cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Total-Ionizing-Dose Effects on Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers

Total-ionizing-dose (TID) effects on piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (pMUTs) are investigated using 10-keV X-rays under different bias conditions. The corresponding changes in resonant frequency and quality factor are evaluated using impedance analysis methods. Radiation-generated electrons or holes are trapped in the pre-existing defects of piezoelectric materials. Therefore, the sensitivity of pMUTs to X-ray irradiation depends strongly on the device bias during irradiation. The trapped charges change stress and strain in the materials due to the inverse piezoelectric effect, resulting in resonant frequency shifts and quality factor variation.
Proximity to Industrial Food Animal Production and Asthma Exacerbations in Pennsylvania, 2005-2012.

The research on industrial food animal production (IFAP) and asthma exacerbations in the United States has relied on small sample sizes and/or self-reported outcomes. We assessed associations of proximity to large-scale and densely stocked swine and dairy/veal IFAP with three types of asthma exacerbations: hospitalizations, emergency encounters, and oral corticosteroid (OCS) medication orders from Geisinger Clinic in Pennsylvania. We used a diagnosis code (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification code 493.x) and medication orders from electronic health records to identify these exacerbations among asthma patients (n = 35,269) from 2005–2012. We compared residential proximity to swine or dairy/veal IFAP (dichotomized as <3 miles (4.8 km) or ≥3 miles) among asthma patients with and without exacerbations and estimated odds ratios using multilevel logistic regression. In adjusted models, proximity to IFAP was associated (odds ratio (95% confidence interval)) with OCS orders (1.11 (1.04–1.19)) and hospitalizations (1.29 (1.15–1.46)), but not emergency encounters (1.12 (0.91–1.37)). This study contributes to growing evidence that IFAP may impact health, in this case clinically-documented asthma exacerbations. No prior study has evaluated the association of IFAP and clinically-documented asthma exacerbations in the United States.
Neurotransmitter-Gated Ion Channels as Molecular Sites of Alcohol Action

The mechanism of alcohol action in the nervous system has long been a subject of great interest. Almost a century ago, two German scientists, Overton (1896; 1901) and Meyer (1899; 1901), found a correlation between the anesthetic potencies of different alcohols and their partition between olive oil and water. The partition between olive oil and water indicates the hydrophobicity of an alcohol; the greater the number of carbons in the alcohol molecule, the greater its hydrophobicity. Subsequent investigations confirmed that, up to a point, as alcohol chain length increases, anesthetic potency increases in proportion to the hydrophobicity of the alcohol (Cole and Allison, 1930; Rang, 1960). More recently, a similar relationship has been reported for the intoxicating properties of alcohols (McCreery and Hunt, 1978). These observations led to the idea that alcohols exert their anesthetic action on the hydrophobic lipid bilayer membrane of cells. This “lipid theory” of alcohol action has had several physico-chemical variants. One proposed that the anesthetic effect was dependent upon the concentration of the anesthetic agent in the lipid (Meyer, 1937). A second suggested that it is the thermodynamic activity of the agent that determines anesthetic potency (Ferguson, 1939). A third hypothesis advanced the idea that a critical volume of the membrane lipid must be occupied by the agent for anesthesia to occur (Mullins, 1954). A fourth proposal advocated the concept that anesthesia results from an expansion of the lipid membrane by the agent (Seeman, 1972). A fifth version attributed the intoxicating and anesthetic properties of alcohols to their lipid-fluidizing action in membranes (Goldstein, 1984).
Two principles and some rules for gender in German: Inanimate nouns

(1986). Two principles and some rules for gender in German: Inanimate nouns. WORD: Vol. 37, No. 3, pp. 189-217.
Development and scaling of a vertical axis wind turbine wake

Abstract A wind tunnel experiment is conducted to observe the downstream development of the wake past a model vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT). The flow domain is composed of a streamwise-spanwise plane, obtained via particle image velocimetry, at mid-height of the VAWT rotor. The flow field is assessed by analyzing contours of mean velocities and components in the Reynolds stress tensor. Profiles of the aforementioned quantities and flow parameters are discussed in the context of downstream flow development. The wake is skewed in the direction of the rotor rotation causing an imbalance in the displacement thickness mirrored about the centerline. The wake is divided into two portions, prior and after x / D = 2.5 , as the effects due to the rotation of the turbine diminish after x / D = 2.5 . The latter region experiences a reduced wake expansion and decreased velocity deficit compared to the region x / D ≤ 2.5 . The velocity and Reynolds stress profiles are then scaled by utilizing various scalings. In search of an improved scaling, a shift to the spanwise coordinate is employed. Downstream dependencies are removed from the Reynolds stress profiles when normalized by the turbulence kinetic energy, k, thus collapsing the profiles. Effects absorbed include the variations in momentum as well as the wake skewness since an imbalance in momentum is present due to the rotation of the VAWT. Findings have implications in modeling due to an improved scaling as well as a basic understanding of the near-wake behavior of a VAWT.
Mission and Physics Design of the Tokamak Physics Experiment

