cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applications of Information Theory in Solar and Space Physics

Characterizing and modeling processes at the sun and space plasma in our solar system are difficult because the underlying physics is often complex, nonlinear, and not well understood. The drivers of a system are often nonlinearly correlated with one another, which makes it a challenge to understand the relative effects caused by each driver. However, entropy-based information theory can be a valuable tool that can be used to determine the information flow among various parameters, causalities, untangle the drivers, and provide observational constraints that can help guide the development of the theories and physics-based models. We review two examples of the applications of the information theoretic tools at the Sun and near-Earth space environment. In the first example, the solar wind drivers of radiation belt electrons are investigated using mutual information (MI), conditional mutual information (CMI), and transfer entropy (TE). As previously reported, radiation belt electron flux (Je) is anticorrelated with solar wind density (nsw) with a lag of 1 day. However, this lag time and anticorrelation can be attributed mainly to the Je(t + 2 days) correlation with solar wind velocity (Vsw)(t) and nsw(t + 1 day) anticorrelation with Vsw(t). Analyses of solar wind driving of the magnetosphere need to consider the large lag times, up to 3 days, in the (Vsw, nsw) anticorrelation. Using CMI to remove the effects of Vsw, the response of Je to nsw is 30% smaller and has a lag time <24 h, suggesting that the loss mechanism due to nsw or solar wind dynamic pressure has to start operating in <24 h. Nonstationarity in the system dynamics is investigated using windowed TE. The triangle distribution in Je(t + 2 days) vs. Vsw(t) can be better understood with TE. In the second example, the previously identified causal parameters of the solar cycle in the Babcock-Leighton type model such as the solar polar field, meridional flow, polar faculae (proxy for polar field), and flux emergence are investigated using TE. The transfer of information from the polar field to the sunspot number (SSN) peaks at lag times of 3-4 years. Both the flux emergence and the meridional flow contribute to the polar field, but at different time scales. The polar fields from at least the last 3 cycles contain information about SSN.
Mechanical Properties of Printed Epoxy-Carbon Fiber Composites

Despite the promise of additive manufacturing (AM) to bring unprecedented agility and design freedom to manufactured components, structural applications remain largely out of reach due to material restrictions – notably the lack of a mature AM process for reinforced thermoset composites. AM is also hindered by process-induced defects such as porosity and unfavorable microstructure. This research shows that a direct write AM process for epoxy / chopped carbon fiber composites can simultaneously achieve a high degree of fiber alignment and low degree of porosity, obtaining 90% of the theoretical tensile modulus and 66% of the theoretical tensile strength for a fully aligned composite. These values exceed those of compression molded properties for the same material. Transverse properties of AM samples were roughly half of the longitudinal properties but showed no statistically significant difference from the matrix material, suggesting that the process may not adversely affect microstructure. The addition of only 5.5 vol% carbon fiber more than doubled the strength and stiffness of the neat epoxy, and more than tripled the properties of ABS thermoplastic while achieving a higher glass transition temperature. Flexural properties show similar trends. SEM and CT imaging shows that fiber orientation is largely maintained in the print direction and cross-section micrographs show there is sufficient local material flow during deposition to achieve low porosity.
Assessing the Effect of Sensor Limitations in Enhanced Flight Vision Systems on Pilot Performance

Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS) enables approaches to altitudes closer to the runway that would otherwise be precluded due to low visibility ceilings. EFVS in flight cockpits has the potential to augment the safety in flight operations and enable improved crew performance during approach and landing phases of flight irrespective of the visibility conditions. EFVS utilizes imaging sensors capable of penetrating through obscuring weather conditions, thereby providing forward vision of the runway environment in real-time for display on a heads-up display (HUD). As EFVS potentially moves into use in general aviation operations, it is necessary to evaluate the associated human performance implications, especially during off-nominal conditions as most of the previous studies were primarily limited to nominal cases. The study of off-nominal cases was limited to only HUD failures. The objective of this paper is to present a detailed experimental plan, with preliminary results, to evaluate the human factors implications in using the EFVS under off-nominal conditions. A human-in-the-loop experiment will be conducted in a fixed-base simulator modeled with EFVS. Evaluation pilots will fly six different experimental trials with two visibility levels and three levels of information quality: No-EFVS, EFVS with correct information, and EFVS with degraded information. Measures of performance include approach and landing performance, visual performance, workload, and decision-making.
Cancer biomarker candidate identification using novel, quantitative multiplex gene expression profiling

