cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Critical Reflections on the USDA Local Food Economics Toolkit

In this paper we report the results of a field test of an economic impact toolkit recently commissioned by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The toolkit was created as a guide for food systems organizations to frame issues and collect and analyze data in order to credibly measure economic and other benefits of their initiatives. To test the toolkit, we applied it to an economic contribution study of a local food-buying program in a large regional hospital in Vermont. Our findings indicate that by working with a dedicated and motivated community partner, we were able to agree on the scope and objectives of the project, obtain high-quality data, and enter these data into an input-output model to measure broader economic contributions (Modules 1 though 6 of the toolkit). We experienced difficulty, however, in obtaining data from a sufficient number of the hospital’s vendors to modify the model from its default settings to better reflect local food system actors’ purchase patterns (the subject of Module 7). Our experience suggests that practitioners need to work with community partners and consider which stages of the analysis meet their project objectives; in particular, they should focus on the difficulty and expense of incorporating Module 7. Our implications focus on strategies for decreasing the cost and effort of data collection for Module 7.
Luogufengite: A new nano-mineral of Fe2O3 polymorph with giant coercive field

Luogufengite, Al-bearing e-Fe 2 O 3 , is a new member of Fe 2 O 3 polymorphs discovered in late Pleistocene basaltic scoria from the Menan Volcanic Complex nearby Rexburg, Idaho. It is an oxidation product of Fe-bearing basaltic glass at high temperature and is associated with maghemite and hematite. Luogufengite is an euhedral or semi-euhedral nano-mineral with its crystal size ranging from ~20 to ~120 nm. The mineral has a space group of Pna 2 1 ; its unit-cell parameters refined from synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction pattern are a = 5.0647(3), b = 8.7131(6), c = 9.3842(5) A, and Z = 4 (calculated density = 4.905 g/cm 3 ) with the doubled hexagonal (ABAC) packing of oxygen atoms. The eight strongest lines of the measured X-ray diffraction pattern [d(A)( I )( hkl )] are: 3.197(27.3)(022); 2.945(29.1) (013); 2.708(100)(122); 2.437(35.8)(131); 1.716(24.4)(204); 1.507(40.7)(135); and 1.458(37.2)(330). The empirical formula is Fe 1.71 Al 0.24 Mg 0.02 Ti 0.03 O 3 . The crystals display (110) twins with twin boundaries of (110), (100), and (130) due to their pseudo-hexagonal symmetry. Luogufengite is an important mineral that records paleomagnetism of volcanic rocks because of its large magnetic coercivity. This unique magnetic property of the mineral may explain the observed unusually high-remanent magnetization in some igneous and metamorphic rocks and even martian rocks with high-remanent magnetization. Some intergrowths of magnetite with ilmenite exsolution lamellae or hematite with magnetite lamellar precipitates have luogufengite-like 2D crystalline characteristics with the doubled hexagonal packing at the interface between cubic and rhombohedral structures. Luogufengite-like nano-domains at the magnetite/hematite interfaces might be responsible for the large coercive field of lodestones that are partially oxidized magnetite with hematite micro-precipitates.
Comparison of Gene Expression Profiling and Chromosome 3 Analysis by Fluorescent in situ Hybridization and Multiplex Ligation Probe Amplification in Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy Specimens of Uveal Melanoma.

Purpose: The aim of this paper was to assess the concordance between results of DecisionDx-UM specific gene expression profiling (GEP) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for chromosome 3 analysis, and between DecisionDx-UM GEP and multiplex ligation probe amplification (MLPA) in uveal melanoma undergoing intraoperative fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) for metastatic prognostication during brachytherapy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients diagnosed with posterior uveal melanoma who underwent intraoperative FNAB prior to placement of an iodine-125 radioactive plaque between 2012 and 2014. Two cohorts of patients were identified: Cohort 1 - tumors in which both GEP and FISH results were obtained, and Cohort 2 - tumors in which both GEP and MLPA results were obtained. Results: Forty-four patients were identified for Cohort 1. FISH and GEP results were discordant in 7 tumors (15.9%). Forty-three patients were identified for Cohort 2. MLPA and GEP were discordant in 7 tumors (16.3%). Conclusions: Discordance between GEP and chromosome 3 status by FISH and MLPA occurred in our series at a rate of 15.9 and 16.3%, respectively. Caution must be advised when counseling a patient with a good-prognosis GEP “Class 1” result that the uveal tumor may actually harbor monosomy 3, which is associated with a poor prognosis for metastasis in nearly 20% of the patients.
The significance of uninhibited detrusor contractions in prostatism