Improvements in the confinement, stability limits, current-drive efficiency and divertor performance, combined with steady-state operation, can lead to a more economical tokamak fusion reactor than one based on the present physics data base. The Tokamak Physics Experiment (TPX) is planned to extend the recent advances in these areas, achieved in pulsed tokamaks, to the steady-state regime. In so doing, it will develop a data base needed for the design of an economically attractive tokamak reactor.
General Considerations in Treating Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy and Following Delivery

Many pregnant women and new mothers require treatment for a psychiatric illness. The most common psychiatric illnesses among women of reproductive age involve depressive and anxiety disorders. More severe conditions, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, also typically manifest their first symptoms during the reproductive years. In many cases, psychiatric treatment will include the use of a medication. This chapter reviews important considerations in providing psychiatric treatment during pregnancy and the postpartum period to maximize the safety and well-being of the mother and the child.
Current Concept of Corneal Angiogenesis

Taken together, all observations suggest that corneal angiogenesis is initiated and controlled by numerous cells and molecules involved in the inflammatory response. Although the precise mechanism of corneal neovascularization remains poorly understood, many of the participants in the drama of corneal angiogenesis have been identified during the past two decades. Despite the possible existence of non-inflammatory angiogenesis in the cornea, convincing evidence to support such a variety of neovascularization in this tissue remains to be presented.
Interactive Boundary Prediction for Object Selection

Interactive image segmentation is critical for many image editing tasks. While recent advanced methods on interactive segmentation focus on the region-based paradigm, more traditional boundary-based methods such as Intelligent Scissor are still popular in practice as they allow users to have active control of the object boundaries. Existing methods for boundary-based segmentation solely rely on low-level image features, such as edges for boundary extraction, which limits their ability to adapt to high-level image content and user intention. In this paper, we introduce an interaction-aware method for boundary-based image segmentation. Instead of relying on pre-defined low-level image features, our method adaptively predicts object boundaries according to image content and user interactions. Therein, we develop a fully convolutional encoder-decoder network that takes both the image and user interactions (e.g. clicks on boundary points) as input and predicts semantically meaningful boundaries that match user intentions. Our method explicitly models the dependency of boundary extraction results on image content and user interactions. Experiments on two public interactive segmentation benchmarks show that our method significantly improves the boundary quality of segmentation results compared to state-of-the-art methods while requiring fewer user interactions.
Differences in response to egg-derived dietary cholesterol result in distinct lipoprotein profiles while plasma concentrations of carotenoids and choline are not affected in a young healthy population

Abstract Background It has been demonstrated that some individuals (approximately 1/3 of the population) can be classified as hyper-responders to dietary cholesterol. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the response to dietary cholesterol (provided by eggs) would mediate lipoprotein metabolism and the bioavailability of lutein, zeaxanthin, and choline, nutritional components present in eggs. Methods We recruited 36 healthy subjects who underwent a two-week washout period in which they consumed zero eggs. Participants were then consecutively fed 1, 2, and 3 eggs/day for 4 weeks each. In this analysis, we compared intake of 0 eggs/day to 3 eggs/day (540 additional mg of dietary cholesterol/day). Plasma lipids, lipoprotein particle subfractions, and plasma lutein, zeaxanthin, and choline were measured. We classified the normal plasma response to dietary cholesterol as an increase of 2.2 mg/dL for each 100 mg of dietary cholesterol/day. Therefore, those individuals with >12 mg/dL increase in plasma cholesterol after the intervention (n = 12) were considered hyper-responders while the remaining 24 subjects presented changes in plasma cholesterol ranging from −16 to 9 mg/dL and were considered normal responders. Results Compared to 0 eggs, hyper-responders had significant increases in plasma total, LDL and HDL cholesterol (p Conclusions These results suggest that egg intake increases the bioavailability of carotenoids and choline present in eggs independently of individual responses to dietary cholesterol. Further, the observed increases in large HDL in all individuals could be associated with HDL being a major transporter of lutein and zeaxanthin in plasma.
A physics-aware learning architecture with input transfer networks for predictive modeling

Abstract Hybrid modeling architectures seek to combine a machine learning model with a computationally efficient (simplified or partial) physics model to predict the behavior of physical systems. Existing sequential or parallel approaches to hybrid modeling do not typically exploit the potential relationship between the input or latent features of the partial and full physics. In addition, very few existing architectures take advantage of the provision to generously or on-demand sample the partial physics model. To address these gaps, we have developed a novel neural network-based hybrid architecture called “Opportunistic Physics-mining Transfer Mapping Architecture” or OPTMA. The goal of the OPTMA architecture is to facilitate greater exploitation of input space correlations between partial and full physics where they exist. To this end, a transfer neural network is used to transform the original inputs into modified inputs or latent features, where the partial physics operates on these artificially transformed features to produce the final prediction. An extended back-propagation approach and a Particle Swarm Optimization (to deal with multimodal loss functions) are used to train the network weights. The new architecture is first tested on a simple regression problem for analysis. It is then used to predict the behavior of more complex dynamic systems — an Inverted pendulum and the motion of an unmanned aerial vehicle, both under wind effects. Subsequent tests on unseen samples demonstrate OPTMA’s competitive performance compared to pure ANN and sequential hybrid models and provide empirical validation of the transfer concepts underlying OPTMA.
Loading at a foreign port

