cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hume’s definitions of ‘Cause’: Without idealizations, within the bounds of science

Interpreters have found it exceedingly difficult to understand how Hume could be right in claiming that his two definitions of ‘cause’ are essentially the same. As J. A. Robinson points out, the definitions do not even seem to be extensionally equivalent. Don Garrett offers an influential solution to this interpretative problem, one that attributes to Hume the reliance on an ideal observer. I argue that the theoretical need for an ideal observer stems from an idealized concept of definition, which many interpreters, including Garrett, attribute to Hume. I argue that this idealized concept of definition indeed demands an unlimited or infinite ideal observer. But there is substantial textual evidence indicating that Hume disallows the employment of idealizations in general in the sciences. Thus Hume would reject the idealized concept of definition and its corresponding ideal observer. I then put forward an expert-relative reading of Hume’s definitions of ‘cause’, which also renders both definitions extensionally equivalent. On the expert-relative reading, the meaning of ‘cause’ changes with better observations and experiments, but it also allows Humean definitions to play important roles within our normative practices. Finally, I consider and reject Henry Allison’s argument that idealized definitions and their corresponding infinite minds are necessary for expert reflection on the limitations of current science.
Detection of free intraperitoneal air on computed tomography after blunt abdominal trauma

In patients who have sustained blunt abdominal trauma, detection of free intraperitoneal air on computed tomography (CT) is thought to be a fairly specific finding of bowel rupture. We devised a method to determine the accuracy of a radiologist in identifying this important finding on CT scans in patients with blunt abdominal trauma. We retrospectively reviewed 50 CT scans and the radiologist’s report in patients who had undergone diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) before the CT scan. We analyzed the report to see whether either free intraperitoneal air or the possibility of DPL was mentioned. Thirty scans retrospectively demonstrated free intraperitoneal air. The radiologist detected this finding in 25 patients (83%). In 5 patients (17%), the radiologist did not detect the free air or raise the possibility of a previous lavage. The amount of air introduced postlavage was variable, depending on the surgical technique and the time interval between the lavage and the CT scan. Air was most often demonstrated (in order of frequency) anterior to the liver, in the rectus recesses adjacent to the lavage defect, and in the fissures of the liver. In the five patients in whom free air was not identified, the amount or location of the air did not contribute to the error. The findings of this study were reviewed with all of the radiologists at a physician quality assurance meeting. A follow-up study of 25 patients was then obtained, and free air was detected in 25 (100%) of the cases. In summary, (a) free intraperitoneal air was missed in 17% of patients; (b) air preferentially collects beneath the diaphragm and in the rectus recesses; (c) there was no correlation between the amount or location of air and the error rate; (d) the most important variable is the examiner’s experience, and this can be improved markedly through education.
THE CYCLES OF α CENTAURI

The main AB pair of the nearby α Centauri triple system has one of the most extensive X-ray records of any cosmic object, stretching over 30 years. The primary, α Cen A (G2 V), is a near twin of the Sun, with a similarly soft (1-2 MK) corona. The secondary, α Cen B (K1 V), is more active than the Sun, with a generally harder coronal spectrum. Here, more than a decade of spatially resolved measurements from ROSAT, XMM-Newton, and Chandra are compared on a common basis, with careful attention to conversion factors that translate count rates of the different instruments into absolute energy fluxes. For the latter purpose, two epochs of Chandra transmission grating spectra, which fully resolve the binary, were modeled using a differential emission measure formalism. The aggregate time series suggests that α Cen B was near X-ray maximum in the mid-1990s, minimum in the late-1990s, then peaked again in 2004-2005, and more recently has been declining toward another minimum. Meanwhile, α Cen A showed minimal variability 1995-2000, and like the secondary presently is mired in an activity lull (in fact, as seen by XMM-Newton, the primary "fainted" from view in the 2005 time frame). Comparisons between X-ray luminosities in the 0.2-2 keV (6-60 A) ROSAT "WGACAT" band and a softer counterpart 0.06-1.2 keV (10-200 A) reinforce the idea that cycle depth is strongly dependent on the energy span of the measurement, and that much of the coronal luminosity of cool-corona objects like the Sun falls at longer wavelengths than are recorded efficiently by contemporary instruments. Consequently, one must be careful in discussing X-ray cycles, their amplitudes, and coronal heating requirements unless one can demonstrate good control over the out-of-band component.
Bilateral pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia tumors in axillary male gynecomastia: report of a case

Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) is a rare benign proliferation of breast stromal cells with a complex pattern of interanastomosing spaces lined by myofibroblasts. The exact etiology is still unknown, but a proliferative response of myofibroblasts to hormonal stimuli has been postulated. PASH is a relatively common incidental finding in breast tissue removed for other reasons and rarely manifests as a localized mass. Fewer than 150 cases of tumoral PASH have been reported since it was first described in 1986. Although PASH tends to grow over time, most lesions are cured by surgical excision and the prognosis is excellent. We report an unusual case of bilateral axillary tumoral PASH in a 44-year-old man. Awareness of this disease is important when considering the differential diagnosis of axillary masses. To our knowledge, only one other case of unilateral axillary tumoral PASH in a male patient has been described in English and this is the first case of PASH occurring in male bilateral axillary gynecomastia.
Conduction in Polymerized Polyfunctional Diacetylenes.