1654 The expression patterns of genes involved in cancer can be used to differentiate between normal and malignant tissues. Expression profiles from small gene sets can be highly effective in the detection and prognosis of cancers. Such small gene sets allow for higher throughput, reduced cost per sample and more practical implementation in a routine testing environment. Two novel multiplex gene expression assays were developed to identify potential cancer biomarkers. The multiplexes contain primers for 37 genes that are associated with tumor progression including cell cycle, differentiation, apoptosis, DNA repair, angiogenesis and modulation of extracellular matrix. Primers for three reference genes plus an internal control gene were also included. RNA samples included in this study were derived from normal breast tissue, invasive ductal carcinoma tumor and tumor cell lines. The RNA samples were analyzed using the multiplex assays and the reaction products were separated by capillary electrophoresis. Both assays demonstrate superb linearity for relative quantitation. The gene-expression-profile results display the capability of these multiplex assays to differentiate normal from tumor samples. A subset of the genes, including KNTC2, PRC1, Col4A2 and RAB6B were identified as potential biomarkers of ductal carcinoma tumors. Multiplex gene expression profiling is a powerful new tool that can be used for disease research, pathway study, microarray data validation and biomarker evaluation.
In Search of the Ideal Transplantation Candidate.

Berry, Daniels, and Ladin effectively convey that withholding or granting organ transplantation contingent upon a patient’s social support is, at best, in need of substantiating research and unjust...
Couple observational coding systems

Contents: Preface. Part I: Conceptual and Methodological Issues. D.H. Baucom, P.K. Kerig, Coding Couples' Interactions: Introduction and Overview. R.L. Weiss, R.E. Heyman, Couples Observational Research: An Impertinent, Critical Overview. F.J. Floyd, C.H. Rogers, Methodological Guidelines for Conducting Observations of Couples. S.L. Sayers, K. McGrath, Data Analytic Strategies for Couple Observational Coding Systems. Part II: Problem-Solving and Communication. R.E. Heyman, Rapid Marital Interaction Coding System (RMICS). W.A. Griffin, S.M. Greene, A. Decker-Haas, The MICSEASE: An Observational Coding System for Capturing Social Processes. G.H. Kline, D. Julien, B. Baucom, S. Hartman, K. Gilbert, T. Gonzalez, H.J. Markman, The Interactional Dimensions Coding System (ICDS): A Global System for Couple Interactions. K. Hahlweg, Kategoriensystem fur Partnerschaftliche Interaktion (KPI): Interactional Coding System (ICS). F.J. Floyd, Communication Skills Test (CST) Observational System for Couples' Problem-Solving Skills. M. Sevier, L.E. Simpson, A. Christensen, Observational Coding of Demand-Withdraw Interactions in Couples. N.M. Malik, K.M. Lindahl, System for Coding Interactions in Dyads. Part III: Affect and Intimacy. A.F. Shapiro, J.M. Gottman, The Specific Affect Coding System. J.L. Driver, J.M. Gottman, Turning Toward Versus Turning Away: A Coding System of Daily Interactions. A.A. Tabares, J.L. Driver, J.M. Gottman, Repair Attempts Observational Coding System: Measuring De-Escalation of Negative Affect During Marital Conflict. M. Dorian, J.V. Cordova, Coding Intimacy in Couples' Interactions. M.S. Schulz, R.J. Waldinger, Looking in the Mirror: Participant Observation of Affect Using Video Recall in Couple Interactions. Part IV: Information Processing. D. Vivian, J. Langhinrichsen-Rohling, R.E. Heyaman, The Thematic Coding of Dyadic Interactions: Observing the Context of Couple Conflict. L.J. Sullivan, D.H. Baucom, The Relationship Schema Coding System: Coding the Behavioral Manifestations of Relationship Thinking. Part V: Social Support. J.A. Suhr, C.E. Cutrona, K.K. Krebs, S.L. Jensen, The Social Support Behavior Code. L.A. Pasch, K.W. Harris, K.T. Sullivan, T.N. Bradbury, The Social Support Interaction Coding System.
Recipient Factors Associated With Graft Detachment of a Subsequent Eye in Sequential Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty.

Purpose To evaluate the recipient factors associated with graft detachment in the subsequent eye of patients who underwent sequential Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). Methods A retrospective, consecutive case series with 158 eyes of 79 patients who underwent DMEK surgeries in both eyes between October 2013 and April 2019 for treatment of Fuchs endothelial dystrophy. The main outcome measure was the presence of graft detachment (any amount of detachment) at postoperative 1 week in the subsequent eye. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors were evaluated for association with graft detachment. Results Of 79 patients (158 eyes) with a mean follow-up of 11.7 ± 8.4 months, 18 patients (36 eyes) developed graft detachment in both eyes 1 week postoperatively. The risk of detachment in the subsequent eye was increased when the first eye had any amount of detachment [odds ratio = 2.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1-7.3; P = 0.037]. When the first eye had a clinically significant detachment (>30% detached), the risk of detachment occurring in the subsequent eye was greater (odds ratio = 15.7; 95% CI = 1.8-134.5; P = 0.012). This risk of graft detachment in the subsequent eye increased 33% for every 5% increase in the detachment percentage in the first eye (odds ratio = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.1-1.6; P = 0.008). Conclusions The presence of graft detachment after DMEK increases the risk of graft detachment in subsequent DMEK in the contralateral eye. Modification in perioperative care and surgical technique in the contralateral eye, such as a larger gas bubble, use of SF6 20%, and combining cataract surgery, may be needed when graft detachment occurs after DMEK in the first eye.
A Rule-Based Damping Control of MMR-Based Energy-Harvesting Vehicle Suspension.

