cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extraction of wind and temperature information from hybrid 4D-Var assimilation of stratospheric ozone using NAVGEM

Abstract. Extraction of wind and temperature information from stratospheric ozone assimilation is examined within the context of the Navy Global Environmental Model (NAVGEM) hybrid 4-D variational assimilation (4D-Var) data assimilation (DA) system. Ozone can improve the wind and temperature through two different DA mechanisms: (1) through the “flow-of-the-day” ensemble background error covariance that is blended together with the static background error covariance and (2) via the ozone continuity equation in the tangent linear model and adjoint used for minimizing the cost function. All experiments assimilate actual conventional data in order to maintain a similar realistic troposphere. In the stratosphere, the experiments assimilate simulated ozone and/or radiance observations in various combinations. The simulated observations are constructed for a case study based on a 16-day cycling truth experiment (TE), which is an analysis with no stratospheric observations. The impact of ozone on the analysis is evaluated by comparing the experiments to the TE for the last 6 days, allowing for a 10-day spin-up. Ozone assimilation benefits the wind and temperature when data are of sufficient quality and frequency. For example, assimilation of perfect (no applied error) global hourly ozone data constrains the stratospheric wind and temperature to within ∼ 2 m s −1 and ∼ 1 K. This demonstrates that there is dynamical information in the ozone distribution that can potentially be used to improve the stratosphere. This is particularly important for the tropics, where radiance observations have difficulty constraining wind due to breakdown of geostrophic balance. Global ozone assimilation provides the largest benefit when the hybrid blending coefficient is an intermediate value (0.5 was used in this study), rather than 0.0 (no ensemble background error covariance) or 1.0 (no static background error covariance), which is consistent with other hybrid DA studies. When perfect global ozone is assimilated in addition to radiance observations, wind and temperature error decreases of up to ∼ 3 m s −1 and ∼ 1 K occur in the tropical upper stratosphere. Assimilation of noisy global ozone (2 % errors applied) results in error reductions of ∼ 1 m s −1 and ∼ 0.5 K in the tropics and slightly increased temperature errors in the Northern Hemisphere polar region. Reduction of the ozone sampling frequency also reduces the benefit of ozone throughout the stratosphere, with noisy polar-orbiting data having only minor impacts on wind and temperature when assimilated with radiances. An examination of ensemble cross-correlations between ozone and other variables shows that a single ozone observation behaves like a potential vorticity (PV) “charge”, or a monopole of PV, with rotation about a vertical axis and vertically oriented temperature dipole. Further understanding of this relationship may help in designing observation systems that would optimize the impact of ozone on the dynamics.
Effect of large constellations on lifetime of satellites in low earth orbits

Abstract A 2010 study found, assuming business-as-usual satellite operations and replenishment activities, that for large satellites operating in the low Earth orbit (LEO) regime, a mean lifetime reduction over the next 50 years of ∼13% might be expected (i.e., a satellite with a mean lifetime of 10 years in a no-debris environment would see a reduction of 1.3 years in an environment that included space debris), with much of this reduction coming from degradation of solar panels by small, un-trackable debris. Since 2010, proposals have been put forward that would add thousands of new satellites to the LEO environment within the next few years, many more than the number projected in the 2010 study. The current study reexamines the earlier prediction by assuming that over 5000 new small satellites are operating in high LEO orbits, consistent with proposals announced by commercial companies. As with the 2010 study, this projection includes the effects of collisions of both tracked objects, objects greater than 10 cm in LEO, and small debris down to 1 mm—a size that the 2010 study showed could “sandblast” and reduce the power output of solar panels—and adds changes in the debris environment due to the previously un-modeled new satellites colliding in their constellations and with other objects as they undergo constellation replenishment activities. Primary results are that satellites being disposed from or added to the new constellations and debris associated with collisions involving these objects could potentially double the reduction in the mean operational lifetime of satellites operating in LEO. As in the 2010 study, the degradation of solar panels due to small debris impacts is a significant factor in this degradation, with the mean lifetime reduction increasing from the 13% predicted in the earlier study to as much as 60% in some cases (i.e., a large satellite with a mean lifetime of 20 years in a no-debris environment could have its mean lifetime reduced by as much as 12 years). Results suggest that minimizing collisions during replenishment activities and making solar panels and space hardware more resilient to small debris impacts will be increasingly important in the future.
Estimating the critical chloride threshold of reinforcing steel in concrete using a hierarchical Bayesian model

AbstractSignificant research has been conducted to assess the amount of chlorides that results in corrosion initiation, C T , and propagation of the embedded reinforcing steel in concrete. However,...
Evaluating Physician Attitudes and Practices Regarding Herpes Zoster Vaccination

