cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Static connectivity of fluvial sandstones in a lower coastal-plain setting: An example from the Upper Cretaceous lower Williams Fork Formation, Piceance Basin, Colorado

This study addresses the field-scale architecture and static connectivity of fluvial sandstones of the lower Williams Fork Formation through analysis and reservoir modeling of analogous outcrop data from Coal Canyon, Piceance Basin, Colorado. The Upper Cretaceous lower Williams Fork Formation is a relatively low net-to-gross ratio (commonly 30%) succession of fluvial channel sandstones, crevasse splays, flood-plain mudstones, and coals that were deposited by meandering river systems within a coastal-plain setting. The lower Williams Fork outcrops serve as proximal reservoir analogs because the strata dip gently eastward into the Piceance Basin where they form natural gas reservoirs. Three-dimensional architectural-element models (3-D reservoir models) of the lower Williams Fork Formation that are constrained to outcrop-derived data (e.g., sandstone body types, dimensions, stratigraphic position) from Coal Canyon show how static sandstone body connectivity is sensitive to sandstone body width and varies with net-to-gross ratio and well spacing. With a low well density (e.g., 160-ac well spacing), connectivity is low for net-to-gross ratios less than 20%, connectivity increases between net-to-gross ratios of 20 to 30%, and levels off above a net-to-gross ratio of 30%. As well density increases, static connectivity increases more linearly with an increasing net-to-gross ratio. For a 20-ac well spacing, static connectivity can range from approximately 35 to 75% and 45 to 80% for net-to-gross ratios of 10 and 15%, respectively, depending on sandstone body width. Given the lower net-to-gross ratio and continuity of lower Williams Fork deposits, this underscores the importance of representative sandstone body statistics (e.g., sandstone body type, dimensions) to aid in subsurface correlation and mapping and to constrain reservoir models.
SPECT imaging of the benzodiazepine receptor in non-human primate brain with [123I]Ro 16-0154.

Abstract We have used SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) imaging in non-human primates to examine the time course and pharmacological specificity of 123I-labeled Ro 16-0154 as an in vivo probe of the benzodiazepine receptor. Maximal brain uptake was reached approximately 70 min post i.v. administration of the radioligand and represented approximately 10% of the injected dose. The regional distribution of radioactive densities was consistent with the known distribution of benzodiazepine receptor in primate brain, with highest uptake localized over the occipital area. Washout of radioactivity was relatively slow with a rate of 3% per hour after the time of peak radioactivity. Injection of the benzodiazepine antagonist Ro 15-1788 (0.2–0.3 mg/kg i.v.) caused a rapid decrease of more than 90% of radioactivity from brain. In summary, [123I]Ro 16-0154 is a promising in vivo SPECT radioligand for the benzodiazepine receptor, with high brain uptake, a stable period of peak radioactivity, appropriate regional distribution, and ability to be displaced by other benzodiazepine receptor agents.
The Effect of Cumulus Cloud Field Anisotropy on Domain-Averaged Solar Fluxes and Atmospheric Heating Rates

Cumulus clouds can become tilted or elongated in the presence of wind shear. Nevertheless, most studies of the interaction of cumulus clouds and radiation have assumed these clouds to be isotropic. This paper describes an investigation of the effect of fair-weather cumulus cloud field anisotropy on domain-averaged solar fluxes and atmospheric heating rate profiles. A stochastic field generation algorithm was used to produce twenty three-dimensional liquid water content fields based on the statistical properties of cloud scenes from a large eddy simulation. Progressively greater degrees of x-z plane tilting and horizontal stretching were imposed on each of these scenes, so that an ensemble of scenes was produced for each level of distortion. The resulting scenes were used as input to a three-dimensional Monte Carlo radiative transfer model. Domain-average transmission, reflection, and absorption of broadband solar radiation were computed for each scene along with the average heating rate profile. Both tilt and horizontal stretching were found to significantly affect calculated fluxes, with the amount and sign of flux differences depending strongly on sun position relative to cloud distortion geometry. The mechanisms by which anisotropy interacts with solar fluxes were investigated by comparisons to independent pixel approximation and tilted independent pixel approximation computations for the same scenes. Cumulus anisotropy was found to most strongly impact solar radiative transfer by changing the effective cloud fraction, i.e., the cloud fraction when the field is projected on a surface perpendicular to the direction of the incident solar beam.
Investigation of Secondary Flows in Magnetohydrodynamic Channels

In magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) channel flows, electromagnetic body forces may create significant secondary flows with resultant effects on axial velocity and turbulence distributions, electrical conductivity, boundarylayer voltage drops, electrode temperatures, and wall heat transfer. An investigation of the influence of electromagnetic interaction parameter, and channel electrical configuration on the magnitude and structure of MHD secondary flow is reported. Two electrode configurations were utilized. The first was a simulated Hall generator configuration in which an axial current was driven through the plasma. In this configuration, a two-cell secondary flow pattern with peak transverse velocities of approximately 13% of the freestream axial velocity was observed. The secondary flow was initially a sensitive function of electromagnetic interaction level, but became insensitive at high interaction levels. For all interaction levels, the secondary flow was concentrated in the upper two-thirds of the channel cross section. The second configuration was a simulated segmented Faraday channel in which transverse currents were driven through the plasma. A two-cell secondary flow structure was again observed, whereas a first-order model for an infinitely finely segmented channel would predict a six-cell structure. Current streamline curvature due to finite electrode segmentation may explain this discrepancy.
On Initiating 3rd Generation of Correlations for Gaseous Emissions of Aero-Propulsion Engines

A critical assessment is made of the available engineering correlations for emissions with the intention of developing the next-generation physicsbased easy to implement models for scaling combustors for the next-generation energy efficient fuel flexible aero-propulsion gas turbine engines. An engineering correlation based approach, which is considered as the 1 st step in the process of developing “applicable” physics-based simple rules and tools is described. We make use of the following four hypotheses for developing the correlations: 1. NOxEI is primarily influenced by stoichiometric flame temperature; 2. COEI is expressed as a function of NOxEI; 3. HCEI is expressed as a function of COEI for idle and low-power operation; and 4. When one is interested for the entire engine operating line, HCEI should be expressed as a function of NOxEI. The engineering correlation approach was shown to work very well for seven different combustors, and showed that for single engine emissions data of four combustors, the 2 band for NOx, CO and HC are ±4%, ±2 EI and ±0.4 EI, respectively.
Mitochondrial complex III is required for hypoxia-induced ROS production and cellular oxygen sensing

Multicellular organisms initiate adaptive responses when oxygen (O(2)) availability decreases, but the underlying mechanism of O(2) sensing remains elusive. We find that functionality of complex III of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is required for the hypoxic stabilization of HIF-1 alpha and HIF-2 alpha and that an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) links this complex to HIF-alpha stabilization. Using RNAi to suppress expression of the Rieske iron-sulfur protein of complex III, hypoxia-induced HIF-1 alpha stabilization is attenuated, and ROS production, measured using a novel ROS-sensitive FRET probe, is decreased. These results demonstrate that mitochondria function as O(2) sensors and signal hypoxic HIF-1 alpha and HIF-2 alpha stabilization by releasing ROS to the cytosol.
Network Coded Cooperative Diversity with Multiple Sources

This paper analyzes a cooperative diversity scheme in which multiple (i.e., more than two) source nodes cooperate to deliver their packets to a common destination. To obtain spatial diversity, the source nodes form a partnership that enables each source node to transmit its own packets while relaying those of its partners. Instead of time-multiplexing the codewords for local packets and relay packets (as in conventionally done), we adopt a network coded approach wherein the local and relay packets are first channel encoded and then XORed together. The resulting scheme generalizes the design in [1], which considered only two source nodes. We are able to show that the network coded approach delivers a significant performance advantage over conventional time multiplexing even when more than two source nodes are present.
The Evolution of Ecology

In spite of an early history of interaction, progress in the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology during most of this century has been made largely in parallel, with little creative exchange until the past two decades. In contrast, recent history in the two fields shows an exciting and productive trend toward a unified effort in understanding the ecological and evolutionary forces and constraints that together produce the phenomenon of adaptation. Common themes that have drawn the two fields together in the past decade include an intensified appreciation of discontinuities in time and space, an increased awareness of the interaction of history and mechanism, a greater concern for tradeoffs and constraints, and a renewed exploration of the role of hierarchy in producing pattern.
A Theory of Copyright Authorship

The U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power to grant rights to “Authors” for their “Writings.” Despite the centrality of these terms to copyright jurisprudence, neither the courts nor scholars have provided coherent theories about what makes a person an author or what makes a thing a writing. This article articulates and defends a theory of copyrightable authorship. It argues that authorship involves the intentional creation of mental effects in an audience. A writing, then, is any fixed medium capable of producing mental effects. According to this theory, copyright may attach to the original, fixed, and minimally creative form or manner in which an author creates mental effects.After setting out the theory, this article applies it to a series of current copyright disputes. My authorship theory both expands and contracts the scope of potentially copyrightable works. Some media that have previously been excluded from copyright law, such as gardens, cuisine, and tactile works, now fall within the constitutional grant of rights. By contrast, aspects of copyrightable works, including photographs, taxonomies, and computer programs, may not constitute copyrightable authorship. This theory resolves a number of current and recent copyright cases, and it offers a new approach to the emerging challenges associated with artificial intelligence, the Internet of things, and, ultimately, the impending revision of the Copyright Act.
Cigarette Tax Pass-Through by Product Characteristics: Evidence from Nielsen Retail Scanner Data

We used Nielsen store-level scanner data on cigarette prices from convenience stores over the period 2011-2012 to measure the incidence of cigarette excise taxes. We found that cigarette taxes were more than fully passed through to retail prices on average, suggesting consumers pay excess burden and market power exists in the cigarette industry. Utilizing information on the attributes of cigarette products, we demonstrated that tax incidence varied by brand and package size: pass-through rates for premium brands and carton-packaged cigarettes are higher than those for discount brands and cigarettes in packs, respectively, indicating possibilities of different demand elasticities across product tiers.
Gaps in Adherence to Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy Before Defibrillator Implantation.

