cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pb-free solders and other joining materials for potential replacement of high-Pb hierarchical solders

High-temperature Pb-free solder joints that do not fail during subsequent reflow assembly with low temperature solders are needed for multi-chip modules, die attachments, and other heat resistant applications with high reliability. It is well known the future RoHS rules will expand soon to include Pb-(5–10)Sn (wt.%) solders, which drives accelerated development of replacements for these Pb-based high temperature solders. Options include improvements to Pb-free joining alternatives, including Au-Sn, Zn-Al, Zn-Sn, Sn-Sb, Bi-based systems, and Pb-free composite solder pastes, i.e., with high melting metallic reinforcement particles that are blended with low melting Pb-free solder powders, along with sintered nano-particulate Ag and conductive adhesives. It is preferred if a solder alloy candidate is capable of forming conventional BGA spheres for direct drop-in replacement of the Pb-Sn solders, but solder “bumping” with paste may substitute for applying an array of solder spheres for BGA applications. This paper will review examples of the competing high-temperature interconnect methods and their potential for practical application in the electronics industry.
The Challenge of Identifying and Addressing Psychological Comorbidities.

“I was seriously contemplating giving up,” the patient explained, sitting on the examination bed in the clinic. She had severe cardiomyopathy and was describing her recent stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). “I was more depressed than I have ever been. It would have been really helpful to
Toward optimal implementation of cancer prevention and control programs in public health: a study protocol on mis-implementation

Much of the cancer burden in the USA is preventable, through application of existing knowledge. State-level funders and public health practitioners are in ideal positions to affect programs and policies related to cancer control. Mis-implementation refers to ending effective programs and policies prematurely or continuing ineffective ones. Greater attention to mis-implementation should lead to use of effective interventions and more efficient expenditure of resources, which in the long term, will lead to more positive cancer outcomes. This is a three-phase study that takes a comprehensive approach, leading to the elucidation of tactics for addressing mis-implementation. Phase 1: We assess the extent to which mis-implementation is occurring among state cancer control programs in public health. This initial phase will involve a survey of 800 practitioners representing all states. The programs represented will span the full continuum of cancer control, from primary prevention to survivorship. Phase 2: Using data from phase 1 to identify organizations in which mis-implementation is particularly high or low, the team will conduct eight comparative case studies to get a richer understanding of mis-implementation and to understand contextual differences. These case studies will highlight lessons learned about mis-implementation and identify hypothesized drivers. Phase 3: Agent-based modeling will be used to identify dynamic interactions between individual capacity, organizational capacity, use of evidence, funding, and external factors driving mis-implementation. The team will then translate and disseminate findings from phases 1 to 3 to practitioners and practice-related stakeholders to support the reduction of mis-implementation. This study is innovative and significant because it will (1) be the first to refine and further develop reliable and valid measures of mis-implementation of public health programs; (2) bring together a strong, transdisciplinary team with significant expertise in practice-based research; (3) use agent-based modeling to address cancer control implementation; and (4) use a participatory, evidence-based, stakeholder-driven approach that will identify key leverage points for addressing mis-implementation among state public health programs. This research is expected to provide replicable computational simulation models that can identify leverage points and public health system dynamics to reduce mis-implementation in cancer control and may be of interest to other health areas.
Effective Antihypertensive Strategies for High-Risk Patients With Diabetic Nephropathy

Aim Clinical guidelines recommend blood pressure (BP) lowering and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition to slow kidney disease progression in patients with diabetic nephropathy. This study9s purpose was to determine whether an antihypertensive regimen including a maximally dosed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor could safely achieve target BP in indigent, predominantly minority patients with this disease. Methods We studied 81 hypertensive adults (52% Hispanic and 31% African American) with nephropathy attributed to type 1 or 2 diabetes during the run-in period of a randomized controlled trial. The subjects received lisinopril titrated to 80 mg daily and additional antihypertensives to target a systolic BP (SBP) lower than 130 mm Hg. Blood pressure and serum potassium level were measured weekly, and a 4-gram sodium diet was prescribed. The primary outcome variable was SBP change from screening to randomization. Success in achieving SBP goal, change in urine albumin-creatinine ratio, hyperkalemia (serum potassium ≥5.5 mmol/L) and hypotension (SBP Results The median SBP decreased from 144 to 133 mm Hg (median change, −9.6%.) Fifty-eight (71%) achieved goal SBP during run-in. The median UACR decreased from 206.8 to 112.7 mg/mmol (median change, −42.7%). The UACR reduction correlated with SBP reduction. Seventeen subjects experienced hyperkalemia responsive to dietary/medical management. Two subjects experienced hypotension responsive to medication adjustments. Conclusion A regimen using a maximally dosed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor is safe and effective for achieving BP goal in high-risk, predominantly minority patients with diabetic nephropathy. Implementing this regimen necessitates close monitoring of serum potassium level.
Prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with depression among hospitalized patients with head and neck cancer-Results from a national study.