Purpose:To investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns of primary care physicians regarding administration of the herpes zoster (HZ) vaccine at NYU Langone Health (NYULH).Methods:A cross-sectional online survey was distributed from January to March 2017 to all physicians in the Divis
Neural network interactions modulate CRY-dependent photoresponses in Drosophila

Light is one of the chief environmental cues that reset circadian clocks. In Drosophila, CRYPTOCHROME (CRY) mediates acute photic resetting of circadian clocks by promoting the degradation of TIMELESS in a cell-autonomous manner. Thus, even circadian oscillators in peripheral organs can independently perceive light in Drosophila However, there is substantial evidence for nonautonomous mechanisms of circadian photoreception in the brain. We have previously shown that the morning (M) and evening (E) oscillators are critical light-sensing neurons that cooperate to shift the phase of circadian behavior in response to light input. We show here that light can efficiently phase delay or phase advance circadian locomotor behavior in male Drosophila even when either the M- or the E-oscillators are ablated, suggesting that behavioral phase shifts and their directionality are largely a consequence of the cell-autonomous nature of CRY-dependent photoreception. Our observation that the phase response curves of brain and peripheral oscillators are remarkably similar further supports this idea. Nevertheless, the neural network modulates circadian photoresponses. We show that the M-oscillator neurotransmitter pigment dispersing factor plays a critical role in the coordination between M- and E-oscillators after light exposure, and we uncover a potential role for a subset of dorsal neurons in the control of phase advances. Thus, neural modulation of autonomous light detection might play an important role in the plasticity of circadian behavior.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Input pathways provide circadian rhythms with the flexibility needed to harmonize their phase with environmental cycles. Light is the chief environmental cue that synchronizes circadian clocks. In Drosophila, the photoreceptor CRYPTOCHROME resets circadian clocks cell-autonomously. However, recent studies indicate that, in the brain, interactions between clock neurons are critical to reset circadian locomotor behavior. We present evidence supporting the idea that the ability of flies to advance or delay their rhythmic behavior in response to light input essentially results from cell-autonomous photoreception. However, because of their networked organization, we find that circadian neurons have to cooperate to reset the phase of circadian behavior in response to photic cues. Our work thus helps to reconcile cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous models of circadian entrainment.
Correction to: Emerging Imaging Modalities in Regenerative Medicine.

The article Emerging Imaging Modalities in Regenerative Medicine, written by Mitchel R. Stacy and Albert J. Sinusas, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 28 January 2015 without open access.
First-year hospitality students: an exploration into their background and the initial importance of career success aspects

Students enter college each year with a variety of different backgrounds and experiences. This study explored first-year hospitality students in an attempt to better understand their background and...
Myocardial Infarct Size Reduction

In 1912, Herrick concluded his classic article by presenting a logical approach to the treatment of myocardial infarction: “the hope for the damaged myocardium lies in the direction of securing a supply of blood through friendly neighbouring vessels so as to restore as far as possible its functional integrity” [1]. Thus, this distinguished physician anticipated by more than half a century the concept of limiting infarct size.
Integrated Water and Nitrogen Management

Nitrate contamination of ground water is a concern throughout the world. Control of nitrate leaching is necessary to protect or improve water quality, but effective management is difficult because of the complex interactions between soil, water, and nitrogen (N). It is widely recognized that N and water management must be addressed simultaneously to develop production systems that reduce nitrate leaching. Difficulties with N and water management arise because of the various sources of N, uncertainties in N cycling and nitrate leaching imposed by climatic variability, and logistic considerations on the part of producers. Traditional approaches to N management usually involve applying ample fertilizer N early in the growing season to meet anticipated crop needs. An alternative is to apply small amounts of fertilizer early in the growing season and use tissue analysis to schedule additional fertilizer N as the season progresses. Fertilizer N can be applied in the irrigation water when the crop is too tall for typical machinery. Both leaf N concentration and use of chlorophyll meters are promising techniques for evaluating the N status of irrigated corn. Crop N and water needs can also be estimated using simulation models. Computer simulations and tissue testing procedures combined with improved irrigation techniques can help develop farming systems that conserve both water and N, while maintaining yields and reducing nitrate leaching.
Light scintillation in soft biological tissues

The applicability limits of the small complex phase perturbation (Rytov) theory for laser light propagation in soft biological tissues have been tackled. We have found that for typical coherent opt...
A 0.3-V CMOS Biofuel-Cell-Powered Wireless Glucose/Lactate Biosensing System

This paper presents a self-powered wireless physiochemical sensing system for monitoring of glucose or lactate in bodily fluids. The biosensor chip consists of a duty-cycled biofuel cell (BFC) maximum power point tracker analog front end, a passive $\Delta \!\Sigma $ analog-to-digital converter (ADC), an RF power oscillator transmitter using a 1-cm external loop antenna, digital data storage, and timing and clock generation circuitries, all designed to operate from the dynamic 0.3-V BFC output voltage. The biosensor chip, implemented in 65-nm CMOS and exclusively powered via an enzymatic BFC, can successfully detect changes in glucose/lactate concentration between 2.5 and 15 mM, for the first demonstration of an integrated self-powered chemical biosensing system with digital wireless readout. The biosensor consumes an average power of 1.15 $\mu \text{W}$ .
Parental Alienation Syndrome: A critique

