cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A challenging ECG: a case of a lengthening PR interval

A 62-year-old man presented to the emergency department with shortness of breath and chest tightness. His initial ECG appeared to have an ectopic P-wave with a lengthening PR interval consistent wi...
Electron-Transfer Chain Catalysis of η2-Arene, η2-Alkene, and η2-Ketone Exchange on Molybdenum

An oxidant-initiated, substitution process for dihapto-coordinated ligands is described for the {MoTp(NO)(DMAP)} system. Complexes of the form MoTp(NO)(DMAP)(η2-alkene), MoTp(NO)(DMAP)(η2-ketone), ...
Preserving stabilization while practically bounding state space using incorruptible partially synchronized clocks

Stabilization is a key dependability property for dealing with unanticipated transient faults, as it guarantees that even in the presence of such faults, the system will recover to states where it satisfies its specification. One of the desirable attributes of stabilization is the use of bounded space for each variable. In this paper, we present an algorithm that transforms a stabilizing program that uses variables with unbounded domain into a stabilizing program that uses bounded variables by using partially synchronized physical time. Specifically, our algorithm relies on bounded clock drift $$\epsilon $$ among processes and message delivery that either delivers the message in time $$\delta $$ or loses it. If we let $$\epsilon $$ to be as much as 100 s and $$\delta $$ to be as much as 1 h, this property is satisfied by any practical system. While non-stabilizing programs (that do not handle transient faults) can deal with unbounded variables by assigning large enough but bounded space, stabilizing programs—that need to deal with arbitrary transient faults—cannot do the same since a transient fault may corrupt the variable to its maximum value. We show that our transformation algorithm is applicable to several problems including logical clocks, vector clocks, mutual exclusion, diffusing computations, and so on. Moreover, our approach can also be used to bound counters used in an earlier work by Katz and Perry for adding stabilization to a non-stabilizing program. By combining our algorithm with that work by Katz and Perry and by assuming incorruptible partially synchronized clocks, it would be possible to provide stabilization for a rich class of problems, by assigning large enough but bounded space for variables.
Peanuts, Pangool, and Places: Constellations of Colonial Capitalism in Rural Senegal

Histories of cash-crop agriculture in Senegal’s peanut basin have foregrounded the sway of market forces—an economic story of supply and demand staging metropolitan industrial needs, commercial entrepreneurialism, and profitable returns with both planned and unplanned developments. The political connivance between commercial crops and French rule is also well documented. The relentless expansion of peanut cultivation in Senegal’s hinterland was promoted by colonial policies and collusions between the French administration and Muslim brotherhoods. African farmers were not idle bystanders to these transformations, as peasant social strategies were centrally implicated in the (re)construction of colonial countrysides. While accounts illuminate the broad structural forces and human institutions involved in the commodification of African rural worlds, they frequently overlook the contributions of a host of other historical actors: the unsung, yet influential, nonhuman agencies that were integral components of farming ecologies, shaped people’s affective belonging to their landscapes, and actively mediated histories of capitalist transformations. In this article I attend specifically to the overlapping roles and material effects of three categories of “inanimate actors” in the adoption of cash cropping in the Senegalese province of Siin: peanuts, pangool (ancestral spirits), and places. Drawing on Adorno’s (1973) concept of “constellation” and Deleuze and Guattari’s (1987) idea of “assemblage,” I examine how the tangible properties of crops, spiritual beings, and rural geography (and the social practices it nurtured) combined to assist and disrupt the operations of capital and government. Peanuts, pangool, and places drew humans and nonhumans into material constellations that cut across the plain of political economic analysis and offset totalizing visions of global capitalism; they reveal alternative tales of power, labor, and intimacy, “understories” that speak to the contingent, hybrid, and unfinished histories of colonial modernity in Africa.
Phenology and Ethology of Adult Lasiopogon slossonae Cole and Wilcox Robber Flies (Diptera: Asilidae) in a New York Riparian Habitat

Seasonal abundance, daily activity, and behavior of adults of the robber fly Lasiopogon slossonae Cole and Wilcox were assessed with a capture-mark-recapture procedure for a population along 1 km of riverside in the Adirondack Mountains near Lake Placid, New York. Over the 2015 season, a total of 240 individuals were uniquely marked at this site; 73 were re-sighted at least one more time. The overall emergence window for this population in 2015 spanned 47 days with a maximum individual lifespan observed of 23 days; adult seasonal phenology periods for three other years are also summarized from presence/absence observations. In 2015, the adult sex ratio was slightly male-skewed (58%), but there was no significant difference between the sexes in home range size or perch distance from water. Flies packed more tightly into microhabitat patches as the overall abundance increased, and individuals showed some fidelity to relatively small home ranges (the median area of activity for marked individuals was 20 m2). However, longer dispersal also occurred rarely—the farthest movement we observed was 726 m over nine days. Individuals were active from morning to evening (usually 10:00 to 18:00) with a daily activity period that appeared to depend on both light intensity and temperature. Prey consisted mostly of Empididae, but also included Simuliidae, Anthomyiidae, and Cicadellidae. Both males and females were observed mating with multiple partners on different days.
How Accurately Do Patients and Their Care Partners Report Results of Amyloid-β PET Scans for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment?

