cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Validation of the human odor span task: effects of nicotine

Amongst non-smokers, nicotine generally enhances performance on tasks of attention, with limited effect on working memory. In contrast, nicotine has been shown to produce robust enhancements of working memory in non-humans. To address this gap, the present study investigated the effects of nicotine on the performance of non-smokers on a cognitive battery which included a working memory task reverse-translated from use with rodents (the odor span task, OST). Nicotine has been reported to enhance OST performance in rats and the present study assessed whether this effect generalizes to human performance. Thirty non-smokers were tested on three occasions after consuming either placebo, 2 mg, or 4 mg nicotine gum. On each occasion, participants completed a battery of clinical and experimental tasks of working memory and attention. Nicotine was associated with dose-dependent enhancements in sustained attention, as evidenced by increased hit accuracy on the rapid visual information processing (RVIP) task. However, nicotine failed to produce main effects on OST performance or on alternative measures of working memory (digit span, spatial span, letter-number sequencing, 2-back) or attention (digits forward, 0-back). Interestingly, enhancement of RVIP performance occurred concomitant to significant reductions in self-reported attention/concentration. Human OST performance was significantly related to N-back performance, and as in rodents, OST accuracy declined with increasing memory load. Given the similarity of human and rodent OST performance under baseline conditions and the strong association between OST and visual 0-back accuracy, the OST may be particular useful in the study of conditions characterized by inattention.
A review on the uncertainty and disturbance estimator, its applications and extensions

Uncertainty and disturbance estimator is a control strategy that cancels model uncertainty and external disturbances, allowing for the straightforward control of complex nonlinear, time delayed systems subject to disturbances. The UDE strategy has been applied successfully in the extension of control strategies initially designed for systems without disturbances (input output linearisation, feedback linearisation, sliding mode control). The main idea behind the controller is that a filter of appropriate bandwidth can estimate an unknown signal accurately enough, so the estimation can be utilised in the control design to cancel system uncertainties and external disturbances. This survey summarises the methodology and characteristics of UDE reported in the literature. The UDE strategy and three main applications of UDE in other control strategies are compared in two case studies, first a linear system with fast varying disturbances and a nonlinear continuous stirred tank reactor. The results show that UDE yields fast and accurate state tracking on one hand and large control actions in the other. Finally, some considerations about future applications in multi-variable systems are presented.
Intramolecular Acetyl Transfer to Olefins by Catalytic C−C Bond Activation of Unstrained Ketones

A rhodium-catalyzed intramolecular acetyl-group transfer has been achieved through a "cut and sew" process. The challenge arises from the existence of different competitive pathways. Preliminary success has been achieved with unstrained enones that contain a biaryl linker. The use of an electron-rich N-heterocycilc carbene (NHC) ligand is effective to inhibit undesired β-hydrogen elimination. Various 9,10-dihydrophenanthrene derivatives can be prepared with excellent functional-group compatibility. The 13 C-labelling study suggests that the reaction begins with cleavage of the unstrained C-C bond, followed by migratory insertion and reductive elimination.
Re-targeting of macroH2A following mitosis to cytogenetic-scale heterochromatic domains

The heritability of chromatin states through cell division is a potential contributor to the epigenetic maintenance of cellular memory of prior states. The macroH2A histone variant has properties of a regulator of epigenetic cell memory, including roles controlling gene silencing and cell differentiation. Its mechanisms of regional genomic targeting and maintenance through cell division are unknown. Here we combined in vivo imaging with biochemical and genomic approaches to show that human macroH2A is incorporated into chromatin in the G1 phase of the cell cycle following DNA replication. The newly-incorporated macroH2A re-targets the same, large heterochromatic domains where macroH2A was already enriched in the previous cell cycle. It remains heterotypic, targeting individual nucleosomes that do not already contain a macroH2A molecule. The pattern observed resembles that of new deposition of centromeric histone variants during the cell cycle, indicating mechanistic similarities for macrodomain-scale regulation of epigenetic properties of the cell.
Integrating a Rapid Response System into a Patient Safety Program

Since at least the publication of the Institute of Medicine’s report To Err Is Human,1 most healthcare organizations have been struggling to find and eliminate hazards. Their struggle arises from the complex mixture of issues that plague any organization dealing with the seemingly easy problems to be solved by a new safety program. Many healthcare organizations soon realize they are dealing with organizational psychology issues that require tools from change management. Somewhat fewer facilities are aware of the problems ingrained in human factors engineering of systems, devices, and tools. We will define these terms and how they apply to Rapid Response Systems (RRS) and their efferent limb, the Medical Emergency Team (MET) and Rapid Response Team (RRT) throughout this chapter. An MET or RRT response is not just a wonderful tool to improve morbidity and mortality associated with hospital medical crises and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, it is also an indirect tool to address the struggles to improve quality and safety throughout a healthcare organization. Conceptually and empirically, most hospitals will likely need RRS programs due to findings from human factors engineering and healthcare.
Minimally Invasive Ciliary-Frontoplasty Technique