Parental alienation syndrome (PAS), as defined by its creator Dr. Richard Gardner (2001), is a poorly defined, poorly researched, and controversial pseudoscientific construct arising primarily in the context of child custody disputes. The syndrome allegedly manifests as a non-rational and unjustified campaign of denigration against one parent during custody proceedings. It is purported to result from the combination of a parent’s “brainwashing” and indoctrination regarding the vilification of the target parent. Unfortunately, there is little evidence to support that parental alienation represents a scientifically valid syndrome. There is no commonly recognized or empirically supported pathogenies, course, familiar pattern, or treatment selection indicated for the proposed symptoms of PAS. Additionally, it has been consistently excluded from both DSM-V and ICD-10, representing a near global rejection by the scientific community. When used in the legal context, PAS is exceptionally dangerous as it can conceal actual cases of abuse and cause children to be remanded into the custody of an abusive parent. Furthermore, it can be used as leverage to separate children from the caregiver that they are best suited to be with solely on the accusation of the non-preferred parent that they have been “alienated.” In the interest of improving the scientific quality of custody evaluations and the safety of children, pseudoscientific theories such as parental alienation syndrome should be eliminated from the custody decision making process.
Nature of polyamorphic transformations in H 2 O under isothermal compression and decompression

We report polyamorphic transformations of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O}$ under isothermal compression and decompression at 150 K, observed by in situ x-ray diffraction. Detailed structural information across the transformations among low-, high-, and very-high-density amorphs (LDA, HDA, and VHDA) reveals the mechanisms, the reversibility, and (dis)continuity of the transformations. During isothermal (de)compression, the polyamorphic transformations are characterized by a sharp and reversible LDA-VHDA transformation, with an HDA-like form (referred to as HDA\ensuremath{'}) appearing as an intermediate state. The LDA-VHDA transformation is found to occur in two steps: a discontinuous transition between LDA and the end member of HDA\ensuremath{'} on the low-pressure side, followed by a continuous change within HDA\ensuremath{'} involving structural reconfigurations and finally converging to VHDA. Both LDA and VHDA are found to be structurally stable showing mainly elastic behavior under (de)compression, while HDA\ensuremath{'} is structurally unstable. Possible relations of these observations to low- and high-density liquids are discussed.
Automatic epilepsy detection using hybrid decomposition with multi class support vector method

The epilepsy has been detected from the electroencephalogram (EEG) by utilizing the complex wavelet transform with support vector machine. These methods successfully examine each and every frequency in the EEG signal for detecting the epilepsy with effective manner because epilepsy is one of the most important brain abnormalities which affect the entire brain function. The epilepsy is occurring due to the brain stroke, lack of blood flow, brain fever and so on, these lead to create the number of human deaths. So, the brain epilepsy needs to be analyzed and it has to be detected for improving the epilepsy recognition rate. But the major problem with the epilepsy recognition is the accuracy and efficiency of the classifier because of the traditional approximation entropy only extracts the minimum number of features which is difficult to detect the epilepsy with effective manner. These problems increase the false classification rate while analyzing the brain features. So, brain abnormalities has been automatically recognized by using the various machine learning steps like preprocessing, signal decomposition, feature extraction, feature selection and classification. In this research, the brain Epilepsy is recognized by applying the Hybrid Multi Class Support Vector Machine (HMCSVM). Then the performance of the system is analyzed using the experimental results and discussions.
Fanon’s Vision of Embodied Racism for Psychoanalytic Theory and Practice

This text is built around a clinical encounter illustrative of the challenge/struggle for recognizing and working in terms of race. The author employs perspectives and terms emerging from a vision ...
The Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Care Cascade in People Who Inject Drugs: A Systematic Review

