cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
When is electroconvulsive therapy appropriate for children and adolescents

The indications for electroconvulsive therapy in children and adolescents are similar to those in adults, including severe affective, psychotic and catatonic pathology that has proven refractory to psychotropic medications and causes significant functional impairment. ECT may be indicated as well in specific pediatric neurological conditions. Multiple published reports demonstrate the safety and efficacy of ECT in pediatric patients with a wide range of psychopathology. ECT has also been successfully used in youth with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities who present with catatonic deterioration. However, resistance and stigma persist regarding the use of ECT in children and adolescents in both the professional and lay communities, creating barriers to pediatric ECT access. We argue that the use of ECT in children and adolescents is appropriate for specific clinical indications, and urge removal of impediments to ECT access in this population.
Microsatellite analysis of demographic genetic structure in fragmented populations of the tropical tree Symphonia globulifera

We developed genetic markers for three microsatellite loci in the tropical tree Symphonia globulifera and used them to examine the demographic genetic consequences of forest fragmentation. High levels of genetic variation were revealed in samples of adults, saplings, and seedlings. The more-variable loci exhibited less stability in allelic composition across sites and stages. The number of alleles per hectare (ha) of forest was similar when continuous forest plots were compared to plots from fragmented forest for all three stages. This pattern also held for the number of unique multilocus adult and sapling genotypes, but the number of unique seedling genotypes per ha of fragmented forest greatly exceeded expectations based on continuous forest data, probably due to the concentration of seeds into remnant forest patches by foraging bats. Significant inbreeding and genetic differentiation were most often associated with the fragmented forest and the seedlings. Finally, principal component analysis reaffirmed that a bottleneck, acting in concert with pre-existing genetic structure in the adults, had led to enhanced and rapid divergence in the seedlings following deforestation, a result that is of central interest for landscape management.
Impaired direction and extent specification of aimed arm movements in humans with stroke-related brain damage.

The role of sensorimotor (S-M) areas in the specification of kinematic parameters for aiming movements was studied by comparing the performance of six subjects with unilateral stroke to that of matched control subjects. Rapid arm movements were made to one of four targets by rotating the forearm in a short (20°) or long (45°) arc of motion. Thus, the four targets represented two directions (flexion or extension) and two extents (short or long). Subjects with stroke used the arm ipsilateral to the side of the lesion. A timed-response paradigm was used to dissociate response initiation and specification. Subjects initiated movements in concert with the last of four regularly timed tones. A visual cue of the designated target was presented during the preparation interval (400–0 ms) before the last tone. Targets were presented in a fixed sequence (predictable condition) or a random sequence (unpredictable condition). No significant differences in performance were found between stroke and control groups in the predictable condition. In the unpredictable condition, subjects with stroke produced more direction errors and were less accurate in extent than the control subjects. As specification time increased to 400 ms, the frequency of direction errors attenuated less for stroke than for control groups, but the reduction in magnitude of extent errors was similar for the two groups. When specification was minimal (i.e., <100 ms), default responses were distributed equally between directions and clustered around the short extent. Further, wrong direction responses did not converge on the designated extent as specification time increased. This pattern of findings is consistent with a view of parameterization of planning and executing movements, in which direction and extent can be specified in parallel. Our results suggest that ipsilateral S-M areas contribute to the specification of an optimal motor program, particularly when imperative programming of unimanual goal-directed aiming movements is required.
Effect of milrinone on small mesenteric artery vasoconstriction : role of K+ channels

We examined whether milrinone-mediated attenuation of small mesenteric artery vasoconstriction results predominantly from the activation of vascular smooth muscle K+ channels. Resistance arteries (∼150 μm) were dissected from rat mesentery and were mounted on a wire myograph. Isometric force development in response to increasing concentrations of norepinephrine (NE) was monitored before and after treatment with the type 3 phosphodiesterase inhibitor milrinone. Milrinone significantly reduced NE-induced vasoconstriction, attenuating both NE sensitivity and maximal tension generation. Inhibition of ATP-sensitive K+channels or voltage-gated K+channels did not prevent the milrinone-induced attenuation of NE responses. Blockade of inwardly rectifying K+ channels or Ca2+-sensitive K+ channels prevented the milrinone-mediated reduction in NE sensitivity, but this effect was apparently due to direct enhancement of vasoconstrictor responsiveness rather than interference with the mechanism of milrinone action. In a...
Technology trends for high power fiber lasers

In recent years high power fiber lasers have increasingly replaced other types of solid state lasers. This has been driven by a number of inherent advantages including compactness, high efficiency, better heat dissipation and outstanding beam quality. Fiber lasers were initially thought of as little more than a curiosity but the demonstration of erbium doped fiber amplifiers in the late 1980's quickly changed that perception. It is interesting to note however that the touted advantages of the fiber host hardly apply to the types of fiber laser being developed for cutting, welding, marking, ranging, imaging etc. The fiber laser revolution has rather been driven by relentless improvements in semiconductor pump power and pump brightness complemented by fiber techniques which allow single mode operation at high effective area.
Combinatorial algorithms for inverse network flow problems

