cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modulation of calcium currents is eliminated after cleavage of a strategic component of the mammalian secretory apparatus

Adenosine inhibits neurotransmitter secretion from motor nerves by an effect on the secretory apparatus in amphibia. In contrast, the inhibitory effect of adenosine is associated with decreases in calcium currents at mouse motor nerve endings. To determine if the action of adenosine in the mouse is mediated thorough a direct effect on calcium channels or through the secretory machinery, the effects of cleavage of the SNARE proteins on the action of adenosine were examined. Cleavage of the SNARE syntaxin with botulinum toxin type C (Botx/C) prevented the inhibitory effect of adenosine on nerve terminal calcium currents. Cleavage of the other SNAREs (synaptobrevin with Botx/D or SNAP-25 with Botx/A) failed to affect the inhibitory action of adenosine. The results provide evidence for an intimate coupling of nerve terminal calcium channels with a plasma membrane component of the SNARE complex, such that modulation of calcium currents by a G-protein coupled receptor cannot occur when syntaxin is cleaved.
Sensor monitoring and control concepts for intelligent polymer processing

First, a manufacturing philosophy of in-situ or post-factum monitoring and process control is described. Second, a series of new process monitoring approaches involving fluorescence and ultrasonic sensing techniques are presented. 'In-situ' is associated with the observance of a part as it is actually being made. 'Post factum' is associated with the examination of a part just after manufacture and subsequent feedback for the next part. Sample results are presented for an injection-molded component to illustrate the sensitivity of the fluorescent and ultrasonic sensors to deviations from the optimum state vector. Other sensor concepts are also presented. >
Fall Chinook Salmon Spawning in the Tailraces of Lower Snake River Hydroelectric Projects

Abstract We conducted studies from 1993 to 1997 to identify and characterize potential spawning habitat of “endangered” fall chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in areas downstream of four Snake River dams. This information was needed to provide guidelines for future operation of the lower Snake River hydroelectric system, including assessment of reservoir drawdown, and for site-specific construction planning. We used Geographic Information System mapping technology to direct our initial search efforts. Suitable spawning habitat was defined based on physical habitat characteristics of the tailrace areas. Redd surveys were conducted in primary search areas and planned construction sites from mid-November through December with an underwater video system. The survey path and redd locations were mapped by using a Global Positioning System. During the 4-year study, fall chinook salmon redds were found in the tailrace downstream of Lower Granite (LGR), Little Goose (LGO), and Ice Harbor (IH) dams. The redds...
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Elimination of Radiolabeled Xanomeline in Healthy Male Subjects

Collaboration between scientists at Novo Nordisk Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company has produced xanomeline, one of the most selective M1 agonists known. In vitro pharmacologic activity demonstrated and defined the unique M1 agonist specificity associated with xanomeline. An increasing amount of data suggests that the M1 receptor system may be involved in the pathophysiology of the memory defect in Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical trials to evaluate the potential of xanomeline in the treatment of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease are in progress. In order to better understand the disposition of xanomeline in humans, we gave healthy volunteers a single 75 mg 14C xanomeline dose. This study describes the analysis of radioactivity in body fluids, the characterization of parent xanomeline/metabolites, and the pharmacokinetics of xanomeline and xanomeline metabolites.
Prognostic factors for local control and survival in T1 squamous cell carcinoma of the glottis

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effect of host, tumor, and treatment-related variables on local control and survival in patients with T1N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the glottis. Materials and Methods: Ninety-one patients with TINOMO squamous cell carcinoma of the glottic larynx were analyzed. Median follow-up was 9 years (range 2–25). Patients were treated with daily fractions of 180 cGy to 220 cGy to doses of 5925–7000 cGy (median 6400). The following factors were analyzed: age, sex, histologic grade, disease extent, beam energy, field size, total dose, dose per fraction, and elapsed treatment days. Results: The 5-year actuarial local control was 80%. On univariate analysis, only elapsed treatment days and dose per fraction were significant factors for local control. Local control was 100% if treatment was completed within 42 days, 91% for 43–46 days, 74% for 47–50 days, 65% for 51–54 days, and 50% for 55–66 days ( p = 0.0001). In patients treated at p = 0.006). On multivariate analysis, only elapsed treatment days was a significant factor for local control ( p = 0.0001). The 5-year actuarial survival for the whole group was 92%. Elapsed treatment days was the only variable affecting survival. Survival was 100% if treatment was delivered within 42 days, 96% for 43–46 days, 94% for 47–50 days, 91% for 51–54 days, and 67% for 55–66 days ( p = 0.02). The 5-year actuarial disease-specific survival was 95%, with treatment duration again being the only significant prognostic factor. Disease-specific survival was 97% for treatment completed within 39–54 days versus 80% for 55–66 days ( p = 0.02). Only three (3.3%) patients experienced moderate or severe complications. None of the evaluated parameters impacted significantly on complications. Conclusion: We conclude that elapsed days is the most prognostically significant factor for local control and survival in patients treated with radiotherapy for T1 squamous cell carcinoma of the glottis. We recommend that these patients be treated with 210 cGy daily fractions to 6300 cGy.
Controlling a robotically steered needle in the presence of torsional friction

