cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Facile Synthesis of Water-Soluble Graphene Quantum Dots/Graphene for Efficient Photodetector

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are zero-dimensional material with characteristics derived from functionalized graphene precursors are graphene sheets a few nanometers in the lateral dimension having a several-layer thickness. Combining the structure of graphene with the quantum confinement and edge effects, GQDs possess unique chemical behavior and physical properties. Intense research activity in GQDs is attributed to their novel phenomena of charge transport and light absorption and photoluminescence excitation. The optical transitions are known to be available up to 6 eV in GQDs, applicable for ultraviolet photonics and optoelectronics devices, biomedical imaging capabilities and technologies. We present facile hydrothermal and solvothermal methods for synthesizing homogenous dispersed and uniform sized GQDs with a strong greenish and violet blue emission peaks at ∼10-14% yield. This approach enabled a large-scale production of aqueous GQD dispersions without the need for chemical stabilizers. The structure and emission mechanism of the GQDs have been studied by combining extensive characterization techniques and rigorous control experiments. We further demonstrate the distinctive advantages of such GQDs as high-performance photodetectors (PDs). Here we also report high-efficient photocurrent (PC) behaviors consisting of multilayer GQDs sandwiched between monolayer graphene sheets. It is conceivable that the observed unique PD characteristics proved to be dominated by tunneling of charge carriers which occurs through the multiple energy states within the bandgap of GQDs, based on bias-dependent variation of the band profiles. This results in novel dark current and PC behaviors. The external quantum efficiency (η) is predicted to be 47% at applied potential 2 V. These findings highlight rich photophysics and comparable performance of graphene/graphene oxide hybrids opening up potential applications as optoelectronic devices.
Hyperexcitable phenotypes in iPSC-derived neurons from patients with 15q11-q13 duplication syndrome, a genetic form of autism

Chromosome 15q11-q13 duplication syndrome (Dup15q) is a neurogenetic disorder caused by duplications of the maternal copy of this region. In addition to hypotonia, motor deficits, and language impairments, Dup15q patients commonly meet the criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and have a high prevalence of seizures. Here, we explored mechanisms of hyperexcitability in neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from Dup15q patients. Maturation of resting membrane potential in Dup15q-derived neurons was similar to neurons from unaffected control subjects, but Dup15q neurons had delayed action potential maturation and increased synaptic event frequency and amplitude. Dup15q neurons also showed impairments in activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and homeostatic synaptic scaling. Finally, Dup15q neurons showed an increased frequency of spontaneous action potential firing compared to control neurons, in part due to disruption of KCNQ2 channels. Together these data point to multiple mechanisms underlying hyperexcitability that may provide new targets for the treatment of seizures and other phenotypes associated with Dup15q.
Trope or Trap? Role-Playing Narratives and Length in Instructional Video

This article discussed the results of a survey of over thirteen hundred respondents. This survey was designed to establish the preferences of the viewers of instructional how-to videos, asking the question of whether length as well as the presence of a role-playing narrative enhances or detracts from the viewer experience.
Distribution of Estrogen Synthase (Aromatase) in the Human Brain

Aromatase catalyzes the last and obligatory step in the biosynthesis of estrogens in the brain and peripheral organs across species. Fetal brain expression of aromatase mediates sexual differentiation of the brain. Brains of adult humans express aromatase with a widespread but regionally heterogeneous pattern, in neurons and astrocytes, in neuronal cell bodies, and in dendrites and axon terminals. The regional and cellular distributions of human brain aromatase have some unique features compared to other primate and nonprimate species, which may contribute to a range of behaviors and neuropsychiatric disorders unique to humans.
Aberration of the Cosmic Microwave Background

The motion of the solar system barycenter with respect to the cosmic microwave background (CMB) induces a very large apparent dipole component into the CMB brightness map at the 3 mK level. In this Letter we discuss another kinematic effect of our motion through the CMB: the small shift in apparent angular positions due to the aberration of light. The aberration angles are only of order beta ~0.001, but this leads to a potentially measurable compression (expansion) of the spatial scale in the hemisphere toward (away from) our motion through the CMB. In turn, this will shift the peaks in the acoustic power spectrum of the CMB by a factor of order 1 +/- beta. For current CMB missions, and even those in the foreseeable future, this effect is small, but should be taken into account. In principle, if the acoustic peak locations were not limited by sampling noise (i.e., the cosmic variance), this effect could be used to determine the cosmic contribution to the dipole term.
Use of a Cesium Primary Beam for Liquid SIMS Analysis of Bio-Organic Compounds

In 1976 BENNINGHOVEN, JASPERS and SICHTERMAN first reported on obtaining secondary ion mass spectra from a number of amino acids using an argon primary beam to bombard a metal target covered with approximately a monolayer of sample [1]. In their pioneering work, they demonstrated that important molecular and structural information can be obtained from complex organic molecules which are nonvolatile and thermally labile, and the technique, labeled molecular SIMS, is in current and widespread use. Molecular SIMS, however, yields an inherently small secondary ion signal of short duration making the technique generally inaccessible to high resolution tandem type mass spectrometers of relatively low transmission efficiency.
A Model Nonlinear Problem Having a Continuous Locus of Singular Points.