Drugs don’t work in patients who don’t take them.—C. Everett Koop, M.D. [(1)][1] Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) is the mainstay of initial and chronic management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The term GDMT refers to the drug treatments that benefit
Study on Rapid Determination of Contents of Saltless Soluble Solid Material in Soy Sauce by Microwave Method

Objective To develop a simple,rapid and accurate method for determining the contents of saltless soluble solid material in soy sauce.Method Certain conditions of instruments including temperature,time,power and sampling amount were optimized according to the principle of determining moisture content/solid material or volatile matter in foods based on microwave method.Results The conditions of instruments indicated that heating power was 50% and the sampling amount was 0.5 ml for 15 s at 105 ℃ and the results showed no significant difference(P0.05)in comparison with national standard method. The relative standard deviation was 1.06%-1.45%(n=6).Conclusion The analyzing time need only 2-3 min for one sample. The improved method was simple,rapid, accurate and could determine the contents of saltless soluble solid material in soy sauce.
A novel use of integra™ bilayer matrix wound dressing on a pediatric scalp avulsion: a case report.

In instances when local flaps are not available when treating tissue avulsions, acellular dermal matrices are often used in healing areas of exposed calvarium. Avulsions often necessitate 2-stage reconstruction with dermal matrix and full- or split-thickness skin grafting (STSG). We present the case of a 7-year-old boy struck by an automobile resulting in a 50-cm2 scalp avulsion down to periosteum and outer cranial table directly above the outer calvarium. STSG was planned as part of treatment protocol including creation of neodermis. Successful treatment with a novel protocol modification utilizing Integra Bilayer Matrix Wound Dressing (Integra LifeSciences Corporation, Plainsboro, New Jersey) alone negated the necessity for STSG. This case introduces a novel method of treating avulsions with a lower cost of care, less patient morbidity, and more aesthetically pleasing results.
Nutritional beliefs and practices.

Findings of this study suggest that one approach to combating food “faddism” is to present valid nutritional information in a form that has popular appeal. Groups to which special attention might be given include: the aging population, persons with limited formal education and income, and persons having special health problems. Magazines and newspapers are probably the best communication media to reach these segments of the population successfully.
Catalyst-free dehydrocoupling of amines, alcohols, and thiols with pinacol borane and 9-borabicyclononane (9-BBN)

Contrary to recent reports, the dehydrocoupling of pinacol borane and 9-borabicyclononane with a variety of amines, alcohols and thiols can be achieved under mild conditions without catalyst. This process involves the formation of Lewis acid–base adducts featuring a hydridic B–H in close proximity to an acidic Nu–H.
Long-term outcomes of cytoreduction and HIPEC for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.

4111 Background: The prognosis of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) has improved over the past decade in patients undergoing operative extirpation and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IC). This ...
Generalized Δ-Circuit Concept for Integration of Distributed Generators in Online Short-Circuit Calculations

In this paper, a novel concept of Generalized Δ-circuit is proposed, that enables integration of distributed generators (DGs) based on contemporary technologies into the short-circuit calculations of large-scale distribution systems. Modern DG models, such as doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) and three-phase inverter based DGs (IBDGs) differ from the classical synchronous and induction generator models. It is shown that their models cannot be integrated in traditional short-circuit calculation procedures because they include a large number of possible fault current control strategies. Therefore, the concept of Generalized Δ-circuit is proposed and allows for any control strategy implemented in modern DGs to be integrated in the short-circuit calculation procedure. An improved backward/forward sweep procedure is developed for calculation of the Generalized Δ-circuit state. The faulted system state is calculated by the superposition of the known prefault state and calculated Generalized Δ-circuit state. Results show that unlike previously developed online short-circuit calculations, the proposed method can handle DFIGs and IBDGs with arbitrary selected fault current control strategies.
Economics, culture, and electoral reform: The case of Japanese agricultural trade negotiations

ABSTRACTThe effect of electoral structure on foreign policy is a matter of some question. The 1994 electoral reforms in Japan, which resulted in significant changes to electoral power structures, provide an opportunity to understand if and how electoral structure influences foreign policy. This article examines Japanese WTO agricultural trade negotiations in light of the 1994 reforms, looking specifically at whether or not Japan’s agricultural negotiating position as an extension of its agricultural policy changed after the 1994 electoral reforms. If democratic electoral structure has an impact on Japan’s trade negotiating position, it will do so by reconfiguring the domestic pressures against trade liberalization, producing a different equilibrium point between domestic and international pressures. The article finds that the Japanese negotiating position did not change after the 1994 reforms, raising questions regarding the impact of economic factors mediated by democratic electoral structures on economi...
454. Prior AAV2-hIL10 Infusion Decreases AAV9-Dependent Immunotoxicity in Rat Brain

