cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Locating executable fragments with Concordia, a scalable, semantics-based architecture

The amount of digital evidence that must be processed by forensic tools and analysts is growing rapidly. This makes automated analysis a critical activity; an activity where continuous improvement is crucial. Concordia is a platform for investigating code semantics. One of Concordia's functions is identification of unknown code fragments; attempting to elucidate the possible objectives and origination of this type of evidence is our ultimate goal. Here we provide a synopsis of a method that identifies and locates code fragments using n-gram and semantics-based features and a k nearest neighbors classifier. Our objective is to identify a set of candidate files that may contain the unknown and supply additional details to isolate it within this set. To accomplish this task, Concordia uses the MapReduce model to process a large set of invariants to provide forensic experts a more efficient and automated way to produce solid intelligence about a growing body of evidence.
Effect of mexiletine, amiodarone and disopyramide on the excitability and refractoriness of canine cardiac fibers: possible relation to antiarrhythmic drug action and classification.

We tested the hypothesis of Campbell [1] that the effect of the sodium channel-blocking antiarrhythmic drugs on postrepolarization refractoriness i.e., relation between action potential duration (APD) and effective refractory period (ERP) is determined by the drug's effect on the recovery from Vmax block. We studied the effects of two antiarrhythmic drugs with fast (mexiletine, amiodarone), and one with slow (disopyramide) kinetics of recovery from Vmax block, at two different basic cycle lengths (BCL), on ERP/APD ratio in cardiac dog Purkinje and ventricular muscle fibers. ERP was measured using stimuli of 2 ms duration and 1.0 to 5.0 times diastolic threshold strength. The three drugs altered the kinetics of recovery from Vmax block in the manner previously reported by us and other investigators. In both fiber types, mexiletine increased and the other two drugs did not change the ERP/APD ratio. We concluded that the magnitude of postrepolarization refractoriness could not be predicted from the kinetics of the Vmax block. Also, the effect of the drug on the ERP/APD ratio could be altered by changes in the stimulus strength and the BCL.
Adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity and lipodystrophy.

The primary function of adipose tissue is to store energy in the form of triglycerides during periods of energy excess and to release the energy during fasting or starvation as free fatty acids and glycerol. Adipose tissue secretes a variety of peptides called adipocytokines (eg, leptin, adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, resistin, visfatin) that have endocrine, autocrine, and paracrine effects on the brain, liver, and skeletal muscles. These peptides play an important role in the regulation of energy homeostasis and intermediary metabolism. Adipose tissue also aromatizes androgens to estrogens, and some adipose tissue depots (mechanical fat) serve a protective or cushioning function. Dysfunction of adipose tissue can result in insulin resistance and its metabolic complications in patients with excess body fat (obesity) or markedly reduced body fat (lipodystrophy). Alterations in free fatty acid and adipocytokine release from adipose tissue may underlie metabolic complications.
Diallel analysis of spider mite resistant maize inbred lines and F1 crosses

Banks grass mite [BGM; Oligonychus pratensis (Banks)] and the twospotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) cause significant yield reductions in maize (Zea mays L.) grown in the Great Plains states. Understanding the inheritance of mite resistance will be useful in developing mite resistant hybrids. A Griffing's Method 2 diallel mating design was used to evaluate the range of resistance and combining ability of parents in F 1 crosses of seven mite resistant maize lines (T1, U2, A3, A4, A5, A7, and T9). Parent lines, F 1 crosses, and three checks (Mo17, B73 × Mo17, and Pioneer hybrid 34K77) were included in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Halfway, TX, in 2002 and Lubbock, TX, in 2001 and 2002. Following artificial infestations, mite resistance was evaluated for differences in mite infestations and feeding damage. Weekly mite densities and damage samples were used to calculate total mite densities, total damage ratings (TDRs), mite per damage ratio (MID), and a seasonal damage ratio (SDR). Total damage rating was significant for environments, genotype, and environment × genotype interaction. Total mite density (TMD) and M/D were significant for genotype and environment × genotype interaction. The SDR was significant for environment and genotype, but no interaction. Broad-sense heritability estimates showed that >90% of the TDR and SDR were associated with genotypic effects. Crosses with T1, U2, and T9 consistently supported larger mite populations, but had higher MID values than those with A3, A4, A5, and A7, indicating greater tolerance to mite feeding. Crosses between tolerant lines or between tolerant lines and antibiotic lines had overall better resistance than crosses between antibiotic lines. Diallel analyses showed that T1 and U2 had the highest general combining ability (GCA) for reducing damage. Tl × A4, T1 x A7, A3 x AS, and A4 x A7 were the best crosses for specific combining ability (SCA) for resistance to spider mites.
Coarse-grained modeling of conformational transitions underlying the processive stepping of myosin V dimer along filamentous actin.