Traditional shock absorbers dissipate large amount of vibration energy into heat waste via viscous oil dampers. To harvest such energy and improve the vehicle suspension performance, a novel energy-harvesting shock absorber that uses a mechanical motion rectifier (MMR) is introduced with a rule-based controller to improve vehicle ride comfort as well as harvested energy under the random road excitations with different roughness classes. The ride comfort performance of the controlled MMR shock absorber with rule-based strategy is compared with the passive shock absorber, the controlled traditional shock absorber with skyhook strategy, and the controlled MMR shock absorber with SH-PDD (skyhook-power driven damper) strategy. The rule-based MMR shock absorber shows the best ride comfort performance.
Caught by Connections: The Mediating Roles of Social and Community Support after Interpersonal Violence

The purpose of the present study was to examine the potential mediating roles of different sources of social support and sense of community on the relationship between interpersonal violence and mental health outcomes, negative posttraumatic cognitions, and posttraumatic growth. Participants (n = 459) completed an online survey. Interpersonal violence had a significant, direct effect on all posttraumatic outcomes. Support from significant others mediated the relationship between interpersonal violence and posttraumatic stress. Both support from family and a negative sense of community mediated the relationship between interpersonal violence and posttraumatic cognitions, while social support from friends and family and a positive sense of community mediated the relationship between interpersonal violence and posttraumatic growth. The results suggest that posttraumatic distress and growth may be impacted by different connection sources.
Liposomal Bupivacaine Versus Bupivacaine Hydrochloride for Intercostal Nerve Blockade in Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery.

Objectives The objective of this study was to compare the effects of liposomal bupivacaine (Lipo-B) and bupivacaine hydrochloride (B-HCl), in the presence of multimodal analgesia, on postoperative analgesia and opioid consumption in minimally invasive thoracic surgery (MITS) lobectomy. Design Retrospective observational cohort study. Setting Tertiary care cancer center. Participants A total of 60 patients who underwent MITS lobectomy and received intercostal nerve blockade (ICNB) with either 0.66% Lipo-B (n = 29) or 0.5% B-HCl (n = 31). Interventions All patients received intravenous patient-controlled analgesia for the first 12 hours postoperatively, followed by opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as needed. Measurements and Main Results Perioperative opioid and nonopioid consumption and pain scores were compared between groups at 12-hour intervals for the first 72 hours. Between the two groups, there were no statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics, intraoperative (p = 0.46) and postoperative opioid consumption, Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale scores and pain scores upon postanesthesia care unit arrival and after four hours, length of postanesthesia care unit stay (p = 0.84), or length of hospital stay (p = 0.55). Both groups received intra- and postoperative multimodal analgesia. Conclusions In this cohort, no differences in opioid consumption or pain scores were observed in the immediate postoperative period following MITS lobectomy between patients given ICNB with Lipo-B and those given ICNB with B-HCl in the presence of multimodal analgesia.
A non-unitary metasurface enables continuous control of quantum photon–photon interactions from bosonic to fermionic

Photonic quantum information processing, one of the leading platforms for quantum technologies1–5, critically relies on optical quantum interference to produce an indispensable effective photon–photon interaction. However, such an effective interaction is fundamentally limited to bunching6 due to the bosonic nature of photons7 and the restricted phase response from conventional unitary optical elements8,9. Here we propose and experimentally demonstrate a new degree of freedom in the optical quantum interference enabled by a non-unitary metasurface. Due to the unique anisotropic phase response that creates two extreme eigen-operations, we show dynamical and continuous control over the effective interaction of two single photons such that they show bosonic bunching, fermionic antibunching or arbitrarily intermediate behaviour, beyond their intrinsic bosonic nature. This quantum operation opens the door to both fundamental quantum light–matter interaction and innovative photonic quantum devices for quantum communication, quantum simulation and quantum computing. The use of a non-unitary metasurface enables a new degree of freedom, allowing for dynamical and continuous control over the output quantum state and the effective quantum interaction of two single photons at will.
Abstract 13050: Acute Alcohol-Induced Enhanced Cardiac Depression in a Canine Model of Chronic Alcohol Consumption: Adverse Effects on Left Ventricle and Myocyte Contraction, [Ca2+]i Transient and Ca2+ Current