A flexible needle can be accurately steered by robotically controlling the orientation of the bevel tip as the needle is inserted into tissue. Here, we demonstrate the significant effect of friction between the long, flexible needle shaft and the tissue, which can cause a significant discrepancy between the orientation of the needle tip and the orientation of the base where the needle is controlled. Our experiments show that several common phantom tissues used in needle steering experiments impart substantial frictional forces to the needle shaft, resulting in a lag of over 45° for a 10 cm insertion depth in some phantoms; clinical studies have reported torques large enough to could cause similar errors during needle insertions. Such angle discrepancies will result in poor performance or failure of path planners and image-guided controllers, since the needles used in percutaneous procedures are too small for state-of-the-art imaging to accurately measure the tip angle. To compensate for the angle discrepancy, we develop a model for the rotational dynamics of a needle being continuously inserted into tissue and show how a PD controller is sufficient to compensate for the rotational dynamics.
What Does the Mechanism of Spinal Cord Stimulation Tell Us about Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) can have dramatic effects on painful, vascular, and motor symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), but its precise mechanism of action is unclear. Better understanding of the physiologic effects of SCS may improve understanding not only of this treatment modality but also of CRPS pathophysiology. Effects of SCS on pain perception are likely to occur through activation of inhibitory GABA-ergic and cholinergic spinal interneurons. Increased release of both neurotransmitters has been demonstrated following SCS in animal models of neuropathic pain, with accompanying reductions in pain behaviors. Effects of SCS on vascular symptoms of CRPS are thought to occur through two main mechanisms: antidromic activation of spinal afferent neurons and inhibition of sympathetic efferents. Cutaneous vasodilation following SCS in animal models has been shown to involve antidromic release of calcitonin gene-related peptide and possibly nitric oxide, from small-diameter sensory neurons expressing the transient receptor potential V1 (TRPV1) receptor. The involvement of sympathetic efferents in the effects of SCS has not been studied in animal models of neuropathic pain, but has been demonstrated in models of angina pectoris. In conclusion, SCS is of clinical benefit in CRPS, and although its mechanism of action merits further elucidation, what little we do know is informative and can partially explain some of the pathophysiology of CRPS.
Age‐Dependent Cognitive and Behavioral Deficits After Kainic Acid Seizures

The long-term behavioral and cognitive effects of seizures at different ages were studied using the kainic acid (KA) seizure model. Rats of postnatal (P) ages (in days) 5, 10, 20, 30, and 60 were administered KA intraperitoneally (i.p.), which induced status epilepticus for several hours, or an equivalent volume of saline. Occurrence of spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) was then monitored for 3 months by a closed-circuit videotaping system. Rats began behavioral testing on P80; a separate group of rats that received KA on P60 began testing on P120. Behavioral tests included the Morris water maze (visuospatial learning and memory), the open field test (response to a novel environment), and the handling test (emotionality). When tested on P80, KA-treated P5 and P10 rats had no demonstrable deficits on any test as compared with controls. KA-Treated P20 rats differed from controls only on the water maze spatial bias test. KA-Treated P30 rats had deficits in spatial bias, were more active in the open field, and were more aggressive when handled. KA-Treated P60 rats, whether tested on P80 or P120, had deficits in learning platform position and spatial bias in the water maze, were more active in the open field, and were more aggressive when handled. P60 rats with SRS performed poorer in water maze place learning and spatial bias testing, although the number of SRS did not correlate with overall task acquisition. Our findings suggest age-related behavioral and cognitive deficits after KA-induced seizures. Pubescents and adults had alterations in learning, memory, exploratory behavior, and response to handling, whereas younger animals had no obvious behavioral or cognitive deficits.
Bipolar Disorder as Maladaptive Arousal

Bipolar disorder can be understood as a disorder of behavioral regulation. Manic and depressed individuals are impaired in the titration of appetitive arousal, possibly at the level of neuronal plasticity. An experiment in which fixed 5% CO2 stimulates respiration and blocks satiety tests the regulation of appetitive arousal. In preliminary analysis of data from 35 individuals (24 with bipolar disorder) individuals with bipolar disorder were more likely to fail to find a stable state of respiratory adjustment to CO2. If confirmed, the unstable respiratory response to CO2 may prove useful as a bipolar-disorder endophenotype.
Introduction: James Watt’s Social Network