To explore the structural basis of processive stepping of myosin V along filamentous actin, we have performed comprehensive modeling of its key conformational states and transitions with an unprecedented residue level of details. We have built structural models for a myosin V monomer complexed with filamentous actin at four biochemical states [adenosine diphosphate (ATP)-, adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-phosphate-, ADP-bound or nucleotide-free]. Then we have modeled a myosin V dimer (consisting of lead and rear head) at various two-head-bound states with nearly straight lever arms rotated by intramolecular strain. Next, we have performed transition pathway modeling to determine the most favorable sequence of transitions (namely, phosphate release at the lead head followed by ADP release at the rear head, while ADP release at the lead head is inhibited), which underlie the kinetic coordination between the two heads. Finally, we have used transition pathway modeling to reveal the order of structural changes during three key biochemical transitions (phosphate release at the lead head, ADP release and ATP binding at the rear head), which shed lights on the strain-dependence of the allosterically coupled motions at various stages of myosin V's work cycle. Our modeling results are in agreement with and offer structural insights to many results of kinetic, single-molecule and structural studies of myosin V. Proteins 2011; © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Bijective Proof of a Factorization Formula for Specialized Macdonald Polynomials

Let μ and ν = (ν1, . . . , νk) be partitions such that μ is obtained from ν by adding m parts of size r. Descouens and Morita proved algebraically that the modified Macdonald polynomials \({{\tilde{H}_\mu}(X; q, t)}\) satisfy the identity \({{\tilde{H}_\mu} = \tilde{H}_\nu \tilde{H}_{(r^m)}}\) when the parameter t is specialize to an mth root of unity. Descouens, Morita, and Numata proved this formula bijectively when r ≤ νk and \({r \in \{1, 2\}}\) . This note gives a bijective proof of the formula for all r ≤ νk.
Anomalous radiocarbon ages from a Holocene detrital organic lens in Alaska and their implications for radiocarbon dating and paleoenvironmental reconstructions in the arctic

Abstract Eleven radiocarbon age determinations clearly show that a lens of Holocene fluvial organic debris on the Alaskan Arctic Coastal Plain contains mostly pre-Holocene organic material. Radio-carbon ages of identified plant macrofossils indicate the material was deposited about 9000 to 9500 yr B.P. Radiocarbon analyses of bulk samples from this deposit, however, range from 13,300 to 30,300 yr B.P. Most of the old organic matter seems to be in the smaller size fractions in the deposit, particularly in the fraction between 0.25 and 0.5 mm, but all size fractions are contaminated. Particular caution must be exercised in submitting bulk samples for radiocarbon dating from areas where conditions favor redeposition of isotopically “dead” carbon.
Ambient air pollution and hypertensive disorder of pregnancy

Background Ambient air pollution has been implicated in the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). However, evidence of the association between air pollution and HDP is still limited, and the effects of gaseous air pollutants on HDP and their time windows of exposure have not been well studied. Methods We used the Florida birth registry data to investigate the associations between air pollutants (NO 2 , SO 2 , PM 2.5 , O 3 and CO) and the risks of HDP in 22 041 pregnant women in Jacksonville, Florida, USA from 2004 to 2005. Further, we examined whether air pollution exposure during different time windows defined by trimesters and the entire pregnancy had different effects on HDP. Results The single-pollutant logistic regression model showed that exposure to four pollutants during the full pregnancy period was significantly associated with prevalence of HDP after adjusting for covariates: NO 2 (OR=1.21, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.35), PM 2.5 (OR=1.24, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.43), SO 2 (OR=1.13, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.25) and CO (OR=1.12, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.22) per IQR increase. Similar effects were observed when first trimester exposure to NO 2 , SO 2 and CO, and second trimester exposures to PM 2.5 were examined. Consistent results were confirmed in multiple-pollutant models. Conclusions This study suggests that exposure to high levels of air pollution during early pregnancy and the full gestational period was associated with increased prevalence of HDP in Florida, USA.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray characterization of the glpX-encoded class II fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase; EC 3.1.3.11), which is a key enzyme in gluconeogenesis, catalyzes the hydrolysis of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate to form fructose 6-phosphate and orthophosphate. The present investigation reports the crystallization and preliminary crystallographic studies of the glpX-encoded class II FBPase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. The recombinant protein, which was cloned using an Escherichia coli expression system, was purified and crystallized using the hanging-drop vapor-diffusion method. The crystals diffracted to a resolution of 2.7 A and belonged to the hexagonal space group P6122, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 131.3, c = 143.2 A. The structure has been solved by molecular replacement and is currently undergoing refinement.
Immunomodulator expression in trophoblasts from the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)- infected cat

