cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The usefulness, in pharmacological classification, of complementary pattern-recognition techniques and structure modelling as afforded by the iterative collation of multiple-trial data in data banks☆

In this emerging information age no significant limits can be envisaged to the immense resources of knowledge that pharmacological sciences can draw upon by systematically applying multivariate pattern-recognition techniques to those data banks which can be organized internationally with better standardization of descriptors, i.e. by parametrizing observations and evaluating monitoring in experimental, biological assays, clinical trials and postmarketing surveillance. Even conventionally or habitually adopted references and communalities such as traditional drug profiles and receptor models may be iteratively re-checked and suitably adapted so as to take account of more adequate, up-to-date analytical techniques, fresh biological ideas and new advances in terms of physiological refinements. An attempt may also be made to modify the chemicophysical relationships and patterns currently traced on the basis of what are held to be quantitative structure-activity oversimplifications. The present paper focuses upon specifying a number of standardization criteria in conventional assays and upon submitting multiple biological features to monitoring; in addition, it gives some picture of the new trends the approach can offer and draws attention to the more relevant, innovative literature references.
Interplay of superexchange and orbital degeneracy in Cr-doped LaMnO 3

We report on structural, magnetic, and electron spin resonance (ESR) investigations in the manganite system ${\mathrm{LaMn}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Cr}}_{x}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ $(xl~0.5).$ Upon Cr-doping we observe a reduction of the Jahn-Teller distortion yielding less distorted orthorhombic structures. A transition from the Jahn-Teller distorted ${\mathrm{O}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ to the pseudocubic O phase occurs between $0.3lxl0.4.$ A clear connection between this transition and the doping dependence of the magnetic and ESR properties has been observed. The effective moments determined by ESR seem reduced with respect to the spin-only value of both ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{3+}$ and ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{3+}$ ions.
Photodegradation of polyimides. III. The effect of chemical composition, radiation source, atmosphere, and processing

Abstract : Polyimide films made from diarylanhydrides with oxygen, carbonyl, and hexafluoroisopropylidene 6F bridging groups are photolabile when irradiated with unfiltered light from a medium pressure mercury lamp. The presence of oxygen is necessary to the photolytic degradation process, which results in the ultimate oxidative ablation of thin polyimide films. Films based on the 6F dianhydride containing a hexafluoroisopropylidene hinge group are the most unstable. However, photolysis of 6F dianhydride based polyimides in an inert atmosphere with either the unfiltered medium pressure mercury lamp or an electron beam results in no detectable changes even after long exposure times.
Network dynamics mediating ipsilateral motor cortex activity during unimanual actions

Executing difficult actions with the left hand results in bilateral activity of motor areas along the precentral gyrus. Using TMS and fMRI, we explored the functional relationship between primary (M1) and premotor areas during unimanual actions, focusing on M1 activity in the ipsilateral hemisphere. Single-pulse TMS revealed that the amplitude of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), elicited in the stationary right-hand muscles following left M1 stimulation, fluctuated with the state of homologous muscles in the moving left hand. This ipsilateral excitability was pronounced when the left-hand movements were more complex. We used fMRI to visualize the cortical dynamics during unimanual actions. Trial-by-trial fluctuations in ipsilateral M1 activity were correlated with contralateral M1 responses and this correlation increased with movement complexity. Consistent with previous studies, the left caudal precentral premotor area (pcPM) was engaged during movements of either hand. Following low-frequency rTMS over left pcPM, the correlation between the activity level in the two M1s increased. This finding indicates that left pcPM may regulate the unintentional mirroring of motor commands in M1 during unilateral movement.
Rosin-based acid anhydrides as alternatives to petrochemical curing agents

In this paper, two bio-based epoxy curing agents were synthesized using rosin acids. The chemical structures of the rosin derivatives were confirmed in detail by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT-IR and ESI-MS. The synthesis methods of the rosin-based curing agents, curing behaviors and properties of the cured epoxy resins were studied. Two commercial curing agents, which have similar functionality and structural resemblance to the rosin-based curing agents, were also used in the study for comparison. Compared with the synthesis of petrochemical curing agents, the synthesis of rosin-based curing agents was simpler and more environmentally friendly, and has less strict requirements on reactors and catalysts. Non-isothermal curing of a commercial liquid epoxy was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The thermal mechanical properties and thermal stability of the cured epoxy resins were evaluated using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. Results showed that the curing behaviors of the rosin-based curing agents were similar to those of the commercial curing agents. The epoxies cured by rosin-based curing agents also demonstrated similar thermal mechanical properties and thermal stability to the epoxies cured by commercial curing agent analogs.
Complete Genome Sequence of Methanosaeta concilii, a Specialist in Aceticlastic Methanogenesis

The genome sequence of the aceticlastic methanoarchaeon Methanosaeta concilii GP6, comprised of a 3,008,626-bp chromosome and an 18,019-bp episome, has been determined and exhibits considerable differences in gene content from that of Methanosaeta thermophila.
Development of optimized vectors for gene therapy