Objective Depression is a significant problem for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). This study explored the prevalence of and sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with depression, among patients with HNC. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 71 541 cases of HNC using a national dataset, the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, from 2008 to 2013. Weighted, multivariate logistic regression analysis estimated association between sociodemographic/clinical factors and tumor anatomical site with diagnosis of a major depressive disorder. Results Overall prevalence of major depressive disorder in HNC was 9.3%; highest prevalence was found in patients with laryngeal cancer (28.5%). Compared with laryngeal cancer, there were lower odds of depression among patients with oral cavity cancer (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84-0.97) and other anatomic sites (aOR = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.81-0.94), except oropharyngeal cancer (aOR = 1.00; 95% CI, 0.93-1.08). For every unit increase in comorbidities, odds of depression increased by 20% (aOR = 1.20; 95% CI, 1.19-1.23). Sociodemographic factors associated with increased odds of depression included being female (aOR = 1.77; 95% CI, 1.68-1.87), white (aOR = 1.75; 95% CI, 1.59-1.92), and having Medicaid (aOR = 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01-1.19) or Medicare insurance (aOR = 1.19; 95% CI, 1.10-1.27). Conclusions Depression odds vary depending on HNC anatomic site, and one in four patients with laryngeal cancer may be depressed. Since depression is prevalent in this survivor cohort, it is important that psychosocial assessment and intervention are integrated into mainstream clinical care for patients with HNC.
Predictors of an Initial Academic Position in Emergency Medicine.

Author(s): Singhapricha, Terry; Minkhorst, Olivia; Moran, Timothy; Swanson, Jonathan; Shayne, Philip | Abstract: Introduction: Each year, emergency medicine (EM) residency graduates enter a variety of community and academic positions. For some training programs, the potential for an academic career is a consideration during the interview process; however, no studies have looked at factors that might predict an academic career. Our goal was to identify variables present during the EM application cycle that predict an initial academic position.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed application materials from 211 EM graduates at Emory University from 2003-2013. We analyzed biographical variables, board scores, personal statements, and both undergraduate and medical school research experience and publications. An academic position was defined as working at a site with residents rotating in the emergency department, full or part-time appointment at a medical school, or a position with research required for promotion. We used a logistic regression model to determine the impact of these predictors on obtaining an initial academic position.Results: A total of 79 (37%) graduates initially chose an academic job, and 132 (63%) took a community position. We identified the following statistically significant variables: younger age (odds ratio [OR] [0.79], 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.67-0.93], p=0.01); undergraduate publications (OR [1.41], 95% CI [1.08-1.83], p=0.01); and medical school publications (OR [3.39], 95% CI [1.66-6.94], pl0.001). Of note, mention of an academic career in the personal statement showed no statistical correlation (p = 0.41).Conclusion: Younger age, and undergraduate and medical school publications were the variables most associated with an initial academic position. As this is a single-institution study, more studies are needed to validate these findings.
Animal model of left atrial thrombus in congestive heart failure in rats

It is critically important to have a rodent model to study the molecular mechanism of thrombogenesis in the left atrium. Left atrial thrombus (LAT) is not a simple fibrin clot like those seen in pe...
Abstract 55: Traf3 Negatively Regulates Platelet Activation and Thrombosis

Platelets express CD40 ligand (CD40L) and are a major source of soluble CD40L. CD40L has been shown to potentiate platelet activation and thrombus formation, involving both CD40-dependent and -inde...
A Note for History

On this year’s May 10, 20,000 people from around the world gathered at Promontory Summit, Utah for the 150th commemoration of the “Golden Spike” ceremony that completed the first transcontinental r...
Revisiting the National Institutes of Health Fair Pricing Condition: Promoting the Affordability of Drugs Developed With Government Support

The high cost of many prescription drugs has renewed calls for policies to ensure that taxpayers' financial contributions to drug development are factored into price setting. The authors discuss le...
Performance of radiographic imaging after incomplete colonoscopy for nonmalignant causes in clinical practice.

Background and Aims CT colonography (CTC) or barium enema are commonly ordered to complete colorectal imaging after an incomplete colonoscopy. We evaluated the sensitivity of radiographic studies performed for this purpose in clinical practice outside clinical trials. Methods Adult patients referred to an expert endoscopist for incomplete colonoscopy because of a redundant colon or a difficult sigmoid and who underwent previous radiographic imaging between July 2001 and July 2019 were identified. None of the patients had a malignant obstruction as the cause of incomplete colonoscopy. Data on polyp size, location, and pathology were obtained from colonoscopy and radiology reports. Polyps identified on imaging and colonoscopy were matched based on polyp size and location. Results Among 769 patients referred for incomplete colonoscopy, we identified 65 with a radiographic examination performed within 36 months of colonoscopy at our center. Per-patient sensitivity for CTC was suboptimal (70%) and was very low for barium enema (26.7%). Per-polyp sensitivity for both CTC and barium enema was poor (23.8% and 7.6%). Quality of the examination did not seem to affect procedure sensitivity. Conclusions Radiographic imaging after incomplete colonoscopy for reasons other than malignant obstruction had poor sensitivity for polyps. Patients with incomplete colonoscopies should be considered for repeat colonoscopy by an expert.
An exploratory analysis of the role of socio-demographic and health-related factors in ridesourcing behavior

