cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RSSI Amplifier Design for a Feature Extraction Technique to Detect Seizures with Analog Computing

Advances of machine learning algorithms have led to improvements of seizure detection capabilities in monitoring systems based on electroencephalography (EEG). Seizure detection hardware requires accurate feature extraction, which is conventionally done in the digital domain by extracting power in different EEG frequency bands over a particular time window. This paper presents an analog counterpart to digital feature extraction. A received signal strength indicator (RSSI) circuit is used for extracting EEG power features in the analog domain. A high-precision RSSI circuit was designed in the sub-threshold domain with ultra-low power consumption and low sensitivity to process-voltage-temperature variations with CMOS technology. Simulation results show that the RSSI circuit consumes 24 nW power, and has a dynamic range of 53 dB with a linearity error of ± 0.5 dB, sufficient to accurately extract features for seizure classification. The analysis of 16 hours of patient EEG data indicates a seizure classification accuracy of 94%, and a non-seizure classification of 86%.
Smooth Activations and Reproducibility in Deep Networks

Deep networks are gradually penetrating almost every domain in our lives due to their amazing success. However, with substantive performance accuracy improvements comes the price of irreproducibility. Two identical models, trained on the exact same training dataset may exhibit large differences in predictions on individual examples even when average accuracy is similar, especially when trained on highly distributed parallel systems. The popular Rectified Linear Unit (ReLU) activation has been key to recent success of deep networks. We demonstrate, however, that ReLU is also a catalyzer to irreproducibility in deep networks. We show that not only can activations smoother than ReLU provide better accuracy, but they can also provide better accuracy-reproducibility tradeoffs. We propose a new family of activations; Smooth ReLU (SmeLU), designed to give such better tradeoffs, while also keeping the mathematical expression simple, and thus implementation cheap. SmeLU is monotonic, mimics ReLU, while providing continuous gradients, yielding better reproducibility. We generalize SmeLU to give even more flexibility and then demonstrate that SmeLU and its generalized form are special cases of a more general methodology of REctified Smooth Continuous Unit (RESCU) activations. Empirical results demonstrate the superior accuracy-reproducibility tradeoffs with smooth activations, SmeLU in particular.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and vaccination: a cross-sectional study of college students’ knowledge, awareness, and attitudes in Villanova, PA

Abstract Human papillomaviruses are major causative agents of multiple cancers including cervical, penial, and oropharyngeal cancers. Almost all sexually active individuals are exposed to HPV in their lifetime and although not all HPV subtypes are capable of causing cancers, several high-risk subtypes widely circulate. Several HPV vaccines have been developed and successfully utilized to limit the spread of these viruses and reduce rates of associated cancers. Despite their success, HPV vaccination rates remain low. Studies estimate the highest prevalence of HPV in the United States is among college students. This makes college students an ideal target for interventions that promote HPV vaccination and prevention. To this end, we were interested in investigating the relationship between low HPV vaccine uptake and attitudes and awareness about HPV vaccination among college aged students. We designed a survey to assess knowledge and perception of HPV and HPV vaccination that could help pinpoint correlations between this knowledge and vaccination status. We find that more robust education focusing on the benefits of HPV vaccination could be utilized to improve vaccination rates.
THE ECONOMICS OF FIRE PROTECTION: FROM THE GREAT FIRE OF LONDON TO RURAL/METRO1

This article examines the history of fire protection in London from the Great Fire of 1666 to the present and argues that many of the popular perceptions of market failure in the provision of fire protection that are repeated in standard economics textbooks are in fact myths. In reality, fire protection began in the private sector and only transferred to the public sector when insurance companies faced the prospect of collecting escalating premiums from their clients. To this day, voluntary and private provision in parts of the USA is a model of how fire protection can be provided more cheaply and more effectively outside the public sector.
Timing of iceberg scours and massive ice-rafting events in the subtropical North Atlantic.

High resolution seafloor mapping shows extraordinary evidence that massive (>300 m thick) icebergs once drifted >5,000 km south along the eastern United States, with >700 iceberg scours now identified south of Cape Hatteras. Here we report on sediment cores collected from several buried scours that show multiple plow marks align with Heinrich Event 3 (H3), ~31,000 years ago. Numerical glacial iceberg simulations indicate that the transport of icebergs to these sites occurs during massive, but short-lived, periods of elevated meltwater discharge. Transport of icebergs to the subtropics, away from deep water formation sites, may explain why H3 was associated with only a modest increase in ice-rafting across the subpolar North Atlantic, and implies a complex relationship between freshwater forcing and climate change. Stratigraphy from subbottom data across the scour marks shows there are additional features that are both older and younger, and may align with other periods of elevated meltwater discharge. Sediment core analyses and numerical iceberg modeling suggest icebergs from the North American ice sheets were entrained in large glacial meltwater currents and drifted as far south as the Florida Keys several times during the past ~40,000 years.
Dental radiation dosimetric maps from intensity‐modulated radiation therapy planning for head and neck cancers