The asymptotic behavior of solutions of a singularly perturbed boundary value problem whose reduced equation has continuous bran,ches of singular points is investigated. In particular, unexpected limiting values of solutions for certain choices of the boundary conditions are found by means of a priori estimates.
Susceptibility and yield response to sugarcane borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) infestation among sugarcanes and sorghums with potential for bioethanol production

Abstract The U.S. Gulf Coast has ideal conditions, including abundant rainfall and a long growing season, for production of dedicated bioenergy crops. Interest in producing bioethanol from high-biomass graminaceous crops including energycanes (Saccharum spp.) and energy sorghums (Sorghum spp. hybrids) in the region has increased. However, insect pests including the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), will likely adversely affect bioenergy crops. The impact of D. saccharalis infestations on yields of conventional and bioenergy sugarcanes and sorghums was investigated in three separate field studies conducted from 2012 to 2013. These studies compared D. saccharalis injury and crop yield parameters among insecticide-protected and unprotected plots of sugarcanes, energycanes, high biomass sorghums, and sweet sorghum. In unprotected plots, D. saccharalis injury ranged from 2.9 (resistant sugarcane) to 13.6% bored internodes (susceptible sugarcane). A resistant energycane cultivar was among the least injured (3.5% bored internodes) and demonstrated the greatest potential for bioethanol production with an average of >17,000 L/ha. Linear regressions revealed negative relationships between percentage of bored internodes and ethanol yield in all cultivars. At one location, D. saccharalis injury resulted in a 13% reduction in bioethanol production across all years and cultivars. These studies indicate D. saccharalis has potential to substantially reduce yields in bioenergy crops and pest management programs will be needed to maximize ethanol production.
Speech accommodation across communication partners by adolescent speakers

Communication context has considerable impact on speech production, with speakers accommodating their speech based on the needs and attributes of their communication partner. For instance, speakers demonstrate acoustic-phonetic convergence, wherein they alter their speech characteristics to converge with those of their communication partner (e.g., Borrie & Liss, 2014). This speech modulation promotes closeness, shared identity, and communication effectiveness. While documented in adult speakers, the occurrence and presentation of speech accommodation throughout development is unclear. The current study compared the acoustic characteristics of speech samples produced by adolescent speakers in isolation versus in response to communication partners. Twelve neurotypical male adolescents (13–17 years) read sentences aloud with and without pre-exposure to speech recordings collected from four speakers varying by age and sex. Acoustic correlates of rhythm and prosody were compared across elicitation conditions. ...
Advanced Cryptography: Promise and Challenges

I will discuss "advanced cryptography", namely cryptographic techniques beyond communication security, including things like zero knowledge, secure multi-party computation, homomorphic encryption, and the like. I will make the case that advanced cryptography is (a) needed, (b) fast enough to be useful, and (c) Not "generally usable" yet.
Moiré-templated strain patterning in transition-metal dichalcogenides and application in twisted bilayer MoS2.

To take full advantage of the electronic properties of transition-metal dichalcogenides and their vdW layered structures, it will be necessary to control the local electronic structure, on which the effect of lattice deformation is significant. Nevertheless, a general approach to programming nanoscale morphology in TMD materials, which would permit local strain engineering, has proven elusive. In this work, we propose a general moire-templated nanoscale morphology engineering method based on bilayer TMDs. The moire superlattice plays the key role in enforcing in-plane periodical variations in local interlayer spacing and potential energy. Upon global in-plane compression, the high-energy, large-interlayer-separation stacking domains serve as periodic buckling initiation sites. The buckled features can be thus precisely correlated to the moire periodicity. The spatial profile of the buckled morphology and strain field are possible to be pre-determined, providing a bridge to the electronics and optoelectronics design. We take twisted bilayer MoS2 to demonstrate our approach. We further demonstrate how the morphology can modulate band gap and optical absorption of a MoS2 monolayer, envisioned as a potential constituent layer in a Moire-templated, strain-engineered vdW heterostructure of TMDs. The robustness and programmable nature of our approach arise from superlattice symmetry, energetics and mechanics. Our approach provides a new strategy for on-demand design of morphology and local strain in TMDs under mechanical deformation.
Sample enrichment for clinical trials to show delay of onset in huntington disease

