cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative anticonvulsant and mechanistic profile of the established and newer antiepileptic drugs.

Since 1993, several new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been introduced for management of partial seizures. Like the established AEDs, the new drugs are believed to exert their anticonvulsant action through enhancement of inhibitory-mediated neurotransmission, or reduction of excitatory-mediated neurotransmission, or by a combination of both. Among the new drugs, vigabatrin (VGB) and tiagabine (TGB) are unique in that they were derived from mechanistic-based drug discovery programs designed to identify effective AEDs that inhibit the metabolism and reuptake of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, respectively. For many of the newer AEDs, several molecular mechanisms of action have been identified. For example, felbamate (FBM), lamotrigine (LTG), zonisamide (ZNS), topiramate (TPM), oxcarbazepine (OCBZ), and possibly gabapentin (GBP) share a similar mechanism with that defined for phenytoin (PHT) and carbamazepine (CBZ), i.e., a voltage- and use-dependent block of voltage-sensitive sodium (Na+) channels. In addition to their effects on Na+ currents, TPM, ZNS, and FBM also appear to act as allosteric modulators of the GABA(A) receptor, whereas GBP appears to increase brain GABA levels. GBP, ZNS, FBM, LTG, and OCBZ attenuate voltage-sensitive calcium (Ca2+) channels, albeit through different mechanisms and with different classes of Ca2+ channels. FBM and TPM differ from both the established and newer AEDs in their ability to modulate NMDA- and AMPA/kainate-mediated excitatory neurotransmission, respectively. The multiple mechanisms of action associated with FBM, TPM, ZNS, GBP, and perhaps LTG, and the unique modulation of GABA levels by VGB and TGB, are likely to account for the anticonvulsant efficacy of these newer AEDs in patients with epilepsy. For each of the new drugs, their proposed mechanisms of action are discussed in relationship to their preclinical and clinical anticonvulsant profiles.
How do neuropsychologists define cognitive constructs? Further thoughts on limitations of factor analysis used with normal or mixed clinical populations

In a recent study, we empirically demonstrated limitations in traditional ways that psychologists have used factor analysis to define cognitive constructs (Delis et al., 2003). Our criticism of factor analysis was not directed at this statistical method per se, but rather at how it has often been employed by psychologists to test cognitive constructs. Specifically, we pointed out shortcomings in using this technique with normal or mixed clinical populations. We argued that the factor-analytic studies of memory tests with normal or mixed clinical populations often yielded solutions in which measures of immediate and delayed memory loaded on the same factor. This particular use of factor analysis can mask important distinctions between critical cognitive functions that have been demonstrated using other research methods, such as experimental manipulations or case studies. We then conducted a factor-analytic study that empirically demonstrated that, whereas immediate and delayed memory measures load on the same factor when using normal or mixed clinical samples, these measures load on separate factors when using a homogenous population of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). We drew the conclusion that factor analytic techniques can still be used as one method for exploring conceptual relationships, but only if these methods are used as part of a systematic, programmatic exploration involving separate confirmatory factor analyses using multiple homogenous patient populations. In the first published reply to our study, Larrabee (2003) pointed out other limitations, stating that application of factor-analytic techniques to a single test that yields multiple measures may result in global, simplistic solutions due to method variance, which is the tendency of different variables from the same test to correlate significantly.
Characterization of the jitter in a mode-locked Er-fiber laser and its application in photonic sampling for analog-to-digital conversion at 10 gsample/s

This paper compares two approaches for evaluating the amplitude and timing jitters of an Er-fiber laser mode-locked at 10 GHz. Using a low-noise oscillator as the clock drive for the mode-locking, relative amplitude jitter was measured as low as 0.0384% and timing jitter as low as 0.0153% (/spl Delta/f=100 Hz-40 MHz). Applying the mode-locked pulse train in a photonic sampling experiment at 10 Gsample/s, a spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) of /spl sim/48.5 dB (over the Nyquist bandwidth of 5 GHz) for multiple analog inputs at L band (1-2.6 GHz). These results correspond to an analog-to-digital conversion resolution of /spl sim/8 SFDR bits at 10 Gsample/s. Finally, the use of "instantaneous companding" is demonstrated to correct for third-order distortions generated by a Mach-Zehnder modulator used in the photonic sampling link.
Effect of inhaled corticosteroids on linear growth in children with persistent asthma

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are widely used as first-line therapy in children with persistent asthma [1]. Although ICS are generally considered a safe treatment in pediatric patients, the potential systemic adverse effects related to regular use of these drugs have been, and continue to be a concern, especially the effects on linear growth [2,3]. One previous Cochrane systematic review with 5 randomised trials suggests that moderate doses of inhaled beclomethasone and fluticasone cause a decrease in linear growth velocity of 1.51 cm/year and 0.43 cm/year, respectively [4]. Over the last 10 years, several more randomised trials have been undertaken using various new and old inhaled corticosteroid molecules. We therefore conducted this new Cochrane review to evaluate the adverse effects of all currently available ICS on growth in children with persistent asthma and to explore potential effect modifiers such as molecule, dosage, inhalation devices, duration of exposure and patient’s age. In this paper, we briefly summarise the main finding of this Cochrane review [5].
Evolutionary trends in venom composition in the western rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis sensu lato): toxicity vs. tenderizers.

The Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis sensu lato, now including Crotalus oreganus )i s broadly distributed across the western half of the United States, northwestern Mexico and southwestern Canada, and eight subspecies are currently recognized. Although some venom characteristics have been noted for most subspecies, a systematic study of venoms from all subspecies has not been reported. Venom was extracted from snakes collected from approximate geographic range centers for all subspecies and analyzed using SDSPAGE, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, enzyme and toxicity assays. Electrophoretic and mass spectrometric analyses demonstrated that small myotoxins, disintegrins and PLA2 were abundant in most venoms. PIII and PI metalloproteinases (w54 kDa and 23 kDa, respectively) were common to all venoms except C. o. concolor, C. o. caliginis and C.o. helleri. Metalloproteinase activity was highest in C. o. cerberus and lowest in C. o. concolor venoms (w100-fold difference). Conversely, C. o. concolor venom was the most toxic and C. o. cerberus venom was least toxic (15-fold difference). In general, venoms with high metalloproteinase activity were less toxic (type I venoms), while venoms which were highly toxic showed low protease activity (type II venoms). Within the C. viridis/oreganus complex, these two extremes of venom compositional phenotypes are observed, and it appears that high metalloproteinase activity and high toxicity are incompatible qualities of these venoms. The functional significance of these biochemical characteristics likely relates to characteristics of prey consumed, and venoms with low metalloproteinase activity may constrain snake prey selection or foraging activity patterns.
The mothers of mongoloid babies; a retrospective appraisal of their health during pregnancy.

Dt,_;8Pl'l'J£ the passage of 80 years Hince ~longolism was identified as a clinical entity, knowledge of itH causation remains hazy. Important ehws as to the general nature of the condition are not wanting, however. 1 Some of these elues are derived from tlw study of mothers, others from the study of Mongoloid infants. For example, epidemiologic data demonstrate convincingly that tvonlcn face increasing rh;ks of having l\iongoloid babies as they get older, especially as they near the menopause."· "·· 4 The babies themselves are significantly smaller than normal at birth and no matter how prematurely they are born, rharactcristic deformities of the eyes (Fig. 1, A, B, and C), nasal bones, heart, or little finger are already present. Assuredly the meaning of thesE~ stigmas lies in the fact that they are all anomalies of tissues differentiating at about the same time, namely, in the eighth week of pregnancy (Figs. 2 and :n .1• G The combined clinical and epidemiologic observations that have been assembled during the. better part of a century point to the operation of maternal factors, in large part chronic, acting during thr first trimester of pregnancy, to induce Mongolism as a congenital defect in a potentially normal embryo.''· • Since the mother is her own baby's incubator, so to speak, the prest:'nt study was undertaken to appraise maternal health, especially during early gestation, of a group o[ rnothers o~· l\fongo!oid habies and eornpare it \Vith that ct a control group. Material and Methods
The Contribution of the BIOMASS Program to Antarctic Marine Ecosystem Research

The BIOMASS Colloquium, to be held in Bremerhaven, FRG, in 1991, marks the end of a glorious scientific era in the study of the Southern Ocean. BIOMASS is an acronym for Biological Investigations of Marine Antarctic Systems and Stocks. It is therefore fitting to examine the accomplishments of this program and to discuss its impact on the study of the ecosystem of the Southern Ocean and on the conservation of the marine living resources of Antarctica in general, and future biological research in the Southern Ocean in particular. In order to do so, it is useful to know the circumstances that led to the development of this international cooperative venture (see El-Sayed 1977 for details).
Tales from the Crypt: Scientific, Ethical, and Legal Considerations for Biohistorical Analysis of Deceased Historical Figures

Biohistorical analysis involves using historic specimens of human remains or human material extracted or derived from historical artifacts to gather evidence about specimens that are identifiable or at least attributed to a historic figure at the time of the research. Biohistorical studies are being undertaken for myriad reasons, such as identification and authentication of remains, investigation into alleged criminal behavior, investigation into medical or psychological conditions, and even for purposes of commercialization. This article analyzes federal statutes, case law, and codes and guidelines from twenty-six professional organizations and societies informative to the field of biohistory. We surveyed the field, identified deficiencies in oversight and guidance, investigated prior biohistorical studies, and concluded that greater consideration of a variety of scientific, ethical and legal issues is needed. The article uses legal and ethical precedents to propose ways to avert abuses in five key areas we identified as important: (1) promotion of research; (2) access to samples or artifact; (3) scientific integrity and dissemination of results; (4) informed consent and rights of participants; and (5) avoidance of conflicts of interest. Throughout, we identify critical questions, concerns, and considerations for biohistory. We conclude with suggestions for development of guidance in this area.
Creep Behavior of MoSi2-SiC Composites