Background The purpose of this study was to create dental radiation maps to calculate the mean dose to individual teeth, maxilla and mandible using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Methods Eighteen common clinical settings were chosen. Radiation plans were extracted, and each tooth was contoured at its junction with the gingiva and labeled based on the Universal/American numbering system. Results All patients were treated with prescribed doses of 50-70 Gy in 1.66-2 Gy/fraction. Patients receiving mean doses >50 Gy to the teeth, mandible, and maxilla included those with advanced tumors of the oral cavity and gross lymphadenopathy of level 1b. Conclusion We believe this to be the first study generating dosimetric maps of estimated doses to each tooth and each third of the mandible and the maxilla for common examples of head and neck cancer faced by radiation oncologists. Adoption of these dental maps may help improve clinical workflow efficiency.
Ultimate phases of hypertensive heart disease and stressed heart morphology by conventional and novel cardiac imaging

Early recognition of hypertensive heart disease is needed to prevent macrovascular and microvascular damage. Hypertension (HTN) is a risk factor for coronary artery disease, and plays a prominent role in the development of adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling and heart failure. Here, we review new knowledge on effects of HTN on cardiac geometry and function, obtained from multimodality cardiac imaging, including echocardiography, positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Early recognition of changes in LV geometry and function induced by HTN could identify patients at risk for end-organ damage, who could be targeted for close monitoring and intensive therapy. Basal septal hypertrophy as the early imaging biomarker at the adaptive phase may be a specific aspect not only in hypertensive heart but stress-related conditions and called stressed heart morphology.
Short-Term Harm, Long-Term Prosperity? Democracy, Corruption and Foreign Direct Investments in Sino-African Economic Relations

This study examines the effect of FDI openness to China and the rest of the world (ROW) on democracy levels of African countries in the short and long terms. We propose and test the hypothesis that the nexus between FDI openness and democracy is moderated by the grabbing and helping hands of regime corruption of African countries. We argue that in the short run, FDI openness will negatively impact democracy (grabbing hand) in corrupt regimes. However, in the long run there will be a positive effect (helping hand) as the revenue spillovers from the investment projects will reach the society empowering the middle class to demand better institutional qualities. We test these theories with a unique panel dataset spanning 2003–2017. Our dataset includes gravity model and politico-economic variables not only between China and African countries but also between the ROW. Building on examples from the existing research, we test the short-run impacts with dynamic GMM model (Blundell and Bond, J Econ, 87(1):115–143, 1998), whereas we test the long-run relationships with two stage least squares fixed effects models. To account for transaction costs and endogeneity problems, in the first stage we apply instruments on openness to both China and ROW FDI. We find statistically strong yet mixed results for our expectations. While in the short-run corrupt African countries that liberalize to Chinese FDI have lower democracy levels, in the long run, the FDI openness has a positive influence. Our results are robust to alternative measurements of democracy, 3- and 5-year non-overlapping smoothed averages and exclusion of top five countries with FDI openness to China and ROW.
Trends in ED Resource Use for Infants 0 to 60 Days Evaluated for Serious Bacterial Infection.

OBJECTIVES We examined trends in resource use for infants undergoing emergency department evaluation for serious bacterial infection, including lumbar puncture (LP), antibiotic administration, hospitalization, and procalcitonin testing, as well as the association between procalcitonin testing and LP, administration of parenteral antibiotics, and hospitalization. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study of infants aged 0 to 60 days who underwent emergency department evaluation for serious bacterial infection with blood and urine cultures from 2010 to 2019 in 27 hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System. We examined temporal trends in LP, antibiotic administration, hospitalization, and procalcitonin testing from 2010 to 2019. We also estimated multivariable logistic regression models for 2017-2019, adjusted for demographic factors and stratified by age ( .05). CONCLUSIONS Rates of LP, antibiotic administration, and hospitalization decreased significantly for infants 29 to 60 days during 2010-2019. Although procalcitonin testing increased during 2017-2019, we found no association with hospital-level procalcitonin testing and patterns of resource use.
Inflammatory bowel disease in pregnancy.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affect women in their child-bearing years. Family planning has come to be a common discussion between the gastroenterologist and the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patient. Disease control prior to desired conception and throughout pregnancy is the most important thing to keep in mind when caring for the IBD patient. Continued medical management during pregnancy is crucial in optimizing outcomes. Studies indicate that quiescent disease prior to conception infer the best pregnancy outcomes, similar to those in the general population. Active disease prior to and during pregnancy, can lead to complications such as pre-term labor, low birth weight, and small for gestational age infants. Although there are no definitive long term effects of pregnancy on IBD, there are some limited studies that suggest that it may alter the disease course. Understanding the literature and its limitations is important in the modern era of IBD care. Educating the patient and taking a team approach with the obstetrician will help achieve successful outcomes for mother and baby.
Perfusion in Situ with Tritium Oxide to Measure Hepatic Lipogenesis and Lipid Secretion NORMAL AND OROTIC ACID-FED RATS

