cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
3.05 – Cortical Evolution as the Expression of a Program for Disproportionate Growth and the Proliferation of Areas

The patterns of relative brain allometry in mammals, particularly disproportional enlargement or reduction of the volumes of particular brain subdivisions with respect to overall brain volume, are well predicted by a conserved order of neurogenesis. Developmentally late-generated structures become disproportionately large as the brain enlarges. The cortex is the most extreme example of this principle. The origin of each brain subdivision with respect to the anterior-to-posterior, medial-to-lateral axes of the forebrain prosomeres and hindbrain rhombomeres is the principal embryonic correlate of the relative duration of neurogenesis. The number of cortical areas increases as a regular function of total cortical area. Comparative studies in combination with this observation suggest that cortical areas result from three different organizing mechanisms: a set of primary sensory regions that are genetically specified and conserved across mammalian brains, a second set arising from axonal sorting interactions in relatively small brains similar to other topographic specializations such as ocular dominance columns in larger brains, and a final set of areas arising by unknown mechanisms at the very largest brain sizes. The insensitivity of the relative size of cortical areas to environmental niche, in combination with many observations of the ease of developmental reallocation of cortex suggests that genetic selection on the size of particular cortical areas is not a common evolutionary event. Exploratory studies of the scaling properties of neural nets suggest that the apparently energetically wasteful coordinated scaling of brain with body size, and sensory and motor systems with each other may be required to protect computational resources that become disrupted by uncoordinated scaling.
HYALURONIC ACID HYDROGEL FILM: A NEW BIOMATERIAL FOR DRUG DELIVERY AND WOUND HEALING

ABSTRACT A new hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogel film was developed and evaluated for use in drug delivery and wound healing. This biocompatible material crosslinks and gels in minutes, and the dried film swells and rehydrates to a flexible hydrogel in seconds. HA was first converted to the adipic dihydrazide (ADH) derivative and then crosslinked with the macromolecular homobifunctional reagent poly(ethylene glycol)-propiondialdehyde (PEG-diald) to give a polymer network. After gelation, a solvent casting method was used to obtain an HA hydrogel film. The dried film swelled sevenfold in volume in buffer, reaching equilibrium in less than 100 sec. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the hydrogel films showed a condensed and featureless structure before swelling, but a porous microstructure when hydrated. The thermal behavior of the hydrogel films, characterized by differential scanning calorimctry, indicated that the crosslinking of the two polymers clearly produced a new material having a microstructure different from either of its two components. The in vitro enzymatic degradation of the HA hydrogel films by hyaluronidase (HAse) was also studied using SEM. Drug release from the hydrogel film was also evaluated in vitro using selected anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs. This novel biomaterial can be employed for controlled release of therapeutic agents at wound sites.
On the Completion of Political Life and the Incompleteness of Political Philosophy

Political life means the normal life of a human being in its cycles from conception to death. A life is complete when it passes through these cycles. Political philosophy confronts the remaining is...
Aberrant thalamocortical coherence in an animal model of tinnitus.

There are no effective drugs to alleviate the phantom sound of tinnitus because the physiological mechanisms leading to its generation are poorly understood. Neural models of tinnitus suggest that ...
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Bi-functional Li2B12H12 for energy storage and conversion applications: solid-state electrolyte and luminescent down-conversion dye”’ by M. Paskevicius, A. S. Jakobsen, M. Bregnhøj, B. R. S. Hansen, K. T. Møller, P. R. Ogilby and T. R. Jensen, J. Mater. Chem. A., 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c8ta10735a

We reply to the comment raised by M. Paskevicius et al. on our paper characterizing the properties of the Li2B12H12closo-borane structure.
Measurements and modeling of piston temperature in a research compression ignition engine during transient conditions

Abstract The knowledge of piston temperature during internal combustion engine operation represents a precious information to evaluate heat losses and engine efficiency. Experimental measurements of piston temperature during engine functioning is very challenging; hence, modeling this process can be very helpful. In the present work, temperature measurements have been collected using a research compression ignition engine, both in motored and fired mode. They have been used to set-up a 1d model of heat transfer through the piston optical window. A good agreement has been obtained. Moreover, the model can provide information not available from experiments.
Does an ‘iron gate’ carbon preservation mechanism exist in organic–rich wetlands?

Abstract Recent research suggested that iron oxidation may protect carbon from drought-accelerated decomposition in wetlands by promoting the sorption of lignin derivatives and decreasing phenolic oxidase activities. Here we examined whether this mechanism exists in organic-rich peatlands, which store over 30% of the world's soil carbon, by simulating drought and flooded conditions in peat soil with and without the addition of reduced iron. Our results suggest that iron does not protect carbon from decomposition in organic-rich peatlands, and in fact iron may exacerbate carbon decomposition via precipitation of phenolic compounds, which otherwise have been shown to inhibit microbial activity. In addition, scanning electron microscopy analyses of different types of peat soil from Minnesota to Peru showed evidence of iron-sulfide minerals (pyrite), indicating that some portion of the reduced iron in peatlands is effectively immobilized and therefore does not interact with the carbon cycle.
The Guardian’s Cycle of Trust

This chapter introduces the concept of the first responder’s cycle of trust. This cycle is one that is ongoing and flows between followers, as well as leaders and followers. To operate, emergency service organizations must be built upon trust. Thus, it is imperative for leadership to cultivate a trust-based community. This chapter delineates on the power of trust and how it is held as a core responder virtue.
Rapid face processing for positive and negative emotions in 5-, 7-, and 12-month-old infants: An exploratory study.