AbstractIn an attempt to identify preoperatively patients who will not benefit from prostatectomy, 84 patients with prostatism about to undergo transurethral resection of the prostate were evaluated prospectively with preoperative and postoperative symptom analysis and urodynamic examination, including cystometrograms. Of the patients 67 were followed at 3 months and 54 again at 12 months. Preoperatively, 65 per cent of the patients had uninhibited detrusor contractions, while 38 had persistent postoperative uninhibited detrusor contractions at 3 months. Patients in whom uninhibited detrusor contractions persisted postoperatively more often had unacceptable postoperative symptoms. Of the patients 13 per cent believed the symptoms to be the same or worse at 3 and 12 months. The incidence of uninhibited detrusor contractions in these patients was 57 and 71 per cent, respectively. While this finding suggests that persistent postoperative uninhibited detrusor contractions are associated with an unfavorable su...
NASA's Pursuit of Low-Noise Propulsion for Low-Boom Commercial Supersonic Vehicles

Since 2006, when the Fundamental Aeronautics Program was instituted within NASA's Aeronautics Mission Directorate, there has been a Project looking at the technical barriers to commercial supersonic flight. Among the barriers is the noise produced by aircraft during landing and takeoff. Over the years that followed, research was carried out at NASA aeronautics research centers, often in collaboration with academia and industry, addressing the problem. In 2013, a high-level milestone was established, described as a Technical Challenge, with the objective of demonstrating the feasibility of a low-boom supersonic airliner that could meet current airport noise regulations. The Technical Challenge was formally called "Low Noise Propulsion for Low Boom Aircraft", and was completed in late 2016. This paper reports the technical findings from this Technical Challenge, reaching back almost 10 years to review the technologies and tools that were developed along the way. It also discusses the final aircraft configuration and propulsion systems required for a supersonic civilian aircraft to meet noise regulations using the technologies available today. Finally, the paper documents the model-scale tests that validated the acoustic performance of the study aircraft.
Higher education, English, and the idea of ‘the West’: globalizing and encountering a global south regional university

This article is about ‘global south’ actors and global south–global south interactions in the context of the internationalization of higher education (IHE), with a focus on a Vietnamese university ...
Mixing Effectiveness of Various Damper-Plenum Configurations

Improper mixing of outside air and return air streams in building air conditioning systems has been recognized for years. The problems may lead to nuisance cycling, frequent freeze-stat trips and s...
BrainmapTM: Electronic Integration of Mind and Brain

The human brain has been described as the most complex system in the known universe. In our normal, daily activity of perceiving, understanding and moving within the physical world, our brains are constantly mapping that world. Each property of every object that we perceive -- the shape, color, location, motion, sound, and the like -- is extracted by a set of highly specialized brain areas. While some areas perform perception, other areas plan movements and envision consequences. While we do not yet know the total number of functional areas in the brain, Michael has hypothesized that each elementary, information-processing operation of the mind is enabled by a distinct functional area of the brain. Complex mental operations (like reading this page) require the integrated activity of tens, possibly hundreds, of localized populations of neurons. In the face of such overwhelming complexity, the availability of accurate, detailed, up-to-date maps of the brain and its functions is an absolute necessity for the brain scientist or clinician.
Epididymitis in infants and boys: underlying urogenital anomalies and efficacy of imaging modalities.

AbstractOf 47 children diagnosed as having epididymitis between 1975 and 1985, 8 of 17 prepubertal patients (47 per cent, or 17 per cent of the total group), including 3 of 4 infants (75 per cent), had an underlying urogenital anomaly. Thus, patients with epididymitis secondary to an underlying anomaly present at an earlier age. The common finding in patients with underlying anomalies was a pathological connection between the urinary tract and the genital duct system or bowel.Coliform urinary infections predominated in patients with underlying anomalies (4 of 6). Although a positive urine culture suggested an underlying anomaly (positive predictive value 0.60), a negative culture virtually ruled out an anomaly (negative predictive value 1.00).Of the 8 patients with underlying anomalies 6 underwent voiding cystourethrography and 6 underwent excretory urography, and the diagnosis was established in 6 (100 per cent) and 4 (67 per cent), respectively. Thus, voiding cystourethrography has the greatest diagnost...
Reaction and diffusion thermodynamics explain optimal temperatures of biochemical reactions

Ubiquitous declines in biochemical reaction rates above optimal temperatures (Topt) are normally attributed to enzyme state changes, but such mechanisms appear inadequate to explain pervasive Topt well below enzyme deactivation temperatures (Tden). Here, a meta-analysis of 92 experimental studies shows that product formation responds twice as strongly to increased temperature than diffusion or transport. This response difference has multiple consequences for biochemical reactions, such as potential shifts in the factors limiting reactions as temperature increases and reaction-diffusion dynamics that predict potential product inhibition and limitation of the reaction by entropy production at temperatures below Tden. Maximizing entropy production by the reaction predicts Topt that depend on enzyme concentration and efficiency as well as reaction favorability, which are patterns not predicted by mechanisms of enzyme state change. However, these predictions are strongly supported by patterns in a meta-analysis of 121 enzyme kinetic studies. Consequently, reaction-diffusion thermodynamics and entropy production may constrain organism performance at higher temperatures, yielding temperature optima of life that may depend on reaction characteristics and environmental features rather than just enzyme state changes.
A Progressive Switching Scheme for Solid-State DC Circuit Breakers

