cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Prairie Vole Model of Pair-Bonding and Its Sensitivity to Addictive Substances

The prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) is an extensively studied model for understanding the neural mechanisms underlying social affiliations and pair bonds. With clearly observed face and construct validity, this species offers translational insights into mechanisms involved in intimate relationships in humans. Moreover, the prairie vole model promises to advance our understanding - as well as allow for predictions - of the effects of extraneous factors (not normally encountered in nature) on such relationships. This mini review describes some of the neurobiological mechanisms regulating social affiliation in prairie voles, followed by an overview of the effects of alcohol and other drugs of abuse on formation and maintenance of pair-bonds. Based on available literature, we demonstrate that the effects of such extraneous factors on formation and maintenance of pair-bonds are sex-dependent, as well as dependent on the specific nature of the addictive drug. In turn, the lack of similarities in effects of different addictive substances on pair-bond formation suggests that these substances engage different neurocircuits that may or may not overlap with neurocircuits involved in various social behaviors. This lack of consistency of effects across studied drugs of abuse indicates the need to further examine the effects of individual drugs on affiliative behaviors. We highlight the deficiencies in this field of research, particularly the sparsity of studies on effects of drugs of abuse on the maintenance of established bonds. Future investigations in this field could help design strategies to help afflicted individuals.
Effectiveness of Everyday Technology Use in Upper-Extremity Stroke Rehabilitation

Date Presented 04/06/19 A literature review was completed to examine the efficacy of everyday technology as a treatment modality to improve upper-extremity motor control and motivation for people recovering from stroke. The evidence was promising in support of the use of everyday technology with this population, as indicated by client and clinician reports of satisfaction, motivation, and engagement in poststroke rehabilitation, as well as increased upper-extremity motor control. Primary Author and Speaker: Tatiana Kaminsky Contributing Authors: Dillon Oldham, Claire Ferree, Amanda Robert, Alana Yee, George Tomlin
Towards an ecology of soil microplastics

Microplastic pollution is a topic of increasing concern for the world's oceans, freshwaters and, most recently, soils. Microplastics have been found in soils across the globe. Like other anthropogenic pollutants, they can negatively affect a range of soil organisms through several mechanisms, though often dependent on particle size, shape and polymer type. However, microplastics are unique among pollutants due to the diversity of ways in which soil organisms may themselves be able to affect their occurrence and distribution and mediate their effects on the rest of the soil food web. In this review, we argue for a more explicitly ecological framing of this novel issue for the soil environment and discuss their potential interactions with soil communities, including microplastic formation via microbial and faunal fragmentation of large plastic debris and organisms such as earthworms placing microplastic particles in unique pedological contexts they could not otherwise reach. Ecological interactions may be crucial for dictating microplastics’ ultimate fate and effect on terrestrial ecosystems. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Roles of Co-solvents in hydrothermal liquefaction of low-lipid, high-protein algae.

Abstract Valorization of algal biomass is often limited by its low lipid content. Here, different alcohols: ethanol, isopropanol, and glycerol, were studied as co-solvents to improve the conversion efficiency of a lipid-poor microalgae, Galdieria sulphuraria, by hydrothermal liquefaction. Bio-crude oil yield increases, from 13 to 73 wt% (on dry algae basis), were attributed to the alcohols facilitating the transfer of algal protein-derived fragments from the aqueous phase into the oil phase. A series of characterization results showed that bio-crude oil formation was mainly the result of alcohols reacting with algal fragments via Maillard reactions, alkylation, and esterification, respectively. Insights into the synergistic effect of low-lipid feed and alcohol provide mechanistic support for choosing an alcohol-rich waste, crude glycerol, to improve bio-crude oil production from HTL of wastewater-grown G. sulphuraria. Promising improvements in yield and energy recovery indicates competitive economics for a low-lipid biomass waste-to-biofuel conversion technique.
Stress from Long-Range Interactions in Particulate Systems

In particulate systems, the ensemble average accounting for effects from all particles is expressed as the expected value related to the nearest particle probability. Using this expression, a stres...
Enhancing Asian immigrants’ and international students’ learning: Faculty cultural awareness and pedagogy training

Abstract With the rapid growth of Asian immigrants in American educational settings, this mixed method study examined whether a professional development program on cultural awareness and pedagogy for faculty members would impact their knowledge and skills in working with Asian immigrants to ensure these students’ retention and success. This study, therefore, assessed the effectiveness and the impact of the program designed to address the needs of Asian immigrants. Guided and supported by the constructivism learning theory (Vygotsky, 1980), the professional development program applied theories of intercultural communication training (Bennett & Salonen, 2004). A mixed method of inquiry involved surveys with ten faculty members and 16 students, in-depth interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis. Faculty members attended the workshops during the first year of students’ enrollment in their classes. The data stem from a longitudinal study conducted throughout the three years of students’ enrollment in the institution. The results established a probable relationship between the workshops and faculty members’ success in working with Asian immigrants.
Sleep and Cerebrovascular Disease