BACKGROUND Disease-modifying clinical trials in persons without symptoms are often limited in methods to assess the impact associated with experimental therapeutics. This study suggests sample enrichment approaches to facilitate preventive trials to delay disease onset in individuals with the dominant gene for Huntington disease. METHODS Using published onset prediction indexes, we conducted the receiver operating curve analysis for diagnosis within a 3-year clinical trial time frame. We determined optimal cut points on the indexes for participant recruitment and then conducted sample size and power calculations to detect varying effect sizes for treatment efficacy in reducing 3-year rates of disease onset (or diagnosis). RESULTS Area under the curve for 3 onset prediction indexes all demonstrated excellent value in sample enrichment methodology, with the best-performing index being the multivariate risk score (MRS). CONCLUSIONS This study showed that conducting an intervention trial in premanifest and prodromal individuals with the gene expansion for Huntington disease is highly feasible using sample enrichment recruitment methods. Ongoing natural history studies are highly likely to indicate additional markers of disease prior to diagnosis. Statistical modeling of identified markers can facilitate participant enrichment to increase the likelihood of detecting a difference between treatment arms in a cost-effective and efficient manner. Such variations may expedite translation of emerging therapies to persons in an earlier phase of the disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION PREDICT-HD is registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT00051324. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Polar and Magnetic Mn2FeMO6 (M: Nb, Ta) with LiNbO3‐Type Structure: High‐Pressure Synthesis.

The title compounds are prepared from stoichiometric mixtures of MnO, Fe2O3, and Nb2O5 or Ta2O5 (Walker-type multianvil press, 7 GPa, 1573 K).
Teaching Rigorous Distributed Systems With Efficient Model Checking

Writing correct distributed systems code is difficult, especially for novice programmers. The inherent asynchrony and need for fault-tolerance make errors almost inevitable. Industrial-strength testing and model checking have been shown to be effective at uncovering bugs, but they come at a cost --- in both time and effort --- that is far beyond what students can afford. To address this, we have developed an efficient model checking framework and visual debugger for distributed systems, with the goal of helping students find and fix bugs in near real-time. We identify two novel techniques for reducing the search state space to more efficiently find bugs in student implementations. We report our experiences using these tools to help over two hundred students build a correct, linearizable, fault-tolerant, dynamically-sharded key--value store.
Stealth Consolidation: Evidence from an Amendment to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act

Prospective merger review is the most frequent application of antitrust law. It exempts transactions on the basis of size, though small deals can have large anticompetitive effects in segmented industries. I examine its impact on antitrust enforcement and merger activity in the context of an abrupt increase in the US exemption threshold. I find that among newly-exempt deals, antitrust investigations fall to almost zero while mergers between competitors rise sharply. Effectively all of the rise reflects an endogenous response of firms to reduced premerger scrutiny, consistent with large deterrent effects of antitrust enforcement.
Generalized method for the computational phase correction of arbitrary dual comb signals

We demonstrate a computational phase correction algorithm that is able to correct for phase and timing fluctuations of arbitrary dual comb spectra. By augmenting a Kalman filter with a global search and decoupling the interferogram estimation, we show that dual comb signals having a wide range of structures can be predicted and corrected. Furthermore, we derive an upper bound for the accuracy of any self-correction technique and show that the augmented filter is capable of reaching this bound when the phase and frequency noise are bandlimited. Finally, we show how expectation maximization can be used to learn the statistical parameters of a system without any free parameters. This approach is hands-off, robust, and accurate for a wide range of dual comb systems. Demonstration code is provided.
Semantic knowledge influences whether novel episodic associations are represented symmetrically or asymmetrically

We provide new evidence concerning two opposing views of episodic associations: The independent-association hypothesis posits that associations are unidirectional and separately modifiable links (A→B and A←B); in contrast, the associative-symmetry hypothesis proposes that a single, bidirectional association exists between A and B (A↔B). We used a novel method to demonstrate that whether or not episodic associations are symmetric depends on whether there is a preexisting semantic relationship between A and B. In two experiments, participants studied 30 semantically unrelated and 30 semantically related pairs intermixed in a single list and then performed a series of up to eight cued-recall test cycles. All pairs were tested in each cycle, and the testing direction (A–? or B–?) alternated between cycles. Unrelated pairs exhibited associative symmetry—that is, accuracy and response times improved gradually on each test—suggesting that testing in both directions strengthened the same association. In contrast, semantically related pairs exhibited a stair-like pattern, in which performance did not change from odd to even tests when the test direction changed; it only improved between tests in the same direction. We concluded that episodic associations can have either a single bidirectional representation or separate directional representations, depending on the semantic relatedness of their constituent items.
Spinal loading and lift style in confined vertical space.