Abstract The dimer of 1,11 dodecadiyne is representative of a family of diacetylene monomers which can be crystallized and then polymerized into semiconducting polymers. These materials possess sheet-like structures containing parallel polyacetylene and poly-diacetylene chains bridged by methylene units. Polymeric forms of these coupled diynes have also been prepared and crosspolymerized. Structural studies of these materials have been performed. The dimer of 1,11 dodecadiyne was prepared in a unique manner which eliminates the possibility of contamination by oligomeric impurities that hinder crystallization. Microscopic single crystals of the dimer, obtained from hexane solution, were used in a structure analysis by electron diffraction. These results were compared to the structure of the fully polymerized crystal which was determined by X-ray analysis.
Manipulating letter fluency for words alters electrophysiological correlates of recognition memory

Abstract The mechanisms that give rise to familiarity memory have received intense research interest. One current topic of debate concerns the extent to which familiarity is driven by the same fluency sources that give rise to certain implicit memory phenomena. Familiarity may be tied to conceptual fluency, given that familiarity and conceptual implicit memory can exhibit similar neurocognitive properties. However, familiarity can also be driven by perceptual factors, and its neural basis under these circumstances has received less attention. Here we recorded brain potentials during recognition testing using a procedure that has previously been shown to encourage a reliance on letter information when assessing familiarity for words. Studied and unstudied words were derived either from two separate letter pools or a single letter pool (“letter-segregated” and “normal” conditions, respectively) in a within-subjects contrast. As predicted, recognition accuracy was higher in the letter-segregated relative to the normal condition. Electrophysiological analyses revealed parietal old–new effects from 500–700 ms in both conditions. In addition, a topographically dissociable occipital old–new effect from 300–700 ms was present in the letter-segregated condition only. In a second experiment, we found that similar occipital brain potentials were associated with confident false recognition of words that shared letters with studied words but were not themselves studied. These findings indicate that familiarity is a multiply determined phenomenon, and that the stimulus dimensions on which familiarity is based can moderate its neural correlates. Conceptual and perceptual contributions to familiarity vary across testing circumstances, and both must be accounted for in theories of recognition memory and its neural basis.
Bithoraxoid, postbithorax, and the determination system of the haltere disk.

Abstract Mutations at the bithoraxoid (bxd) and postbithorax (pbx) loci cause a transformation of posterior haltere to posterior wing. It has previously been shown that pbx and pbx Ubx 101 cause this transformation by affecting the maintenance (or cell heredity function) of determination so that the transformed cells are indistinguishable from normal wing cells, and have no “memory” of having been part of a haltere disk ( Adler, 1978a ). I report here that Tp(3) bxd 100 Ubx 101 and bxd1, pbx, ew both cause the transformation of posterior haltere to posterior wing in the same way as pbx. On the other hand, bxd1, bxd 1 Ubx 101 , bxd51j, bxd 51 j Ubx 101 , and bxd 51 j red pbx cause this same transformation of posterior haltere to posterior wing by interfering with the expression of the determined state so that the developmental information of posterior haltere is “misread” as posterior wing. The transformed cells in these disks retain the memory of having been part of a haltere disk; that is, these posterior cells that would secrete wing cuticle during metamorphosis regenerate anterior haltere structures. Thus it appears clear that it is possible to uncouple the expression and cell heredity functions of determination in the haltere disk of Drosophila.
Terlipressin in hepatorenal syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a common complication in patients with cirrhosis or fulminant liver failure. We systematically reviewed the benefits and harms of using terlipressin, a novel vasoconstricting agent in patients with HRS.
A Performance Improvement Program for Community-based Gastroenterology

A robust performance improvement program based in a community gastrointestinal (GI) practice is described. The need for continual improvement and attention to both quality and the bottom line is now essential for independent GI practices. This article provides both a roadmap for developing a program and benchmarks derived from a large integrated single specialty GI practice.
Preliminary measurements of leaf spectral reflectance in the 8-14 μm region

Previous broad band measurements of the spectral reflectance of leaves indicate variations in spectral emissivity that, although small, might be detected with current airborne thermal infrared imag...
Effects of thermocycling on the margins of transitional acrylic resin crowns