An inverse optimization problem is defined as follows: Let S denote the set of feasible solutions of an optimization problem P, let c be a specified cost vector, and x° E S. We want to perturb the cost vector c to d so that x° is an optimal solution of P with respect to the cost vector d, and w∥d - c∥ p is minimum, where ∥ . ∥ p denotes some selected I p norm and w is a vector of weights. In this paper, we consider inverse minimum-cut and minimum-cost flow problems under the I 1 normal (where the objective is to minimize Σ j ∈ J w j |d j - c j | for some index set J of variables) and under the I∞ norm (where the objective is to minimize max{w j |d j - c j |: j E J}). We show that the unit weight (I.e., w j = 1 for all j ∈ J) inverse minimum-cut problem under the I 1 norm reduces to solving a maximum-flow problem, and under the I∞ norm, it requires solving a polynomial sequence of minimum-cut problems. The unit weight inverse minimum-cost flow problem under the I 1 norm reduces to solving a unit capacity minimum-cost circulation problem, and under the I∞ norm, it reduces to solving a minimum mean cycle problem. We also consider the nonunit weight versions of inverse minimum-cut and minimum-cost flow problems under the I∞ norm.
Aerogenic BCG vaccination against tuberculosis in animal and human subjects.

(1968). Aerogenic BCG Vaccination Against Tuberculosis in Animal and Human Subjects. Journal of Asthma Research: Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 309-323.
Parental Support of Adult Children with Disabilities

It is generally agreed that parents should (morally) and must (legally) be required to support their children until they reach the age of majority. This article examines the circumstances in which parents should or must support their children thereafter. Do parents have an indefinite obligation to provide financial support for their children with disabilities? Is this a purely moral duty or should there be a legally enforceable duty as well? This article examines the historical approach and then considers the issue of the moral duty, first from the religious perspective and then from a philosophical perspective. Both religion and moral philosophy support the idea that parents should, in most cases, do what they can to support their adult disabled children. Nevertheless, this moral duty should not be legally enforceable. A number of theoretical and practical considerations weigh against legally enforceable parental support duties. First, courts are not well-suited to adjudicate intrafamily relations of this kind. Second, if we are going to recognize a principled duty of support, we may need to change our inheritance laws and, possibly, extend that duty beyond the disabled family member's parents. Third, a blanket duty of support is likely, in many situations, to violate our intuitive notions of fairness. Finally, the recognition of legal causes of action between family members is inherently problematic. Most parents love and care for their children. Even if the children have reached adulthood, most parents do all they can to support them. Familial support is best left to the conscience of individual members. It cannot and should not substitute for institutions, governmental or otherwise, that provide support for persons with disabilities even-handedly, without regard to the wealth or status of their parents. Ultimately, the article concludes, imposition of an unqualified legally enforceable parental duty to support adult disabled children is inappropriate.
What's new in preventing and treating osteoporosis?

PREVIEWBone mineral density reaches its peak between the ages of 30 and 35 in women. Thereafter, without intervention, bone loss continues gradually, with a significant acceleration in the first 5 to 6 years after menopause. For decades, estrogen replacement has been the mainstay in preventing bone loss and treating osteoporosis after menopause, and it remains first-line therapy. However, not all women are able or willing to use estrogen, so effective alternatives have been developed. In this article, Dr Williams summarizes findings of recent research concerning optimal use of estrogen as well as alendronate, etidronate, raloxifene, calcitonin-salmon, and other measures to manage osteoporosis.
You Can't Get There From Here

The brevity required in writing for an ATP Forum provides the au thor a handy excuse for failing to reach a tidy conclusion. Taking full advantage of that excuse, I will instead only ruminate about, and proba bly end up retaining, my intuition that the question of how public ad ministration (or anyone) can or should "move from the 'is' to the 'ought'" can't be answered. The pairing of here and there in my title contains a triple entendre. The first, and most conventional, interpretation is captured by the fa miliar adage: "Just because that's the way things are doesn't mean that's the way they ought to be." Or, more technically, the "ought" (the there) can't logically be inferred from the "is" (the here); thus, you can't get there from here. More than a century ago the Cambridge philosopher
Second harmonic generation of surface plasmon polaritons scattered by metallic nanostructures

We study the linear and nonlinear scattering of surface plasmons by metallic nanostructures. In both cases, we determined both the near-field distribution of the electromagnetic field as well as the characteristics of the emitted radiation.
Prealbumin as a serum biomarker of impaired perioperative nutritional status and risk for surgical site infection after spine surgery.