Abstract Introduction Recent disruptions in the transportation sector, such as the growing popularity of ridesourcing services, have substantially impacted traditional transportation services (such as taxis). However, the factors that determine usage rates of ridesourcing options are still not fully understood. The intent of the current paper is to develop a statistical model of individuals’ usage rates of ridesourcing services. Methods: Using a sample of recently collected data, a mixed logit model (multinomial logit model with random parameters) of ridesourcing-usage rate was estimated and, in addition to traditional socio-demographic factors, travel and health-related variables were also considered. Results Besides some socio-demographic variables, the travel and health-related variables were found to play statistically significant roles in ridesourcing usage. Specifically, age, gender, income, household size, vehicle ownership, typical parking time, and the nature of commutes were some of the significant variables found in model estimation results. In addition, self-assessed health, high body mass index (BMI), and registration for other shared mobility services were all found to play roles in ridesourcing usage. Conclusions The findings suggest that lower income, older age, and the presence of small children in the household are characteristics that should be targeted as means of reducing transportation inequity. They also suggest that policy efforts encouraging sharing ridesourcing trips could be beneficial on multiple fronts and lead the transportation system into the future by altering behavioral economics and system efficiency.
Cultivating networks and mapping social landscapes: How to understand restoration governance in Rwanda

This study focuses on environmental governance in Rwanda through a social network lens, with the aim to understand actors’ connections, their priorities and their values within the restoration landscape at the national, district and community scales in Gatsibo. Diverse, reliable, and resilient networks of information, finance, and seedlings are essential for the restoration movement to be sustainable. The study identifies that key resource flows are not directly accessible to the farmers, who are the key implementers of restoration in Rwanda. The study identifies the need to first understand and then strengthen these networks by mapping actors’ resource flows, priorities and values, and then developing a strategy for change. By considering actor networks, restoration interventions can be more efficient regarding resources, collaboration and outreach. Moreover, conflicts and bottlenecks can be more easily anticipated.
WHO at country level--a little impact, no strategy.

The acid test of WHO's effect on the world's health is its impact at country level. Unless it has an impact there, all of its declarations, its debates at the World Health Assembly, its conferences, its pamphlets, its political manouvering in Geneva and the regions, all of these come to nothing. Working as it does through national governments, WHO insists that it has no role in directly managing or delivering health care. Judging WHO's impact in individual countries is therefore difficult—its approaches are largely indirect, and initiatives may take years to bear fruit. But from the meagre resources that WHO makes available at country level it is clear why its country operations are criticised as the weakest link in an already weak chain of influence from its headquarters in Geneva to the people in its member states. Poorly funded, undertrained, and with no clear strategy to follow, its staff at country level stand little chance of making an impact. WHO's aims are in the best tradition of sustainable intervention—to help countries to build up their own health care infrastructure and professional expertise. As laid down in its constitution, WHO works through national ministries of health. The arrangement has its advantages. Because of it, WHO is accepted in all member countries and avoids the charge of neocolonial interventionalism. But it also combines with WHO's financial woes to create what commentators are calling WHO's “implementation gap.” WHO has neither the mandate nor the means to implement its own programmes. It is entirely dependent on the receptiveness and effectiveness of national ministries of health. In some regions this leaves WHO all but powerless to act. In Africa, for example, where WHO faces its severest challenges, many governments cannot deliver health care in line with WHO policies. They do not represent their people at …
STING and transplantation: can targeting this pathway improve outcomes?

Abstract Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an innate immune sensor of cytoplasmic dsDNA originating from microorganisms and host cells. STING plays an important role in the regulation of murine graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and may be similarly activated during other transplantation modalities. In this review, we discuss STING in allo-HSCT and its prospective involvement in autologous HSCT (auto-HSCT) and solid organ transplantation (SOT), highlighting its unique role in nonhematopoietic, hematopoietic, and malignant cell types.
Handling the Unexpected in Ocular Surgery

Complications occur for every surgeon, irrespective of experience, gender, or specialty. Anticipating complications preoperatively, having a plan of action should they occur, and employing thoughtful, honest communication postoperatively are primary keys to success in managing the unexpected in surgery. Proper preoperative discussions with the patient including additional risk factors present may help patients better comprehend potential complications that arise postoperatively.
Free Radicals: A Weekend Trip to Mars