We introduce ideas from network and graph theory and apply them to the evolution and network of contributions of the steam engine. Also discussed are models of growth of social networks, exponential growth and the ’S’ curve. This chapter also reviews earlier work on evolution, diffusion and networks of innovation.
The Changing Doctor-Patient Relationship: A Move to Anytime, Anywhere

Telemedicine has been around long enough for us to see the many benefits of its uses (such as responsiveness and cost effectiveness). Telepsychiatry, although still a new concept, has great potential to reshape the way mental healthcare is accessed and delivered. With the use of the Internet and telepsychiatry factors such as distance, cost and the added element of stigma for some potential psychiatric clients, could be either vastly reduced or removed all together. In this chapter we will address the use of the Internet in the evolving relationship between mental healthcare providers and patients through five questions. The first question will explore how the Internet has changed the expectations and behaviors of patients, who now have much faster access to the latest information on treatments, clinical trials and the ability to share their experiences with others. The second question looks at who is using the Internet for healthcare and what is done with the information found online. Third we discuss what mental healthcare services are offered online and the effectiveness of these services. Fourth we compare the current and past models of the doctor-patient relationship in which we see a shift in the delivery of mental healthcare from the gold standard (face-to-face) to E-therapy (videoconferencing, E-mail and Instant Messaging). Finally we assess the benefits and potential downfalls of using the Internet in the doctor-patient relationship focusing on issues such as distance, cost and ethical considerations.
Chronic Disease and Chemical Dependency Treatment in Primary Care Patients With Problem Drug Use

This article examines whether chronic disease is associated with chemical dependency treatment in primary care patients with problem drug use. Chronic disease was common in 781 disadvantaged individuals who had problem drug use and were seen in primary care clinics affiliated with a public safety-net hospital. Individuals had, on average, 5.4 chronic medical conditions, and overall 57% had low severity chronic disease. In the year following enrollment, 14% had chemical dependency treatment. Severity of chronic disease was not associated with chemical dependency treatment (p = .26). In summary, chronic disease neither hindered chemical dependency treatment, nor did it facilitate such treatment.
Micro-Optical Mechanical Fiber-Optic Sensor (MOMFOS)

Over the past 15 years, fiber-optic sensor technology evolved around components that were significantly larger than the wavelength of an optical source. Those restrictions imposed a size limit on a fiber-optic sensor and associated optical processing components. By reducing an optical component's dimensions to that of an optical wavelength, new devices can be envisioned. Recently, Brent E. Little from an MIT group under Prof. Haus’ leadership has proposed a new type of displacement readout sensor based on the combination of the Whispering Gallery Modes (WGMs) in a microsphere and a Mach-Zehnder (MZ) interferometer. This approach is an excellent candidate for a high-performance readout for a micromechanical sensor without the limits imposed by a current capacitive readout. Initial theoretical and experimental basis [1] shows that displacement resolutions on the order of 0.01 picometer can be achieved with available technology. For example, initial calculation shows that a micromechanical gyroscope readout limit below 0.01 deg/h is attainable with this type of readout. This paper introduces a new approach for a multiplexed sensor combining micromechanical and fiber-optic technology.
Development of First-Graders’ Word Reading Skills For Whom Can Dynamic Assessment Tell Us More?

Dynamic assessment (DA) of word reading measures learning potential for early reading development by documenting the amount of assistance needed to learn how to read words with unfamiliar orthography. We examined the additive value of DA for predicting first-grade decoding and word recognition development while controlling for autoregressive effects. Additionally, we examined whether predictive validity of DA would be higher for students who have poor phonological awareness skills. First-grade students (n = 105) were assessed on measures of word reading, phonological awareness, rapid automatized naming, and DA in the fall and again assessed on word reading measures in the spring. A series of planned, moderated multiple regression analyses indicated that DA made a significant and unique contribution in predicting word recognition development above and beyond the autoregressor, particularly for students with poor phonological awareness skills. For these students, DA explained 3.5% of the unique variance in end-of-first-grade word recognition that was not attributable to autoregressive effect. Results suggest that DA provides an important source of individual differences in the development of word recognition skills that cannot be fully captured by merely assessing the present level of reading skills through traditional static assessment, particularly for students at risk for developing reading disabilities.
Comparison of Measures Used to Assess the Workload of Monitoring an Unmanned System in a Simulation Mission