The promise of gene therapy and its potential to generate effective treatments for human diseases has been a subject of much debate. It is now well recognized that gene delivery technology presents the major obstacle to the success of this field, and a consensus has emerged that the development of vectors that can deliver and appropriately express relevant gene products in specific tissues in vivo is much needed. For this reason, significant effort has been placed on expanded studies in molecular virology and gene expression relevant to gene-transfer technology (reviewed in ref. 1). The challenge has been to achieve stable, regulated gene expression and to avoid immune responses. Thus, the ideal gene therapy vector would be injectable, targetable to specific sites in vivo, regulatable, able to maintain long-term gene expression, and nonimmunogenic. In this issue of the Proceedings, Burcin and colleagues (2) in Dr. Bert O’Malley’s laboratory describe a major step toward the generation of an optimized adenoviral vector. This vector could be useful for the treatment of liver-related diseases and serum-protein deficiencies that can be complemented through gene expression in hepatocytes.
Managing Electricity Reliability Risk Through the Forward Markets

In competitive electricity markets, the vertically integrated utilities that were responsible for ensuring system reliability in their own service territories, or groups of territories, often cease to exist. Typically, the burden falls to an independent system operator (ISO) to ensure that enough ancillary services (AS) are available for safe, stable, and reliable operation of the grid, defined, in part, as compliance with officially approved engineering specifications for minimum levels of AS. In order to characterize the behavior of market participants (generators, retailers, and an ISO) in a competitive electricity market with reliability requirements, we model a spot market for electricity and forward markets for both electricity and AS. By assuming that each participant seeks to maximize its expected utility of wealth and that all markets clear, we solve for the optimal quantities of electricity and AS traded in each market by all participants, as well as the corresponding market-clearing prices. We show that forward prices for both electricity and AS depend on expectations of the spot price, statistical aspects of system demand, and production cost parameters. More important, our model captures the fact that AS are essentially call options for electricity that can potentially be used just like any other derivative to manage risk within a competitive environment. We use data from the California electricity market to test our model's viability.
Vaginal foreign bodies

Objective: To evaluate the clinical features and outcome in girls with a vaginal foreign body. Methods: Retrospective review of medical records of 35 girls with a vaginal foreign body seen in an outpatient clinic for paediatric and adolescent gynaecology between 1980 and 2000. Results: The ages ranged from 2.6 to 9.2 years. The most common symptom was blood-stained vaginal discharge/vaginal bleeding (49%). Duration of symptoms varied from 1 day to 2 years. Fifty-four percent of the patients recalled insertion of the foreign object, usually by the girl herself. All but three patients (91%) either recalled insertion of the foreign object and/or had vaginal bleeding or blood-stained or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and/or visualization or palpation of the foreign body in physical examination. Symptoms resolved after removal of the foreign body followed by a single irrigation with Providon-Iod (Betadine®). Conclusion: In the majority of patients a carefully obtained history and physical examination suggest the diagnosis of a vaginal foreign object. The leading symptoms are vaginal bleeding and blood-stained or foul smelling vaginal discharge. Removal of the foreign object followed by a single irrigation with Providon-Iod is the definitive treatment and does not require additional measures.
Endosonography-guided pseudocyst drainage with a new large-channel linear scanning echoendoscope

Endoscopic-guided pancreatic pseudocyst drainage has been reported to be an effective means for alleviating symptoms related to pancreatic fluid collections.1-3 Several investigators have suggested that performance of the procedure with EUS guidance may allow drainage of pseudocysts that cannot be drained with a purely endoscopic method because of the absence of an intraluminal bulge or the presence of adjacent vascular structures that preclude safe entry.4-7 In both of these circumstances, EUS guidance of the drainage procedure may theoretically reduce the risk for perforation and/or bleeding. Previously, EUS-guided pancreatic pseudocyst drainage was limited by the lack of echoendoscopes with elevators and/or sufficiently large accessory channels to allow passage of a large-caliber endoprosthesis (10F or greater in size). This report describes the technical features and operating characteristics of a recently introduced large-channel linear scanning echoendoscope with an elevator (XGF-UCT30, Olympus America, Inc., Melville, N.Y., Fig. 1) when used for pseudocyst drainage. CASE REPORT A 46-year-old man with alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis complicated by partial gastric outlet obstruction and biliary obstruction was referred for endoscopic drainage of a 6.5 cm pseudocyst posterior to the antrum and duodenum. Institutional Review Board approval as required under Minnesota law was obtained for review of the medical record. Initial contrast CT of the abdomen demonstrated peripancreatic inflammatory changes, pancreatic calcification, and biliary dilation. The patient was treated with an endoscopically placed venting gastrotomy, endoscopic biliary stent placement, and nutritional support while abstaining from alcohol ingestion. The gastric outlet obstruction resolved but he required interval stent changes over the ensuing 12 months because of clogging and persistence of the biliary stricture. Enteral intake was resumed and the gastrostomy tube was removed. Follow-up over this interval with CT imaging demonstrated conversion of the inflammatory changes in the head region of the pancreas into a 6.5 cm
C-band polarimetric backscatter observations of Great Lakes ice