Abstract This chapter uses a detailed case study to examine three different supply chains utilized by a single importer. Decomposing those supply chains and identifying the physical, information, and financial flow variables underscores the complexity of constructing and managing maritime supply chains can become. Moreover, various supply chains may be subjected to variations in regulatory regimes. This chapter does not necessarily provide the answers, but rather is intended to pose the relevant questions.
Reduced No-Show Rates and Sustained Patient Satisfaction of Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Introduction: The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has thrust telehealth into the center stage of health care, leading to a dramatic increase in utilization of telehealth services. The impact of telehealth on patient satisfaction during the current pandemic is yet to be fully understood. Objective: This study aimed to identify patient perspectives and behaviors toward virtual primary care appointments at a telehealth-naive institution during the COVID-19 pandemic and establish the rate of missed appointments to help guide future implementation of telehealth services. Methods: Patients at a primary and specialty care clinic, seen between March and May 2020, completed a survey analyzing nine commonly used satisfaction metrics. The rate of missed appointments was recorded and compared with analogous cohorts of in-person office visits. Results: The no-show rate of telehealth visits during the COVID-19 pandemic was 7.5% (14/186), lower than both the no-show rate of 36.1% for in-office visits (56/155) (p < 0.0001) and a pre-pandemic in-office no-show rate of 29.8% (129/433) (p < 0.0001). Surveyed patients who experienced telehealth visits (n = 65) had similar satisfaction compared with those surveyed who attended in-office visits (n = 36) in seven of nine metrics. No statistically significant differences were identified in the satisfaction metrics with telehealth visits performed on video (n = 26) versus the phone-only format (n = 38). Patients aged 65 years or over were less likely to have a video component to their virtual visit (1/12, 8.3%) than those under age 65 (25/44, 56.8%) (p = 0.0031). Discussion/Conclusions: Telehealth offers significant benefits for both patients and providers, strongly supporting its widespread utilization both during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chiral figure-eight molecular scaffold for fluorescent probe development

Targeted fluorescent molecular probes are useful for cell microscopy, diagnostics, and biological imaging. An emerging discovery paradigm is to screen libraries of fluorescent molecules and identify hit compounds with interesting targeting properties. However, a current limitation with this approach is the lack of fluorescent molecular scaffolds that can produce libraries of probe candidates with three dimensional globular shape, chiral centers, and constrained conformation. This study evaluated a new probe scaffold called squaraine figure-eight (SF8), a self-threaded molecular architecture that is comprised of an encapsulated deep-red fluorescent squaraine dye, surrounding tetralactam macrocycle, and peripheral loops. Easy synthetic variation of the loops produced four chiral isomeric SF8 probes, with the same log P values. Cell microscopy showed that subtle changes in the loop structure led to significant differences in intracellular targeting. Most notably, a comparison of enantiomeric probes revealed a large difference in mitochondrial accumulation, very likely due to differences in affinity for a chiral biomarker within the organelle. A tangible outcome of the research is a probe candidate that can be: (a) developed further as a bright and photostable, deep-red fluorescent probe for mitochondrial imaging, and (b) used as a molecular tool to identify the mitochondrial biomarker for selective targeting. It will be straightforward to expand the SF8 probe chemical space and produce structurally diverse probe libraries with high potential for selective targeting of a wide range of biomarkers.
A Decade of Historical and Economic Research on Preservation Planning

The authors review a decade of research providing perspectives on how two “planning-adjacent” disciplines (history and economics) can improve historic preservation. These perspectives are used to justify historic preservation, inform the economic implications of de facto preservation policies on various constituencies, and develop specific practices and policy recommendations that relate preservation to socioeconomic outcomes.
Remembering Katrina: A Note of Appreciation to General Honore - This is a Thank You to a Hero

Russel L. Honore is a retired Lieutenant General who served as the 33rd commanding general of the U.S. First Army at Fort Gillem, Georgia. LT. General Russel L. Honore, US Army (Ret), was widely hailed by the media as the "Category 5 General" who led Task Force Katrina in the aftermath of the devastating hurricanes that struck the Gulf Coast in the summer of 2005. General Honore is currently a Senior Scientist with The Gallup Organization, where he is working on developing questions to determine levels of preparedness, and a CNN Preparedness Contributor. (Gen. Honore, 2012)
Cognitive penetrability of perception in the age of prediction: Predictive systems are penetrable systems.