Background FIV infection frequently compromises pregnancy under experimental conditions and is accompanied by aberrant expression of some placental cytokines. Trophoblasts produce numerous immunomodulators that play a role in placental development and pregnancy maintenance. We hypothesized that FIV infection may cause dysregulation of trophoblast immunomodulator expression, and aberrant expression of these molecules may potentiate inflammation and compromise pregnancy. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the expression of representative pro-(TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-12p35, IL-12p40, IL-18, and GM-CSF) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10); CD134, a secondary co-stimulatory molecule expressed on activated T cells (FIV primary receptor); the chemokine receptor CXCR4 (FIV co-receptor); SDF-1α, the chemokine ligand to CXCR4; and FIV gag in trophoblasts from early-and late-term pregnancy.
African American Issues in Geriatric Psychiatry: A Perspective on Research Opportunities:

Racial, ethnic, and cultural factors influencing mental health in later life are important to study in their own right. However, they also offer an opportunity to expand our understanding of mental health and mental illness in older adults independent of race, ethnicity, or culture. Any time an opportunity arises to examine a problem from a different perspective, chances increase that new light will be shed on the problem. For example, while suicide is greatest in older Americans compared with any other US population group, it is less frequent in older blacks than older whites. Why? Among the different theories that have been advanced, one holds that older African Americans in reaching later life have surmounted more threats to self-esteem (compared with whites) and are thereby better adapted to new challenges associated with aging.1 Still, the discrepancy in suicide rates between older blacks and whites remains an important research question. In studying suicide with attention to racial and ethnic variab...
Computational Modeling of Vortex Generators for Turbomachinery

In this work computational models were developed and used to investigate applications of vortex generators (VGs) to turbomachinery. The work was aimed at increasing the efficiency of compressor components designed for the NASA Ultra Efficient Engine Technology (UEET) program. Initial calculations were used to investigate the physical behavior of VGs. A parametric study of the effects of VG height was done using 3-D calculations of isolated VGs. A body force model was developed to simulate the effects of VGs without requiring complicated grids. The model was calibrated using 2-D calculations of the VG vanes and was validated using the 3-D results. Then three applications of VGs to a compressor rotor and stator were investigated: 1) The results of the 3-D calculations were used to simulate the use of small casing VGs used to generate rotor preswirl or counterswirl. Computed performance maps were used to evaluate the effects of VGs. 2) The body force model was used to simulate large part-span splitters on the casing ahead of the stator. Computed loss buckets showed the effects of the VGs. 3) The body force model was also used to investigate the use of tiny VGs on the stator suction surface for controlling secondary flows. Near-surface particle traces and exit loss profiles were used to evaluate the effects of the VGs.
Design of Flexible Skin for Target Displacements Based on Meso-Structures

Recent advances in sold freeform fabrication (SFF) present tremendous design freedom for a product design with complex geometries. In this paper, we consider the problem of using rigid materials to design flexible skin of a product component for SFF. A design strategy based on the combination of well-defined meso-structures is presented to achieve desired heterogeneous material properties, and consequently desired flexibility in target directions and positions. We present our computational framework to automate the design optimization process. Due to the dramatically increased design space, a brute force or traditional design optimization method such as the genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swam optimization (PSO) is not efficient. We present a design method based on the idea of analyzing the flexibility of each link for given meso-structures. Two experimental examples are presented to demonstrate its usage in generating the maximum/minimum and target displacements. We also present its comparison with the GA and PSO methods.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
When Recalls Matter: Factors Affecting Owner Response to Automotive Recalls

This paper assesses the impact of recall-specific variables on owner response rates to automotive safety recall campaigns under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966. Using a multiple regression framework, the paper finds that owner response rates have been significantly higher for owners of American vehicles as compared to European and Japanese vehicles, for owners of newer model vehicles as compared to older ones, and for owners of vehicles with severe safety-related defects as compared to vehicles with lesser problems. The paper concludes with the suggestion that, for vehicles with characteristically lower owner response rates, the issuance of multiple recall notices or the coupling of periodic safety inspections with recall compliance may be advisable.
Relation of hepatic microsomal monooxygenase activity to tissue PCBs in rainbow trout (salmo gairdneri) injected with [14C] PCBs

The relationship of tissue PCB levels to hepatic microsomal monooxygenase activity in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) was assessed. This was accomplished by injecting individual trout with corn oil vehicle or with a [14C]PCB mixture in corn oil. At 3 to 70 d after injection, tissue [14C]PCB concentrations were determined by scintillation counting of solubilized tissue samples, and hepatic microsomes were prepared and assayed for ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase and ethoxy-coumarin-O-deethylase activities. At three days after injection only the highest doses of PCBs caused elevation of hepatic microsomal monooxygenase activity. At later times, muscle and liver concentrations of PCBs at or lower than 250 ng/g were associated with hepatic microsomal monooxygenase activity at or near control levels. Elevated hepatic microsomal monooxygenase activity was associated with muscle and liver PCB concentrations 300 ng/g or higher, but not all fish with tissue PCBs above this concentration had elevated hepatic microsomal monooxygenase activity.
High-speed strength testing of optical fibers