By the year 2050 AD, we will have run out of all the economically recoverable fossil fuels. Our natural gas will be exhausted. Our oil will be exhausted. We will still have about 100 years supply of coal left if we are willing to put up with the "greenhouse gases" that result from using it.
Bioelectricity production from sweat-activated germination of bacterial endospores

Abstract A microbial fuel cell is created that uses a bacterium's natural ability to revive from dormancy to provide on-demand power for next-generation wearable applications. In adverse conditions, Bacillus subtilis responds by becoming endospores that serve as a dormant biocatalyst embedded in a skin-mountable paper-based microbial fuel cell. When activated by nutrient-rich human sweat, the germinating bacteria produce enough electricity to operate small devices, such as the calculator that we operated to test our methodology. The spore germination is artificially accelerated by nutritious germinants, which are pre-loaded on the skin-contacting bottom layer of the device, absorb the released sweat, and deliver a mixture of the dissolved germinants and sweat to the spores. When the skin-mountable device is applied to the arm of a sweating volunteer, it can generate a maximum power density of 16.6 μW/cm2 through bacterial respiratory activity. A potential risk of bacteria leakage from the device is minimized by packaging with a small pore size paper so that bacterial spores and germinated cells cannot pass through. When three serially connected devices are integrated into a single on-chip platform and energized by sweat, a significantly enhanced power density of 56.6 μW/cm2 is generated, powering an electrical calculator. After three weeks of dormant storage, the device exhibits no significant decrease in electrical output when activated by sweat. After use, the device is easily incinerated without risking bacterial infection. This work demonstrates the promising potential of the spore-forming microbial fuel cell as a disposable and long storage life power source for next-generation wearable applications.
Does Parking Matter? The Impact of Search Time for Parking on Last-Mile Delivery Optimization

Parking is a necessary component of traditional last-mile delivery practices, but finding parking can be difficult. Yet, the routing literature largely does not account for the need to find parking. In this paper, we address this challenge of finding parking through the Capacitated Delivery Problem with Parking (CDPP). Unlike other models in the literature, the CDPP accounts for the search time for parking in the objective and minimizes the completion time of the delivery tour. We provide tight bounds for the CDPP using a Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) solution that parks at each customer. We then demonstrate the circumstances under which this TSP solution is the optimal solution to the CDPP as well as counterexamples to show that the TSP is generally not optimal. We also identify model improvements that allow reasonably-sized instances of the CDPP to be solved exactly. We introduce a heuristic for the CDPP that quickly finds high quality solutions to large instances. Computational experiments show that parking matters in last-mile delivery optimization. The CDPP outperforms industry practice and models in the literature showing the greatest advantage when the search time for parking is high. This analysis provides immediate ways to improve routing in last-mile delivery.
Liquid–liquid phase separation: a principal organizer of the cell’s biochemical activity architecture

Numerous processes occur simultaneously in the cell both for normal function and in response to changes in the environment. The ability of cells to segregate biochemical reactions into separate compartments is essential to ensure specificity and efficiency in cellular processes. The discovery of liquid–liquid phase separation as a mechanism of compartmentalization has revised our thinking regarding the intracellular organization of molecular pathways such as signal transduction. Here, we highlight recent studies that advance our understanding of how phase separation impacts the organization of biochemical processes, with a particular focus on the tools used to study the functional impact of phase separation. In addition, we offer some of our perspectives on the pathological consequences of dysregulated phase separation in biochemical pathways.
Participatory Action Research: Strategies for Implementation in Counseling Outcome Research

Participatory action research (PAR) is an innovative research methodology grounded in collaboration and aimed creating systemic and social change. PAR scholars honor and recognize power inequities,...
Early steps to kidney transplantation among persons with HIV and end-stage renal disease in ESRD network 6.

End-stage renal disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in persons with HIV (PWH). Limited data exist on access to kidney transplantation for this population. A dataset inclusive of incident dialysis patients between 2012 and 2016 with follow-up through December 2017 that identifies PWH and the general dialysis population of Network 6 (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina), was created through merging the United States Renal Data System with the Southeastern Early Transplant Access Registry. Early steps to kidney transplantation and patient and dialysis facility-level characteristics that serve as barriers to transplantation were described. 23,414 patients were identified; 469 were PWH. Compared to non-HIV individuals, PWH were younger (49 vs 58 years, P<0.001), predominantly Black (87% vs 56% P<0.001) and male (72% vs 56% P<0.001). PWH were less likely to be referred to kidney transplant within 1 year of starting dialysis (36% vs 41% P<0.001) and waitlisted within one year of evaluation-start (14% vs 30%, P = 0.05). PWH (vs. non-PWH) waited longer for referral, evaluation-start, and waitlisting and in multivariable analysis, HIV positivity was associated with a lower probability of referral (HR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.62 - 0.80), evaluation (HR 0.66; 95% CI: 0.55 - 0.80) and waitlisting (HR 0.29; 95% CI: 0.20 - 0.41). Targeted interventions are needed to improve access to kidney transplants, particularly in waitlisting, for PWH. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Beyond Routine: Fostering Creativity in Mathematics Classrooms