Using a cylindrical indenter, indentation creep behavior of hot pressed and HIPed MoSi{sub 2}-SiC composites containing 0--40% SiC by volume, was characterized at 1000--1200C, 258--362 MPa. Addition of SiC affects the creep behavior of MoSi{sub 2} in a complex manner by pinning grain boundaries during pressing, thus leading to smaller MoSi{sub 2} grains; by obstructing or altering both dislocation motion and grain boundary sliding; and by increasing the overall yield stress of the material. Comparisons are made between indentation and compressive creep studies. It is shown that under certain conditions, compressive creep and indentation creep measurements yield comparable results after correcting for effective stresses and strain rates beneath the indenter.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Trauma

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in a patient with multiple injuries involves a different approach than in a nontrauma patient. Although the basic principles are the same as dealt with in other chapters of this book, CPR in the trauma victim has to address prevention of cardiopulmonary failure from problems exclusive to the injured patient. This chapter concentrates on these issues and highlights some of the recent developments in the field.
Poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) Accelerates α-Amylase-Induced Cornstarch Liquefaction

Poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (p-DADMAC) increases the rate of α-amylase-induced cornstarch liquefaction, thereby reducing the enzyme dose necessary for optimal hydrolysis. A similar increase is also provided by cationic polyacrylamides (c-PAMs), but p-DADMAC offers the added industrial benefits of lower cost, a lower catalytic concentration, and a much lower residual in distillers dry grain. p-DADMAC also increases enzyme–substrate binding, lowers the onset temperature of gelatinization, and reduces the viscosity of the gelatinized cornstarch. It is proposed that most of these benefits result from the higher charge density of p-DADMAC, which neutralizes the negative charge on the cornstarch at a lower polymer dose. The higher charge also inhibits the agglomeration of starch through charge reversal. These attributes of p-DADMAC offer cost and performance benefits that can be realized in existing corn ethanol facilities.
Chemical oxidation of ferrocenyl(phenyl)phosphines and ferrocenyl(phenyl)phosphine chalcogenides

Abstract The electrochemistry of ferrocene-substituted phosphines suggests electron loss from a largely ferrocene-based HOMO with significant phosphorus character rather than the exclusive oxidation of iron. In contrast, studies of the chemical oxidation of ferrocenylphosphines are limited. Reactions between FcPPh2 (1) and silver salts (AgCF3CO2, AgBF4, and AgOTf) lead to the silver-phosphine complexes [(FcPPh2)2Ag][CF3CO2] (11), [(FcPPh2)3Ag][BF4] (13), and [(FcPPh2)3Ag][OTf] (16), respectively, with no evidence for oxidation of FeII to FeIII. Compound 13 reacts with traces of water forming FcP(OBF3)Ph2 (15) which crystallizes in the P 1 ¯ space group with a = 10.326(4) A, b = 10.326(4) A, c = 17.445(6) A, α = 104.068(6)°, β = 99.970(7)°, and γ = 100.542(7)°. Reaction of 1 with excess AgOTf, however, yields a green, paramagnetic, FeIII complex: [(FcPPh2)Ag][OTf]2 (17) based on elemental analysis, ESR and Mossbauer spectroscopy. Reaction of 1 with bromine yields paramagnetic FcPPh2Br3 (10) by ESR spectroscopy. Reactions between ferrocenyl(phenyl)phosphines, FcnPPh3–n (1–3, Fc = C5H5FeC5H4, n = 1–3), and sulfur or selenium yield the corresponding ferrocenyl(phenyl)-phosphine chalcogenides, FcnP(E)Ph3–n (4–9, n = 1–3, E = S, Se). The crystal structures of (FcP(S)Ph2 (4) are reported; P21/c space group, a = 14.5187(16) A, b = 10.5915(12) A, c = 12.0004(13) A, α = 90°, β = 96.891(2)°, γ = 90°. Reaction of 4 with bromine is accompanied by the loss of sulfur also yields 10.
The Laboratory simulation experiment for free-solid kill fluid recovery

The laboratory simulation experiments for different density well killing fluids recovery have been conducted by using the self-designed kill fluid recovering device. The results have indicated that kill fluid can be mixed with borehole fluid left in bottom when the kill fluid displace the borehole fluid. Thus, the additive value of kill fluid density must be considered according to the volume and density of borehole fluid on designing the kill fluid density. Recovery rate of kill fluid will be enhanced with increasing displacement of kill fluids with the same density, but the increment is less; the recovery rate will be reduced with increasing the density of kill fluid; kill fluid in the inner pipe bottom will not be recovered by normal way.
PHOTOGRAMMETRIC PROCESSING OF APOLLO 15 METRIC CAMERA OBLIQUE IMAGES