Achieving high-speed circuit protection is critical to direct current (DC) system safety. However, direct current circuit breaker (DCCB) fault isolation capability is limited by detection time and the transient surge voltage across the circuit breaker. In this project, a progressive switching scheme for solid-state DCCBs is proposed to suppress the fault surge while reducing component size and cost. We explore the dynamics of DC distribution systems to determine DC fault characteristics and analyze the voltage withstanding capabilities of power semiconductor devices. The device parameters and the progressive switching strategy have been incorporated in a computer simulation model and also experimentally validated with a test prototype. DC faults are isolated safely while placing less strain on DCCB components and drawing less fault current facilitating the use of smaller and more efficient switches to reduce cost and power consumption.
A chip-level security framework for assessing sensor data integrity: work-in-progress

The continuously increasing inter-connectivity of sensor nodes that form the basis of the Internet-of-Things results in new avenues of attack exploitable by adversaries to maliciously modify data captured by these nodes. In this work, we present a framework for detecting malicious hardware alterations that attempt to attack state-of-the-art microchips that form these sensor nodes. Specifically, we focus on extremely small Hardware Trojans (HTs) that attempt to modify sensor data right away as the data is received on a state-of-the-art chip fabricated in an untrusted facility. We present a dual-chip approach composed of an untrusted state-of-the-art prover chip and a trusted verifier chip, where the verifier continuously challenges the prover at run-time to ensure correct operation and assess the integrity of the captured data. Our preliminary analysis of the proposed mechanism shows that HT attacks anywhere on the untrusted state-of-the-art chip are detected and flagged preventing maliciously altered data to be transmitted out of the sensor node.
Microscopic insights on the degradation of a PEM water electrolyzer with ultra-low catalyst loading

Abstract The present work aims for a comprehensive understanding of the degradation of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE) with a low catalyst loading of 0.3 mg cm−2 Pt and 0.08 mg cm−2 Ir after a long-term test of 4500 h at 1.8 A cm−2. For the first time, the mechanism of cathode degradation is proposed using established physical models from two aspects: (1) Pt dissolution from nanoparticles and (2) Pt dissolution due to rapid Pt oxide reduction at the start of operation. As Ir dissolves and migrates through the membrane, Pt-Ir precipitates are formed in the membrane. Furthermore, iridium dissolution and subsequent re-deposition on the cathode constitute a major portion (42%) of the anode catalyst loss. The overall picture of degradation mechanisms and the distribution of platinum and iridium across the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) are provided.
Efficiency, Yield Gaps, and Profitability of Potato (Solanum Tuberosum) Production in Kombolcha District, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

The study assessed potato production efficiency using the stochastic frontier production function. The study also used descriptive statistics to analyze the data. A sample of 120 potato farmers was selected using multistage random sampling techniques. The results showed that farmers used inputs like land, labor, seed, NPS (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur) and Urea fertilizers to produce a potato. On average, these farmers were not economically efficient in producing the crop. The average technical, economic and allocative efficiencies were 91%, 46% and 51%, which meant that the average inefficiency appeared 9%, 54%, and 49% respectively. The result also showed that 18.14 quintals per hectare of yields were lost due to inefficiency. Socio-economic and institutional factors determined efficiency scores. The results suggested that policymaker needs to consider these factors affecting efficiency scores.
Rationality is gendered.

Shared rationality is the common ground of scientific progress. However, some theorists have argued that this common ground may not be level, in that subtle assumptions embedded within lay views of rationality marginalize some would-be participants. Specifically, feminist philosophers have argued that rationality is associated with male rather than female discourse. This claim has frequently been dismissed as incoherent, but a straightforward interpretation is readily available: The concept reason is semantically associated with the concept male. We support this hypothesis in four studies (total N > 900), finding that at both the explicit and implicit level, reason is preferentially associated with male, feeling is preferentially associated with female, male faces prime unrelated judgments of reason/rationality, and gendered associations are related to interest in academic disciplines as well as estimates of the (mis)representation of women within those disciplines. Implications for gender stereotyping and the representation of women in different fields are discussed.
DETERMINING FERAL PIG (SUS SCROFA) ATTRACTANT SELECTION PREFERENCE AND RESPONSE TO MOCK CORRAL TRAPS

Abstract Feral pigs are an invasive exotic pest that damage habitat and compete with native species. Trapping feral pigs using a variety of baits or lures is the primary method for eradication, wit...
ADDITIONAL SURGERY FOR OCCULT RISK FACTORS AFTER LOBECTOMY IN SOLITARY THYROID NODULES IS PREDICTED BY CYTOPATHOLOGY CLASSIFICATION AND TUMOR SIZE