Transitional resin crowns were subjected to thermocycling and examined for marginal integrity since disturbance of the marginal seal is detrimental. Two groups of 10 crowns, one with a chamfer and the second with a shoulder finish line, were subjected to two series of 2500 thermocycles. In the first series, the crowns received cold thermocycling and in the second, hot thermocycling. Impressions were made of the facial margins before thermocycling, after cold thermocycling, and after hot thermocycling. The impressions were analyzed for loss of marginal integrity and changes in axial contour. Cold thermocycling resulted in only limited deterioration, but the changes after hot thermocycling were more pronounced. Tooth preparation designs did not influence the effects of thermocycling.
Effects of cocaine on sodium dependent dopamine uptake in rat striatal synaptosomes

Initial velocity of uptake of dopamine (DA) has been measured in the presence of 1μM cocaine as a function of both [DA] and [Na]. Although DA uptake is overwhelmingly dependent on sodium, it appears that a small amount of DA uptake takes place in the absence of sodium. This contrasts with a previous study of the sodium dependence of uptake without cocaine (referred to below as control), in which uptake was found to be 100% sodium dependent. The data were fitted to several rapid equilibrium models and the minimal best fit model identified. The interaction of transporter (C), DA (S), and Na+ (Na) in this present model is identical to the reaction scheme found previously to fit control data (no cocaine). Whereas the control model required translocation only as CNa2S, in the presence of cocaine (I), two additional translocated species are required to fit the data (CS and CNaS). Another previous study of the interaction of carrier and cocaine at a constant [Na]0 predicted that cocaine interacts with a transporter site other than the DA binding site and that uptake takes place as CS and CSI. The present results are consistent with the assumption that the CS and CNaS forms of the present model are actually CSI and CNaSI, since they are required to fit a model of the sodium dependence in the presence of cocaine, but are not required in the absence of cocaine.
Development of reduced time interval partitioned simulation algorithm

Abstract Logic simulation is the process of exercising a realistic model of a digital system with sets of input stimuli. Computation time required for logic simulation is growing due to recent increases in the size, complexity and test requirements of the systems to be simulated. Hence, this has become one of the most important subjects in the area of computer-aided design. The objective of this research was to develop and implement a new speed-up algorithm which decreases computing requirements for software simulation. A reduced time interval partitioned simulation algorithm is presented. This new algorithm is based on a time first evaluation algorithm and the reduction of time intervals. The new algorithm partitions the circuit into standard subcircuits and searches the time intervals where the output value of a primitive is determined. It only evaluates the events which are not including in those time intervals. This new simulation algorithm is shown to be faster and more efficient than conventional algorithms.
Mass Transport of Macromolecules in Solution to Surfaces

Abstract Macromolecular mass transport to surfaces was measured in these studies. A method is described that was used to determine the effective diffusivity of macromolecules in sheared aqueous solutions. The adsorption of gamma globulin and albumin (γG and A, which had been covalently bound to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)) onto glass planar surfaces was measured under diffusion-limited transport conditions using total internal reflection extrinsic fluorescence. The adsorbed concentration of tritium-labeled protein-FITC conjugate on the glass surface was determined by scintillation counting and compared to the fluorescence intensity measured to calibrate the experimental system. The rate of adsorption was found experimentally, and based on a Leveque type flow model a Brownian diffusivity for the adsorbing macromolecule was determined explicitly. Diffusivity was determined in isotonic phosphate-buffered saline solution (pH 7.4) for wall shear rates from 200 to 1,400 s -1 . As expected, results obtained for the sheared homogeneous solutions did not appear to be a function of shear rate and were in good agreement with the literature values for Brownian diffusivity of γG and A. This approach was then extended as described in the accompanying paper to measurement of mass transport of macromolecules in sheared suspensions to surfaces.
Three-Dimensional Imaging by Three-Dimensional Point Spread Function Encoding

Pupil-encoded point spread functions are implemented for three-dimensional image data acquisition. These systems are passive and work under broadband illumination. Applications include nanolocalization of small emitters and machine vision.
Finite Field Fault-Tolerant Digital Filtering Architectures

Digital filtering architectures that simultaneously offer advantages for VLSI fabrication and contain distributed error control are presented. Such structures require parallelism as well as inherent error- control capabilities because VLSI implementations are susceptible to temporary and intermittent hardware errors. The filtering convolution operation is similar to the formation of cyclicerror-correcting codes so that fault-tolerant systems employing finite field arithmetic may be designed containing such codes imbedded directly in the architecture. The interconnection of such systems produces a fault-tolerant system. In addition, the subsystems possess a common design structure which is easily customized to the particular field required, an attractive feature for yield enhancement. Straightforward realizations depending on parallel algebraic decompositions are studied, introducing the locations for fault tolerance and the role of cyclic codes.
All Policies are Glocal: International Enviromental Policymaking with Strategic Subnational Governments