High speed strength testing of proof test level flaws in optical fiber was accomplished using a conventional belt slide and a piezoelectric load cell. Stressing rates of 10,000 kpsi/s were achieved and fractographic analysis of fracture surfaces confirms the measured strengths. Even at such high stressing rates, little evidence of the inert strength was found. However, significant curvature in the log strength versus log stressing rate data suggests the presence of region II crack velocities.
The Criminological Case Evaluation and Sentencing Recommendation: An Idea Whose Time Has Come:

The purpose of sentencing is to give convicted offenders their "just desserts" and simultaneously provide the community with a sense of justice. In assessing sanctions, judges often have little data to support other than traditional sentencing models. Use of the Criminological Case Evaluation and Sentencing Recommendation provides the judiciary with in-depth background information and offers creative sentencing options. This procedure allows expanded remedial and rehabilitation efforts.
Phospholipid Transfer Protein Mediates Transfer of not Only Phosphatidylcholine but Also Cholesterol from Phosphatidylcholine-Cholesterol Vesicles to High Density Lipoproteins

Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) purified from human plasma was found to enhance the transfer of cholesterol from single bilayer vesicles containing phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol to high density lipoprotein-3. The rate of cholesterol transfer was greatly influenced by the cholesterol content of the donor vesicles. The maximal rate was observed with the vesicles containing 20-25 mol % cholesterol. This was in contrast to a progressive decline in the rate of phosphatidylcholine transfer with an increase in the cholesterol content. To determine the binding of cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine to PLTP, the mixtures of PLTP and the vesicles containing 3H-labeled phosphatidylcholine and 14C-labeled cholesterol were incubated and subjected to sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Determination of the label profiles showed that cholesterol as well as phosphatidylcholine were transferred from the vesicles to PLTP. The reversible nature of the binding was shown by the transfer of labeled cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine bound to PLTP to the acceptor vesicles or low density lipoprotein. Isothermal equilibrium binding of PLTP for cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine showed that PLTP possessed a considerably higher affinity and binding capacity for phosphatidylcholine than for cholesterol. The phosphatidylcholine binding affinity and capacity were greater when PLTP was incubated with phosphatidylcholine vesicles without cholesterol. A possible importance of PLTP-mediated cholesterol transfer in the circulation was described.
Impact of Varying Planting Dates and Tillage Systems on Cotton Growth and Lint Yield Production

As economic conditions deteriorated, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) producers have looked to improve profi t margins by reducing inputs while maintaining yields. Pairing the yield benefi ts from early planting with the input reductions from conservation tillage might help accomplish those goals. Th e objective was to determine how growth, lint yield, and fi ber quality were impacted by planting cotton early while using minimum tillage. Four cotton cultivars were planted either during the fi rst week in April (Early) or the fi rst week in May (Normal) in 2004 to 2007. Half the plots were conventional tillage and half were minimum tillage. Dry matter partitioning, fl owering, root hydraulic conductance, leaf water potential, lint yield, yield components, and fi ber quality data were collected. Cultivars diff ered in leaf water potential, leaf osmotic potential, and root hydraulic conductance. Root hydraulic conductance for the early planting was 21% greater than the normal planting, but no diff erences were detected between tillage treatments. Early planting increased yields 22% in 2007, but yields did not diff er between planting dates any other year. During 2006 and 2007, lint yields were reduced 13% when minimum tillage was employed. No planting date × tillage treatment interactions were detected, so the same response to minimum tillage could be expected regardless of whether the planting occurred in early April or early May. Even though yield reductions were occasionally observed with minimum tillage, the pairing of minimum tillage with early planting could be a viable option for producers because of the input reduction.
Visual receptive fields in the striate-recipient zone of the lateral posterior-pulvinar complex

The lateral posterior (LP)-pulvinar complex of the cat is known to contain multiple visual areas. In the present study, we examined the receptive field properties of single neurons isolated in the lateral division of this complex (the LPI). The LPI is designated the striate- recipient zone because it is the only region of the LP-pulvinar receiving cortical projections from areas 17 and 18. The recordings revealed that the striate-recipient zone of LP comprises 2 subareas, which we have termed LPI-1 and LPI-2. In the main segment (LPI-1), virtually all cells responded securely to visual stimuli. The vast majority of these neurons were binocular, with relatively small and well-defined receptive fields. More than half of the cells were found to be directionally selective, and almost this many were orientation specific. The orientation tuning of these cells was found to be quite precise, comparable to complex cells in area 17. In contrast, in the small dorsolateral segment of the striate-recipient zone (the LPI-2), a substantial proportion of cells could not be visually activated. Here, the visual cells had very large receptive fields, and relatively few were direction or orientation selective. The LPI-2 receives subcortical inputs from the superficial layers of the superior colliculus, the hypothalamus, and cerebellum, while the LPI-1 is innervated only by cortical axons. It is suggested that the subcortical connections of the LPI-2 account for the differences in the response properties of the 2 striate-recipient areas. The present results, in conjunction with our previous findings on the principal tectorecipient zone (Chalupa et al., 1983), permit 2 generalizations regarding the functional organization of the cat's LP-pulvinar complex. First, there are clear differences among the visual areas of the LP-pulvinar in the cellular processing of visual information. Second, these functional differences can be related to the principal sources of visual input to the various divisions of the LP-pulvinar.
Response of photovoltaic cells to pulsed laser illumination