Mathematics is a creative endeavor. However, students typically think of mathematics as a body of knowledge used to solve well-defined problems in a unique way. Yet virtually all problems encountered in “real life” involve ambiguity and may not be solvable by a single approach. Expert problem solvers are original, creative thinkers who are able to devise novel approaches to solving ill-structured or ambiguously posed problems. Recently, research has been conducted on having students create and solve their own problems as assignments in mathematics classes in an attempt to give them an experience of interacting with mathematics problems beyond the routine and mechanical. Results suggest that such experiences could also be valuable in other disciplines at various levels, and that these experiences encourage students to be creative. In addition to a theoretical discussion of creativity, detailed examples of student work are presented, as well as a historical background of the assignment and practical implications for teachers interested in using the writing of original problems in their classrooms.
Feasibility of Biomedical Applications for Biomaterials in Bolivia

Whether or not it is feasible for locally grown biomaterials to be translated into effective medical treatments in the Bolivian healthcare environment requires an assessment of cost, manufacturing capabilities, distribution, shelf life, etc. Of the biomaterials examined, sunflower seed oil seems to show the greatest promise due to its low cost and ease of use (Darmstadt et al. in Pediatr Infect Dis J 23(8):719–725, 2004). Other biomaterials requiring structural changes in development and manufacturing practices may face challenges in their assimilation. When introducing new medical technologies into the Bolivian landscape, it is vital to acknowledge and carefully work with the cultural norms and traditions of the region. For many Bolivians, traditional herbs and remedies may be regarded as just as valuable as, or more than, pharmaceuticals (Centellas in Sun god pharma: Bolivian pharmaceuticals and symbolic power, 2011). Concerns regarding good manufacturing practices in products manufactured locally (Bate in Local pharmaceutical production in developing countries. Campaign for fighting diseases, 2008), and tensions with American aid donors (Neuman in U.S. Agency is expelled from Bolivia. The New York Times, 2013) could be mitigated through Bolivian partnerships with other Latin American countries more established in the field of medical research and development.
Shape resonances in molecular fields

The last two decades have witnessed remarkable progress in characterizing dynamical aspects of molecular photoionization1,2 and electron-molecule scattering2,3 processes. The general challenge is to gain physical insight into the processes occurring during the excitation, evolution, and decay of the excited molecular complex. Of particular interest in this context are the uniquely molecular aspects resulting from the anisotropy of the molecular field and from the interplay among rovibronic modes. Throughout this work, special attention is invariably drawn to resonant processes, in which the excited system is temporarily trapped in a quasibound resonant state. Such processes tend to amplify the more subtle dynamics of excited molecular states and are often displayed prominently against non-resonant behavior in various physical observables.
Even a monkey can understand fan activism: Political speech, artistic expression, and a public for the Japanese dôjin community

We examine the creation of dojinshi works critiquing the passage of the metropolitan Tokyo ordinance Bill 156 in December 2010 as a case of fan-driven political activism. Bill 156 aims to limit artistic freedom and is specifically targeted at anime, manga, and other works of visual pop culture. Fans who participate in dojin production perform both a love for this media and an active form of citizenship that is historically fannish but transformative beyond the mere appropriation and remix of media texts. We argue that dojin fans and works constitute a recursive public, wherein participants actively create discourse around artistic and ideological issues while engaging in added layers of discourse regarding the maintenance of their existence as a public. We examine fan discourse and dojin works engaging Bill 156 as an object for political activism, as anime and manga otaku perform their citizenship in the wider society of Japan for their local public and for a global audience of like-minded fans.
Joint action of t-retinoic and valproic acids on Xenopus embryo development.

The joint action of all-trans retinoic acid (RA) with valproic acid (VPA) was examined at malformation-inducing concentrations for Xenopus embryos. The compounds were selected for testing to evaluate malformation as an endpoint for the developmental toxicity of chemical mixtures and to help assess whether joint action types can be related to modes or mechanisms of chemical toxicity for Xenopus. Three mixtures (3:1, 1:1, and 1:3 RA:VPA) were tested in 96 hr static-renewal exposures. Three separate tests were conducted on each mixture. Positive controls were also tested (i.e., 1:0 and 0:1 solutions). Using toxic unit analysis, the joint action for induction of malformations of all types, craniofacial malformations, and microcephaly was response addition, indicating the chemicals are dissimilar and non-interactive. The results support recent joint action studies in providing evidence that similar acting chemicals might be defined as chemicals with the same biochemical/molecular mechanism of action in inducing malformations in Xenopus embryos. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Aquinas on the Light of Glory