ABSTRACT Objective: Clinical practice for differentiated thyroid cancer is moving towards lobectomy rather than total thyroidectomy in patients at low risk of recurrence. However, recurrence risk assessment depends on post-operative findings, while the surgical decision is based on preoperative factors. We determined the preoperative predictors of occult higher-risk pathology and rates of completion thyroidectomy among surgical candidates with nonbenign thyroid nodules 10 to 40 mm and no evidence of extrathyroidal extension or metastasis on preoperative evaluation. Methods: Thyroid surgery cases at a single institution from 2005–2015 were reviewed to identify those meeting American Thyroid Association (ATA) criteria for lobectomy. ATA-based risk stratification from postoperative surgical pathology was compared to preoperative cytopathology, ultrasound, and clinical findings. Results: Of 1,995 thyroid surgeries performed for nonbenign thyroid nodules 10 to 40 mm, 349 met ATA criteria for lobectomy. Occult high-risk features such as tall cell variant, gross extrathyroidal invasion, or vascular invasion were found in 36 cases (10.7%), while intraoperative lymphadenopathy led to surgical upstaging in 13 (3.7%). Intermediate risk features such as moderate lymphadenopathy or minimal extrathyroidal extension were present in an additional 44 cases. Occult risk features were present twice as often in Bethesda class 6 cases (35%) as in lower categories (12 to 17%). In multivariable analysis, Bethesda class and nodule size, but not age, race, sex, or ultrasound features, were significant predictors of occult higher-risk pathology. Conclusion: Most solitary thyroid nodules less than 4 cm and with cytology findings including atypia of undetermined significance through suspicious for papillary thyroid cancer would be sufficiently treated by lobectomy. Abbreviations: ATA = American Thyroid Association; CND = central neck dissection; DTC = differentiated thyroid cancer; ETE = extrathyroidal extension; FNA = fine needle aspiration; FTC/HCC = follicular thyroid carcinoma/Hurthle cell carcinoma; NIFTP = noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features; OR = odds ratio; PTC = papillary thyroid cancer; US = ultrasound
Abstract 4648: Insulinemic and inflammatory dietary patterns and risk of prostate cancer

Background: Studies of diet and prostate cancer have primarily focused on individual dietary factors, often with null or mixed findings. Assessment of dietary patterns is an alternative approach and has been increasingly used in nutritional epidemiology, providing the advantage of better accounting for added effects and interactions of dietary components. Hyperinsulinemia and inflammation are interrelated biological pathways that link diet with risk of several cancers, and studies have suggested that these may also increase prostate cancer risk. Whether dietary patterns based on these pathways contribute to the development and progression of prostate cancer is unclear. Methods: We followed 39,776 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986-2014) to examine associations between two empirical hypothesis-oriented dietary patterns with risk of total, local, advanced, and fatal prostate cancer. The two dietary patterns - empirical dietary index for hyperinsulinemia (EDIH) and empirical dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP) - were constructed using the weighted sum of food groups that predicted plasma C-peptide (EDIH) and inflammatory biomarkers (EDIP). Dietary scores were calculated from food frequency questionnaires at baseline and updated every 4 years. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: We documented 5,682 incident cases of total prostate cancer and 658 cases of fatal prostate cancer over 868,552 person-years of follow-up. In multivariable-adjusted models, men in the highest EDIH quintile had an 18% higher risk of advanced prostate cancer (HR: 1.18, 95% CI: 0.96-1.45; P=0.04 for trend) and a 24% higher risk of fatal prostate cancer (HR: 1.24, 95% CI: 0.96-1.59; P=0.03 for trend) compared to men in the lowest quintile. There were no significant associations for EDIP and prostate cancer risk. BMI did not modify the association for either dietary pattern. Conclusion: Hyperinsulinemia may be a potential mechanism linking dietary patterns and risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Additional studies to define mechanisms of action and interventions to reduce prostate cancer risk are warranted. Citation Format: Benjamin C. Fu, Fred K. Tabung, Claire H. Pernar, Weike Wang, Amparo G. Gonzalez-Feliciano, Ilkania M. Chowdhury-Paulino, Steven K. Clinton, Edmund Folefac, Mingyang Song, Adam S. Kibel, Edward L. Giovannucci, Lorelei A. Mucci. Insulinemic and inflammatory dietary patterns and risk of prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 4648.
The Situational Contexts of Sexual Experiences among Urban College Students: An Event-Based Analysis

Research examining sex among college students has frequently focused on negative sexual experiences. This study aimed to understand situational predictors of various dimensions of students’ sexual ...
The use of gesture, gesture hold, and gaze in trouble-in-talk among multilingual interlocutors in an English as a lingua franca context

Abstract This study examines how multilingual interlocutors jointly work on trouble-in-talk—searching for words and formulating what to say—and advance this interactional work by incorporating gestures, gesture holds, and other embodied actions (e.g., gaze) in the context of English as a lingua franca (ELF). Employing a multimodal conversation analytic approach, we examine video-recorded interactions of one dyad at a dinner table at an international graduate student dormitory in the United States. We illustrate how gestures, gesture holds, and gaze in particular contribute to distributing the responsibility of working on interactional troubles and constructing intersubjectivity among these interlocutors. This study exemplifies how multimodal analysis can enrich ELF pragmatic research by exhibiting dimensions of multilingual interactions that are accomplished through embodied means, while interactional analysis of multilingual ELF contexts can broaden data sets and offer new insights to the field of conversation analysis (CA). More specifically, multimodal analysis of trouble-in-talk among multilinguals can contribute to CA because interactional practices like searching for what-to-say may be more robustly done among multilinguals than among monolinguals, due to the fact that they frequently encounter troubles that arise in negotiation of various interactional resources, including linguistic and cultural knowledge. Furthermore, multilingual, multicultural interactions like ELF can both (a) elucidate the dynamic negotiation process of epistemic stances of language and content and (b) illuminate the complex ways that the epistemic imbalances among interlocutors influence interactions.
Weather Woes? Exploring Potential Links between Precipitation and Age-Related Cognitive Decline