Processing of positive and negative facial expressions in infancy follows a distinct course with a bias towards fearful facial expressions starting at 7 months of age; however, little is known about the developmental trajectory of fear processing and other facial expressions, and if this bias is driven by specific regions of the face. This study used eye tracking to examine the processing of positive and negative emotional faces in independent groups of 5- (n = 43), 7- (n = 60), and 12-month-old infants (n = 70). Methods: Infants were shown static images of female faces exhibiting happy, anger, and fear expressions, for one-second each. Total looking time and looking time for areas of interest (AOIs) including forehead and eyes (top), mouth and chin (bottom), and contour of each image were computed. Infants across all ages looked longer to fear faces than angry or happy faces. Negative emotions generally elicited greater looking times for the top of the face than did happy faces. In addition, we also found that at 12 months of age infants looked longer for the bottom of the faces than did 5-month-olds. Our study suggests that the visual bias to attend longer to fearful faces may be in place by 5 months of age, and between 5 and 12 months of age, there seems to be a developmental shift towards looking more to the bottom of the faces. STATEMENT OF CONTRIBUTION: What is already known in this subject? Bias for fear face processing is present at 7 months of age. Using older data collection systems, we have some idea about which facial features recruit infant attention. What the present study adds? Well-controlled paradigm that examines both positive and negative facial expressions, to different areas of interest in the face. Use of the same paradigm to test a cross-sectional sample of infants in distinct developmental stages - 5, 7, and 12 months.
Schizophrenia and the retina: Towards a 2020 perspective.

Abstract Background Differences between people with schizophrenia and psychiatrically healthy controls have been consistently demonstrated on measures of retinal function such as electroretinography (ERG), and measures of retinal structure such as optical coherence tomography (OCT). Since our 2015 review of this literature, multiple new studies have been published using these techniques. At the same time, the accumulation of data has highlighted the “fault lines” in these fields, suggesting methodological considerations that need greater attention in future studies. Methods We reviewed studies of ERG and OCT in schizophrenia, as well as data from studies whose findings are relevant to interpreting these papers, such as those on effects of the following on ERG and OCT data: comorbid medical conditions that are over-represented in schizophrenia, smoking, antipsychotic medication, substance abuse, sex and gender, obesity, attention, motivation, and influences of brain activity on retinal function. Results Recent ERG and OCT studies continue to support the hypothesis of retinal structural and functional abnormalities in schizophrenia, and suggest that these are relevant to understanding broader aspects of pathophysiology, neurodevelopment, and neurodegeneration in this disorder. However, there are differences in findings which suggest that the effects of multiple variables on ERG and OCT data need further clarification. Conclusions The retina, as the only component of the CNS that can be imaged directly in live humans, has potential to clarify important aspects of schizophrenia. With greater attention to specific methodological issues, the true potential of ERG and OCT as biomarkers for important clinical phenomena in schizophrenia should become apparent.
Cancer-related problems, sleep quality, and sleep disturbance among long-term cancer survivors at 9-years post diagnosis.

Abstract Objective To estimate the prevalence of sleep difficulties in a large cohort of long-term cancer survivors (>5 years) and examine associations with four domains of cancer-related problems. Methods This study analyzed a nationwide sample (N = 1903) of cancer survivors (31% Breast; 20% prostate) at nine years (m = 8.9 sd = 0.6) post-diagnosis with a mean age of 64.5 years. Sleep quality and sleep disturbance were assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Multivariable logistic regression models examined associations between cancer-related problems (physical distress, emotional distress, economic distress, and fear of recurrence) and sleep difficulty (poor vs. low sleep quality and high vs. low sleep disturbance). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated, adjusting for medico-demographics, behavioral factors, and sleep medication use. Results In sum, 20% percent of the sample reported poor sleep quality, 51% reported high sleep disturbance and 17% reported both. Sleep medication use was reported by 28% of the total sample. All four domains of cancer-related problems were significantly associated with poor sleep quality and high sleep disturbance. Above median cancer-related physical distress had the strongest association with both poor sleep quality (OR = 3.42; 95% CI = 2.44–4.79) and high sleep disturbance (OR = 4.06; 95% CI = 3.09–5.34). Conclusions Among nine-year cancer survivors, multiple domains of cancer-related health problems were associated with sleep difficulties. Knowledge of the relationship between cancer-related problems and sleep may aid clinicians during the evaluation and treatment of sleep problems in long-term cancer survivors. Future research should utilize prospective data to better understand the causal nature of the associations.
"Taking Charge of One's Life": A Model for Weight Management Success.