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the United States. In the quest to identify contributors to cerebrovascular disease, sleep disorders have been found to increase the risk of stroke. Just as important, sleep disorders are a frequent manifestation of stroke and can affect stroke recovery and quality of life. Therefore, it is useful for the clinician to understand the relationship between sleep and stroke, both to empower them to better manage their patients’ stroke risk, and to more effectively manage sleep disorders as a vital component of stroke recovery. This chapter aims to describe the relationship between sleep and stroke, exploring the contributions of sleep disorders to stroke risk and covering important clinical issues involving sleep disorders in the stroke patient.
Mobile technology for hospitalists: Clinician perspectives and unmet needs from a workflow analysis (Preprint)

BACKGROUND The hospitalist workday is cognitively demanding and dominated by activities away from patients' bedside. While mobile technologies are offered as solutions, clinicians report lower expectations of mobile technology after actual use. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to better understand opportunities for integrating mobile technology and applications ("apps") into hospitalists' workflows. We aimed to identify difficult tasks and contextual factors that introduce inefficiencies and characterize hospitalists' perspectives on mobile technology and apps. METHODS We conducted a workflow analysis based on semi-structured interviews. At a Midwestern US medical center, we recruited physicians and nurse practitioners from hospitalist and inpatient teaching teams and internal medicine residents. Interviews focused on tasks perceived as frequent, redundant, and difficult. Also, participants were asked to describe opportunities for mobile technology interventions. We analyzed contributing factors, impacted workflows, and mobile app ideas. RESULTS Over three months, we interviewed twelve hospitalists. Participants collectively identified chart reviews, orders, and documentation as the most frequent, redundant, and difficult tasks. Based on those tasks, the intake, discharge, and rounding workflows were characterized as difficult and inefficient. Difficulty was associated with a lack of access to EHRs at bedside. Contributing factors for inefficiencies were poor usability and inconsistent availability of health information technology combined with organizational policies. Participants thought mobile apps designed to improve team communications would be most beneficial. Based on our analysis, mobile apps focused on data entry and presentation supporting specific tasks should also be prioritized. CONCLUSIONS Based on our results, there are prioritized opportunities for mobile technology to decrease difficulty and increase efficiency of hospitalists' workflows. Mobile technology and task-specific mobile apps with enhanced usability could decrease over-reliance on hospitalists' memory and fragmentation of clinical tasks across locations. This study informs design and implementation processes of future health information technologies to improve continuity in hospital-based medicine. CLINICALTRIAL
Decitabine Is More Cost Effective Than Standard Conventional Induction Therapy In Elderly Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients

Introduction Decitabine (Dec) is not approved in the United States (US) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) because it did not improve overall survival compared with standard conventional induction treatment. We asked what would be the cost effectiveness of Dec versus conventional induction therapy in AML patients (pts) older than 60 years of age. Methods The standard conventional induction including cytarabine, and daunorubicin, (AD) (N Engl J Med. 2009 361:1235-48) was compared with Dec (Haematologica. 2012 97:393-401) using a semi-Markov model compiling survival and cost data. Survival probabilities were retrieved from the literature. Data accounted for re-induction therapy with IDA-FLAG (idarubicin, fludarabine, cytarabine and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) and consolidation therapy with high-dose cytarabine (HiDAC) but not for stem cell transplantation. The assumption-based model considered a maximum of 4 cycles of HiDAC and continuing Dec until loss of benefit. Drug costs were derived from the 2012 US market. Hospital costs accrued were evaluated in a diagnosis-related group (DRG) system. Drug dosage was estimated based on a body surface area of 1.85 m2. The quality of life (QoL) was assumed as 1 for healthy individuals; 0 for death; 0.524 for active disease; 0.91 for AML in remission on AD; 0.71 and 0.524 for AML being actively treated with Dec or AD, and 0.81 for AML in remission treated with Dec or HIDAC. QoL data were based on the literature except for pts on consolidation therapy. The latter was the mean of QoL of AML in remission and AML actively being treated. Results Assuming 1,000 pts for each treatment arm in a semi-Markov model over 1 year time horizon, the quality-adjusted life year (QALY) for AD vs. Dec was 0.1754 and 0.5982. The percentage survival for AD and Dec was 45.2% and 50.5%. Their costs were $127,867 and $55,777. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was -$72,090/0.4228 = -$170,506/year. By sensitivity analysis, Dec was superior to AD to all parameters (Table 1). Conclusion Dec is a more cost-effective therapy for pts older than 60 years of age than conventional induction therapy. Given the economic pressures in the US Health System, one should consider approving Dec for newly diagnosed AML pts older than 60 years of age. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Near threshold proton induced neutral pion production from deuterium

An experiment wherein the angular distribution of the cross section and analyzing power for the reaction 2H(p,π°)3He was measured in the extreme threshold region will be discussed.
Taming the two cultures: Integrating the science divisional library into the main library

SUMMARY California State University, Sacramento, merged the Science Library into the central Reference Department over a period of two years from 1998-2000. Because of the new arrangement, there has been an increase in reference hours, new reference services, more reference materials (both online and in print), and additional equipment to access the materials. Librarians have also benefited through more collection development opportunities, increased collegial interaction, and a more stimulating environment for their own professional growth.
Career Women in Contemporary Japan: Pursuing Identities, Fashioning Lives