Rain, snow, or ice may discourage older adults from leaving their homes with potential consequences for social isolation, decreased physical activity, and cognitive decline. This study is the first to examine potential links between annual precipitation exposure and cognitive function in a large population-based cohort of older Americans. We examined the association between precipitation (percent of days with snow or rain in the past year) and cognitive function in 25,320 individuals aged 45+ from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study. Linear mixed models assessed the relationship between precipitation and cognitive function, as well as rates of change in cognitive function with age. We found a non-linear relationship between precipitation and cognitive function. Compared to those exposed to infrequent precipitation (less than 20% of days with rain/snow in the past year), cognitive function was higher among older adults experiencing moderately frequent precipitation (20-40% of annual days with precipitation). However, beyond more than about 45% of days with precipitation in the past year, there was a negative association between precipitation and cognitive function, with faster rates of cognitive decline with age. These exploratory findings motivate further research to better understand the complex role of precipitation for late-life cognitive function.
A Comparison of Various Surgical Treatments for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis.

Study Design:Retrospective Cohort.Objective:To compare the short-term outcomes for Laminoplasty, Laminectomy/fusion, and ACDF.Methods:We utilized a prospectively-collected, multi-center national da...
The morphology and texture of Plinian pyroclasts reflect their lateral sourcing in the conduit

Abstract We investigated the relationships between the size, shape, density and texture of thousands of juvenile pyroclasts from the Plinian phase of the 1060 CE Glass Mountain eruption of Medicine Lake Volcano (California, USA). Analyzed pyroclasts, which originate from representative beds of both proximal and medial deposits, range from 0.125 mm to several centimeters in diameter. We show that the size, shape, density and texture of juvenile Plinian pyroclasts are intimately interrelated: as the size of pyroclast decreases from 64 mm to 0.125 mm, their shape shifts from equant to tabular to elongate. Moreover, while rounded vesicles dominate the largest clasts, elongate and distorted vesicles become progressively more present with decreasing clast size. Concurrently, clast density continually increases in a sigmoidal way from ∼0.4 g cm−3 (>80% porous) in the largest clasts to ∼1.7–1.9 g cm−3 (20–30% porous) by 0.125 mm. These observations are identical for both the proximal and medial locations. We show that expansion, compaction and secondary fragmentation did not significantly change the texture of juvenile pyroclasts after fragmentation. The size dependency of density and texture of Plinian pyroclasts is instead interpreted to originate from the lateral position of the magma in the conduit prior to fragmentation: smaller clasts result from higher shearing closer to conduit walls, where greater shear stresses increasingly elongate vesicles and fragment particles in smaller pieces. Moreover, ∼5% of pyroclasts 1–8 mm in size are likely agglomerates of mono-texture ash particles that sintered within the conduit during or shortly after primary fragmentation. Our work shows that future studies should analyze the full spectrum of clast sizes, from the micron- to centimeter-scale, in order to fully capture the complexity and breadth of eruptive processes across the volcanic conduit.
Rejection sensitivity and negative urgency: A proposed framework of intersecting risk for peer stress

Abstract This paper poses a novel theoretical framework for a developmentally-informed mechanism explaining how adolescents who are highly sensitive and reactive to rejection may respond to interpersonal stress in ways that ultimately perpetuate relational difficulties. Specifically, heightened distress from rejection is proposed to activate impulsive reactions that immediately modulate the negative emotions from rejection, but which are socially aversive and thus often come at the expense of long-term relational harmony. We start by exploring the overlap of two dispositions: a hyper-sensitivity to rejection and an escalated reactivity to negative affect. We then trace distal factors underlying the development of both dispositions, the mechanisms through which the convergent effects of these dispositions produce socially aversive responses, and the individual and contextual differences that influence this process and explain the continuum of rash responses to rejection. The developmental and clinical importance of considering sensitivity and reactivity to rejection concurrently is emphasized, with directions for future research.
The AMS/Paterson Lecture: becoming alternative? Modern transformations of Chinese medicine in China and in the United States

"Becoming Alternative" offers an overview of the transformations of Chinese medicine at home and abroad since the mid-19th century. After coming into contact with biomedicine, China's indigenous medicine was redefined in terms of national culture and history on the one hand, and a competitive alternative science on the other. Reimagined in terms of scientific syncretism in the PRC, and embraced as a counter-cultural alternative to bio-medicine in the United States, the medicine we call "Chinese" today emerges as a pluralistic system with global reach involving complex accommodations with local medical cultures and institutions both at home and abroad.
Dynamic interoperable message passing