National governments have intensified their attempts to create international institutions in various policy fields such as environment, finance, and trade. At the same time, many subnational policymakers have begun to duplicate international efforts by setting their own, stricter policies while others remain inactive or enact more lax regulation. This "glocalization" of policy creates a complex and economically costly patchwork system of regulations. To shed light on this phenomenon we analyze the interaction between subnational and national governments within a general model of international treaty negotiations. The glocalization of regulatory policy can be understood as an attempt by subnational policymakers to strategically constrain or empower national governments in international negotiations. We find that the shadow of international treaty formation gives rise to within-country and cross-country policy balancing dynamics that may explain some of the subnational policy polarization currently observable in many countries. We specify the conditions under which they occur, spell out empirically testable hypotheses, and identify possible theoretical extensions.
Research Commentary---The Design, Use, and Consequences of Virtual Processes

Process virtualization occurs when a process that relies upon physical interaction between people and/or objects is transitioned to a virtual environment. Process virtualization is having profound effects on society, as an increasing number of both business and nonbusiness processes such as those related to education, medicine, and dating are being migrated to virtual environments. There is a vast literature that relates to process virtualization topics, but it is fragmented across different domains. The purpose of this paper is to propose a research agenda to develop high-level theories and frameworks that inform the general process virtualization phenomenon. Developing these theories and frameworks will synthesize existing knowledge and provide a theoretical foundation upon which to add new knowledge as it is created. This will help policy makers maximize the substantial benefits of virtual processes while minimizing the risks. Given the background, interests, and skills of IS scholars, the IS discipline is well suited to lead in this endeavor.
Inactivation of Two Dictyostelium discoideum Genes, DdPIK1 and DdPIK2, Encoding Proteins Related to Mammalian Phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases, Results in Defects in Endocytosis, Lysosome to Postlysosome Transport, and Actin Cytoskeleton Organization

Phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI 3-kinases) have been implicated in controlling cell proliferation, actin cytoskeleton organization, and the regulation of vesicle trafficking between intracellular organelles. There are at least three genes in Dictyostelium dis- coideum , DdPIK1 , DdPIK2 , and DdPIK3 , encoding proteins most closely related to the mammalian 110-kD PI-3 kinase in amino acid sequence within the kinase domain. A mutant disrupted in DdPIK1 and DdPIK2 ( D ddpik1 / ddpik2 ) grows slowly in liquid medium. Us- ing FITC-dextran (FD) as a fluid phase marker, we de- termined that the mutant strain was impaired in pinocy- tosis but normal in phagocytosis of beads or bacteria. Microscopic and biochemical approaches indicated that the transport rate of fluid-phase from acidic lysosomes to non-acidic postlysosomal vacuoles was reduced in mutant cells resulting in a reduction in efflux of fluid phase. Mutant cells were also almost completely devoid of large postlysosomal vacuoles as determined by trans- mission EM. However, D ddpik1 / ddpik2 cells functioned normally in the regulation of other membrane traffic. For instance, radiolabel pulse-chase experiments indi- cated that the transport rates along the secretory path- way and the sorting efficiency of the lysosomal enzyme a -mannosidase were normal in the mutant strain. Fur- thermore, the contractile vacuole network of mem- branes (probably connected to the endosomal pathway by membrane traffic) was functionally and morphologi- cally normal in mutant cells. Light microscopy revealed that D ddpik1 / ddpik2 cells appeared smaller and more irregularly shaped than wild-type cells; 1-3% of the mutant cells were also connected by a thin cytoplasmic bridge. Scanning EM indicated that the mutant cells contained numerous filopodia projecting laterally and vertically from the cell surface, and fluorescent micros- copy indicated that these filopodia were enriched in F-actin which accumulated in a cortical pattern in con- trol cells. Finally, D ddpik1 / ddpik2 cells responded and moved more rapidly towards cAMP. Together, these results suggest that Dictyostelium DdPIK1 and DdPIK2 gene products regulate multiple steps in the endosomal pathway, and function in the regulation of cell shape and movement perhaps through changes in actin orga- nization.
Understanding Communication to Repair Difficult Patient–Doctor Relationships from Within

The “difficult patient” is indeed a subject of concern. Fiester (2012) is right that much of the literature takes an unnecessarily provider-centric, even condescending view of such patients’ behavi...
Defects in nitride semiconductors: From nanoscale imaging to macroscopic device behavior

Scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and conductive AFM are used to image the spatial distribution and electronic properties of threading dislocations in AlxGa1� xN/GaN epitaxial layers grown by molecular-beam epitaxy. SCM imaging reveals that GaN growth directly on SiC substrates leads to clustering of negatively charged dislocations at nucleation island boundaries, while incorporation of an AlN buffer leads to a random spatial distribution of negatively charged dislocations. Numerical simulations demonstrate that clustered dislocations are less effective in depleting mobile carriers. AFM and conductive AFM imaging reveal the presence of highly conductive threading dislocations which lead to excessive reverse-bias leakage current flow in Schottky diodes. Temperaturedependent current–voltage spectroscopy is used to develop a model for current flow via these dislocations based on a Frenkel–Poole emission process. On the basis of this model, heterostructures are designed to suppress this emission mechanism. Conductive AFM imaging and electrical measurements then confirm the expected suppression of leakage current and specifically of the Frenkel–Poole emission process, demonstrating the validity of both the proposed mechanism of current flow and the approach for leakage current suppression. r 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Determination of OH Radicals in an Atmospheric Pressure Helium Microwave Plasma Jet