Cerebral infusion of AAV9 vectors encoding non-self proteins results in the initiation of a robust immune reaction at the site of injection due to the vector's ability to transduce antigen-presenting cells in the brain [1]. Infusion of AAV9 encoding a human gene, aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (hAADC), elicited an initial innate immune activation at the site of infusion that was succeeded by a robust adaptive immune response that included generation of hAADC antibodies, lymphocytic infiltration and cell-mediated elimination of transduced cells in the brain. In this study, we investigated whether the potent anti-inflammatory cytokine, human interleukin-10 (hIL10) could suppress this immune response. Four weeks prior to unilateral infusion of AAV9-hAADC into rat striatum, we infused AAV2-hIL10 bilaterally into striatum (control rats received bilaterally injection of AAV2-GFP). Six weeks after AAV9-hAADC injection, control rats revealed robust amphetamine-induced ipsilateral rotational behavior (956±203 (S.D.) turns/1 hour). In while, in AAV2-hIL10-treated rats ipsilateral rotations were reduced by 66 % compared with control rats and this effect persisted for at least 8 weeks. This neuroprotective effect of hIL10 was evident histologically. The number of surviving neurons (NeuN) was significantly increased in AAV2-hIL10-treated animals compared to AAV2-GFP-treated controls, and microglial and astrocytic activation was diminished. Whereas, in control rats, a significant number of hAADC-positive astrocytes was observed (GFAP/hAADC double fluorescent staining), astrocytic transduction in AAV2-hIL10-treated rats was almost completely suppressed. This somewhat puzzling result may be due to an effect of IL10 on astrocytic expression of an AAV9 receptor required for transduction. However, our findings suggest that expression of IL-10 in the brain may be a useful adjunctive therapy in the treatment of neurological diseases in which the expression of a foreign antigen is unavoidable.
Protective Clothing and Equipment

Ideally a LWR environment would be one in which workers are not encumbered with protective clothing and equipment. The effectiveness of controlling contamination at the source and the minimization of the magnitude and extent of radiologically contaminated areas are key elements in eliminating, or at least minimizing the use of radiological protective equipment. The radiological environment oftentimes is governed to a large extent, on the management approach towards contamination control and source reduction measures. Based upon the approach taken results may be wide ranging. One facility may require the use of protective clothing and radiological control measures for the performance of routine, non-work type, activities; while another facility may aggressively control the magnitude and extent of contamination to allow entry into plant areas with minimal or even no protective clothing.
Religion in Secular Archives: Soviet Atheism and Historical Knowledge. Sonja Luehrmann: New York: Oxford University Press, 2015. The Oxford Series on History and Archives, 256 pp., $74.00 (hardcover). ISBN 978-0-19-994362-3.

The continued existence of religious practices in an ostensibly socialist society bedeviled Soviet authorities. A Marxist–Leninist reading of religious belief posited it as a human adaptation to an...
Damage characterization based on nonlinear guided wave simulation and chirplet matching pursuit algorithm

The paper presents a damage characterization framework based on a simulation library and matching pursuit algorithm to estimate damage features in typical aerospace structures. The large damage database is generated by numeric simulation. The recent development of the University of Michigan’s Local Interaction Simulation Approach (UM/LISA) is an ideal tool for generating such a damage database in a very efficient manner. It includes capability for piezoelectric coupled field simulation, non-reflective boundary techniques, and contact penalty method for nonlinear guided wave simulation, and can execute on multiple-GPU platform for fast computation. The selected damage identification problem in the paper is modeled as contact interface and simulated in UM/LISA using the contact penalty method. The process first populates a library of possible damage signals using UM/LISA by varying damage parameters, such as crack length, depth and orientation. The matching pursuit decomposes the damage difference signals into atoms and the atom parameters are used as signal features. Then the algorithm evaluates a matching merit metric and its special distribution provides parametric regions of damage presence. A representative model of fatigue cracks on aluminum plate considering various crack scenarios is investigated to test the effectiveness of the algorithm. The relation between the crack features and signal features provides better understanding of the nonlinear interactions between the guided waves and fatigue cracks. The matching quality plots demonstrate that the framework can provide good estimation of the crack parameters.
The Use of Radioactive Antiglobulin for the Detection of Erythrocyte Sensitization