Abstract. The integrated photogrammetric mapping system flown on the last three Apollo lunar missions (15, 16, and 17) in the early 1970s incorporated a Metric (mapping) Camera, a high-resolution Panoramic Camera, and a star camera and laser altimeter to provide support data. In an ongoing collaboration, the U.S. Geological Survey’s Astrogeology Science Center, the Intelligent Robotics Group of the NASA Ames Research Center, and Arizona State University are working to achieve the most complete cartographic development of Apollo mapping system data into versatile digital map products. These will enable a variety of scientific/engineering uses of the data including mission planning, geologic mapping, geophysical process modelling, slope dependent correction of spectral data, and change detection. Here we describe efforts to control the oblique images acquired from the Apollo 15 Metric Camera.
The effect of time on optical coating mechanical loss and implications for LIGO-India

We report on the persistence of mechanical loss with time of ion beam sputtered dielectric coatings made from alternating layers of Ta_2O_5 and SiO_2 deposited onto fused silica substrates. From this, we predict the coating thermal noise in gravitational wave interferometers, after the coated optics have been stored for years. We measured the modal mechanical quality factor, Q, of two coated fused silica samples in 2015. These samples also had their modal Q's measured in 2002. We conclude that storing the coated silica disks for 13 years does not change their mechanical loss and thus the storage of Advanced LIGO gravitational wave detector optics until their future installation in India will not degrade their achievable thermal noise.
Non-Cell-Autonomous Regulation of Retrograde Motoneuronal Axonal Transport in an SBMA Mouse Model.

Abstract Defects in axonal transport are seen in motoneuronal diseases, but how that impairment comes about is not well understood. In spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), a disorder linked to a CAG/polyglutamine repeat expansion in the androgen receptor (AR) gene, the disease-causing AR disrupts axonal transport by acting in both a cell-autonomous fashion in the motoneurons themselves, and in a non-cell-autonomous fashion in muscle. The non-cell-autonomous mechanism is suggested by data from a unique “myogenic” transgenic (TG) mouse model in which an AR transgene expressed exclusively in skeletal muscle fibers triggers an androgen-dependent SBMA phenotype, including defects in retrograde transport. However, motoneurons in this TG model retain the endogenous AR gene, leaving open the possibility that impairments in transport in this model also depend on ARs in the motoneurons themselves. To test whether non-cell-autonomous mechanisms alone can perturb retrograde transport, we generated male TG mice in which the endogenous AR allele has the testicular feminization mutation (Tfm) and, consequently, is nonfunctional. Males carrying the Tfm allele alone show no deficits in motor function or axonal transport, with or without testosterone treatment. However, when Tfm males carrying the myogenic transgene (Tfm/TG) are treated with testosterone, they develop impaired motor function and defects in retrograde transport, having fewer retrogradely labeled motoneurons and deficits in endosomal flux based on time-lapse video microscopy of living axons. These findings demonstrate that non-cell-autonomous disease mechanisms originating in muscle are sufficient to induce defects in retrograde transport in motoneurons.
“Who You Callin’ White?!”

Numerous articles examine the importance of kuwentos (Jocson, 2008) and counterstories (Delgado, 2001; Gillborn, 2009). Just as Renato Rosaldo (1989) argues that his analysis of a Filipino tribe’s headhunting practice was remiss without applying the personal context of his wife’s death, I argue research is remiss without the personal context that led to the design itself.
Rethinking Commonsense Conceptual Frameworks

Debates about the ethical implications of advancements in neuroscience often include estimates of how such developments will affect commonsense morality. These predictions rely on a putative clash between commonsense morality and neuroscientific discoveries. In this chapter, I argue that commonsense morality is an empirically evaluable theory, which can be circumscribed in the same way as commonsense psychology—using Lewis’s method of collecting quotidian platitudes. I maintain, however, that if one were to utilize this method of collecting platitudes about morality, such a collection will represent only current commonsense morality. Commonsense morality specific to a particular time and cultural context cannot support unqualified claims that commonsense moral concepts as such are incompatible with scientific discoveries that pertain to the moral domain. Similarly, because general arguments about the character of commonsense concepts cannot be buttressed using these limited samples, commonsense moral concepts should not be used to set immutable boundaries for the development of new theories and conceptual frameworks.
[MoO(S2)2L]1– (L = picolinate or pyrimidine-2-carboxylate) Complexes as MoSx-Inspired Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Production in Aqueous Solution