Introduction Impaired perioperative nutritional status has been shown to be an important predictor of surgical morbidity and is the earliest marker of nutritional deficiency. No study, however, has examined serum prealbumin as a surrogate marker of nutritional status in patients undergoing spine surgery. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all patients who developed a postoperative deep wound infection after undergoing spine surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center from January 2008 through December 2011. Demographics, preoperative diagnosis, type of surgery, perioperative serum prealbumin level, time to infection, number and type of debridement procedures, and length of hospital stay were recorded. Results A total of 83 patients had prealbumin levels available at the time of presentation of infection. Mean patient age was 56 years, and 71% were women. Surgical treatment for the infection required between 1 and 13 debridements, and 21 (25%) of the 83 patients who had instrumentation placed at the time of the initial surgery required removal of their instrumentation. Inpatient hospitalizations were extended by an average of 13 days. Prealbumin levels were below normal in 82 (99%) of the 83 patients; levels were Conclusions All patients except one who developed postoperative deep wound infection after spine surgery had serum prealbumin levels in the malnutrition range at the time of presentation. The current study suggests serum prealbumin levels may be an inexpensive screening biomarker for nutritional status and risk stratification for postoperative infection after spine surgery.
MRI Findings in Patients with Malignant Gliomas with and without Seizures (P03.140)

Objective: This study investigates MRI changes that may predict which brain tumor patients are at increased risk for seizures. Background The 2000 AAN practice parameter states that prophylactic anticonvulsants should not be used in patients with newly diagnosed brain tumors. Many physicians still administer prophylactic anticonvulsants. Design/Methods: A retrospective chart review compared primary brain tumor patients presenting with seizures to those who did not. A neuro-radiologist blinded to seizure status read initial MRIs. Imaging factors such as lesion type, presence of necrosis, mass effect (ME), tumor enhancement (TE) and cortical involvement (CI) were measured. Degree of TE was rated 0-4+. Cortical involvement was rated of 0-3. Results: Of the 40 patients included in the study, 19 presented with seizures. All patients were diagnosed with high-grade gliomas (GBM = 37, AG =2), except 1 patient (had oligodendroglioma). Lesion type (seizure/non-seizure): multifocal (26.3%/19.1%), single (47.7%/71.4%), single with satellites (21.1%/9.5%). Necrosis (seizure/non-seizure): 63.2%/95.2%. ME (seizure/non-seizure): no ME (42.1%/9.52%), mild ME (36.8%/23.6%), mild-moderate ME (5.3%/28.6%), moderate (15.8%/33.3%). TE (seizure/non-seizure): 0(25%/0%), 1+(10.5%/4.8%), 2+(10.5%/4.8%), 3+(26.3%/19.0%), 4+(36.8%/71.4%). CI (seizure/non-seizure): 0(0%/19.0%), 1(5.3%/4.8%), 2(0%/14.3%), 3(94.7%/61.9%), 4(0%/0%). Conclusions: Patients with seizures were more likely to have multifocal or single lesions with satellites, no necrosis, no or mild ME, less TE and more CI than patients without seizures. Seizures likely occur from cortical involvement unless necrosis is present and there is loss of neurons. These imaging findings need to be validated in larger patient population and suggest that there may be imaging factors that can guide physicians on which primary brain tumor patients to treat with anti-convulsants. Disclosure: Dr. Coffino has nothing to disclose. Dr. Carroll has nothing to disclose. Dr. Grimm has nothing to disclose. Dr. Raizer has received personal compensation for activities with Genentech, Merck, and Enzon as a speaker and advisory board member. Dr. Raizer has received research support from Genentech Inc., Novartis, Lilly, Myriad, Arno, and Med-Immune. Dr. Futterer has nothing to disclose.
Effects of magnitude of reinforcement in Macaca speciosa

Four adolescent stumptail monkeys were subjected to repeated shifts in magnitude of reinforcement (1,3, or 9 pellets) while performing on a free-operant variable-interval reinforcement schedule. Rate-magnitude functions were found to be similar to those obtained with other primate and subprimate species.
Underwater anti-corrosion coating technology

The paper reviewed various technologies of underwater anti-corrosion coating all over the world,and introduced some advanced underwater coating procedure and materials.At the same time,some engineering cases were involved in this paper,provided a new way to protect underwater metal structures and prolong its life.
Detection,Genotyping and Phylogenetic Analysis of a Measles Virus