Injection drug use is a key risk factor for the transmission of HIV. Prevention strategies, such as the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), are effective at reducing the risk of HIV transmission in people who inject drugs (PWID). Following PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was conducted to identify the current state of the PrEP care cascade in PWID. Twenty-three articles were evaluated in this systematic review. A decline in engagement throughout the stages of the PrEP care cascade was found. High awareness and willingness to use PrEP was found, yet PrEP uptake was relatively low (0-3%). There is a lack of research on interventions to increase engagement of PrEP across all levels of the care cascade in PWID. Implications from the interventions that have been published provide insight into practice and public policy on efficacious strategies to reduce HIV incidence in PWID. Our findings suggest that more efforts are needed to identify and screen PWID for PrEP eligibility and to link and maintain them with appropriate PrEP care.
Correlation of the Single-Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) Score With Hip-Specific Patient-Reported Outcome Measures.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine if the Single-Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score correlates with existing validated hip-specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), including the Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the International Hip Outcome Tool (IHOT-33), the Hip Outcome Score, Activities of Daily Living subscale (HOS-ADL), and the Hip Outcome Score, Sport-Specific subscale (HOS-SS), for patients preparing to undergo hip arthroscopy for treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). Methods A single surgeon’s operative database was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for treatment of FAIS from April 2018 to October 2019. Patient-specific factors including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and duration of symptoms were collected. Preoperative SANE, mHHS, IHOT-33, HOS-ADL, and HOS-SS scores were analyzed. Statistical analysis using Pearson correlation was performed to identify the relationship between the SANE score and the mHHS, IHOT-33, HOS-ADL, and HOS-SS, preoperatively. Results 154 patients were included in the study. The mean mHHS was 54.4 ± 11.7; mean IHOT-33 score was 32.7 ± 15.0; mean HOS-SS 42.9 ± 23.7; and mean HOS-ADL was 63.3 ± 1. The mean SANE score was 36.7 ± 19.9. The Simple Hip Score was directly correlated with the mHHS (P 1 year. Conclusion The SANE score was strongly correlated with mHHS, IHOT-33, HOS-ADL, and HOS-SS in the preoperative setting for patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for treatment of FAIS. Given its simplicity, SANE may be a valuable tool for rapid assessment of joint function and pain in this patient population. Level of Evidence IV, therapeutic case series.
A fresh look at some classical system identification methods

System identification has a long history with several well-established methods, in particular for learning linear dynamical systems from input/output data. While the asymptotic properties of these methods are well understood as the number of data points goes to infinity or the noise level tends to zero, how well their estimates in finite data regime evolve is relatively less studied. This talk will focus on our analysis of the robustness of the classical Ho-Kalman algorithm and how it translates to non-asymptotic estimation error bounds as a function of number of data samples. The talk will be mainly based on [1]. If time permits, I will also talk about extensions of this work to identification and control of Markov jump linear systems.
Optimizing wavelengths for optics-based measurements of advanced electronics

The semiconductor industry has just recently met the end of “Moore’s Law”, the cyclical reduction in transistor cost observed over several decades. With the smallest dimensions now approaching near-atomic scales, new architectures and materials combinations are anticipated over the next decade to realize smaller, energy-efficient, high-performance, and secure devices. Optics currently is the non-destructive, fast, inexpensive “workhorse” metrology tool in this industry. This present work addresses the potential promise of and possible requirements for wavelength down-scaling for robustly quantifying dimensions at these scales. The requirements for measuring these critical dimensions at the transistor level, also known as the “Front End of the Line” (FEOL) in manufacturing, will be compared against the also-decreasing dimensions at the “back end of the line” (BEOL); the BEOL consists of metals and insulators and facilitates the flow of electrons between the FEOL-patterned transistors and the semiconductor device’s packaging. The main challenges between optics-based metrology at the FEOL and BEOL will be contrasted with solutions suggested, based upon finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) electromagnetic simulation studies of nominal FEOL and BEOL structures.
Prescribed-Time Regulation of Nonlinear Uncertain Systems with Unknown Input Gain and Appended Dynamics

The prescribed-time stabilization problem for a general class of nonlinear systems with unknown input gain and appended dynamics (with unmeasured state) is addressed. Unlike the asymptotic stabilization problem, the prescribed-time stabilization objective requires convergence of the state to the origin in a finite time that can be arbitrarily picked (i.e., prescribed) by the control system designer irrespective of the initial condition of the system. The class of systems considered is allowed to have general nonlinear uncertain terms throughout the system dynamics as well as uncertain appended dynamics (that effectively generate a time-varying non-vanishing disturbance signal input into the nominal system). The control design is based on a time scale transformation, dynamic high-gain scaling, and adaptation dynamics with temporal forcing terms.
Objects, Classes and UML

Object-oriented modeling is a general modeling approach for dealing with large and complex systems. The process interaction approach to simulation and Object-oriented modeling are strongly related. An overview of object-oriented modeling is presented in this chapter as a practical and widely accepted paradigm for modeling. The Unified Modeling Language (UML) is used here and in most case-study descriptions throughout the book; the UML has become the standard notation for object-oriented modeling.
Psychological well-being among religious and spiritual-identified young gay and bisexual men.