Abstract As the deployment of unmanned systems becomes increasingly mainstream, it is crucial to understand the effects of the workload (WL) associated with operating and interacting with these systems. There are multiple categories and types of WL measures, but not all meet the criteria for useful measures. It is not uncommon to find that multiple WL measures for the same task do not concur, which raises questions about whether there should be specific WL measures for certain tasks, and if so, how that should be determined. The present experiment investigated the sensitivity of various physiological and self-report measures in detecting changes in WL elicited by different levels of task demands in two tasks. Each participant was asked to assume the role of a Soldier in a human-robot team performing a simulated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) mission. The mission entailed performing a change detection task and a peripheral task of maintaining awareness of the robot teammate's location and surroundings. Auditory prompts were presented to probe the participant's situation awareness of the robot, with regard to its direction of travel and features of its surroundings. Physiological devices used to assess WL were the electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG), transcranial Doppler (TCD), functional Near-Infrared (fNIR), and eye tracker. Self-report measures included the TLX and DSSQ. Findings from the present experiment inform developers of unmanned systems about the sensitivity of various WL measures in assessing levels of mental demands imposed by working with unmanned systems.
The Use of the Selgem System in Support of Systematics

SELGEM is a set of computer programs which have been designed to process the data of systematics in a variety of ways. Emphasis has been placed in SELGEM development upon input and manipulation of the data, although a fully operational set of output and reformatting programs is in existence. Under many circumstances the SELGEM system can be used to streamline the process of data collection, reduce or eliminate repetitive work, increase the accuracy of data assembled, permit the output of a greater variety of documents, and allow for more flexible uses of the resulting data base. The system is operational on a number of machines at the present time and is available without charge to any user provided that it is not used for profit. Further information about the SELGEM system itself can be obtained by writing to its creators — Mr. Reginald Creighton or Mr. James Crockett, of the Information Systems Division, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C., U. S. A., 20560. Further information about uses to which SELGEM has been put at the National Museum of Natural History can be obtained by writing to the author or to Dr. T. Gary Gautier, National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C. 20560.
Improved Recovery of Fluid Movement Through Time-Lapse Borehole Vector Gravity

††‡ † † , ‡ SUMMARY We present a simulation study on the improved monitoring potential of borehole vector gravity over traditional vertical gravity to recover fluid movement. The study utilizes a synthetic model mimicking gas cap water injection over a 20-year period, and a small collection of vertical monitoring wells throughout the field. The number of monitoring wells increases from one to four locations, and they are placed to sense the water flood from different directions. Vertical gravity data within most wells reach saturation shortly after the water front passes, limiting the traditional method for long term monitoring. In contrast, vector gravity within the wells is continuously changing in magnitude and direction, thus providing better long term monitoring information about the fluid front. Inversion of the data with increasing number of monitoring wells demonstrates that vector gravity can provide significant improvement over vertical gravity when the monitoring wells are limited to a few sparse locations.
Comparison of Sampling Techniques for Grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in Soybean

A 2-yr study was conducted for evaluating sampling techniques for the grasshoppers Melanoplus femurrubrum (De Geer) and M. differentialis (Thomas) in soybean. Objectives were to establish a technique for obtaining absolute estimates of density and to evaluate the potential for calibrating the sweep net (relative density estimates) for absolute density estimates. Assessments of absolute density were made at night by using a cage-bag method. Sweep samples were collected during both day and night. Night sweeping was more effective than day sweeping for capturing grasshoppers. Regression results of relative on absolute estimates for nymphs indicated that both day and night sweeps adequately reflected population change. In contrast, similar analyses for adults indicated sufficient fidelity for night sweeps only. Day or night, fidelity of sweeps was better for M. femurrubrum than for M. differentialis . Regression coefficients were significantly different between nymphs and adults, but not between species. Therefore, combined-species regression models were formulated for nymphs (day and night) and for adults (night). Satisfactory fidelity of species-specific and combined-species day (nymphs) and night (nymphs and adults) models warrants the use of these models for calibration. Despite both day and night sweeps being biased in estimating age-class structure for nymphs, nymphal models are useful for management.
Diagnostics based on nucleic acid sequence variant profiling: PCR, hybridization, and NGS approaches☆

Nucleic acid sequence variations have been implicated in many diseases, and reliable detection and quantitation of DNA/RNA biomarkers can inform effective therapeutic action, enabling precision medicine. Nucleic acid analysis technologies being translated into the clinic can broadly be classified into hybridization, PCR, and sequencing, as well as their combinations. Here we review the molecular mechanisms of popular commercial assays, and their progress in translation into in vitro diagnostics.
On the Guidance of the Student to do Self-Studying with the Help of Network Multi-Media in the Opening Education

Modern opening long-distance education is characterized by encouraging students to do self-study through which such individual study can improve their learning ability.However,there are still many students who are lack of the consentience of self-study and are not competent in studying by themselves.Thus,we should make good use of network multi-media resource and the guidance of the tutors in order to change the students' attitude towards the study,strengthen the education of the modern studying skill,strictly control the exam,continuously nurture the students to do well in self-studying.
Fostering Social and Cultural Capital in Urban Youth: A Programmatic Approach to Promoting College Success:

Bachelor's degree attainment has become essential for U.S. labor market participation. However, degree attainment is differentially accessible across racial and economic lines. One explanation of d...
Geologic context of recurring slope lineae in Melas and Coprates Chasmata, Mars