Abstract From measurements of tritium incorporation following the perfusion in situ of livers with blood enriched in 3H2O, the rate of hepatic fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis in young nonfasted rats was found to be 7.0 and 0.09 µmoles per g of liver per hour, respectively. Newly synthesized fatty acids were utilized by liver in the same manner as has been shown by others for preformed fatty acids arriving in liver via plasma; at the end of 3 hours, 37% were found in liver phospholipids, 34% in liver neutral lipids, and 29% had been released into the perfusate, nearly all as triglycerides. At least two pools of liver triglycerides could be shown. Depriving a rat of food for 48 hours reduced hepatic fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis to less than 2% the rate in nonfasted controls. Feeding rats 1% orotic acid reduced hepatic fatty acid synthesis, stimulated cholesterolgenesis, and almost completely blocked the transfer of hepatic lipids into perfusate. From whole animal studies with Triton, the block in lipid secretion was found to increase in severity during the first week of orotic acid feeding, and could be rapidly reversed by inclusion of 0.25% dietary adenine sulfate. Accumulated liver triglyceride was seen only after 3 days of continuous orotic acid feeding.
Cockayne Syndrome: A Cellular Sensitivity to Ultraviolet Light

Two unrelated children, a boy 2 1/2 years old and a girl 4 years old, were affected with the cachectic dwarfism of Cockayne syndrome. Fibroblast cultures derived from these patients exhibited increased sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light, but not to x-irradiation, as measured by colony-forming ability. In both Cockayne fibroblast cultures, the rate of removal of thymidine dimer from the irradiated cellular DNA was normal. This demonstration of a cellular defect in Cockayne cells suggests that there may be an enzymatic defect in the repair of UV light-induced damage.
CoUPE: Continuous Query Processing Engine for Evolving Graphs

Continuously Evolving Graphs (CEGs) are graphs whose connectivity constantly changes over time is uniquely important for many domains such as social networks, evolutionary genomics, communication networks etc. In many of these it is often important to keep track of connectivity among the nodes of interest as the underlying structure changes over time. While interval-based indexing has been a popular strategy for testing reach ability in static graphs, it cannot be directly applied in the context of evolving graphs. In this paper, we propose CoUPE (Continuous qUery Processing Engine), which, to our best knowledge, is the first time-efficient framework for answering continuous reach ability queries in evolving graphs. The main idea here is to maintain the indices of the evolving graph and recalculate only a subset of reach ability queries using a novel heuristic to determine the change in the state of queries because for the most recent change in the graph. We make three novel contributions while designing CoUPE. First, we introduce a generic indexing and querying framework for answering continuous queries in large time-evolving graphs. Second, we design a highly efficient, scalable and provably correct algorithm for updating the indices of graph by analyzing the changes happening on the graph. Third, we present a novel heuristic-based technique for identifying which subset of existing queries might get effected because of the most recent edit. This paper also presents a detailed experimental study demonstrating the scalability and efficiency of the processing engine.
Elevated titers of the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin in oophorectomized women being treated for trophoblastic disease

Radioimmunoassay has shown a cross-reaction of the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) with high levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the serum of four women who underwent bilateral oophorectomy as part of their treatment for trophoblastic disease. Administration of oral contraceptives led to suppression of the LH and beta subunit HCG titers.
Changes in the Lives of Rural Low-Income Mothers: Do Resources Play a Role in Stress?

Low-income mothers often experience many and varied changes over a relatively short period of time. Resulting resource losses may trigger progressive, chronic stress. Using longitudinal qualitative data, this study focused on low-income mothers (N = 23) who had many changes in health, work, family, personal, and/or financial categories during the first year of the study. The analysis used the Recent Life Changes Questionnaire to rank families' changes. Hobfoll's Conservation of Resources Theory was then used to assess the gain/loss of resources. Two contrasting cases illustrate the interplay between life changes and depletion or restoration of resources, linking changes to loss spirals.
Physiological Studies of Encystment in Azotobacter vinelandii

Abstract Azotobacter vinelandii, in late exponential growth phase, encysts when the glucose in the medium is replaced with β-hydroxybutyrate. A final cell division then occurs without apparent deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis, resulting in a reduction from two to one nucleoids per cell and a final DNA content of 3.2 × 10−14 g per cell. This is also the DNA content per cyst. A β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase is derepressed by the addition of the inducer and is identical to the enzyme in acetate-grown cells in its pH optimum, Michaelis constant for substrate, temperature-activity response, and mobility during electrophoresis in acrylamide gel.
Radical prostatectomy for stage D1 prostate cancer. Prognostic variables and results of treatment.