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate biomechanical loads on the lumbar spine as a function of working in a confined vertical space, consistent with baggage handling inside the baggage compartment of an airplane. Ten male subjects performed baggage handling tasks using confined (kneeling, sitting) and unconfined (stooping) lifting styles. Dependent measures of torso flexion and three-dimensional spinal loads were assessed with an electromyography-driven biomechanical model. Lifting exertions typical to airline baggage handling posed significant risk to the lumbar spine, regardless of lifting style. Statistically significant differences attributable to lift style (stooping, kneeling, sitting) were not observed for peak compressive, lateral shear, or resultant spinal loads, but lifting while kneeling decreased anterior/posterior (A/P) shear spinal loads relative to stooping (p = 0.02). Collectively, kneeling offers the greatest benefit when lifting in confined spaces because of the ability to keep the torso upright, subsequently reducing shear forces on the lumbar spine.
A rat epigenetic clock recapitulates phenotypic aging and co-localizes with heterochromatin-associated histone modifications

ABSTRACT Aging has been shown to be a strong driver of DNA methylation changes, leading to the development of robust biomarkers in humans and more recently, in mice. This study aimed to generate a novel epigenetic clock in rats—a model with unique physical, physiological, and biochemical advantages for studying mammalian aging. Additionally, we incorporated behavioral data, unsupervised machine learning, and network analysis to identify epigenetic signals that not only track with age, but also relate to phenotypic aging and reflect higher-order molecular aging changes. We used DNAm data from reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) to train an epigenetic age (DNAmAge) measure in Fischer 344 CDF (F344) rats. In an independent sample of n=32 F344 rats, we found that this measure correlated with age at (r=0.93), and related to physical functioning (5.9e-3), after adjusting for age and differential cell counts. DNAmAge was also found to correlate with age in C57BL/6 mice (r=0.79), and was decreased in response to caloric restriction (CR), such that the longer the animal was on a CR diet, the greater the decrease in DNAm. We also observed resetting of DNAm when kidney and lung fibroblasts when converted to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Using weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) we identified two modules that appeared to drive our DNAmAge measure. These two modules contained CpGs in intergenic regions that showed substantial overlap with histone marks H3K9me3, H3K27me3, and E2F1 transcriptional factor binding. In moving forward, our ability to unravel the complex signals linking DNA methylation changes to functional aging would require experimental studies in model systems in which longitudinal epigenetic changes can be related to other molecular and physiological hallmarks of aging.
Size variation does not act as insurance in bumble bees; instead, workers add weight in an unpredictable environment

Complex systems (e.g. eusocial insect colonies) exhibit emergent behaviours as a result of the interactions of their components. These components often vary in several traits. Such variation may improve system performance by increasing its efficiency or its robustness to environmental change. These two outcomes, efficiency and robustness, are often thought to be in opposition. Therefore, variation may be beneficial only under certain environmental conditions. Here we aim to understand why variation evolved in a particular system, bumble bee (Bombus impatiens) colonies. Workers in these colonies vary in body size, which affects the tasks they perform as well as their starvation resistance, suggesting potential impacts on efficiency and robustness, respectively. We examine how this variation affects colony performance under different environmental conditions and how colonies respond physiologically to these conditions. We maintained colonies of equal biomass but with either variable or less variable worker body sizes using targeted worker removal. We found that colonies with variable body sizes did not produce more brood (i.e. did not show evidence of increased performance) under predictable or unpredictable food environments. However, workers that developed under the unpredictable environment were smaller relative to their weight at eclosion. This effect was due in part to an increase in stored lipids, particularly in smaller workers. These physiological changes may explain why mortality rates did not differ between the predictable and unpredictable environment. Therefore, our finding that size variation did not affect colony performance suggests that size variation may be a neutral trait, present because selection is not acting against it. Our results also suggest that workers respond physiologically to differences in environmental conditions, which is important to consider when testing system robustness.
Verifying and improving Halide’s term rewriting system with program synthesis

Halide is a domain-specific language for high-performance image processing and tensor computations, widely adopted in industry. Internally, the Halide compiler relies on a term rewriting system to prove properties of code required for efficient and correct compilation. This rewrite system is a collection of handwritten transformation rules that incrementally rewrite expressions into simpler forms; the system requires high performance in both time and memory usage to keep compile times low, while operating over the undecidable theory of integers. In this work, we apply formal techniques to prove the correctness of existing rewrite rules and provide a guarantee of termination. Then, we build an automatic program synthesis system in order to craft new, provably correct rules from failure cases where the compiler was unable to prove properties. We identify and fix 4 incorrect rules as well as 8 rules which could give rise to infinite rewriting loops. We demonstrate that the synthesizer can produce better rules than hand-authored ones in five bug fixes, and describe four cases in which it has served as an assistant to a human compiler engineer. We further show that it can proactively improve weaknesses in the compiler by synthesizing a large number of rules without human supervision and showing that the enhanced ruleset lowers peak memory usage of compiled code without appreciably increasing compilation times.
Great Volga Waterway

This paper surveys the engineering development of the longest and largest (with respect to draingage area) river on the European continent from unregulated natural conditions into a modern waterway...
AutoBridge: Coupling Coarse-Grained Floorplanning and Pipelining for High-Frequency HLS Design on Multi-Die FPGAs