In this essay, I examine Thomas Aquinas’s doctrine of the light of glory (lumen gloriae). I begin by describing the function of the lumen gloriae in Aquinas’s account of cognition and his broader teaching, thereby indicating what is at stake in the success of this doctrine (section two); then I attempt to solve two difficult problems that arise from Aquinas’s teaching on the light of glory (sections three and four).
Predation enhances complexity in the evolution of electric fish signals

Theories of sexual selection assume that predation is a restrictive, simplifying force in the evolution of animal display characters1 and many empirical studies have shown that predation opposes excessive elaboration of sexually selected traits2. In an unexpected turnaround, I show here that predation pressure on neotropical, weakly electric fish (order Gymnotiformes) seems to have selected for greater signal complexity, by favouring characters that have enabled further signal elaboration by sexual selection. Most gymnotiform fish demonstrate adaptations that lower detectability of their electrolocation/communication signals by key predators. A second wave phase added to the ancestral monophasic signal shifts the emitted spectrum above the most sensitive frequencies of electroreceptive predators. By using playback trials with the predatory electric eel (Electrophorus electricus), I show that these biphasic signals are less detectable than the primitive monophasic signals. But sexually mature males of many species in the family Hypopomidae extend the duration of the second phase of their electric signal pulses3 and further amplify this sexual dimorphism nightly during the peak hours of reproduction4. Thus a signal element that evolved for crypsis has itself been modified by sexual selection.
Can Bodaishin Be a Cause of Rebirth?: Reconsidering the Doctrinal Conflict between Hōnen and Myōe

Genkūbō Hōnen’s (1133–1212) Pure Land discourse, centered on recitation practice (nembutsu) , discards all other Buddhist practices, including raising bodaishin . Such an exclusive attitude offended other monks such as Myōe who believed that bodaishin is a prerequisite and goal of Buddhist soteriology and thus cannot be neglected. This contrast between Hōnen and Myōe has been demonstrated and reinforced by several scholars as a typical ideological difference between New Kamakura Buddhism and Old Buddhism. However, by using some methodological insights from “Western” scholarship, this article reexamines a doctrinal conflict between Hōnen and Myōe and proposes that the latter’s criticism of the former did not hit a point, as they actually argue bodaishin from different aspects, one from a shallow and the other from a deep level. Whereas Myōe was a “dreamer” and optimistic that people could perform both shallower and deeper levels of bodaishin , Hōnen was a radical monk who emphasized a more realistic view: that most people are not capable of maintaining such practices from the beginning. Instead, Hōnen offered people nembutsu as a method to cultivate bodaishin .
Defining Culturally Competent Practice with Sexual Minorities: Implications for Social Work Education and Practice

In recent years, social work has placed an increasing emphasis on culturally competent practice. Although use of that term has referred primarily to practice with ethnic and racial minorities, the concept has been broadened to include social work with other culturally diverse populations. This article examines the application of cultural competence principles to practice with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered clients. Attitude, knowledge, and skill components are addressed to delineate a culturally competent approach to social work with sexual minorities. Implications for practice, education, and the profession are also discussed.
Synthetic Fistula Plug

The importance of understanding and treating anorectal fistulae is evidenced not only by the prevalence of this condition but also by the variety of approaches involved. There is currently neither a consensus nor a set of guidelines on the management of anorectal fistulae. Whether the fistula is simple or complex, it is paramount to maintain fecal continence and decrease recurrence. Historical approaches have included fistulotomy with or without marsupialization, seton placement, and endorectal advancement flaps, each with variable success rates. More recently, synthetic and biologic plugs have become available as adjuncts in fistula management. In this chapter, we discuss the available plugs, their chemical composition, and contraindications to and recommended techniques of application, including optimal disk placement. We also review several studies with a focus on success and recurrence rates when using the Surgisis or Gore Bio-A plug. Overall the Gore Bio-A appears to be an improvement over the Surgisis plug. However, further studies are required to clearly define its indications and application.
Commonality of Word Listing, Predictability, Originality and Chunking: An Analysis of American and Indian Ninth Graders

Abstract Les AA. analysent les donnees de deux epreuves verbales (liste de mots, creativite) auxquelles ont ete soumis des adolescents hindous (N = 144) et americains (N = 96). Us constatent que: (1) les sujets hindous montrent plus de variabilite dans la tendance a donner des mots identiques (commonality) dans une Jiste et se caracterisent par un nombre plus eleve de “groupes” de mots, lies entre eux dans une měme cha[icaron]ne de pensee; (2) les filles donnent plus de mots identiques que les garcons, mais seulement dans le groupe americain; (3) il existe une relation faible, mais de sens contraire, entre la predictibilite et le groupement des mots dans les deux groupes linguistiques. La discussion est centree sur la pertinence des ressemblances plutot que des differences en matiere de comparaisons interculturelles; les similitudes verbales pourraient refleter chez les sujets americains l'orientation vers le groupe des pairs et il est possible de donner d'autres explications a l'absence de liaison entre ...
Testing the potential of sodium fluoride to affect spermatogenesis: a morphometric study