Religiosity and spirituality are often integral facets of human development. Young gay and bisexual men (YGBM), however, may find themselves at odds when attempting to reconcile potentially conflicting identities like religion and their sexual orientation. We sought to explore how different components of religiosity (participation, commitment, spiritual coping) are linked to different markers of psychological well-being (life purpose, self-esteem, and internalized homophobia). Using data collected in Metro Detroit (N = 351 ages 18-29 years; 47 % African American, 29 % Non-Latino White, 8 % Latino, 16 % Other Race), we examined how components of religiosity/spirituality were associated with psychological well-being among religious/spiritual-identified participants. An overwhelming majority (79.5 %) identified as religious/spiritual, with most YGBM (91.0 %) reporting spirituality as a coping source. Over three quarters of our religious/spiritual sample (77.7 %) reported attending a religious service in the past year. Religious participation and commitment were negatively associated with psychological well-being. Conversely, spiritual coping was positively associated with YGBM’s psychological well-being. Programs assisting YGBM navigate multiple/conflicting identities through sexuality-affirming resources may aid improve of their psychological well-being. We discuss the public health potential of increasing sensitivity to the religious/spiritual needs of YGBM across social service organizations.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH—OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT: Development and Validation of the Female Genital Self-Image Scale

ABSTRACT Introduction Women's sexual function may be influenced by various factors including medical conditions, trauma or abuse, medications, relationship dynamics, relaxation, mood, and body image. However, few studies have explored the influence of a woman's genital self-image on her sexual function or behaviors. Aims The purpose of this study was to establish a reliable and valid measure of female genital self-image, the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS), and to assess the relationship between scores on the FGSIS and women's sexual function. Methods The FGSIS was developed in two stages. Phase One involved an analysis of cross-sectional paper-based survey data and a review of the literature. Phase Two involved a cross-sectional internet-based administration of the scale items to a total of 1,937 women. Main Outcome Measures Psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated through the use of reliability analysis, factor analysis, and score differences based on women's experience of orgasm from receiving cunnilingus or from self-masturbation with a vibrator. Correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between female genital self-image and scores on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Results The scale was found to have sufficient reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88) and one factor that explained 59.23% of the variance. Women who had ever experienced orgasm as a result of cunnilingus or self-masturbation with a vibrator and women who reported having had a gynecological exam in the previous 12 months had significantly higher FGSIS scores than those who had not ( P P Conclusion The FGSIS was initially found to be a reliable and valid measure though further research is needed to understand its properties in diverse populations. In addition, female genital self-image was found to be positively related to women's sexual function. Herbenick D, and Reece M. Development and validation of the female genital self image scale.
Measuring the range of services clinicians are responsible for in ambulatory practice.

Rationale, aims and objectives At present, the range of services delivered in a health system is not known. Currently there are no accepted methods for defining the scope of ambulatory care. Therefore we used data from the electronic medical record and billing system of a large non-profit multi-specialty group practice to measure the number of different diagnoses that clinicians managed as well as the number of different medications, laboratory tests, imaging studies, referrals and procedures ordered. Methods All patient encounters and clinicians in the group practice in 2008 were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Data were analysed cumulatively for the practice and by specialty. Quantile regression models were used to adjust for differences in full-time equivalents (FTE) among physicians at the practice. Results In one year for this practice, with 324 229 patients who made 3 193 917 office visits to 578 physicians and 248 other clinicians, patients presented with 5638 primary and 6411 secondary diagnoses. Overall, patient management resulted in unique orders for 9481 medications, 1182 laboratory tests, 613 referrals, 284 imaging studies and 1701 procedures. After adjusting for FTE, physicians managed a median of 249 primary diagnoses and 347 secondary diagnoses. They ordered a median of 278 medications, 128 laboratory tests, 51 referrals, 29 imaging studies and 39 procedures. Conclusion Physicians routinely manage a substantial variety of diagnoses, medications, and other tests and procedures. Quality improvement and health services researchers have generally focused on individual services but also must consider the wide variety and range of services delivered.
Intracarotid Amobarbital Procedure in Post-temporal Lobectomy Patients

Summary: We describe two patients who underwent intracarotid amobarbital procedure (IAP) postoperatively following temporal lobectomy (one right temporal and one left temporal lobectomy), prompted by consideration of reoperation for persistent, intractable seizures. IAP memory score, consisting of the percentage of correctly recognized dually encoded stimuli, was calculated for each hemisphere. Both patients performed well on the IAP baseline memory assessment prior to injections, and both were left hemisphere dominant for language. The IAP memory results were consistent with the postoperative neuropsychological memory evaluation in that the patient who had undergone nonlanguage-dominant temporal resection performed within normal limits, while the patient who had undergone language-dominant temporal resection performed poorly, although not completely amnestic, on memory testing. Injection of the nonsurgical, presumably healthy, hemisphere resulted in complete failure of memory in both patients, implying that baseline memory was dependent on the functional integrity of the nonsurgical hemisphere, inactivation of which led to complete memory disruption. Secondly, the hippocampus in the nonlanguage-dominant hemisphere was able to support memory to some extent, if not completely, when it functioned in isolation without the influence of the language-dominant hemisphere during the IAP. These findings are discussed in the context of functional reserve and adequacy models.
Sources and Focus of Health Development Assistance, 1990-2014.