The forehead is considered as a very important aesthetic unit in the facial appearance. The eyebrows as well as the eyelids and the lips are expression signs that reveal the emotions, feelings, and state of mind and they accompany the person’s oral language. There is a gradual decrease of the eyebrows and forehead from aging associated with tissue changes and gravity effects. A number of techniques have been described by scientists to relocate the eyebrows in order to improve the appearance of the face in the upper third part. The aim is to show that the technique, which the author worked on for 7 years (2000–2007), has been improved and standardized through the years and experience.
3D BASIS Origins, Novel Developments and Its Impact in Real Projects Around the World

Origins and development of 3D-BASIS (3-Dimensional BASe Isolated Structures) was initially envisioned by the need for an efficient tool for nonlinear dynamic analysis of three-dimensional base isolated structures, particularly in solving the highly nonlinear bidirectional stick-slip hysteretic response of a collection of sliding isolation bearings and the resulting response of the superstructure, as this was not available at that time. The primary challenge was to solve the stick-slip behavior of friction bearings—modeled using a differential equation (Bouc-Wen Model) due to its efficiency in representing constant Coulomb friction or variable velocity depended friction by using a very small yield displacement during the stick phase resulting in very high tangential stiffness followed by a very small tangential stiffness during the sliding phase—and the resulting stiff differential equations. A challenge that is compounded when biaxial-friction is modeled, wherein even the traditional method of using Gear’s method to solve stiff differential equations breaks down—a problem that was vexing the research team at University at Buffalo trying to solve the problem at that time. The answer was the development of the novel pseudo-force solution algorithm along with a semi-implicit Runge-Kutta method to solve the difficult problem. The efficient solution procedure is needed primarily for the nonlinear isolation system consisting of (1) sliding and/or elastomeric bearings, (2) fluid dampers, (3) other energy dissipation devices, while the superstructure is represented by three dimensional superstructure model appropriately condensed (where only master nodes at the center of mass of the floor are retained). This chapter describes the origins, development of 3D-BASIS and its impact.
Gender differences and trends in suicide risk among cancer survivors.

10087Background: Cancer survivors have higher risks of dying from suicide compared with noncancer patients as well as the general United States population. This risk may differ based on gender and ...
Nobel Lecture: LIGO and the discovery of gravitational waves I*

The 2017 Nobel Prize for Physics was shared by Rainer Weiss, Barry C. Barish, and Kip S. Thorne. These papers are the text of the address given in conjunction with the award.
Predictive factors of subsequent insulin requirement for glycemic control during pregnancy at diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Objective To determine maternal and biological parameters at diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) as predictors of antenatal insulin therapy (AIT) for glycemic control. Methods In this planned secondary analysis of a prospective observational study, we recruited women diagnosed with GDM between July 1, 2014, and October 31, 2015. Maternal and biological parameters were analyzed as predictors of AIT using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Predictive accuracy of a cut-off value for a biological predictor was determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and the Youden index (J). Results Of 200 women included (mean gestational age 22 ± 6 weeks), 72 (36%) required AIT. No maternal characteristic was associated with AIT. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.15, 95% CI 1.03-9.69) and elevated 1-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT; aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.13-1.46) were predictors of AIT. Analyses suggested inaccurate prediction of AIT, with an optimal cut-off HbA1c value of 5.4% (J=0.14; AUC 0.58, 95% CI 0.48-0.67), and an optimal 1-hour plasma glucose OGTT value of 1.77 mg/dL (J=0.24; AUC 0.62, 95% CI 0.50-0.74). Conclusion HbA1c at diagnosis of GDM and elevated 1-hour OGTT were independent predictors of AIT for glycemic control. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02159378.
Robust Powered Descent with Control Contraction Metrics

Powered descent (PD) is the final stage in Entry, Descent, and Landing where a spacecraft plans and executes a trajectory to a desired landing location. Increased demand for precise landing has driven the need for more robust and sophisticated guidance and control algorithms. While several advances have been made in optimization-based guidance, little progress has been made in developing robust nonlinear controllers. The main technical challenge for controller design is the nonlinear control dynamics in the standard PD model; making traditional methods not applicable. This work derives a robust, exponentially stable nonlinear controller using the Control Contraction Metric framework. The resulting controller takes the form of a nonlinear mass-scheduled proportional-derivative controller - an interesting result given no assumptions about the controller's structure are made. Theoretical guarantees for integrated control effort (i.e., fuel usage) and tracking performance are derived and verified via Monte Carlo simulation. Modifications that facilitate integrating the contraction-based controller into existing optimization-based guidance algorithms are also proposed and verified in simulation.
The Mediating Influence of Physical Activity Levels on 3rd-Grade Academic Achievement

ABSTRACTUsing structural equation modeling, this study found that prior reading skill was significantly associated with children’s reported physical activity levels, which was in turn significantly...
Diagnosis, Etiology and Outcomes of Revision Distal Biceps Tendon Reattachment.