Background: Acute alcohol ingestion produces transient RAS activation. Alcoholics have an enhanced RAS activation after acute ethanol ingestion. Thus, chronic alcohol users may have enhanced cardia...
Disciplining Democracy: How the Upper and Middle Class in Manila Envision Democratic Order

I describe how the upper and middle class in Metro Manila see the democratic state and how they imagine reforming it. I argue that they are not turning away from democracy towards authoritarianism but, rather, seeking to “discipline” democracy. The notion of discipline connects an experience of democracy as disorder with support for “strong” or quasi-autocratic leaders. I develop it with respect to the following observations: (1) The disciplinary state is largely inspired by examples set by the Philippine state itself operating at the subnational level and by states elsewhere. These “pockets of discipline” effectively function as heterotopias in Foucault’s sense. (2) Informants look to “strong' leaders” to cultivate discipline in a population. (3) The exercise of discipline is a performance aimed at an unruly public. (4) The idea of discipline is rooted in upper- and middle-class social position. And finally, (5) as informants see it, the disciplinary state is not necessarily an undemocratic one. By unpacking the notion of discipline, we are better able to understand why the Philippine upper classes largely supported presidential strongman Rodrigo Duterte and why they continue to support him despite the illiberal character of his administration. The notion may also provide insight into democratic disenchantment elsewhere in the Global South.
Current reprogramming methods to generate high-quality iPSCs

Abstract Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology that could revert the fate of terminally differentiated somatic cells into embryonic stem cell–like status by using ectopic expression of four transcription factors (e.g., Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc) opened up a new era of stem cell research to study and treat intractable human diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases. Nevertheless, our current understanding of the reprogramming process is incomplete and requires further investigation into the underlying mechanisms and development of optimal reprogramming techniques. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the current techniques and critical issues for further optimization of high-quality iPSC generation.
A New Role for the FDA in Food Safety

Beginning in the 1870s and '80s, there were multiple bills in Congress to get the federal government heavily involved in food safety to effect. Pathogenic contamination was rampant, from insanitary plants and poor processing, and there were many compounds added to food that had no business in anyone‘s diet. There was generally no judicial remedy as there was almost no way to trace harm to offending products. The government‘s role in protecting consumers from risk has increased steadily right through today and, initially, the creation of the FDA saw some early successes in this area. This paper begins with the early history of successes that the FDA enjoyed with early regulations. Next, there is a discussion of how early successes evolved into diminishing regulatory effectiveness. Following that there is a discussion of the complex world that the FDA now tries to regulate and inspect and what the modern approach has been to try and deal with this universe. Finally, there is a discussion of new directions that are likely to be more effective at reducing food-borne disease.
Supporting Children and Kinship Caregivers in the Context of Substance Use Disorder: Perspectives of Key Professionals:

One in eight children in the United States grows up in a household with parental substance use disorder (SUD). The purpose of this study was to explore the needs of children and kinship caregivers ...
Sports Injuries: Upper Extremity

Upper extremity injuries are common in pediatric sports. The chapter describes the sports injuries affecting upper extremity in the pediatric population with emphasis on diagnosis and nonoperative management. It explains the proper musculoskeletal examination of the of the joint of the upper extremity (shoulder, elbow and wrist)
The Energetic Value of Land-Based Foods in Western Hudson Bay and Their Potential to Alleviate Energy Deficits of Starving Adult Male Polar Bears

Climate change is predicted to expand the ice-free season in western Hudson Bay and when it grows to 180 days, 28–48% of adult male polar bears are projected to starve unless nutritional deficits can be offset by foods consumed on land. We updated a dynamic energy budget model developed by Molnar et al. to allow influx of additional energy from novel terrestrial foods (lesser snow geese, eggs, caribou) that polar bears currently consume as part of a mixed diet while on land. We calculated the units of each prey, alone and in combination, needed to alleviate these lethal energy deficits under conditions of resting or limited movement (2 km d-1) prior to starvation. We further considered the total energy available from each sex and age class of each animal prey over the period they would overlap land-bound polar bears and calculated the maximum number of starving adult males that could be sustained on each food during the ice-free season. Our results suggest that the net energy from land-based food, after subtracting costs of limited movement to obtain it, could eliminate all projected nutritional deficits of starving adult male polar bears and likely other demographic groups as well. The hunting tactics employed, success rates as well as behavior and abundance of each prey will determine the realized energetic values for individual polar bears. Although climate change may cause a phenological mismatch between polar bears and their historical ice-based prey, it may simultaneously yield a new match with certain land-based foods. If polar bears can transition their foraging behavior to effectively exploit these resources, predictions for starvation-related mortality may be overestimated for western Hudson Bay. We also discuss potential complications with stable-carbon isotope studies to evaluate utilization of land-based foods by polar bears including metabolic effects of capture-related stress and consuming a mixed diet.
Breakdown voltage enhancement of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors using annealing technique