Background Amyloid-β PET scans will likely become an integral part of the diagnostic evaluation for Alzheimer's disease if Medicare approves reimbursement for the scans. However, little is known about patients' and their care partners' interpretation of scan results. Objective This study seeks to understand how accurately patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia and their care partners report results of amyloid-β PET scans and factors related to correct reporting. Methods A mixed-methods approach was used to analyze survey data from 1,845 patient-care partner dyads and responses to open-ended questions about interpretation of scan results from a sub-sample of 200 dyads. Results Eighty-three percent of patients and 85% of care partners correctly reported amyloid-β PET scan results. Patients' higher cognitive function was associated with a small but significant decrease in the predicted probability of not only patients accurately reporting scan results (ME: -0.004, 95% CI: -0.007, -0.000), but also care partners accurately reporting scan results (ME: -0.006, 95% CI: -0.007, -0.001), as well as decreased concordance between patient and care partner reports (ME: -0.004, 95% CI: -0.007, -0.001). Content analysis of open-ended responses found that participants who reported the scan results incorrectly exhibited more confusion about diagnostic terminology than those who correctly reported the scan results. Conclusion Overall, patients with MCI or dementia showed high rates of accurate reporting of amyloid-β PET scan results. However, responses to questions about the meaning of the scan results highlight the need for improved provider communication, including providing written explanations and better prognostic information.
Modeling and analysis for thermal management in gallium oxide field-effect transistors

Increased attention has been paid to the thermal management of β-Ga2O3 devices as a result of the large thermal resistance that can present itself in part due to its low intrinsic thermal conductivity. A number of die-level thermal management approaches exist that could be viable for thermal management. However, they have not been assessed for β-Ga2O3 devices exclusively. Here, we explore the limits of various die level thermal management schemes on a β-Ga2O3 metal–semiconductor field-effect transistor using numerical simulations. The effects of the various cooling approaches on the device channel temperature were comprehensively investigated, along with guidance for material selection to enable the most effective thermal solutions. Among various cooling strategies, double side cooling combined with a heat spreader used in the active region of the device can suppress the device thermal resistance to as low as 11 mm °C/W, achieving a maximum dissipated power density as high as 16 W/mm for a junction temperature limit of 200 °C. A multi-finger transistor thermal model was also developed to assess the potential of β-Ga2O3 devices for higher output power applications. Overall, this numerical study shows that it is possible to achieve high power β-Ga2O3 device operation with appropriate die-level thermal management solutions.
360° virtual reality project to inspire future educators to be creators

Pre-service students in an elementary education program were involved in an educational technology course project where they created a virtual field trip using 360° virtual reality (VR) technology....
Stock market reactions to store-in-store agreements

Abstract Store-in-store agreements occur when retailers lease their retail space to other retailers or brand manufacturers. Although this phenomenon is popular in practice academic research has not offered insight into how it impacts retailers. In addition, extant studies are mute on what retailer-specific characteristics determine the outcome of pursuing this strategy. Results from an event study of 185 announcements of store-in-store agreements show that they increase firm value by an average of 1.06% highlighting the effectiveness of the approach. Further analysis reveals that several characteristics of store-in-store agreements augment firm value. Specifically, positive firm value accrues when retailers enter store-in-store agreements with retail partners that are dissimilar and have a congruent brand image. The results also show that for retailers leasing retail space store-in-store agreements with reputable retailers increases their firm value. Whereas, for retailers renting retail space partnering with a retailer that has a large retail presence augments their firm value.
Lepidoptera Diversity Based on Continuous Surveys 2009–2011 and 2017–2019 at a Transition Zone Site in the Central Cascade Range, Washington, USA

Lepidoptera at a single mid-elevation site in the central Cascade Range in Washington state were surveyed for six full seasons spanning 11 years (2009–2011, 2017–2019). Sampling was performed continuously with a blacklight trap, and was supplemented with pheromone traps, searches for immature stages, day collecting, observation, photography, and sugar bait traps. The habitat is forested transition zone, including old growth forest, slightly east of the Cascade divide in the southern part of the North Cascades ecoregion. The fauna of 822 species is categorized by the number of seasons each species was found over the span of the study. The higher-order distribution of the fauna within Lepidoptera, impact of sampling methods, annual and multi-year fluctuations in abundance, and local climate effects on flight period are presented. Taxonomic challenges and noteworthy records are discussed. Representative species and genitalia are illustrated.
High-mass-loading Sn-based anode boosted by pseudocapacitance for long-life sodium-ion batteries