Obesity is a serious, prevalent, and refractory disorder that increases with age particularly in women who enroll in formal weight loss treatments. This study examined the processes used by obese postmenopausal women as they participated in a formal weight loss program. Using grounded theory, interviews were conducted with 14 women engaged in a formal weight loss study examining success with specific, targeted weight loss treatments based on one’s weight control self-efficacy typology. “Taking Charge of One’s Life” emerged as a model for weight management success, comprised of three phases: engaging, internalizing, and keeping one’s commitment. This study supports the unique, complex, and individualized nature of making a decision to lose weight and then
Revisiting Filtration Fraction as an Index of the Risk of Hemofilter Clotting in Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration

Hemofilter clotting is a major challenge in continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH). Experts recommend keeping filtration fraction, the fraction of plasma water that is removed by ultrafiltration, below 20% or 30% to avoid clotting ([1][1]). Clotting risk is believed to markedly increase when
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome After Transsphenoidal Resection of Pituitary Macroadenoma.

Background Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is manifested by a reversible neurologic deficit such as vision loss, encephalopathy, and a posterior location, typically the occipital lobes. It is commonly thought to be related to acute, severe hypertension. Case Description A 51-year-old woman presented with visual loss for several months, and a suprasellar mass was diagnosed. She underwent transsphenoidal surgery, which was complicated by cerebrospinal fluid leak, and she developed posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome while undergoing postoperative cerebrospinal fluid drainage via lumbar catheter. Her visual acuity progressed to blindness, but blindness was reversed by discontinuation of lumbar drainage, tight blood pressure control, and high-dose steroid drip. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is only the second case of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following transsphenoidal surgery to be reported in the neurosurgical or ophthalmic English language literature.
Physical health needs and self-reported health status among adults with autism.

Self-reported health status is an integral method to understand how adults on the autism spectrum perceive their healthcare and service needs. The objective of the study is to examine how self-repo...
Costs of reproduction under experimental climate change across elevations in the perennial forb Boechera stricta.

Investment in current reproduction can reduce future fitness by depleting resources needed for maintenance, particularly under environmental stress. These trade-offs influence life-history evolutio...
Parallel selective sampling method for imbalanced and large data classification

We proposed a new algorithm to preprocess huge and imbalanced data.This algorithm, based on distance calculations, reduce both size and imbalance.The selective sampling method was conceived for parallel and distributed computing.It was combined with SVM obtaining optimized classification performances.Synthetic and real data sets were used to evaluate the classifiers performances. Several applications aim to identify rare events from very large data sets. Classification algorithms may present great limitations on large data sets and show a performance degradation due to class imbalance. Many solutions have been presented in literature to deal with the problem of huge amount of data or imbalancing separately. In this paper we assessed the performances of a novel method, Parallel Selective Sampling (PSS), able to select data from the majority class to reduce imbalance in large data sets. PSS was combined with the Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification. PSS-SVM showed excellent performances on synthetic data sets, much better than SVM. Moreover, we showed that on real data sets PSS-SVM classifiers had performances slightly better than those of SVM and RUSBoost classifiers with reduced processing times. In fact, the proposed strategy was conceived and designed for parallel and distributed computing. In conclusion, PSS-SVM is a valuable alternative to SVM and RUSBoost for the problem of classification by huge and imbalanced data, due to its accurate statistical predictions and low computational complexity.
Clostridial toxins in the pathogenesis of gas gangrene

Necrotizing clostridial infections of the skin and soft tissues have been described in the medical literature for centuries, the principal etiologic agents being Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium septicum, Clostridium sordellii, Clostridium histolyticum, and Clostridium novyi. Clostridial gas gangrene has been historically considered a battlefield trauma–associated infection. More recently, novel histotoxic clostridial infections have been described, such as neutropenic enterocolitis, spontaneous gas gangrene, and pregnancy-associated clostridial toxic shock syndrome. These infections are rapidly progressive and characterized by marked tissue destruction, gas in the tissues, shock, multiple organ failure, and frequently death. While the epidemiology and clinical presentations of these infections are often quite varied, all are mediated by potent extracellular toxins. This chapter reviews the roles of key exotoxins in the manifestations of these life-threatening clostridial diseases.
Understanding Student Success in Chemistry Using Gaze Tracking and Pupillometry