Abstract Surgical extirpation of the primary tumor together with the involved regional nodes has been considered ineffective treatment for locally disseminated prostatic carcinoma. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with 42 patients with Stage D1 disease who underwent radical prostatectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy and who had a follow-up of one to thirteen years (mean 5 years). The following variables affecting survival and tumor progression were analyzed: (1) tumor grade and local extent; (2) number of positive lymph nodes, and (3) adjuvant therapy. The overall five- and ten-year survival was 79.5 per cent and 28 per cent compared with the expected survival of an age-matched control group of 88 per cent and 68 per cent, respectively. The degree of tumor differentiation had no effect on prognosis, but local tumor bulk and the number of involved lymph nodes significantly changed the disease progression and survival rate. Patients with low local tumor bulk and one positive node survived as long as the age-matched male population group. Our data suggest that radical prostatectomy may represent a valuable treatment in selected patients with Stage DI prostate carcinoma.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INFORMATION PROCESSING AND DRIVING ACCIDENT AND VIOLATION RECORD

Seventeen subjects matched for driving experience were divided into four groups according to their accident and traffic violation records. They were tested for their ability to process information. Subjects who had a high accident record processed information at a significantly (p < .01) lower rate than nonaccident subjects. Subjects who had many violations, but no accidents, were the best information processors. There was a significant (p <.01) interaction between accident and violation record. These results and their implications are discussed.
A Question of Identity: Mirrors as a Tool for Self-Reflection

Having a strong sense of self can be a protective factor in resisting peer pressure and involvement in negative behaviors and a determining factor in the formation of one’s coping skills and resiliency to life’s challenges. This qualitative pilot study of high school freshman students (N = 337) consisted of responses to an exhibition of mirrors decorated around the question of identity. The four themes revealed in students’ self-reflection were: (a) image of self, positive or negative; (b) multiple self(ves); (c) embodied hope; and (d) lack of identity. Results indicated that mirrors have the potential to create connections on sensitive issues and concerns and that mirrors aid in the process of self-reflection. Discussion of the results, limitations, and areas for future research are addressed.
Micromechanical Modeling of Plasticity and Texture Evolution in Semi-Crystalline Polymers

The microstructure of many semi-crystalline polymers consists of rather broad, thin composite inclusions of crystalline and amorphous domains. A micromechanically based composite model is proposed to study plasticity and texture evolution in these composite materials. Special consideration is given to molecular chain inextensibily within the crystalline phase. Molecular alignment within the amorphous phase is accounted for by introducing a back stress tensor in the corresponding flow rule. Interface compatibility and traction equilibrium are considered within each composite inclusion. A modified Taylor-like localization law is proposed to deal with the singularity problems related to kinematic deficiency in some inclusions. Applications of this model are made to predict the behavior and deformation texture evolution in initially isotropic High Density Polyethylene. Comparisons of our predictions to experimental data are given.
Uninsured status may be more predictive of outcomes among the severely injured than minority race.

Aim Worse outcomes in trauma in the United States have been reported for both the uninsured and minority race. We sought to determine whether disparities would persist among severely injured patients treated at trauma centres where standard triage trauma protocols limit bias from health systems and providers.
A three-dimensional analysis of scattering losses due to sidewall roughness in integrated optical waveguides

A two-dimensional theory is typically used today to calculate scattering losses. We developed a three-dimensional approach for any waveguide cross-section and found that the two-dimensional theory overestimates scattering losses of small integrated waveguides.
Thermal injury alters myocardial sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium channel function.

Background. We have previously shown that a major cutaneous thermal injury produces profound cardiac contractile dysfunction despite adequate resuscitation. While the molecular basis of this dysfunction is unknown, recent work has suggested that alterations in calcium flux between the myocyte sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) to the cytoplasm may play a role. Materials and methods. To determine if thermal injury-induced contractile dysfunction is related to intracellular calcium transport across the SR membrane, we accessed myocardial microsomal preparations from scalded (43% TBSA) guinea pigs for the ability of the cardiac calcium efflux channel to bind radiolabeled ryanodine. Intracellular calcium flux was assessed by fluorescence spectrophotometry. Results. Thermal injury resulted in severe cardiac contractile deficit characterized by loss of LVP and ±dP/dt despite resuscitation. Analysis of isolated myocyte cultures showed a twofold increase in cytoplasmic [Ca 2+ ] 1 by 24 h postburn. Competitive binding and Scatchard analysis demonstrated a single, high-affinity binding site present in both sham and burn animal hearts. Myocardial membrane vesicles revealed a significantly enhanced number of calcium efflux channels in the open configuration at both 8 and 24 h following thermal injury compared to time-matched shams (1.07 ± 0.01 and 0.95 ± 0.06 vs 0.85 ± 0.01 pmol bound/mg protein, P < 0.05). The data indicate that altered function of the myocardial transmembrane SR calcium efflux channel following thermal injury was associated with elevated [Ca 2+ ] 1 and contractile dysfunction. Conclusions. We conclude that postburn cardiac dysfunction may partly be a result of elevated cytoplasmic calcium concentrations and diminished regulation of SR calcium efflux channel activity.
On charge density determinations in intermetallics by quantitative convergent beam electron diffraction