A method to enhance the breakdown voltage performance of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs using post-annealing technique is reported in this paper. The transistors were annealed at 900 /spl deg/C for 30 seconds in a rapid thermal annealing system. After metallization, devices were annealed at 700 /spl deg/C in a furnace to improve breakdown voltages. The typical drain current-voltage characteristics of HEMTdevice with 0.3 /spl mu/m gate length and 100 /spl mu/m gate width is studied by experimental results.
Gould, Stephen Jay

Stephen Jay Gould (1941–2002) was a Harvard-based American palaeontologist (‘paleobiologist’) and popular science writer who was known for his theory of ‘punctuated equilibrium’, evolution by jumps, as well as his fights against creationism and human sociobiology. He saw evolutionary theory as hierarchical and believed that at the top levels there was a process he called ‘species selection’, something that palaeontologists uniquely are able to discern and understand. Although his work was much appreciated by the general public, he could irritate his fellow scientists. No one, however, denied the deep moral passions that drove his thinking and writing. Keywords: Darwinism; evolution; paleobiology; popular science; punctuated equilibrium; spandrel; adaptationism; progress; sociobiology; Burgess Shale; Magisterium; baseball; hierarchy; species selection
Epidemiology of Primary Brain Tumors

It was estimated that in 1999, 16,800 individuals in the United States would be diagnosed with a malignant primary nervous system tumor and 13,100 of these would die from the disease (Landis 1999). When benign as well as malignant brain tumors are included, the incidence is over twice that for malignant brain tumors alone [34,345 individuals werenewly diagnosed with a benign or malignant nervous system tumor in 1998 (CBTRUS 1998)]. Only about half of the patients with malignant brain tumors are still alive 1 year after diagnosis (Davis1999). Although the incidence of brain tumors, particularly the more lethal subtypes, increased in recent decades (Greig et al. 1990; Modan et al. 1992; Desmeules et al. 1992), it appears that trends in childhood brain tumors (Smith 1998; Black 1998) and adult tumors (Legler et al. 1999) increased due to the introduction of diagnostic improvements, including computerized tomography (CT) scans in the mid-1970s and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the mid-1980s. This issue and the recent explosion of epidemiologic and molecular genetic studies of brain tumors has focused attention on this important human cancer, which up until only a few decades ago was relatively little studied. Despite this surge of interest, the etiology of the majority of nervous system tumors remains unknown. Inherited syndromes that predispose affected individuals to brain tumor development and/or the presence of nervous system tumors in other family members appear to be present in fewer than 5% of brain tumor patients. Some environmental agents, in particular ionizing radiation, are clearly implicated in the etiology of brain tumors, but also appear to account for few cases. Numerous other physical, chemical, and infectious agents that have long been suspected risk factors have not yet been established as etiologically relevant.
A new emergency control method and a preventive mechanism against cascaded events to avoid large- scale blackouts

Cascaded events may cause a major blackout which will lead to a massive economic loss and even fatalities. Significant research efforts have been made to address the issue systematically: preventive mechanisms are designed to mitigate the impact of initiating events on power systems; emergency control methods are proposed to prevent power systems from entering an unstable state; restorative control methods are developed to stop the propagation of power system instability and to prevent widespread blackouts. This work contributes to the development of new emergency control methods and preventive mechanisms. First, a new emergency control scheme is proposed for preventing power systems from a loss of synchronism. Traditional out-of-step relays may fail to predict losses of synchronism as the dynamics of power systems become more and more complex. In recent years, the installation of the Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) on power grids has increased significantly and, therefore, a large amount of real-time data is available for on-line monitoring of power system dynamics. This research proposes a PMU-based application for on-line monitoring of rotor angle stability. The Lyapunov Exponents are used to predict a loss of synchronism within large power systems. The relationship between rotor angle stability and the Maximal Lyapunov Exponent (MLE) is established. A computational algorithm is developed for the calculation of MLE in an operational environment. The effectiveness of the monitoring scheme is illustrated with a 3-machine system and a 200-bus system model. Then, a preventive mechanism against cyber attacks is developed. Cyber threats are serious concerns for power systems. For example, hackers may attack power control
Phase diagrams and cluster expansions for low temperature ${\cal P}(\varphi)_{2}$ models. II. The Schwinger functions