Eye tracking allows us to identify visual strategies through gaze behavior, which can help us understand how students process content. Furthermore, understanding which visual strategies are successful can help us improve educational materials that foster successful use of these visual strategies. Previous studies have demonstrated the predictive value of eye tracking for student performance. Chemistry is a highly visual domain, making it particularly appropriate to study visual strategies. Eye tracking also provides measures of pupil dilation that correlate with cognitive processes important to learning, but have not yet been assessed in any realistic learning environments. We examined the gaze behavior and pupil dilation of undergraduate students working with a specialized ITS for chemistry: Chem Tutor. Chem Tutor emphasizes visual learning by focusing specifically on graphical representations. We assessed the value of over 40 high-level gaze features along with measures of pupil diameter to predict student performance and learning gains across an entire chemistry problem set. We found that certain gaze features are strong predictors of performance, but less so of learning gains, while pupil diameter is marginally predictive of learning gains, but not performance. Further studies that assess pupil dilation with higher temporal precision will be necessary to draw conclusions about the limits of its predictive power.
STORMED Hybrid Games

We introduce STORMED hybrid games (SHG ), a generalization of STORMED Hybrid Systems [15], which have natural specifications, allow rich continuous dynamics and admit various properties to be decidable. We solve the control problem for SHG using a reduction to bisimulation on game graphs. This reduction generalizes to a greater family of games, which includes o-minimal hybrid games [5]. We also solve the optimal-cost reachability problem for Weighted SHG .
Relative investment in offspring by sessile Rotifera

Correlations of egg and body volumes of 65 species of oviparous Rotifera from the three families of sessile rotifers (Atrochidae, Collothecidae, Flosculariidae) were determined from size measurements documented in the literature and from unpublished data (RLW). While egg volume (EV) of amictic (subitaneous) eggs increased as a function of body volume (BV) in these families, relative egg volume (REV) decreased with increasing BV indicating that relative investment per offspring is less in larger-bodied species. Regression coefficients for REV as a function of BV for these families were significantly different from each other and that of the strictly planktonic species studied by Walz et al. (1995). Thus, our statistical analysis indicates that relative investment per offspring was greatest in planktonic species, intermediate in Flosculariidae, and lowest in Collothecidae. These results suggest that the sessile families do not follow the standard pattern of EV predicted for planktotrophic and lecithotrophic larvae as is found in many marine benthic invertebrates.
Lugares da Memória, Representações e Poderes

No seguimento de uma serie de contactos estreitos com uma comunidade social situada nos municipios de Baia da Traicao, Rio Tinto, Marcacao e Mataraca, a 85 quilometros de distância de Joao Pessoa, capital do Estado da Paraiba, decidi, desde 2006, levar a efeito um intenso trabalho de campo nestas aldeias indigenas com o objectivo de concretizar um projeto de investigacao que englobasse em obrigatoria interdisciplinaridade os campos tantas vezes excessivamente singulares da Historia, da Sociologia, da Politica, da Antropologia Cultural e das Teorias da Comunicacao, acompanhando e refletindo sobre caracteristicas e organizacao social, rituais, manifestacoes de caracter religioso, evolucao historica, usos e costumes de uma tribo que se abriu quase rendida ao exterior, mas porfiando em manter, todavia, tracos e, sobretudo, um discurso narrativo de representacoes culturais ancestrais. Esta propositada interdisciplinaridade persegue um objectivo epistemologico bem preciso: transformar a investigacao empirica em contribuicao para uma nova teoria da historia da comunicacao – a comunicacao antropo-historica entre comunidades ditas tradicionais e o “outro” – a area por mim privilegiada em investigacoes anteriores, nomeadamente ao nivel da licenciatura e do mestrado. Os Potiguara, cuja sociedade ainda nao e alfabetizada e, na sua maioria, baseiam a sua cultura na tradicao oral, transmitindo os seus lugares da memoria sobretudo atraves do poder do portugues do Brasil, mesmo quando adornado por escassas palavras tupi, e gracas a mensagem e a representacao que algumas das suas manifestacoes culturais reinventam continuadamente a sua identidade Potiguara. E, assim, a mensagem e a representacao que inventam o real social e reinventam dinamicamente a sua identidade cultural.
The «Epistle of Amarilis to Belardo», a Missive from Mestizo Peru to Spain

This article is a new interpretation of the Epistle of Amarilis to Belardo . Using a close reading of text and a detailed analysis of the text’s sources, we discover that it is more than just a complaint from one of Lope’s female admirers, finding that the letter by Amarilis, in the tradition of El Inca Garcilaso, is the Peruvian mestizo’s cry (Amarilis) for «another» homeland ­—«Spain», as symbolized by Lope.
Release and characterization of cholecystokinin from isolated canine jejunal cells.