A recent study has reported the observation of the OH radicals in the far downstream of an atmospheric argon microwave plasma jet. The far downstream is referred to as the location where the ratio of the distance from the jet orifice to the length of the jet column is greater than three. In this paper, we report that this phenomenon also exists in a similar plasma jet that is 2.5 mm long, operated in helium gas. A detailed characterization of the helium microwave plasma jet was carried out by using UV-pulsed cavity ringdown spectroscopy and optical emission spectroscopy. The absolute number densities of the OH radicals were measured along the plasma jet column from the jet orifice to the far downstream, and the OH concentrations vary from 9.64 × 1015 near the jet orifice to 7.32 × 1012 molecules/cm3 in the far downstream (16 mm away from the jet orifice, corresponding to a distance ratio of 6.4). The dependence of the OH concentration on plasma power and gas flow rate at different locations along the jet axis is characterized, and the result suggests that the OH concentration increases with an increase in plasma power and gas flow rate in the downstream.
Unifying indices of heat tolerance in ectotherms

Researchers commonly rely on indices of heat tolerance to infer the limits of performance in nature. Unfortunately, many methods are used to estimate heat tolerance, creating difficulties when synthesizing or comparing results among studies. Here, we relate several measures of heat tolerance based on the concept of a performance curve. 2. To evaluate our ideas about the link between two measures of heat tolerance, we measured knockdown times and knockdown temperatures of terrestrial isopods (Porcellio scaber). We fit a linear model relating knockdown time to environmental temperature; this model was used to predict the knockdown temperature (i.e., the temperature at which the knockdown time equaled zero). 3. Our model predicted a knockdown temperature within 0.11C of the observed value. This result reinforces the possibility of conceptually unifying several measures of thermal physiology.
Intertemporal substitution and durable goods: long-run data

Abstract In this paper, we use long-run annual data to estimate the intertemporal elasticity of substitution while accounting for the intra-temporal substitution between nondurable consumption goods and durable consumption goods. We apply a two-step procedure that combines a cointegration approach to preference parameter estimation with Generalized Method of Moments.
Central and peripheral nervous system infection, immunity, and inflammation in the nonhuman primate model of lyme borreliosis

The relationship between chronic infection, antispirochetal immunity, and inflammation is unknown in Lyme neuroborreliosis. In the nonhuman primate (NHP) model of Lyme neuroborreliosis, we measured spirochetal density in the nervous system and other tissues by polymerase chain reaction and correlated these values to anti-B. burgdorferi antibody in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid, and to inflammation in tissues. Despite substantial presence of B. burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis, in the central nervous system, only minor inflammation was present there, though skeletal and cardiac muscle, which contained similar levels of spirochete, were highly inflamed. Anti-B. burgdorferi antibody was present in the cerebrospinal fluid but was not selectively concentrated. All infected animals developed anti-B. burgdorferi antibody in the serum, but increased amplitude of antibody was not predictive of higher levels of infection. These data demonstrate that Lyme neuroborreliosis is a persistent infection, that spirochetal presence is a necessary but not sufficient condition for inflammation, and that antibody measured in serum may not predict the severity of infection.
Iloprost Inhalation in Mild Asthma

Objective. To determine the feasibility of administering iloprost by inhalation in patients with mild atopic asthma. Methods. Volunteers underwent supervised inhalation of iloprost in the clinic with measurement of spirometry and blood pressure for 2 hours. The volunteers then inhaled iloprost four times daily at a dose of 2.5 or 5 μg for 14 days. Spirometry, asthma questionnaires, peak flow diaries, measurement of methacholine responsiveness, and exhaled nitric oxide concentrations were obtained prior to and after the treatment period. Results. Chronic inhalation of iloprost (2.5–5 μg) did not alter spirometry or methacholine responsiveness. Conclusion. Inhaled iloprost in carefully selected volunteers with mild asthma appears to be a suitable intervention to explore the effects of prostacyclin in human asthma.
Upgrade of the Atmospheric Visibility Monitoring system

The Atmospheric Visibility Monitoring (AVM) project gathers data on the transmission of light through the atmosphere. These data are measured and collected at autonomous observatories using stellar photometric techniques. The information gathered is used to build statistical models that assess the quality of future space-to-ground optical communication links. The first of the three currently running AVM observatories became operational in 1994. Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is upgrading all three observatories. The upgrade includes new Charge Coupled Device (CCD) imagers, Windows NT-based computers and new control software. The new CCDs improve the following: near IR performance, daylight photometry, pixel field-of-view, intensity resolution and signal-to-noise ratios. Employing these new CCDs requires upgrading the CPU, operating system and control software. Together these changes improve the quality of future data obtained and processed by the AVM system.
Raccoons Use Habitat Edges in Northern Illinois