Objective To make laboratory diagnosis of a suspected measles patient and to make a phylogenetic analysis on the measles virus.Methods The IgM antibody of measles virus in the suspected patient was detected by measles IgM diagnose kit(μ-capture method).Total RNA was extracted from the throat swab sample before the nucleoprotein gene of the measles virus was amplified by RT-PCR and Real-time PCR with specific primers designed.The PCR positive product was recycled and purified before being sequenced.The nucleotide homology was analyzed by comparing the obtained sequence with the measles virus sequences from the Genbank.The phylogenetic tree was constructed by MEGA5.0 software.Results The IgM antibody of the measles virus in the suspected patient was positive.The PCR product of the nucleoprotein gene was a band about 330 bp,which had a high homology with the Mvi Hunan strain 1,Mvi Hunan strain 2 and Mvi Hunan strain 3 reported in the Genbank.Phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolated Mvi Hunan Yueyang strain and all H1 genotype of measles viruses clustered in the B group of the phylogenetic tree.It belonged to the H1 genotype of measles virus.Conclusions The isolated measles virus in the suspected measles patient belongs to H1 genotype.Genotyping technique can further identify the subtype of the virus.
Location-inventory model of distribution center with appointed alternative location

In order to solve the problem of logistics network node constrained by laws,regulations and geological conditions,a location model of risk pooling with variable construction cost(LMRPVCC) with appointed alternative location was built based on location model of risk pooling(LMRP) model.This paper used the HX company as business case and the particle swarm optimization to design the initial particle of location-inventing model.The results show that the costs of distribution center construction,downstream transportation,distribution center operating and safety stock respectively occupy 26%,42%,31%,1% of the total costs.Compared with the cost ratio figure of Daskin's paper,the construction cost increases 4%,the downstream transportation cost increases 1%,the operating cost decreases 5%.
Imagining the hydrogen future of 2050

The current work is based on several researchers' analyses of world energy requirements in 2050. The work seeks to illustrate the role of hydrogen technologies in meeting future requirements. Forecasts of developments in fuel cells and hydrogen storage technologies are given along with calculations of how technological improvements may lead to an environmentally cleaner and conscientious society. The current study is based on analyses of aspects of the hydrogen and alternative energy technology literature and calculations that are available through open sources. Technological advancements and projected population increases are analysed, and compared to determine to what extent world energy needs may be met. The possibilities of using hydrogen directly to meet a fraction of the world energy needs are briefly analyzed, along with a review of transportation possibilities and the possible effects on the environment. The costs of electrolysis using electricity from photovoltaic sources are also reviewed.
A Deep Learning Approach to Universal Image Manipulation Detection Using a New Convolutional Layer

When creating a forgery, a forger can modify an image using many different image editing operations. Since a forensic examiner must test for each of these, significant interest has arisen in the development of universal forensic algorithms capable of detecting many different image editing operations and manipulations. In this paper, we propose a universal forensic approach to performing manipulation detection using deep learning. Specifically, we propose a new convolutional network architecture capable of automatically learning manipulation detection features directly from training data. In their current form, convolutional neural networks will learn features that capture an image's content as opposed to manipulation detection features. To overcome this issue, we develop a new form of convolutional layer that is specifically designed to suppress an image's content and adaptively learn manipulation detection features. Through a series of experiments, we demonstrate that our proposed approach can automatically learn how to detect multiple image manipulations without relying on pre-selected features or any preprocessing. The results of these experiments show that our proposed approach can automatically detect several different manipulations with an average accuracy of 99.10%.
Histopathology of Graft-vs-Host Disease of Gastrointestinal Tract and Liver: An Update.

Objectives: Graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) is a donor T-cell-mediated disorder affecting the recipient’s skin, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and liver. It complicates up to 70% of hematopoietic cell transplantation and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Methods: An extensive review of the literature has been performed to include the most current consensus on the histopathologic diagnosis of gastrointestinal and liver GVHD. Results: In this review, we present an overview of GVHD, with emphasis on the histopathologic evaluation of gastrointestinal and liver specimens, including the most important differential diagnoses and possible pitfalls. Conclusions: Histopathologic examination remains the mainstay of diagnosis of gastrointestinal and liver GVHD and is interpreted in conjunction with clinical and laboratory data.
Role of Cytosolic Calcium Diffusion in Murine Cardiac Purkinje Cells

