cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stratigraphic distribution and significance of a 15 million-year record of fusain in the Upper Triassic Chinle Group, southwestern USA

Abstract We document the occurrence of Upper Triassic fusain in northern Arizona, southern Utah and northern New Mexico in latest Carnian(?) to Norian-age alluvial strata of the Monitor Butte Formation and the Sonsela and Painted Desert members of the Petrified Forest Formation (Chinle Group). The fusain, identified by standard techniques of macroscopic and microscopic morphology, and resistance to chemical oxidation, is present at multiple stratigraphic horizons at several locations that are approximately correlative, although separated by several hundred km. The morphology of this fossil charcoal includes large, partially charred silicified to coalified logs, completely charred smaller limbs, charcoal fragments reworked in fluvial deposits, and particulate fusain disseminated in sediments. The apparent rarity of fusain in Triassic strata previously was cited as evidence for relatively low levels (compared to modern) of atmospheric oxygen and the consequent infrequent occurrence of wildfire during this time interval. However, our findings demonstrate a significantly greater abundance of fusain in Upper Triassic strata than previously acknowledged. Therefore, we suggest that wildfire was not an unusual occurrence during the Late Triassic. This conclusion supports recent experimental studies and geochemical models that indicate atmospheric oxygen levels at or above modern levels during the Late Triassic.
Fecal shedding of Salmonella by pigs housed in buildings with open-flush gutters

Results: In two herds (herds A and B), which received pigs and feed from the same sources, prevalence of positive fecal samples varied widely (60% and 4% respectively). In herd A (60% positive), gutters were flushed intermittently and the prevalence of pigs found to be shedding Salmonella was higher in downstream pens with respect to the flow of effluent. In herd B (4% positive), prevalence of fecal shedding was low, although gutters were flushed continuously with effluent recycled from single stage lagoon. In the other four herds, prevalence varied widely (4% to 59%) and no association between fecal shedding and pen location with respect to effluent flow was evident. In two herds, differences in serotype distribution between sides of barns suggested pen-to-pen transmission to be important. Clustering of positive pigs in some pens was also apparent.
Scanning Probe Nanopatterning and Layer‐by‐Layer Thinning of Black Phosphorus

Nanopatterning and layer-by-layer thinning of black phosphorus is demonstrated with conductive atomic-force-microscope anodic oxidation. The liquid-phase patterning byproduct is readily removed by water rinsing. An alternating-current bias enables direct nanopatterning and thinning on insulating substrates such as SiO2 /Si. Field-effect transistors with patterned channels show significant improvements in current modulation by up to a factor of 50.
Liver-Directed Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Overview of Techniques, Outcomes, and Posttreatment Imaging Findings.

OBJECTIVE. The purposes of this article are to describe the indications, techniques, and results of arterially directed therapies and ablation and to review the imaging assessment of response and complications. CONCLUSION. Most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma are not eligible for surgery, and systemic treatments are suboptimal. Therefore, locoregional therapy plays a large role in this disease. Locoregional therapies include arterially directed therapies, ablation, and radiation therapy.
TAGA: travel market framework in Agentcities

Travel Agent Game in Agentcities (TAGA) is a framework that extends and enhances the Trading Agent Competition (TAC) system to work in Agentcities, an open multiagent systems environment of FIPA compliant systems. TAGA makes several contributions: auction services are added to enrich the Agentcities environment, the use of the semantic web languages RDF and DAML+OIL improve the interoperability among agents, and the DAML-S ontology is employed to support service registration, discovery and invocation. The FIPA and Agentcities standards for agent communication, infrastructure and services provide an important foundation in building this distributed and open market framework. TAGA is intended as a platform for research in multi-agent systems, the semantic web and/or automated trading in dynamic markets as well as a selfcontained application for teaching and experimentation with these technologies. It is running as a continuous open game at http://taga.umbc.edu/ and source code is available for research and teaching purposes.
Coal Mine Dust Desquamative Chronic Interstitial Pneumonia: A Precursor of Dust-Related Diffuse Fibrosis and of Emphysema.

Background: Diseases associated with coal mine dust continue to affect coal miners. Elucidation of initial pathological changes as a precursor of coal dust-related diffuse fibrosis and emphysema, may have a role in treatment and prevention. Objective: To identify the precursor of dust-related diffuse fibrosis and emphysema. Methods: Birefringent silica/silicate particles were counted by standard microscope under polarized light in the alveolar macrophages and fibrous tissue in 25 consecutive autopsy cases of complicated coal worker's pneumoconiosis and in 21 patients with tobacco-related respiratory bronchiolitis. Results: Coal miners had 331 birefringent particles/high power field while smokers had 4 (p<0.001). Every coal miner had intra-alveolar macrophages with silica/silicate particles and interstitial fibrosis ranging from minimal to extreme. All coal miners, including those who never smoked, had emphysema. Fibrotic septa of centrilobular emphysema contained numerous silica/silicate particles while only a few were present in adjacent normal lung tissue. In coal miners who smoked, tobacco-associated interstitial fibrosis was replaced by fibrosis caused by silica/silicate particles. Conclusion: The presence of silica/silicate particles and anthracotic pigment-laden macrophages inside the alveoli with various degrees of interstitial fibrosis indicated a new disease: coal mine dust desquamative chronic interstitial pneumonia, a precursor of both dust-related diffuse fibrosis and emphysema. In studied coal miners, fibrosis caused by smoking is insignificant in comparison with fibrosis caused by silica/silicate particles. Counting birefringent particles in the macrophages from bronchioalveolar lavage may help detect coal mine dust desquamative chronic interstitial pneumonia, and may initiate early therapy and preventive measures.
American bail and the tinting of criminal justice