The goal of perceptual systems is to allow organisms to adaptively respond to ecologically relevant stimuli. Because all perceptual inputs are ambiguous, perception needs to rely on prior knowledge accumulated over evolutionary and developmental time to turn sensory energy into information useful for guiding behavior. It remains controversial whether the guidance of perception extends to cognitive states or is locked up in a “cognitively impenetrable” part of perception. I argue that expectations, knowledge, and task demands can shape perception at multiple levels, leaving no part untouched. The position advocated here is broadly consistent with the notion that perceptual systems strive to minimize prediction error en route to globally optimal solutions (Clark Behavioral and Brain Sciences 36(3):181–204, 2013). On this view, penetrability should be expected whenever constraining lower-level processes by higher level knowledge is minimizes global prediction error. Just as Fodor feared (e.g., Fodor Philosophy of Science 51:23–43, 1984, Philosophy of Science 51:23–43, 1988) cognitive penetration of perception threatens theory-neutral observation and the distinction between observation and inference. However, because theories themselves are constrained by the task of minimizing prediction error, theory-laden observation turns out to be superior to theory-free observation in turning sensory energy into useful information.
The analysis of costimulatory receptor signaling cascades in normal T lymphocytes using in vitro gene transfer and reporter gene analysis

Ligation of the antigen receptor and costimulatory receptors on the surface of T lymphocytes initiates intracellular signals that regulate cell-cycle progression and cell differentiation. To effectively manipulate the activation of T cells for immunotherapeutic applications, it will be important to understand how these signaling pathways are integrated to control specific gene transcription events. Here we describe a novel transient transfection procedure that efficiently introduces DNA into non-dividing normal human and murine T lymphocytes while maintaining high cell viability. Using this technique, reporter genes can be introduced to characterize intracellular signaling pathways that regulate specific gene transcription events in normal T-lymphocyte populations. We show that the CD28 receptor can be differentially coupled to downstream signaling pathways in different T-lymphocyte populations. In addition, we demonstrate that a gene encoding a tagged constitutively active mitogen-activated kinase kinase-1 protein can be transfected and rapidly expressed to regulate the expression of Bcl-2 in normal thymocytes.
Regulation of oxygen consumption in fast- and slow-twitch muscle

Phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance spectra and steady-state O2 consumption rates were obtained from ex vivo arterially perfused cat biceps brachii (fast twitch) and soleus (slow twitch) muscles during and after periods of isometric twitch stimulation at 30 degrees C. In the biceps muscles, steady-state O2 consumption increased and phosphocreatine (PCr) concentration decreased progressively with stimulation. PCr recovery after these stimulation periods followed first-order kinetics with a half time of 10 min. The results in the biceps could be explained by a feedback control of cellular respiration by ADP concentration. In the soleus, steady-state O2 consumption also increased and PCr concentration decreased as stimulation rates increased. The half time for PCr recovery in the soleus was approximately 5 min, but, in contrast to the pattern in the biceps, the kinetics was not first order. There was an overshoot during the recovery period in the PCr content of soleus and a corresponding undershoot of Pi compared with resting values. Mitochondrial regulation by ADP is not sufficient to account for respiratory control in slow-twitch soleus. The respiration rate in neither muscle was dependent on the Pi content. Thus we conclude that the mechanism of control of cellular respiration is both quantitatively and qualitatively different in fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscle.
Four Quadrant Sensorless Operation of a Switched Reluctance Machine Using Fourier Model

A four-quadrant sensorless switched reluctance machine (SRM) controller has been developed using a model based on the Fourier series expansion. The sensorless controller combines two different methods both of which are based on the Fourier model. At zero and low speeds, a pulse injection position estimation method is used to estimate the rotor position in all four quadrants. At high speeds, a sliding mode observer (SMO) based position and speed estimation is used. The use of the SRM Fourier model in the sensorless algorithms provides position estimation with high degree of accuracy. Experimental evaluation demonstrated the superiority of the Fourier model over the models developed in previous research.
The Foundations of Fetal Cardiac Surgery

Tremendousprogress hasbeenmadein the diagnosis andsurgical therapyofchildren bornwith complexcongenital heart disease. Opencorrection,first performedin the 1950sbyLillehei, wasfollowedbyexplosivegrowthin this surgical field after the introductionofextracorporeal circulation. Otherclin-ical advances, such as myocardial protection, deep hypothermia, circulatoryarrest, and orthoterminal (or Fontan-Kreutzer) correction, arose from scientificexperimentation and led
Pay disparity and innovation: evidence from firm level data

This paper investigates the relationship between pay disparity and innovation. In an empirical examination of S&P 4, 5, and 600 firms, it was found that difference in pay between CEO and the remaining top management is positively associated with higher research and development, patents and citations to patents. It was also found that the difference in pay between CEO and the chief technical officer (CTO) as well as CEO and the rest of the organisation also has a positive relationship with the measures of innovation. Positive relationship between pay inequality and innovation suggests that managers are rewarded for skill.
HLA and mate selection

HLA types of the partners in 1017 couples were determined. It appeared that there was statistically significant occurrence of like types more frequently than predicted by chance. The existence of ethnic or racial groups with characteristically different frequencies of the HLA types might explain the result.
In flow activation of diol-silica with cyanogen bromide and triethylamine for preparing high-performance affinity chromatographic columns.