Despite an increasing adoption of high-level synthesis (HLS) for its design productivity advantages, there remains a significant gap in the achievable clock frequency between an HLS-generated design and a handcrafted RTL one. A key factor that limits the timing quality of the HLS outputs is the difficulty in accurately estimating the interconnect delay at the HLS level. Unfortunately, this problem becomes even worse when large HLS designs are implemented on the latest multi-die FPGAs, where die-crossing interconnects incur a high delay penalty. To tackle this challenge, we propose AutoBridge, an automated framework that couples a coarse-grained floorplanning step with pipelining during HLS compilation. First, our approach provides HLS with a view on the global physical layout of the design, allowing HLS to more easily identify and pipeline the long wires, especially those crossing the die boundaries. Second, by exploiting the flexibility of HLS pipelining, the floorplanner is able to distribute the design logic across multiple dies on the FPGA device without degrading clock frequency. This prevents the placer from aggressively packing the logic on a single die which often results in local routing congestion that eventually degrades timing. Since pipelining may introduce additional latency, we further present analysis and algorithms to ensure the added latency will not compromise the overall throughput. AutoBridge can be integrated into the existing CAD toolflow for Xilinx FPGAs. In our experiments with a total of 43 design configurations, we improve the average frequency from 147 MHz to 297 MHz (a 102% improvement) with no loss of throughput and a negligible change in resource utilization. Notably, in 16 experiments we make the originally unroutable designs achieve 274 MHz on average. The tool is available at https://github.com/Licheng-Guo/AutoBridge.
Uncovering pseudo-doublet ground states innate to U(IV) complexes through magnetism

In the June issue of Chem, Chilton, Liddle, and colleagues reported the synthesis and characterization of uranium(IV)-oxo and -imido complexes that exhibit anomalously high low-temperature magnetic moments as a result of nearly doubly degenerate spin-orbit ground states. Traditional crystal-field arguments prove paramount in the elucidation of the electronic configuration of the uranium(IV) molecules.
Primary subacute hematogenous osteomyelitis of navicular bone: A rare case report in 7-year-old child.

Abstract Introduction and importance Navicular bone location of primary subacute hematogenous osteomyelitis uncommon. There are few cases reported in literature. We aim to describe the clinico-radiological features of primary subacute hematogenous osteomyelitis of the navicular bone in a 7-year-old child, to explain our management of this rare disease and demonstrate that medical treatment without surgery is enough. Case presentation A 7-year-old child presented to emergency department. His chief complaint was fever, left limping and foot pain. The positive examination features of were painful palpation of the dorsal side of the foot and a swelling of the homolateral ankle. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was high. The x-ray revealed a lytic lesion of the left navicular bone. The MRI findings led to the diagnosis of subacute osteomyelitis. Pain relief and normalization of inflammatory markers were obtained after 8 weeks of antibiotic therapy. Complete radiological healing was obtained after 9 months. One year after treatment, the patient was able to practice sports as previously. Clinical discussion Subacute osteomyelitis of the navicular bone in pediatric population is a rare condition. This case shows the importance of early diagnosis thanks to MRI findings and appropriate antibiotic therapy based on the endemic bacteriological profile. Conclusion The navicular bone may develop primary subacute osteomyelitis in immunocompetent child. Early diagnosis is important for prescribing effective conservative treatment.
An Investigation of Shapes for Warning Labels

An examination was made of nineteen different geometric shapes of warning labels, using the method of paired comparisons. Sixty-six college students viewed slides of all pairs of the shapes and eac...
E-Communications Platforms and E-Learning

E-learning is the use of digital tools for learning. Learning management systems and distance education are among the most prevalent tools. However, hybrid experiences and collaborations are changing the E-learning landscape. Recent developments include the advent of social networking and online learning communities, the ubiquitous presence of smart phones, and an increased recognition of the potential for computer games to transform learning. Other important developments include advances in Intelligent Tutoring Systems, the free Open Educational Resources movement, and the creation of immersive environments allowing users to engage with virtual environments and to digitally augment their experience of the real world.
Inversion of Surface Acoustic Wave Data to Determine the Elastic Constants of Nitride Films

The elastic constants of single-crystal transition-metal nitride films were determined from the inversion of surface acoustic wave (SAW) dispersion data obtained by line-focus acoustic microscopy. Measurements were carried out on the (001) plane of cubic crystal TiN and NbN films grown on cubic crystal MgO substrates. Dispersion curves of SAWs propagating along the symmetry axes, namely the [100] and [110] directions, were obtained from the wave velocities for various film thicknesses and wave frequencies. Using a modified simplex algorithm, an inversion of the SAW dispersion data yields the elastic constants of cubic symmetry, namely ell, c12, and c44. The inversion procedure essentially consists of seeking a least-square fit of the experimental data by the dispersion relation. The Rayleigh wave velocity calculated from the determined elastic constants agrees well with results measured by Brillouin scattering spectroscopy.
Osteoporosis Knowledge, Calcium Intake, and Weight-Bearing Physical Activity in Three Age Groups of Women.