Abstract Experimental measurements of the charge distribution in intermetallics would be both a useful confirmation of calculated charge density maps and a great aid in explaining the inherent brittleness of many intermetallics, especially the cubic trialuminides. Bonding charge densities were previously measured in GaAs by a convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED) technique in a transmission electron microscope operated at 100 kV. By electronically recording an energy filtered CBED pattern and comparing this measured rocking curve to a calculated one, an accurate electron scattering factor of the crystal can be determined. While the technique utilizes readily available equipment, a number of experimental difficulties remain.
Peak Load Shifting Distribution by Fuzzy Method Based on Weight Compromise Coefficient

The distribution of power supply limiting in multi-zone is discussed by means of combining analytical hierarchy process and fuzzy sets theory. From the greatest factors in power limiting distribution, guide line system and hierarchy structure are established. Also, the relative membership degree functions are determined. A novel multi-objective group decision model is suggested by introducing a compromise coefficient between subjective weight and objective weight, which can give attention to both. The model is applied to peak load shifting distribution and the result manifests this model is reasonable and applicable.
Chromatographic separation of isologous sulfur- and selenium-containing amino acids: Reductive scission of the selenium-selenium bond by mercaptans and selenols

Abstract Racemic Se-methylselenocysteine, selenocystine, selenomethionine, selenoethionine, and Se-benzylselenocysteine are separated from their corresponding sulfur isologs by ion-exchange chromatography. The reason was uncovered for previous failures to obtain reproducible color values for selenocystine. The selenium-selenium bond of selenocystine is cleaved by mercaptans and selenols, yielding acyclic molecules with selenium-sulfur or selenium-selenium bonds. The diselenide-sulfhydryl and diselenide-selenol interchange reactions, which occur over a wide pH range, must be taken into account during analytical investigations involving mixtures of diselenides, and/or thiols, and/or selenols. Treatment of peptides containing selenocystine or selenocysteine residues (1-selenooxytocin, 6-selenooxytocin, deamino-1-selenooxytocin, deamino-6-selenooxytocin and deaminodiselenooxytocin) in 6 N HCl at 110° for 22 hr partially degraded selenocystine; however, when selenocystine itself was treated under identical reaction conditions it was almost entirely destroyed.
High Altitude Atmospheric Transmission Measurements

This program was designed to obtain atmospheric transmission data from high altitude, in the 1 to 12 μ region, and to measure the solar radiation spectrum in the same region. Mixing ratios, water to total atmospheric gases, at 11 km (35,000 ft) and 20 km (65,000 ft) altitude indicate a stratum of humid air above 20 km. A ground spectrum, an 11 km spectrum, and a 20 km spectrum are compared to a solar envelope constructed from available data.
Subcortical brain anatomy in anorexia and bulimia.

Many studies have reported a generalized decrease in brain volume ("pseudoatrophy") in patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia (Enzmann and Lane 1977; Heinz et al 1977; Hoffman et al 1989a and b; Krieg et al 1989b). To some degree this change is reversible, but some enlargement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces appears to persist despite normalization of weight and eating habits (Artmann et al 1985; Krieg et al 1986, 1988). Change that persists after successful treatment might be due to residual damage to the brain or persistent abnormal metabolism; however, it might also represent underdeveloped or involuted areas that were originally responsible for the behavioral pathology (Artmann et al 1985). However, previous in vivo anatomic studies have focused only on the gross finding of CSF space enlargement or have used techniques with poor spatial resolution and partial voluming problems (i.e., single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT); Krieg et al 1989a). Limited studies of regional cerebral metabolism have shown focal changes: one small positron
Succinylcholine-induced Hyperkalemia and Beyond