Abstract A new coupling strategy using pre-packed diol–silica supports to obtain affinity columns for high-performance affinity chromatography (HPAC) is described. These columns were prepared by “in flow” activation in which solutions containing anhydrous solutions of CNBr and triethylamine are separately pumped to a mixer and then onto a pre-packed diol–silica column. Recycling the amino ligand to be coupled several times over the activated silica diol columns results in ligand immobilization. DNA (the Op1 lac operator), 6-aminohexyl-Cibacron and a peptide (melittin) were all successfully “in flow” coupled to freshly activated columns. Methods for CNBr activation of pre-packed diol–silica column were developed for one, two or three pump HPLC systems. The supports were successfully used for the HPAC purification of a Lac repressor-β-galactosidase fusion protein, alcohol dehydrogenase, and calmodulin. Columns prepared by in flow activation/coupling procedures were shown to be stable for at least 14 months. Also, in flow activated silica columns could be stored in anhydrous acetone for at least 3 months prior to coupling. Our experiments with these affinity ligand columns (DNA–silica, aminohexyl-Cibacron F3GA–silica, and melittin–silica), suggests that this is a very successful coupling protocol for producing a variety of HPAC columns.
Diethylphosphorylation of rat cardiac M2 muscarinic receptor by chlorpyrifos oxon in vitro.

Abstract The acute toxicity of chlorpyrifos oxon (CPO), the metabolically-activated form of the major organophosphorus insecticide chlorpyrifos, is attributable to diethylphosphorylation of acetylcholinesterase at its esteratic site. As a secondary effect, CPO is known to compete with agonist binding to the M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR). This study tests the hypothesis that [ethyl-1,2- 3 H]CPO labels the M2 mAChR in rat cardiac membrane proteins. Of four labeled protein regions observed, only one had an apparent molecular mass (70–75 kDa) consistent with that of glycosylated M2 mAChR. It was identified as M2 muscarinic receptor by Western blotting and immunoprecipitation using a cardiac-specific M2 mAChR monoclonal antibody, providing the first direct evidence for diethylphosphorylation of a muscarinic receptor. This may be a functionally important M2 mAChR site, but the toxicological relevance and species and organ specificity of diethylphosphorylation are unknown.
Imaging of diffuse objects with dispersive imagers

Dispersive imagers measure multiple speckle realizations of the object to be estimated. This poses a challenge for coherent imaging as classically objects are backpropagated and then despeckled. We present initial findings on an intensity based method for estimating the scattering density.
Vanadate-induced inhibition of renin secretion is unrelated to inhibition Na,K-ATPase activity.

Abstract There is evidence that three inhibitors of Na,K-ATPase activity--ouabain, K-free extracellular fluid, and vanadate--inhibit renin secretion by increasing Ca2+ concentration in juxtaglomerular cells, but in the case of vanadate, it is uncertain whether the increase in Ca2+ is due to a decrease in Ca2+ efflux (inhibition of Ca-ATPase activity, or inhibition of Na,K-ATPase activity, followed by an increase in intracellular Na+ and a decrease in Na-Ca exchange) or to an increase in Ca2+ influx through potential operated Ca channels (inhibition of electrogenic Na,K transport, followed by membrane depolarization and activation of Ca channels). In the present experiments, the rat renal cortical slice preparation was used to compare and contrast the effects of ouabain, of K-free fluid, and of vanadate on renin secretion, in the absence and presence of methoxyverapamil, a Ca channel blocker. Basal renin secretory rate averaged 7.7 ± 0.3 GU/g/60 min, and secretory rate was reduced to nearly zero by 1mM ouabain, by K-free fluid, by 0.5 mM vanadate, and by K-depolarization (increasing extracellular K+ to 60 mM). Although 0.5 μM methoxyverapamil completely blocked the inhibitory effect of K-depolarization, it failed to antagonize the inhibitory effects of ouabain, of K-free fluid, and of vanadate. A concentration of methoxyverapamil two hundred times higher (100 μM) completely blocked the inhibitory effects of vanadate, but still failed to antagonize the effects of ouabain and of K-free fluid. Collectively, these observations demonstrate that vanadate-induced inhibition of renin secretion cannot be attributed entirely to Na,K-ATPase inhibition, since in the presence of methoxyverapamil, the effect of vanadate differed from the effects of either ouabain (a specific Na,K-ATPase inhibitor) or K-free fluid. Moreover, it cannot be attributed entirely to a depolarization-induced influx of Ca2+ through potential-operated Ca channels, since methoxyverapamil antagonized K-depolarization-induced inhibition of renin secretion much more effectively than it antagonized vanadate-induced inhibition.
Serotonin and NMDA receptors in respiratory long-term facilitation

