), play crucial role in ischemic preconditioning, myocyte coupling, and serve to regulate post ischemic cardiac dysfunction and apoptosis. Diabetic cardiomyopathy is associated with abnormal mitophagy and decreased Cxs expression. Although moderate exercise is reported to be beneficial in cardiovascular diseases, it is not known whether exercise can mitigate aberrant mitophagy and induce Cxs in diabetic cardiomyopathy. We hypothesize that exercise decreases the aberrant mitochondrial fragmentation (mitophagy), increases Cx-37, -43 expression and attenuates cardiovascular dysfunction in diabetes. To verify our hypothesis, we used db/db obese type 2 diabetic and control mice. Mice underwent 8 wks of moderate exercise on treadmill. Blood pressure (BP) by tail cuff method showed decreased mean BP and echocardiography demonstrated improved left ventricula...
Bioterrorism: a Real Modern Threat

The use of microbial agents as intentional weapons against humans, animals, and plants goes back to earliest recorded history. There are three critical elements necessary for a bioterrorism event to occur; potential perpetrators, availability of biologic agents, and technical means to disseminate these agents. The potential for bioterrorism can no longer be dismissed. There are at least six categories within the spectrum of potential perpetrators who are capable of and willing to conduct a bioterrorism attack: state-sponsored groups, insurgent rebels, doomsday/cult-type groups, nonaligned terrorists, splinter groups, and lone offenders. An ideal potential bioterrorism agent has the following six characteristics: it is inexpensive and easy to produce; can be aerosolized; survives sunlight, drying, and heat; causes lethal or disabling disease; and results in person-to-person transmission; and either it has no effective treatment or prophylaxis or none is available. Yet, there are currently many gaps in our bioterrorism preparedness activities. Recently, three groups have published documents to assist with federal, state, and local bioterrorism preparedness and response planning. Of these, the plan produced by the U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command in August 2000 is the most comprehensive and detailed of all the federal planning documents produced to date. The critical components of bioterrorism planning activities are addressed. All planners of local and state preparedness and response activities should consider this document as they develop regional or statewide plans.
TWENTY YEARS OF ATTACKS ON THE RSA CRYPTOSYSTEM

Introduction The RSA cryptosystem, invented by Ron Rivest, Adi Shamir, and Len Adleman [18], was first publicized in the August 1977 issue of Scientific American. The cryptosystem is most commonly used for providing privacy and ensuring authenticity of digital data. These days RSA is deployed in many commercial systems. It is used by Web servers and browsers to secure Web traffic, it is used to ensure privacy and authenticity of e-mail, it is used to secure remote login sessions, and it is at the heart of electronic credit card payment systems. In short, RSA is frequently used in applications where security of digital data is a concern. Since its initial publication, the RSA system has been analyzed for vulnerability by many researchers. Although twenty years of research have led to a number of fascinating attacks, none of them is devastating. They mostly illustrate the dangers of improper use of RSA. Indeed, securely implementing RSA is a nontrivial task. Our goal is to survey some of these attacks and describe the underlying mathematical tools they use. Throughout the survey we follow standard naming conventions and use “Alice” and “Bob” to denote two generic parties wishing to communicate with each other. We use “Marvin” to denote a malicious attacker wishing to eavesdrop or tamper with the communication between Alice and Bob. We begin by describing a simplified version of RSA encryption. Let N = pq be the product of two large primes of the same size (n/2 bits each). A typical size for N is n = 1024 bits, i.e., 309 decimal digits. Each of the factors is 512 bits. Let e, d be two integers satisfying ed = 1 mod φ(N) where φ(N) = (p − 1)(q − 1) is the order of the multiplicative group ZN. We call N the RSA modulus, e the encryption exponent, and d the decryption exponent. The pair 〈N, e〉 is the public key. As its name suggests, it is public and is used to encrypt messages. The pair 〈N,d〉 is called the secret key or private key and is known only to the recipient of encrypted messages. The secret key enables decryption of ciphertexts. A message is an integer M ∈ ZN. To encrypt M, one computes C =Me mod N . To decrypt the ciphertext, the legitimate receiver computes Cd mod N. Indeed, Cd =Med =M mod N,
Localization of central prostaglandin E2 antisecretory effects