1. Introduction 2. Women and Work in Modern Japan 3. Identity, Family, and Career 4. Pioneering Female Career tracks in Japan - Women in Their Sixties and Above 5. The Performative Aspect of Self-Fulfilling Prophecies - Women in Their Fifties 6. Through the Labyrinth of Their Working Lives - Women in Their Forties 7. Reevaluating the Self - Women in Their Thirties 8. Transitioning to a Career - Women in Their Twenties 9. Conclusion
F-16 Limit-Cycle Oscillation Analysis Using Nonlinear Damping

A well-known F-16 external store configuration was studied using a time-domain computational aeroelasticity code. The code used a medium-fidelity Euler flow solver coupled with a linear modal representation of the structure. A key feature of the code was that it allowed the user to specify nonlinear damping profiles. Four damping profiles were investigated to determine their effects on the efficacy of this approach for predicting aeroelastic limit-cycle oscillations. Damping was specified as a function of the oscillation response, and the solution results were compared to flight test responses as a function of Mach number. Realistic limit-cycle oscillation behaviors were obtained for three of the damping profiles investigated. The oscillation amplitude trends from the analysis compared favorably to the flight tests across a wide range of sub- and transonic Mach numbers. The development of the responses from initial excitation to fully developed limit-cycle oscillations varied appropriately for the differe...
Cultivation requirements for Treponema pallidum, Mycobacterium leprae and other microbial and mammalian microaerophilic cells.

Abstract Atmospheric and biological evolution progressed simultaneously and today certain cell types flourish only at oxygen tensions which were ambient 600 million years ago, i.e., at 5 to 10 mm Hg. In man, a continuous oxygen flow at these pressures is supplied in the skin where Treponema pallidum , Mycobacterium leprae and members of the genus Rickettsia grow best. In vitro studies support the microaerophilic status of these organisms and of certain other microbial and mammalian cells. Vigorous growth in pure culture will await the development of techniques which can maintain these low oxygen tensions at the cell walls of the microbes as they replicate and consume increasing amounts of oxygen. Continuing failure to consistently isolate microbes from active lesions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus may reflect the universal absence of suitable methods for isolation of microaerophilic microbes.
Atomic and molecular data for diffuse cloud chemistry

ABSTRACT. A brief overview of the procedure for modeling diffuse interstellar clouds is given, and specific needs for atomic and molecular data are pointed out.
Development of an MBA Program at Minot State University (North Dakota): A Model for Small Universities

ABSTRACT Small regional universities located in remote areas of the country sometimes find it hard to justify the establishment of Masters program in Business Administration. Justifying the need of the program in isolated areas, resource constraints and dearth of support are some of the major hurdles for these institutions to overcome while defending their new proposals before their respective legislative bodies. Minot State University in North Dakota developed model MBA program, which has the potential to be emulated by peer institutions across the country.
Enhanced resolution in two-dimensional electrophoresis of low-molecular-weight proteins while utilizing enlarged gels

Abstract An improved method of two-dimensional electrophoresis that allows unequilibrated first-dimension gels to be loaded and electrophoresed on second-dimension gels twice the length used in the O'Farrell technique has been developed. Normally, the electrophoresis of unequilibrated first-dimension gels on long second-dimension gels with the resolving gel set at pH 8.8 results in poor resolution of low-molecular-weight proteins. Adjusting the pH of the resolving gel to pH 8.3 maintains the low-molecular-weight proteins in a stacked configuration during their migration through the length of the 10% acrylamide gel. Utilization of a 10 to 20% exponential polyacrylamide gradient in a resolving gel set at pH 8.3 separates these low-molecular-weight proteins with excellent resolution. Electrophoretic resolution of protein spots in resolving gels set at pH 8.8 is not as sharp as in gels set at pH 8.3, and resolution progressively deteriorates in gels set at higher pH values.
Conjugate mixed convection in a channel : modified five percent deviation rule

Abstract Three dimensional conjugate mixed convection in a rectangular channel is numerically investigated. The facus is on the effects of local buoyancy generated by a discrete heat source mounted on a thermally conducting board. Calculations cover 0.126 ≤ Re ≤ 1260, Gr = 7.8789 × 107, 1 ≤ κ ≤ 100, and Pr = 0.71, respectively. Flow fields show active interaction between the buoyancy-induced thermal plume and the approaching external flow in the mixed convection regime where the temperature distribution, heat flux, and heat transfer coefficients all strongly depend on such flow interaction. In addition, the Nusselt number on top of the heat source indicates significant three-dimensional effects. The modified 5% deviation rule' is proposed in an effort to define the natural, mixed and forced convection regimes. The proposed rule is especially appropriate for conjugate heat transfer problems in which the thermal conductivity of the board plays an important role in determining the heat transfer mode. A correlation for θ max κ 1 2 is sought, and the mixed convection regime is accordingly determined as 1.81 × 10 −3 ≤ Re/Gr 1 2 ≤ 2.80 × 10 −2 .
Highly efficient terahertz pulse generation by optical rectification in stoichiometric and cryo-cooled congruent lithium niobate