This article analyses the history of bail in the United States in an effort to situate this institution within the general narrative of criminal justice transformation during the 19th and 20th Centuries. We identify core characteristics of American bail (commercialisation, risk assessment, and community supervision) that developed relatively early in the institution's history. Although the structure and processes of American bail was reshaped considerably over time, the spread of neoconservative and neoliberal rationalities did not radically transform the core identity of the institution. Instead, these political logics had a ‘tinting effect’ on bail, intensifying and altering that which already existed. As such, we frame the case of bail not as a flip from the ‘old’ to the ‘new’ penology, but rather of the fusing and reshaping as old practices with new goals, justifications, and methods.
Equivalent linear change in cognition between individuals with bipolar disorder and healthy controls over 5 years.

Objectives Cognitive dysfunction is a key feature of bipolar disorder (BD). However, not much is known about its temporal stability, as some studies have demonstrated a neurodegenerative model in BD while others have shown no change in cognitive functioning over time. Building upon our prior work, which examined the natural course of executive functioning, the current study aimed to investigate the natural course of memory, emotion processing, and fine motor dexterity over a 5-year period in BD and healthy control (HC) samples. Methods Using a 5-year longitudinal cohort, 90 individuals with BD and 17 HCs were administered a battery of neuropsychological tests at study baseline and at 1 and 5 years after study entry that captured four areas of cognitive performance: visual memory, auditory memory, emotion processing, and fine motor dexterity. Results Latent growth curve modeling showed no group differences in the slopes of any of the cognitive factors between the BD and HC groups. Age at baseline was negatively associated with visual memory, emotion processing, and fine motor dexterity. Education level was positively associated with auditory and visual memory and fine motor. Female gender was negatively associated with emotion processing. Conclusions Extending our prior work on longitudinal evaluation of executive functioning, individuals with BD show similar linear change in other areas of cognitive functioning including memory, emotion processing, and fine motor dexterity as compared to unaffected HCs. Age, education, and gender may have some differential effects on cognitive changes.
A diethylene glycol condensation particle counter for rapid sizing of sub-3 nm atmospheric clusters

This article describes the modification of a laminar flow, thermally diffusive universal-fluid condensation particle counter (standard operation: 50% detection efficiency at 5 nm) to rapidly measur...
Localization of cells producing erythropoietin in murine liver by in situ hybridization

In situ hybridization using antisense RNA probes was used to localize cells that produce erythropoietin (EPO) in the livers of anemic transgenic mice expressing the human EPO gene and in livers of anemic nontransgenic mice. In transgenic mice bled from a hematocrit of 55% to one of 10%, hepatocytes surrounding central veins synthesized large amounts of human EPO mRNA. EPO-producing cells were very rare in the area of portal triads. In transgenic mice bled to a hematocrit of 20%, a similar number and distribution of cells contained human EPO mRNA as was found with a 10% hematocrit, but the cells were less heavily labeled, indicating increased EPO production per cell at 10% hematocrit as compared with 20% hematocrit. No human EPO mRNA was detected in the kidneys of anemic transgenic mice, although endogenous murine EPO mRNA was strongly expressed in cortical interstitial cells. In sections of livers from nontransgenic mice bled from a hematocrit of 45% to one of 10%, only isolated cells produced EPO. When the types of cells could clearly be identified, approximately 80% of these cells were hepatocytes, while 20% had a nonepithelial morphology and were located in or adjacent to the sinusoidal spaces. When the sense strand was used as the RNA probe for in situ hybridization, no labeled cells were seen in normal or anemic livers. These results demonstrate that hepatocytes are responsible for production of EPO in both transgenic and nontransgenic mice and that a second cell type that is similar in morphology to EPO-producing interstitial cells in the kidney also produces EPO in the livers of nontransgenic mice.
Glaucoma medications, glaucoma therapy, and the evolving paradigm.