Purpose To evaluate the incidence, etiology, and clinical outcomes after revision distal biceps tendon repair. We hypothesized that re-ruptures are rare and can be reattached with satisfactory results. Methods Cases were identified from the case log of the senior author. Demographic information, details regarding the primary repair and subsequent injury, time between reinjury and reattachment, and operative findings were recorded. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons–Elbow (ASES-E) functional outcome scoring systems. Range of motion, strength, and ability to return to work were recorded. Results We identified 10 patients with re-rupture, all of whom were men. Average age was 46 years (range, 35–57 years). Four ruptures occurred in the dominant arm. Three patients had a history of bilateral ruptures. Incidence of primary failure was 1.1%. In 6 patients, re-rupture occurred 6 days to 11 months after the primary surgery. Three patients described a sense of ripping or tearing after a specific traumatic event. Four others had persistent pain after the primary reattachment. Re-rupture resulted from the loss of fixation owing to technical error, the suture pulling out from the tendon, or suture breakage. Two patients required an allograft. The hook test was abnormal in 3 patients. Magnetic resonance imaging results did not affect the operative plan. Nine patients returned to their former occupation. Five returned for follow-up evaluation and completion of the DASH and ASES-E self-assessment examinations. Average DASH score was 4.4 (range, 0–19) and average ASES-E was 93.2 (range, 74–100). Postoperative average elbow flexion was 141° (range, 135° to 145°), elbow extension was –12° (range, –5° to –30°), pronation was 70°, and supination was 80°. Postoperative average supination strength was 87.8% of the nonsurgical arm (range, 79% to 106%); average pronation strength was 79.2% of the nonsurgical arm (range, 50% to 110%). Conclusions Revision reattachment resulted in acceptable functional outcomes. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic V
Counselors in training identifying and responding to suicidal clients: a matched-control study

Using a matched-control experimental design, this study explored the use of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) with fifty-four counselors in training (CIT). Over the course of 10 ...
The Misunderstood Schema of the Strong Black Woman: Exploring Its Mental Health Consequences and Coping Responses Among African American Women:

The internalization of the Strong Black Woman (SBW) schema is associated with negative psychological outcomes. However, not much is known about the mechanisms through which this schema leads to poo...
The Effect of Dexamethasone on Postoperative Blood Glucose in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Perioperative glucocorticoids are routinely administered to patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) to decrease postoperative pain and nausea. However, there is concern regarding the effects of glucocorticoids on perioperative glucose control in diabetes. The goal of this study is to determine if administration of preoperative dexamethasone to diabetic patients is significantly associated with hyperglycemia and increased insulin requirements in the immediate postoperative period after TJA and to identify risk factors for postoperative hyperglycemia immediately after TJA. Methods A retrospective review of type 2 diabetic patients undergoing TJA from 2010 to 2015 (n = 285) was undertaken to evaluate the effect of dexamethasone on postoperative glucose control. Preoperative baseline characteristics were compared between patients who did and did not receive 8 mg of intravenous dexamethasone preoperatively. Postoperative glucose and insulin requirements were evaluated with respect to dexamethasone dosing. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression models. Results Dexamethasone administration did not correlate with the maximum postoperative blood glucose (P = .78). There was a significantly higher initial postoperative blood glucose after intravenous dexamethasone administration (P Conclusion Preoperative dexamethasone administration to diabetic patients was associated with an initial increase in blood glucose and increased insulin requirement on postoperative day 0. Yet the observed effect on glucose control in diabetic patients may not outweigh the known clinical benefits of perioperative glucocorticoids.
Coronavirus disease 2019 pregnancy outcomes in a racially and ethnically diverse population.

Background Older age and medical comorbidities are identified risk factors for developing severe coronavirus disease 2019. However, there are limited data on risk stratification, clinical and laboratory course, and optimal management of coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnancy. Objective Our study aimed to describe the clinical course of coronavirus disease 2019, effect of comorbidities on disease severity, laboratory trends, and pregnancy outcomes of symptomatic and asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2–positive pregnant women. Study Design This is a case series of pregnant and postpartum women who received positive test results for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 between March 3, 2020, and May 11, 2020, within 3 hospitals of the Yale New Haven Health delivery network. Charts were reviewed for basic sociodemographic and prepregnancy characteristics, coronavirus disease 2019 course, laboratory values, and pregnancy outcomes. Results Of the 1567 tested pregnant and postpartum women between March 3, 2020, and May 11, 2020, 9% (n=141) had a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 result. Hispanic women were overrepresented in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2–positive group (n=61; 43.8%). In addition, Hispanic ethnicity was associated with a higher rate of moderate and severe diseases than non-Hispanic (18% [11/61] vs 3.8% [3/78], respectively; odds ratio, 5.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.46–20.7; P=.01). Of note, 44 women (31.2%) were asymptomatic, 37 of whom (26.2%) were diagnosed on universal screening upon admission for delivery. Moreover, 59% (n=83) were diagnosed before delivery, 36% (n=51) upon presentation for childbirth, and 5% (n=7) after delivery. Severe disease was diagnosed in 6 cases (4.3%), and there was 1 maternal death. Obese women were more likely to develop moderate and severe diseases than nonobese women (16.4% [9/55] vs 3.8% [3/79]; odds ratio, 4.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.28–19.25; P=.02). Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were diagnosed in 22.3% of women (17/77) who delivered after 20 weeks’ gestation. Higher levels of C-reactive protein during antepartum coronavirus disease 2019–related admission were more common in women with worse clinical course; however, this association did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion Coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnancy may result in severe disease and death. Hispanic women were more likely to receive a positive test result for severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 than other ethnic groups. Obesity and Hispanic ethnicity represent risk factors for moderate and severe diseases.
Cancer of the Vagina