We report, and review in detail, experiments resulting in a record 3.7% optical-to-terahertz (THz) conversion efficiency by optical rectification (OR) in cryogenically cooled congruent lithium niobate (cLN) using a near-optimal 680 fs pump pulse at 1030 nm. In addition, we report a record conversion efficiency of 1.7% at room temperature using stoichiometric lithium niobate (sLN) which results in 21.8 μJ of THz energy from a 1.2 mJ optical pulse. Electro-optical sampling measurements reveal the THz pulses to be single-cycle and centered at 0.45 THz. The experimentally measured efficiency, THz waveform, and THz spectrum are in good agreement with theoretical calculations. Finally, spatial beam profile measurements are also provided. To our knowledge, these results represent an order of magnitude improvement in efficiency of THz generation by OR in lithium niobate over previous results.
In Vivo and in Vitro Expression of Metallothionein in Injured Type II Alveolar Epithelial Cells

I Cheek JM. Kim KJ. Crandall ED. Tight monolayers of rat alveolar epithmelial cells: bioelectric properties and active sodiumn, tramisport. Am,m J Ph ’siol 1989; 256:C688-93 2 Saumnon C, Basset C. Electrolyte amid humid transport across the mature alveolar epithiehium. j Appi Phivsiol 1993; 74:1-15 3 Basset C, Crone C, Saumomi C. Significance of active ion transport in transalveohar water ahsorptiomm: a study on is,,lated rat lung. j Phiysioh 1987; 384:311-24 4 Bertlmiaume Y, Staub NC. Matthiay MA. Beta-adrenergic agonists increase lummg liquid clearance in anesthetized sheep. Cliii lumvest 1987; 79:335-43 5 Effros RM, Masoim CR, hlukkauieui J, et al. New evidence for active sodiummi transport frommi fluid-filled rat lungs. J Appi Phmysiol 1989: 66:906-19 6 Matahon S. Kirk KL, Bmibien JK. et al. Immunocytochmemical ami l fumnctionah chmaracterizatiomm of Na’ conductance in adumit alveolar pmieuunocytes. Am J Pl,vsiol 1992; 262:C1228-38 7 Nici L, I)owin R, Cilmore-Ilebert M. et al. Upreguhatiomi of rat huing Na.K-ATPase (hiring hyperoxic injury. An, J Physiol 1991: 261:L307-14 8 (;d BE, Crandall ED. Dome forniation imi primary cimltuired nmonolayers of alveolar epitliehial cells. Amsi J Physiol 1982: 243:C96-C!00 9 Crapo JI). Morphologic chmammges in puhmnonarx’ oxygen toxicity. Aim Rev Phvsiol 1986; 48:721-31 10 \Vammgeumsteen D. Piper R. Johim,soum JA, et al. Solute conductance of blood-gas barrier imi hamsters exposed to hyperoxia. AppI Physiol 1986; 60:1908-16 11 Thet LA. Parra SC, Shelburne JD. Sequemitial changes in l ung morphology dt,ring time repair of acute oxygen-induced luiuig imijuirv in adult rats. Exp Lung Hes 1986; 11:209-28 12 Palazzo RM, Wangensteen OD. Niewoehmier DE. Time course of functiommal repair of time alveolar epithmehium after hvperoxic imijumrv. J Appi Phiysiol 1992; 73:1881-87 13 Carter EP. Ingbar DII, Wammgemmsteen OD. Active Na’ transport across time alveolar epithelium increases following acute hivperoxia. Am Rev Respir Dis 1992; 145:A569 14 Matalomm S. Mechanisms and regulation of iou, transport in ,mds,lt imiausin,aliaim alveolar type II pneumnocytes. Am J Physiol 1991; 261:C727-38 15 Dobbs LC. Isolation amid culture of alveolar type II cells. Amnj Phmysiol 1990; 258: L134-47 16 Brown SES, Kimsm KJ. Coodmami BE, et ai. Sodium-amino acid cotrammsport by type II alveolar epithmelial cells. J AppI Ph ysiol 1985: 59:1616-22 17 Lumhmuan RL. Cramidahh ED. Regulation of intracellular pH in alveolar epitimeliah cells. Am j Physiol 1992; 262:L1-L14 In Vivo and in Vitro Expression of Metallothionein in Injured Type II Alveolar Epithelial Cells*
Significant induction of spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase without cytotoxicity by the growth-supporting polyamine analogue 1,12-dimethylspermine

The superinduction of the polyamine catabolic enzyme spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT) has been implicated in the cell type-specific cytotoxic activity of some polyamine analogues. We now report that one polyamine analogue, 1,12-dimethylspermine (DMSpm), produces a large induction of SSAT with no significant effects on growth in the human large cell lung carcinoma line, NCl H157. This cell line has been demonstrated to respond to other analogues with SSAT superinduction and cell death. Treatment of the lung cancer cell line with DMSpm produces a rapid increase in SSAT activity and a near complete depletion of the natural polyamines. Additionally, DMSpm supports cell growth in cells which have been depleted of their natural polyamines by the ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor, 2-difluoromethylornithine. The current results suggest that significant induction of SSAT can occur in the absence of cytotoxicity when the inducing polyamine analogue can support growth and that increased SSAT activity alone is not sufficient for cytotoxicity to occur.
The antireflective potential of dropwise condensation.