Cardiac Purkinje cells (PCs) are morphologically and electrophysiologically different from ventricular myocytes and, importantly, exhibit distinct calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis. Recent studies suggest that PCs are more susceptible to action potential (AP) abnormalities than ventricular myocytes; however, the exact mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we utilized a detailed biophysical mathematical model of a murine PC to systematically examine the role of cytosolic Ca2+ diffusion in shaping the AP in PCs. A biphasic spatiotemporal Ca2+ diffusion process, as recorded experimentally, was implemented in the model. In this study, we investigated the role of cytosolic Ca2+ dynamics on AP and ionic current properties by varying the effective Ca2+ diffusion rate. It was observed that AP morphology, specifically the plateau, was affected due to changes in the intracellular Ca2+ dynamics. Elevated Ca2+ concentration in the sarcolemmal region activated inward sodium–Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) current, resulting in a prolongation of the AP plateau at faster diffusion rates. Artificially clamping the NCX current to control values completely reversed the alterations in the AP plateau, thus confirming the role of NCX in modifying the AP morphology. Our results demonstrate that cytosolic Ca2+ diffusion waves play a significant role in shaping APs of PCs and could provide mechanistic insights in the increased arrhythmogeneity of PCs.
Clinical Evaluation of a Custom Genome Wide 44K Oligoarray for Copy Number Changes in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Oligonucleotide-based array CGH (aCGH) technique enables detection of submicroscopic copy number changes in cancer. This technique offers the flexibility to increase robustness by selecting best performing probes maximize the gene coverage while excluding repetitive sequences through a combination of bioinformatics and computation and increased resolution that allows for detection of smaller region of change. We designed a high resolution (44,000 probes) custom array using an Agilent platform and specifically targeted ~500 genes implicated in leukemogenesis. The disease gene regions have an average spatial resolution of ~1 oligo per 7.5 kb whereas the backbone regions have an average resolution of 1 oligo per 78 kb. A total of 13 samples from patients with AML have been studied to date. aCGH was performed in a blinded fashion and the results were compared to the results from routine cytogenetic analysis. A GAIN in copy number on the long arm of chromosome 8 at band 8q22.2 encompassing 2.05 Mb was observed in one of 7 cases with normal chromosome analysis. Of the remaining 6 cases, the results from aCGH were concordant with the abnormality detected by chromosome analysis in three although the size of the copy number change was determined with greater precision by aCGH. Additional copy number changes were observed in the remaining two cases. In one case, in addition to the deletion of 5q14q34 detected by cytogenetic analysis, a loss in copy number on the long arm of 17q at band 17q11.2 encompassing 1.8 Mb including the NF-1 gene was detected by aCGH. Two additional copy number changes in 3q26.1 and 8q24.1 were observed in another case in which monosomy 7 was observed cytogenetically. aCGH failed to detect a clone (2 cells) with a deletion on 5 from band 5p13q13 in one case. In total, 30% of the patients with chromosome analysis displayed an additional cryptic change by aCGH. Our results suggest that a subset of potentially significant genomic alteration may be missed by the conventional chromosome analysis. This pilot study demonstrates that aCGH offers high sensitivity and specificity for routine screening of copy number changes in acute myeloid leukemia.
Effects of synoptic weather on ground-level PM2.5 concentrations in the United States

Abstract It is known that individual meteorological factors affect the concentrations of fine particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤2.5 μm (PM 2.5 ), yet the specific meteorological effects found in previous studies are largely inconsistent and even conflicting. This study investigates influences of daily and short term changes in synoptic weather on ground-level PM 2.5 concentrations in a large geographical area (75 cities across the contiguous United States (U.S.)) by using ten-year (2001–2010) spatial synoptic classification (SSC) data. We find that in the spring, summer, and fall the presence of the tropical weather types (i.e., dry-tropical (DT) and moist-tropical (MT)) is likely to associate with significantly higher levels of PM 2.5 as compared to an all-weather-type-day average, and the presence of the polar weather types (i.e., dry-polar (DP) and moist-polar (MP)) is associated with significantly lower PM 2.5 concentrations. The short-term (day to day) changes in synoptic weather types in a region are also likely to lead to significant variance in PM 2.5 concentrations. For example, the largest increase in PM 2.5 concentration occurs with the synoptic weather type changing from DP-to-MT. Conversely, a MT-to-DP weather type change results in the largest decrease in PM 2.5 concentrations. Compared to air temperature, the effects of atmospheric moisture on PM 2.5 concentration tend to be subtle, demonstrating that in conjunction with moderate temperature, neither the dry nor the moist air (except moist-moderate (MM) in summer) are associated with significantly high or low PM 2.5 concentrations. Finally, we find that the effects of the synoptic weather type on PM 2.5 concentrations may vary for different seasons and geographical areas. These findings suggest that interactions between atmospheric factors and seasonal and/or geographical factors have considerable impacts on the PM 2.5 concentrations, and therefore should be considered in addition to the SSC when conducting environment health assessments.
Marijuana and other cannabinoids as a treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder: A literature review.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common in the general population, yet there are limitations to the effectiveness, tolerability, and acceptability of available first-line interventions. We review the extant knowledge on the effects of marijuana and other cannabinoids on PTSD. Potential therapeutic effects of these agents may largely derive from actions on the endocannabinoid system and we review major animal and human findings in this area. Preclinical and clinical studies generally support the biological plausibility for cannabinoids’ potential therapeutic effects, but underscore heterogeneity in outcomes depending on dose, chemotype, and individual variation. Treatment outcome studies of whole plant marijuana and related cannabinoids on PTSD are limited and not methodologically rigorous, precluding conclusions about their potential therapeutic effects. Reported benefits for nightmares and sleep (particularly with synthetic cannabinoid nabilone) substantiate larger controlled trials to determine effectiveness and tolerability. Of concern, marijuana use has been linked to adverse psychiatric outcomes, including conditions commonly comorbid with PTSD such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and substance misuse. Available evidence is stronger for marijuana's harmful effects on the development of psychosis and substance misuse than for the development of depression and anxiety. Marijuana use is also associated with worse treatment outcomes in naturalistic studies, and with maladaptive coping styles that may maintain PTSD symptoms. Known risks of marijuana thus currently outweigh unknown benefits for PTSD. Although controlled research on marijuana and other cannabinoids’ effects on PTSD remains limited, rapid shifts in the legal landscape may now enable such studies, potentially opening new avenues in PTSD treatment research.
3D printed on-package tripolar antennas for mitigating harsh channel conditions