Two experiments were carried out during the 1997 winter season across the Straits of Mackinac and Lake Superior. C-band radar backscatter signatures of various ice types and open water were measured from U.S. Coast Guard Ice Breaker vessels together with ground truth data. Polarimetric backscatter data were obtained at incident angles up to 60/spl deg/ for all polarizations. Backscatter signatures of 20 ice types/conditions were collected along the Coast Guard ship tracks in February and March 1997. The backscatter data set with in-situ ice characteristic parameter measurements are to be used in the development of the ice mapping algorithms using satellite SAR data over the Great Lakes. The results at C-band frequency for multiple incident angles and multiple polarizations are applicable to the current ERS and RADARSAT synthetic aperture radars (SAR) and the future ENVISAT SAR.
NPI-Licensing, Strawson-Entailment, and Context-Dependency

The Fauconnier-Ladusaw analysis of negative polarity licensing (that NPIs are licensed in the scope of downward entailing operators) continues to be the benchmark theory of negative polarity. In this paper, I consider some of the moves that are needed to maintain its basic intuition in some recalcitrant arenas: negative polarity licensing by only, adversatives, superlatives, and conditionals. We will see that one has to (i) use a notion of entailment that I call Strawson-Entailment , which deals with presuppositions in a particular way, and (ii) prohibit (even natural) context change during an inference. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how to justify these constraints and to see in detail how the semantics of the problematic constructions has to work in order for these moves to successfully rescue the Fauconnier-Ladusaw analysis. I will first show the two assumptions at work in the analysis of NPI-licensing by only and adversatives (building on proposals by Kadmon & Landman). I then turn to NPI-licensing in the antecedent of conditionals. The standard Stalnaker-Lewis semantics for conditionals - if p, q is true iff q is true in the closest p-world(s) - might make one suspect that once one has an explanation for NPI-licensing by superlatives, that would immediately deliver an explanation for NPI-licensing in conditionals. But it turns out that the particular analysis that seems appropriate for NPI-licensing by superlatives cannot plausibly carry over to conditionals. Instead, one does better by appealing to an alternative analysis of conditionals, one that I have elsewhere argued for on independent grounds.
Survival and growth of the caddisfly Limnephilus flavastellus after predation on toxic eggs of the Rough-skinned Newt (Taricha granulosa)

The Rough-skinned Newt (Taricha granulosa (Skilton, 1849)) possesses a powerful neurotoxin, tetrodotoxin, in the skin that is secondarily deposited in the ova. Although assumed to serve an antipredator function in the eggs, empirical evidence of the toxin's role in preventing egg predation is lacking. In this study, we characterized the aquatic macroinverte- brate community at a location sympatric with extremely toxic newts and estimated the abundance of caddisflies. We tested aquatic macroinvertebrates sympatric with toxic newts for their capacity to consume the toxic eggs, and examined the pro- pensity of egg predation and its effect on growth of the only known predator of newt eggs, caddisfly larvae. Limnephilid caddisfly larvae were the only invertebrate observed to consume substantial quantities of toxic newt eggs. Survival and growth of the caddisfly Limnephilus flavastellus Banks, 1918 continued when larvae consumed toxic eggs and did not differ from L. flavastellus that also had access to an alternative food source (detritus). Limnephilus flavastellus that had access to eggs + detritus consumed a similar number of eggs compared with those provided with eggs only. These results, combined with the abundance of caddisflies, suggest that caddisflies are important predators of eggs of T. granulosa. Resume : Le triton rugueux (Taricha granulosa (Skilton, 1849)) possede une puissante neurotoxine, la tetrodotoxine, dans la peau qui se depose secondairement dans les œufs. Bien qu'on presume que la toxine joue un role antipredateur dans les œufs, il n'existe pas de donnees empiriques montrant que son role est de prevenir la predation des œufs. Dans notre etude, nous caracterisons la communaute de macroinvertebres aquatiques dans un site qui contient en sympatrie ce triton extreme- ment toxique et nous estimons l'abondance des trichopteres. Nous verifions chez les macroinvertebres aquatiques qui coha- bitent avec les tritons toxiques leur capacite a consommer des œufs toxiques; nous avons aussi determine la tendance a la predation des œufs et son effet sur la croissance chez les larves de trichopteres, les seuls predateurs connus des œufs de tri- tons. Les larves de trichopteres limnephilides sont les seuls invertebres que nous avons observes consommer des quantites importantes d'œufs toxiques de tritons. La survie et la croissance du trichoptere Limnephilus flavastellus Banks, 1918 se poursuivent lorsque les larves consomment des œufs toxiques et ne different pas de celles des L. flavastellus qui ont en plus acces a une source de nourriture de rechange (detritus). Limnephilus flavastellus qui ont acces a des œufs + detritus consomment un nombre semblable d'œufs, par rapport a ceux qui ne recoivent que des œufs. Ces resultats, compte tenu de l'abondance des trichopteres, laissent croire que les trichopteres sont d'importants predateurs des œufs de T. granulosa. (Traduit par la Redaction)
Violence against wives, sexual risk and sexually transmitted infection among Bangladeshi men.