Background Therapy for the glaucomas is dynamic, with changes evolving as new medications or modalities are discovered. In comparing the method(s) of treating open-angle glaucoma today, as compared to treatment in the 1980s, clear differences emerge. While topical beta-blockers remain the mainstay for treatment of open-angle glaucoma, other medications and modalities have recently become available that supplement their use. Topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs), introduced in 1995, have become an important addition to the glaucoma armamentarium. They are more useful than their oral counterparts, since they cause fewer systemic side effects, with similar efficacy. Brimonidine, a topical alpha2-adrenergic agonist, and latanoprost, a topical prostaglandin, have become important additions to the glaucoma regimen because of their ability to reduce the intraocular pressure (i.o.p.) with an improved therapeutic index, as compared to older medications. Finally, argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) appears to be a safe technique and useful in reduction of IOP. Conclusion The scheme for how the anti-glaucoma medications and modalities are used for the therapy of open-angle glaucoma will change over time. The evolution will occur as we continue to learn more about the drugs presently being used.
Kinetics of hydrolysis of diazinon and diazoxon

The widespread use of organic insecticides 1 in agricultural pest control has raised considerable concern over their potential contamination of water resources. More recently, however, direct analysis by gas-liquid chromatography indicates that most surface waters and some ground waters contain trace amounts of organic insecticides. Consequently, these raw water supplies may have to be monitored in order to avoid adverse effects from their ultimate domestic use as drinking water. Two general classes of insecticides are in wide use, the organochlorine compounds and the organophosphorus compounds. The former has high residual activity and has been implicated, in many cases, as the etiological agent for fish mortalities and other examples of deterioration of wildlife activity (Rosen and Middleton 1959, Swenson 1962, Nicholson et al. 1964, Weiss and Gakstatter 1965). On the other hand, previous hydrolysis studies suggest that organophosphorus insecticides, under specific environmental conditions, may have low residual life in aqueous solutions.
Too Much Medicine: Behavioral Science Insights on Overutilization, Overdiagnosis, and Overtreatment in Health Care:

Overutilization—defined as the use of health care services for which the benefits do not outweigh the harms—has been identified as one of the leading contributors to the rising cost of health care ...
Enumeration, structural and dimensional synthesis of robotic hands: theory and implementation.

Designing robotic hands for specific tasks could help in the creation of optimized end-effectors for grasping and manipulation. However the systematic design of robotic hands for a simultaneous task of all fingertips presents many challenges. In this work the algorithms and implementation of an overall synthesis process is presented, which could be a first step towards a complete design tool for robotic end-effectors. Type synthesis for a given task and number of fingers, solvability and dimensional synthesis for arbitrary topologies are developed and implemented. The resulting solver is a powerful tool that can aid in the creation of innovative robotic hands with arbitrary number of fingers and palms. Several examples of type synthesis, solvability calculations and dimensional synthesis are presented.
Performance evaluation of single-phase induction motor controlled by variable frequency drive at non-ideal voltage conditions

This paper investigates the effects of low-voltage supply on single-phase irrigation systems by considering the case of Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB). Single-phase induction motors ...
Effect of Short-Term Contact with C1–C4 Monohydric Alcohols on the Water Permeance of MPD-TMC Thin-Film Composite Reverse Osmosis Membranes

In this paper, we discuss the effect of alcohol contact on the transport properties of thin-film composite reverse osmosis membranes. Five commercial membranes were studied to quantify the changes in water permeance and sodium chloride rejection from contact with five C1–C4 monohydric, alcohols. Water permeance generally increased without decreasing rejection after short-term contact. The extent of these changes depends on the membrane and alcohol used. Young′s modulus measurements showed decreased stiffness of the active layer after contacting the membranes with alcohol, suggesting plasticization. Data analysis using a dual-mode sorption model identified positive correlations of the initial water permeance, as well as the change in free energy of mixing between water and the alcohols, with the increase in water permeance after alcohol contact. We suggest that the mixing of water with the alcohols facilitates alcohol penetration into the active layer, likely by disrupting inter-chain hydrogen bonds, thus increasing the free volume for water permeation. Our studies provide a modeling framework to estimate the changes in transport properties after short-term contact with C1–C4 alcohols.
Utilisation of social determinants of health to improve education among youth in Dominican baseball academies

Traditional youth baseball academies in the Dominican Republic, along with the potential of a major league baseball contract, are viewed by many parents as the best option to pull a child and family out of poverty. These academies advance the child's athletic abilities yet fail to provide formal education. Unfortunately, 97% of athletes leave the academy without a contract and are left with little education, job skills, or stable job prospects which ultimately returns them to the life of poverty they had hoped to escape through baseball. A faith-based organisation in Santiago, Dominican Republic, offers a high-level baseball academy inclusive of supportive academics. The purpose of this research project was to describe the perspectives of stakeholders involved with the faith-based missional organisation to discern the components and effectiveness of the efforts to support student growth in and beyond athletic abilities. Utilising a community-based research approach with a social determinants of health theoretical framework, researchers held in-country focus group discussions (Spring, 2019) with the organisation's stakeholders (coaches, parents, community leaders, N = 33). Researchers collaboratively coded data, triangulating within and across sources, to identify themes. Qualitative data suggest stakeholders within this organisation perceive the academy as instrumental in keeping kids off the streets, encouraging self-discipline in sports, church and school. The stakeholders perceived the inclusion of academic expectations into the sports academies improved long-term educational and economic success for the athletes. Inclusion of academic requirements within sports academies may improve long-term outcomes of youth in the Dominican Republic.
‘Forward Petitions to NEWA for Whatever Guidance and Assistance, if any’: Post-War Demobilisation Conundrum in Nigeria, 1946–1951:

In this article, the Nigerian Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare Association is critically examined as an institutional mechanism Britain deployed to gauge and regulate the reintegration of Nigerian ex-servic...
Franchise Affiliation and Brokerage Firm Selection: A Perceptual Investigation

This study uses direct consumer perceptual information to investigate the broker selection process and the role that national franchise affiliation plays in this process. Multidimensional scaling is used to generate the housing consumers' perceptual space that represents their firm ranking process.The two major dimensions of this perceptual space are labeled the high touch and high tech dimensions based on a factor analysis of brokerage firm selection criteria. Of these, the latter is directly related to preference, although the former is generally rated as slightly more important by consumers. Even though the specific criterion “affiliation with a nationally known firm” is not rated as highly important, four of the five top ranked brokerage firms are franchise affiliates.
Strategies for Orbital Expansion

In comparison to their adult counterparts, congenital and early acquired pediatric anophthalmia require distinctive management strategies, as orbital volume plays a substantial role in the development of the bony socket and surrounding facial structures. Strategies for soft tissue and orbital expansion typically proceed in two stages. The first aim is to promote periocular soft tissue development of the eyelids and fornices via staged or progressive tissue expansion with acrylic or hydrogel conformers. The second aim is to promote bony orbital and midfacial growth with serial implant exchange, tissue expansion with saline or hydrogel implants, or dermis fat grafting. Given the high incidence of concomitant ocular and systemic developmental disorders, careful multidisciplinary evaluation management is also paramount.
Modular footwear that partially offsets downhill or uphill grades minimizes the metabolic cost of human walking.

Walking on different grades becomes challenging on energetic and muscular levels compared to level walking. While it is not possible to eliminate the cost of raising or lowering the centre of mass ...
Magic‐Angle‐Pulse Driven Separation of Degenerate 1 H Transitions in Methyl Groups of Proteins: Application to Studies of Methyl Axis Dynamics

Dynamics of protein side chains is one of the principal determinants of conformational entropy in protein structures and molecular recognition events. We describe NMR experiments that rely on the use of magic-angle pulses for efficient isolation of degenerate 1 H transitions of the I=3/2 manifold of 13 CH3 methyl groups, and serve as 'building blocks' for the measurement of transverse spin relaxation rates of the fast- and slow-relaxing 1 H transitions - the primary quantitative reporters of methyl axis dynamics in selectively {13 CH3 }-methyl-labelled, highly deuterated proteins. The magic-angle-pulse driven experiments are technically simpler and, in the absence of relaxation, predicted to be 2.3-fold more sensitive than previously developed analogous schemes. Validation of the methodology on a sample of {13 CH3 }-labeled ubiquitin demonstrates quantitative agreement between order parameters of methyl three-fold symmetry axis obtained with magic-angle-pulse driven experiments and other established NMR techniques, paving the way for studies of methyl axis dynamics in human DNAJB6b chaperone, a protein that undergoes exchange with high-molecular-weight oligomeric species.
Exploring Implementor Error during Remotely Conducted School-Based Functional Analysis Telehealth Training Package.

In schools, special education teachers and paraprofessionals are expected to support the completion of functional behavior assessment procedures in the development of a behavior support plan. Often...
Outpatient Sistrunk procedure: A retrospective analysis.

Abstract Objective The risk of expansile hematoma and airway compromise following neck surgery have been used to validate overnight observation. We investigated the outcomes of pediatric patients undergoing a Sistrunk procedure via either same day surgery or overnight observation. Methods A retrospective review of patients undergoing Sistrunk procedures between January 1, 2008 to January 1, 2019 was performed. 76 cases were identified for review. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed to determine predictive factors for overnight admission as well as associations between overnight observation and adverse outcomes (hematoma, seroma, airway compromise, infection). Factors evaluated for analysis included ASA class, surgeon type, history of pre-operative infection, recurrent case, operation >90 min, pharyngeal violation, intraoperative cyst rupture, cyst size, and drain placement. Results No patients had life-threatening adverse events. There was no difference in complication rates between same day discharge (17%) and overnight observation (23%, p = 0.47). Otolaryngologists were more likely to admit patients overnight (88% vs. 14%, p = 0.042) as well as place a drain (97% vs. 24%, p Conclusion Same day Sistrunk operations are safe in select healthy patients. Overnight observation appears to be driven by drain placement and surgeon practice patterns.
Virtual reality is so cool! How technology innovativeness shapes consumer responses to service preview modes