Abstract Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are considered as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries in large-scale energy storage due to the abundant sodium resources and low cost. However, the practical applications are still hindered by several factors such as limited cycling life and low mass loading of the electrode. Herein, a uniform free-standing Sn-based (Sn@CFC) electrode was synthesized via a facile electrospinning method. The cross-link nitrogen-doped carbon fiber and ultrasmall metallic Sn nanoparticles together provide fast ions and electrons pathway, enabling a dominant pseudocapacitance contribution of 87.1% at a scan rate of 0.5 mV s−1. The Sn@CFC electrode hence exhibits a high reversible area capacity of 1.68 mAh cm−2 at 50 mA g−1 and long cycle life of 1000 cycles at 200 mA g−1 with more than 80% capacity retention. Moreover, the facile manufacturing technique yields the Sn@CFC electrode with an extremely high mass loading of 5.5 mg cm−2 with very little sacrifice of electrochemical performances. This study provides a promising route to scalably fabricate electrodes with high area capacity and high energy density for advanced SIBs.
Comparison of the performance of aerosol sampling devices for measuring infectious SARS-CoV-2 aerosols

To assess the risk of aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2, measurements of the airborne viral concentrations in proximity to infected individuals, the persistence of the virus in aerosols, and the d...
Pancreas Cancer-Associated Pain Management

Pain is highly prevalent in patients with pancreas cancer and contributes to the morbidity of the disease. Pain may be due to pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, obstruction, and/or a direct mass effect on nerves in the celiac plexus. Proper supportive care to decrease pain is an important aspect of the overall management of these patients. There are limited data specific to the management of pain caused by pancreatic cancer. Here we review the literature and offer recommendations regarding multiple modalities available to treat pain in these patients. The dissemination and adoption of these best supportive care practices can improve quantity and quality of life for patients with pancreatic cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Pain management is important to improve the quality of life and survival of a patient with cancer. The pathophysiology of pain in pancreas cancer is complex and multifactorial. Despite tumor response to chemotherapy, a sizeable percentage of patients are at risk for ongoing cancer-related pain and its comorbid consequences. Accordingly, the management of pain in patients with pancreas cancer can be challenging and often requires a multifaceted approach.
Palliative Care und Hospiz

Palliative Care und Hospiz konnen als zwei zentrale Bereiche fur die seit den 1980ern konstatierte Neu-Institutionalisierung des Sterbens gelten, die ihrem Selbstverstandnis nach den Sterbenden mit seinen Wunschen, Bedurfnissen und Bedarfen sowie seine Angehorigen im Sinne einer ganzheitlichen Versorgung und Begleitung ins Zentrum rucken. Der Beitrag liefert eine soziologische Einordnung des damit einhergehenden gesellschaftlichen Wandels im Umgang mit Sterben und Tod, klart Begrifflichkeiten und gibt einen Uberblick zum Forschungs- und Diskussionsstand in Deutschland. Mit der anschliesend skizzierten Forschungsagenda wird fur eine Intensivierung der sozialwissenschaftlichen Forschung zum Lebensende und fur eine Starkung des Stellenwerts der Thanatosoziologie in Deutschland pladiert.
Shock tube measurements of high-temperature argon broadening and shift parameters for the potassium D1 and D2 resonance transitions

Abstract The current study presents a novel approach to determine the spectroscopic line shape parameters of atomic potassium in a controlled laboratory environment and reports the results for temperatures between 1100 – 1900 K. Experiments were conducted in a shock tube using argon as the dilution gas. Potassium was introduced through a precursor, potassium chloride salt, on the surface of a stainless-steel threaded-rod inserted upstream of the measurement plane. The incident shock wave entrained the potassium chloride in the test gas before the reflected shock wave dissociated the compound, producing atomic potassium at ppb levels for spectroscopic studies with tunable diode lasers. This potassium seeding approach was tested over a wide range of temperatures and is readily deployable for other collisional partners and for other absorbing species of alkali metals. The well-resolved absorption features of both the potassium D1 and D2 transitions near 0.77 μ m were modeled as Voigt profiles, enabling high-fidelity calculations of the argon broadening coefficients and pressure shift coefficients at various temperatures. The results are presented as temperature-dependent power-law expressions. These correlations will be useful for interpretation of brown dwarf spectra and for the development of remote sensing techniques in high-enthalpy facilities.
Interatomic Auger analysis of the oxidation of thin Ba films. I. Characterization of the low energy Auger spectrum