Red cell sensitization by either agglutinating or incomplete antibodies was detected with an I131 labeled rabbit antihuman globulin serum (RAG). Nonspecific absorption of RAG by red cells was reduced to a minimum by the addition of 6 per cent bovine albumin. The reactions between RAG and the sensitized erythrocytes were typical of antigen-antibody reactions and the sensitivity of the test was found to be greater than the standard Coombs test. Quantitative studies of the degree of erythrocyte sensitization by isoimmune or autoimmune antibodies were possible with this technic.
Immunoregulatory Factors Produced by Activated Lymph Nodes In Vivo

The induction of antigen-specific lymphocytes by antigen, their subsequent proliferation and production of an effector function is, to a large extent, regulated by a family of molecules that may act to specifically or nonspecifically augment or suppress the immune response, A major proportion of the work on the production of these factors has, of necessity, been performed in vitro, and we are deficient in the knowledge of how and when they are produced in vivo. The collection of immune cells from the efferent lymphatics of locally-stimulated lymph nodes in sheep1 provides a possible in vivo model to correct some of these deficiencies. Using this model, I have demonstrated that efferent cells collected from lymph during the first few hours of responses to dinitrophenylated bovine serum albumin (DNP-BSA) and Concanavalin A (Con A) exhibited up to 7-fold enhanced responses to low doses of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in vitro 2,3. Other workers have reported a nondialyzable mitogenic factor in immune lymph collected at a similar time during responses to Con A4 and tuberculin5, but no further characterization of the responsible factors have been forthcoming. In this paper I describe the isolation and partial characterization of synergizing/mitogenic factors found in lymph during the first 12hr of the response to a variety of antigens.
The price of byproducts: Distinguishing co-products from waste using the rectangular choice-of-technologies model

Abstract The reuse or sale of byproducts is widespread throughout the global economy. Such byproducts are deemed co-products, while unused byproducts are considered waste. This distinction becomes less clear for waste products that can be turned into useable co-products, creating methodological problems for those studying reuse of byproducts using life cycle assessment, material flow analysis, and input-output analysis. Expanding upon the Rectangular Choice-of-Technologies (RCOT) framework (Duchin and Levine, 2011), this paper presents an approach for associating byproducts from the production process of a primary commodity with a distinct technology. This new RCOT method endogenously defines byproducts as co-products or waste depending on the technological and economic capacity to utilize them. By comparing the prices of utilized co-products to unused wastes, this framework provides an explicit way to relate these three concepts while also illustrating how changing economic conditions can change wastes into co-products, and vice-versa. We present a numerical example of this new method for distiller’s grains byproducts from ethanol production.
Global Rate Setting: A Solution for Standard-Essential Patents?

The commitment to license patents that are essential to technical interoperability standards on terms that are fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) is a fundamental mechanism that enables standards to be developed collaboratively by groups of competitors. Yet disagreements over FRAND royalty rates continue to bedevil participants in global technology markets. Allegations of opportunistic hold-up and hold-out arise with increasing frequency, spurring competition authorities to investigate and intervene in private standard-setting. And litigation regarding compliance with FRAND commitments has led courts around the world to adjudicate FRAND royalty rates, often on a global basis, but using very different methodologies and doctrinal approaches. The issues affecting the FRAND licensing system can be summarized as deficiencies in transparency, consistency and comprehensiveness. Together, these issues reduce the overall fairness and efficiency of the system and result in excess administrative and transactional costs. This article lays out a roadmap for the establishment of a global FRAND rate-setting tribunal that promotes the tripartite goals of transparency, consistency and comprehensiveness by determining the aggregate value of patents covering a particular standard and allocating that value among individual patents and patent holders. This tribunal is modelled on the U.S. Copyright Royalty Board and similar rate-setting agencies, though it is envisioned not as a governmental body, but an international non-governmental organization. It is hoped that such a tribunal will bring greater predictability and stability to the technology development ecosystem while reducing inefficient litigation.
“Missed opportunities”: Adults with visual impairments’ reflections on the impact of physical education on current physical activity:

Research suggests that adults with visual impairments tend to participate in inadequate amounts of physical activity and are at high risk for developing health-related conditions. The most likely e...
Optimizing peptide nucleic acid probes for hybridization-based detection and identification of bacterial pathogens

Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics for infectious diseases have the potential to improve patient care and antibiotic stewardship. Nucleic acid hybridization is at the core of many amplification-free molecular diagnostics and detection probe configuration is key to diagnostic performance. Modified nucleic acids such as peptide nucleic acid (PNA) offer advantages compared to conventional DNA probes allowing for faster hybridization, better stability and minimal sample preparation for direct detection of pathogens. Probes with tethered fluorophore and quencher allow for solution-based assays and eliminate the need for washing steps thereby facilitating integration into microfluidic devices. Here, we compared the sensitivity and specificity of double stranded PNA probes (dsPNA) and PNA molecular beacons targeting E. coli and P. aeruginosa for direct detection of bacterial pathogens. In bulk fluid assays, the dsPNAs had an overall higher fluorescent signal and better sensitivity and specificity than the PNA beacons for pathogen detection. We further designed and tested an expanded panel of dsPNA probes for detection of a wide variety of pathogenic bacteria including probes for universal detection of eubacteria, Enterobacteriaceae family, and P. mirablis. To confirm that the advantage translated to other assay types we compared the PNA beacon and dsPNA in a prototype droplet microfluidic device. Beyond the bulk fluid assay and droplet devices, use of dsPNA probes may be advantageous in a wide variety of assays that employ homogenous nucleic acid hybridization.
Current Treatment Options in Neurology—SMA Therapeutics