Abstract Today’s hospitality brands often gain a competitive advantage through being cool and employing cutting edge technologies. Virtual Reality (VR) is one of the most novel tools to advertise brands, introduce new products/services, and draw customers. Despite the marketing potential of VR, there is scant research revealing the psychological processes associated with the use of VR as a cool technology. To bridge the gap in the current literature, this research examines how consumers with different degrees of technology innovativeness respond to marketing of hospitality brands through three main service preview modes: VR, static images, and 360° tour. The findings from a lab experiment show that as consumers’ technology innovativeness increases, VR boosts self-brand connection that consequently elevates their visit intentions toward the hotel brand. The findings from this study would help hospitality marketers better target their efforts at a specific consumer segment.
Selective Sulfidation and Electrowinning of Nickel and Cobalt for Lithium Ion Battery Recycling

Processes for recycling lithium ion batteries (LIB), in particular complex chemistries such as those containing nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide (NMC) cathodes are hindered by tradeoffs between capital cost, process sustainability, and materials recovery. Most metal separations in primary and secondary production of critical elements rely on anion exchange chemistries. Herein, we explore the application of a novel oxide-sulfide anion exchange methodology to facilitate LIB recycling. Beginning with selective sulfidation of NMC cathode oxides, we demonstrate that lithium may be stabilized as a sulfate, manganese as an oxysulfide, and nickel and cobalt as sulfides from the mixed metal feed, potentially facilitating isolation of lithium via leaching and nickel-cobalt via flotation. Following, we explore molten sulfide electrolysis as a method of process intensification, combining separation and reduction into a single unit operation for difficult to separate metals such as cobalt and nickel. We demonstrate selective reduction of cobalt from mixed nickel-cobalt sulfide, as produced in selective sulfidation of waste NMC cathodes, using a barium-lanthanum sulfide supporting electrolyte. Our preliminary results suggest that selective sulfidation as a pretreatment for selective molten sulfide electrolysis is a promising avenue for separation of critical elements from complicated materials feeds, such as those found in lithium ion battery recycling streams.
Cellular functions of actin- and microtubule-associated septins.

Summary Septins are an integral component of the cytoskeleton, assembling into higher-order oligomers and filamentous polymers that associate with actin filaments, microtubules and membranes. Here, we review septin interactions with actin and microtubules, and septin-mediated regulation of the organization and dynamics of these cytoskeletal networks, which is critical for cellular morphogenesis. We discuss how actomyosin-associated septins function in cytokinesis, cell migration and host defense against pathogens. We highlight newly emerged roles of septins at the interface of microtubules and membranes with molecular motors, which point to a ‘septin code’ for the regulation of membrane traffic. Additionally, we revisit the functions of microtubule-associated septins in mitosis and meiosis. In sum, septins comprise a unique module of cytoskeletal regulators that are spatially and functionally specialized and have properties of bona fide actin-binding and microtubule-associated proteins. With many questions still outstanding, the study of septins will continue to provide new insights into fundamental problems of cytoskeletal organization and function.
Ruminski, Jarret, The Limits of Loyalty: Ordinary People in Civil War Mississippi: Jackson: University of Mississippi Press, 306 pp., $30.00, ISBN 9781496830791, Publication Date: October 2020

The University of Mississippi has published a handsome new paperback edition of Jarret Ruminski’s 2017 examination of loyalty during the American Civil War. Ruminski received his PhD from the Unive...
Surgical Outcomes after Bucket Handle Meniscus Repairs: analysis of a large contained cohort study:

Objectives:Comprising approximately 10% of all mensiscus tears, bucket-handle meniscus tears are large longitudinal vertical meniscus tears that have an attached fragment flipped into the intercond...
Introduction of a Hierarchy of Out-Group Derogation

The current study introduces a hierarchy and spectrum of group member behavior and out-group derogation. Specifically, perceptions and likely behaviors among fans of: sport, politics, online electronic gaming, electronic platform gaming, science fiction, mobile phones, Disney theme parks, comics, and straight-to-consumer streaming entertainment platforms are compared to examine how various settings influence negativity toward relevant out-groups. To accomplish this, the Group Behavior Composite (GBC) is introduced, made up of the four facets of the Rivalry Perception Scale (RPS) and the Glory Out of Reflected Failure (GORFing) scale, to introduce a hierarchy of rival negativity and group member behavior. Discussion focuses on theoretical and practical implications of the GBC and hierarchy, while also calling for future areas of research.
Emerging directions of cognitive aging with HIV: practice and policy implications for social work.