Objective: To assess the relationship between men’s reported violence against wives and their sexual risk behaviours and sexual health. Design, setting and participants: Cross-sectional analyses of a survey of a nationally representative household-based sample of married men in Bangladesh (n = 3096). Main outcome measure(s): Physical and sexual violence against wives during the previous 12 months was assessed and examined for relations to men’s extramarital sexual behaviours and sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms or diagnosis during this same period, as well as to men’s disclosure of such infection to wives and condom use while infected. Results: More than 1 in 3 (36.84%) married Bangladeshi men reported physically and/or sexually abusing their wives in the past year. Men perpetrating such violence were more likely to report both premarital and extramarital sex partners (ORadjs 1.80–3.45; 95% CI 1.20 to 8.23); those reporting physical violence were more likely to report STI symptoms or diagnosis in the past year (ORadjs 1.68–2.52; 95% CI 1.24 to 3.73). Men perpetrating physical violence and contracting an STI were somewhat more likely to fail to disclose infection status to wives (ORadj 1.58; 95% CI 0.93 to 2.70) than infected men not reporting such abuse. Conclusions: Violence against wives is common among Bangladeshi men. Men who perpetrate such abuse represent increased risk regarding their wives’ sexual health because they are more likely to both participate in extramarital sexual behaviour and contract an STI compared with non-abusive husbands. Given the growing epidemic of HIV infection among monogamous South Asian women based on intercourse with infected non-monogamous husbands, research and intervention regarding men’s violence in marriage and implications of such behaviour for women’s sexual health should be prioritised.
High-speed CMOS switch designs for free-space optoelectronic MIN's

We present the theory, experimental results, and analytical modeling of high-speed complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) switches, with a two-dimensional (2-D) layout, suitable for the implementation of packet-switched free-space optoelectronic multistage interconnection networks (MIN's). These switches are fully connected, bidirectional, and scaleable. The design is based on the implementation of a half-switch, which is a two-to-one multiplexer, using a 2-D layout. It introduces a novel self-routing concept, with contention detection and packet drop-and-resend capabilities. It uses three-valued logic, with 2.5 V being the third value for a 5 V power supply. Simulations show that for a 0.8-/spl mu/m CMOS technology the switches can operate at speeds up to 250 Mb/s. Scaled-down versions of the switches have been successfully implemented in 2.0 /spl mu/m CMOS. The analytical modeling of these switches show that large scale free-space optoelectronic MIN's using this concept could offer close to Terabit/sec throughput capabilities for very reasonable power and area figures. For example, a 4096 channel system could offer 256 Gb/s aggregate throughput for a total silicon area of about 18 cm/sup 2/ and a total power consumption (optics plus electronics) of about 90 W.
Adaptive Control of Uncertain Dynamics at the Nano-scale

Control of micro and nano-systems imposes new and stringent challenges to be addressed. The nonlinear time varying and uncertain dynamics operating at different time and length scales requires robust ultra-fast feedback systems capable of addressing these unique challenges. A resetting adaptive control architecture based on MRAC is proposed. Stability analysis demonstrates that with a finite number of resets, the feedback system remains stable. The proposed resetting adaptive control is applied to control of a microcantilever in a nonlinear interaction. Simulation results demonstrate the potential of the resetting adaptive control in improving transients while maintaining stability in the presence of uncertainties.
Numerical simulation of nonadiabatic electron excitation in the strong-field regime. 3. Polyacene neutrals and cations.

The electron optical response for a series of linear polyacenes and their molecular ions (mono and dications) in strong laser fields was studied using time-dependent Hartree-Fock theory. The interactions of benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, and tetracene with pulsed fields at a frequency of 1.55 eV and intensities of 8.77 10 13 , 3.07 10 13 , 1.23 10 13 , and 2.75 10 12 W/cm 2 , respectively, were calculated using the 6-31G(d,p)
Revisiting Privilege Revealed and Reflecting on Teaching and Learning Together

Revisiting Privilege Revealed and Reflecting on Teaching and Learning Together examines the importance of teaching about privilege. Published as part of a symposium issue on the book PRIVILEGE REVEALED: HOW INVISIBLE PREFERENCE UNDERMINES AMERICA (by Wildman, Armstrong, Davis & Grillo), the essay discusses the confusion within American culture about the meaning and experience of discrimination and privilege. By not recognizing privilege, people allow discrimination to flourish in both law and daily life. The essay also considers mindfulness and its value in teaching and learning about systemic privilege. Excerpts from students’ reflections on issues, such as making privilege visible, what to do with the knowledge that mindfulness about privilege brings, and the normalization of privilege, reinforce the value of education in this area. Color insight, a counter notion to colorblindness, and awareness that systems of subordination remain interconnected serve as tools to assist a person in mindfully noticing the opportunity and potential for positive, caring intervention against all forms of oppression.
Effect of side chain length on the morphology of blends of 2,5‐bis(3‐alkylthiophen‐2‐yl)thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene oligomers and fullerene derivatives