The transmissivity of fogged glass to visible light incident on the dry side is studied with ray tracing to show that condensation can act as an optically thick antireflective coating. A new simulation method is described that uses symmetry relations and analytical expressions for the intersection of rays and surfaces to include all drop–drop and drop–surface interactions between an infinite number of drops. Angle of incidence, droplet contact angle, and surface coverage are varied. The simulation reveals that in the optimal contact angle range, dropwise condensation can decrease the reflectance of glass to below even that of glass coated with a water film.
Specific binding of alu sequences by HeLa nuclear extracts

Plasmid Blur 8 which contains the 300bp human Alu consensus sequence and plasmid pBR322 were digested with restriction enzymes and the fragments obtained end labelled with 32P-γ-ATP. The end labelled fragments were incubated with HeLa nuclear extracts and the incubation mixtures passed through a nitrocellulose filter. The 300bp alu consensus sequence was preferentially retained on the filter. The HeLa nuclear extract did not preferentially bind any fragments generated from pBR322 and histones which bind nonspecifically all DNA fragments did not preferentially bind the alu sequence. We conclude that the HeLa nuclear extract contains components which specifically bind the human alu sequence.
Islet Vasculature as a Regulator of Endocrine Pancreas Function

The islets of Langerhans consist of endocrine cells embedded in a network of specialized capillaries that regulate islet blood flow. Despite evidence for a critical role of islet perfusion in endocrine pancreas function, there is information to support no fewer than three models of endocrine cell perfusion, emphasizing the lack of a universally accepted physiological theory. Islet blood flow is regulated by signals, such as hormones and nutrients that reach the islet vasculature from distant tissues via the bloodstream. In addition, islet perfusion determines communication between endocrine and exocrine cells and between different types of endocrine cells within islets. Interest in islet microcirculation has increased after improvements in islet transplantation, a therapy for diabetes mellitus that requires revascularization of grafted islets in a new host organ. Abnormal revascularization is thought to be partly responsible for differences in graft and native islet function. Similarly, angiogenesis has been shown to be a critical step in the transformation of islet hyperplasia to neoplasia.
Utility-free heuristic models of two-option choice can mimic predictions of utility-stage models under many conditions.

Economists often model choices as if decision-makers assign each option a scalar value variable, known as utility, and then select the option with the highest utility. It remains unclear whether as-if utility models describe real mental and neural steps in choice. Although choices alone cannot prove the existence of a utility stage in choice, utility transformations are often taken to provide the most parsimonious or psychologically plausible explanation for choice data. Here, we show that it is possible to mathematically transform a large set of common utility-stage two-option choice models (specifically ones in which dimensions are linearly separable) into a psychologically plausible heuristic model (specifically, a dimensional prioritization heuristic) that has no utility computation stage. We then show that under a range of plausible assumptions, both classes of model predict similar neural responses. These results highlight the difficulties in using neuroeconomic data to infer the existence of a value stage in choice.
Removal of suspended clay from water using transmembrane pressure pulsed microfiltration

Abstract Transmembrane pressure pulsing (TPP) uses the frequent and periodic reversal of the transmembrane pressure to reduce flux resistances due to membrane fouling. This study examined the effect of TPP on the microfiltration of simulated drinking water (hydrated aluminum silicate solution). Solutions of kaolin clay (0.1–4.0 μm particles, at an approximate concentration of 500 mg l−1 and a turbidity of 402±17 NTU, 0.5 mM CaCl, 2.0 mM NaHCO3, pH 7.5–7.8) were microfiltered with polyethersulfone (PES) 0.16 μm microfiltration membranes at an operating pressure of 30 kPa. Crossflow shear rates were varied between 165 and 1490 s−1. Pulse frequency was varied between 0.3×10−2 and 2 Hz, and pulse amplitude was varied between −3 and −16.5 kPa. It was found that the crossflow shear rates did not significantly effect the non-pulsed permeate flux. An optimum pulse amplitude of about 10 kPa was necessary to maximize the permeate flux for pulse frequencies between 0.3×10−2 and 2.0 Hz. To insure a reduced solute flux, pulse frequencies less than 0.1 Hz were required. These results indicate that TPP can significantly reduce membrane fouling by inorganic particulate materials that are potentially important constituents of natural waters without negatively impacting the rejection of sub-micron particles due to interactions with material accumulated on the membrane.
Wide angular aperture image up-conversion