Crystalline and amorphous molybdenum sulfide (Mo–S) catalysts are leaders as earth-abundant materials for electrocatalytic hydrogen production. The development of a molecular motif inspired by the Mo–S catalytic materials and their active sites is of interest, as molecular species possess a great degree of tunable electronic properties. Furthermore, these molecular mimics may be important for providing mechanistic insights toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with Mo–S electrocatalysts. Herein is presented two water-soluble Mo–S complexes based around the [MoO(S2)2L2]1– motif. We present 1H NMR spectra that reveal (NEt4)[MoO(S2)2picolinate] (Mo-pic) is stable in a d6-DMSO solution after heating at 100 °C, in air, revealing unprecedented thermal and aerobic stability of the homogeneous electrocatalyst. Both Mo-pic and (NEt4)[MoO(S2)2pyrimidine-2-carboxylate] (Mo-pym) are shown to be homogeneous electrocatalysts for the HER. The TOF of 27–34 s–1 and 42–48 s–1 for Mo-pic and Mo-pym and onset potentia...
A Framework for Evaluating Pipe Repair Technologies for CuNi Shipboard Piping Systems

A shipboard piping system can be considered analogous to the transport and distribution system of a land-based piping system. The intakes and supply pumps provide the initial uptake and head pressure while the piping system provides the distribution throughout the rest of the ship. Piping systems must not degrade or corrode due to the contained fluid but also must endure structural loadings. Interior damage can come in the form of corrosion such as pitting, general wasting away of material due to galvanic corrosion, mechanical deformations due to structural and vibrational loadings. A decision matrix based framework for evaluation using a modified Pugh Controlled Convergence technique was developed for evaluation of metallic coatings under consideration for shipboard system repairs which included mechanical and electrochemical performance characteristics. Candidate coatings for further study and additional testing requirements are identified through the process. The mechanical evaluation focuses on microstructural characterization and mechanical response. The electrochemical evaluation focuses on general corrosion and galvanic interactions between each coating and Cu0.7Ni0.3, a common piping material also often referred to as 70-30 CuNi. The outcome of the evaluation sequence is the ranking of relative merit of coatings. Results are presented which show the wide range of characteristics possible. The extension of the decision matrix to manufacturability issues will also be discussed.
Learning to Teach Science: Elementary Teacher Candidates Facilitate Informal STEM Events

ABSTRACTFacilitating successful informal STEM learning experiences is essential for building knowledge and comfort with STEM content for children and teachers alike. Informal learning experiences are by nature hands-on and interdisciplinary and provide play-based, real-world, authentic learning experiences. This article describes what elementary teacher candidates learn about teaching science from facilitating a STEM event within school settings and outside regular school hours. The article also presents implications for elementary-teacher education.
Assessment of Ambient Exposures Firefighters Encounter While at the Fire Station: An Exploratory Study

Objective:Firefighters are at an increased risk for many types of cancer. Although most studies on this topic focus on exposures encountered while fighting fires, exposures at the fire station are also cause for concern. This pilot study aimed to describe air quality within a few fire stations in an
Understanding variations in secondary findings reporting practices across U.S. genome sequencing laboratories

Background: Increasingly used for clinical purposes, genome and exome sequencing can generate clinically relevant information that is not directly related to the reason for testing (incidental or s...
Human exposure assessment and the National Toxicology Program.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/National Toxicology Program (NIEHS/NTP) is developing a new interagency initiative in exposure assessment. This initiative involves the NIEHS...
The Effect of Combination Antiretroviral Therapy Use Among HIV Positive Children on the Hazard of AIDS Using Calendar Year as an Instrumental Variable.

BACKGROUND Instrumental variable (IV) analyses are a common causal inference technique used in the absence of randomized data. Combination Antiretroviral Therapy (cART) was first introduced in 1996 and calendar periods have been used as a proxy for cART use. However, cART use misclassification can bias IV analyses. OBJECTIVE We aim to highlight the differences in the effects of antiretroviral therapy on clinical outcomes between the applications of traditional and adapted IV analysis techniques. METHODS This study includes children with perinatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection followed from 1988 to 2009. We describe an application of traditional and adapted IV analysis techniques. Noncompliance adjustments were applied to correct the misclassification of cART-use. Weighting the inverse probability of calendar era, the selected covariates were performed to control for variables that may be related to both the IV and outcome. RESULTS During 48,380 person-days, 78 HIV-positive children progressed to an initial stage-3- defining diagnosis or death. The Intention to Treat (ITT) rate ratio (RR) of stage-3-defining diagnosis or death comparing the pre-cART and cART eras was estimated at 2·67 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1·.47, 4·84). The IV estimator was used to adjust for cART use misclassification, yielding an IV RR of 5·42 (95% CI: 2·99, 9·83). Weighting analyses did not markedly alter the results. CONCLUSION cART use decreased progression to stage-3-defining diagnosis or death. The use of noncompliance adjustments for cART misclassification in IV analyses may provide more robust evidence of cART's effectiveness than traditional ITT analysis.
Universal Design for Learning: A Field Experiment Comparing Specific Classroom Actions