The mechanism of succinylcholine-induced hyperkalemia was studied in three lesions affecting canine gastrocnemius muscle. Dogs were treated for 1 month before study: 10 with normal activity, 5 with unilateral sciatic nerve section, active on 3 legs, 5 with unilateral cast immobilization of a hind limb and pelvis, active on 3 legs, and 7 inactive with T6 section of the spinal cord. Succinylcholine responses were determined during thiopental―ha lothane (mean expired halothane 1.0 ± 0.2%) endotracheal anesthesia with arterial carbon dioxide tension of 38—42 mmHg, arterial oxygen tension of 100—120 mmHg, and muscle and body temperatures maintained at 37° ± 0.2°C. The investigators isolated and collected the venous drainage of gastrocnemius muscle and measured its total blood flow. Muscle potassium release and oxygen consumption were calculated as blood flow x (arterial content — venous content). Succinylcholine-induced gastrocnemius potassium release was greatest after both sciatic and cord section; oxygen consumption was increased in parallel. Disuse atrophy of one leg slightly increased both values but was insufficient to produce systemic hyperkalemia. Reuptake of potassium followed succinylcholine-induced release. Given before succinylcholine, modest doses of gallamine slightly modified the release of potassium, and total paralysis by gallamine blocked it.
In Search of a Cultural “Common Denominator”: Metaphors, Historical Change and Folk Metaphysics

Numerous recent works, primarily in sociocultural history, emphasize the circulation of common meanings across class lines rather than the unilateral influence of economic conditions or intellectual ideas. This perspective has provided a means to better assess the resources enabling ordinary people to construct and change their world. One of the interesting ways to account for this folk inventiveness is to go back to its origins, that is to say, to the minds and the mainly metaphorical conceptualization that are relentlessly remaking reality. The case of the French Revolution clearly illustrates the political efficiency of a metaphorical reasoning that, in the 18th century, led to both the symbolic and the real overthrow of the king's authority. By virtue of the leading role they play in folk metaphysics, metaphors can be seen as the semantic “books” of the collective mentality that constitutes the lowest common denominator of a given community.
K α satellite and hypersatellite distributions of Ar excited in heavy-ion collisions

Spectra of $K\ensuremath{\alpha}$ x rays emitted from Ar gas at atmospheric pressure under bombardment by $10\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{MeV}∕\mathrm{amu}$ heavy ions (atomic number 6--79) were measured in high resolution using a curved crystal spectrometer. Values of the apparent average fraction of $L$ vacancies at the time of $K\ensuremath{\alpha}$ x-ray emission $({p}_{L}^{x})$ were determined from the observed $K\ensuremath{\alpha}$ satellite and hypersatellite intensity distributions. A systematic comparison of the ${p}_{L}^{x}$ values for the monatomic gas Ar with those obtained previously for a variety of solid targets provided a quantitative assessment of the role interatomic transitions play in the $L$-vacancy transfer process that occurs prior to $K$ x-ray decay.
A completely general methodology for fitting three-dimensional ab initio potential energy surfaces

A completely general three-dimensional (3D) method of generating energies and gradients from a prior list of ab initio energies is developed. The method assumes the minimum amount of input data given a priori, i.e., only the potential energy surface (PES). The method introduced may be cast into either a local or global regime. In the local regime, the domain of the PES is sorted, broken into small regions, and interpolation of the energy and gradients takes place in these regions. In the global regime, the energies of the PES are used to formulate a single global interpolant.
Femtosecond spectroscopy of heme proteins

The technique of femtosecond coherence spectroscopy is applied to the heme proteins myoglobin (Mb) and hemoglobin (Hb). Studies of field driven coherences lead to power spectra that are in good agreement with resonance Raman scattering experiments. Studies of the NO bound derivatives of Mb and Hb reveal rapid photolysis and non-radiative relaxation to the ground electronic state. The ensuing nuclear response is oscillatory and displays strong coupling of the NO photolysis reaction to the iron-histidine vibration and to the heme doming mode, which we locate at approximately 40 cm-1. The doming mode was previously assigned to a mode at approximately 80 cm-1, which we now believe is actually the first overtone of the doming motion. Other modes at approximately 120 cm-1 and 160 cm-1 are also exposed by the new data, suggesting that a progression of doming harmonics is excited to the strong coupling of this mode to the photolysis reaction.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Autocrine class 3 semaphorin system regulates slit diaphragm proteins and podocyte survival

Class 3 semaphorins are guidance proteins that play crucial roles during development. Semaphorins 3A (sema 3A) and 3F are expressed by podocytes in vivo throughout ontogeny and their function is unknown. Here we examined the expression of class 3 semaphorins (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, and 3F) and their receptors (neuropilins 1 and 2, plexins A1, A2, A3, B2, and D1) in undifferentiated and differentiated mouse podocytes using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). All class 3 semaphorins, neuropilins 1 and 2 are expressed by undifferentiated and differentiated podocytes at similar levels. Differentiated podocytes expressed 2–4-fold higher plexin A1, A2, and A3 mRNA levels than undifferentiated podocytes. To examine semaphorin regulation, we exposed podocytes to recombinant sema 3A. Sema 3A decreased semaphorin 3B, plexin A1, A3, and D1 ≥50% and reduced plexin A2 mRNA to undetectable levels. To identify sema 3A function in podocytes, we examined whether sema 3A regulates slit diaphragm proteins and podocyte survival. Sema 3A induced a dose-response podocin downregulation and decreased its interaction with CD2-associated protein and nephrin, as determined by Western analysis and co-immunoprecipitation. To evaluate sema 3A role in podocyte survival, we quantified podocyte apoptosis using a caspase 3 activity marker. Sema 3A induced a 10-fold increase in podocyte apoptosis and significantly decreased the activity of the Akt survival pathway. Our data indicate that (1) immortalized podocytes in culture have a functional autocrine semaphorin system that is regulated by differentiation and ligand availability; (2) sema 3A signaling regulates the expression and interactions of slit-diaphragm proteins and decreases podocyte survival.
What is learned when concept learning fails?—A theory of restricted-domain relational learning