Infrared images at 1.06 μ are up-converted in KDP with an angular aperture of more than 20°. The images are up-converted by scanning the orientation of the KDP. The technique is applicable when noncritical phase matching does not allow sufficient angular aperture.
A NOTE ON THE SENSITIVITY OF FINGERS, TONGUE AND JAWS AS MECHANICAL TESTING INSTRUMENTS

Deformation of a specimen between the fingers or in the mouth usually results in a significant deformation of the contacting tissues. This implies that the mechanical response is related to both deformations or, in other words, to the mechanical resistance of the combined systems. Since the latter form an in-series configuration, the combined mechanical resistance (Mc) is given by: where M1 and Mx are the resistance of the sensory testing system and the test specimen, respectively. Thus, Mc can be a function of the geometry and the rate of force application. The equation provides a simple explanation as to why there are differences in the sensing range between the fingers and the jaws and why the human senses are practically insensitive to hardness beyond certain levels. The model indicates that the sensitivity decreases rather rapidly after the ratio Mx/M1 becomes greater than about 0.05, but leaves unanswered the question whether, or to what extent, we can compensate for the loss of sensitivity by additional information or modification of the testing procedure.
Shall I Compare Thee to a Minkowski-Ricardo-Leontief-Metzler Matrix of the Mosak-Hicks Type?: Or, Rhetoric, Mathematics, and the Nature of Neoclassical Economic Theory

Is rhetoric just a new and trendy way to epater les bourgeois? Unfortunately, I think that the newfound interest of some economists in rhetoric, and particularly Donald McCloskey in his new book and subsequent responses to critics (McCloskey, 1985a, 1985b), gives that impression. After economists have worked so hard for the past five decades to learn their sums, differential calculus, real analysis, and topology, it is a fair bet that one could easily hector them about their woeful ignorance of the conjugation of Latin verbs or Aristotle's Six Elements of Tragedy. Moreover, it has certainly become an academic cliche that economists write as gracefully and felicitously as a hundred monkeys chained to broken typewriters. The fact that economists still trot out Keynes's prose in their defense is itself an index of the inarticulate desperation of an inarticulate profession.
A negative charge in the M2 transmembrane segment of the neuronal α7 acetylcholine receptor increases permeability to divalent cations

Abstract Threonine-244 (T244) in the putative channel-forming M2 segment of the neuronal α7 acetylcholine receptor (AChR), a residue proposed to form part of the selectivity filter, was mutated to aspartic acid to examine the influence of a negative charge on AChR ion permeation properties. Wild type (AChRα7wt) and mutant (AChRα7D244) acetylcholine receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes give rise to acetylcholine (ACh)-activated, α-bungarotoxin-sensitive, cation-selective ionic currents. AChRα7D244 exhibited larger currents than AChRα7wt that, in addition, activated at lower ACh concentrations. The relative ionic permeability ( P x / P Na ) of AChRα7wt to K + was P K / P Na = 1.2, and to Ba 2+ , P Ba / P Na = 1.4. In contrast, AChR α7D244 was less selective in discriminating between K + and Na + , P k / P Na = 0.95, but exhibited a remarkable increase in permeability to Ba 2+ , P Ba / P Na = 3.7. Furthermore, only mutant receptors were permeable to Mg 2+ . Hence, a ring of negatively charged residues in the putative pore-forming segment of the receptor increases the permeability to divalent cations. Our results substantiate the notion that T244, or its equivalent, in the M2 transmembrane segment of cholinergic receptor channels is a key structural determinant of the selectivity filter.
Background and overview of mental health and substance abuse treatment systems: meeting the needs of women who are pregnant or parenting.

Women with a psychiatric disorder who also abuse alcohol or other drugs have historically encountered barriers to integrated treatment for both disorders. Substance abuse treatment services and mental illness treatment services are usually organized independently of each other and few are designed to meet the needs of pregnant and parenting women. This chapter reviews the developmental histories of treatment systems for psychiatric and substance abuse disorders; the structural barriers that impede the delivery of services to individuals with co-occurring psychiatric and substance abuse disorders; the prevalence of dual disorders; issues related to diagnosis and assessment, types of diagnoses and addictions; treatment issues specific to women who are pregnant or parenting; models of service delivery; and initiatives directed at changing treatment systems.
The Chinese Media Reciprocity Act, public diplomacy and the US–China relationship

In 2011, the US Representative Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) introduced the Chinese Media Reciprocity Act (H.R. 2899). The legislation seeks to amend American immigration law to ensure that the United States does not issue more visas to journalists working for China's state-controlled media in the United States than China issues to journalists working for the US government-funded broadcasters in China. This article contends that while highlighting disparities in the number of visas issued to journalists working for state-owned media operated by the two countries makes for compelling political theater, actual passage of the legislation would be counterproductive. Analysis presented here suggests that although the Act's passage would have little effect on the news Americans get about China, it would destabilize the US–China bilateral relationship, threaten the United States’ international reputation as a supporter of global press freedoms and ultimately result in a net loss for American public diplomacy efforts worldwide. Alternatives for tackling visa disparities and other issues related to both public diplomacy and American concerns about press freedom in China are considered.
Microstructural origins of radiation-induced changes in mechanical properties of 316 L and 304 L austenitic stainless steels irradiated with mixed spectra of high-energy protons and spallation neutrons