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) aims to increase accessibility to learning by extending the concepts of Universal Design (UD). UD arose in the field of architecture and suggests that one can increase the accessibility of an architectural feature if certain considerations are made to the design of that feature prior to its construction. The essence of UDL is to extend accessibility of a learning module to the largest possible group of learners by considering particular design principles prior to construction of that learning module. This paper describes an experiment in which UDL principles were applied in a “treatment” section of a graduate management information systems course but not in an identical “control” section of the same course. The paper methodology section opens with a list of specific classroom actions that support UDL principles, and continues with descriptions of the experiment and data analysis, then a discussion, and finally some conclusions.
God, Tragedy, and the Near-Death Experience: Evaluating Kushner's Perspectives on Theodicy

This article evaluates Harold Kushner's original and reconstructed perspectives on God and the theodicic problem on the basis of research on the near-death experience (NDE) and related phenomena. In response to a personal tragedy, Kushner reconstructed his thinking about God and tragedy from his original Causation-Power perspective to an Inspiration-Love perspective. The Causation-Power perspective posits that God causes human events and that tragic events do not actually contradict God's purpose or will, although tragic events may result from the human freedom to disobey God and suffer punitive consequences. In the Inspiration-Love perspective, human freedom expands to mean that God does not cause all events: God does not cause tragedy, suffers with the sufferer, and can intervene against tragic events only by inspiring people to cope with tragedy and care for others. Although the research findings are consistent with Kushner's emphasis on love and inspiration, the theme of divine power and purpose is also evident. Hence, Kushner should not have rejected entirely his early (Causation-Power) perspective. Identified in the research are forms of “inspiration” that Kushner did not take into account in his reconstructed (Inspiration-Love) view. The Causation-Power and Inspiration-Love perspectives seem incompatible and neither alone solves the theodicic problem. Nonetheless, they do complement one another; a resolution would permit an integrative understanding of God and tragedy.
Fast tracking in paediatric cardiac anaesthesia : an update.

A care plan in which cardiac surgical patients progress quickly through the perioperative course to hospital discharge is often referred to as a Fast Track. Such care plans have been used extensively in adult cardiac patients but are also applicable to paediatric patients. Although no randomised controlled trials are available to document a reduction in hospital costs and avoidance of iatrogenic complications with paediatric fast tracks, many healthcare administrators encourage their use. Fast Track clinical guidelines usually include same day surgery, use of short- acting anaesthetic drugs, early extubation, effective pain management, and reduced intensive care unit stays. These protocols are certainly appropriate for simple procedures such as repair of atrial or ventricular septal defects or ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus. However, many paediatric cardiac anaesthesiologists consider that all paediatric patients without significant pulmonary or residual cardiac pathology can be managed using expedited postoperative protocols. Essential components in a "fast track" protocol include use of minimally invasive surgical techniques, modified ultrafiltration during cardiopulmonary bypass, transoesophageal echocardiography to evaluate the cardiac repair, and postoperative pain control. Using such techniques, 80-90% of paediatric patients can be extubated in the operating room or within 2-4 hours postoperatively. Despite the opinions of recognised experts, an appropriately sized and powered multicentre, controlled, randomised, prospective study is still needed to conclusively document the efficiency and effectiveness of the Fast Track in paediatric cardiac patients.
THE PROPAGATION AND REFLECTION OF ELASTIC WAVES IN ANISOTROPIC HOLLOW SPHERES AND CYLINDERS

ABSTRACT The propagation and reflection of elastic stress waves in anisotropic hollow spheres and cylinders subjected to time-dependent surface pressures is investigated. The material is assumed to be transversally isotropic with respect to a direction of symmetry, and solutions to the displacement field equations are formally obtained using Laplace transforms. It is shown that if rational approximations are used to represent the modified Bessel functions which occur in the transformed expressions for stress and displacement, the inversion of these expressions for short times may be readily carried out. These short-time results are valid for times much longer than the customary short-time solutions obtained using asymptotic approximations, and are of considerable practical interest since the material internal damping can be expected to diminish the motion for increasing time. The physically interesting problem of a pressure suddenly applied to the inside surface of the sphere or cylinder is considered in detail. For the tangential stress at the inside surface, a comparison between the maximum dynamic stress and the corresponding static condition shows the customary dynamic factor of 2 to be low in varying degrees depending upon the particular elastic constants.
The curse of frege

I mention two methodological problems with AI's study of inference that have to do with excessive faith in classical logic. The first is the familiar bias toward formalisms that incorporate deductive patterns of argument: a bias against inductive patterns of reasoning. The second is the pretension that inference can be studied with no regard for one's habits of representation. By implicating Frege, I am not trying to argue an historical thesis, but I will explain why I think of Levi's phrase, "the curse of Frege," whenever I think of these problems.
Blueprints and Recipes: Gendered Metaphors for Genetic Medicine

In the face of documented difficulties in the public understanding of genetics, new metaphors have been suggested. The language of information coding and processing has become deeply entrenched in the public representation of genetics, and some critics have found fault in the “blueprint” metaphor, a variant of the dominant theme. They have offered the language of the “recipe” as a preferable metaphor. The metaphors of the blueprint and the recipe are compared in respect to their deterministic implications and other associations. The likelihood of the recipe metaphor framing cognition in more useful ways is called into question.
Promoting Adaptive Development in Caregiver–Infant Dyads:

Therapeutic interventions with caregiver–infant dyads should seek to prevent the psychopathology associated with developmental events and promote the adaptive development of both members of the dya...
Sexual Harassment Trajectories: Limits of (Current) Law and of the Administrative State

The current attack on the administrative state and its more inclusive policies is accompanied by a push to limit judicial deference to administrative rulemaking. This recent trend stands in tension...
Do family investments explain growing socioeconomic disparities in children’s reading, math, and science achievement during school versus summer months?