Primary malignant tumors of the vagina arise in this organ; there should be documentation that the lesion does not involve the cervix or vulva. It is a rare tumor, representing l%-2% of all gynecologic malignancies (Daw 1971; Herbst et al. 1970; Robboy et al. 1975). Most vaginal neoplasms (more than 80%) are metastatic, involving the vagina by direct extension or by lymphatic or hematogenous routes (Hillborne and Fu 1987).
MR Three-territory Sign in Cancer-associated Hypercoagulation Stroke (Trousseau Syndrome): An Overlooked Diagnostic Feature: MR Three-territory Sign.

Background Stroke in the setting of three-territory lesion pattern on magnetic resonance-diffusion-weighted imaging "three-territory sign" (TTS) is predominately due to cancer-associated hypercoagulation (CAH). Our goal is to determine the frequency with which "TTS" is overlooked as a diagnostic feature of cancer-associated hypercoagulation stroke. Methods Over a 4-year period (October 2016 to October 2020), stroke admissions with magnetic resonance imaging defined three-territory diffusion-weighted imaging lesions were identified. Patients were prospectively accrued in an observational study from the neurology service at Hartford Hospital, a 938 bed facility with a comprehensive stroke center with 2792 stroke admissions during the study period. Results Twenty-two patients met selection criteria, 4 due to infectious endocarditis, 16 due to stroke from CAH and 2 with no identifiable etiology. Of the 16 CAH patients, 5 were male and 11 female, mean age=72 (range: 47 to 91). Cancer type (biopsy proven unless noted) was cholangiocarcinoma=3, adenocarcinoma of lung=3, adenocarcinoma of breast=1, pancreatic carcinoma=3 (2 biopsy, 1 ultrasound), adenocarcinoma, origin unknown=1, non-small cell carcinoma of lung=2, carcinoid=1, ovarian carcinoma=1, lung mass (not biopsied)=1. Malignancy was known in 7 and occult in 9 at stroke presentation. Consideration of malignancy-related hypercoagulation as the cause of stroke was appreciated in 1 of 16 radiology reports and in 4 of 16 neurology admission notes. Conclusion TTS is a frequently missed diagnostic magnetic resonance feature in cancer-associated hypercoagulation stroke and often heralds occult malignancy.
A course in sustainable manufacturing

Sustainable manufacturing is a vision that the manufacturing community has for contributing to the global society's ability to address sustainability issues. While there is no standard definition of sustainable manufacturing, one universally accepted notion is that sustainable manufacturing must optimally address a comprehensive set of highly interdependent objectives from environmental, economic and social perspectives. This is impossible without systems' thinking that guides the sustainable manufacturing activities every step of the way from product idea generation, to adoption of sustainable design and manufacturing processes, to selection of sustainable materials, and ultimately to product disposal, reuse or recycling. New course on sustainable manufacturing has been developed and offered several years now at Syracuse University, USA. An underlying principle in developing and offering the course is the premise that sustainability manufacturing requires a holistic view to a complete product lifecycle from the moment of conceiving new product ideas till the end of the product life, while simultaneously considering the impact of decisions made in each phase of the manufacturing activity on sustainability. The principle has been realized by: (i) adoption of a broadened definition of manufacturing and (ii) a semester-­long project of developing sustainable products. In the course, manufacturing means not only material transformation processes but also manufacturing systems including supply chain considerations for sustainability. The sustainable product development project provides students with a context where they can apply methods, techniques and tools being acquired from the course. Also the developed products can lead to further entrepreneurial opportunities.
Placental transfusion: early versus late clamping of the umbilical cord.