The oxidation states of thin Ba films on Ir have been studied using an analysis of interatomic Auger lines. From published XPS data, some of the low energy AES lines were described in terms of various possible core, core, valence transitions where the core states were Ba states but the valence state could be either due to Ba or O. The magnitude of all AES lines, whose energy indicated an O valence state, was observed to increase with oxidation while those ascribed to Ba valence states decreased. The Ba 4d, 5p, valence transitions in the 65–75 V range appeared relatively free from clutter of other Ba and substrate lines and were the ones primarly used in determining the Ba-O bonding. The increase with oxidation of the interatomic Ba 4d, 5p, O 2p line at ∼ 68 V was found to be correlated with the increase in the O 2p loss peak. Furthermore, shifts in energy of this peak for various film thicknesses varied in accordance with corresponding shifts in O 2p binding energy with respect to the Fermi level. Also, the decrease with oxidation of the Ba 4d, 5p, 6s line at ∼ 73 V was found to be correlated with the decrease in conduction electrons contributing to the surface plasmon peak. The manner in which these lines can be used to determine the extent of electron transfer in the formation of compounds other than BaO (such as BaC2) is also given.
Mining a Web2.0 Service for the Discovery of Semantically Similar Terms: A Case Study with Del.icio.us

This study develops and implements methods of identifying similar terms using collaboratively constructed folksonomies. In this study, two folksonomy- based methods are proposed with an aim of demonstrating the usefulness of folksonomy as a source for the discovery of similar terms, especially for `non-in-the-dictionary' terms: co-occurrence-based and correlation-based methods. The experimental results show that the co-occurrence-based method performs comparatively better and that the folksonomies have a potential as a source for the discovery of similar or near-similar terms. The result implies that as the web2.0 service for the folksonomies evolves, the potential of folksonomy for the task will be increased.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis with Escherichia coli Heat-Labile Enterotoxin

Twenty-one babies occupied a newborn intensive care unit during two separate clusters of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Seven babies had suspected NEC, seven had proved NEC, two had diarrhea only, and five were unaffected. Of affected babies, 15 had toxigenic Escherichia coli or heat-labile E coli toxin in feces detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. One of five unaffected babies had fecal toxin (P = .01). Four of 12 affected babies had a fourfold immunoglobulin M (Igm) antitoxin titer rise within 3 weeks of the fecal studies. None of five unaffected infants had a serologic immune response. The clinical disease seen in the babies was not characteristic of previously described E coli heat-labile toxin-associated diarrhea.
For want of a few good shams.

the work of Nossuli and co-workers ([4][1]) describes some of the pitfalls involved in animal modeling of human disease. They demonstrate that, in examining the inflammatory cytokine response following reperfusion of the infarcted myocardium, the surgical trauma associated with acute occlusion and
Cooling of High Power Density Electronic Chips

The first part of this paper presents a summary of cooling technology for high power density electronic chips at room temperature. Both immersion and conduction cooling techniques are included. The second part of this paper is a survey of low temperature cooling technology for electronics as published by both university researchers and industry practitioners. The final part of the paper is an outline of a logical extension of room temperature cooling technology to the liquid nitrogen temperature regime. Emphasis is placed on a possible extrapolation of cooling capabilities based on room temperature models to low temperature applications. This paper draws input entirely from published information as listed in the references.
The retrieval of positive and negative information from short-term memory storage for use in a concept-identification task

Short-term memory for multidimensional visual stimuli was studied as a function of oral verbal labeling as positive or negative instances in a concept-identification task. Labels were delivered concurrently with the initial presentation of the instance and were “positive,” “negative,” or “no label.” Short-term retention for the differently labeled stimuli was tested following an 8-sec rest interval with a same/different discrimination task. Response latencies were shortest for positively labeled instances and longest for negatively labeled instances. The results suggest a facilitation of short-term retention for information perceived as important by the problem solver and a degredation in performance for information perceived as unimportant.
High-efficiency FEL operation using microwave reacceleration in a combined accelerator/wiggler

A possible approach to high efficiency FEL operation is to combine a microwave linear accelerator and magnetic wiggler into a single structure. As the electrons lose energy to the radiation at the FEL oscillation wavelength (e.g. 10 micrometers ), energy is replaced by the microwave linac. The electron beam acts as a catalyst for the conversion of microwave power to infrared power. Several advantages to the accelerator/wiggler are: it is possible to obtain high conversion efficiency in a short length; small- signal gain reduction can be avoided; power extraction may be increased by increasing length; there is little detrapping; and electron beam energy out of the wiggler is relatively monochromatic, permitting efficient energy recovery. The expected performance of the high efficiency FEL will be calculated by computer simulation based on parameters measured on a full scale, six period model. The gain and efficiency will be estimated with and without the presence of the accelerating microwave field. Simulation results predict an efficiency greater than 15% in a 135 m long accelerator/wiggler. A fast (< 1 microsecond(s) time constant) variable attenuator will be used to modulate the microwave field in time so that small signal gain reduction is avoided. The optimum value of microwave field as a function of time will be calculated and the sensitivity of the gain to the microwave field will be discussed.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The implementation and expansion of SAFE: Frontline responses and the transfer of technology to practice