Future space missions may use laser power beaming systems with a free electron laser (FEL) to transmit light to a photovoltaic array receiver. To investigate the efficiency of solar cells with pulsed laser light, several types of GaAs, Si, CuInSe/sub 2/, and GaSb cells were tested with the simulated pulse format of the induction and radio frequency (RF) FEL. The induction pulse format was simulated with an 800-watt average power copper vapor laser and the RF format with a frequency-doubled mode-locked Nd:YAG laser. Averaged current versus bias voltage measurements for each cell were taken at various optical power levels and the efficiency measured at the maximum power point. Experimental results show that the conversion efficiency for the cells tested is highly dependent on cell minority carrier lifetime, the width and frequency of the pulses, load impedance, and the average incident power. Three main effects were found to decrease the efficiency of solar cells exposed to simulated FEL illumination: cell series resistance, LC "ringing", and output inductance. Improvements in efficiency were achieved by modifying the frequency response of the cell to match the spectral energy content of the laser pulse with external passive components. >
Enhanced Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange activity in cardiomyopathic Syrian hamster.

The signaling of contraction by Ca2+ in the Syrian hamster (BIO 14.6) heart in the late stage of the cardiomyopathy (220 to 300 days old) was compared with that in age-matched healthy hamster hearts. Membrane current and cell shortening or intracellular Ca2+ transients were measured simultaneously in isolated whole-cell-clamped myocytes. The density of the L-type Ca2+ current was smaller in myopathic than in normal myocytes (2.13 +/- 0.3 versus 3.21 +/- 0.4 pA/pF at 0 mV, P < .05). In both control and myopathic myocytes, the L-type Ca2+ current gated the release of Ca2+ and activation of contraction. In myopathic myocytes, activation of contraction also activated a slowly inactivating inward current of 1.73 +/- 0.2 pA/pF. The Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger generated this current (INa-Ca), because it was suppressed by rapid replacement of Na+ with Li+ and depletion of the intracellular Ca2+ pool by caffeine. INa-Ca, activated by rapid application of caffeine, was not significantly different in both groups (3.7 +/- 0.5 pA/pF in control hearts versus 3.9 +/- 0.5 pA/pF in cardiomyopathic hearts). The activation of the inward exchanger current in myopathic myocytes coincided with a significant prolongation of contraction and the intracellular Ca2+ transient and a delay in the onset of relaxation. These results suggest that the enhanced activity of the Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger may be related to compromised sequestration of Ca2+ in these animals.
Electronic Structure of Pristine and Solute-Incorporated SrTiO3: I, Perfect-Crystal Geometry and Acceptor Doping

In Part I of this three-part report, various aspects of the electronic structure of pristine and acceptor-impurity-incorporated perfect-crystal SrTiO3 were investigated. An embedded-cluster approach was used to perform first-principles, self-consistent-field calculations. Within the framework of the local-density functional approximation, one-electron equations were evaluated using a discrete variational method to study pristine titanium- and strontium-centered clusters of perfect-crystal SrTiO3. Clusters with a single acceptor impurity substitution at the central titanium site also were considered. However, the relaxation of the atomic structure resulting from the incorporation of these single impurities were not considered in the calculations. Calculations involved determination of the densities of states and spin densities of states of the cluster atoms near the Fermi energy. Mulliken charge populations of atomic orbitals, valence of individual atoms, and nature of bonds between the atoms also were determined. Spatial distribution of charge density and spin density of valence band orbitals, which were included in the variational space, were determined for pristine and impurity-centered clusters. The influence of impurity substitution at a titanium site on the local electronic structure was evaluated in terms of the variations in the densities of states and in the spatial distribution of charge densities. The role of local charge transfer and impurity-induced changes in Mulliken populations also were investigated in connection with the electronic activity of SrTiO3. Possible mechanisms of electrical conductivity were studied. Cluster calculations revealed a mixed ionic-covalent nature of the Ti-O bond and purely ionic nature of the Sr-O bond for the perfect-crystal geometry of SrTiO3. The optical bandgap and the densities of states calculated using the cluster method were in good agreement with previous theoretical and experimental investigations. The methodology correctly predicted the acceptor nature and the trends therein of the transition-metal impurities at the titanium sites. For pristine and impurity-incorporated clusters, the densities of states, the charge- and spin-density distributions, and the Mulliken charge population consistently converged to the same results, providing information regarding the electronic behavior of the SrTiO3.
Calcium Waves Precede Electrophysiological Changes of Spreading Depression in Hippocampal Organ Cultures