One of the major Mars discoveries of recent years is the existence of recurring slope lineae (RSL), which suggests that liquid water occurs on or near the surface of Mars today. These dark and narrow features emerge from steep, rocky exposures and incrementally grow, fade, and reform on a seasonal basis and are detected in images from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment camera. RSL are known to occur at scattered midlatitude and equatorial sites with little spatial connection to one another. One major exception is the steep, low-albedo slopes of Melas and Coprates Chasmata, in Valles Marineris where RSL are detected among diverse geologic surfaces (e.g., bedrock and talus) and landforms (e.g., inselbergs and landslides). New images show topographic changes including sediment deposition on active RSL slopes. Midwall locations in Coprates and Melas appear to have more areally extensively abundant RSL and related fans as compared with other RSL sites found on Mars. Water budget estimates for regional RSL are on the order of 105 to 106 m3 of fluid, for depths of 10 to 100 mm, and suggest that a significant amount of near-surface water might be present. Many RSL are concentrated near local topographic highs, such as ridge crests or peaks, which is challenging to explain via groundwater or ice without a recharge mechanism. Collectively, results provide additional support for the notion that significant amounts of near-surface water can be found on Mars today and suggest that a widespread mechanism, possibly related to the atmosphere, is recharging RSL sources.
Multiple fluid-filled liver cysts presenting as acute pancreatitis in a patient with known autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

A 70-year-old woman with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) presented with 3 days of progressive epigastric pain unrelated to food intake. Her history included hypertension and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Abdominal examination revealed a soft abdomen with normal bowel sounds, mild rebound tenderness in the epigastric region and an irregular palpable liver. Laboratory results include elevated amylase (368 IU/L, normal: 18–118 IU/L), lipase (813 IU/L, normal: 9–50 IU/L) and C reactive protein (182 mg/L, normal: <7 mg/L). Her total bilirubin, transaminases and renal functions (creatinine of 0.92 mg/dL, blood urea nitrogen of 10 mg/dL and …
Complete Genome Sequence of a Colistin Resistance Gene (mcr-1)-Bearing Isolate of Escherichia coli from the United States

ABSTRACT Transmissible colistin resistance conferred by the mcr-1 gene-bearing IncI2 plasmid has been recently reported in Escherichia coli in the United States. We report here the completed genome sequence of a second E. coli strain isolated from swine in the United States that carried the mcr-1 gene on an IncI2-type plasmid.
Exploring Sleep-related Habitability Issues in Berthing Spaces on U.S. Navy Ships:

Sleep problems are prevalent in the naval operational environment. Crewmembers attribute some of these problems to habitability-related issues in their berthing compartments. This study has two goals: first, to assess the provisions in current habitability standards used in ship design; and second, to assess the extent to which habitability factors in berthing compartments affect the sleep of crewmembers in United States Navy (USN) ships. Results from eight field studies show that environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, noise, light, air quality) affect sleep quality in berthing spaces. Despite the provisions in current standards, sleep-related habitability issues remain a concern for crewmembers in the USN. Our findings suggest that living conditions may be improved in berthing compartments by revising current standards. We have identified three areas for improvement: noise (both continuous and intermittent), temperature within the compartment, and designing berthing compartments according to the or...
Subresolution activity in solar and stellar coronae from magnetic field line tangling

The heating of coronal loops is investigated to understand the observational consequences in terms of the thermodynamics and radiative losses from the Sun as well as the magnetized coronae of stars with an outer convective envelope. The dynamics of the Parker coronal heating model are studied for different ratios of the photospheric forcing velocity timescale $t_p$ to the Alfven crossing time along a loop $t_A$. It is shown that for $t_p/t_A \gtrsim$ 10--24 the heating rate and maximum temperature are largest and approximately independent of $t_p/t_A$, leading to a strong emission in X-rays and EUV. On the opposite decreasing $t_p/t_A$ to smaller values leads to lower heating rates and plasma temperatures, and consequently fading high-energy radiative emission once $t_p/t_A \lesssim$ 1--3. The average volumetric loop heating rate is shown to scale as $\ell_p u_p B_0^2/4\pi L^2$, where $\ell_p$ and $u_p$ are respectively the convective granule length-scale and velocity, $B_0$ is the intensity of the strong magnetic field threading the loop, and $L$ the loop length. These findings support a recent hypothesis explaining ultracool dwarf observations of stars with similar magnetic field strength but radically different topologies displaying different radiative emission.
Survey of Monocular SLAM Algorithms in Natural Environments

With the increased use of cameras in robotic applications, this paper presents quantitative and qualitative assessment of the most prominent monocular tracking and mapping algorithms in literature with a particular focus on natural environments. This paper is unique in both context and methodology since it quantifies the performance of the state-of-the-art in Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping methods in the specific context where images mostly include vegetation. Finally, we elaborate on the limitations of these algorithms and the challenges that they did not address or consider when working in the natural environment.
Political and Cultural Foundations of Long-term Care Reform Comment on "Financing Long-term Care: Lessons From Japan".