In the face of rising economic and social inequality, American parents increasingly seek to promote their children’s academic achievement through provision of enriching learning opportunities. In this study, we hypothesized that parental investments in both home and out-of-home learning resources may partially explain socioeconomic disparities in children’s academic skills, and may function differently during school versus summer months. Using data drawn from the nationally representative Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Kindergarten Cohort of 2010–2011 (N ≈ 4,000), we assessed children’s reading, math, and science skills from kindergarten entry through second grade, attending to how achievement gaps shifted during school versus summer months. Multilevel piecewise latent growth models identified significant, small socioeconomic status (SES) gaps in children’s academic skills at kindergarten entry. These initial SES gaps remained stable for reading skills, grew during school months for science skills, and grew during summer months for math skills. Significant, small family SES disparities in home reading-based learning activities, out-of-home enrichment activities, TV/video time, and time in summer camps/child care programs also emerged, helping to explain growth in SES achievement gaps. Specifically, growing SES gaps in science skills appeared driven in part through school-year home learning activities and summer out-of-home enrichment activities. Growing SES gaps in math skills also functioned in part through summer out-of-home enrichment activities. Results suggest the importance of enhancing year-round investments across home, school, and community contexts to support the school success of economically disadvantaged children. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
THE PROPERTIES OF MEMBRANE BOUND ENZYMES INVOLVED IN ENERGY TRANSDUCTION PROCESSES

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the properties of membrane bound enzymes involved in energy transduction processes. The membrane systems discussed in the chapter include the energy-linked functions of the inner membrane of mitochondria, the ATP-activated transport systems of the microsomal membranes of kidney and nervous tissue that require Na+ and K+ ions, the ATP-drive system of sarcoplasmic reticulum of muscle for Ca++ transport, and some related characteristics of active transport by bacterial membranes. The energization of transport of ATP in mammalian systems involves an ATP cleavage that requires the sequential interaction with Na+ and K+. The transport of various organic molecules, including sugars and amino acids, may involve coupling to a Na+ gradient, that is, an active outflow of Na+ driven by the ATP cleavage is regarded as an essential component of an inward influx of metabolite. The results suggest that energized membrane states, perhaps similar to those of oxidative phosphorylation, may be formed by the ATP cleavage and used for the active transport.
Ensemble Average, Turbulence Closure

Publisher Summary The word “turbulence” is reserved for small-scale, three-dimensional motions that are random but whose ensemble average properties are approximately deterministic in the sense that they are related, either through laboratory measurements or through closure models, to the mean velocity and density gradients. A problem encountered in large-scale models is the need to include horizontal diffusion to eliminate grid-scale noise, and this is on a very much more empirical basis now than is second-moment turbulence closure. Second-moment (or second-order) turbulence closure models contain nondimensional empirical constants that are fixed by reference to a small subset of the available laboratory data. The models seem to do well in simulating a wide range of laboratory data outside of that subset. Direct comparison of geophysical data with model simulation is difficult because simplifying assumptions such as horizontal homogeneity are often required. Nevertheless, the available evidence does not indicate obvious error in the turbulence models per se. There are difficult extensions to be made involving phase change and chemical reactions. Otherwise, second-moment modeling has entered a stage of maturity at which innovations with major geophysical consequences are unlikely—that is, the closure hypotheses by Rotta and Kolmogorov may be modified but, in essence, will continue to provide the basis for closure.
Distinct Oscillation Dynamics Selectively Coordinate Excitatory and Inhibitory Neurons in Prefrontal Cortex during Sensory Discrimination

Abstract The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is crucial for many cognitive functions. PFC individual neuron activity and ensemble oscillation dynamics have been linked to unique aspects of behavior. However, it remains largely unclear how different neuron types relate to oscillation features. To understand how excitatory and inhibitory neurons in PFC are coordinated by distinct oscillation signatures, we designed a 3-choice auditory discrimination task and used tetrode devices to examine individual PFC neuron activity and ensemble LFP oscillations in task performing mice. We found that PFC neurons and ensemble LFP oscillations exhibited complex sensory evoked responses that are context and task-progression dependent. While both excitatory and inhibitory neurons were transiently modulated at different phases of the task, inhibitory neurons were increasingly recruited as trial progressed compared to excitatory neurons. Inhibitory neurons in general showed higher spike-field coherence with LFP oscillations than excitatory neurons throughout the task period, first at higher frequencies at the beginning of the task, and then transitioned to lower frequencies in the middle of the task that sustained beyond task completion. Together, our results demonstrate that excitatory and inhibitory neurons selectively engage distinct oscillation dynamics during sensory discrimination in mice.
Aging Adipose: Depot Location Dictates Age-Associated Expansion and Dysfunction