Using molecular dynamics simulations we study blends of oligomers of 2,5-bis(3-alkylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene, BTTT, and fullerene derivative based acceptors to understand the role of oligomer length and alkyl side chain (SC) length on the morphology of their blends. We use a validated coarse-grained model of BTTT and fullerene derivatives presented in recent work along with direct comparison of morphology between simulations and experiments. In this article, we predict computationally that short alkyl SCs (6 alkyl groups) decrease the propensity of fullerene derivative acceptors to intercalate between SCs on the BTTT backbone compared to longer alkyl SCs (9 or 12 alkyl groups), and as a result increase acceptor aggregation. The decreasing acceptor intercalation and increasing acceptor aggregation do not significantly impact the positional or orientational order of the BTTT backbones. However, the BTTT oligomer backbones order better with increasing SC length in both neat systems and in blends, with the blends exhibiting higher positional order than neat systems. While these qualitative trends are similar both in 2mer blends and 4mer blends, we see a larger extent of acceptor intercalation and as a result, smaller acceptor cluster sizes in the 4mer blends. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015
The impact of alexithymia on initial interactions

This study proposed several hypotheses predicting a deficit in the ability of alexithymic individuals to present themselves as attractive to a relational partner during an initial interaction. Both alexithymic and nonalexithymic individuals participated in a 10-min interpersonal exercise with a stranger of the opposite gender. Relational partners were more attracted to nonalexithymics than alexithymics. Partners perceived higher levels of several relational messages from nonalexithymics than alexithymics and lower levels of formality and dominance. Finally, the relational message of intimacy fully mediated the relationship between group membership (alexithymic or nonalexithymic) and social attraction. The authors suggest several implications and directions for future research, such as the need to include psychological traits in theoretical examinations of communication competence.
History of the society of medical college directors of continuing medical education (smcdcme): The first twelve years, 1976–1988

The Society of Medical College Directors of Continuing Medical Education (SMCDCME) came into existence on April 2, 1976. This review derives from memories of the author and some other past-presidents of the organization plus information from remaining documents. It recounts how societal forces, acting upon medical college CME directors and their parent institutions, prompted the formal organization of the group. Major activities and themes are described that occupied the organization during its first 12 years of challenge and accomplishment.
Trophic interactions of Leptodora in Lake Mendota

Using a series of field enclosure experiments, we investigated the trophic dynamics of Leptodora kindtii in Lake Mendota. Leptodora fed on both small and large Daphnia as well as on Diaphanosoma, Conochilus, and copepod nauplii. These results were combined with field data and a computer simulation model to examine how various densities ofLeptodora might affect the densities of Daphnia and other zooplankton in Lake Mendota. Leptodora could account for all of the mortality calculated for Daphnia galeata mendotae in late June to early July. Reduced numbers minimized Leptodora’s potential, however, for direct control of Daphnia earlier in the year. The simulation model demonstrated that, because the dominant planktivorous fish in the lake fed on both Leptodora and daphnids, a decrease in planktivorous fish could result in higher Daphnia mortalities due to increased predation by Leptodora. Although invertebrate predators are found in virtually all aquatic systems, their roles in shaping the community structure of lakes are poorly understood. Field researchers have seen dramatic temporal correlations between abundances of invertebrate predators and their prey (Edmondson and Litt 1982; Wright 1965). Feeding experiments with Chaoborus (Fedorenko 1975; Vanni 198 8) and Mysis relicta (Nero and Sprules 1986) confirm their potential for consuming large quantities of zooplankton. Despite this potential impact, invertebrate predators are not included in many models of aquatic food webs (Bartell et al. 1988). A research project is being conducted in Lake Mendota (Univ. Wisconsin-Madison, Center for Limnology, and the Wisconsin Dep. Nat. Resour.) to examine the potential for controlling the intensity of nuisance algal blooms by increasing the abundance of
Recognition of Unconformity-Sourced Aquifer Cements and Later Burial Cements, Mississippian Newman Limestone, Kentucky: ABSTRACT

The Mississippian Newman Limestone in eastern Kentucky contains aquifer-related cements and deeper burial cements. These cements were differentiated by trace elements, cathodoluminescence, staining, and fluid inclusions. Aquifer cements are nonferroan and show a nonluminescent to dull to nonluminescent to bright cathodoluminescent zonation. They fill leached ooid and fossil molds, indicating that pore waters were initially undersaturated with calcium carbonate. Within a regional paleoaquifer, early nonluminescent cement (34 ppm Mn, 33 ppm Fe average) precipitated from oxidizing waters that later became reducing to form dull cement (average 181 ppm Mn, 565 ppm Fe). A second nonluminescent cement was formed following later recharge. Aquifer stagnation, prior to or during bu ial, was accompanied by bright cementation (2,139 ppm Mn, 252 ppm Fe average). Waters were sourced from post-Newman unconformities. Aquifer cement, which decreases away from recharge areas, was determined by initially staining for late-burial calcite; image analysis was then used to determine the amount of early cement by subtracting late-burial cement from total cement. Later, iron-rich burial cements (778 ppm Mn, 4,295 ppm Fe average) filled the following pore space: (1) remnant intergranular, (2) fractures in compacted skeletal grains, (3) cavities caused by spalling ooid cortices and early cement rims, and (4) tectonic fractures, which are lined with saddle dolomite and pyrite. Secondary fluid inclusions suggest that late-stage fluids were chemically complex brines with temperatures hat ranged from 50°C to 160°C and averaged 100°C. These techniques may help to evaluate porosity loss by shallow cementation in paleoaquifers (potential pore plugging prior to hydrocarbon migration) vs. cementation by deeper burial processes. End_of_Article - Last_Page 293------------
Design and manufacture of metal-dielectric long wavelength cut-off filters