This paper comments on Naoki Ikegami’s editorial entitled “Financing long-term care: lessons from Japan.” Adding to the editorial, this paper focuses on analyzing the political and cultural foundations of long-term care (LTC) reform. Intergenerational solidarity and inclusive, prudential public deliberation are needed for the establishment or reform of LTC systems. Among various lines of ethical reasoning related to LTC, Confucian ethics and other familist ethics are specifically important in the societies that share these values. The core issue in the debates around LTC reform is how to (re-)define the scope of social entitlements and accordingly to allocate the responsibility for care between states and families, between social groups, and between generations with limited resources.
Environmental Policy: The Current Paradigm

Written for public policy practitioners and interested public policy stakeholders, this is a book about the challenges of public policy decision making that are not being met by current approaches. Applying the principles and lessons learned from the literature on decision analytic methods, stakeholder participation approaches, and public policy making, an innovative but feasible methodology for environmental decision and public policy making is unveiled. The Multi-criteria Integrated Resource Assessment (MIRA) approach provides a policy decision analytic interface between the social and physical sciences that was previously unavailable. Stakeholder inclusiveness, transparency, learning, scientific data usage, the construction of social and scientific indicators, and addressing uncertainty are overlaid across the common set of steps that are used in all multi-criteria decision making. This book challenges the current science-based decision making paradigm that the rational and objective application of scientific data alone constitutes the ideal decision making process. Effective environmental policy making requires meeting stakeholder goals by balancing science and values. This book examines current policy decision making processes and presents some dilemmas that can impede finding policy solutions. Proceeding from the conceptual to the practical, this book includes a final word on the policy implications of viewing commonly used indices through the MIRA lens.
Composing SDN Controller Enhancements with Mozart

Over the last few years, we have experienced a massive transformation of the Software Defined Networking ecosystem with the development of SDNEnhancements, e.g., Statesman, ESPRES, Pane, and Pyretic, to provide better composability, better utilization of TCAM, consistent network updates, or congestion free updates. The end-result of this organic evolution is a disconnect between the SDN applications and the data-plane. A disconnect which can impact an SDN application's performance and efficacy. In this paper, we present the first systematic study of the interactions between SDNEnhancements and SDN applications -- we show that an SDN application's performance can be significantly impacted by these SDNEnhancements: for example, we observed that the efficiency of a traffic engineering SDN application was reduced by 24.8%. Motivated by these insights, we present, Mozart, a redesigned SDN controller centered around mitigating and reducing the impact of these SDNEnhancements. Using two prototypes interoperating with seven SDN applications and two SDNEnhancements, we demonstrate that our abstractions require minimal changes and can restore an SDN application's performance. We analyzed Mozart's scalability and overhead using large scale simulations of modern cloud networks and observed them to be negligible.
Lagrangian Models for Controlling Large-Scale Heterogeneous Traffic

Heterogeneous traffic with a mixture of human-driven and connected automated vehicles is discussed to study how the penetration rate and the control design of connected automated vehicles affect the traffic flow on a large scale. Continuum traffic models are constructed by incorporating time delays to take into account the reaction time of human drivers and the delays in the control loops of connected automated vehicles. It is shown that Lagrangian delayed continuum models are suitable for studying heterogeneity, introducing delay, and taking into account the on-board traffic data used by the controllers of connected automated vehicles. We show that these models possess realistic stability properties and are capable of capturing the large-scale dynamics of vehicle automation-induced and connectivity-induced heterogeneity.
Nikolai Gogol, Symbolic Geography, and the Invention of the Russian Provinces

Anyone who reads Russian literature has visited the “Town of N,” that is, one of those unnamed, undistinguished, and indistinguishable provincial places that have been recurring in literary texts since the beginning of the nineteenth century. Writers, including Herzen, Turgenev, Chekhov, and Dobychin, tend to assume that Russian provincial places—that is, virtually all places outside of the “capitals,” Petersburg and Moscow—are characterized by anonymity, repetition, and chaos. Even as Russian society was undergoing radical transformation over the course of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, stasis was built into the idea of provintsiia. We have become so accustomed to this view that we perhaps fail to recognize how puzzling it should be. This chapter argues that the trope of provincial anonymity took on its enduring power thanks to the writings of Nikolai Gogol, after whom any Russian provincial town risked being characterized by the adjective “Gogolian.” It analyzes Gogol’s work with an eye to elucidating both the texts themselves and how they have helped shape Russia’s symbolic geography—that is, geography not as empirical reality but as “a powerful symbol conveniently located outside of historical time” (to borrow Maria Todorova’s characterization of “the Balkans”). Gogol’s interest in provintsiia permeates much of his oeuvre, and in texts like Dead Souls, The Inspector General, and Selected Passages from Correspondence with Friends, writing about the provinces and provinciality becomes for him a way to raise questions about Russian identity more broadly.
Pragmatic Utopianism: from Place to Process