We give a cluster expansion for the Schwinger functions of the stable phases found in Part I. The Wightman axioms, the mass gap, and asymptoticity of perturbation theory follow.
At Issue: Certification of Postsecondary Career and Technical Instructors: Issues for Debate

Recently, the long-standing, though relatively low key, debate surrounding certification requirements for career and technical instructors at the postsecondary level has been revived as a critical issue. These discussions have lead to extensive examination of: (1) current credential requirements for instructors; (2) recent changes to state and federal policies; (3) synthesis of available literature; and an understanding of current and future trends (Bartlett, 2002; Olson & Spidell, 2008). Despite the widespread assessment and renewed debate of this topic, a consensus has yet to be reached amongst the decision makers. The following document is intended to add fuel to these much needed discussions. It is important to note that the authors are in no way intending to sway the opinions of any potential reader. Rather, we hope to provide a solid starting point from which further conversation can occur. It is also essential to this discussion that this document does not provide any specific recommendations on a design that requires certification licenses for career and technical education instructors at postsecondary institutions. For years a number of individuals have advocated for this. Several individuals within the field of career and
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Downregulate NMDA Receptor Function in Cerebellar Granule Cells

Evidence has accumulated to suggest that the NMDA glutamate receptor subtype plays an important role in neuronal degeneration evoked by hypoxia, ischemia, or trauma. Cerebellar granule cells in culture are vulnerable to NMDA-induced neuronal excitotoxicity. In these cells, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) prevent the excitotoxic effect of NMDA. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective properties of these trophic factors. Using cultured rat cerebellar granule cells, we investigated whether BDNF and FGF2 prevent NMDA toxicity by downregulating NMDA receptor function. Western blot and RNase protection analyses were used to determine the expression of the various NMDA receptor subunits (NR1, NR2A, NR2B, and NR2C) after BDNF or FGF2 treatment. FGF2 and BDNF elicited a time-dependent decrease in the expression of NR2A and NR2C subunits. Because NMDA receptor activation leads to increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), we studied the effect of the BDNF- and FGF2-induced reduction in NR2A and NR2C synthesis on the NMDA-evoked Ca2+ responses by single-cell fura-2 fluorescence ratio imaging. BDNF and FGF2 reduced the NMDA-mediated [Ca2+]i increase with a time dependency that correlates with their ability to decrease NR2A and NR2C subunit expression, suggesting that these trophic factors also induce a functional downregulation of the NMDA receptor. Because sustained [Ca2+]i is believed to be causally related to neuronal injury, we suggest that BDNF and FGF2 may protect cerebellar granule cells against excitotoxicity by altering the NMDA receptor–Ca2+ signaling via a downregulation of NMDA receptor subunit expression.
Advances in the chemistry of metal–organic frameworks

An extensive body of research results currently exists from the synthesis of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), an area that has attracted widespread attention due to the facility with which well-defined molecular building blocks can be assembled into periodic frameworks and the promise that such a process holds for the logical design of materials. The synthesis of MOFs generally involves the copolymerization of organic links and metal ions in a polar solvent under mild temperatures (up to 200 °C) and autogenous pressures (up to 100 atm). Since most products can be considered kinetically driven and lie on local thermodynamic minima, factors such as solubility of the organic link and metal salt, solvent polarity, ionic strength of the medium, temperature and pressure play critical roles in determining the character of products. Indeed, slight perturbations in synthetic parameters have been the basis for the preparation of what seems to be a flood of new MOF compounds. In the spirit of this discussion we advance the following ideas and developments that we believe contribute to the maturity of the field: (I) a conceptual framework that unifies the processes involved in the designed synthesis of MOFs, and which can be extended to other materials with extended structures; (II) a thesis concerning the possible structures that may form from building blocks with various shapes; (III) important considerations for achieving the design and synthesis of frameworks in which it is possible to change chemical functionality and metrics without changing the underlying framework topology; (IV) the inevitability of porosity for designed structures and some factors affecting framework stability; (V) insights on catenation: interpenetration versus interweaving, forbidden catenation, and duals. These points will be presented to an extent that will stimulate discussion—it is not an attempt to be comprehensive or to give a thorough treatment of this rich field.
Strategy-proof allocation of fixed costs

An economy can produce and consume a fixed-cost excludable public good only if its members fully fund the cost of the good. In this paper, we characterize the entire class of mechanisms for the provision of the public good and its cost that are Pareto optimal among the set of strategy-proof, voluntarily-participatory, budget-balancing, non-bossy, and replacement-monotonic mechanisms. We demonstrate that this class of mechanisms is quite small and can be characterized as simple step-price mechanisms.
Idiopathic constipation in childhood is associated with thickening of the internal anal sphincter