Abstract We have developed an isolated intestinal cell system to study the regulation of cholecystokinin release. Enzymatically dispersed canine jejunal mucosal cells were separated by counterflow elutriation to enrich cholecystokinin content 20-fold. Release of cholecystokinin from freshly isolated cells was determined by radioimmunoassay. Elevated extracellular potassium, dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate, and the diterpene derivative forskolin each stimulated an increase in cholecystokinin release over a 60-min period compared to basal secretion. l-Tryptophan stimulated a dose-dependent and stereospecific increase in cholecystokinin. d-Tryptophan did not significantly alter basal cholecystokinin secretion. Carbachol inhibited l-tryptophan-stimulated cholecystokinin release in a dose-dependent manner. Analysis of extracts from intact jejunal mucosa by high-pressure liquid chromatography revealed three components with cholecystokinin immunoreactivity eluting in positions with cholecystokinin 8, with cholecystokinin 3339, and after cholecystokinin 3339. Only the two molecular forms coeluting, respectively, with cholecystokinin 8 and cholecystokinin 3339 were present in the elutriator-enriched jejunal cells, and these two forms of cholecystokinin immunoreactivity were released from cells upon stimulation. These data suggest (a) that l-tryptophan directly regulates the release of cholecystokinin and (b) that membrane depolarization and intracellular generation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate may play a role in activating cholecystokinin cells. Stimulated cholecystokinin release is inhibited by the muscarinic agonist carbachol. The molecular profile of released cholecystokinin corresponded to the two molecular components, cholecystokinin 8 and cholecystokinin 3339, contained in dispersed cells.
Performing Mythic Identity: An Analysis and Critique of “The Ethnogs”

This article describes and critically examines the process of creating and performing alternative identities associated with a mythic band called “The Ethnogs.” Specifically, the authors tell individual narratives regarding their performances as rock stars, groupies, roadies, and security, and reveal the value of and the personal and institutional risks associated with these performances. The authors conclude by describing a line of scholarship represented by their project that they call “automythography,” the excavation of cultural myths through the critical reading of narrative accounts about a particular period or set of events.
Influence of enhanced troponin C Ca2+-binding affinity on cooperative thin filament activation in rabbit skeletal muscle

We studied how enhanced skeletal troponin C (sTnC) Ca2+-binding affinity affects cooperative thin filament activation and contraction in single demembranated rabbit psoas fibres. Three sTnC mutants were created and incorporated into skeletal troponin (sTn) for measurement of Ca2+ dissociation, resulting in the following order of rates: wild-type (WT) sTnC–sTn > sTnCF27W–sTn > M80Q sTnC–sTn > M80Q sTnCF27W–sTn. Reconstitution of sTnC-extracted fibres increased Ca2+ sensitivity of steady-state force (pCa50) by 0.08 for M80Q sTnC, 0.15 for sTnCF27W and 0.32 for M80Q sTnCF27W with minimal loss of slope (nH, degree of cooperativity). Near-neighbour thin filament regulatory unit (RU) interactions were reduced in fibres by incorporating mixtures of WT or mutant sTnC and D28A, D64A sTnC (xxsTnC) that does not bind Ca2+ at N-terminal sites. Reconstitution with sTnC: xxsTnC mixtures to 20% of pre-exchanged maximal force reduced pCa50 by 0.35 for sTnC: xxsTnC, 0.25 for M80Q sTnC: xxsTnC, and 0.10 for M80Q sTnCF27W: xxsTnC. It is interesting that pCa50 increased by ∼0.1 for M80Q sTnC and ∼0.3 for M80Q sTnCF27W when near-neighbour RU interactions were reduced; these values are similar in magnitude to those for fibres reconstituted with 100% mutant sTnC. After reconstitution with sTnC: xxsTnC mixtures, nH decreased to a similar value for all mutant sTnCs. Altered sTnC Ca2+-binding properties (M80Q sTnCF27W) did not affect strong crossbridge inhibition by 2,3-butanedione monoxime when near-neighbour thin filament RU interactions were reduced. Together these results suggest increased sTnC Ca2+ affinity strongly influences Ca2+ sensitivity of steady-state force without affecting near-neighbour thin filament RU cooperative activation or the relative contribution of crossbridges versus Ca2+ to thin filament activation.
The $(\pi^-,\gamma\gamma)$ program at TRIUMF

We report the first observation of the doubly-radiative decay mode of pionic hydrogen (pi- p --> gamma gamma n) and and deuterium (pi- d --> gamma gamma X) using the RMC pair spectrometer at TRIUMF. The process is interesting in the context of the pi-Compton scattering and the chiPT predictions of the pion polarizability We present our preliminary values for the B.R.(pi- p --> gamma gamma n)=3.8x10^-5 and B.R.(pi- d --> gamma gamma X)=1.6x10^-5. Our pi- p data indicates the dominance of pi pi --> gamma gamma mechanism. The pi- d data shows no evidence for the d1* dibaryon.
Computer simulation of convective cooling effectiveness inside turning passages

A complete mathematical model for laminar steady incompressible flows including heat transfer is presented. It is demonstrated that the accurate and efficient prediction of detailed flow and thermal fields is computationally feasible for arbitrary passages. Fluids with higher Prandtl numbers are shown to offer clearly better cooling characteristics. >
Becoming ‘Real’ Entrepreneurs: Women and the Gendered Normalization of ‘Work’