In this review, we discuss the clinical and genetic features of 5q spinal muscular atrophy and highlight approved and upcoming therapies. We emphasize that multidisciplinary care has been a key component of the improved quality and length of life seen in these individuals in the past decade. We discuss the evidence leading to the approval of nusinersen and the evidence leading to the anticipated approval of onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi. Additional clinical therapies that are on the horizon are discussed and the importance of continued multidisciplinary care even after treatment is emphasized. The pursuit of therapies for spinal muscular atrophy is becoming a success story and continued development of biomarkers will allow for more informed therapeutic decision making and eventual cost-effective utilization of available therapies.
Endonasal and Transcranial Surgical Approaches to the Orbit

Extraorbital approaches can be utilized to gain surgical access to the orbit in select cases. Endonasal approaches are useful for medial orbital decompression and optic canal decompression, and to address tumors or other processes in the medial orbit or orbital apex. Transcranial approaches can be utilized for orbital roof fractures or roof decompression, high-risk lesions of the orbital apex or superior orbit, and processes affecting both the orbit and anterior and/or middle cranial fossa. Commonly used approaches include frontotemporal, orbitozygomatic, and subfrontal (transbasal) craniotomies.
Provision of Breast Milk to Vlbw Infants in the Nicu by African-american Mothers

BACKGROUND: Maternal breast milk (MBM) provides significant health benefits and improved neurodevelopment for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. However, 60% of African-American women initiate breastfeeding and < 35% provide MBM past six months. Previous research cites lack of knowledge about benefits, preference to formula feed, and low milk supply as explanations for non-initiation or discontinuation of MBM. However, data are not specific to African-American mothers. OBJECTIVE: To enhance understanding of motivations, supports, and challenges of provision of MBM by African-American mothers of VLBW infants in an urban Level IV …
Exploring spatially varying demographic associations with gonorrhea incidence in Baltimore, Maryland, 2002-2005.

The ability to establish spatial links between gonorrhea risk and demographic features is an important step in disease awareness and more effective prevention techniques. Past spatial analyses focused on local variations in risk, but not on spatial variations in associations with demographics. We collected data from the Baltimore City Health Department from 2002 to 2005 and evaluated demographic features known to be associated with gonorrhea risk in Baltimore, by allowing spatial variation in associations using Poisson geographically weighted regression (PGWR). The PGWR maps revealed variations in local relationships between race, education, and poverty with gonorrhea risk which were not captured previously. We determined that the PGWR model provided a significantly better fit to the data and yields a more nuanced interpretation of “core areas” of risk. The PGWR model’s quantification of spatial variation in associations between disease risk and demographic features provides local and demographic structure to core areas of higher risk.
Fast intrinsic optical signal correlates with activation phase of phototransduction in retinal photoreceptors.

Quantitative assessment of physiological condition of retinal photoreceptors is desirable for better detection and treatment evaluation of eye diseases that can cause photoreceptor dysfunctions. Fu...
Measurement of outflow resistance imposed by magnetic sphincter augmentation: defining normal values and clinical implication.

No manometric criteria have been defined to select patients for magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA). The first step to establish such criteria is to measure the outflow resistance at esophagogastric junction (EGJ) imposed by MSA. This resistance needs to be overcome by the esophageal contraction in order for the esophagus to empty and to avoid postoperative dysphagia. This study was designed to measure the outflow resistance caused by MSA in patients free of postoperative dysphagia. Records of the patients who underwent MSA in our institution were reviewed. A group of MSA patients with excellent functional outcome, who were free of clinically significant postoperative dysphagia, were selected. These patients then underwent high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM) at a target date of 1 year after surgery. The outflow resistance was measured by the esophageal intrabolus pressure (iBP) recorded 2 cm proximal to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The study population consisted of 43 patients. HRIM was performed at mean of 20.4 (10.4) months after surgery. The mean (SD) amplitude of the iBP was 13.5 (4.3) before surgery and increased to 19.1 (5.6) after MSA (p 15 beads) [19.7 (4.5) vs. 18.4 (5.9), p = 0.35]. There was a significant correlation between the iBP and % incomplete bolus clearance [Spearman R: 0.44 (95% CI 0.15–0.66), p = 0.0032]. The 95th percentile value for iBP after MSA was 30.4 mmHg. The EGJ outflow resistance measured by iBP is increased after MSA. The upper limit of normal for iBP is 30 mmHg in this cohort of patients who were free of dysphagia after MSA. This degree of resistance needs to be overcome by distal esophageal contraction and will likely be requisite to prevent persistent postoperative dysphagia.
Science Wars, Scientism, and Think Tanks: A Précis of Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk (2nd edition) (Pigliucci 2018)