Importance The governments of high-income countries and private organizations provide billions of dollars to developing countries for health. This type of development assistance can have a critical role in ensuring that life-saving health interventions reach populations in need. Objectives To identify the amount of development assistance that countries and organizations provided for health and to determine the health areas that received these funds. Evidence Review Budget, revenue, and expenditure data on the primary agencies and organizations (n = 38) that provided resources to developing countries (n = 146-183, depending on the year) for health from 1990 through 2014 were collected. For each channel (the international agency or organization that directed the resources toward the implementing institution or government), the source and recipient of the development assistance were determined and redundant accounting of the same dollar, which occurs when channels transfer funds among each other, was removed. This research derived the flow of resources from source to intermediary channel to recipient. Development assistance for health (DAH) was divided into 11 mutually exclusive health focus areas, such that every dollar of development assistance was assigned only 1 health focus area. Findings Since 1990, $458.0 billion of development assistance has been provided to maintain or improve health in developing countries. The largest source of funding was the US government, which provided $143.1 billion between 1990 and 2014, including $12.4 billion in 2014. Of resources that originated with the US government, 70.6% were provided through US government agencies, and 41.0% were allocated for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS. The second largest source of development assistance for health was private philanthropic donors, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other private foundations, which provided $69.9 billion between 1990 and 2014, including $6.2 billion in 2014. These resources were provided primarily through private foundations and nongovernmental organizations and were allocated for a diverse set of health focus areas. Since 1990, 28.0% of all DAH was allocated for maternal health and newborn and child health; 23.2% for HIV/AIDS, 4.3% for malaria, 2.8% for tuberculosis, and 1.5% for noncommunicable diseases. Between 2000 and 2010, DAH increased 11.3% annually. However, since 2010, total DAH has not increased as substantially. Conclusions and Relevance Funding for health in developing countries has increased substantially since 1990, with a focus on HIV/AIDS, maternal health, and newborn and child health. Funding from the US government has played a substantial role in this expansion. Funding for noncommunicable diseases has been limited. Understanding how funding patterns have changed across time and the priorities of sources of international funding across distinct channels, recipients, and health focus areas may help identify where funding gaps persist and where cost-effective interventions could save lives.
Subcellular distribution of and epinephrine-induced changes in hormone-sensitive lipase, phosphorylase, and phosphorylase kinase in rat adipocytes.

Abstract A systematic study was carried out of the subcellular distribution of hormone-sensitive lipase, glycogen phosphorylase, and phosphorylase kinase in rat adipocytes and the changes in these enzymes when the cells were incubated with epinephrine. Under the conditions of homogenization used, approximately one-third of the total hormone-sensitive lipase activity was associated with the fat cake floated to the top of a homogenate by low speed centrifugation, although as discussed in detail, this value remains uncertain in view of technical problems faced in assaying lipase tightly bound to fat. Subfractionation of the fat-free homogenate showed that over 80% of the hormone-sensitive lipase was recovered in the soluble fraction and the specific activity of that fraction was considerably higher than it was in particulate fractions. The plasma membrane fraction contained less than 2% and the microsomal fraction less than 3% of the activity in the fat-free homogenate. When adipocytes were lysed, over 80% of the total lipase activity was recovered in the supernatant fraction and less than 20% in the fat cell "ghosts." The distribution of lipase activity among subcellular fractions of the fat-free homogenate was not altered by previous treatment of the adipocytes with epinephrine. Lipase activity in the soluble fraction from control cells was activated by treatment with cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase and MgATP. When the cells had been previously treated with epinephrine, the percentage of activation by protein kinase was reduced in this and in all fractions. Phosphorylase and phosphorylase kinase activity were found predominantly in the soluble fraction; small amounts (21 and 14%, respectively) were associated with the fat cake assayed after resuspension in Triton X-100. The distribution of these enzymes in cells previously treated with epinephrine was not significantly different from that in control cells. Total phosphorylase activity (assayed in the presence of 5'-AMP) was significantly increased in homogenates prepared from cells previously treated with epinephrine as was the ratio of phosphorylase activities measured in the absence and in the presence of 5'-AMP. On the other hand, there was no change in total phosphorylase kinase activity after epinephrine treatment and no change in the ratio of activities measured at low pH values (6.2 or 6.8) and high pH value (8.2). Further characterization of the phosphorylase and phosphorylase kinase systems in adipose tissue is needed to assess the regulatory role of phosphorylase kinase in this tissue.
Production of Titanium Oxycarbide from Titania‐Rich Mineral Sands