The design and manufacture of a long wavelength cut-off filter is presented. The filter has a pass band that covers the entire visible range. Its stop band extends well into the infrared range.
Mitral valve surgery in annulus calcification (Figs. 3–8)

Marked calcification of the mitral annulus impairs its motion during the cardiac cycle. Dense calcification of the entire submitral region, in its most severe form, is characterized by the development of a rigid curved ring of calcium that encircles the mitral orifice. Ramifications of these calcifications, so-called calcific spurs, often project into the adjacent left ventricular myocardium (Fig. 3.1–8) . The calcification may also affect the basal portions of the valve leaflet and cause distortion of the posterior mitral valve leaflet with limitation of motion. The base of the posterior mitral valve leaflet is pushed towards the atria, often stimulating a degree of mitral prolapse. This may result in insufficient leaflet area for coaptation, eventually leading to valve insufficiency which, if untreated, may result in cardiac failure.
Free ℓ-groups

Because the class of lattice-ordered groups is a variety, it follows from universal algebra that there exist free objects for the class [Co]; in fact, the same observation holds for any variety of lattice-ordered groups, and in particular for the variety of abelian l-groups. (In the next chapter we shall consider varieties of l-groups in some detail.) However it took considerable work by several mathematicians before a satisfactory construction of free l-groups was obtained. Birkhoff [42] was the first to mention free l-groups; he described explicitly the free l-group on one generator. Baker, in his Ph.D. thesis (Harvard, 1966), and Weinberg [63], [65] first constructed the free abelian l-group over a set of generators, and more generally, over a partially ordered abelian group (see also Henriksen and Isbell [62], whose work in a category of lattice-ordered rings predated Weinberg’s). Work of Birkhoff [B] , Baker [68] and Beynon [74] has led to a more intuitively satisfying description of the free abelian l-group on a set of generators. Bernau [70] first constructed nonabelian free l-groups, using an equivalence relation on the set of all non-empty finite subsets of the partially ordered group. Conrad [70a] then generalized Weinberg’s construction to the nonabelian case, thus providing a more understandable representation for the free l-group. Recently McCleary [85a], [85b] has used permutation group methods to considerably add to our understanding of arbitrary free l-groups; we will briefly discuss his results at the end of this chapter.
Post-Firestone Skirmishes: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Discretionary Clauses and Judicial Review of ERISA Plan Administrator Decisions

Since the Supreme Court's Firestone decision, ERISA plan administrators have enjoyed broad discretion and deferential review in benefits claims litigation. Language in Firestone that offered discretion and deference in exchange for a simple discretionary clause led, in time, to attempts by various state insurance commissioners to limit or ban the use of discretionary clauses on the ground that they often lead to unjust outcomes for plan participants. Various state efforts to inject a degree of fairness into the benefits denial review process have been met with preemption challenges, however. This article contrasts the Court‘s consistent support for discretionary clauses with the thus-far unanimous support of the federal courts of appeal for the position that states can ban or limit the use of such clauses without running afoul of ERISA's broad preemption language. This paper also evaluates the PPACA's requirement of universal and independent external review and suggests that, at least in the near term, the contested terrain of discretionary clauses will not change significantly.
Emden on Nietzsche's Naturalism: A Critical Assessment

I review and evaluate the intellectual historian Christian Emden's recent book Nietzsche's Naturalism: Philosophy and the Life Sciences in the Nineteenth Century (Cambridge University Press, 2014). Topics addressed include: the meaning of naturalism; the relationship between substantive and methodological versions of naturalism and physicalism and other reductionisms; the role of Kant and NeoKantians like Lange and Helmholtz in Nietzsche's philosophy; the actual role of the life sciences in Nietzsche's naturalism; and what is involved in a naturalistic account of normativity.
Differences in antibody and immune responses between Balb/c and C57Bl/6 mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi (129.5)

Methods: Susceptible Balb/c and resistant C57Bl/6 mice were infected with Y strain T. cruzi . Parasitemia was monitored; plasma was collected and analyzed for specific and total antibody. T. cruzi specific responses were measured by reactivity to recombinant T. cruzi complement regulatory protein (CRP). In separate experiments, Balb/c and C57Bl/6 mice were immunized intradermally via particle bombardment (gene-gun) with plasmid DNA containing the CRP gene. Results: Experimentally infected mice increase total plasma immunoglobulin (IgM, IgG) prior to specific response. Development of T. cruzi specific IgG response was delayed in Balb/c mice compared to C57Bl/6 mice, with comparable parasitemia. After immunization, Balb/c mice generated a higher titer IgG response than C57Bl/6 mice. Conclusion: Experimental infection of mice with T. cruzi leads to an early increase in total plasma immunoglobulin levels, but a delayed antigen-specific response in Balb/c compared to C57Bl/6 mice. The lack of specific response early in infection in the Balb/c model was not due to an inherent inability to produce IgG in response to T. cruzi CRP antigen as these mice were more responsive to the CRP antigen in an immunization model. This suggests that the delayed T. cruzi specific response in Balb/c mice is a result of a host/pathogen interaction involving a polyclonal humoral response to the parasite.
Long-Term Pain Reduction Does Not Imply Improved Functional Outcome in Patients Treated With Combined Supraorbital and Occipital Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Migraine