The present contribution offers a precis of the second edition of Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk (Pigliucci 2018). The aim of the book is to explore the complex landscape populated by science, pseudoscience, and everything in between, what in philosophy is known as the “demarcation problem.” However, the author maintains that little progress can be done in public understanding and appreciation of science unless we also explore the historical, sociological and psychological motivations that lead people to believe in “nonsense on stilts.” Further, it is incumbent on scientists and science educators to act “virtuously” whenever dealing with pseudoscientific claims, an effort that may be greatly helped by the adoption of a virtue epistemological approach, analogous to virtue ethics in moral philosophy.
Reflections on decolonial feminist political philosophy: a reply to Alcoff, Arya and Táíwò

I discuss the issues raised by Alcoff, Arya, and Taiwo in their responses to Decolonizing Universalism: A Transnational Feminist Ethic. I pay special attention to a fact I think all nonideal theori...
Engaging Anthropological Theory: A Social and Political History

1. Of Politics and Paradigms 2. Claims and Critiques of Anthropological Knowledge 3. The Prehistory of Anthropology 4. Marx 5. Durkheim and Weber 6. Spencer, Darwin, and an Evolutionary Parable for Our Time 7. Boas and the Demise of Cultural Evolution 8. Culture and Psychology 9. Structure and Function 10. Decolonization and Anti-Structure 11. Ecological and Neo-Evolutionary Approaches 12. Contemporary Materialist and Ecological Approaches 13. Symbols, Structures, and the "Web of Significance" 14. Postmodern Political Economy and Sensibilities 15. The Contemporary Anthropological Moment
Inhibition of Acrylamide Formation by Vanadium Salt in French Fries and Potato Chips

Vanadyl sulfate and its compounds have several biological and pharmacological applications. The effects of vanadyl sulfate on the formation of acrylamide have been studied in fried potato products such as French fries and chips. A significant inhibition of acrylamide was observed when potato strips and slices were treated with VOSO 4 solution before frying. Aqueous model reaction mixtures containing equimolar concentrations of l -asparagine and d -glucose with and without VOSO 4 were used to understand the mechanism of inhibition of acrylamide. The results indicated that binding of VO 2+ to asparagine and lowering in pH of the potato samples resulted in significant inhibition of acrylamide in fried potato products.
Violence against immigrants in a context of crisis: A critical migration feminist of color analysis

AbstractThe anti-immigration measures and xenophobic sentiments that have spread since the eruption of the financial crisis in 2008 have been significantly detrimental for immigrant survivors of intimate partner violence in the U.S. given that employment opportunities have declined, exploitative work conditions have worsened, immigration controls have increased, and nonprofit service provision have been under stress. Based on interviews with service providers across the nation, participant observation of networks of advocates of immigrant survivors, and an analysis of debates around the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, I present how these dire circumstances have been disadvantageous for immigrants and the movement to end violence against women. In theoretical terms, my research contributes to the body of literature of critical migration studies by linking such perspective with a feminist of color analysis of gender violence and pointing to the persistent strength of interrelated systems ...
Designing a Mobile Application: The Case of iAdvocate

In this article, the design of a mobile application (app) called iAdvocate is illustrated. The goal of iAdvocate is to share and develop specific strategies with parents of children with disabilities for working collaboratively with a school team to improve their children’s education. iAdvocate uses problem-based learning strategies, simulations, and provides contextual access resources to build parental advocacy skills and knowledge. iAdvocate provides parents with both information and strategies regarding their educational rights and getting their child’s needs met. The goal of iAdvocate is to share and develop specific strategies with parents for working collaboratively with a school team to improve their children’s education. iAdvocate contains three sections: strategies, a compilation of approaches that parents can pursue as advocates; resources, which lists and, where possible, links to such references as laws, books, articles, web sites, video presentations, and organizations that provide information on inclusive education; and, responses, which features simulated interactions, such as replies to common statements made by school professionals regarding services and accommodations for children. This case illustrates the design processes and techniques used to develop an instructional mobile application by presenting the background and context of the project, initial design and design iterations, negative case analysis, and prototyping. Additional documents illustrating the project background, and design process are also included.
Balanced Stochastic Growth at the Maximum Rate