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent and integration of osteoporosis knowledge in three age groups of women and compare knowledge to calcium intake and weight-bearing physical activity (WBPA). In this cross-sectional study, knowledge, calcium intake and WBPA were assessed using probe interviews, a food frequency and an activity questionnaire, respectively. Seventy-five white women were separated into three groups: young (25-35 years), middle aged (36-46 years) and postmenopausal (50+ years). Concept maps were used to assess knowledge (concepts, integration and misconceptions). Calcium intakes from diet, supplements and fortified orange juice were estimated as were minutes of daily WBPA. Analysis of covariance was used to compare knowledge, calcium intake and WBPA by age group. Covariates included education, family history, physical problems making exercise difficult, and lactose intolerance. Chi square analysis was used to determine differences in these covariates across age groups. Correlations and regression analysis were used to determine relationships between knowledge and behaviors. Knowledge scores averaged 32-44 points (183 possible). Average calcium intake in all groups exceeded the Dietary Reference Intake's recommended Adequate Intake but 20-24% consumed less than 60% of the AI. Housework, walking at work, and standing at home and work accounted for 90% of WBPA. Knowledge about osteoporosis was limited and not associated with age, WBPA or calcium intake. Calcium intake and WBPA were not associated with age. Practitioners need to provide explicit information on osteoporosis and risk reducing behaviors to women of all ages.
Laboratory, Field and Modeling Studies of Radon‐222 as a Natural Tracer for Monitoring NAPL Contamination

The recently developed natural radon tracer method has potential as a rapid, low‐cost, nondestructive, and noninvasive method for quantifying NAPL contamination. In the subsurface, radon‐222 (radon) is produced by the decay of naturally occurring radium‐226 contained in the mineral fraction of aquifer solids. In groundwater radon occurs as a dissolved gas, with a half‐life of 3.83 days. In the absence of NAPL, the radon concentration in groundwater quickly reaches a maximum value that is determined by the mineral composition of the aquifer solids, which controls the rate of radon emanation. In the presence of NAPL, however, the radon concentration in the groundwater is substantially reduced due to the preferential partitioning of radon into the organic NAPL phase. A simple equilibrium model and supporting laboratory studies show the reduction in radon concentration can be quantitatively correlated with residual NAPL saturation. Thus, by measuring the spatial distribution in radon it may be possible to identify locations where residual NAPL is present and to quantify the NAPL saturation. When the basic processes of partitioning, radon emanation from the aquifer solids, and first‐order decay are incorporated into an advective/dispersive transport model, good agreement is obtained with the results of laboratory and field experiments. Model sensitivity analyses shows many factors can contribute to the radon concentration response, including the length of the NAPL zone, NAPL saturation, groundwater velocity, porosity, and radon emanation. Thus, care must be taken when applying the radon method to locate and quantify NAPL contamination in the subsurface.
Tracking performance with visual, auditory, or electrocutaneous displays.

Three groups of ten subjects each performed a unidimensional compensatory tracking task for 30 minutes. Each group received continuous error information feedback either visually, auditorally, or cu...
Hypoxia‐mediated regulation of gene expression in mammalian cells

The molecular mechanism underlying oxygen sensing in mammalian cells has been extensively investigated in the areas of glucose transport, glycolysis, erythropoiesis, angiogenesis and catecholamine metabolism. Expression of functionally operative representative proteins in these specific areas, such as the glucose transporter 1, glycolytic enzymes, erythropoietin, vascular endothelial growth factor and tyrosine hydroxylase are all induced by hypoxia. Recent studies demonstrated that both transcriptional activation and post-transcriptional mechanisms are important to the hypoxia-mediated regulation of gene expression. In this article, the cis-acting elements and trans-acting factors involved in the transcriptional activation of gene expression will be reviewed. In addition, the mechanisms of post-transcriptional mRNA stabilization will also be addressed. We will discuss whether these two processes of regulation of hypoxia-responsive genes are mechanistically linked and co-operative in nature.
Body fat distribution and risk of type 2 diabetes in the general population: are there differences between men and women? The MONICA/KORA Augsburg Cohort Study

Background It remains controversial whether body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), or waist-hip ratio (WHR) is a better risk predictor of type 2 diabetes. Objective The objective was to examine the sex-specific relevance of WC, WHR, and BMI to the development of type 2 diabetes. Design The prospective population-based cohort study was based on 3055 men and 2957 women aged 35-74 y who participated in the second (1989-1990) or third (1994-1995) MONICA (Monitoring Trends and Determinants on Cardiovascular Diseases) Augsburg survey. The subjects were free of diabetes at baseline. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated from Cox proportional hazards models. Results During a mean follow-up of 9.2 y, 243 cases of incident type 2 diabetes occurred in men and 158 occurred in women. Multivariable-adjusted HRs across quartiles of BMI were 1.0, 1.37, 2.08, and 4.15 in men and 1.0, 3.77, 4.95, and 10.58 in women; those of WC were 1.0, 1.15, 1.57, and 3.40 in men and 1.0, 3.21, 3.98, and 10.70 in women; those of WHR were 1.0, 1.14, 1.80, and 2.84 in men and 1.0, 0.82, 2.06, and 3.51 in women. In joint analyses, the highest risk was observed in men and women with a high BMI in combination with a high WC and a high WHR. Conclusions Both overall and abdominal adiposity were strongly related to the development of type 2 diabetes. Because there was an additive effect of overall and abdominal obesity on risk prediction, WC should be measured in addition to BMI to assess the risk of type 2 diabetes in both sexes.
Methodological Review: Translational cognition for decision support in critical care environments: A review