In this paper we present two solutions to dynamic interoperable MPI communication. These solutions use the Inter-Cluster Interface library that we have developed. The first solution relies on the MPI-2 Standard; specifically on general requests, threads and “external32” encoding. The second solution discusses adjustments to the first solution that allow its implementation in environments where some parts of the MPI-2 Standard are not implemented, and can even work independently of MPI. We have successfully implemented these solutions in a number of scenarios, including parallelizing SAT solvers, with good speedup results.
Inter-Organizational Design for Disaster Management: Cognition, Communication, Coordination and Control

The recurring pattern of failed governmental actions in response to major disasters compels a re-examination of the traditional organizational framework of command-and-c ontrol that has served as the basis for disaster planning and response actions in most nations of the world. The contrast between the top-down hierarchical control that is presumed in national emergency plans and the need for flexibility required in effective operations in rapidly changing disaster environments requires a fresh approach to emergency planning and action. This article focuses on the role of cognition of risk as the triggering action that leads to effective communication, coordination, and emerging collective control as a community learns to manage risk more effectively in collaboration with other organizations and wider jurisdictional authorities.
Dialog mapping: reflections on an industrial strength case study

Earlier chapters have introduced the notion of “wicked problems” and the Issue Based Information System (IBIS) framework (Buckingham Shum, Chapter 1, van Bruggen Chapter 2), both of which derive from the work of Horst Rittel. Selvin (Chapter 7) proposes a generic framework for facilitated Computer Supported Argument Visualization (CSAV), and reports on case studies using the IBIS-based Compendium approach. Compendium itself is based on a facilitated CSAV approach called Dialog Mapping, the focus of this chapter. We begin by elaborating on the art and process of Dialog Mapping, before reporting on a particular business application, probably the longest-term case study available of CSAV adoption in an organization
Carbohydrate composition of raw vegetable soybeans grown at the same location

Abstract A series of 11 commercial vegetable soybean varieties, grown at the same location, was analyzed for their carbohydrate composition in the raw state. Carbohydrates identified and quantitated in all varieties included fructose, glucose, sucrose, cellobiose, galactobiose, melibiose, raffinose, stachyose and verbascose. In all but two of the varieties, sucrose was the major carbohydrate, with values of approximately 6–7 g/100g. The other two varieties had levels of 2.8–3.3 g/100g. Flatulence-inducing carbohydrates (raffinose, stachyose, verbascose) ranged from approximately 1–3 g/100g among all 11 varieties.
How to rotate a camera

A procedure is proposed that, given any rotating device to support a camera, places the camera's center of projection to within a tenth of a millimeter from the axis of the rotating device, even with wide angle lenses with severe distortion. Results are experimentally validated by checking that all the camera projection centers as computed through an off-the-shelf calibration method are at the same point in the world, and that the camera rotations computed by the same calibration method are close to the true values measured with a mechanical high accuracy positioning jig. Experimental data and Matlab code are accessible on the World-Wide Web.
The internist looks at the acute abdomen.

Summary I have attempted to review briefly some of the more important items utilized in the differential diagnosis of the acute abdomen. There is no substitute for a good history and a careful physical examination. In most instances the decision for or against operation will be settled in this way. Laboratory aids, including the roentgen examination, are of tremendous assistance in making the decision in many instances and are of immense value in the differential diagnosis of non-surgical conditions in most cases. I believe that each physician who may be faced with the need of making this differential diagnosis should annually set aside a few hours to review the problem. Not too many mistakes will be made by the experienced clinician who will review the problem often enough to keep in mind the occasional occurrence of rarer conditions that might otherwise be overlooked.
Metabolic tumor volume on interim PET is a better predictor of outcome in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma than semiquantitative methods

Metabolic tumor volume on interim PET is a better predictor of outcome in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma than semiquantitative methods
INTRODUCTION TO THE DISCUSSION FORUM ON USING EXPERIMENTS IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

The use of laboratory experiments in supply chain management research is gaining momentum and provides an opportunity for researchers to make exciting new contributions to the field. In this introductory essay, we describe the motivation for the discussion forum, and introduce the four remaining essays presented in the forum. These essays discuss various topics concerning experimental research, with the goal of enhancing our community's understanding of experimental methods.
Characterization of Densin-180, a New Brain-Specific Synaptic Protein of the O-Sialoglycoprotein Family