Abstract Intracerebroventricular prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) inhibits stimulated gastric acid secretion; however, the central site of action is unknown. Specific PGE 2 binding sites have been localized to the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus and central amygdala (A). The nuclear accumbens has been shown to play a role in central neurotensin-induced antisecretory effects. These studies tested the hypothesis that microinjections of PGE 2 into the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, central amygdala, and nuclear accumbens inhibit stimulated gastric acid secretion. The hippocampus served as a cerebral control region. Two days before the experiments, metal cannulas were stereotaxically positioned bilaterally into specific areas of the brain, and metal gastric cannulas were operatively implanted, under nembutal anesthesia, in male 250-g Sprague-Dawley rats. On the experimental day, the rats, fasted for 14 hours, were given saline or PGE 2 (0.1–1.0 μg in 0.2 μL/side) through the central cannulas 10 minutes before administering pentagastrin (40 μg/kg SC). Gastric secretion was measured at 30-minute intervals and expressed as acid output, micromoles per hour. Acid output (mean ± SE) in control animals was 161 ± 14 μmol/h. Prostaglandin E 2 administration at doses of 0.10, 0.50, and 1.0 μg/side (a) into ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus reduced acid output to 53 ± 11, ∗ 36 ± 10, ∗ and 27 ± 11 ∗ μmol/h regularly; (b) into NACB reduced acid output to 157 ± 36, 60 ± 12, ∗ and 38 ± 12 ∗ μmol/h; and (c) into A reduced acid output to 144 ± 31, 141 ± 26, and 90 ± 19 ∗ μmol/h, respectively (∗P 2 (0.50 μg/side) administration into hippocampus had no significant effect on acid output (134 ± 28 μmol/h). Although central PGE 2 administration was associated with hyperthermia, this occurred at lower doses than those required to inhibit acid secretion. Prostaglandin E 2 administration into specific brain areas known to have PGE 2 receptors, the central amygdala and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, and into nuclear accumbens inhibits stimulated gastric acid secretion. These observations suggest that PGE 2 may have a physiological role in the central control of gastric acid secretion.
The mammalian mineralocorticoid receptor: tying down a promiscuous receptor

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) has been called a promiscuous receptor because its intrinsic affinity for aldosterone, cortisol and corticosterone is similar. Since glucocorticoids circulate in concentrations 100- to 1000-fold those of aldosterone, stoichiometry dictates that MR should be activated by glucocorticoids, not aldosterone, yet MRs are expressed in many tissues and regulate diverse functions, many of them under the regulation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. A relatively small number of brain MRs are aldosterone selective and modulate blood pressure. Evidence for possible mechanisms conferring ligand specificity in the context of mineralocorticoid-induced hypertension and the brain are discussed. These include factors (or mechanisms) intrinsic to the receptor, such as alternative splice variants and translation start sites, and extrinsic to the MR, including differential access through the blood–brain barrier, differential recruitment of co-regulators and scaffolding proteins, 11β-steroid dehydrogenase activity, synthesis of potent acylated aldosterone derivatives and the synthesis of relevant amounts of aldosterone in areas of the brain that modulate blood pressure.
Racial bias in driver yielding behavior at crosswalks

Psychological and social identity-related factors have been shown to influence drivers' behaviors toward pedestrians, but no previous studies have examined the potential for drivers' racial bias to impact yielding behavior with pedestrians. If drivers' yielding behavior results in differential behavior toward Black and White pedestrians, this may lead to disparate pedestrian crossing experiences based on race and potentially contribute to disproportionate safety outcomes for minorities. We tested the hypothesis that drivers' yielding behavior is influenced by pedestrians' race in a controlled field experiment at an unsignalized midblock marked crosswalk in downtown Portland, Oregon. Six trained male research team participants (3 White, 3 Black) simulated an individual pedestrian crossing, while trained observers cataloged the number of cars that passed and the time until a driver yielded. RESULTS (88 pedestrian trials, 173 driver-subjects) revealed that Black pedestrians were passed by twice as many cars and experienced wait times that were 32% longer than White pedestrians. RESULTS support the hypothesis that minority pedestrians experience discriminatory treatment by drivers at crosswalks.
Advances in ECG and EEG mapping