This article focuses on the way in which women entrepreneurs legitimate their place in a gendered economy by reifying a divide between ‘real work’ and ‘not-real work’. Using ethnographic approaches to follow the everyday lives of several women who own and operate small businesses in the USA, our article documents three gendering practices the women use for ‘becoming real workers:’ embodied, spatial and temporal. The study shows that women entrepreneurs become ‘productive workers’ by recasting reproductive work as non-productive or not-real work. At the end, we explore two possible alternative conceptualizations of ‘work’ that could contribute to dissolving this gendered divide.
Advanced coding techniques for asynchronous fiber-optical CDMA

We develop new coding methods for asynchronous optical CDMA systems with increased spectral efficiency and better BER performance. Furthermore, our approach allows random variations of the transmission rate, thus improving the physical level security.
FT-IR Analysis of the Photolytic Laser-Induced Chemical Vapor Deposition of Germanium Films

Germanium and doped-germanium polycrystalline films were formed with the use of photolytic CO2 laser-induced chemical vapor deposition. The compounds which yielded germanium in large quantities were germane, ethylgermane, and diethylgermane. Triethylgermane produces germanium in trace quantities. Gas-phase reactions were monitored with the use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, also used for identification of end products. Scanning electron microscopy was used for analysis of the films. The products identified on irradiation of germane were germanium and hydrogen, with conversion rates of 86%. On irradiation of diethylgermane and ethylgermane, ethylene, germane, germanium, and hydrogen were produced. Germanium films doped with cadmium and aluminum were produced successfully by the irradiation of germane mixtures containing dimethylcadmium or trimethylaluminum, respectively.
Repeat ambulance use by pediatric patients.

: Objective: To compare pediatric patients transported by ambulance on more than one occasion (repeat) with those transported only once. Methods: The authors analyzed pediatric (patient < 21 years old) transports for 1992-1995 by the ambulance service that provides 99% of transports for a non-innercity metropolitan area. Repeat transports were compared with single transports with regard to patient age, gender, chief complaint, and payment source. Results: There were 17,448 transports involving 15,168 patients. Nearly half (49.0%) of the repeat transports involved patients in the oldest age category, 17 to 20.9 years, contrasted with 38.0% of single transports (p < 0.00001). Females comprised 51.4% of the repeat transports and 48.5% of the single transports (p = 0.0008). Traumatic complaints accounted for one-third (33.0%) of the repeat transports and half (51.1%) of the single transports (p < 0.0001). Chief complaints of the patients with repeat transports were more likely to be seizure, assault, abdominal pain, and respiratory problems, and less likely to be falls and motor vehicle-related complaints, than chief complaints of the patients with single transports (p < 0.0001). More than one-third (39.0%) of the repeat transports were funded by Medicaid, in contrast with 19.8% of the single transports (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Compared with single transports, repeat transports were more likely to involve patients more than 16 years of age, female, and with a chief complaint of seizure, assault, abdominal pain, or respiratory distress, and more likely to be funded by public insurance (Medicaid). Repeat pediatric transports warrant further investigation. This information may be useful in designing interventions targeted at reducing emergencies and hence ambulance use.
Segregation and black/white differences in exposure to air toxics in 1990.

I examined non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White differences in exposure to noncriteria air pollutants in 44 U.S. Census Bureau-defined metropolitan areas with populations greater than one million, using data on air toxics concentrations prepared for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as part of its Cumulative Exposure Project combined with U.S. census data. I measured differences in exposure to air toxics through the calculation of a net difference score, which is a statistical measure used in income inequality analysis to measure inequality over the whole range of exposures. The scores ranged from 11.52 to 83.60. In every metropolitan area, non-Hispanic Blacks are more likely than non-Hispanic Whites to be living in tracts with higher total modeled air toxics concentrations. To assess potential reasons for such a wide variation in exposure differences, I performed a multiple regression analysis with the net difference score as the dependent variable. Independent variables initially included were as follows: the dissimilarity index (to measure segregation), Black poverty/White poverty (to control for Black/White economic differences), population density and percentage of persons traveling to work who drive to work (alone and in car pools), and percentage of workforce employed in manufacturing (factors affecting air quality). After an initial analysis I eliminated from the model the measures of density and the persons driving to work because they were statistically insignificant, they did not add to the predictive power of the model, and their deletion did not affect the other variables. The final model had an R(2) of 0.56. Increased segregation is associated with increased disparity in potential exposure to air pollution.
Cell surface heparan sulfate is a receptor for attachment of envelope protein-free retrovirus-like particles and VSV-G pseudotyped MLV-derived retrovirus vectors to target cells.