Background Dual supraorbital and occipital nerve stimulation (SONS and ONS) have shown promising efficacy in treating primary headaches. However, its functional outcome is not well studied. Objective To present functional outcome studies of combined SONS and ONS for chronic migraine using verified metrics. Method Consecutive patients with both SONS and ONS assessed with Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) and Beck Depression Index (BDI) both preoperatively and postoperatively were studied. Selected predictor variables included patients with ≥50% improvement of pain, disability status, number of years from diagnosis to implantation, and narcotic use. Functional outcome variables included net improvement of ranked MIDAS and BDI scores. Multivariate analysis of variance was performed to assess the correlation between the outcome and predictor variables. Results Sixteen patients (12 female; average age 52 years old) were studied. Follow-up ranged from 5 to 80 months (average 44.5; σ = 21.4 months). At most recent follow-up, eight patients had a positive response (≥50% improvement in headache), which was the only predictor of functional outcome (total MIDAS, MIDAS-B, and BDI) (p = 0.021). Of note, improvement in functional outcome was only significant during the perioperative 3–6 months period and not throughout long-term follow-up. Among the predictor variables, a strong inverse correlation was found between disability status and positive response to stimulation (r = −0.582). Conclusion There is a paucity of studies in quality of life, productivity, and psychosocial aspects with peripheral nerve stimulation therapy for headache. Patients with a positive response to SONS and ONS also reported overall improvement in their functional status as reflected by MIDAS and BDI in the perioperative period. Unfortunately, this effect waned over the long-term follow-up.
Coulomb displacement energies of the A = 4n + 3, T = 1/2 mirror nuclei in the 1f/sub 7///sub 2/ shell

The $Q$ values of the ($^{3}\mathrm{He}$,$^{6}\mathrm{He}$) reaction on $^{46}\mathrm{Ti}$, $^{50}\mathrm{Cr}$, $^{54}\mathrm{Fe}$, and $^{58}\mathrm{Ni}$ have been measured, and the excitation energy of levels up to 7 MeV has been determined. Angular distributions from the more strongly populated states have been taken from 4.5 to 27.0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} in the laboratory. These angular distributions together with comparison to their ${T}_{z}=+\frac{1}{2}$ mirrors have been used as empirical guides to determine the spin and parity of several of the states. The Coulomb displacement energies of particle-hole states in the $T=\frac{1}{2}$ mirrors have been compared to a simple model.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{25}\mathrm{Mg}$, $^{27}\mathrm{Al}$, $^{46}\mathrm{Ti}$, $^{50}\mathrm{Cr}$, $^{54}\mathrm{Fe}$, $^{58}\mathrm{Ni}$($^{3}\mathrm{He}$,$^{6}\mathrm{He}$), ${E}_{^{3}\mathrm{He}}=70$ MeV, measured $Q$, $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\theta})$, excitation energies, obtained mass excess of $^{43}\mathrm{Ti}$, $^{47}\mathrm{Cr}$, $^{51}\mathrm{Fe}$, $^{55}\mathrm{Ni}$, deduced Coulomb displacement energies.
An analysis of National Football League coaching trees and the network they comprise

The purpose of this study was to analyze professional football coaches’ coaching trees and the network they comprise. Employment histories were collected for head coaches (HCs) in the National Foot...
Experimenting with Ontologies: Sets, Spaces, and Topoi with Badiou and Grothendieck

The paper explores the ontology and logic of the irreducibly multiple in set theory and in topos theory by considering the differences between Badiou's logical and Grothendieck's ontological approach to topos theory. It argues that Grothendieck's ontological program for topos theory leads to a more radical concept of the multiple than does the set-theoretical ontology, which defines Badiou's view of ontology even in his later, more topos theoretically oriented work. Extending Grothendieck's way of thinking to other fields enables one to give ontological multiplicities—no longer bound by the set-theoretical ontology or ultimately by any mathematical ontology, even in mathematics—a great diversity and richness. It follows that the set-theoretical ontology is not sufficiently rich to accomplish what Badiou thinks it could accomplish even in mathematics itself, let alone elsewhere; and Badiou wants it to work elsewhere—indeed, wherever it is possible to speak of ontology. I shall also consider, in closing, so...
Effect of hydrogenated triolein on utilization of essential fatty acids in the rat.