Development and application of methods for non invasive mapping of signals from the brain and heart have followed a parallel course. Objectives of ECG and EEG mapping are similar in that both seek to facilitate understanding of normal electrical organ function and to detect and localize abnormal electrical behavior. The two disciplines share similar problems, analyses and approaches which, ultimately, might provide cross-disciplinary benefit.
Defining hypercalciuria in nephrolithiasis

The classic definition of hypercalciuria, an upper normal limit of 200mg/day, is based on a constant diet restricted in calcium, sodium, and animal protein; however, random diet data challenge this. Here our retrospective study determined the validity of the classic definition of hypercalciuria by comparing data from 39 publications analyzing urinary calcium excretion on a constant restricted diet and testing whether hypercalciuria could be defined when extraneous dietary influences were controlled. These papers encompassed 300 non-stone-forming patients, 208 patients with absorptive hypercalciuria type I (presumed due to high intestinal calcium absorption), and 234 stone formers without absorptive hypercalciuria; all evaluated on a constant restricted diet. In non-stone formers, the mean urinary calcium was well below 200mg/day, and the mean for all patients was 127±46mg/day with an upper limit of 219mg/day. In absorptive hypercalciuria type I, the mean urinary calcium significantly exceeded 200mg/day in all studies with a combined mean of 259±55mg/day. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed the optimal cutoff point for urinary calcium excretion was 172mg/day on a restricted diet, a value that approximates the traditional limit of 200mg/day. Thus, on a restricted diet, a clear demarcation was seen between urinary calcium excretion of kidney stone formers with absorptive hypercalciuria type I and normal individuals. When dietary variables are controlled, the classic definition of hypercalciuria of nephrolithiasis appears valid.
Neurosurgical options in cerebral palsy

Abstract The main movement disorders in cerebral palsy (CP) are spasticity, dystonia, athetosis and chorea. Their neurosurgical treatments have improved dramatically in the past two decades. Focal spasticity can now be effectively treated with peripheral selective neurectomies, spastic diplegia with lumbar dorsal rhizotomies, and generalized spasticity with continuous intrathecal baclofen (ITB) infusion. Dystonic CP is usually generalized and can be treated with ITB; refractory cases may respond to deep brain stimulation. There are presently no effective neurosurgical options for athetosis, although deep brain stimulation shows promise for choreiform CP.
New Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Agents: A Primer for the Gastroenterologist

A large number of patients worldwide receive anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents, collectively known as antithrombotic agents. Several new anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents recently were approved for use. Gastroenterologists may be unfamiliar with the mechanism of action, indications for use, and pharmacokinetics of these newer drugs. In patients undergoing elective and urgent endoscopic procedures, clinicians must be familiar with these medications to optimize outcomes. When the decision is made to continue the newer antithrombotic agents for elective procedures, the clinician must understand the risk that these agents may impart on procedural-induced bleeding. Finally, it is important to understand how to manage these agents in the presence of acute gastrointestinal bleeding. In this article the use of newer antithrombotic agents is reviewed.
Evaluation of propane exploders as white-tailed deer deterrents

Abstract In response to increased white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) depredation of agricultural crops and encroachment on airports, we evaluated the effectiveness of systematic and motion-activated propane exploders as deer frightening devices. We conducted three experiments in a 2200 ha fenced facility in northern Ohio with high (91/km2) deer densities during 1994–1995. Systematic exploders were calibrated to detonate once at 8 to 10 min intervals, whereas motion-activated exploders detonated 8 times/deer intrusion. Systematic propane exploders were generally ineffective, deterring deer from corn for ⩽ 2 days only, whereas motion-activated exploders repelled deer for 0–6 weeks. Repellency of motionactivated exploders varied seasonally, possibly in response to variations in deer density, availability of alternate food, or reproductive and social behavior. We recommend motion-activated exploders over systematic exploders as deer frightening devices for crop damage mitigation and on airports; however, systematic exploders may have utility for short-term (a few days) use.
The linkage arrangement of four rabbit β-like globin genes