Non-infectious, envelope protein-free, retrovirus-like particles (VLP) derived from either Moloney murine leukemia virus (MLV) or human HIV are able to bind efficiently to, but not infect, target cells. Upon subsequent addition to the bound particles of the G protein of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV-G), an efficient surrogate retrovirus envelope protein, the VLP are efficiently taken up by the cells to produce infection. Cell attachment of the VLP is efficiently inhibited by soluble heparin and dextran sulfate and less efficiently abrogated by several other glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) including chondroitin sulfate A and chondroitin sulfate B (dermatan sulfate), as determined by deconvolution microscopic immunodetection of the viral gag protein and by quantitative binding studies of metabolically labeled 35S-VLP. Enzymatic digestion of heparan sulfate (HS) from the cell surface with heparinase I also reduces VLP binding. Furthermore, VLP adsorption onto several CHO cell lines variably deficient in cell surface GAG is significantly but incompletely abrogated. De-sulfated heparins are less efficient than native heparin in inhibiting the Polybrene-mediated binding of VLP, whereas growth of human cells in the presence of sodium chlorate leads to significant reduction of Polybrene-mediated VLP binding. In addition, specific inhibition of VLP binding and infectivity of mature infectious VSV-G-pseudotyped virus is observed in the presence of heparin and HS under Polybrene-free conditions. We conclude from these studies that the presence of Polybrene, the degree of sulfation of cell surface GAG, and possibly the presence of charged cell surface macromolecules create an electrostatic environment that promotes optimum binding of VLP to cells. Additionally, our results demonstrate that, in the absence of Polybrene, initial attachments of non-infectious, envelope protein-free VLP and probably mature infectious virus particles are mediated by interactions of the virus particles with cell surface heparan sulfate, and possibly with other GAG molecules.
Automated multi-device placement, I/O voltage supply assignment, and pin assignment in circuit board design

Embedded systems often contain many components, some with multiple Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Designing Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) for these systems can be a complex process that is often tedious, error-prone, and time-intensive. Existing computer-aided design tools require designers to manually insert components and explicitly define the connections between every component on the PCB - a cumbersome process. A fast PCB design framework requiring reduced designer time and effort would be particularly advantageous for rapid prototyping and short production run PCBs. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel, freely-available open-source framework to capture design intent and automatically implement the design details. Designers express connectivity at a higher level of abstraction than enumerating or drawing each individual trace between components. Given the components and connection requirements, the proposed framework automatically generates component placements, I/O voltage supply assignments, and FPGA pin assignments to minimize trace length. We also propose a novel method to improve trace length estimations during placement, before FPGA pins have actually been assigned to those connections. The proposed framework quickly explores large solution spaces, enabling rapid prototyping and design space exploration, and can lead to lower costs in design time and other non-recurring expenses. We demonstrate that it produces favorable results for various design requirements, which suggests the framework will be especially appreciated by designers of systems with multiple FPGAs having large numbers of flexible pins.
Responding on a multiple schedule of reinforcement as a function of different septal lesions in the rat

The response rates of rats with either control operations or lateral, medial, or complete septal lesions were compared on a multiple fixed-interval (FI)/random-interval (RI) 40-sec schedule of reinforcement in which the rat was required to respond on a different lever for each alternating schedule component. Rats with lateral septal lesions responded at higher rates during the first 8-sec period of the FI component and had poorer response patterning than rats with control operations on the FI 40-sec reinforcement schedule. On the other hand, rats with medial septal lesions responded at higher rates than controls during the RI 40-sec component. Rats with complete septal lesions switched levers more than did controls before the ongoing schedule was completed. The results suggest that the lateral and medial septum have different functional roles mediating responding for food on interval schedules of reinforcement.
The thermodynamic properties of alkali metal compounds at high temperatures

A research program has been in progress to obtain reliable thermodynamic data on various binary and ternary alkali metal compounds in the temperature range of 300 to 1500 K. To date, heat capacity measurements have been made on cesium and rubidium chromates, dichromates, zirconates, molybdates, dimolybdates, and halides in the temperature range of 300 to 800K. In addition, measurements are planned or are currently in progress on cesium and rubidium chalcogenides, aluminates, uranates, silicates, and several other lithium, sodium, and potassium compounds. The status of the research program is discussed.
Risk-benefit assessment of fluticasone propionate in the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis.

BenefitsFluticasone propionate (FP) is a new topical corticosteroid spray for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma. FP has been shown to be effective for the treatment of adult and pediatric asthma, even at rather low doses (25 μg twice daily [b.i.d.]); many studies in asthma have shown clinical efficacy of fluticasone at half the dose of the comparison steroid (such as beclomethasone dipropionate [BDP) or budesonide [BUD]). However, exact dose comparisons cannot be made because dose-ranging comparison studies have not been done. Studies in allergic rhinitis in children and adults have shown good efficacy in FP-treated patients at a dose of 200 μg once daily (o.d.), intranasally. In summary, FP is effective in both asthma and allergic rhinitis.RisksFP has minimal systemic activity because the portion of drug that is swallowed is not absorbed from the gut. Thus, the amount available for systemic activity is only that which is absorbed through the nasal mucosa (in the treatment of rhinitis) or thro...
Electroluminescence from semiconducting CdS single crystals in the current oscillatory mode