This study was undertaken to search for a rational basis for the use of anal dilatation and internal sphincterotomy as the treatment for chronic intractable constipation in children. Sixteen children, age 5 months to 13 years, who had constipation resistant to conservative treatment were compared with 39 age-matched controls. History and current symptoms were assessed using a standard questionnaire. Internal and external and sphincter morphology was assessed on clinical examination and by anal endosonography, using a 10-MHz rotating endoprobe to provide accurate measurement of the various components of the anal canal. The control group showed a linear correlation between the thickness of the internal anal sphincter and both age and weight, increasing from 0.4 mm in infancy to 0.9 mm in adolescence. Children who had constipation displayed significant thickening of the internal sphincter (range, 0.5 to 1.9 mm, P = .005) which was independent of the length of the history (P = .103). There was no difference in the morphology of the external anal sphincters between the groups. The finding of a hypertrophied internal anal sphincter could provide a rational basis for anal dilatation and internal sphincterotomy as treatment for idiopathic constipation.
Bluff-body aerodynamics influence on transport and diffusion of hazardous gases: shelterbelts and vapor barrier fences

Abstract Flow perturbations, recirculations and turbulence generated by buildings, obstacles, and other bluff bodies will often dominate the dispersion of flammable or toxic gases in the atmosphere. Flow over or through 2-dimensional barriers can result in plume lofting, pollutant stagnation in downwind recirculation zones, enhanced mixing in elevated shear zones, or increased deposition if the barrier is itself a water or steam curtain. Flow around 3-dimensional obstacles can produce regions of enhanced longitudinal vorticity, which can transport gases downward and sometimes extend plume concentrations to greater downwind distance. Under stratified conditions 2-dimensional objects can block ground-level flow; whereas, 3-dimensional obstacles can deflect or channel pollutants into unexpected areas.
On the energy efficiency of dynamic spectrum access under dynamic channel conditions

The Cognitive Radio (CR) technique has mainly dealt with how spectrum can be sensed, the co-existence of primary and secondary users, and the channel access aspect. A key aspect of these radios is the `cognition' gained through a spectrum scanning process. The benefit of this cognition is apparent and well-studied in terms of achieving better communication performance on selected spectrum. The benefits in terms of reduced energy consumption, however, due to easier channel access and less contention have been rarely quantified in prior work. This work defines and studies the impact of important parameters on the energy consumption of a CR node under dynamic channel conditions. Results obtained include the range of parameter values under which a CR node is more energy-efficient than a conventional non-CR node, and a comparison of the effectiveness of different spectrum scanning algorithms.
Evidence-Based Prevention: Characteristics, Impact, and Future Direction

Drug use has been gradually declining among early and mid-adolescents since 1997. The timing of the decline roughly matches the introduction and diffusion (spread) of evidence-based prevention to middle schools in the United States. Evidence-based prevention refers to prevention programs, strategies, and policies that have been rigorously tested under research conditions and found to be effective in changing adolescent drug use behavior and attitudes. Federal and state funding for prevention is increasingly tied to community and school commitments to use only evidence-based strategies. However, local interpretation of what constitutes evidence-based prevention is highly variable, and subject to lack of knowledge about characteristics of evidence-based prevention, local politics and preferences for the status quo, and attempts to change parameters of evidence-based programs to fit perceived local needs. The current article reviews and synthesizes the characteristics and impact of evidence-based prevention, including the use of theoretical, process, and structural models; content guided by risk and protective factors for drug use; and settings and components of prevention delivery. Issues of adoption, implementation, and diffusion of evidence-based prevention are discussed. Gaps in knowledge of how to move the U.S. from research to practice are presented in terms of future researchable questions. Finally, the changing nature of prevention research is discussed as "action research," involving the negotiated partnership of the researcher and the community, and feedback of research results to communities to use as a planning tool for prevention.
A multilocus perspective on phylogenetic relationships in the Namib darkling beetle genus Onymacris (Tenebrionidae)

Tenebrionid beetles, common constituent faunae of arid ecosystems worldwide, are particularly abundant in Africa's Namib and Kalahari deserts. Within this region, flightless, diurnal members of the tribe Adesmiini are among the more intensively studied of all desert beetles, especially with regard to ecology. Much of this research centers on Onymacris, a psammophilous genus largely endemic to the Namib. Here we present the first molecular phylogenetic analysis conducted for Onymacris, emphasizing relationships among other adesmiines. Our multilocus phylogeny identifies a strongly supported clade containing Onymacris and two other genera, Eustolopus and Physadesmia-an assemblage recovered in earlier morphological analyses. However, Onymacris is not monophyletic; rather, we demonstrate its paraphyly with respect to the genus Physadesmia, identified as the sister taxon to the white-bodied species of Onymacris. In turn, the Physadesmia-'white'Onymacris clade is the sister group to the remaining (black-bodied) Onymacris. Non-monophyly of 'black' versus 'white'Onymacris is corroborated by distribution patterns and nodal age estimates, which suggest separate origins in different dune systems.
Methods for Computing the SVD Rank-One Approximation in a Feedback Loop