We purified an abundant protein of apparent molecular mass 180 kDa from the postsynaptic density fraction of rat forebrain and obtained amino acid sequences of three tryptic peptides generated from the protein. The sequences were used to design a strategy for cloning the cDNA encoding the protein by polymerase chain reaction. The open reading frame of the cDNA encodes a novel protein of predicted molecular mass 167 kDa. We have named the protein densin-180. Antibodies raised against the predicted amino and carboxyl sequences of densin-180 recognize a 180 kDa band on immunoblots that is enriched in the postsynaptic density fraction. Immunocytochemical localization of densin-180 in dissociated hippocampal neuronal cultures shows that the protein is highly concentrated at synapses along dendrites. The message encoding densin-180 is brain specific and is more abundant in forebrain than in cerebellum. The sequence of densin-180 contains 17 leucine-rich repeats, a sialomucin domain, an apparent transmembrane domain, and a PDZ domain. This arrangement of domains is similar to that of several adhesion molecules, in particular GPIbalpha, which mediates binding of platelets to von Willebrand factor. We propose that densin-180 participates in specific adhesion between presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes at glutamatergic synapses.
The outcome of twin pregnancies in mares

Brood-farm veterinarians were surveyed and theriogenology records were examined to obtain information on the natural outcome of rectally-diagnosed twin pregnancies. Four of the veterinarians estimated that 50% of mares with twin embryos had single foals. In the analyses of palpation records, 31 53 (58%) of the diagnosed twin pregnancies terminated in birth of one foal. However, the loss of one embryo without the loss of the other occurred significantly more often before day 40-42 (30 53 ; 57%) than after day 40-42 (1 16 ; 6%). Of the remaining 15 mares with diagnosed twins at day 40-42, 5 had two foals and 10 had no foals. The methods used for intervention when twins were diagnosed were unsatisfactory. Complete termination of pregnancy with a prostaglandin or an intrauterine flushing resulted in failure to reestablish a singleton pregnancy during the operational breeding season in 10 11 mares. Attempts to eliminate one embryo resulted in loss of both in 6 7 mares. The results indicated that, at the present time, nonintervention should be given more consideration as a method of handling twin pregnancies.
The Evolution Ontology

Existing ontologies model components of evolution, but none synthesize them or describe the framework of ideas used to conceptualize evolution. The Evolution Ontology (EO) aims to do just this. EO models processes (e.g. natural selection); contexts (e.g. habitats); the entities that undergo evolution; and the theories, methods, and disciplines of evolutionary science. Uses include data curation, data mining, and literature curation, EO’s developers working on the latter two for works of Darwin and the Biodiversity Heritage Library.
Mosquitoes Inoculate High Doses of West Nile Virus as They Probe and Feed on Live Hosts

West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted to vertebrate hosts by mosquitoes as they take a blood meal. The amount of WNV inoculated by mosquitoes as they feed on a live host is not known. Previous estimates of the amount of WNV inoculated by mosquitoes (101.2–104.3 PFU) were based on in vitro assays that do not allow mosquitoes to probe or feed naturally. Here, we developed an in vivo assay to determine the amount of WNV inoculated by mosquitoes as they probe and feed on peripheral tissues of a mouse or chick. Using our assay, we recovered approximately one-third of a known amount of virus inoculated into mouse tissues. Accounting for unrecovered virus, mean and median doses of WNV inoculated by four mosquito species were 104.3 PFU and 105.0 PFU for Culex tarsalis, 105.9 PFU and 106.1 PFU for Cx. pipiens, 104.7 PFU and 104.7 PFU for Aedes japonicus, and 103.6 PFU and 103.4 PFU for Ae. triseriatus. In a direct comparison, in vivo estimates of the viral dose inoculated by Cx. tarsalis were approximately 600 times greater than estimates obtained by an in vitro capillary tube transmission assay. Virus did not disperse rapidly, as >99% of the virus was recovered from the section fed or probed upon by the mosquito. Furthermore, 76% (22/29) of mosquitoes inoculated a small amount of virus (∼102 PFU) directly into the blood while feeding. Direct introduction of virus into the blood may alter viral tropism, lead to earlier development of viremia, and cause low rates of infection in co-feeding mosquitoes. Our data demonstrate that mosquitoes inoculate high doses of WNV extravascularly and low doses intravascularly while probing and feeding on a live host. Accurate estimates of the viral dose inoculated by mosquitoes are critical in order to administer appropriate inoculation doses to animals in vaccine, host competence, and pathogenesis studies.
The Next Wave