ABSTRACT Raccoons (Procyon lotor) have been implicated as important predators impacting nesting birds in the Midwest. Raccoon populations have increased dramatically in Illinois during the past 20 y prompting suggestions that lethal control programs may be warranted. Non-lethal approaches that separate avian nesting habitat from raccoon travel corridors may provide an acceptable alternative, but little is known about foraging patterns by raccoons in agricultural landscapes. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to: (1) evaluate home range size and movements of raccoons during the avian nesting season, (2) describe patterns of habitat selection at multiple spatial scales and (3) suggest management strategies to reduce the impact of raccoons on nesting birds. Twenty-one raccoons were radio-tracked at the Richardson Wildlife Foundation in northern Illinois from May through Aug. of 2002 and 2003. The mean 95% kernel home range was 60.5 ha and the mean 50% core area was 8.1 ha. Males moved faster than f...
The imprint of the cosmic supermassive black hole growth history on the 21 cm background radiation

The redshifted 21 cm transition line of hydrogen tracks the thermal evolution of the neutral intergalactic medium (IGM) at "cosmic dawn," during the emergence of the first luminous astrophysical objects (~100 Myr after the Big Bang) but before these objects ionized the IGM (~400-800 Myr after the Big Bang). Because X-rays, in particular, are likely to be the chief energy courier for heating the IGM, measurements of the 21 cm signature can be used to infer knowledge about the first astrophysical X-ray sources. Using analytic arguments and a numerical population synthesis algorithm, we argue that the progenitors of supermassive black holes (SMBHs) should be the dominant source of hard astrophysical X-rays---and thus the primary driver of IGM heating and the 21 cm signature---at redshifts $z 20$. An absence of such a signature in the forthcoming observational data would imply that SMBH formation occurred later (e.g. via so-called direct collapse scenarios), that it was not a common occurrence in early galaxies and protogalaxies, or that it produced far fewer X-rays than empirical trends at lower redshifts, either due to intrinsic dimness (radiative inefficiency) or Compton-thick obscuration close to the source.
151 Molecular mechanism of long-range proton translocation by bacteriorhodopsin.

The transmembrane electrochemical proton gradient is a key source of cellular energy. Bacteriorhodopsin (bR), the simplest and most studied proton pump, moves protons from low to high concentration...
Integrating Board Certification Expectations and Examination Practice Into Clinical Child and Pediatric Psychology Training Programs

ABSTRACTRecent trends in the field suggest that it may be an ideal time for clinical psychology training programs to consider integrating American Board of Professional Psychology certification components into their training programs. Training programs are already required to evaluate and document trainees’ competencies, and the field of clinical psychology is increasing its emphasis on board certification. Nonetheless, the process of board certification appears daunting and anxiety provoking to both recent and experienced professionals. Providing trainees with experience in board certification experiences is likely to increase their skill and comfort with case presentations, writing professional statements, and oral examinations. Experience in programs with this approach suggests that these components can be utilized to evaluate competencies with minimal to moderate increases in time commitments from both faculty and trainees. Further research evaluating strategies to increase trainees’ participation and...
Underwater Archaeology, Salt Production, and Coastal Maya Trade at Stingray Lagoon, Belize

Ancient sources of salt have been revealed by underwater archaeology along the south coast of Belize. A relative rise in sea level of about 1 m at the end of the Classic period (ca. A. D. 900) submerged ancient Maya settlements and transformed the modern landscape by reducing the amount of available land and by changing the vegetation. The discovery of submerged archaeological sites and their dating by associated ceramics and radiocarbon date determination documents the sea level rise. Salt production by the sal cocida or boiling method at the underwater site of Stingray Lagoon and at other specialized salt production sites provided salt for coastal use and inland transport and diminished the need for long-distance import of this basic human requirement. This paper describes salt-making artifacts as well as salt production. The lack of animal bones at the Stingray Lagoon site where other organic material was preserved indicates that salt was not produced for salt-drying fish. Evidence that salt was obtained from the Belizean coast instead of from the northern Yucatan coast is in line with the view of ancient Maya economy in which basic subsistence resources were produced locally whereas long-distance trade was concentrated on elite or ceremonial resources and goods.
Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Therapy in the Management of Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetic macular edema (DME), an ocular complication of diabetes mellitus, can potentially lead to devastating visual outcomes. Traditionally, laser photocoagulation has been the gold standard in the management of this condition. Over the recent years, however, several landmark clinical trials have shown beneficial effects of anti-VEGF agents over both sham injections and laser photocoagulation. These results have led to the wide adoption of intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy in DME treatment. Currently, two anti-VEGF agents, ranibizumab and aflibercept, are FDA approved in the United States for the management of DME. Recently, the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network released its protocol T results showing that compared to bevacizumab and ranibizumab, aflibercept yielded significantly better outcomes in patients with visual acuity (VA) of 20/50 or worse at baseline. Among patients with baseline VA better than 20/50, however, all three anti-VEGF drugs had comparable results.
The Skin Microbiome: Insights into Potential Impact on Diagnostic Practice