The von Neumann model of balanced growth is extended to the case of uncertainty by defining balanced stochastic growth as a stochastic process of output vectors Z (t) such that the sequence Z (t)/w′Z (t−1) is a stationary process, where w is a fixed strictly positive vector; i. e. growth is balanced if the relative proportions of the different commodities are stationary. Conditions are given under which: (1) the long-run growth rate \( R = \lim \frac{1}{T}\log \frac{{w'Z\left( T \right)}}{{w'Z\left( 0 \right)}} \) and the expected growth rate r = E \( r = E\log \frac{{w'Z\left( t \right)}}{{w'Z\left( {t - 1} \right)}} \) are well defined, and r = E R; (2) r attains a finite maximum r* on the set of all balanced growth processes that are feasible for a given technology, and r* is the same for all strictly positive w; (3) for any balanced growth process, R ≦ r* with probability one, and if r = r* then R = r* with probability one.
What is the role of demographic factors in air pollution and forests

Abstract The advent of the twenty-first century finds us with many reasons to consider scenarios for global change and air pollution in concert. During the decade of the 1980s, there were large research efforts in Europe and North America focused on the ecological consequences of air pollution and acidic deposition. These efforts, however, largely ignored climate change. During the decade of the 1990s, similar major research efforts were initiated globally with a focus on the consequences of global climate change. At this point, however, there has been limited research focused on understanding the interactions of multiple factors, including air pollution, insects and diseases, and even fewer attempts to incorporate such factors into modeled projections of climate change impacts on forest distribution or productivity. Twenty-first century scenarios for changes in spatial patterns of air quality will not only be driven by natural weather and climate variability, but also by changes in demographics, land use, and economic growth. These factors may result in quite different patterns on a global, regional (continental), or subregional scale from those observed over the past century. Changes in both climate and air pollution are the result of dynamic processes that will influence each other, and that will develop over time. Because of inherent uncertainties in knowledge of the processes affected, our understanding of the magnitude of the responses are equally uncertain. For the community of scientists engaged in research on the relationships among air pollution, climate change, and forest health and productivity, the need of landowners and other decision-makers for science-based adaptive strategies should challenge us, and makes a compelling case for an aggressive research agenda.
Multiplexed pyrosequencing of nine sea anemone (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Hexacorallia: Actiniaria) mitochondrial genomes.

AbstractSix complete and three partial actiniarian mitochondrial genomes were amplified in two semi-circles using long-range PCR and pyrosequenced in a single run on a 454 GS Junior, doubling the number of complete mitogenomes available within the order. Typical metazoan mtDNA features included circularity, 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and length ranging from 17,498 to 19,727 bp. Several typical anthozoan mitochondrial genome features were also observed including the presence of only two transfer RNA genes, elevated A + T richness ranging from 54.9 to 62.4%, large intergenic regions, and group 1 introns interrupting NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, the latter of which possesses a homing endonuclease gene. Within the sea anemone Alicia sansibarensis, we report the first mitochondrial gene order rearrangement within the Actiniaria, as well as putative novel non-canonical protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analyses of all 13 protein-coding and 2 ribosomal ge...
Thermal investigation of a large lunar telescope

Recent interest in construction of a large telescope on the lunar surface (Nein and Davis, 1991; Bely, Burrows, and Illingworth, 1989) has prompted this feasibility study of a thermal control system for a 16 meter diameter telescope located near the lunar equator. In addition to detailed analyses for a telescope located in a flat area near the equator, the thermal effect of locating the telescope in a crater, on a hill, and at higher latitude sites is discussed. Because an unprotected telescope experiences a wide range of temperature swings, several thermal protection schemes have been examined, including domes, sunshades, and ground shields to limit the temperature excursions of the primary mirror. Results of these analyses indicate that mirror temperature excursions can be limited to less than 100 Kelvin (K) per lunar cycle with an appropriate passive thermal protection system (dome), and that the telescope primary mirror can be maintained at less than 100 K for at least 7 days of each lunar cycle. However, such a dome precludes observations during the lunar day. Mirror temperature excursions can be reduced by incorporating thermal enclosures or shades in the design or by placing the telescope at a higher latitude.
Degradation of [3H]β-endorphin in rat plasma is increased with chronic stress

With a number of acute stressors beta-endorphin is released into plasma. It is unclear if beta-endorphin is converted into any other biologically active products, nor is it clear if the rate or pathways of degradation are changed during chronic stress. To explore these issues, we incubated [3H]beta-endorphin h labeled in positions 1 and 27 with plasma from normal and chronically footshocked rats and measured the rate of conversion of the label from beta-endorphin size material to smaller size material. Initial separations were done using a G-50 molecular sieving column, with subsequent characterization and identification on HPLC. By G-50 sieving, there is a time dependent formation of only one radioactive peak. HPLC identification demonstrates gamma-endorphin and another unidentified peak. This enzymatic activity is increased in the plasma of chronically stressed rats.
Culture and Housing Preferences in a Developing City

This article aims to ground the relations between culture and housing preferences in a developing city with empirical analysis. Based on Amos Rapoport’s framework, this study dismantles the term “c...