The dynamic and distributed work environment in critical care requires a high level of collaboration among clinical team members and a sophisticated task coordination system to deliver safe, timely and effective care. A complex cognitive system underlies the decision-making process in such cooperative workplaces. This methodological review paper addresses the issues of translating cognitive research to clinical practice with a specific focus on decision-making in critical care, and the role of information and communication technology to aid in such decisions. Examples are drawn from studies of critical care in our own research laboratories. Critical care, in this paper, includes both intensive (inpatient) and emergency (outpatient) care. We define translational cognition as the research on basic and applied cognitive issues that contribute to our understanding of how information is stored, retrieved and used for problem-solving and decision-making. The methods and findings are discussed in the context of constraints on decision-making in real-world complex environments and implications for supporting the design and evaluation of decision support tools for critical care health providers.
Hoffa's fat-pad inflammation in an HIV-positive patient.

Hoffa’s syndrome involves inflammation of the infrapatellar fat pad secondary to direct trauma or microtrauma. Alternative sources of inflammation of Hoffa’s fat pad include synovial processes such as pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) and osteochondromatosis. Recently, a few cases of inflammation of Hoffa’s fat pad secondary to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been described. Our case presents an HIV patient with Hoffa’s fat-pad inflammation as well as prefemoral fat-pad edema, posterior soft-tissue inflammation, and bone infarction. Since patients with HIV now live longer due to improved treatment regimens, it is important for radiologists to recognize HIV-related musculoskeletal manifestations, such as non-neoplastic inflammation in Hoffa’s fat pad (as seen in our patient).
Voltage-independent calcium channels mediate slow oscillations of cytosolic calcium that are glucose dependent in pancreatic beta-cells.

Pancreatic beta-cells and HIT-T15 cells exhibit oscillations of cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i) that are dependent on glucose metabolism and appear to trigger pulsatile insulin secretion. Significantly, differences in the pattern of this [Ca2+]i oscillatory activity may have important implications for our understanding of how glucose homeostasis is achieved during the feeding and fasting states. When single beta-cells are exposed to a stepwise increase in glucose concentration that mimics the transition from fasting to feeding states, fast irregular oscillations of [Ca2+]i are observed. Alternatively, when single beta-cells are equilibrated in a steady state concentration of glucose that mimics the fasting state, slow periodic oscillations of [Ca2+]i are noted. Here we report a fundamental difference in the mechanism by which glucose induces these two types of [Ca2+]i oscillatory activity. In agreement with previous studies, we substantiate a role for L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels as mediators of the...
Psychedelic Agents and Mysticism

• Mushrooms often complement a fine steak dinner but John M. Allegro in his recently published book, The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross,' has served up mushrooms in a rare combination. It is his contention that Judaism and Christianity developed out of pre-existing fertility cults in which worship of the mushroom Amanita muscaria was practiced. Whether or not his claim that there was no historical Jesus of Nazareth (for He was just a mushroom), is validly supported by the evidence, is not the issue of this paper. Rather what is here being considered is the use of psychedelic agents such as Amanita muscaria, Peyote, LSD, for the purpose of producing an alteration of the state of consciousness which some have termed "mystica"', or "religious experience." Granted that many "droppers of acid" and "blowers of weed" do so for nonreligious reasons, there are some who do seek a transcendental experience from the drug. It should be recalled that the modern psychedelic drug user in search of God has a long line of predecessors. And it has been suggested that man's very notion of a deity may have arisen from his experience with hallucinatory substances.' According to Schulte, the Harvard botanist, there are some sixty known plant species which are used by primitive and advanced peoples as sources of intoxicants." Among the identified chemical substances, the principal psychoactive compounds are listed in Table I along with the botanical family in which they are found. To this list could be added some synthetic hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and 2, 5-dimethoxy-4methylamphetamine (DOM, STP). There is obviously no shortage of available chemical substances that will give a person the experi-
Binswanger's Disease (Part I): The Clinical Recognition of Subcortical Arteriosclerotic Encephalopathy in Elderly Neuropsychiatric Patients:

The role of vascular disorders in the pathogenesis of dementia has been controversial. Recent studies suggest that subcortical arteriosclerotic encephalopathy (Binswanger's disease), a disorder of white-matter demyelination associated with narrowing of penetrating medullary arteries and arterioles may affect more than 5% of the population over age 65 years. In part I of this paper, the authors present clinical examples and review the clinical literature, including clinical course and radiologic features. Differential diagnosis and treatment options are reviewed. In part II of this paper we will discuss theories of pathogenesis of subcortical arteriosclerotic encephalopathy and implications for the nosology of dementia.
Advances in electronics and electron physics, supplement 19, inverse problems: an interdisciplinary study, edited by P.C. Sabatier

This volume contains the 1986 Proceedings of an annual conference that is organized by Prof. Pierre Sabatier of the Universite des Sciences et Techniques du Languedoc, Montpellier, France. The reviewer, who has participated in this and several earlier "Etudes Interdisciplinaires des Problemes Inverses," welcomes this opportunity to review the Proceedings of this meeting and to suggest where they may be useful to readers of this Newsletter
Endoscopic management of foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract: A review

Foreign body ingestion is a common condition, especially among children who represent 80% of these emergencies. The most frequently ingested foreign bodies in children are coins, toys, magnets and batteries. Most foreign body ingestions in adults occur while eating, leading to either bone or meat bolus impaction. Flexible endoscopy is the therapeutic method of choice for relieving food impaction and removing true foreign bodies with a success rate of over 95% and with minimal complications. This review describes a comprehensive approach towards patients presenting with foreign body ingestion. Recommendations are based on a review of the literature and extensive personal experience.
Genes on the Web — Direct-to-Consumer Marketing of Genetic Testing

Consumers can now order a test for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation or any of hundreds of other diagnostic assays, all without involving their physician or health insurance plan. Dr. Adam Wolfberg discusses genetic testing and the concerns about privacy and counseling.
Improving communication between healthcare providers and cancer patients: A pilot study

AbstractThis research explores the connection between physician talk and patient perceptions of care, respect, and assurance. Using interview methods, this pilot study uncovered key findings related to positive and negative communication acts performed by healthcare providers during cancer diagnosis or treatment phases. Data illustrate that physicians communicated care and respect when they spent time talking with patients at length (or repeatedly). Interviews also show that providers fail to communicate enough information to meet the ethic of significant choice. Finally, exploratory findings indicate that more should be done by healthcare providers to offer social support and financial resources to cancer patients – as cancer impacts more than just a person's physical body. This project emphasizes improved communication from healthcare workers who discuss diagnosis and treatment with cancer patients. Implications for healthcare explore specific ways that doctors and other health providers can verbally an...
D-Tyrosine Metabolism in Sorghum vulgare Seedlings

IT has previously been reported that sorghum seedlings incorporate carbon-14 from DL-tyrosine-2-14C into the nitrile carbon of p - hydroxymandelonitrile - β - glucose1. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that 14C from D-tyro-sine-2-14C was not incorporated into p -hydroxymandelonitrile-β-glucose1. It was also shown that a radioactive material which migrated differently from either the glucoside or tyrosine could be extracted from seedlings allowed to metabolize either DL-tyrosine-2-14C or DL-tyrosine-3-14C. Similar experiments with L-tyrosine-14C did not yield appreciable radioactive material in this portion of the chromatogram. These preliminary experiments suggested that D-tyrosine metabolism in Sorghum vulgare seedlings may not be affected through either a deamination or racemization as either process would lead to precursors of p-hydroxymandelonitrile-β-glucose1,2.
EngageCSEdu: engaging and retaining CS1 and CS2 students

While the number of students interested in computer science is rising, the percentage of women and underrepresented minorities remains low. Many things influence whether a student will pursue a degree in computer science, but having a great experience in introductory courses is essential. The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) has partnered with Google to create EngageCSEdu, a comprehensive and growing collection of instructional materials and pedagogical strategies for engaging and retaining undergraduate students in introductory computing courses. This article introduces the key features of EngageCSEdu and the peer-reviewed system for creating and growing the collection.
Mechanism of the Cobalt Oxazoline Palladacycle (COP)-Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis of Allylic Esters

The catalytic enantioselective SN2′ displacement of (Z)-allylic trichloroacetimidates catalyzed by the palladium(II) complex [COP-OAc]2 is a broadly useful method for the asymmetric synthesis of chiral branched allylic esters. A variety of experiments aimed at elucidating the nature of the catalytic mechanism and its rate- and enantiodetermining steps are reported. Key findings include the following: (a) the demonstration that a variety of bridged-dipalladium complexes are present and constitute resting states of the COP catalyst (however, monomeric palladium(II) complexes are likely involved in the catalytic cycle); (b) labeling experiments establishing that the reaction proceeds in an overall antarafacial fashion; (c) secondary deuterium kinetic isotope effects that suggest substantial rehybridization at both C1 and C3 in the rate-limiting step; and (d) DFT computational studies (B3-LYP/def2-TZVP) that provide evidence for bidentate substrate-bound intermediates and an anti-oxypalladation/syn-deoxypalla...