This paper examines methods to calculate a rank-one approximation using the SVD within a feedback control loop. The rank-one approximation obtained permits the control of mxn subsystems using m+n inputs. The feedback loop presents opportunities to speed up the calculation of this approximation by using information from the previous sample time. This paper will explain some modifications to the Power Method and Jacobi Method, as well as demonstrate and discuss the pros and cons of the various techniques.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Dissection and Analysis of the Recent Cases on Employment Discrimination Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

This article begins with an overview of the existing law of employment discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, within which it explains disparate treatment discrimination, disparate impact discrimination, pregnancy discrimination and sexual harassment. This article then dissects the recent U.S. Supreme Court and U.S. Courts of Appeal cases that have interpreted and provided specificity to various concepts used in the application of Title VII. This article then analyzes the details of the new substantive aspects of the law of employment discrimination, the philosophical positions within the cases, and how the intricacies of employment discrimination law are applied.
Demonstration of properties of a suppressor variable.

A general logical model of properties of suppressor variables is proposed. Consistent exploration of possible manifestations of suppressor variables within this theoretical framework accounts for extant classifications of suppressor variables into the classical, net, and cooperative categories and suggests existence of new subcategories, not detected previously. The discussed model leads to consistent identification and classification of suppressor variables and facilitates computer simulation.
Lynn Prince Cooke. Gender-Class Equality in Political Economies

Gosta Esping-Andersen's 1990 book The Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism set into motion a stream of cross-disciplinary comparative scholarship on the role of the state and social welfare policies....
Lucio's phenomenon: an immune complex deposition syndrome in lepromatous leprosy.

Abstract Lucio's phenomenon is an acute lepra reaction in diffuse lepromatous leprosy characterized by cutaneous infarctions secondary to a necrotizing vasculitis. Five cases of Lucio's phenomenon were studied to elucidate the pathogenesis of this complication of leprosy. Direct immunofluorescent studies of the lesions revealed the presence of deposits of complement and immunoglobulin in the walls of dermal blood vessels and in perivascular areas. The deposits were eluted when the cryostat sections of skin were incubated with an acidic buffer. Cryoglobulins of the “mixed type” containing IgG, IgM, IgA, C3, and C1q were found in the serum of four patients. Analysis of the cryoglobulins revealed an enrichment of rheumatoid factor activity in the cryoprecipitate over that of the serum. Immune complexes were found in the serum of all patients. Hypocomplementemia was observed in one patient. These data suggest that Lucio's phenomenon is mediated by the deposition of immune complexes in dermal blood vessels.
Speckle interferometry of asteroids: I. 433 eros

Analytical expressions are derived for the semimajor and semiminor axes and orientation angle of the ellipse projected by a triaxial asteroid, and the results are applied speckle-interferometry observations of the 433 Eros asteroid. The expressions were calculated as functions of the dimensions and pole of the body and of the asterocentric position of the earth and the sun. On the basis of the analytical expressions, the dimensions of 433 Eros are obtained. The light curve from December 18, 1981 is compared to the dimensions to obtain a geometric albedo of 0.156 (+ or - 0.010). A series of two-dimensional power spectra and autocorrelation functions for 433 Eros show that it is spinning in space.
A Windows‐based interface for teaching image processing

The use of image processing in research represents a challenge to the scientific community interested in its various applications but is not familiar with this area of expertise. In academia as well as in industry, fundamental concepts such as image transformations, filtering, noise removal, morphology, convolution/deconvolution among others require extra efforts to be understood. Additionally, algorithms for image reading and visualization in computers are not always easy to develop by inexperienced researchers. This type of environment has lead to an adverse situation where most students and researchers develop their own image processing code for operations which are already standards in image processing, a redundant process which only exacerbates the situation. The research proposed in this article, with the aim to resolve this dilemma, is to propose a user-friendly computer interface that has a dual objective which is to free students and researchers from the learning time needed for understanding/applying diverse imaging techniques but to also provide them with the option to enhance or reprogram such algorithms with direct access to the software code. The interface was thus developed with the intention to assist in understanding and performing common image processing operations through simple commands that can be performed mostly by mouse clicks. The visualization of pseudo code after each command execution makes the interface attractive, while saving time and facilitating to users the learning of such practical concepts. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 18: 213–224, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20171