Some have postulated that long-term facilitation (LTF), a persistent augmentation of respiratory activity after episodic hypoxia, may play a beneficial role in helping stabilize upper airway patency in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. However, the neuronal and cellular mechanisms underlying this plasticity of respiratory motor behavior are still poorly understood. The main purpose of this review is to summarize recent findings about serotonin and NMDA receptors involved in both LTF and its enhancement after chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). The potential roles of these receptors in the initiation, formation and/or maintenance of LTF, as well as the CIH effect on LTF, will be discussed. As background, different paradigms for the stimulus protocol, different patterns of LTF expression and their mechanistic implications in LTF will also be discussed.
A topological theory of domain velocity in semiconductors

A theory is given for the velocity of a free, steadily travelling domain of high electric field in a semiconductor exhibiting a negative differential conductivity. Explicit results are derived for the cases for which the domain behavior is dominated either by the (electric-field dependent) diffusion of electrons, or by the rate of transfer of electrons between states having different mobilities. It is shown that the solution for the electric-field distribution has the required properties only if the system of differentiale quations involved possesses singular points with special topological properties; this requirement serves to fix the domain velocity. The velocity depends only on the properties of the semiconductor at that high electric field where the effective drift velocity of electrons is equal to that outside the domain.
On the constrained crystallization of synthetic anorthite (CaO·Al2O3·2SiO2)

To determine the influence of volume constraint, the crystallization behavior of bulk anorthite glass was compared with that of anorthite glass situated at intergranular pockets in an alumina ceramic. Near-100% crystallization of the glass was obtained in both cases. Examination of the crystallized microstructures using SEM and TEM revealed several interesting features. The resulting microstructures, together with the very high degree of crystallization, are discussed with reference to a thermodynamic model for the constrained crystallization of glass.
Can we develop a nonpulsatile permanent rotary blood pump? Yes, we can.

For many years, it was thought that nonpulsatile perfusion produced physiological and circulatory abnormalities. Since 1977, Yukihiko Nose and his colleagues have challenged this misconception. Toward that end, they did show that if a 20% higher blood flow uses more than that required for a pulsatile blood pump, then there would be no circulatory or physiological abnormalities. These experimental findings confirm that there is no difference in clinical outcome using either a pulsatile or nonpulsatile blood pump. Furthermore, the nonpulsatile rotary blood pump demonstrates efficient and reliable performance in various clinical situations. The nonpulsatile blood pump is a simple and reliable design that is manufactured easily and that has several desirable features. There is no need to incorporate heart valves, which are the most thrombogenic and blood trauma-inducing component. A continuous flow pump does not require a large orifice inflow conduit and proves to be easier to implant in patients with minimal damage to the myocardium. There is no need to incorporate a compliance volume-shifting device, which is essential for a pulsatile blood pump. The nonpulsatile device is a continuous blood pumping system; therefore, the control system is simpler and more reliable than that of a pulsatile pump. Because of the rotary blood pump's structure, only one moving part is necessary for the blood-pumping motion. By using durable components for this moving part, a durable system becomes possible. Because the electrical motor operates continuously, the on-and-off motion required for a pulsatile pump is not necessary; therefore, it is a more efficient and durable system. Thus, this group is working on the development of a nonpulsatile blood pump as a permanently implantable assist device. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to incorporate seven features into the system: small size, atraumatic features, antithrombogenic features, antiinfection features, a simple and durable design, and low energy requirement with easy controllability.
Reconsidering communication consulting

This essay suggests that speech communication students and teachers who are eager to engage in communication consulting might usefully reassess their conceptions about the consultant's lifestyle, their responses to ethical problems inherent in the consulting process, and their awareness of the personal qualities required to succeed as a consultant. Such a reassessment can help the prospective consultant decide whether he or she is suited for this kind of professional activity and can help generate consulting programs and interventions that are ethically and pedagogically sound.
Apolipoprotein E Allele and Hearing Thresholds in Older Adults.