A synthesis of Ernst Bloch’s utopian process theory with pragmatic and phenomenological theories of action reorients utopianism away from the more traditional linear teleological perspective and towards an emphasis on dynamically fusing dreams and the practicality of action, what I call pragmatic utopianism. This process highlights how utopian dynamism is rooted in synthesizing past, present, and future. Utopia should not be understood as a static place or an expected end, but as an unending process towards a constantly changing vision of a better world. The German Ostalgie movement illustrates how this perspective can be utilized. When East Germans realized that their dreams of a capitalist society did not fully satisfy their imaginings under Communist rule, they critiqued their present experiences by utilizing idealized elements of their pasts and modifying their future imaginings. Ostalgie was thus not an attempt to resurrect the past, but to engage in a pragmatic process of utopian action towards an alternative future.
Development of an anti-clogging perforated plate atomizer for a zero liquid discharge humidification-dehumidification desalination system

Abstract An anti-clogging perforated plate atomizer is designed for high temperature and salinity applications in a novel solar-powered zero liquid discharge humidification-dehumidification desalination system (US Patent Application US62882953). This paper presents a detailed discussion on its design, and operation. Experiments are performed on seven atomizers to study the effect of design, and operating parameters on spray cone angle, and average droplet diameter. Spray cone angle remains constant with change in air mass flux, and increases with increasing orifice diameter, and manifold diameter. It also increases initially with water mass flow rate, and manifold height, before attaining a constant value. Average droplet diameter increases with increasing water mass flow rate, and decreasing air mass flux, orifice diameter, and manifold diameter. Further, anti-clogging performance of the atomizer is tested with hypersaline water of 100,000 ppm total dissolved solid (NaCl) at elevated temperatures such as air at 175 °C and saline water at 45 °C. Results show no clogging for 2–13 h of operation. Near-complete suppression of atomizer clogging makes our new additively-manufactured perforated plate atomizer an ideal fit for high salinity, and zero liquid discharge humidification-dehumidification desalination systems. Additionally, its open-surface design allows additional surface modifications to further reduce clogging, and enhance self-cleaning characteristics.
Room for Discussion: An Examination of Political Discussion Amongst Latinxs in Various Social Contexts:

Though there is research regarding the political speech and rhetoric of minority politicians, activists, and other elites, there is little on the everyday, casual political discourse of minorities ...
Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Leads to Injury and Metabolic Dysfunction of the Lung

High-cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) often disrupts respiratory motor pathways and disables breathing in the affected population. Moreover, cervically injured individuals are at risk for developing acute lung injury (ALI), which predicts substantial mortality rates. While the correlation between ALI and SCI has been found in the clinical setting, the field lacks an animal model to interrogate the fundamental biology of this relationship. To begin to address this gap, we performed an experimental cervical SCI and assessed lung injury in adult rats. We demonstrate that animals display signs of ALI two weeks post-SCI. We also observed aberrant N-glycan metabolism determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging. Collectively, we establish for the first time a model of ALI after SCI at an acute time point that can be used to monitor the progression of lung damage, as well as identify potential targets to ameliorate ALI.
Bismuth-based oxide (BSCCO) high-temperature superconducting wires for power grid applications: Properties and fabrication

Abstract Among the many high-temperature superconductors (HTS), bismuth-based superconductors are state-of-the-art materials that have been implemented in components and devices, such as HTS current leads, power cables, motors, generators, transformers, fault current limiters, and magnets. In this chapter, the electromagnetic, mechanical, and thermal properties of Bi-2223 and Bi-2212 wires, their fabrication processes, functional prototypes, and future trends are described.
Neo-Pragmatism and the New Aesthetic

The end of the nineteenth century brought with it the end of philosophy, or so some philosophers believed. Philosophy’s “death” was attributable to two causes. First, there was the translation of all philosophical questions into the language of the positive sciences. Second, there was the translation of Hegel’s rational metaphysics into the febrile, pragmatic, subjectivism of Croce and Gentile.
Stimulus Control Instructions

The goals of stimulus control instructions are to help the insomniac learn to fall asleep quickly and to maintain sleep. These goals are reached by strengthening the bed as a cue for sleep, weakening it as a cue for activities that might interfere with sleep, and helping the insomniac acquire a consistent sleep rhythm. Although there are many causes of insomnia, poor sleep habits are often an important contributor.
Warming early Earth and Mars