The production of titanium oxycarbide — a consumable anode material used in molten-salt processes for electrowinning titanium — from heavy mineral concentrate, such as a high-titania leucoxene and natural rutile is described. The oxycarbide is prepared by carbothermic reduction of the oxide at elevated temperature. Particle size distribution (of the titanium oxide raw material) and temperature have large effects on the kinetics of the reaction, which seem to follow a “shrinking-core” model. It is anticipated that low porosity (in the anode pellets) would be advantageous during electrolysis. Particle size distribution, extent of reaction during carbothermic reduction, and sintering temperature are expected to affect pellet porosity after sintering, and are being tested experimentally.
The effect of calcium and magnesium on the ultraviolet spectrum of bovine pancreatic deoxyribonuclease A.

SUMMARY Ca2+ or Mg2+ binding to DNase induces a positive ultraviolet difTerence spectrum. The shape of the difference spectrum indicates that the spectra of tyrosine and tryptophan residues are red-shifted when DNase binds the metal ion. The difference spectrum also has a shoulder centered around 300 nm which probably is due to the perturbation of the O-OIL, transition of tryptophan.
Testing program for Burning Plasma Experiment vacuum vessel bolted joint

As presently designed, the Burning Plasma Experiment vacuum vessel will be segmentally fabricated and assembled by bolted joints in the field. Due to geometry constraints, most of the bolted joints have significant eccentricity, which causes the joint behavior to be sensitive to joint clamping forces. Experience indicates that, as a result of this eccentricity, the joint will tend to open at the side closest to the applied load, with the extent of the opening depending on the initial preload. Analytical models and a testing program were developed to investigate and predict the nonlinear behavior of the vacuum vessel bolted joint. The test results are comparable with the analytical solutions in general, showing about 15% less load capacity than the finite element analysis predicted because the test specimens contained certain manufacturing and fabrication tolerances. The bolted joint capacity can be predicted by the finite element analysis, provided that an appropriate factor of safety be applied to cover these tolerances. The imperfections of the flanges and spacer surfaces are sensitive to the bolted joint characteristics. The design tolerances for the surfaces should be carefully specified. >
EPA ENFORCEMENT OF CERCLA: HISTORICAL OVERVIEW AND RECENT TRENDS

This article traces the historical development of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) against potentially responsible parties (PRPs) by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It considers the various ways in which EPA’s hazardous waste site enforcement evolved and changed — from the Agency’s earliest efforts to force hazardous waste site cleanups prior to CERCLA’s passage through the end of the presidency of George W. Bush. It also describes and assays trends in EPA CERCLA enforcement during the Barack Obama administration.
Linkage of Conservation Activity to Trends in the U.S. Economy

As an economy grows, natural capital such as timber, soil, and water is reallocated to the human economy. This conflict between economic growth and biodiversity conservation creates a conundrum for conservation biologists because traditional forms of conservation action require money. We hypothesize that conservation spending in the United States is highly correlated with income and wealth, and we tested whether selected proxies for U.S. conservation activity could be predicted by U.S. economic indicators over time scales of 7-71 years. Stock market indexes (Dow Jones Industrial Average, Standard & Poor's 500 Index), gross domestic product (GDP), and personal income (PI) explained as much as 99% of annual variation in total revenue (including contributions) to four large nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), the World Wildlife Fund, Sierra Club, Environmental Defense, The Nature Conservancy. These broad economic indicators also explained as much as 96% of the annual number of university conservation programs, 83% of membership in professional conservation organizations (Natural Areas Association, Society for Conservation Biology), 93% of national park visitation, and 99+ %o fnational park acreage. In most analyses, the income variables GDP and PI explained more variation in conservation activity than did either of the stock-market wealth variables. After long-term growth was removed from the time series, changes in revenues to the four NGOs combined were significantly correlated with GDP but not PI over the short term. Short-term variation in park acreage was significantly correlated with GDP and PI but lagged both by 3 years. Using linear models based on GDP, we predicted increases of 2.3% in 2003 cumulative NGO revenues and 1.0% in 2006 acreage owned by the National Park Service. The conservation activity parameters we measured may exhibit positive trends even in the face of declining biodiversity, but biodiversity conservation will ultimately require the cessation of economic growth. The challenge to the conservation biology community is to retain a significant presence during and after the cessation of growth.
Identifying and minimizing buffer interferences in ToF‐SIMS analyses of lignocellulose