Abstract Recent discussions of evidence-based practices have focused on translating programmatic conceptual frameworks and best practices into the “real world” of practice settings. This article discusses the implementation and expansion of the Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE) home study methodology over the course of 4 years. Survey data include the evaluations of frontline employees (n = 220), from multiple sites, regarding SAFE's ability to identify effectively families' potential issues of concern during the home study process. Perceptions of SAFE's usefulness as a home study method for a variety of family and practice situations are also measured and illuminated with qualitative accounts. Respondents indicated that SAFE more effectively identifies most issues of concern when compared with conventional methods, and that SAFE is a useful method for evaluating prospective resource families across a variety of situations. Some respondents expressed that SAFE still requires some improvements, and that some areas of home study practice in general are beyond reach for any method (e.g., applicant honesty). Given the positive responses for SAFE regarding increased thoroughness, however, this study adds to evidence that SAFE may lead to both improved practice and more accurate home studies, and lays the groundwork for further empirical exploration of the SAFE home study method.
Chocolate Islands: Cocoa, Slavery, and Colonial Africa. By Catherine Higgs. (Athens, OH: Ohio University Press, 2012. Pp. vi, 230. $26.95.)

Between June 1905 and March 1907, Joseph Burtt traveled to Sao Tome and Principe, Angola, Mozambique, and the Transvaal on a fact‐finding mission to determine the veracity of reports that alleged t...
Molecular Determinants of Selectivity in 5-Hydroxytryptamine1B Receptor-G Protein Interactions

The recognition between G protein and cognate receptor plays a key role in specific cellular responses to environmental stimuli. Here we explore specificity in receptor-G protein coupling by taking advantage of the ability of the 5-hydroxytryptamine1B (5-HT1B) receptor to discriminate between G protein heterotrimers containing Galphai1 or Galphat. Gi1 can interact with the 5-HT1B receptor and stabilize a high affinity agonist binding state of this receptor, but Gt cannot. A series of Galphat/Galphai1 chimeric proteins have been generated in Escherichia coli, and their functional integrity has been reported previously (Skiba, N. P., Bae, H., and Hamm, H. E. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 413-424). We have tested the functional coupling abilities of the Galphat/Galphai1 chimeras to 5-HT1B receptors using high affinity agonist binding and receptor-stimulated guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate (GTPgammaS) binding. In the presence of betagamma subunits, amino acid residues 299-318 of Galphai1 increase agonist binding to the 5-HT1B receptor and receptor stimulation of GTPgammaS binding. Moreover, Galphai1 containing only Galphat amino acid sequences from this region does not show any coupling ability to 5-HT1B receptors. Our studies suggest that the alpha4 helix and alpha4-beta6 loop region of Galphas are an important region for specific recognition between receptors and Gi family members.
Illumination-Aware Age Progression

We present an approach that takes a single photograph of a child as input and automatically produces a series of age-progressed outputs between 1 and 80 years of age, accounting for pose, expression, and illumination. Leveraging thousands of photos of children and adults at many ages from the Internet, we first show how to compute average image subspaces that are pixel-to-pixel aligned and model variable lighting. These averages depict a prototype man and woman aging from 0 to 80, under any desired illumination, and capture the differences in shape and texture between ages. Applying these differences to a new photo yields an age progressed result. Contributions include relightable age subspaces, a novel technique for subspace-to-subspace alignment, and the most extensive evaluation of age progression techniques in the literature.
Tax systems and tax shares

How can one use the results derived in Sections 3 and 4? The type of use one can make in theoretical voting analysis was suggested in Section 4 already. Comparative statics results on how desired budget levels vary with tax system parameters (such as number of exemptions, size of tax credits, etc.) can be obtained, as well as for varying the tax system used. For empirical work, the application requires some further discussion. Consider a public jurisdiction financing a public good, x, using some tax system. Suppose that individual demand is given by The relevant price needed is the taxprice, which can be found by deriving the associated taxshare system and then using τ(i)p(x) as the taxprice for voter i. The lump-sum component of the taxshare system is subtracted from income to yield the appropriate adjusted income term. This leaves a demand equation of the form: The new taxprice and adjusted income variables can now be measured and used in the empirical analysis. Use of the theoretically correct price and income variables should lead to better estimates of price and income elasticities. More interestingly, one can ask questions about constitutional choices, as suggested by Buchanan (1967: Part II). For example, for a given society, what tax system (and marginal parameters) will imply the largest public sector? Can one make any generalizations about efficient characteristics of the resulting post-constitutional outcomes? Further, how do considerations of excess burden affect such results?9
Price Regulation Under Uncertainty in an Asymmetric Decision Environment

A regulated firm that can make decisions both before and after uncertainty is resolved with respect to input use cannot be led to competitive solutions by regulatory price ceilings. Whether those ceilings are imposed before or after the resolution of uncertainty, they present incentives for undercapitalized production, contrary to usual AJ assertions. Under these conditions the Fair Return objective is neither a sufficient nor an unambiguous regulatory target.
Androgens and Puberty

Growth, adolescent sexual development and changes in body composition are described in male adolescents. The underlying changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal and the GH/IGF-I axes that underline the physical changes are then described. Finally, how high energy output, at a time of low energy input, using, as an example, scholastic male wrestlers, is described.
African dust outbreaks: A satellite perspective of temporal and spatial variability over the tropical Atlantic Ocean