SummaryRats which were depleted of essential fatty acids after 16 weeks on a fat-free diet were maintained for 8 weeks thereafter on either a continued fat-free diet, fat-free diets containing 2 levels of hydrogenated triolein (containing 33% of trans isomers and no essential fatty acids), fat-free diets containing 2 levels of methyl linoleate, or fat-free diets supplemented with both linoleate and the hydrogenated triolein at the 2 levels. The animals receiving the linoleate supplement alone or the linoleate plus the hydrogenated triolein showed equivalent weight gains over an 8-week period. In the absence of the linoleate there was no aggravation of the deficiency syndrome. No observable antimetabolic activity of the hydrogenated triolein was evident.
A Hadoop-enabled sensor-oriented information system for knowledge discovery about target-of-interest

To obtain a real-time situational awareness about the specific behavior of targets-of-interest using large-scale sensory data-set, this paper presents a generic sensor-oriented information system based on Hadoop Ecosystem, which is denoted as SOIS-Hadoop for simplicity. Robotic heterogeneous sensor nodes bound by wireless sensor network are used to track things-of-interest. Hadoop Ecosystem enables highly scalable and fault-tolerant acquisition, fusion and storage, retrieval, and processing of sensory data. In addition, SOIS-Hadoop employs temporally and spatially dependent mathematical model to formulate the expected behavior of targets-of-interest, based on which the observed behavior of targets can be analyzed and evaluated. Using two real-world sensor-oriented information processing and analysis problems as examples, the mechanism of SOIS-Hadoop is also presented and validated in detail.
A Statistical Approach for Left-Censored Data: Distributions of Atmospheric Polychlorinated Biphenyl Concentrations near the Great Lakes as a Case Study

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener concentrations were measured in atmospheric samples collected once every 12 days at six sites on the shores of the North American Great Lakes. These data have been obtained as part of the Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network (IADN), which began in 1991. This data set now consists of ∼2900 samples, each of which has been measured for ∼80 PCB congeners. Some of these congeners are present at levels sufficiently high to be quantitated in almost every sample, while others are detected in fewer than two-thirds of the samples. These latter congeners represent an example of left-censored environmental measurements. This paper offers a simple approach to dealing with uncensored and censored atmospheric PCB concentration data based on a careful examination of the distribution function of the data and using the curve fitting power of the Solver feature of Excel.
Voting in one's head as a source of nearly transitive individual preferences

We consider choices over alternatives in a multidimensional issue space. Individuals may make choices in a way that is analogous to majority rule processes in a group, i.e. individuals may act as if they had several different perspectives, each represented by a particular ideal point. Individuals then may express preferences that are derived from an “internal” majority rule process among individual's ideal points. This process of “internal” majority voting can give rise to intransitivities in much the same way as for majority rule in group decision making. However, the nature of these alternatives is constrained because of the geometry of the multidimensional issue space, so as to give rise to what we may characterize as a “fuzzily” transitive ordering. In that ordering, one alternative may be preferred by the individual to another if the former is closer to a point in the space that we call the center of the voter shell than is the other alternative.
Probe of Some Moral Education Problems in Middle-school Biology Teaching

Moral education in biology teaching is an important part of biology and moral education in a middle school. When drawing up the plan for implementing it, we should mix target factor and content factor into the design for classroom teaching so as to achieve the moral education in biology teaching.
Glucoamylase from the Predacious Fungus Arthrobotrys conoides: a Cationic Enzyme with High Debranching Activity and Raw Starch Digestibility

The extracellular amylolytic activity elaborated by the nematophagous fungus Arthrobotrys conoides was found to resolve into 2 amylolytic peaks when fractionated on Sephadex G-100 column. Around 80% of the eluted glucoamylase activity was attributed to peak I (GA A). GA A being cationic in nature was purified about 70-fold with 57% yield by negative chromatography on DEAE Sephadex at pH 7.0. The enzyme was stable over a broad pH range of 4.8–9.0. KM for the linear polysaccharide amylose was 0.34 mg/mL. Enzyme showed high affinity for the branched polysaccharides as the KM values for amylopectin, glycogen and starch were 0.056, 0.062 and 0.065 mg/mL, respectively. The enzyme clearly demonstrated raw starch digestibility. Probable involvement of Trp and His residues in enzyme catalysis was elucidated using group-specific reagents.
Diffusion tensor imaging predicts cognitive function change following partial brain radiotherapy for low-grade and benign tumors

Abstract Purpose/objectives Radiation injury to parahippocampal cingulum white matter is associated with cognitive decline. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) detects micropathologic changes in white matter. Increased radial diffusion (RD) and decreased axial diffusion (AD) correspond to demyelination and axonal degeneration/gliosis respectively. We aimed to develop a predictive model for radiation-induced cognitive changes based upon DTI changes. Materials/methods Twenty-seven adults with benign or low-grade tumors received partial brain radiation therapy (RT) to a median dose of 54Gy. Patients underwent DTI before RT, during RT, and at the end of RT. Cognitive testing was performed before RT, and 6 and 18months after RT. Parahippocampal cingulum white matter was contoured to obtain mean values of AD and RD. Results By univariate analysis, decreasing AD and increasing RD during RT predicted declines in verbal memory and verbal fluency. By multivariate analysis, baseline neurocognitive score was the only clinical variable predicting verbal memory change; no clinical variables predicted verbal fluency change. In a multivariate model, increased RD at the end of RT significantly predicted decline in verbal fluency 18months after RT. Conclusions Imaging biomarkers of white matter injury contributed to predictive models of cognitive function change after RT.