No type of culture medium can exactly replicate the complex environment of the skin surface. Slightly cooler than body temperature, exposed to the external environment, and generally arid compared to other body habitats, the skin presents a formidable challenge for the colonization and growth of most microorganisms. To fully appreciate the microbial complexity of the skin, one must first be familiar with the unique features of the skin as a habitat. The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is composed of keratinocytes in various stages of differentiation. The most superficial layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, forms a semi-impenetrable barrier consisting of several layers of dead, flattened, enucleated, polyhedral, keratin-filled cells, termed corneocytes. Through the process of desquamation, corneocytes are continuously shed from the skin surface through terminal differentiation, providing a continuous supply of nutrients (i.e., keratins) to support the growth of microorganisms. Beneath the epidermis lies the dermis, a connective tissue layer rich in blood and lymphatic vessels. Subcutaneous connective tissue and fat separate the skin from the muscles and organs of the body.
Portrayals of Children to Children in Two Countries

Although research in the United States has linked children’s television viewing to beliefs about the self and acceptance of stereotyped roles, there is relatively little cross cultural research on gender stereotypes directed toward children. This study used content analysis of television commercials to investigate the incidence of gender stereotyping in commercials on children’s programs in the United States and Australia. One hundred and fifty Australian and 148 American commercials, videotaped during Saturday morning cartoon programs, were examined. Advertisements were coded for a variety of product and commercial characteristics including the gender typing of the product, the genders of the primary characters and voice overs, the roles played by boys and girls, and the themes of the advertisements. Aggression, activity, loudness, and frequency of scene change were rated on a scale of 1 (low) to 7 (high).
Lluvia Enojada-Tyoo Kuasi': The Political Ecology of Forest Extraction in the Sierra Chatina, Oaxaca, Mexico

This paper outlines the major factors contributing to deforestation in the Sierra Chatina of Oaxaca, Mexico and examines the role played by neo-liberal restructuring in these processes. The last 25 years of rural development in the Sierra Chatino has been accompanied by increasingly large-scale environmental changes. The most obvious outcome has been the loss of 40 percent of the areas natural vegetation. Deforestation has accelerated and exacerbated ﬂooding and climate changes in the region as witnessed by the effects of El Nino driven storms such as Hurricane Pauline. This paper will focus on these processes of deforestation in the region. In this paper, we argue that the Mexican government’s neo-liberal policies have encouraged the commoditization of the Sierra Chatina forests at the expense of long-term ecological sustainability. Since 1992, Mexico has moved toward privatization of forests by removing the legal roadblocks to leasing of ejido and communal lands. Moreover, as neo-liberal policies have devalued the currency, eliminated subsidies, the Chatino have been pushed deeper into poverty, and into unsustainable uses of their forests. Thus, we contend that transformations of land-use patterns seen in these coastal mountains are part of a fundamental shift in local livelihoods from subsistence to cash-based strategies. Keywords: deforestation, Mexico, Oaxaca, Chatino, neo-liberal policy, ecological sustainablity, migration, political ecology, el Nino, privatization, climate change, environmental degradation, rural development.
Follicular Localization of Antigen: Possible Role of Lymphocytes Bearing a Receptor for Antigen-Antibody-Complement Complexes

Follicular localization of antigen (1–6) can be viewed as a mechanism designed to concentrate antigenic material in strategic regions of lymiphoid organs, in their pathway for the induction or maintenance of immunity (and/or tolerance). The evidence suggesting that antigen localized in those areas is relevant for the immune process can be summarized as follows: (a) unlike antigen in other locations, membrane bound antigen can be detected in follicles for relatively long periods of time. Protected from digestion by intracellular enzymes, it may be readily available for interaction with membranes of other cells; (b) the sites of follicular localization of antigen coincide with the regions of intense cellular proliferation in some immune responses; (c) the intensity of localization is linked to the immunogenicity of the antigen: only highly antigenic substances are taken up very rapidly in the follicles; follicular localization of antigen is greatly enhanced in primed animals; under conditions of immunological tolerance, however, follicular localization is abolished. The precise mechanism of retention of antigen in those areas is not known. Two questions are obviously of primary importance.
Fate of Aflatoxin M1 in Cottage Cheese.