Abstract This study provides quantitative information on the effect of sodium fluoride (NaF) on the testes of F 1 generation male rats exposed in utero and during lactation to NaF at one of four concentrations (25, 100, 175, 250 ppm). At weaning, the F 1 generation males were exposed to NaF in their drinking water for 14 weeks, after which time testicular tissues were perfusion-fixed with glutaraldehyde and observed after being embedded in plastic. The seminiferous tubules comprised 89%, 87%, 88%, 88% and 88% of the total testis volume while the interstitial space occupied 9.3%, 11.2%, 10.2%, 9.8% and 9.9% of the total testis volume for the 0, 25, 100,175 and 250 ppm NaF treatment groups, respectively. Statistically significant differences between control and NaF-treated rats were not observed with respect to absolute volume of the seminiferous tubules, interstitial space, Leydig cells, blood vessels boundary layer, lymphatic space, macrophages, tubular lumen or absolute tubular length and absolute tubular surface area, mean Sertoli cell nucleoli number per tubular cross-section, mean seminiferous tubule diameter and the mean height of the seminiferous epithelium. A statistically significant decrease in the absolute volume and volume percent of the lymphatic endothelium was observed in the 175 and 250 ppm NaF-treated groups and in the testicular capsule in the 100 ppm NaF-treated groups. The significance of this finding is unknown at the present time. Overall, the quantitative information obtained suggests that exposure to NaF at the doses used in the present study does not adversely affect testis structure or spermatogenesis in the rat.
Modulation of acetylcholine release by nicotinic receptors in the rat brain.

Since physostigmine (Phy) is presently used in the experimental treatment of Alzheimer disease (AD) patients by means of intracerebral ventricular (i.c.v.) administration, we designed a study to determine the effect of the drug administered by the same route on the cholinergic system of the rat brain. Particularly, we studied the involvement of nicotinic cholinergic function. The specific conditions required in this experiment were achieved by a series of short-lasting periods of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition leading to short-lasting increases of acetylcholine (ACh). These were produced by periodic i.c.v. injections of Phy. At 7 days of Phy administration, a small effect on 3H-nicotine binding was seen only in the striatum of the injected side. In rats treated for 13 days, we observed a 120% increase in the stimulated release of 3H-ACh in hippocampal slices of the injected side of the brain. There also was a significant 88% increase in 3H-nicotinic binding in the hippocampus of the same side while muscarinic binding was unchanged. These results suggest a process of upregulation of presynaptic nicotinic autoreceptors in the hippocampus modulating ACh release but no effect on the muscarinic receptors. Our results also suggest that pulses of ACh in analogy to nicotinic stimulation can cause protracted desensitization and eventually inactivation of the receptor leading to its up-regulation. These results are consistent with findings on the release of ACh from cortical biopsies and of a sustained ACh release in the CSF of AD patients following the same treatment.
Conversion of the inconvertible L-1 lymphosarcoma to ascitic form.

DURING the course of experiments with the L-I lymphosarcoma it was often desirable to have large numbers of single cells available. Suspensions of cells dissociated from minced tumour by standard techniques (cytosieve1, trypsinization2, etc.) contained variable numbers of morphologically dead cells and required large inocula (≫104 cells) to induce growth on subcutaneous re-inoculation. It seemed that the required numbers of free cells might be obtained if the tumour was converted to ascitic form. Following the method described by Klein and Klein3, cell suspensions prepared from the tumour by various techniques were intraperitoneally injected into strain A/J hosts. At graded intervals afterwards, the mice were killed, the open peritoneal cavity washed, and the collected washing re-inoculated into new mice. This was repeated for several fluid-transfer generations. In a course of more than twenty-five such attempts, a small growth of ascites was obtained in. only a single instance. This one ascites grew slowly for three fluid-transfer generations and then failed to multiply on the fourth re-inoculation. In all other attempts, this procedure failed to produce ascitic growth. In many animals, however, nodular growths were obtained at the site of injection of the initial suspension, or on the peritoneal surface.
Mission Advantages of Constant Power, Variable Isp Electrostatic Thrusters

Electric propulsion has moved from station-keeping capability for spacecraft to primary propulsion with the advent of both the Deep Space One asteroid flyby and geosynchronous spacecraft orbit insertion. In both cases notably more payload was delivered than would have been possible with chemical propulsion. To provide even greater improvements electrostatic thruster performance could be varied in specific impulse, but kept at constant power to provide better payload or trip time performance for different mission phases. Such variable specific impulse mission applications include geosynchronous and low earth orbit spacecraft stationkeeping and orbit insertion, geosynchronous reusable tug missions, and interplanetary probes. The application of variable specific impulse devices is shown to add from 5 to 15% payload for these missions. The challenges to building such devices include variable voltage power supplies and extending fuel throughput capabilities across the specific impulse range.
Confusing cortical columns