Abstract Electroluminescence from CdS single crystals (UHP and indium-doped samples) in the current oscillatory rather than in the current ‘run away’ mode has been observed at 77°K. The emission spectrum is found to be centered at λ 0 = 5125 A with a weak component falling in the wavelengths ranging from 0.79 to 1.2 μ. Rectangular parallelepiped samples with and without a small slot in between the two electrodes were examined. The emission observed from most samples without a slot oscillates in the same frequency as the current, but lags in phase. In most samples with a slot, however, the emission appears near the tail end of the current pulse. The experimental results indicate that the light emission is likely due to radiative recombination between free electrons and trapped holes in the impurity levels located at about 0.16 eV above the valence band. These trapped holes are believed to be generated by the high acoustoelectric field, rather than by carrier injection from the electrodes.
ADDITION OF HYPOPHOSPHOROUS ACID TO α,β-UNSATURATED AMIDES

Abstract The reaction between hypophosphorous acid and acrylamide gave 2-carbamylethylphosphinic acid. Similar reactions involving methacrylamide and crotonylamide were not successful.
Land and Stream Salinity

Soil salinity and salinity in water supplies are two major problems facing agricultural production in many arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Salt, in varying concentrations, occurs naturally in both soils and aquifers. However, salinity problems usually result from man's interference with natural processes and disturbance of the hydrologic balance. For example, the clearing of trees in southwestern Australia and the breaking of native sod on the Great Plains of North America for wheat cropping have reduced evapotranspiration. At the same time, over irrigation in dry regions concentrates dissolved salts in the soil profile, while irrigation return flows add to downstream salinity problems. These problems are of great economic significance, and opportunities are being sought for improved drainage and for interception and disposal of saline groundwater. However, these structural solutions are capital-intensive and quite expensive to say the least. The most cost-effective measures, but also the most challenging, are in the areas of improved on-farm water management to reduce losses, modified cropping patterns, selected retirement of marginally productive lands, and basin-wide water resource management with regard to both quantity and quality objectives.
A Fatou theorem for α-harmonic functions

Abstract We study functions which are harmonic in the upper half space with respect to (−Δ) α /2 , 0 α L p -Holder continuous of order β and βp >1. We give examples to show this condition is sharp.
Iterative methods for the computation of a few eigenvalues of a large symmetric matrix

The task of computing a few eigenvalues and associated eigenvectors of a large sparse symmetric matrix arises in many applications. We present new iterative methods designed for the determination of a few extreme or non-extreme eigenvalues and associated eigenvectors. Our methods are based on the recursion formulas of the Implicitly Restarted Lanczos method introduced by Sorensen [1992], but differ from previous applications of these formulas in the selection of accelerating polynomial. The methods of the present paper require very little computer storage. Numerical examples illustrate that the methods can give rapid convergence.
Mutagenic and epigenetic effects of DNA methylation.

Tumorigenesis begins with the disregulated growth of an abnormal cell that has acquired the ability to divide more rapidly than its normal counterparts (Nowell, P.C. (1976) Science, 194, 23-28 [1]). Alterations in global levels and regional changes in the patterns of DNA methylation are among the earliest and most frequent events known to occur in human cancers (Feinberg and Vogelstein (1983) Nature, 301, 89-92 ([2]); Gama-Sosa, M.A. et al. (1983) Nucleic Acids Res., 11, 6883-6894 ([3]); Jones, P.A. (1986) Cancer Res., 46, 461-466 [4]). These changes in methylation may impair the proper expression and/or function of cell-cycle regulatory genes and thus confer a selective growth advantage to affected cells. Developments in the field of cancer research over the past few years have led to an increased understanding of the role DNA methylation may play in tumorigenesis. Many of these studies have investigated two major mechanisms by which DNA methylation may lead to aberrant cell cycle control: (1) through the generation of transition mutations via deamination-driven events resulting in the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, or (2) by altering levels of gene expression through epigenetic effects at CpG islands. The mechanisms by which the normal function of growth regulatory genes may become affected by the mutagenic and epigenetic properties of DNA methylation will be discussed in the framework of recent discoveries in the field.
The role of psychotherapy and humor for death anxiety, death wishes, and aging.

This article is part of a series of humor on social attitudes (Richmen, 1977), humor by the elderly (Richman, 1989), assessment (Richman, 1996a), and psychotherapy (Richman, 1996b). The present stu...
Research funding in the four major emergency medicine journals

The objective of this survey was to determine the percentage of unfunded studies published in the four major emergency medicine journals and to examine the sources in funded studies. This study was a retrospective survey of all issues of the four general emergency medicine journals in 1994. Funding was categorized as public national, private, international, institutional, or unfunded. The total funding and sources were recorded for each of the four journals. Confidence intervals (CIs) were determined to compare the percent of funded versus unfunded articles. Overall, significantly more of the emergency medicine articles in the four journals were unfunded (63% unfunded [95% CI = 56.7-69.1]; 37% funded [95% CI = 30.9-43.3]). The sources of funding for each of the journals varied, with most being private (45%). In conclusion unfunded research remains a major source of emergency medicine literature in the four main emergency medicine journals.