A compact, 3D printed tripolar antenna operating at 2.4 GHz is presented. The antenna is designed for integration with a commercial wireless node in order to mitigate multipath and depolarization channel effects that could exist in many machine-to-machine deployments. The antenna substrate is fabricated with fused deposition modeling and the conductive layers by micro-dispensing silver paste. A median channel loss reduction of 4.3 dB is achieved in a Rayleigh fading environment using selection diversity.
'Total environ–mentality' culture: re–engineering the American nuclear power industry through learning from multi–national, multi–level experience

Applying lessons learned at the national, the utility, and the plant level, from selected segments of the world–wide nuclear power industry, might facilitate an environmentally acceptable renaissance in the US. It can be deduced that the core of all the continuous quality improvement and re–engineering programmes, championed by the top management of nuclear power utilities around the world, consists of two missions: (i) to insulate society from foreseeable and unacceptably high environmental risks, and (ii) to improve continuously the design and management of nuclear technology (including nuclear waste management and environmental risk management systems) by (a) learning actively, and both explicitly and tacitly, through feedback from individual and organisation experience, and (b) learning how to learn and how to learn–how–to–learn better and faster, and both explicitly and tacitly, through feedback from acquired and shared individual and group/organisational experience.
Neural correlates of autobiographical problem-solving deficits associated with rumination in depression.

Abstract Background Analytical rumination can be characterized as negative thoughts focused on searching for answers to personal problems. Failure to think concretely during autobiographical problem-solving (APS) is hypothesized to drive the inability of ruminators to generate effective solutions. Clarifying the brain correlates underlying APS deficits in depressed ruminators may identify novel biological targets for treatment. Method Forty participants ( 22 unmedicated depressed and 18 never-depressed adults) ranging in rumination engaged in APS and negative self-referential processing (NSP) of negative trait adjectives during fMRI. We contrasted activation during APS with activation during NSP to isolate regions contributing to APS. Results Rumination was associated with having generated fewer solutions during APS and with a failure to recruit the angular gyrus (AG) and the medial frontal gyrus (MFG) during APS. Rumination was associated with greater MFG activation during NSP and stronger connectivity between the AG and the rostrolateral prefrontal cortex (RLPFC) during APS relative to NSP. Findings were not driven by clinical status. Limitations The use of an extreme groups approach can result in overestimation of effects sizes. Conclusions Ruminators fail to recruit regions with the default network (DN) that support APS. In particular, a failure to recruit the AG during APS may drive the abstract thinking style previously shown to explain depressed ruminator's difficulty generating concrete solutions. Targeting this mechanism directly may reduce rumination.
Dense Semantic Labeling of Very-High-Resolution Aerial Imagery and LiDAR with Fully-Convolutional Neural Networks and Higher-Order CRFs

The increasing availability of very-high-resolution (VHR) aerial optical images as well as coregistered Li- DAR data opens great opportunities for improving objectlevel dense semantic labeling of airborne remote sensing imagery. As a result, efficient and effective multisensor fusion techniques are needed to fully exploit these complementary data modalities. Recent researches demonstrated how to process remote sensing images using pre-trained deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) at the feature level. In this paper, we propose a decision-level fusion approach using a probabilistic graphical model for the task of dense semantic labeling. Our proposed method first obtains two initial probabilistic labeling predictions from a fully-convolutional neural network and a linear classifier, e.g. logistic regression, respectively. These two predictions are then combined within a higher-order conditional random field (CRF). We utilize graph cut inference to estimate the final dense semantic labeling results. Higher-order CRF modeling helps to resolve fusion ambiguities by explicitly using the spatial contextual information, which can be learned from the training data. Experiments on the ISPRS 2D semantic labeling Potsdam dataset show that our proposed approach compares favorably to the state-of-the-art baseline methods.
Measuring links between labor monopsony and the gender pay gap in Brazil