Although intercellular Ca2+ waves resemble spreading depression (SD) and occur in hippocampal organ cultures (HOTCs), SD has not been reported in these cultures. Accordingly, electrophysiological and Ca2+ imaging techniques were used to examine potential interrelations between Ca2+ waves and electrophysiological changes of SD. Our results show, for the first time, that HOTCs can support SD. Furthermore, two distinct Ca2+ waves were found to precede SD. The first traveled >100 μm/sec along the pyramidal cell dendritic layer. The second subsequently traveled mostly perpendicular to the pyramidal cell layer from CA3 (or CA1) but also in all directions from its area of initiation. This second, slower wave spread with the interstitial DC change of SD at millimeters per minute but always ahead of it by 6–16 sec. Heptanol, which uncouples gap junctions, blocked both of these Ca2+ waves and SD. Thus, two types of Ca2+ waves occur with the initiation and propagation of SD. The first might reflect interneuronal changes linked by gap junctions, whereas the second might stem from interastrocyte changes linked via similar connections. Because individual cells can be followed in space and time for protracted periods in HOTCs, this preparation may be ideal for studies designed to explore not only the mechanisms of SD but also the long-term consequences of SD, such as ischemic tolerance.
Software testing with an operational profile: OP definition

This article is devoted to the survey, analysis, and classification of operational profiles (OP) that characterize the type and frequency of software inputs and are used in software testing techniques. The survey follows a mixed method based on systematic maps and qualitative analysis. This article is articulated around a main dimension, that is, OP classes, which are a characterization of the OP model and the basis for generating test cases. The classes are organized as a taxonomy composed of common OP features (e.g., profiles, structure, and scenarios), software boundaries (which define the scope of the OP), OP dependencies (such as those of the code or in the field of interest), and OP development (which specifies when and how an OP is developed). To facilitate understanding of the relationships between OP classes and their elements, a meta-model was developed that can be used to support OP standardization. Many open research questions related to OP definition and development are identified based on the survey and classification.
Influence of SST biases on future climate change projections

We use a quantile-based bias correction technique and a multi-member ensemble of the atmospheric component of NCAR CCSM3 (CAM3) simulations to investigate the influence of sea surface temperature (SST) biases on future climate change projections. The simulations, which cover 1977–1999 in the historical period and 2077–2099 in the future (A1B) period, use the CCSM3-generated SSTs as prescribed boundary conditions. Bias correction is applied to the monthly time-series of SSTs so that the simulated changes in SST mean and variability are preserved. Our comparison of CAM3 simulations with and without SST correction shows that the SST biases affect the precipitation distribution in CAM3 over many regions by introducing errors in atmospheric moisture content and upper-level (lower-level) divergence (convergence). Also, bias correction leads to significantly different precipitation and surface temperature changes over many oceanic and terrestrial regions (predominantly in the tropics) in response to the future anthropogenic increases in greenhouse forcing. The differences in the precipitation response from SST bias correction occur both in the mean and the percent change, and are independent of the ocean–atmosphere coupling. Many of these differences are comparable to or larger than the spread of future precipitation changes across the CMIP3 ensemble. Such biases can affect the simulated terrestrial feedbacks and thermohaline circulations in coupled climate model integrations through changes in the hydrological cycle and ocean salinity. Moreover, biases in CCSM3-generated SSTs are generally similar to the biases in CMIP3 ensemble mean SSTs, suggesting that other GCMs may display a similar sensitivity of projected climate change to SST errors. These results help to quantify the influence of climate model biases on the simulated climate change, and therefore should inform the effort to further develop approaches for reliable climate change projection.
Strategies to Avoid Audism in Adult Educational Settings

Humphries first defined the term audism as “the notion that one is superior based on one’s ability to hear or behave in the manner of one who hears”. Audism is a prejudice related to the physical hearing condition of the human body. The point of this article is not to substantiate or negate the term’s importance but to inform adult educators of the issues of oppression surrounding the term. The purpose of this article is to explore the basis and origins of audism, literature supporting the idea of audism, experiences labeled as audism, implications of audism in the field of adult education, and strategies to avoid five common pitfalls of adult educators. Understanding the term, and its usefulness to some individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, will benefit adult educators and provide strategies to avoid audism in adult education environments.
Absorption and translocation of glyphosate in glyphosate-resistant cotton as influenced by application method and growth stage

Abstract The influence of herbicide placement and plant growth stage on the absorption and translocation patterns of 14C-glyphosate in glyphosate-resistant cotton was investigated. Plants at four growth stages were treated with 14C-glyphosate on a 5-cm2 section of the stem, which simulated a postemergence-directed spray (PDS) application, or on the newest mature leaf, which simulated a postemergence (POST) application. Plants were harvested 3 and 7 d after treatment and divided into the treated leaf or treated stem, mature leaves, immature leaves and buds, stems, roots, fruiting branches (including the foliage on the fruiting branch), squares, and bolls. The PDS versus POST application main effect on absorption was significant. Absorption of 14C-glyphosate applied to stem tissue was higher in PDS applications than in POST applications. Plants receiving PDS applications absorbed 35% of applied 14C-glyphosate, whereas those receiving POST applications absorbed 26%, averaged over growth stages at application...
Quick-Cook Ovens: A Public Relations Perspective