IATROGENIC interruption of the placental circulation at birth has, in most cases become an automatic procedure with little or no regard for the physiologic alterations evoked or for their subsequent effect upon the fetus. The relative merits of "early" and "late" clamping of the umbilical cord have been the subject of controversy for many years. More recently it has been suggested that the time of cord clamping may be involved in the pathogenesis of idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS). As of this writing, the controversy of "early" versus "late" clamping remains unsettled. Review of the pertinent literature indicates that this is due largely to failure to define uniformly "early" and "late," failure by many to consider the effects of onset of respiration, of gravity, of uterine contractions, and, in some instances, to conclusions not completely warranted by supporting data. In view of the potential significance of the issue and the current confusion surrounding it, critical re-examination appears to be in order. A major purpose of this review is to call attention to the areas of investigation needing further documentation. Effect on Blood Volume The blood volume of newly born infants has been studied by a number of investigators. In Table I are listed six studies in which the time of cord clamping was taken into account. In a study of 35 infants, DeMarsh, Windle, and Alt found a significant increase in blood volume when cord clamping was delayed until after separation of the placenta. In a similar study by Whipple, Sisson, and Lund these results were not confirmed.
Irrigated Taro (Colocasia esculenta) in the Indo-Pacific: Biological, Social and Historical Perspectives. Matthew Spriggs, David Addison, and Peter J. Matthews, eds. Osaka, Japan: National Museum of Ethnology, 2012. xvi and 363 pp.; maps, diagrs., ills. [no price] (ISBN 978-4-901906-93-7).

Because of some earlier research on intensive cultivation practices in the Fiji Islands, a few years ago I received e-mails from the editors of the book under review here, inviting me to participat...
Sorafenib exerts anti-glioma activity in vitro and in vivo

Despite conventional treatment strategies glioblastoma, the most common malignant primary brain tumor, has a bad prognosis with median survival times of 12-15 months. In this study, the efficacy of sorafenib (Nexavar, BAY43-9006), a multikinase inhibitor, on glioblastoma cells was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Treatment of established or patient-derived glioblastoma cells with low concentrations of sorafenib caused a dramatic dose dependent inhibition of proliferation (IC(50), 1.5 microM) and induction of apoptosis and autophagy. Sorafenib inhibited phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) and expression of cyclins, D and E. In contrast, AKT was not modulated by sorafenib. Most important, systemic delivery of sorafenib was well tolerated, and significantly suppressed intracranial glioma growth via inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis and autophagy, and reduction of angiogenesis. Furthermore, intracranial growth inhibition by sorafenib was accompanied by a significant reduction in ph-Stat3 (Tyr 705) levels. In summary, sorafenib has potent anti-glioma activity in vitro and in vivo.
Study of surface crack initiation due to biaxial compression/shear loading

Abstract This paper proposes a mechanism for surface crack initiation in rolling contact elements; it is based on the assumption that ductility exhaustion of the immediate surface layer takes place due to the incremental accumulation of surface plastic deformation. This deformation pattern is related to the nature of the combined compression-shear loading acting on the contact zone. An experimental technique employing a new design of biaxial specimen and loading apparatus has been developed and used to quantify empirically the features of the flow process leading to crack initiation. Results of the study are discussed in relation to failure characteristics of the railhead.
Incorporating Open Access into Libraries

The open access movement is poised to radically change scholarly communications. Librarians can play a dynamic role in the development of the open access landscape by familiarizing themselves with government funding initiatives, events promoting Open Access Week, open access publishing models, institutional open access funds and policies, and institutional repositories. Small changes in awareness and outreach can have far reaching implications for the future health of journal subscription budgets, archive access rights, and research funding opportunities. This article provides examples of how librarians can incorporate open access concepts into pre-existing librarian roles.
Role of very-long-chain acyl-coenzyme A synthetase in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is characterized biochemically by decreased ability of cells to activate (via very-long-chain acyl-coenzyme A synthetase [VLCS]) and subsequently degrade very-long-chain fatty acids in peroxisomes. It is noteworthy that the gene defective in X-ALD encodes ALDP, a peroxisomal membrane protein unrelated to VLCS. We cloned human VLCS (hVLCS) and found that peroxisomes from X-ALD fibroblasts contained immunoreactive hVLCS, refuting the earlier hypothesis that ALDP is required to anchor VLCS to the peroxisomal membrane. Furthermore, hVLCS was topographically oriented facing the peroxisomal matrix in both control and X-ALD fibroblasts, contradicting the alternative hypothesis that ALDP is required to translocate VLCS into peroxisomes. However, overexpression of both hVLCS and ALDP in X-ALD fibroblasts synergistically increased very-long-chain fatty acid β-oxidation, indicating that these proteins interact functionally.
Convection Heat Transfer Analysis for Darcy Flow in Porous Media: A New Two-Dimensional Solution

The two-equation energy equations are solved analytically for the temperature of the solid phase inside a two-dimensional rectangular porous media subjected to constant heat flux on one side. The fluid conduction is neglected in the governing equations and the Darcy flow model is used. Several simplifying assumptions are made regarding the boundary layers. The solid temperature decays in what looks like an exponential fashion as the distance from the heated base increases. Applications of such solution may be found in porous media with high solid phase conductivity cooled by low-conductivity fluids, e.g., open-cell metallic and graphite foams cooled by air.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Evidence for carrier-mediated transport of glucocorticoids by human placental membrane vesicles.