1000 km d −1 , reaching the Caribbean or South America in a week’s time. The advance of a dust front is associated with decreases in water vapor (up to −1.0 g kg −1 ) and increases in temperature (up to 1.0 K) and, behind the fronts, an anticyclonic circulation. We used Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) data to characterize dust altitude distributions. The vertical distribution of warm dry air is similar to that of dust observed in CALIPSO. The dust layer altitude decreases during transport across the Atlantic and is significantly lower in boreal winter than summer. The study highlights the temporal and spatial variability of African dust outbreaks, which are important to improving our understanding of climate impacts of African dust and Atlantic climate variability in general.
Closing the efficiency gap: barriers to the efficient use of energy

Abstract Only half of the potential for improving U.S. energy efficiency over the next 20 years is likely to be achieved, given current government policies and programs. This large untapped potential to save money, improve environmental quality, and reduce the foreign trade deficit exists because of structural and market barriers that inhibit adoption of cost-effective energy-efficient practices and measures. Structural barriers include distortions in fuel prices, uncertainty about future fuel prices, limited access to capital, government fiscal and regulatory policies, codes and standards, and supply infrastructure limitations. Behavioral barriers include attitudes toward energy efficiency, perceived risk of energy-efficiency investments, information gaps, and misplaced incentives.
Optimization of decision making in multilayer networks: The role of locus coeruleus

Previous theoretical work has shown that a single-layer neural network can implement the optimal decision process for simple, two-alternative forced-choice (2AFC) tasks. However, it is likely that the mammalian brain comprises multilayer networks, raising the question of whether and how optimal performance can be approximated in such an architecture. Here, we present theoretical work suggesting that the noradrenergic nucleus locus coeruleus (LC) may help optimize 2AFC decision making in the brain. This is based on the observations that neurons of the LC selectively fire following the presentation of salient stimuli in decision tasks and that the corresponding release of norepinephrine can transiently increase the responsivity, or gain, of cortical processing units. We describe computational simulations that investigate the role of such gain changes in optimizing performance of 2AFC decision making. In the tasks we model, no prior cueing or knowledge of stimulus onset time is assumed. Performance is assessed in terms of the rate of correct responses over time (the reward rate). We first present the results of a single-layer model that accumulates (integrates) sensory input and implements the decision process as a threshold crossing. Gain transients, representing the modulatory effect of the LC, are driven by separate threshold crossings in this layer. We optimize over all free parameters to determine the maximum reward rate achievable by this model and compare it to the maximum reward rate when gain is held fixed. We find that the dynamic gain mechanism yields no improvement in reward for this single-layer model. We then examine a two-layer model, in which competing sensory accumulators in the first layer (capable of implementing the task relevant decision) pass activity to response accumulators in a second layer. Again, we compare a version in which threshold crossing in the first (decision) layer elicits an LC response (and a concomitant increase in gain) with a fixed-gain version of the model. Here, we find that gain transients modeling the LC phasic response yield an improvement in reward rate of 12% to 24%. Furthermore, we show that the timing characteristics of these gain transients agree with observations concerning LC firing patterns reported in recent experimental studies. This provides converging evidence for the hypothesis that the LC optimizes processes underlying 2AFC decision making in multilayer networks.
Privacy, technology, and conflict: Emerging issues and action in workplace privacy

IV. Conclusion Growing employee awareness of the degree to which their personal privacy is compromised in the workplace, particularly with regards to information/telecommunicatton-system use and work monitoring, has created an organizational and political climate that may yield significant restrictions on employee monitoring and on how employers maintain and distribute employees’ personal information. While both federal and state governments have generally deferred to the right of the employer-as-owner to set conditions of employment that may include intrusions into employee privacy (Grodin, 1991), a number of statutory restrictions have been promulgated or proposed that will significantly expand employee privacy rights in the workplace. Additionally, it is probable that unions will aggressively assert employee privacy rights within the context of collective bargaining, potentially using employee dissatisfaction with privacy intrusions as a basis for organizing nonunion firms.
After the Hate: Helping Psychologists Help Victims of Racist Hate Crime

Rates of hate-crime activity continue to occur with alarming frequency, and according to most law enforcement personnel those that are motivated by ethnic and race-based hatred occur most frequently. When individuals are targeted because of their race or ethnicity they are likely to experience a host of negative emotions that are qualitatively distinct from those experienced following nonbiased criminal victimization. In an effort to assist psychologists who treat hate-crime victims, this paper describes the psychological impact of racist hate-crime victimization. A review of the general effects of victimization and experience of posttraumatic stress disorder is also presented. The remaining section of the paper offers specific suggestions for psychologists and other mental health practitioners who seek to assist victims of racist hate crime.
Protection by antioxidants against toxicity and apoptosis induced by the sulphur mustard analog 2-chloroethylethyl sulphide (CEES) in Jurkat T cells and normal human lymphocytes