Two batches of long-set cottage cheese were prepared from milk naturally contaminated with aflatoxin M1. Cottage cheese was stored for 2 weeks at 7°C. Analyses for pH, moisture content and AFM1 were done on days 0, 3, 7, 10 and 14 of storage. In comparison with the initial curd concentrations (18.3 and 20.5 μ of AFM1/kg of cheese for trials 1 and 2, respectively), AFM1 concentrations in the finished product did not decrease appreciably during storage. Overall average concentrations of AFM1 in trials 1 and 2 from day 0 to day 14 were 15.0 and 20.5 μg of AFM1/kg of cheese, respectively.
A Teenage Girl With Altered Mental Status and Sinus Tachycardia

Abstract A previously healthy 13-year-old adolescent girl presented with loss of consciousness, slurred speech, abnormal upper extremity movements, and progressive difficulty walking. She developed headache the morning of presentation that was then followed by slurred speech, flexion of her upper extremities, and then loss of consciousness. Her examination was remarkable for sinus tachycardia, unresponsiveness, and repeated upper extremity movements. She was intubated for airway protection and extubated on hospital day 2 when her mental status improved. She reported blurry vision and urinary retention initially which improved throughout hospitalization. Her mental status returned to baseline by hospital day 5, and her heart rate normalized on hospital day 10. Comprehensive drug screen returned positive for cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril, Amrix). Cyclobenzaprine overdose is characterized by anticholinergic symptoms. Despite chemical similarity to tricyclic antidepressants, ventricular dysrhythmias are uncommon.
Collaboration of General and Special Education Teachers: Perspectives and Strategies:

Schools today focus on inclusive models of education for students with disabilities that include higher expectations and increased teacher accountability. Within this inclusion framework, both gene...
The genetic model revisited: on the origins and development of the maya

El autor propone el modelo genetico como metodo comparativo para el estudio de los mayas con base en su distribucion contigua geograficamente, asi como sus raices linguisticas y culturales. Propone ocho pasos en el analisis: distribucion linguistica, la relacion tiempo-espacio de las lenguas, area de dispersion, reconstruccion del proto-lengua, el dato arqueologico, datos de la antropologia fisica, material etnohistorico y el dato etnografico
Psychotropic Prescribing in Medically Ill Patients

This chapter is an overview of general principles of prescribing psychotropic medications in people with preexisting medical conditions. Effects of failure in major organ systems that affect drug absorption, metabolism, and excretion are reviewed.
Neuronal cell-type classification: challenges, opportunities and the path forward

Neurons have diverse molecular, morphological, connectional and functional properties. We believe that the only realistic way to manage this complexity - and thereby pave the way for understanding the structure, function and development of brain circuits - is to group neurons into types, which can then be analysed systematically and reproducibly. However, neuronal classification has been challenging both technically and conceptually. New high-throughput methods have created opportunities to address the technical challenges associated with neuronal classification by collecting comprehensive information about individual cells. Nonetheless, conceptual difficulties persist. Borrowing from the field of species taxonomy, we propose principles to be followed in the cell-type classification effort, including the incorporation of multiple, quantitative features as criteria, the use of discontinuous variation to define types and the creation of a hierarchical system to represent relationships between cells. We review the progress of classifying cell types in the retina and cerebral cortex and propose a staged approach for moving forward with a systematic cell-type classification in the nervous system.
Expanding the Situationist Challenge to Reliabilism About Inference

The last few decades have witnessed the birth and growth of both virtue epistemology and the situationist challenge to virtue ethics. It seems only natural that eventually we would see the convergence of the twain: the situationist challenge to virtue epistemology. Virtue epistemologists divide into three camps: reliabilists, for whom the intellectual virtues are cognitive capacities, processes, or dispositions; responsibilists, for whom the intellectual virtues are conative traits of intellectual character related to the love of truth and aversion to error; and mixed theorists, who countenance the virtues of both reliabilism and responsibilism. For all three, justification and knowledge are analyzed in terms of intellectual character: someone is justified in believing that p just in case her belief was acquired and retained through the exercise of intellectual virtue, and she knows that p just in case her justified belief that p is true. Empirical research on cognitive dispositions spells trouble for reliabilist accounts of justification and knowledge. The trouble can be framed as an inconsistent triad: (inferential non-skepticism) Most people know a lot inferentially; (inferential reliabilism) Inferential knowledge is true belief acquired and retained through inferential reliabilist intellectual virtue; (inferential cognitive situationism) People acquire and retain most of their inferential beliefs through heuristics rather than intellectual virtues. Inferential non-skepticism is an unrevisable Moorean platitude. I muster evidence from cognitive psychology to argue for inferential cognitive situationism. If my argument is correct, inferential reliabilism must be rejected.
Role of eosinophils in the initiation and progression of pancreatitis pathogenesis.

The present study for the first time shows that eosinophils accumulate in the pancreas and promote disease pathogenesis, including fibrosis in earlier reported cerulein-induced experimental models ...