Abstract Glucocorticoid uptake by isolated placental membrane vesicles has been studied in an attempt to identify a membrane-mediated carrier mechanism. A preliminary communication from this laboratory has reported that uptake of the glucocorticoid corticosterone by these vesicles was a time-dependent, saturable, osmotically sensitive process (Fant, M.E., Harbison, R.D. and Harrison, R.W. (1979) J. Biol. Chem. 254, 6218–6221), but did not conclusively demonstrate a carrier mechanism. Further studies of labeled corticosterone uptake by placental vesicles are described herein which indicate that steroid uptake by these vesicles is a carrier-mediated process. We found that corticosterone uptake was temperature-sensitive, and an apparent phase-transition effect on the rate of uptake was seen to occur at approximately 16°C. Treatment of the vesicles with phospholipase A2 and the sulfhydryl group attacker, p- chloromercuriphenylsulfonate , inhibited corticosterone uptake. In contrast to our previous findings in intact cells, neuraminidase treatment of membranes did not inhibit steroid uptake, perhaps indicating a species variation. Lastly, it was possible to show that corticosterone movement across the membrane exhibited countertransport, a phenomenon common only to carrier-mediated transport mechanisms. These studies show that placental vesicles accumulate corticosterone by a carrier-mediated mechanism.
New di-ionizable p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-1,2-crown-4 ligands: synthesis and divalent metal ion extraction

Abstract New di-ionizable p - tert -butylcalix[4]arene-1,2-crown-4 ligands with elongated side arms in cone, partial-cone, and 1,2-alternate conformations of the calixarene scaffold are prepared and characterized. The acidic groups on the side arms include carboxylic acid and N -(X)sulfonyl carboxamide with X variation of –Me, –Ph, –C 6 H 4 –4-NO 2 , and –CF 3 . Solvent extractions of alkaline earth metal cations, Hg 2+ , and Pb 2+ from aqueous solutions into chloroform are employed to probe the effects of these structural modifications on the divalent metal ion complexation behavior of the new ligands.
Potassium currents in chick sensory neurons change with development.

Abstract We used the whole-cell configuration of the giga-seal voltage-clamp to study voltage-gated potassium currents in sensory neurons dissociated from dorsal root ganglia from embryonic and hatched chicks. Neurons from 8-, 10-, 14-, and 18-day-old embryos (E8, E10, E14, E18) and 1- to 5-day-old chicks were studied under conditions which inhibited inward currents and calcium-activated currents (tetrodotoxin, no added calcium, intracellular EGTA). At all ages, potassium currents were activated by depolarizations to potentials positive to —40 mV. At a given age the amount of inactivation of outward current during 50- to 100-ms steps varied from cell to cell; some cells showed no inactivation while in others the outward current declined to about half of the peak current. On average, the amount of inactivation was fairly stable at E8, E10, E18, and in hatched chicks but showed a transient increase at E14. In contrast, currents clicited by 50-ms test steps following 2-s conditioning steps showed an age dependent change. In E8 neurons, shifting the conditioning voltage from −100 to −90 mV had little or no effect on the current at the end of the test step while earlier outward current was reduced. In cells from older embryos or hatched chicks, similar conditioning voltages caused reductions of both early and late currents during the test step. The relative amount of late current inactivated by this protocol increased as the age of the chicks increased. In addition, the amount of variation in the inactivation properties was larger in cells from older embryos and hatched birds. The changes in outward current occur during a period in which new neurons are formed and existing neurons mature and establish function.
Remote laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy analysis of East African Rift sedimentary samples under Mars conditions

Abstract Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy will be used by the ChemCam instrument on the Curiosity rover to obtain chemical analyses of the martian surface. Surficial and deeper hydrothermal processes on Mars have produced a diverse family of chemical and clastic sedimentary lithologies from primary igneous rocks through physical and chemical transport, deposition, and diagenesis. This study uses 16 samples from the East African Rift (EAR) as martian analogues to assess use of LIBS to evaluate weathering reactions in sedimentary rocks. Data were acquired at 9 m distance with samples under conditions designed to simulate Mars. Use of external validation, in which a few sedimentary samples are added to the validation set, coupled with choice of the first local minimum in the root mean square value in all the components of the validation model, provides optimal results in this data set. Accuracy is measured using root mean square error predictions for major elements in the sedimentary rocks, as expressed in wt.% oxides. Even lower errors can be obtained by using a more focused training set. These results are sufficiently accurate to usefully characterize the four competing kinds of chemical weathering reactions in paleosols (hydrolysis, oxidation, hydration, and salinization).
Update on the Leonids