1. The mechanism of toxicity of sulphur mustard was investigated by examining the biochemical effects of the analog 2-chloroethylethyl sulphide (CEES) in both human Jurkat cells as well as normal human lymphocytes. 2. Exposure of both types of cells to CEES resulted in a marked decrease in the intracellular concentration of the reduced form of glutathione (GSH), and CEES-induced cell death was potentiated by l-buthionine sulphoximine, an inhibitor of GSH synthesis. 3. CEES increased the endogenous production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Jurkat cells, and CEES-induced cell death was potentiated by hydrogen peroxide. 4. CEES induced various hallmarks of apoptosis, including collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential, proteolytic processing and activation of procaspase-3, and cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. 5. The effects of CEES on the accumulation of ROS, the intracellular concentration of GSH, the mitochondrial membrane potential, and caspase-3 activity were all inhibited by pretreatment of cells with the GSH precursor N-acetyl cysteine or with GSH-ethyl ester. Furthermore, CEES-induced cell death was also prevented by these antioxidants. 6. CEES toxicity appears to be mediated, at least in part, by the generation of ROS and consequent depletion of GSH. Given that sulphur mustard is still a potential biohazard, the protective effects of antioxidants against CEES toxicity demonstrated in Jurkat cells and normal human lymphocytes may provide the basis for the development of a therapeutic strategy to counteract exposure to this chemical weapon.
Differential trace conditioning to temporal compounds

Rats were reinforced for responding following the presentation of a light-tone temporal compound, each component having a .5-sec duration separated by a .5-sec empty interval. For different groups, nonreinforced presentations of the compound in the reverse order and either or both of the components separately were included in each session. Results indicated a progressive increase in difficulty as the number of nonreinforced events increased, with behavior being strongly affected by the first component of the compound. Nevertheless, differential performance under the most demanding conditions demonstrate the rat’s ability to acquire a temporal compound discrimination, which suggests an interpretation based on interacting stimulus traces.
Water purification by radiation induced oxidation (thesis excerpts)

Abstract Water can be purified using carbon adsorption with subsequent γ‐radiation induced oxidation of the adsorbates. A theoretical design model of formaldehyde removal and destruction is presented. Results from this computer simulation are compared to experimental data. A kinetic model is proposed for the surface mechanisms which are patterned after those reactions known to occur in the aqueous phase. Maintaining a high oxygen partial pressure is a key design consideration. Simulations from 1–10 atm pressure suggest that pressurized operation will significantly enhance the oxidation rates. Other key physical parameters are the external and pore diffusion rates to the solid surface, oxygen adsorption, and the effects of carbon particle size. Three γ‐radiation sources were examined: 137Cs pollucite in the standard Hanford capsule, 60Co, and spend light water reactor (LWR) fuel rods. Cobalt‐60 offers the highest radiation intensity and efficiency, but it is also the most expensive radiation source.
Why George? Hagiographic Elements in Matute’s Primera memoria

Since its publication in 1960, Ana Maria Matute’s novel, Primera memoria, has earned substantial amounts of scholarship and a place in the canon as it pertains to Spanish Peninsular literature of the twentieth century. Its continued relevance has much to do with its discursive and thematic richness, fruitfully explored by readers. Primera memoria takes place on the island of Mallorca during the first months of the Spanish Civil War. Among other topics, its fourteen-year-old narrator, Matia, alludes to class tensions, youthful rivalries, feelings of estrangement, her love of fairy tales, mysterious adults, the conversos known as chuetas, expectations for girls, and unsettling violence. Studies of the text have examined it principally as a bildungsroman and a political allegory, centering on aspects such as Biblical motifs, symbols, archetypes, myths, female adolescent development and so on. One prominent element, however, has not received sustained attention—the legend of St. George, both as set forth in medieval hagiography and as manifested in folk customs. The present article seeks to pursue this line of inquiry: in view of the enigmatic character named Jorge de Son Mayor and the repeated references to San Jorge at the local church: how does parsing the saint’s tradition inflect and enrich our readings of Matute’s book? In other words, why George?
TH-C-141-04: Feasibility of MR Relaxometry-Guided Synthetic CT Image Formation for MRI-Based Radiation Treatment Planning