Cognitive impairments have been endemic to the HIV epidemic since its beginning and persist to this day. These impairments are attributed to HIV-induced neuroinflammation, the long-term effects of combination antiretroviral therapy, lifestyle factors (e.g., sedentary behavior, substance use), neuro-comorbidities (e.g., depression), age-associated comorbidities (e.g., heart disease, hypertension), and others causes. Normal aging and lifestyle also contribute to the development of cognitive impairment. Regardless of the etiology, such cognitive impairments interfere with HIV care (e.g., medication adherence) and everyday functioning (e.g., driving safely, financial management). With more than half of people with HIV (PWH) 50 years and older, and ~45% of all PWH meeting the criteria for HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND), those aging PWH are more vulnerable for developing cognitive impairment. This article provides an update to a social work model to identify and monitor PWH for cognitive impairment. Within this update, the state of the science on protecting brain health and cognitive reserve within the context of neuroHIV is also presented. From this, implications for practice and policy to promote successful cognitive functioning in older PWH are provided.
Is semantic processing impaired near the hands

Abstract In a sentence decision task, Davoli et al. (2010) found that the semantic analysis of sentences differed depending on whether the participants' hands were close to or far from the computer screen. According to the authors, the findings reflected an impoverishment of semantic processing near the hands. In the current study, we examine this explanation by asking whether hand position affects 1) other aspects of sentence processing, such as syntactic analysis, 2) semantic processing at the individual word level, and 3) performance in a picture naming task that requires access to meaning. In Experiment 1, participants judged the acceptability of sentences, half of which included semantic or syntactic violations. In Experiment 2, only semantically acceptable or nonacceptable sentences were presented. In Experiment 3, participants performed a go/nogo semantic categorization task on individual words. In Experiment 4, participants performed a picture naming task. Participants performed these tasks both with their hands near to and far from the computer screen. Regardless of the task, we found no evidence of impoverished semantic processing near the hands.
Acute Neurologic Injury in the ICU: Role of Transcranial Doppler in Disorders of the Vertebrobasilar Circulation

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound of the vertebrobasilar system offers a practical, non-invasive evaluation of the posterior circulation and may be helpful in the identification of cerebral vasospasm, intracranial vascular stenotic disease, and microembolus signal detection. Hemodynamics of the posterior circulation can be assessed using ultrasound in stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) and basilar artery flow characteristics are part of the complete TCD assessment for brain death. Cerebral autoregulation and vascular reactivity can offer insight into brain health in the posterior circulation, particularly in TBI. While anatomic limitations exist, size, patency, direction, and velocity of flow as well as microembolus detection are all feasible in the vertebrobasilar circulation using ultrasound.
Isoprenoids modulate the expression of the amyloid precursor protein adaptor protein Fe65 in the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 4352 Neuroblastoma is a relatively rare cancer that develops from the sympathetic system neuronal precursors. Solid tumors typically form in the abdomen and are most common in children. These tumors are often present at birth but are not diagnosed until symptoms occur months or years later therefore, at diagnosis the neuroblastoma has usually metastasized and prognosis declines. The undifferentiated human neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y, was used to investigate the changes in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) adaptor proteins, Fe65 and Mint1/X11α, in response to isoprenoids. Fe65 and Mint1/X11α are associated with APP, a protein at the forefront of Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis of yet unknown physiological function. Fe65 binds to the APP intracellular domain and the LDL-receptor-related protein (LRP) which leads to alterations in transcription and intracellular signaling. Mint1/X11α is responsible for synaptic vesicle exocytosis when bound to Munc-18 and can inhibit the γ-secretase which cleaves APP. These adaptor proteins may act as molecular switches altering APP cleavage and subsequent signaling pathways. The regulation of the isoprenoid/cholesterol pathway is of interest in cell survival studies because isoprenoids are required by many proteins for insertion into the membrane for proper function. In our studies, the cholesterol and isoprenoid pathways were manipulated to determine the changes in Fe65 and Mint1 expression. We used complete (FBS) and lipoprotein-deficient serum (LDFBS) with simvastatin (SV), mevalonate or methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MBCD), to assess distinct effects of isoprenoids and cholesterol. The statin drugs have been shown to inhibit proliferation and to induce apoptosis in a variety of tumor cells, including neuroblastoma. Fe65 was increased in a normal cholesterol (FBS) and normal isoprenoid (mevalonate rescued) environment in an SV dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, the cells in low cholesterol (LDFBS) had an inverse response to SV. This decrease was enhanced by the addition of mevalonate suggesting isoprenoids may regulate Fe65 in cultured SH-SY5Y. Mint1 did not respond to the changes in cholesterol/isoprenoids to the extent of Fe65. Current experiments will further define the role of the isoprenoids and cholesterol in the regulation of Fe65 and other APP adaptor proteins.
16 – Audio Coding