Abstract Meteor storms are of concern to satellite operators because they are a natural impact hazard. Little is known about their cause and effect. Meteor storms are rare and have never been studied by modern techniques. Now, the upcoming Leonid returns of November '98 and '99 offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gather data that can help assess the impact hazard of meteor storms and provide a wealth of data on the physics and chemistry of meteoroids accreting into the Earth's atmosphere. Three months before the Nov. '98 return, we here give an update of what to expect and what observing efforts are going to be made.
STUDIES ON THE ARNETH COUNT.—XX. A STUDY OF THE BLOOD CELLS OF PSEUDEMYS ELEGANS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUCOCYTES

1. A polynuclear count cannot be made in Pseudemys elegans, since multilobed cells are absent. 2. By considering eosinophils with spherical granules as young cells and eosinophils with ellipsoidal or rod-like granules as older cells, a differential eosinophil count, comparable to the polynuclear count, can be made. 3. The eosinophil of Pseudemys elegans reacts to haematopoietic stimuli in much the same way as does the neutrophil of the mammal. 4. Injections of thyroxine and nucleic acid in Pseudemys elegans increase the total white cell population by stimulating the granulo-cytopoietic centres, causing an increase in the number of young eosinophils. This effect is analogous to a left-handed deflection in the polynuclear count of amphibians, birds, and mammals.
Changing landscapes, changing disciplines: seeking to understand interdisciplinarity in landscape ecological change research

Abstract Transformation of landscapes worldwide in the 20th century, now continuing into the 21st century, has raised global concerns. Given this circumstance, interdisciplinary landscape change studies are focused on the causes and effects of land-use and land-cover dynamics as well as the ecological and social impacts of alternative design, planning, policy, and management schemes on landscapes and regions. In this paper, we are concerned about a particular type of interdisciplinary landscape change research that uses the principles and theories of landscape ecology as an underlying paradigm for explaining changes in landscapes (called landscape ecological change research, or LEC research, in this paper). While landscape ecological change is the focus of collaborative research efforts, the way in which the collaboration itself is carried out is the subject of debate. We present a framework for public consideration based on Lattuca's continuum of interdisciplinarity (2001) that characterizes the key themes, questions, and issues in the debate about the interdisciplinarity–disciplinarity nature of LEC research that are raised by leading scholars in the peer-reviewed literature. The paper presents this continuum, positions the key literature within this continuum, and then presents recommendations for enhancing future interdisciplinary endeavors.
Air flow models in a confined space a study in age distribution

Abstract It has been shown that a fairly general model for the distribution of air in a confined space can be established based on the concept of the age distribution. The use of such a model in design, data correlation, control, and scale-up problems is discussed and the experimental determination of the model is outlined. It is indicated that some of the parameters of the model can be estimated based on a simple entrainment concept. Results of simulation of the model on digital computer are presented in detail.
A visual robot-programming environment for multidisciplinary education

Arts & Bots is an educational program that aims to broaden diversity and participation in technology by integrating arts and crafts with robotics. Arts & Bots is a flexible program that can be integrated into in-school and out-of-school programs in many subject areas. This paper describes the visual programming environment developed for Arts & Bots and its goals of low barriers to entry, classroom compatibility, supporting student acquisition of computational thinking skills, and enabling complex robot behaviors. The authors also compare and contrast the programming environment with other popular visual programming environments, namely Scratch, Alice and LEGO NXT-G.
Exposing Minority Students to Careers in Transportation and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics: Summer Education Programs

The aging of the American workforce will lead to shortages in skilled workers throughout the country in the near future. Minorities are already underrepresented in the transportation industry, and without immediate intervention the conditions will not improve. To address the anticipated shortfall in skilled minority labor, FHWA, in coordination with the South Carolina Department of Transportation and South Carolina State University, developed the Summer Transportation Institute. In the Texas Gulf Coast region, the Center for Transportation Training and Research at Texas Southern University has introduced the transportation industry to minority high school students while emphasizing the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills in tomorrow's workplace through summer education programs for nearly 10 years. A study examines the core curriculum of those programs and discusses their potential applicability in other regions of Texas.
Gender and handedness differences in mirror-tracing random forms

Abstract Fifteen left-handed males and females, as well as 15 right-handed males and females were required to mirror-trace the outline of several random forms using their dominant and non-dominant hands. Speed and accuracy of tracing performance served as the dependent variables. In general, females were quicker and more accurate than males in tracing these shapes. Moreover, females were equally efficient using either their dominant or non-dominant hand, this in contrast to both right- and left-handed males who performed significantly better when using their non-dominant hand (i.e. their left and right hands, respectively). These results are discussed in terms of a differential cerebral organization characterizing males and females, as well as left- and right-handers. In addition, we entertain the possibility that neuropsychological variables (e.g., the presence or absence of familial sinistrality), and environmental factors (e.g., differential practice in performing mirror-reversed motor tasks like “the application of cosmetics”) may contribute to the observed effects.
Load response on a large suspension bridge during the NYC marathon revealed by GPS and accelerometers