Background:Whether apolipoprotein E (APOE) E4 allele status which is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline is also associated with hearing impairment is unknown.Methods:We studied 1833 men and women enrolled in the Health, Aging and Body Composition study. Regression models adjusted for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors were used to assess the cross-sectional association of APOE-E4 status with individual pure tone hearing thresholds and the 4-frequency pure tone average (0.5-4 kHz) in the better hearing ear.Results:Compared to participants with no APOE-E4 alleles, participants with 1 allele had better thresholds at 4.0 kHz (β = −2.72 dB, P = .013) and 8.0 kHz (β = −3.05 kHz, P = .006), and participants with 2 alleles had better hearing thresholds at 1.0 kHz (β = −8.56 dB, P = .021).Conclusion:Our results suggest that APOE-E4 allele status may be marginally associated with better hearing thresholds in older adults.
Reflective coating of 834 A for imaging O+ ions

Imaging upflowing O + ions of ionospheric origin and plasmaspheric O + can be achieved through solar resonance scattering at 834 A. Unfortunately, several strong background emissions, including the ones at 1025 and 1216 A due to geocoronal hydrogen atoms, pose serious problems. Most common optical coatings have higher reflectivity at 1025 and 1216 A than at 834 A. After examining a number of options, e have designed a multiple-layer coating that selectively reflects 834-A radiation and suppresses 1025- and 1216-A radiation. The structure of the coating material consists of a very thin (50 to 150 A) metal (nickel) layer on top of a semitransparent dielectric material (magnesium fluoride) over an aluminum substrate. Three such coatings were produced at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center using an existing coating facility that is not optimized for thin coatings. In spite of such fabrication difficulties, we have obtained encouraging results.
Comparison of Model Predictions With Measurements of Ku- and Ka-Band Near-Nadir Normalized Radar Cross Sections of the Sea Surface From the Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes Experiment

A comparison of model predictions with measurements of near-nadir normalized radar cross sections (NRCSs) of the sea surface at Ku- and Ka-bands is reported. Measurements of Airborne Precipitation Radar Second Generation (APR-2) from near nadir to 25 ° incidence angle, along with simultaneous wind truth from dropsonde observations, are compared with predictions of the “cutoff-invariant” two-scale model of sea scattering with the overall goal of assessing the model for possible future use in the APR-2 calibration process. The performance of the model as a function of wind speed and incidence angle is therefore emphasized. The measured data set, acquired primarily during the 2010 “Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes” (GRIP) experiment, includes wind speeds from approximately 5 to 45 m/s. Model comparisons are limited by uncertainties in the wind fields due to limited dropsonde coverage; the data set is separated into “more reliable” (containing wind speeds of 5-20 m/s) and “less reliable” (wind speeds of 5-45 m/s) wind truth categories accordingly. Because a model of the sea spectrum is required for cutoff-invariant model predictions, comparisons with measured data are performed for three differing sea spectrum descriptions. It is found that a bias of less than ~ 1 dB over the wind speed range 5-40 m/s and a standard deviation less than 1 dB over the wind speed range 10-40 m/s can be achieved when using the “unified” sea spectrum description of Elfouhaily The model also provides error levels that are near uniform with respect to both incidence angle and wind speed.
UGT1A1 Genetic Analysis as a Diagnostic Aid for Individuals with Unconjugated Hyperbilirubinemia

Objective To assess the clinical utility of UGT1A1 genetic testing and describe the spectrum and prevalence of UGT1A1 variations identified in pediatric unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia (UCH), and to characterize specific genotype-phenotype relationships in suspected Gilbert and Crigler–Najjar syndromes. Study design A retrospective study was conducted to review clinical information and UGT1A1 genotyping data from 181 pediatric patients referred for UCH. In silico analyses were performed to aid in the assessment of novel UGT1A1 variants. Results Overall, 146/181 pediatric patients had at least one heterozygous UGT1A1 functional variant. Identified UGT1A1 variants included 17 novel variants, 7 rare star alleles, and 1 rare variant. There were 129 individuals who possessed the TA7 (*28) promoter repeat and 15 individuals who possessed the *6 (c.211G > A) variation. Out of the 104 individuals with accompanying bilirubin levels, 41 individuals did not have identifiable UGT1A1 variants that explained their UCH, although glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and other causes of UCH could not be ruled out. Conclusion Much of the observed UCH could be attributed to variation at the UGT1A1 locus, and UGT1A1 testing helped to substantiate a genetic diagnosis, thereby aiding in individual and family disease management. Although UGT1A1 variation plays a large role in UCH, genetic assessment of UGT1A1 alone may not be comprehensive. Assessment of additional genes may also be useful to evaluate genetic causes for UCH.
Relationship of referral source, race, and wait time on preintake attrition

This study assessed whether referral source, client race, and wait time contributed to the preintake dropout rates in a large urban community mental health center in the northwestern United States. The data were collectedfrom archival records maintained by the mental health agency's intake department. A total of 1,105 participants were documented over a 2-year period spanning 2000 and 2001. The results indicated that individuals who referred themselves for services were more likely to attend an initial intake appointment than those who were referred by others. Conversely, neither race nor wait time was significantly related to preintake attrition. Implications for psychologists are discussed.
Economies of scale for future lithium-ion battery recycling infrastructure