The product manager is informed by the quality control manager of radiation leakage in the microwave ovens shipped in the last several months that could possibly pose a health hazard to the consumer. If a recall is instituted, a severe loss of consumer confidence could result in a sharp decline in market share. Meanwhile, the cause of the defect has been uncovered, and current units being shipped fall within federal limits. The product manager decides to talk confidentially to an acquaintance in the firm's public relations department before deciding what to do. The case raises issues of "the right thing to do" on the part of both the product manager and the public relations department.
Aggressive Tax Avoidance: A Conundrum for Stakeholders, Governments, and Morality

This is the conundrum that gives rise to the issue of tax avoidance: Although governments always seem to lack sufficient funds to support the needs of society, tax codes are often written that offer “a way out” of paying taxes for some but not all constituents. The ways out are referred to as loopholes that allow taxpayers to avoid taxes. This paper first defines the basic terms of tax avoidance and tax evasion and then offers an ethical review of the morality of aggressive tax avoidance. Aggressive tax avoidance is then addressed in relationship a corporate entity’s tone at the top. The conclusion is drawn that use of the letter of the law to avoid payment of taxes sorely needed by governments for the good faith provision of public goods and services is ethically unacceptable. Several suggestions for change are provided, including a new financial statement disclosure and the possibility of a published corporate ethics report.
Carbon monoxide poisoning and pulmonary injury from the mixture of formic and sulfuric acids

ABSTRACTContext: The inhalation of carbon monoxide produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon remains a popular method of suicide. A much less common method of producing carbon monoxide for suicide is by mixing formic and sulfuric acids. Case details: We describe a patient who attempted suicide by mixing formic and sulfuric acids. He presented with a depressed level of consciousness, chemical burns of his airway and skin, and respiratory distress. He was found to have a metabolic acidosis, a carboxyhemoglobin of 36.8%, hyperkalemia, and rhabdomyolysis. His hospital course was notable for copious pulmonary secretions and hypoxia, but he ultimately recovered with supportive care. Discussion: The case highlights the potential toxicity, particularly from inhaled carbon monoxide and formic acid, with this method of suicide.
Prospects for the Computational Design of Bipyridine N,N′-Dioxide Catalysts for Asymmetric Propargylation Reactions

Stereoselectivities were predicted for the allylation of benzaldehyde using allyltrichlorosilanes catalyzed by 18 axially chiral bipyridine N,N′-dioxides. This was facilitated by the computational toolkit AARON (Automated Alkylation Reaction Optimizer for N-oxides), which automates the optimization of all of the required transition-state structures for such reactions. Overall, we were able to predict the sense of stereoinduction for all 18 of the catalysts, with predicted ee’s in reasonable agreement with experiment for 15 of the 18 catalysts. Curiously, we find that ee’s predicted from relative energy barriers are more reliable than those based on either relative enthalpy or free energy barriers. The ability to correctly predict the stereoselectivities for these allylation catalysts in an automated fashion portends the computational screening of potential organocatalysts for this and related reactions. By studying a large number of allylation catalysts, we were also able to gain new insight into the orig...
A new species of Gahrliepia (Walchia) from Japan (Prostigmata, Trombiculidae).

A new species, Gahrliepia (Walchia) sasai , ex Talpa micrura imaizumii and a rodent hole from the Mt Fuji area of Japan, is described and illustrated. It is closely related to G. (W.) ogatai and G. (W.) masoni.
Dipyridamole-cisplatin potentiation: enhanced in vivo cytotoxicity in xenograft models of human testicular and bladder cancers.

Abstract The antitumor efficacy and host toxicity of dipyridamole (DP), methotrexate (MTX) and cisplatin (CDDP) alone and combined were evaluated in a nude mouse supported human bladder cancer model. Single agent post treatment tumor volume growth ratio [TGR] values of DP, MTX and CDDP were 97%, 65% and 49% of control. While the MTX/DP combination produced only mild cytotoxic enhancement, CDDP/DP and CDDP/MTX/DP reduced TGR to 20% and 17%, respectively. A second multi-dose evaluation of CDDP/DP using human testicular carcinoma in this model also showed a CDDP dose-dependent response with achievable complete tumor regression. Host toxicity was not substantially increased by DP. DP would appear to be effective in vivo as a chemosensitizer of CDDP; it may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of CDDP in a variety of tumors. ( J. Urol., 144: 1004–1009, 1990 )
“Circe” as the Climax of Joyce’s Humanistic Vision