Purpose: Recently, several groups have begun investigating methods to generate synthetic CT images from MRI images to facilitate MRI‐based radiation treatment planning. The goal of this work was to determine the feasibility of a novel approach for generating synthetic CT images using MR relaxometry guidance. Methods: MR relaxometry images of the head and pelvis were acquired on three volunteers using a Siemens 3T scanner. Rapid T1 mapping was performed by linear least squares fitting of the Ernst model to multiple flip angle (2, 5, 10, 15 deg) images acquired with a 3D FLASH sequence and corrected for B1+ inhomogeneities using a custom, 3D actual flip angle imaging (AFI) sequence. Rapid T2* mapping was performed by linear least squares fitting of eight echo time (2.9–29.1 ms) images acquired with a 3D FLASH sequence. Vendor‐provided 3D distortion correction was applied to all images to correct for gradient nonlinearity distortions. Tissue classification was performed based on published values of T1 and T2* at 3T. Electron densities (EDs), obtained from ICRU Report 46, were assigned to the segmented structures. Synthetic CT images were generated by combining the segmented ED structures and applying an inverted CT‐ED conversion table from a clinical radiation treatment planning system. Results: Total scan time for the MR relaxometry and AFI images was approximately ten minutes. T1 maps generated with B1+ correction demonstrated high uniformity compared to T1 maps obtained without correction. The combination of T1 and T2* maps was necessary to classify tissues in the head and pelvis regions. Synthetic CT images were successfully generated and transferred onto a radiation treatment planning system. Conclusion: Generation of synthetic CT images for MRI‐based radiation treatment planning using MR relaxometry‐guidance is feasible. Further investigations will compare synthetic CT images generated using the proposed approach to actual CT images in patients.
Toward objective, systematic design-method comparisons

Software design methodologies (SDMs) suggest ways to improve productivity and quality. They are collections of complementary design methods and rules for applying them. A base framework and modeling formalism to help designers compare SDMs and define what design issues different SDMs address, which of their components address similar design issues, and ways to integrate the best characteristics of each to make a cleaner, more comprehensive and flexible SDM are presented. The use of formalism and framework and the evaluation of objectivity and completeness using the type and function frameworks are described. >
The Application of Signal Detection Theory to Weather Forecasting Behavior

Abstract A variety of measures are used to judge the skill and accuracy with which forecasters predict the weather and to verify forecasts: Such measures can confound accuracy with decision strategy and sometimes give conflicting indications of performance. Signal detection theory (SDT) provides a theoretical framework for describing forecasting behavior and minimizing these problems. We illustrate the utility of signal detection theory in this context, show how it can be used to understand the effects of time pressure created by frequent weather activity on forecasting judgments, and illustrate how to achieve a specific social policy.
Primary pelvic retroperitoneal malignant fibrous histiocytoma in a female with high-grade recurrence

Myxofibrosarcoma or malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma. However, primary pelvic and retroperitoneal myxoid is an extremely rare tumor. We report a case of a 49-year-old woman diagnosed with primary MFH originating from the left gluteal muscle and presenting with a large pelvic mass. A 49-year-old woman G0 presented with a 3-year history of progressive left leg sciatica pain, left lower extremity edema, and a pelvic mass consistent with low-grade malignant fibrous histiocytoma upon surgical resection. Despite adjuvant radiotherapy (RT), she developed recurrence underwent within 7 months. She underwent repeat surgical resection with histopathology showing a MFH with high-grade features. We describe this case and review the literature of MFH. MFH of the pelvis and retroperitoneum is extremely rare. It has a high mortality rate and short overall survival. The tumor is characterized by local invasion, while lymph node or vascular metastases are uncommon. Complete tumor resection is the best primary treatment and is usually followed by adjuvant RT or chemotherapy. These patients must have close observation for local recurrence.
The role of polyamines in glucagon-like peptide-2 prevention of TPN-induced gut hypoplasia

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) of rats has been demonstrated to produce hypoplasia of gut mucosa, and to be associated with reduced immune response and elevated translocation of bacteria from gut to mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen and liver. Treatment of rats being maintained on TPN with the proglucagon fragment, glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), has been shown to totally prevent small intestine mucosal hypoplasia. In the present study, we found that depletion of polyamines with alpha-difluromethylornithine (DFMO) significantly reduced the efficacy of GLP-2 in preserving gut mucosa in rats maintained on TPN for 8 days. Co-infusion of GLP-2 with TPN prevented loss of protein and mucosa in duodenum, jejunum and ileum, but not in colon. Addition of DFMO to the infusate prevented the protective effects of GLP-2 in the duodenum and jejunum. In the jejunum, putrescine and spermidine were reduced in DFMO-treated rats, while the ileum exhibited reductions of these polyamines in rats infused with TPN or TPN plus GLP-2. DFMO infusion further reduced these polyamines in the ileum, while levels of spermine were increased. Concentrations of ornithine decarboxylase were elevated in jejunum of rats infused with TPN or TPN plus GLP-2, but were reduced significantly in DFMO-treated rats. These results suggest that normal levels of polyamines are necessary for the expression of GLP-2-induced hyperplasia. Differential effects of GLP-2 and DFMO across gut segments may relate to regional differences in proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects of the treatments.
The Deepest Sounding in the North Atlantic

Deep soundings near the eastern end of the Brownson deep to the north of Hispaniola (Haiti) are discussed. The deepest are those obtained by the U.S.S. Milwaukee and the Theodore N. Gill, which give 5030 fathoms.