Four different regions of rabbit beta-like globin gene sequences designated beta 1, beta 2, beta 3 and beta 4 were identified in a set of clones isolated from a bacteriophage lambda library of chromosomal DNA fragments (Maniatis et al., 1978). Restriction mapping and blot hybridization (Southern, 1975) studies indicate that a subset of these clones containing beta 1 and beta 2 hybridizes to an adult beta-globin cDNA clone (Maniatis et al., 1976) more efficiently than to a human gamma-globin cDNA clone (Wilson et al., 1978), while another subset containing beta 3 and beta 4 displays the converse hybridization specificity. beta 1 was identified as the adult beta-globin gene, while beta 2, beta 3 and beta 4 have not been identified with any known rabbit globin polypeptides. Cross-hybridization and transcriptional orientation experiments indicate that the set of beta-like gene clones contains overlapping restriction fragments encompassing 44 kb of rabbit chromosomal DNA. In addition, all four genes have the same transcriptional orientation and are arranged in the order 5'-beta 4-beta 3-beta 2-beta 1-3'.
Amoebae Associated with Ulcerative Lesions of Fish from Tidal Freshwater of the James River, Virginia

Abstract While surveying ichthyofaunal diversity in the tidal freshwater James River (near Richmond, Virginia) during March and September 1997, we observed that 40–50% of live fish collected had ulcerative lesions. Concomitant sampling upstream in nontidal reaches produced few fish with lesions (≤2%). These observations were unprecedented based on similar surveys conducted annually since 1989 and subsequently through 2000. Affected taxa included cyprinids, catostomids, ictalurids, centrarchids, and moronids, representing both resident and migratory species. During this episode of tissue ulceration, free-living pathogenic amoebae, predominantly Acanthamoeba and Naegleria, were the primary organisms associated with lesions across all degrees of severity and across all host species. Based on the focal nature of the lesions, the lack of physical injury to surrounding tissues, the low numbers of fungi and pathogenic bacteria, the absence of Pfiesteria and related organisms, and the large numbers of free-living...
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRIBUTION TO BLOOD LEAD LEVELS IN INFANCY

Data have not previously been presented which allow for separation of the relative role of pica from general environmental lead contamination in the development of high blood lead levels in childhood. This study has examined the lead levels in cord and maternal blood and related these values to sources of maternal environmental lead exposure. Infants were then followed prospectively to assess subsequent lead accumulation. Mean maternal blood lead level (n=114) was 1.29 ± .51 μ moles/LRBC and values were significantly influenced (p Black > White), urban location, and age of dwelling, but not by social class or smoking. Mean newborn blood lead level (n=182) was 1.00 ± .51 μ moles/LRBC and values were similarily influenced by maternal race, location and age of dwelling as well as by direct proximity of dwelling to high traffic flow. There was linear relationship between paired maternal and newborn lead levels (r=.687., p < .001). After birth the rise in subsequent blood lead determinations was gradual over the first 18 months of life without evidence of a sudden rise at the age of ambulation. These data suggest that certain environmental factors play a major role in defining a group of infants who are “at risk” for developing high blood lead levels even prior to the development of pica. Exposure to this environment starts in utero.
Management of Shoulder Instability

I nstability of the glenohumeral joint falls into two categories, traumatic and atraumatic. Both have a variety of nonoperative and operative treatments. In general, traumatic means that a stabilizing structure is torn or broken. In atraumatic instability, a specific trauma may not be identifiable-rather, the mechanisms that together stabilized the shoulder no longer do so; for example, a weakening of muscles may allow a loose but previously functional joint to become unstable. We discuss below these categories of instability in terms of the evaluation, nonoperative management, and surgical management with its corresponding postoperative rehabilitation. We distinguish instability from laxity. Instability is the inability to maintain the humeral head articular surface centered in the glenoid fossa. Laxity is the amount of joint motion allowed by the joint capsule and the configuration of the joint itself. A relatively large amount of motion may be allowed by a particular joint configuration and capsule, while still maintaining the humeral head articular surface centered in the glenoid fossa: laxity does not necessarily imply instability. 2
The visual discrimination performance of monkeys with foveal prestriate and inferotemporal lesions