Life on Earth is thought to have started about 4 billion years ago, yet the sun's luminosity at that stage of its evolution would have been 25 to 30% lower than today. This primordial solar luminosity would have been insufficient to heat the Earth enough to allow water to be in its liquid phase and so enable the formation of life, a dilemma that has been called the early faint sun paradox. In his Perspective, Kasting reviews the background to this paradox and comments on the results of Sagan and Chyba in the same issue, which are presented as a resolution to the dilemma. Sagan and Chyba ([p. 1217][1]) suggest that absorption of solar ultraviolet radiation by high-altitude organic particulates may have permitted sufficient ammonia concentration in the early atmosphere to allow greenhouse warming of the Earth. Kasting comments on this suggestion and discusses its implications. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/276/5316/1217
Being Logical About Desert Island Reading

To begin with, I refuse to be stranded on a desert island: sand without vegetation, hot sun, and salty water are just not conducive to good thinking. So let’s get into deserted tropical island mood, which is what everyone else has been doing. First, let’s wind time back to around 1978. This is important because our bodies can do without some luxuries, and, let’s face it, life is generally more fun when one is young. We have a copy of Let’s go guide to Asia, the student bible to living on $5 a day. Reeling from the sights, smells, sounds, crowding and especially traffic of weeks of mid-day sun in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei and Bangkok, it is time to take a breather. A half-a-day train journey from Bangkok leaves us in Suratthani, 1 then a bus, followed by a ferry with farm animals, ending with a jump over the water (there is no gang plank), and we have (literally) landed on the island of Ko Samui, off the coast of Thailand. Locals with rickshaw-style tricycles and mopeds (no cars in sight on the island) invite you to stay on beaches with luxurious accommodations (palm huts over sand). After the obligatory swim, we finish off a lovely fried banana, regretfully refuse the itinerant peddler’s fresh Thai pineapple sliced on the spot (a sure way to get “Bali belly” because the hand touching the outside of the pineapple also touches the edible part), and manage to convince the locals to turn off the boombox playing “Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive”. (It is the height of Saturday Night Fever, and native culture in Southeast Asia is already reeling from the onslaught of Western nonsense, including blue jeans worn at 100 ◦ F in the shade.) We are sitting in a hut raised on stilts, watching the sun set. (See the above web site for visual aids in picturing the scene.) I dig through my pack to find something to read, and after tossing aside the latest James Clavell epic as being insufficiently uplifting, I find a photocopy of 22 pages of formal stuff titled “The Proper Treatment of Quantifiers in Ordinary English”. Since it is a chapter from a book (Hintikka et al., 1974), it doesn’t even have the name of the author on it, but vaguely it is coming back to me—yes, it is by Richard Montague. I start reading, but in a few minutes I doze off in the balmy breeze. (Scene repeats itself over 6 months on the beaches of Hawaii, Bali, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Sri Lanka.) So why was I carrying this soporific with me? Well, having just finished a PhD thesis which had two linguists on the committee, I was doing what most like-minded computer scientists were doing at that time: trying to figure out intensional logic and Montague grammar. Montague’s semantics for natural language were deliciously perverse: the meaning of a proper noun like John was not a constant, as one might expect, but more like the set of properties that can be said to hold of that individual:lambda P. P(john). To make tricky things work out, the final meaning is actually (lambda P).([ ex P]) ( in john) and the meaning of “John sleeps” is obtained by applying the preceding function to the argument
Description of amish study data set

A brief description is given on the ascertainment methods and diagnostic procedures for bipolar affective disorder patients and their relatives in Amish pedigrees. Data on a sample of five bipolar families are provided, including conventional blood typings, serum protein and RFLP data.
Explaining the Pattern in Returns for Diversified Firms

Why do returns fall when firms diversify? In this paper, I show that this and other stylized facts about the performance of diversified firms are fully consistent with optimal firm behavior. In my model, corporate diversification is driven by economies of scale, synergies and better production opportunities in other industries. By dynamically linking valuation and performance, the model suggests that diversifying firms tend to be those that have experienced persistent declines in performance and, as a consequence, their returns have been falling. However, in the model, a portfolio of diversified firms earns, as in the data, the same expected return as the well-diversified portfolio of specialized firms since both portfolios have the same exposure to the aggregate risk. Finally, the model also implies that expected returns on diversified firms vary systematically with relative value, as documented by Lamont and Polk (2001).
The SF1 real-time computer

The SF1 is a 32-bit computer designed to allow programming of real-time applications in high-level languages. The SF1 is based on specialized smart memories, called stack-frames, built in VLSI. The first implementation will execute more than 10 million complex instructions per second and can switch contexts in a rich environment in 500 nanoseconds. The design is simple and allows direct programming in an algebraic language. The key features allowing application of SF1 for reliable and high-performance real-time systems are simplicity of design, hardware support for context switching, and hardware optimization of local data references. >