Abstract A number of candidate alloys were exposed to a particle flux and spectrum at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) that closely match the mixed high-energy proton/neutron spectra expected in accelerator production of tritium (APT) window and blanket applications. Austenitic stainless steels 316 L and 304 L are two of these candidate alloys possessing attractive strength and corrosion resistance for APT applications. This paper describes the dose dependence of the irradiation-induced microstructural evolution of SS 316 L and 304 L in the temperature range 30–60°C and consequent changes in mechanical properties. It was observed that the microstructural evolution during irradiation was essentially identical in the two alloys, a behavior mirrored in their changes in mechanical properties. With one expection, it was possible to correlate all changes in mechanical properties with visible microstructural features. A late-term second abrupt decrease in uniform elongation was not associated with visible microstructure, but is postulated to be a consequence of large levels of retained hydrogen measured in the specimens. In spite of large amounts of both helium and hydrogen retained, approaching 1 at.% at the highest exposures, no visible cavities were formed, indicating that the gas atoms were either in solution or in subresolvable clusters.
Vascular surgical training of general surgeons.

Improving availability and quality of vascular surgical care should be the goal and concern of all surgical program directors (SPDs). To accomplish these objectives within the rapidly changing surgical milieu, we must address not only the science and art of ,surgery issues but also the manpower and educational issues as well, because they all influence quality of care. A dilemma is how many surgeons should be r-!ined to provide vascular surgical care and who should provide this care and perform vascular operations. To address thc problem of quality of care, in 1969 after the Regional Medical Program legislation, several societies were asked to prepare documents on optimal resources for managing heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Drs. James A. DeWcese, F. William Blaisdell, and the late John H. Foster were asked to prepare the document for vascular surgery) In the course of preparation of the report, many vascular surgeons served as consultants, most of whom believed that there was considerable suboptimal vascular surgery being performed in the United States. The main reasons for this were inadequate vascular training and inadequate continuing vascular surgical experience. In that 1972 report, DeWeese et al) noted, "The l~ctors most responsible for the quality of vascular surgery were the judgment and technical skill of the surgeon, both developed through properly supervised training and experience. ''~ In discussing this , report, the late Dr. Jack Wylie stated, "Less than optimum performance can be expected from the general surgeon with an occasional vascular operation. ''~ He also noted that the report dearly affirmed the need for intensive training programs in vascular surgery under the direct supervision of experienced vascular surgeons. Obviously the major stimulus for Dr.
SSRI-Associated Sexual Dysfunction

A 35-year-old woman was referred by her therapist for an evaluation of her sadness, irritability, fatigue, and poor concentration over a period of two and a half years, which did not improve significantly during the course of cognitive behavior therapy. She was taking hydrochlorothiazide, which was prescribed by her primary care physician for “a mild hypertension.” She had no other medical problems and no history of substance abuse, and she denied smoking tobacco. She reported that she was happily married and had a fulfilling, enjoyable sex life, having sexual intercourse with her husband once or twice a week. She was diagnosed as suffering from dysthymia, and treatment with 10 mg/day of fluoxetine was started. On follow-up 3 weeks later, she reported that she was still mildly depressed but was tolerating fluoxetine well, and the dose was increased to 20 mg/day. At the next 3-week follow-up visit, she reported complete relief of her depression and irritability. However, she complained about marital problems. Detailed questioning revealed a lack of sexual desire and difficulty in achieving orgasm—“if I have one at all,” she said. Although she blamed these problems on a lack of time for intimacy, stress at work, and other issues, it was apparent that the dysfunction was related to the treatment with fluoxetine. How common is lack of sexual desire, delayed orgasm, and anorgasmia associated with serotonergic antidepressants and other medications? What are the management strategies for these side effects?
Voluntary participation and poor women's work: a critical examination of a community health improvement initiative in a Kolkata slum

Voluntary participation is a development practice that incorporates and ‘empowers’ marginalized populations by recruiting them as volunteers in community improvement programs in the global south. In India, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) commonly recruit female volunteers in urban slums to ‘participate’ in the improvement of reproductive and child health care needs in the community. In the volunteering literature, the practice is examined as one which uses the unpaid labor of women and legitimizes it within discourses of citizenship and solidarity in declining welfare states in the global north. The dynamics of female volunteering in countries such as India has received little attention in this literature. With a focus on a reproductive and child health care program run by Hope, an Indian NGO, my article undertakes the following. First, I argue that in the Indian context, volunteering needs to be situated within a broader project of decentralizing the traditional authority of the development expert ...
Statistical modeling of copepod growth rates: Comparisons for data collections using the artificial cohort (AC) method