Abstract Two matching-to-sample (MTS) and four same/different (S/D) experiments employed tests to distinguish between item-specific learning and relational learning. One MTS experiment showed item-specific learning when concept learning failed (i.e., no novel-stimulus transfer). Another MTS experiment showed item-specific learning when pigeons’ novel-stimulus transfer decreased because they chose familiar training comparisons instead of matching novel comparisons. In 8-item and 3-item S/D tasks, pigeons and monkeys were accurate with unfamiliar training-stimulus pairings, stimulus inversions, and distorted stimuli, suggesting relational learning within a domain restricted to the training stimuli (i.e., no novel-stimulus transfer). In 32-item S/D tasks, pigeons with previous 8-item training showed less transfer than those without prior training, suggesting a carryover of restricted-domain relational learning. Pigeons shifted from 1024-item to 8-item S/D tasks showed reinstatement of restricted-domain relational learning. These findings are important in specifying which types of learning occur in these tasks, showing that subjects failing novel-stimulus transfer are not required to switch from item-specific to relational learning as a training set is expanded, and demonstrating that concept learning failure is not proof of item-specific learning.
VizDeck: self-organizing dashboards for visual analytics

We present VizDeck, a web-based tool for exploratory visual analytics of unorganized relational data. Motivated by collaborations with domain scientists who search for complex patterns in hundreds of data sources simultaneously, VizDeck automatically recommends appropriate visualizations based on the statistical properties of the data and adopts a card game metaphor to help organize the recommended visualizations into interactive visual dashboard applications in seconds with zero programming. The demonstration allows users to derive, share, and permanently store their own dashboard from hundreds of real science datasets using a production system deployed at the University of Washington.
A SURVEY OF LARGE MOLECULES OF BIOLOGICAL INTEREST TOWARD SELECTED HIGH-MASS STAR-FORMING REGIONS

We have surveyed three high mass Galactic star forming regions for interstellar methanol (CH3OH), formic acid (HCOOH), acetic acid (CH3COOH), methyl formate (HCOOCH3), methyl cyanide (CH3CN), and ethyl cyanide (CH3CH2CN) with the BIMA Array. From our observations, we have detected two new sources of interstellar HCOOH toward the hot core regions G19.61-0.23 and W75N. We have also made the first detections of CH3CH2CN and HCOOCH3 toward G19.61-0.23. The relative HCOOH/HCOOCH3 abundance ratio toward G19.61-0.23 is 0.18 which is comparable to the abundance ratios found by Liu and colleagues toward Sgr B2(N-LMH), Orion and W51(approximately 0.10). We have made the first detection of HCOOCH3 toward W75N. The relative HCOOH/HCOOCH3 abundance ratio toward W75N is 0.26 which is more than twice as large as the abundance ratios found by Liu and colleagues. Furthermore, the hot core regions around W75N show a chemical differentiation between the O and N cores similar to what is seen toward the Orion Hot Core and Compact Ridge and W3(OH) and W3(H2O). It is also apparent from our observations that the high mass star forming region G45.47+0.05 does not contain any compact hot molecular core and as a consequence its chemistry may be similar to cold dark clouds. Finally, the formation of CH3COOH appears to favor HMCs with well mixed N and O, despite the fact that CH3COOH does not contain a N atom. If proved to be true, this is an important constraint on CH3COOH formation and possibly other structurally similar biomolecules.
Improved AIRS soundings and error estimates with AIRS only cloud clearing

AIRS was launched on EOS Aqua on May 4, 2002, together with AMSU-A and HSB, to form a next generation polar orbiting infrared and microwave atmospheric sounding system. The primary products of AIRS/AMSU-A are twice daily global fields of atmospheric temperature-humidity profiles, ozone profiles, sea/land surface skin temperature, and cloud related parameters including OLR. The sounding goals of AIRS are to produce 1 km tropospheric layer mean temperatures with an rms error of 1K, and layer precipitable water with an rms error of 20 percent, in cases with up to 80 percent effective cloud cover. The basic theory used to analyze AIRS/AMSU/HSB data in the presence of clouds, called the at-launch algorithm, and a post-launch algorithm which differed only in the minor details from the at-launch algorithm, have been described previously. The post-launch algorithm, referred to as AIRS Version 4, has been used by the Goddard DAAC to analyze and distribute AIRS retrieval products. In this paper we show two candidates for the AIRS Version 5 algorithm which will be used by the Goddard DAAC starting late in 2006. The methodology used in each is otherwise identical, but one version uses only AIRS observations in the generation of cloud cleared radiances, while the other uses both AIRS and AMSU-A observations as done previously. Improvements made to the retrieval algorithm since Version 4 are described as well as results comparing retrieval accuracy and spatial coverage of each candidate for Version 5 with each other and with those obtained using Version 4.
Use of commercial sex workers among Hispanic migrants in North Carolina: implications for the spread of HIV.