In 2009, when I became Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Primary Prevention (JPP), the cover of the journal was redesigned to reflect the catalytic role of a drop of prevention in the pond of public health. To those of us in the field of prevention science, an old adage by Benjamin Franklin often comes to mind: ‘‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’’ This unofficial motto of prevention researchers and practitioners codifies the ripple effect that investing in prevention can have on a population’s health and wellbeing. Like such ripples, as the end of my tenure gives rise to the next wave of leadership, I am confident that JPP will continue to expand its reach in the field of prevention science. Being Editor-in-Chief of JPP has been an honor and a privilege, and I have been very grateful for the opportunity to guide the journal through several changes, both cosmetic and structural, during my tenure. In addition to receiving a new cover, the journal was expanded to accommodate more articles in each issue, with ample room to grow. The four article formats—original research, research methods and practice, brief reports, and literature reviews— were redefined and refined for greater clarity among authors and readers. I am proud to say that the journal received its first impact factor and that its stature has increased among prevention and public health journals: its impact factor increased from 1.090 to 1.542. JPP has also been successful at broadening its focus to include a wider range of public health topics while simultaneously maintaining a high threshold of scientific rigor for those studies accepted for publication. These accomplishments are due to the hard work and dedication of many people to whom I must express my deep gratitude. First, I thank the members of the Editorial Board who stayed on when I came on board. Many of them have served as reviewers for and advisors to the journal for a very long time, and their continued support of JPP is much appreciated. Many thanks go to Ken McLeroy for continuing as an Associate Editor and providing valuable advice throughout my tenure. I also need to acknowledge newer additions to the Editorial Board, Elizabeth Baumler and Scott Carvajal, as well as Jeff Temple, Associate Editor, whose various expertise has helped—and will continue to help—the journal grow. In particular, I want to thank Melissa Peskin, Associate Editor, who worked alongside me to guide the journal’s editorial direction. Her expertise and commitment have been invaluable to JPP. On a day-to-day basis, Dennis Li, Editorial Assistant, and more recently Lionel Santibanez, Copy Editor, were instrumental in every step of the peerreview and editorial process. Dennis is a doctoral candidate in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences at The University of Texas School of Public Health and will make an excellent research scientist. S. R. Tortolero (&) University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA e-mail: Susan.Tortolero@uth.tmc.edu
Droplet counter-current chromatography for the preparative isolation of various glycosides

Abstract Droplet counter-current chromatography has proven to be an efficient method for separating polar compounds in the range of a few mg to gram quantities, and in this respect is complementary to the popular high-performance liquid chromatography. This is exemplified in the following by the direct obtention of four bioactive saponins in pure form from the crude extract of Hedera helix berries, isolation of an extremely unstable catechin glycoside from Dalbergia nitidula and the separation of flavone glycosides. A rapid thin-layer chromatography method for selecting the solvent system is also described.
The Role of Thresholds and Fine-Scale Processes in Driving Upper Treeline Dynamics in the Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming

This research investigates whether abrupt changes indicative of a threshold response occurred in the spatial and temporal patterns of tree establishment within upper treeline ecotones in the Bighorn Mountains of north-central Wyoming, with a particular focus on assessing whether treeline advance occurred. Dendroecological techniques were used to reconstruct the spatiotemporal patterns of tree establishment at multiple spatial scales (local and landscape). Increases in the elevational extent of treeline and tree density above timberline were reconstructed for each decade of the 20th century. Regime-shift analysis was used to detect threshold changes in tree establishment. Marked increases in tree establishment and density occurred at local and landscape scales during the 20th century, particularly during the post-1970 period and in areas above timberline. Varying degrees of treeline advance occurred during this time, yet establishment upslope from timberline was often contingent on the availability of shel...
Pionic-atom 3d2p X-ray measurements in 54,56Fe, 59Co, and 58,60,61,62,64Ni☆

Abstract We have measured the strong interaction shifts and widths of the pionic 3d2p transitions in separated isotopes of 54,56 Fe, 59 Co, and 58,60,61,62,64 Ni. We have fitted phenomenological pionnuclear potential parameters to the pionic-atom data employing nuclear structure information from measured charge densities. We have explored the sensitivity of these data to the values of the p-wave terms and have used them to determine the neutron radii. We compare these radii with Hartree-Fock predictions and with the results of other probes.
Stem cells and breast cancer: A field in transit.

Evidence that supports the existence of a tumour stem cell for breast cancer has given fresh impetus to the search for an adult mammary epithelial stem cell in the normal breast. Such a cell might be responsible for routine tissue renewal and the massive expansion in epithelial tissue that the breast undergoes during pregnancy, and might be the cell of origin of most, if not all, breast tumours. So, what evidence is there that an adult mammary epithelial stem cell exists, what is its possible identity and what opportunities might the identification of such a cell present for the development of novel therapeutic and prophylactic strategies for treating breast cancer?
Estimation of peripheral chemoreflex gain from spontaneous sigh responses

A method is proposed for quantifying the responsiveness of the peripheral chemoreflex loop to CO2 by utilizing the natural fluctuations in ventilation and endtidal PCO2 which occur subsequent to the appearance of spontaneous sighs. The advantage of this method lies in its simplicity and noninvasiveness: the need for administering inhaled mixtures with high CO2 content is eliminated. Using autoregressive moving-average (ARMA) analysis, we demonstrate that post-sigh responses can be adequately described by a simple chemoreflex model that contains first order dynamics and a pure time delay. The effective gain of this model is shown to reflect peripheral chemosensitivity closely when the estimation procedure is applied to ‘data’ obtained from computer simulations of the respiratory control system. Although central chemosensitivity affects the absolute values of effective gain, the slope of the linear correlation between effective and peripheral gains remains unchanged. Application of the procedure to spontaneously breathing anesthetized dogs shows that, in every case, effective gain increased with the induction of hypoxia, which is known to enhance peripheral chemosensitivity.