Abstract We compared two methods (screen-filter and single-stage) for measuring somatic growth of marine copepods in a suite of statistical models, which includes a generalized additive model (GAM), two nonlinear regression models, and a Bayesian model. These models incorporate developmental stage, body weight and chlorophyll a as covariates fitted with published growth data for Neocalanus flemingeri / plumchrus that were measured concurrently using the two methods in the northern Gulf of Alaska. We assumed that stage errors exist in the data collected using the screen-filter method by randomly introducing various levels of contamination from adjacent stages to represent single stages. Presumably no such errors exist in data collected with the single-stage method. The results suggest that model fitting based upon data from the single-stage method was substantially superior to models fitted to the screen-filter data in the GAM model and a nonlinear regression model. Stage errors estimated using the Bayesian model and the other nonlinear model were consistent and not significantly different from zero, which statistically validate the utility of the screen-filter method. These findings suggest that while the single-stage method is superior for measurement of stage-specific growth data, the screen-filter method can provide acceptable estimates when employed at sea where it is both more practical and expedient than the single-stage method. This implies that the screen-filter method is potentially applicable for enhancing time-, site- and stage-specific growth measurement of marine zooplankton.
Transmission of broad W/Rh and W/Al (target/filter) x-ray beams operated at 25-49 kVp through common shielding materials.

Purpose: To provide transmission data for broad 25-39 kVp (kilovolt peak) W/Rh and 25-49 kVp W/Al (target/filter, W-tungsten, Rh-rhodium, and Al-aluminum) x-ray beams through common shielding materials, such as lead, concrete, gypsum wallboard, wood, steel, and plate glass. Methods: The unfiltered W-target x-ray spectra measured on a Selenia Dimensions system (Hologic Inc., Bedford, MA) set at 20-49 kVp were, respectively, filtered using 50-{mu}m Rh and 700-{mu}m Al, and were subsequently used for Monte Carlo calculations. The transmission of broad x-ray beams through shielding materials was simulated using Geant4 low energy electromagnetic physics package with photon- and electron-processes above 250 eV, including photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and Rayleigh scattering. The calculated transmission data were fitted using Archer equation with a robust fitting algorithm. Results: The transmission of broad x-ray beams through the above-mentioned shielding materials was calculated down to about 10{sup -5} for 25-39 kVp W/Rh and 25-49 kVp W/Al. The fitted results of {alpha}, {beta}, and {gamma} in Archer equation were provided. The {alpha} values of kVp Greater-Than-Or-Slanted-Equal-To 40 were approximately consistent with those of NCRP Report No. 147. Conclusions: These data provide inputs for the shielding designs of x-ray imaging facilities with W-anode x-ray beams, such as from Seleniamore » Dimensions.« less
Development of transient acetylcholinesterase staining in cells and permanent staining in fibers in cortex of rat brain.

Abstract The development of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) texture of the cortex of the rat brain was studied during the first three weeks of life. The Tago technique enables visualization of both AChE+ cells and fibers with both shown in exquisite detail making quantification possible. At each age—0 (birth), 7, 14, 21 and 60 days (adult)—four brain areas were studied (cingulate, dorsal neocortex, lateral neocortex and olfactory) at each of three coronal planes in the brain (anterior, intermediate, posterior). Fiber density reached adult levels by Day 21 in cingulate cortex in intermediate and posterior planes. In other areas fiber density reached adult levels by Day 14 indicating a high rate of fiber growth during the first two weeks of life since at birth rat cortex is innervated only by a sparse AChE+ fiber invasion into neocortex in the anterior plane. Fiber density did not regress after adult levels were reached, however, cell staining showed a different pattern. At birth many lightly stained cells were seen in the olfactory cortex in all three planes, but other areas were devoid of cells. In all areas there was a peak at Day 7 in number of cells stained and in intensity of cells staining with a gradual decline in cell staining until by Day 21 very few stained cells were seen in the cortex (typical adult pattern).
Should Patients with Obesity and Hypertension be Treated Differently from Those Who Are Not Obese

Obesity and hypertension frequently coexist. Measuring blood pressure (BP) accurately in obese patients is challenging and may require strategies that are less accurate, such as forearm cuffing or use of wrist cuffs. Pathophysiologic mechanisms of hypertension may differ between obese and non-obese individuals, which may result in differing effects of common BP-lowering medications. However, to date, there is insufficient trial data to recommend a different approach to medication selection based on body mass index. Additionally, the goal BP is generally not different between obese and non-obese patients. Weight loss should be emphasized for obese patients with hypertension, and interventions in addition to diet and exercise may include weight loss medications and bariatric surgery. Recognition and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea is also important.
Corresponding 16S rRNA gene segments in Rhizobiaceae and Aeromonas yield discordant phylogenies

Previous evidence has indicated that the 16S rRNA genes in certain species of Aeromonas may have a history of lateral transfer and recombination. A comparative analysis of patterns of 16S nucleotide sequence polymorphism among species of Rhizobium and Agrobacterium was conducted to determine if there is similar evidence for chimeric 16S genes in members of the Rhizobiaceae. Results from phylogenetic analyses and comparison of patterns of nucleotide sequence polymorphism in portions of rhizobial 16S genes revealed the same type of segment-dependent polymorphic site partitioning that was previously reported for Aeromonas. These results support the hypothesis that certain 16S segments in rhizobia may have a history of lateral transfer and recombination.