Abstract The performance of monkeys with inferotemporal and foveal prestriate lesions was compared with that of intact animals in patterned string testing and postoperative retention and acquisition of visual discrimination problems. While both operated groups were impaired in postoperative retention testing, only monkeys with inferotemporal lesions maintained a deficit in the acquisition of a new discrimination. Monkeys with foveal prestriate lesions showed impairments in patterned string performance which were correlated with the extent of degeneration of the lateral geniculate nucleus. Although the discrimination deficit observed in these monkeys cannot be attributed to geniculostriate damage, the patterned string data suggest that alterations in sensory function may contribute to the impairments observed after ablation of foveal prestriate cortex. Data from this study also suggest that the greater foveal prestriate deficits observed by other investigators are due to encroachment upon the posterior portion of inferotemporal cortex.
A facile approach for the synthesis of niobia/carbon composites having improved hydrothermal stability for aqueous-phase reactions

Abstract Oxide supports are generally not stable during aqueous-phase reactions due to hydrolytic attack at elevated temperatures. Previous work has shown that niobia (a solid acid) loses surface area due to formation of large faceted crystallites. We show here that niobia/carbon composites are much more stable under these conditions and allow us to retain oxide functionality and acidic properties at elevated temperatures under aqueous conditions. A simple, one-pot synthesis was developed to generate niobia/carbon composites by a deposition–precipitation–carbonization (DPC) method. This method of preparation is simpler than the conventional impregnation route which would require acid treatment of the carbon to generate functional groups that are necessary for the stabilization of the deposited oxide. The catalysts generated by the DPC method contained highly dispersed niobia with nanoparticles having an average size of ca. 8 nm. For comparison, we also tested a commercially available amorphous niobia (HY-340 from CBMM). The niobia/carbon composites showed improved hydrothermal stability and higher reactivity for butanol dehydration compared with the HY-340. Embedding niobia in carbon helps prevent the growth of oxide crystallite size. In the conversion of gamma valerolactone to pentanoic acid, we found that the niobia/carbon composites helped to preserve the Pd dispersion, leading to improved Pd/Nb 2 O 5 /carbon bifunctional catalysts. We see these oxide/carbon composites as promising alternatives to carbon supports for aqueous-phase reactions.
Fate of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate in the Mississippi River

The 2 800-km reach of the Mississippi River between Minneapolis, MN, and New Orleans, LA, was examined for the occurrence and fate of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), a common anionic surfactan...
Achromatic four-quadrant phase mask (FQPM) coronagraphy using natural beam splitter phase shifts.

The four-quadrant phase mask (FQPM) is an exciting new approach to coronagraphy, a classic astronomical technique for detecting faint companions very close to bright stars. Starlight rejection is potentially very high, and inner working distances are substantially smaller than those achieved with classical Lyot coronagraphy. The key component of the original FQPM scheme is a transparent mask divided into quadrants delivering relative phase shifts alternately 0/π/0/π, inserted in an intermediate focal plane of the telescope. Monochromatic masks of this kind have been successfully demonstrated in laboratory and telescope tests. Fabrication of masks with achromatic π phase shifts is challenging but of great interest for optimum astronomical sensitivity. In this paper I present a novel concept for achromatic FQPM operation that utilizes intrinsic phase relationships between transmitted and reflected beams in a dielectric beam splitter.
Language attrition and theories of forgetting: A cross-disciplinary review:

My purpose in this paper is to examine the psychological nature of forgetting (parts of) a language by individuals involved in language change across the lifespan. The objectives of the article are (1) to summarize psychological theories and hypotheses about forgetting and memory failure, and (2) to evaluate their relevance for the explanation of individual language attrition. By reviewing linguistically and psycholinguistically oriented language attrition studies that appear to implicate mechanisms of forgetting, I seek to contribute to the interdisciplinary study and discussion of language attrition phenomena.
Response analysis of nonlinear multi-degree-of-freedom systems with uncertain properties to non-Gaussian random excitations

Abstract The investigation reported in this paper is concerned with the development of an approach for response analysis of multi-degree-of-freedom (mdof) nonlinear systems with uncertain properties of large variations and under non-Gaussian nonstationary random excitations. The developed approach makes use of the stochastic central difference (SCD) method, time co-ordinate transformation (TCT), and adaptive time schemes (ATS). It is applicable to geometrically complicated systems idealized by the finite element method (FEM). For demonstration of its use and availability of results for direct comparison, a two-degree-of-freedom (tdof) nonlinear asymmetric system with uncertain natural frequencies and under Gaussian and non-Gaussian nonstationary random excitations is considered. Computed results obtained for the system with and without uncertain natural frequencies, and under Gaussian and non-Gaussian nonstationary random excitations are presented. It is concluded that the approach is relatively simple, accurate and efficient to apply.
The significance of the monocyte crossmatch in recipients of living-related HLA identical kidney grafts.