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) has demonstrated applicability to the analysis of lignocellulosic samples including pulp, paper, plants, and wood. One such application is to use ToF-SIMS as a tool for detecting the activity of enzymes applied to degrade or modify plant biomass. The use of buffers for pH control of these enzymatic reactions can pose problems due to the nature of the ToF-SIMS measurement. Specifically, inorganic species (e.g. salts) from buffer components could introduce several concerns for quantitative or semi-quantitative ToF-SIMS analysis. First, salts can produce additional peaks in the mass spectra, which may overlap with lignocellulose peaks of interest (mass interference). Second, salts can alter the chemical environment, or ‘matrix’, altering the ionization probability of lignocellulose-related secondary ions during the sputtering mechanism of the ToF-SIMS measurement (matrix effects). Third, salts may physically coat the lignocellulose surface, decreasing the signal from the lignocellulose, causing poor signal-to-noise in the analysis. The current work presents a simple approach for identifying interferences due to buffers, using both principal component analysis (PCA) and previously established lignocellulose-relevant peak ratios. Furthermore, a simple acetic acid rinsing protocol is compared to distilled water rinsing and is evaluated and for its effectiveness in removing buffer-related salts. The data shows that briefly rinsing lignocellulose samples in dilute acetic acid can be effective in restoring the validity of lignocellulose composition interpretations using ToF-SIMS. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Review of Online Learning and Its Evolution in Latin America.

The integration of some form of online learning in higher education and its adoption in distance and continuing education has increased exponentially in the last decade. This growth has been consistent in different parts of the world, although its implementation in mainstream educational systems varies according to the economic development of the region. But what is ‘online learning’ and why is it used as a synonym of distance education? This article presents a review that goes through the last 10 years of literature on online learning. It presents the definitions by different authors, and describes its evolution, characteristics, benefits, and use and implementation in education and training. The review concludes with a summary of the development of online learning in Latin America
Detection and pharmacokinetics of three formulations of firocoxib following multiple administrations to horses.

SummaryReason for performing study The use of firocoxib in horses and its ability to affect performance and potential to allow a horse to compete when it otherwise should not, necessitates establishing appropriate withdrawal time guidelines prior to performance. Objectives To describe plasma concentrations and characterise the pharmacokinetics of 3 firocoxib formulations following multiple administrations of the label dose, with respect to recommended plasma thresholds for performance horses. Study design Balanced 3-way crossover prospective study. Methods Nine healthy mature horses were administered firocoxib injectable solution (0.09 mg/kg bwt i.v. s.i.d. for 5 days), firocoxib paste (0.1 mg/kg bwt per os s.i.d. for 14 days) and firocoxib tablets (57 mg s.i.d. for 14 days). Blood samples were collected at Time 0 and at various times post drug administration until plasma concentrations were below the limit of detection of the assay. Plasma samples were analysed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and data analysed using noncompartmental analysis. Results The mean plasma half-life was 1.64 ± 0.737, 1.70 ± 0.800 and 1.73 ± 0.767 days for injectable, paste and tablet formulations, respectively. Plasma concentrations fell below the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium's recommended threshold for racehorses (20 ng/ml) by 7 days post administration of the final dose for all formulations. Plasma concentrations never exceeded the threshold concentration (240 ng/ml) for horse competing in US Equestrian Federation events for any of the formulations. Conclusions This study extends current knowledge regarding the pharmacokinetics of firocoxib and provides information that can be used to establish appropriate withdrawal time guidelines following multiple administrations, with respect to already established plasma regulatory threshold concentrations.
Mutations Resulting from the Transformation of BACILLUS SUBTILIS.

U N E Q U A L crossing over was first proposed by DEMEREC (1962) to explain an increase in reversion rate in Salmonella typhimurium when transduced with phages carrying the same mutation. MAGNI (1963, 1964) found increases in reversion and forward mutation rates in yeast during meiosis as compared with those occurring in mitotic cells. MAGNI and associates (1964) provided evidence that the great majority of revertants occurring during meiotic processes are associated with chromosomal exchange in the region of the mutated locus. By studying spontaneous reversions of T4 r l l mutants of various origins, STRIGINI (1965) found that recombinations of outside markers were related to reversion of proflavin-revertible spontaneous mutants. However, recombinations were not related to reversions of mutations induced by 5-bromouracil. This led to the hypothesis that reverse mutations occur as a consequence of unequal crossing over which causes base losses or insertions in DNA. Base losses and insertions have also been proposed to explain the mutagenic actions of acridine dyes (CRICK et al. 1961; LERMAN 1964). Intact DNA molecules are integrated into the host chromosome in Bacillus subtilis transformation systems (SZYBALSKI 1961 ; PENE and ROMIG 1964; BODMER and GANESAN 1964). There is some direct physical evidence for single strand integration in both B. subtilis and pneumoccocus (BODMER and GANESAN 1964; Fox and ALLEN 1964). Transformations provide a unique opportunity for studying directly the associalion of mutation to recombination even though the mechanisms of integration are not known. The present report describes increases in forward and reverse mutations during transformation of B. subtilis and suggests a direct association of mutation to recombination. The kinetics of transformation and mutation and the calculation of true mutation frequency are also discussed.