This paper focuses on gender differences in job mobility and earnings for workers in Brazil. Monopsony theory suggests a link between the wage elasticity of labor supply and wage penalties. Should one group of workers be less elastic in their supply choices, that group is predicted to earn less than others. To measure wage elasticity, I estimate a hazard model on voluntary job separations using the RAIS, a linked employer-employee dataset that captures formal-sector workers’ job durations over time. Four models are specified and point to significant gender differences. Across the models, male elasticity ranges from 1.638 to 2.175 while female elasticity ranges from 1.22 to 1.502. The female wage penalty predicted by these elasticity differences ranges from 11.4 to 20.5%, compared to an actual gender wage difference of 16.4%. Results of higher male elasticity are robust to the use of a more parsimonious specification, a discrete-time approach, the use of job spell data for a single year, and disaggregation by region. I extend the model through decomposition methods to help clarify the association between earnings, job separations, and elasticity.
Regional water coefficients for U.S. industrial sectors

Abstract Designing policies for water systems management requires the capability to assess the economic impacts of water availability and to effectively couple water withdrawals by human activities with natural hydrologic dynamics. At the core of any scientific approach to these issues there is the estimation of water withdrawals by industrial sectors in the form of water coefficients, which are measurements of the quantity of water withdrawn per dollar of GDP or output. In this work we focus on the contiguous United States and on the estimation of water coefficients for regional scale analyses. We first compare an established methodology for the estimation of national water coefficients with a parametric one we propose. Second, we introduce a method to estimate water coefficients at the level of ecological regions and we discuss how they reduce possible biases in regional analyses of water systems. We conclude discussing advantages and limits of regional water coefficients.
Afterland: from well theorized to well learned?

Afterland is a recursive learning game, based on a theoretical framework, and designed at the Singapore-MIT GAMBIT Game Lab as a research tool. The game uses subversive game design elements to challenge players' expectations and force them to rethink their conceptual framework. The following paper gives insights into the theoretical background and outlines the application of pedagogical theories to the game design process. Video games that shaped our understanding of subversive game design for recursive learning are discussed and discoveries made through developing the game are shared. It will be shown how a learning theory can be translated into game design patterns. In addition, to that the disparity between a well played, well designed and well learned game will be examined and exemplified. Hereby, we will highlight how diverse the players' experiences of playing and learning in and through Afterland have been and where educational design reaches its limit.
The influence of environmental factors on pond activity of aquatic red-spotted newts Notophthalmus viridescens

Many important components of animal behavior, growth, and reproduction are tightly linked to environmental conditions, particularly for ectothermic freshwater organisms. For amphibian species, fact...
Characterization of basal gene expression trends over a diurnal cycle in Xiphophorus maculatus skin, brain and liver

Evolutionarily conserved diurnal circadian mechanisms maintain oscillating patterns of gene expression based on the day-night cycle. Xiphophorus fish have been used to evaluate transcriptional responses after exposure to various light sources and it was determined that each source incites distinct genetic responses in skin tissue. However, basal expression levels of genes that show oscillating expression patterns in day-night cycle, may affect the outcomes of such experiments, since basal gene expression levels at each point in the circadian path may influence the profile of identified light responsive genes. Lack of knowledge regarding diurnal fluctuations in basal gene expression patterns may confound the understanding of genetic responses to external stimuli (e.g., light) since the dynamic nature of gene expression implies animals subjected to stimuli at different times may be at very different stages within the continuum of genetic homeostasis. We assessed basal gene expression changes over a 24-hour period in 200 select Xiphophorus gene targets known to transcriptionally respond to various types of light exposure. We identified 22 genes in skin, 36 genes in brain and 28 genes in liver that exhibit basal oscillation of expression patterns. These genes, including known circadian regulators, produced the expected expression patterns over a 24-hour cycle when compared to circadian regulatory genes identified in other species, especially human and other vertebrate animal models. Our results suggest the regulatory network governing diurnal oscillating gene expression is similar between Xiphophorus and other vertebrates for the three Xiphophorus organs tested. In addition, we were able to categorize light responsive gene sets in Xiphophorus that do, and do not, exhibit circadian based oscillating expression patterns.
TIMING OF ENZYME SYNTHESIS IN SYNCHRONOUS CULTURES OF YEAST

This chapter describes the timing of enzyme synthesis in synchronous cultures of yeast. Analysis of macromolecular synthesis in synchronous cultures shows ample evidence of ordered synthesis of specific molecules. In A. faecalis , RNA is produced continuously during synchronous division, whereas sedimentable RNA is produced discontinuously. In yeast, mass protein and RNA increase throughout the cell cycle, whereas DNA is synthesized only early during cell division. When the products of transcription are examined in synchronous cultures, a burst of ribosomal RNA synthesis occurs in the middle of the division cycle, and shifting ratios between ribosomal messenger and transfer RNA occur throughout the cell cycle. Bulk analysis of the products of transcription and translation suggest non-random synthesis during the synchronous division. The timing of enzyme synthesis in bacterial and yeast synchronous cultures is periodic. One or few rises in specific enzyme levels occur per cell generation; the time at which each rise occurring being repeated over successive cell generations.
The Analytic Hierarchy Process and Systems Thinking: A Response to Petkov & Mihova-Petkova