One could argue that beginning with Bloom’s pursuit of Stephen into nighttown, the human values displace the aesthetic ones as a focus. For in the final four chapters, the form — no matter how innovative — is in the service of meaning. In “Circe”, Joyce uses the technique of omniscient narration to explore the subconscious lives of Stephen and Bloom. As Lawrence indicates, the chapter dramatizes aspects of experience that the stream-of-consciousness represses: “his father’s suicide, his son’s death at eleven days old, and his wife’s adultery”.1 Frequently, Joyce provides metaphors — hyperbolic metaphors — for the repressed experiences of Stephen and Bloom rather than new perspectives on their actual past experience.2 However, “Circe” is not merely the dramatization of the conscious and subconscious lives of Bloom and Stephen, but the revelation of the narrative presence, the fictionalized Joyce, as he searches for meaning and fulfilment. Indeed, the increasingly radical metaphors demonstrate the fulfilment of the quest to find the necessary technique to write Ulysses. By refusing to separate clearly the surface events from the hallucinations and fantasies, Joyce demonstrates for us that external events and unconscious life cannot be meaningfully distinguished.
Transient Tics and Tourette's Syndrome

The relation of transient tic disorder (TTD - motor or vocal tics lasting less than 1 year) to Tourette's syndrome (TS multiple motor and vocal tics lasting longer than 1 year) has been evaluated in two Canadian Mennonite families at the Dept of Neurology, Univ of Rochester Sch of Med, NY.
Opportunities in pulsed laser deposition with the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility Free Electron Laser

The Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility Free Electron Laser (TJNAF-FEL) provides a unique combination of laser parameters: femtosecond pulses, high average power, wavelength tunability and very high repetition rate. This work highlights the advantages of using sub-picosecond pulses at very high repetition rate for pulsed laser ablation and deposition, through analysis of plasma spectra, time-resolved ion and electron emission and morphology of the ablated targets. It is found that the femtosecond pulses produce ablation with little melting and that the high repetition rate leads to high deposition rates as well as laser-plume interactions not seen with lower repetition rate systems.
Preservice teachers’ pictorial strategies for a multistep multiplicative fraction problem

Abstract Previous research has documented that preservice teachers (PSTs) struggle with understanding fraction concepts and operations, and misconceptions often stem from their understanding of the referent whole. This study expands research on PSTs’ understanding of wholes by investigating pictorial strategies that 85 PSTs constructed for a multistep fraction task in a multiplicative context. The results show that many PSTs were able to construct valid pictorial strategies, and the strategies were widely diverse with respect to how they made sense of an unknown referent whole of a fraction in multiple steps, how they represented the wholes in their drawings, in which order they did multiple steps, and which type of model they used (area or set). Based on their wide range of pictorial strategies, we discuss potential benefits of PSTs’ construction of their own representations for a word problem in developing problem solving skills.
Association of Multimorbidity with Mortality and Healthcare Utilization in Chronic Kidney Disease.

Objectives Chronic kidney disease (CKD) almost universally occurs in individuals with other medical problems. However, few studies have described CKD-related multimorbidity using a framework that identifies chronic conditions as concordant (having overlap in treatment goals) versus discordant (having opposing treatment recommendations) and unrelated (having no overlap, but contributing to complexity via different resource requirements). Design Retrospective cohort. Setting Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers. Participants VA patients (n = 821,334) ages 18–100 years with at least one outpatient visit and incident CKD defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 months between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2008 after excluding prevalent CKD. Measurements We determined the associations of number of chronic conditions (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more) stratified by the presence of one or more discordant/unrelated conditions with mortality, hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits. Results There were 381,187 deaths over 6.8 median years of follow-up. Higher risks of death, hospitalization and ED visits were associated with higher number of chronic conditions, among those with and without discordant/unrelated conditions. However, the magnitudes of the associations were consistently larger when at least one discordant/unrelated condition was present. For example, compared to patients with one concordant condition, patients with six or more concordant conditions had an age-, race- and sex-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for mortality of 1.72 (95% CI 1.64–1.80) whereas those with six or more conditions, at least one of which was discordant/unrelated, had a HR of 2.05 (2.01–2.09) (P-interaction <0.001). Conclusions The presence of one or more discordant/unrelated conditions was associated with increased risk for adverse health outcomes, beyond the effect of multimorbidity.
Quantum mechanics and realism

Quantum mechanics is usually presented as a challenge to scientific realism, but I will argue that the details of quantum mechanics actually support realism. I will first present some basic quantum mechanical concepts and results, including the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) experiment and Bell's theorem, and do it in a way that everyone can understand. I will then use the physics to inform the philosophy, showing that quantum mechanics provides evidence to support epistemological realism.
Blink reflex parameters in baseline, active, and head-impact Division I athletes

AbstractThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 1.6–3.8 million concussions occur each year. Research cites that 21% of traumatic brain injury in children/youth results from partic...