The late developmental neurobiologist, and a member of the National Academy of Sciences, Victor Hamburger told me during one of our discussions about the distinction between boring data and exciting concepts, “one can spend an entire lifetime correcting a flawed paper published in reputable journal and still loose the battle if people like the basic idea” (V. Hamburger, personal communication). An example of the longevity of basically incorrect information is the phenomenon of “The basic uniformity in structure of the neocortex,” published in 1980 by Rockel, Hiorns, and Powell (1). This highly influential paper had obvious problems at almost every level: The authors selected an arbitrary 30-μm-wide, 25-μm-deep vertical cortical “column” between the pia and the bottom of the cortex, because the ruler in the graticule of the oil-immersion eyepiece on their microscope had a 30-μm marker and their histological sections were 25 μm thick; then, they estimated that the number of neurons within this “minicolumn” is 110 in all cytoarchitectonic areas examined, without any correction for the cell size; and finally, based on this dubious finding, they made a broad generalization that the magic number of 110 is constant in all mammalian species (rodents, carnivore, and primates, including human) in all cytoarchitectonic areas (except the primary visual cortex in primates). This finding led them to conclude that, “the intrinsic structure of the neocortex is basically more uniform than has been thought and that differences in cytoarchitecture and function reflects differences in connections.”
The development of wheels for the Lunar Roving Vehicle

The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) was developed for NASA s Apollo program so astronauts could cover a greater range on the lunar surface, carry more science instruments, and return more soil and rock samples than by foot. Because of the unique lunar environment, the creation of flexible wheels was the most challenging and time consuming aspect of the LRV development. Wheels developed for previous lunar systems were not sufficient for use with this manned vehicle; therefore, several new designs were created and tested. Based on criteria set by NASA, the choices were narrowed down to two: the wire mesh wheel developed by General Motors (GM), and the hoop spring wheel developed by the Bendix Corporation. Each of these underwent intensive mechanical, material, and terramechanical analyses, and in the end, the wire mesh wheel was chosen for the LRV. Though the wire mesh wheel was determined to be the best choice for its particular application, it may be insufficient towards achieving the objectives of future lunar missions that could require higher tractive capability, increased weight capacity, or extended life. Therefore lessons learned from the original LRV wheel development and suggestions for future Moon wheel projects are offered.
Pathogenesis of neurotropic murine coronavirus is multifactorial

Although coronavirus tropism is most often ascribed to receptor availability, increasing evidence suggests that for the neurotropic strains of the murine coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), spike–receptor interactions cannot fully explain neurovirulence. The canonical MHV receptor CEACAM1a and its spike-binding site have been extensively characterized. However, CEACAM1a is poorly expressed in neurons, and the extremely neurotropic MHV strain JHM.SD infects ceacam1a−/− mice and spreads among ceacam1a−/− neurons. Two proposed alternative MHV receptors, CEACAM2 and PSG16, also fail to account for neuronal spread of JHM.SD in the absence of CEACAM1a. It has been reported that JHM.SD has an unusually labile spike protein, enabling it to perform receptor-independent spread (RIS), but it is not clear if the ability to perform RIS is fully responsible for the extremely neurovirulent phenotype. We propose that the extreme neurovirulence of JHM.SD is multifactorial and might include as yet unidentified neuron-specific spread mechanisms.
Inhibition of Impulse Activity in a Sensory Neuron by an Electrogenic Pump

The crayfish tonic stretch receptor neuron manifests three phenomena: (a) Impulse frequency in response to a depolarizing current decays exponentially to half the initial rate with a time constant of about 4 sec. (b) One or more extra impulses superimposed on steady activity result in a lengthening of the interspike interval immediately following the last extra impulse which is proportional to the number of extra impulses. However, above a "threshold' number of impulses the proportionality constant becomes abruptly larger. (c) Following trains of impulses, the resting potential of the cell is hyperpolarized by an amount proportional to impulse number. Such posttetanic hyperpolarization (PTH) decays approximately exponentially with a time constant of 11 sec, but this varies with membrane potential. These effects are attributed to the incremental increase of an inhibitory (hyperpolarizing) current with a long (relative to interspike interval) decay constant. We suggest that this inhibitory current is the result of increased electrogenic Na pumping stimulated by Na entering with each impulse. Evidence is presented that the three effects are reversibly inhibited by conditions which depress active Na transport: (a) Li substituted for Na in the bath; (b) application of strophanthidin; (c) K removal; (d) treatment with cyanide; (e) cooling. We conclude that a single process is responsible for the three responses described above and identify that process as electrogenic Na pumping. Our observations also indicate that electrogenic pumping contributes to this neuron's resting potential.