Publisher Summary The insight of researchers in audio coding is the understanding that limitations can be useful in selecting information that needs to be encoded and information that can be discarded. The limitations of human perception are incorporated into the compression process through the use of psychoacoustic models. This chapter describes the auditory model used by the most popular audio compression approaches. The chapter also discusses moving picture experts group (MPEG) audio coding. There are three separate, stand-alone audio compression strategies that are used in MPEG-1 and MPEG-2: Layer I, Layer II, and Layer III. The Layer III audio compression algorithm is also referred to as “mp3.” Most standards have normative sections and informative sections. The normative actions are those that are required for compliance to the standard. Most current standards, including the MPEG standards, define the bitstream that are presented to the decoder, leaving the design of the encoder to individual vendors. That is, the bitstream definition is normative, while most guidance about encoding is informative. Thus, two MPEG-compliant bitstreams that encode the same audio material at the same rate but on different encoders may sound very different. On the other hand, a given MPEG bitstream decoded on different decoders result in essentially the same output.
Software Implementation of the IEEE 754R Decimal Floating-Point Arithmetic

The IEEE Standard 754-1985 for Binary Floating-Point Arithmetic [1] is being revised [2], and an important addition to the current text is the definition of decimal floating-point arithmetic [3]. This is aimed mainly to provide a robust, reliable framework for financial applications that are often subject to legal requirements concerning rounding and precision of the results in the areas of banking, telephone billing, tax calculation, currency conversion, insurance, or accounting in general. Using binary floating-point calculations to approximate decimal calculations has led in the past to the existence of numerous proprietary software packages, each with its own characteristics and capabilities. New algorithms are presented in this paper which were used for a generic implementation in software of the IEEE 754R decimal floating-point arithmetic, but may also be suitable for a hardware implementation. In the absence of hardware to perform IEEE 754R decimal floating-point operations, this new software package that will be fully compliant with the standard proposal should be an attractive option for various financial computations. The library presented in this paper uses the binary encoding method from [2] for decimal floating-point values. Preliminary performance results show one to two orders of magnitude improvement over a software package currently incorporated in GCC, which operates on values encoded using the decimal method from [2].
Distributed Multimedia Systems

The sections in this article are 1 Overview of Magnetic Disks 2 Continuous Display 3 Stream Scheduling and Synchronization 4 Optimization Techniques 5 Case Study 6 Acknowledgments
Lipid bilayer ultrastructure. Electron density profiles and chain tilt angles as determined by X-ray diffraction.

High resolution (6A) electron density profiles have been computed on an absolute electron density scale for bilayers composed of both saturated fatty acids and fatty acids associated with the alkaline earth series of divalent cations. Lowangle X-ray diffraction data have been interpreted by an isomorphous replacement technique. The position on the X-ray film of discrete wide-angle reflections has provided direct information on the hydrocarbon chain packing and chain tilt in these bilayers. These results have been correlated to an electron microscopy study of the same bilayers (Waldbilling, R. C., Robertson, J.D. and McIntosh, T. J. (1976) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 448, 1-14) and also to X-ray diffraction studies of fatty acid crystals. A method for forming and structurally analyzing bilayers of well defined chemical asymmetry is also described.
How to Create a Spin Current

Conventional electronics devices use the electron charge to carry information. In contrast, the emerging field of spintronics relies on the electron spin. Advanced spintronics devices will require the generation and manipulation of a spin current, but present methods for achieving such a current are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring the use of external magnetic fields and ferromagnets. In his Perspective, Sharma reviews a method for generating spin currents that can overcome these obstacles. This method of pumping spins involves electrically modulating the path of electrons in semiconductor materials. It allows for the manipulation of both the direction of the current and the direction of its spin polarization.
Defined Value Clauses and Fair Market Value

In Hendrix the Tax Court considered the issues of whether defined value clauses were the result of arm’s-length transactions and whether they were void as against public policy. The underlying dispute was whether the taxpayers’ transfers of the John H. Hendrix Co. stock were valued at fair market value. With a decision favoring the taxpayers, the defined value clauses in both McCord and Hendrix impede the accurate valuation of taxable gifts to family members and of deductible charitable gifts.
Infima of Families of Superharmonic Functions

If Г is a class of extended real-valued functions on a set D, a function υ on D will be called a majorant [minorant] of Г if \( \upsilon u\left[ {\upsilon u} \right] \) for every u in Г. If D is an open subset of ℝ N , the least superharmonic majorant [greatest subharmonic minorant] of Г, if such a function exists, will be denoted by LM D Г [GM D Г], or by LM D u [GM D u] if Г = {u} is a singleton.
Who Divorced Whom?: Methodological and Theoretical Issues

An issue of frequent concern to researchers studying the antecedents and consequences of divorce is which spouse decides to terminate the marriage, i.e., who divorced ("dumped") whom. However, researchers have not agreed on how to best operationalize the dumper-dumpee variable. The present study explored the issue with a sample of 378 families. Several alternative operational definitions of the dumper-dumpee variable were examined, including who filed the legal papers initiating the divorce and responses to the question "Which one of you was the first to want out of the marriage, you or ex?" (asked of both husband and wife at three Waves). Results showed that in each family the designation into dumper vs. dwnpee could well have been quite different, depending upon how the variable was assessed, when it was asked, and of whom it was asked. At the same time, the overall proportions did not change markedly: with all measures, the wife would be designated the dumper in about 2/3 of the families. This result i...
p53 mutations do not predict response to paclitaxel in metastatic nonsmall cell lung carcinoma.