Petkov and Mihova-petkova in their paper “The Analytic Hierarchy Process and Systems Thinking” make a well argued case for the addition of AHP to rthe methods and tools in Systems Thinking. The Claim is made that AHP is capable of dealing with Complexity and pluralism. In this paper the authors consider the argument put forward and raise concerns about the effectiveness of AHP in this regard. These centre around the particular Characteristics of complexity in social systems and the ability of AHP to allow each subjective viewpoint to be fully represented. It is argued that AHP can only reveal it’s full potential when used alongside other systems approaches which do pay more attention to these matters. On the basis of this argument the case for pluralism in Systems Thinking is made with AHP an important element in this Pluralism.
The Scleral Inflation Response of Mouse Eyes to Increases in Pressure

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. Evidence suggests that the stress generated in the eye wall by an elevated intraocular pressure plays a role in damaging the visiontransmitting retinal ganglions cells. However, the relationship between the connective tissue’s mechanical properties and how it affects the cellular function is not understood. The purpose of this study was to measure the inflation response of intact C57/BL6 (control) mouse sclera to increases in intraocular pressure, comparing old (11 month) and young (2 month) animals. Mouse eyes were enucleated, mounted by the cornea to a custom fixture, cannulated and immersed in PBS. An active feedback, pressure-controlled syringe pump inflated the cannulated eyes in a series of load-unload and ramp-hold creep tests. A CCD video camera attached to a microscope imaged the expanding scleral surface at 0.5Hz. Scleral displacement was measured with a digital image correlation program. After testing, fresh tissue thickness measurements were taken on scleral slices at multiple locations. An optimized inverse finite element analysis was performed to fit a non-linear anisotropic material model to the experimental data, and material parameters are compared between groups.
Resistance to Processes

Microorganisms may survive processes designed to decrease or eliminate their viability. This renders food unsafe for consumption or causes rapid spoilage. Processes may serve as selective power that enriches hazardous microorganisms in the processing environment. Additionally, microorganisms may alter their physiology in response to some mild processes and thus become resistant to subsequent lethal treatments. Therefore, matching process intensity with the resistance of targeted microorganism is critical to ensuring product safety and shelf-life stability.
Resolution of Human Liver Mao A and B Using a Monoclonal Antibody Immunoaffinity Column

Two forms of MAO which have long been distinguished by their substrate specificities can be separated using a newly isolated mouse monoclonal antibody. The antibody was elicited to human platelet MAO (B) which had been inactivated and radiolabeled by reaction with the MAO inhibitor, 3H-pargyline. The antibody binds both 3H-pargyline-labeled, inactivated MAO B and unlabeled, active MAO B, but does not precipitate them. Binding of the antibody to the enzyme does not inhibit catalytic activity. Attachment of mouse monoclonal anti-MAO B to Sepharose or Affigel supports results in a resin which binds 95% of MAO B, but no MAO A from crude mitochrondrial extracts of human liver. The only protein eluted from these columns with KSCN migrates in SDS-polyacrylamide gels as expected for MAO B, suggesting that binding to the columns is highly specific. The anti-MAO B immunoaffinity resin fails to bind MAO A from human placenta. In addition, the resin fails to bind MAO B from mouse liver, suggesting that the antibody may be useful in gene mapping studies of human MAO B in mouse-human somatic cell hybrids. (Supported by Grant #MH-34757 from the National Institute of Mental Health.)
Power Supply and Distribution

Power supply and distribution systems for tunnels are similar to those of a high-quality industrial facility, where power must be distributed to the associated equipment and systems with a high degree of safety, reliability, voltage quality, and maintainability. Basic requirements of such systems are outlined in various publications, including the IEEE Red Book (IEEE, 1986a).
Time to perforation for button batteries lodged in the esophagus.

Abstract Introduction New strategies recently proposed to mitigate injury caused by lithium coin cell batteries lodged in the esophagus include prehospital administration of honey to coat the battery and prevent local hydroxide generation and in-hospital administration of sucralfate suspension (or honey). This study was undertaken to define the safe interval for administering coating agents by identifying the timing of onset of esophageal perforations. Methods A retrospective study of 290 fatal or severe battery ingestions with esophageal lodgment was undertaken to identify cases with esophageal perforations. Results Esophageal perforations were identified in 189 cases (53 fatal, 136 severe; 95.2% in children ≤4 years). Implicated batteries were predominantly lithium (91.0%) and 92.0% were ≥20 mm diameter. Only 2% of perforations occurred in Conclusion Esophageal perforation is unlikely in the 12 h after battery ingestion, therefore the administration of honey or sucralfate carries a low risk of extravasation from the esophagus. This first 12 h includes the period of peak electrolysis activity and battery damage, thus the risk of honey or sucralfate is low while the benefit is likely high.