Global Positioning System (GPS) geodesy is a well-known tool to measure the long-term surface deformation of the Earth at various temporal and spatial scales, and it is widely used in studies of geodynamics. GPS dual-frequency geodetic-quality receivers are typically sampled at rates of 15 to 30 s and analyzed in a batch mode over intervals from one hour to 24 hours. Recently, 1-Hz or greater rate sampled continuous GPS has been recognized as useful in combination with seismometers to capture the long-period seismic waves from large earthquakes and to detect volcano inflation and tsunamigenic landsliding (Bock et al. 2000; Larson et al. 2003; Bock et al. 2004; Mattia et al. 2004). Modern GPS receivers are capable of sampling at rates as high as 50 Hz (Genrich and Bock 2006). The impact of heavy pedestrian movement on a highway suspension bridge has not yet been documented by precise observations, nor has it been modeled, although the impact of vehicles and wind was observed and used to constrain theoretical analysis (Nakamura 2000; Roberts et al. 2004; Guo et al. 2005). A large crowd can gather on a highway suspension bridge under extreme natural or human-generated conditions like earthquakes or power blackouts (Julavits 2003); an unpredicted response to the crowd was observed on a foot-bridge (Strogatz et al. 2005). Using GPS observations, here we evaluate the deflection of a large suspension bridge that connects Brooklyn with Staten Island at the mouth of upper New York Bay under the load of marathon runners and under the load of vehicles. Furthermore, by combining GPS and accelerometer data, we find that the runners excited the vibrations of the bridge at a modal frequency of 2.8 Hz, vastly different from the first vertical frequency of 0.13 Hz excited by vehicles. Our …
Theoretical ab initio calculations of the electron affinity of thymine

Abstract It was determined in ab initio calculations that an electron can attach to thymine, forming a stable anion. The electron is attached predominantly to the positive end of the molecular dipole moment; however, some contribution from the covalent character is also present. The adiabatic electron affinity for this process is estimated to be only 0.088 eV.
A CNDO/2 evaluation of substituent effects on the charge distribution of conjugated ions

Abstract The CNDO/2-SCFMO method is used to evaluate the effect of the Me group on the charge distribution and relative stabilities of the conjugated ions with an odd number of atoms in the chain. The Me group is electron withdrawing when substituted on a conjugated carbanion, while it is electron donating relative to hydrogen when substituted on a conjugated carbonium ion. Comparison of the charge densities of the terminal methylene atoms of the trans-1,3-pentadienyl anion with the terminal methylene atoms of either cis- or trans-1-methyl-1, 3-penta-dienyl anions shows that the Me group has no effect on these densities. cis-1-Methylallyl anion is calculated to be more stable than the trans-isomer by about 1·0 kcal/mole, while the trans-1-methylallyl cation is predicted to be 4·2 kcal/mole more stable than the cis-isomer. The predicted relative stabilities agree with experimental observations. Of the two possible enolate anions derived from 2-butanone, the most highly substituted anion was more stable by 11·0 kcal/mole.
Formation of bubbles on electrical contacts to polymer light-emitting diode devices

Bubble formation on calcium/aluminum contacts to bilayer poly(n-vinyl carbazole) (PVK)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT-PSS) polymer light-emitting diode (PLED) devices was studied using optical and electron microscopies and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). The formation of bubbles is shown to correlate with pinholes in the metal contact thin film and with excess absorbed water in the presence of the calcium layer. AES data show oxidation at the Ca/Al interface during this process. Gas evolution and relaxation of compressive stress when voltage is applied to the PLED devices are postulated to cause formation of the bubbles.
Radiologic diagnoses of patients who received imaging for venous thromboembolism despite negative D-dimer tests.

Abstract Objective The literature supports a negative D-dimer (−DD) excluding venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) in low-risk patients. We determined the radiologic diagnoses in patients where imaging was ordered despite a −DD. Methods This is a retrospective chart review of patients with a −DD (Tinaquant; Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) and a radiologic study within 48 hours, sought to determine radiologic diagnosis (primary outcome), treatment of VTE, and consensus diagnosis of acute VTE. Results Among 3462 DD tests, 1678 met the inclusion criteria. Of 1362 patients with DD values of 350 ng/mL or less, 166 (12.2%) had radiologic studies: 93.4% of the final radiologic diagnoses were negative for VTE, 3.6% were indeterminate, and 3.0% (1.0%-6.9%) were positive; 1.8% ultimately had a consensus diagnosis of acute VTE. In 316 patients with DD values between 351 and 500 ng/mL, 88 (27.8%) had radiologic studies: 95.5% were negative, 1.1% were indeterminate, and 3.4% (0.7%-9.6%) were positive. Conclusions Of patients who receive radiologic studies despite −DD tests, 3.0% have positive radiologic diagnoses for acute VTE; only 1.8% had acute VTE after the review of their hospital course.