Abstract Monocytes and vascular endothelial cells (VEC) carry a “cell specific” antigen system that has been found to play an important role in the pathogenesis of rejection. In a preliminary study utilizing a standard crossmatch technique with the peripheral blood monocyte as target, recipients of HLA identical living-related grafts who had either pretransplant or who developed posttransplant anti-monocyte antibody, had a high incidence of early graft rejection. This larger study of recipients of HLA identical living-related grafts represents the results of 21 patients from 13 separate transplant centers in the United States. Results from this study seem to indicate a positive monocyte crossmatch represented a degree of sensitization toward donor monocyte antigens which lead to a poor clinical course.
There's something about Mary: The moral value of things qua information objects

Luciano Floridi argues that every existing entity is deserving of at least minimal moral respect in virtue of having intrinsic value qua "information object." In this essay, I attempt a comprehensive assessment of this important view as well as the arguments Floridi offers in support of it. I conclude both that the arguments are insufficient and that the thesis itself is substantively implausible from the standpoint of ordinary intuitions.
Summary of a workshop on new and useful methods in rapid viral diagnosis.

Douglas Richman, Nathalie Schmidt, Stanley Plotkin, Robert Yolken, Max Cherensky, Kenneth McIntosh, and Martha Mattheis From the Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Diego; California Department of Health Services, Berkeley; Children's Hospital, Philadelphia; Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore; St. Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Children's Hospital Medical Center, Boston; and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
Characterization of flow turbulence in large-scale bubble-plume experiments

Flow turbulence generated by a bubble plume in a large tank is characterized. Two different turbulence mechanisms contributing to the mixing and transport process are identified on velocity signals recorded outside of the bubble-plume core: a macro-scale process governed by the wandering motion of the bubble-plume; and an intermediate- and micro-scale process represented by the Kolmogorov power spectrum. A methodology is presented to characterize the different processes and their contributions to the turbulence parameters. The results help to understand the bubble-plume phenomenon and provide a basis to validate numerical models of bubble-plumes used in the design of combined-sewer-overflow reservoirs.
An iceberg drift and decay model to compute the ice‐rafted debris and iceberg meltwater flux: Application to the interglacial North Atlantic

An iceberg drift and decay model that computes the long-term ice-rafted debris (IRD) and iceberg meltwater flux over an entire ocean basin is presented. The model requires atmospheric and oceanic flow fields and has three main operations: iceberg drift, decay, and debris release. Using present atmospheric and oceanic flow fields in the North Atlantic, the model is able to reproduce modern iceberg drift paths and seasonal iceberg occurrences. Using the same flow fields, IRD and iceberg meltwater flux to the North Atlantic are computed. Core-top data do not preserve an adequate record of present-day IRD distribution on the ocean floor; thus modeled IRD results are compared with IRD results from marine isotopic stage 5e (the last interglacial), a period most similar to present interglacial conditions. Similarity between the modeled and observed IRD patterns confirms that present ocean surface conditions affecting iceberg drift and decay are similar to those of stage 5e. Detailed comparison reveals icebergs from stage 5e reaching as far east as 20°W, which is not reproduced by the model under existing oceanographic conditions. This discordance suggests that the 5e IRD data set includes deposits from times colder than today, either because of truly colder intervals in 5e or because of dating uncertainties in the data. Modeled meltwater flux to the North Atlantic exhibits large seasonal and spatial variations. Using results from a recent study of North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) circulation sensitivity to freshwater forcing and assuming a steady Greenland ice volume, iceberg meltwater forcing is insufficient during interglacial conditions to produce even a partial NADW collapse.