CONTEXT: Rates of HIV and AIDS have risen among U.S. Hispanics and in migrant-sending regions of Mexico and Central America, pointing to a link between migration and HIV. However, little is known about male migrants' sexual risk behaviors, such as the use of commercial sex workers. METHODS: The prevalence and frequency of commercial sex worker use was examined among 442 randomly selected Hispanic migrants in Durham, North Carolina. Logistic and Poisson regression techniques were used to model predictors of commercial sex worker use, and descriptive data on condom use with commercial sex workers were examined. RESULTS: Twenty-eight percent of respondents reported using the services of a commercial sex worker during the previous year; rates reached 46% among single men and 40% among married men living apart from their wives. Men with spouses in Durham were less likely than other men to use commercial sex workers (odds ratio, 0.1). Among men who used commercial sex workers, the frequency of visits declined with greater education (incidence rate ratio, 0.9) and increased with hourly wage (1.1). Frequency and use declined with years of residence, although the results were of borderline significance. Reported rates of condom use with commercial sex workers were high, but were likely to fall if familiarity with a commercial sex worker increased. CONCLUSIONS: Commercial sex workers represent an important potential source of HIV infection. Educational and behavioral interventions that take into account social context and target the most vulnerable migrants are needed to help migrants and their partners avoid HIV infection.
Attitudes Toward Traditional Marriage: A Comparison of TANF Recipients and a General Population of Adults

Marriage enhancement programs enacted under the federal Healthy Marriage Initiative imply that marriage behaviors and attitudes of poor women are different from those of the middle class, and that the cash assistance program is an appropriate venue to change these attitudes. A population of long-term recipients of public cash assistance and a random sample of general population adults were compared regarding views toward traditional marriage. The general population was significantly more aligned with views of traditional marriage, but when factors that directly affect marriage attitudes and behaviors were controlled for, views on traditional marriage were similar for the two groups. Study findings suggest that attitudes toward marriage are not necessarily related to economic status.
Twenty-five years of end-user searching, Part 1: Research findings

This is the first part of a two-part article that reviews 25 years of published research findings on end-user searching in online information retrieval (IR) systems. In Part 1 [Markey, 2007], the author seeks to answer the following questions: What characterizes the queries that end users submit to online IR systems? What search features do people use? What features would enable them to improve on the retrievals they have in hand? What features are hardly ever used? What do end users do in response to the system's retrievals? Are end users satisfied with their online searches? Summarizing searches of online IR systems by the search features people use everyday makes information retrieval appear to be a very simplistic one-stop event. In Part 2, the author examines current models of the information retrieval process, demonstrating that information retrieval is much more complex and involves changes in cognition, feelings, andsor events during the information seeking process. She poses a host of new research questions that will further our understanding about end-user searching of online IR systems. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Competitive inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by several thiazolines and oxazolines.

Abstract A number of relatively simple thiazolines and oxazolines substituted in the 2-position are shown to be competitive inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase. Inhibition constants at pH 7.4 and 38 ° for these compounds, calculated on the basis of total concentration, range from 10−2 to 10−4M, the lower values being associated with the more basic thiazolines and oxazolines. Inhibition constants calculated on the basis of cation concentration are all of the same order of magnitude, namely, 10−4M. These latter values are similar to those found for alkyl ammonium ions suggesting the inhibitors herein studied reversibly combine with the anionic site of the enzyme.
Determination of the efficiency of NTB nuclear track emulsion for the detection of tritium.

Abstract Calibration of pieces of H 3 -polymethylmethacrylate was accomplished by a routine liquid scintillation counting method. The detection efficiency of NTB nuclear track emulsion for tritium beta particles was determined. The emulsion sensitivity was found to change over the first 4 days for most of the emulsion batches. The grain production was linear from day 4 to 14. The response of the emulsion was constant for bottles with the same batch number, but sometimes varied significantly between batches. The rate of latent image fading was determined for the conditions existing in this laboratory. A theoretical calculation of the rate of grain formation in the NTB emulsion was made using the values derived from these techniques and was compared with the experimental results. These techniques described can be applied to many quantitative autoradiography situations which may be found in other laboratories.