BACKGROUND In vitro data and animal studies suggest that paclitaxel may have a unique ability to activate tumor cell apoptosis in the absence of wild-type p53 function. The authors previously demonstrated that response to paclitaxel and concurrent radiation was not affected by p53 mutations in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). We sought to determine whether p53 mutations affect response to paclitaxel alone in patients with metastatic NSCLC. METHODS Twenty-five patients with metastatic NSCLC who participated in Brown University Oncology Group protocols utilizing single-agent weekly paclitaxel had tumor tissue that was adequate for p53 analysis. Tumor tissue was evaluated for p53 gene mutations in exons 5 through 8 by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis. Mutations were confirmed by direct sequencing of altered mobility polymerase chain reaction products. RESULTS Mutations in p53 were found in 8 of 25 patients (32%). The response rates of 75% for patients with tumors with p53 mutations and 47% for patients with wild-type p53 do not differ significantly (P = 0.12). The 1-year survival rates for patients with and without p53 mutation after treatment with weekly paclitaxel were 63% (95% confidence interval [CI], 31–100%) and 53% (95% CI, 33–86%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS p53 mutations do not adversely affect response to paclitaxel as a single agent in metastatic NSCLC. These results provide clinical support for in vitro observations that paclitaxel can bypass mutant p53 and lead to tumor cell death by alternate pathway(s). Paclitaxel should be considered as a component of treatment for patients with metastatic NSCLC with tumors that have p53 mutations. Cancer 2000;89:769–73. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
Accelerating the educational progress of intellectually gifted youths.

Abstract Aptitude and achievement tests designed for much older students are invaluable for finding extremely high ability at younger ages. Results of the first two years of the Study of Mathematically and Scientifically Precocious Youth are examined to show that considerable educational acceleration is not only feasible but also desirable for those young people who are eager to move ahead. Skipping school grades, taking college courses part‐time, studying in special courses, and entering college early are inexpensive and supplemental to regular school practices. We do not advocate the usual in‐grade, non‐accelerative “enrichment”; procedures often recommended for intellectually gifted children. An heuristic overview is presented of the main assumptions and findings of the Study thus far.
An upstream, DNase I hypersensitive region of the hematopoietic-expressed transcription factor GATA-1 gene confers developmental specificity in transgenic mice

The transcription factor GATA-1, which is expressed in several hematopoietic lineages and multipotential progenitors, is required for the development of red blood cells and platelets. To identify control elements of the mouse GATA-1 gene, we analyzed DNase I hypersensitivity of the locus in erythroid chromatin and the expression of GATA-1/Escherichia coli β-galactosidase (lacZ) transgenes in mice. Transgenes with 2.7 kb of promoter sequences are expressed infrequently and only within adult (definitive) erythroid cells. We show that inclusion of an upstream hypersensitive site (HS I) markedly enhances the frequency of expressing transgenic lines and activates expression in primitive erythroid cells. This pattern recapitulates the proper pattern of GATA-1 expression during development. By breeding a GATA-1/lacZ transgene into a GATA-1− background, we also have shown that the activation or maintenance of GATA-1 expression does not require the presence of GATA-1 itself, thereby excluding simple models of positive autoregulation. The transgene cassette reported here should be useful in directing expression of foreign sequences at the onset of hematopoiesis in the embryo and may assist in the identification of upstream regulators of the GATA-1 gene.
Zoning: Deliberative Democracy at Zero Prices

of political theory turns on setting the right interaction of market and political institutions.1 Markets rest upon the twin institutions of private property and freedom of contract. The former allows all individuals the exclusive possession, use, and disposition of particular resources, such as land or chattels; the latter structures the transfer of human and tangible resources by hire, sale, lease, or partnership. Property rights both separate neighbors and allow individuals to plan over time. Contract permits them to coordinate their activities for mutual gain. It is this one-two punch that facilitates the economic growth that satis1⁄2es human wants. If that were all there was to it, then political theory would be easy because government would be irrelevant. Market systems, however, do not rest on thin air. They depend critically upon the use of state monopoly power, 1⁄2rst to protect the holders of property from depredations of strangers, and next to enforce the contracts that facilitate the transfer and recombination of human and physical assets. Try as one might, it is hard–make that impossible–to think of any just and reliable system for supplying that infrastructure that does not rely upon the sound operation of democratic politics, with its own distinctive deliberative and voting procedures. And that is where the dif1⁄2culties begin. The simmering tension between market and political institutions arises in a multitude of contexts. But it becomes perhaps most vivid in connection with the steamy local controversies over the mundane matters of the ownership and use of land: what should be done if some political majority votes to take the home or business of one person for some