Adipose tissue has a variety of diverse functions that maintain energy homeostasis. In conditions of excess energy availability, adipose tissue increases its lipid storage and communicates the nutritional abundance to various organs in the body. In conditions of energy depletion, such as fasting, cold exposure, or prolonged exercise, triglycerides stored in adipose tissue are released as free fatty acids to support the shift to catabolic metabolism. These diverse functions of storage, communication, and energy homeostasis are shared between numerous adipose depots including subcutaneous, visceral, brown, beige, intramuscular, marrow, and dermal adipose tissue. As organisms age, the cellular composition of these depots shifts to facilitate increased inflammatory cell infiltration, decreased vasculature, and increased adipocyte quantity and lipid droplet size. The purpose of this review is to give a comprehensive overview of the molecular and cellular changes that occur in various aged adipose depots and discuss their impact on physiology. The molecular signature of aged adipose leads to higher prevalence of metabolic disease in aged populations including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and certain types of cancer.
Liver and serum adiponectin levels in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Aim Adiponectin is an adipokine that is involved in regulating hepatic fat and glucose metabolism, and also has anti-steatotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. How these different activities impact the development and progression of NAFLD is not well understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate both liver and serum adiponectin levels in patients with and without NAFLD and determine any clinical correlations. Methods Liver tissue and serum samples were collected from patients undergoing liver biopsy between April 2014 and July 2020, and categorized based on histopathologic diagnosis into hepatic steatosis (HS), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and hepatitis control (HC). Luminex® xMAP assay was performed on both liver and serum samples to measure adiponectin levels. Statistical analysis compared liver adiponectin (LA) and serum adiponectin (SA) levels between groups. Results 48 participants were included in the analysis with 4 in HS, 15 in NASH, and 29 in HC groups. The mean LA level was lowest in the HS group was 68.6% lower than that in the NASH group and 80.6% lower than that in the HC group (p=0.036). The mean SA level was 3.61 μg/ml for NAFLD group was significantly lower than that in the HC group, 7.51 μg/ml (p=0.001). Conclusion Adiponectin levels are lower in NAFLD compared to HC in both serum and in liver tissue. LA levels in HS patients were significantly lower than those both in NASH and HC groups, suggesting that adiponectin is related to inflammation in the liver, and probably reflects a role in pathogenesis of NAFLD. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Poly (4-styrenesulfonic acid): A recoverable and reusable catalyst for acid hydrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate

Abstract Poly (4-styrenesulfonic acid) (PSSA) was used as a recoverable acid catalyst for the hydrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol (EG). The effect of catalyst concentration, time, and temperature on the depolymerization of PET and yield of TPA were determined with PSSA and H2SO4. The PSSA system exhibited faster hydrolysis kinetics than H2SO4 with a shorter induction period than those often observed for acid hydrolysis of PET. The activation energies for the hydrolysis of PET were 24.8 kJ mol−1 and 29.1 kJ mol−1 for 2 M PSSA and 2 M H2SO4, respectively. The hydrophobic backbone of PSSA improves surface wetting of the catalyst solution at the PET interface, resulting in a higher localized concentration of protons. Contact angle measurements indicated better surface wetting of PET films by the aqueous solutions of PSSA than H2SO4 at equal concentrations. Additionally, the reutilization and titration results indicated that PSSA maintained the activity after reuse for five reaction cycles.
Comparative Advantage of Production and Measuring the Competitiveness of Major Crops of Urmia County by the Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the comparative advantage of production and measuring the competitiveness of major crops of Urmia County by the policy analysis matrix (PAM) in 2016-2017. The results of the comparative advantage indicators indicated that Urmia has a comparative advantage in the production of irrigated wheat, rain-fed wheat, rain-fed barley, sunflower, tomato, chickpeas, and red beans, but it has no comparative advantage in the production of irrigated barley and sugar beet among the major crops of the region. The three indicators of comparative advantage applied in this study include net social profit (NSP), domestic resource cost (DRC), and social cost-benefit index (SCB). According to the NSP index, tomato production has a higher comparative advantage over other crops, and red beans, peas, sunflowers, buckwheat, buckwheat, and barley are in the next ranks, respectively. According to the cost competitiveness index, all surveyed crops had cost competitiveness. The results of reviewing the protection indicators, including net protection coefficient input (NPCI), revealed that indirect subsidies were paid to tradable inputs for all studied crops. The nominal protection coefficient output (NPCO) index for irrigated wheat, rain-fed wheat, sunflower, rain-fed pea, and red bean indicates an indirect tax on the production of these crops by the government.