Abstract While lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology has improved substantially to achieve better performance in a wide variety of applications, this technological progress has led to a diverse mix of batteries in use that ultimately require waste management. Development of a robust end-of-life battery infrastructure requires a better understanding of how to maximize the economic opportunity of battery recycling while mitigating the uncertainties associated with a highly variable waste stream. This paper develops and applies an optimization model to analyze the profitability of recycling facilities given current estimates of LIB technologies, commodity market prices of materials expected to be recovered, and material composition for three common battery types (differentiated on the basis of cathode chemistry). Sensitivity analysis shows that the profitability is highly dependent on the expected mix of cathode chemistries in the waste stream and the resultant variability in material mass and value. The potential values of waste streams comprised of different cathode chemistry types show a variability ranging from $860 per ton 1 for LiMn2O4 cathode batteries to $8900 per ton for LiCoO2 cathode batteries. In addition, these initial results and a policy case study can also help to promote end-of-life management and relative policymaking for spent LIBs.
May Yhwh Bless You and Keep You from Evil: The Rhetorical Argument of Ketef Hinnom Amulet I and the Form of the Prayers for Deliverance in the Psalms

AbstractMost of the attention that the two silver amulets discovered at Ketef Hinnom Jerusalem have received in recent scholarship has centered upon their date and relationship to the biblical texts. This is due in part to the fact that both amulets preserve formulations of the biblical Priestly Blessing from Numbers 6:24-26. The new edition of the amulets published in 2004, however, provides impetus for new questions about the form of the incantations on the amulets and what the magical objects tell us about ancient Judahite apotropaic practices. In particular, the new edition provides a clearer picture of the content and form on both amulets. In turn, the new edition paves the way for a better understanding of how the incantations functioned as magical texts, which attempted to make an argument about their own efficacy as apotropaic objects. Despite this fact, few studies have devoted sufficient to the overall form and content preserved in the incantations. The following paper will describe the content and structure of the incantation on Amulet I and argue that the specific statement made therein provides a unique glimpse into the argument of magical texts in ancient Judah. Finally, the following paper will also briefly compare the content and structure of the incantation to several Psalms that petition Yhwh for protection against various ills. Such a comparison reveals that there may have been more fluidity between magical formulae and ancient Judahite prayer traditions than previously recognized.
Crewman's Associate: display requirements for the digitized battlefield

Joint Vision 2010 is the conceptual template for how the US DoD will leverage technological opportunities to achieve new levels of effectiveness in joint warfighting. Battlefield digitization is a key component of this vision. In the Crewman's Associate Advanced Technology Demonstration, crewstations for ground combat vehicles were developed that allow the soldier to use digitization to maximize weapon system performance. Requirements for ground combat vehicle displays that will be used on digitized battlefield can be derived from these crewstations.
Evolutionary trade–off between defence against grazing and competitive ability in a simple unicellular alga, Chlorella vulgaris

Trade-offs between defence and other fitness components are expected in principle, and can have major qualitative impacts on ecological dynamics. Here we show that such a trade-off exists even in the simple unicellular alga Chlorella vulgaris. We grew algal populations for multiple generations in either the presence (‘grazed algae’) or absence (‘non-grazed algae’) of the grazing rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus, and then evaluated their defence and competitive abilities. Grazed algae were better defended, yielding rotifer growth rate 32% below that of animals fed non-grazed algae, but they also had diminished competitive ability, with a growth rate under nutrient-limiting conditions 28% below that of non-grazed algae. Grazed algae also had a smaller cell size and were more concentrated in carbon and nitrogen. Thus, C. vulgaris genotypes vary phenotypically in their position along a trade-off curve between defence against grazing and competitive ability. This genetic variation underlies rapid algal evolution that significantly alters the ecological predator–prey cycles between rotifers and algae.
Impact sensitivity of intermetallic nanocomposites: A study on compositional and bulk density

Abstract High density intermetallic nanocomposites are being considered as a replacement for kinetic energy projectiles in ordnance applications. These composites release a large amount of chemical energy upon penetration and provide an enhanced blast effect on the target; in comparison to inert projectiles. A fundamental understanding of the response to mechanical initiation as a function of the composite’s compositional and bulk density are presented for aluminum-based intermetallics. Composites ranged in compositional density from 3.5 to 17.9 g/cc and included Al-Ti, Al-Ni, Al-W, Al-Hf, Al-Zn pressed to bulk densities that ranged from 50 to 80% of the theoretical maximum. Aluminum particle size was also investigated and ranged from nanometer to micron-scale spherical diameters. Ignition was stimulated via a modified type 12 impact tester used to measure the sensitivity of the composite to drop weight impact. The tests were recorded using high-speed thermal imaging to ensure a positive reaction. Results show that the nano Al particle composites are more sensitive to impact ignition than their micron scale counterparts. As bulk density increases, the samples become increasingly sensitive to ignition and display an average 70% decrease in ignition energy. Compositional density also plays a critical role in ignition energy. As the density of the composite increases, regardless of the Al particle size, the composites become more sensitive to ignition. Results show that at the same bulk density, higher compositional density composites such as Al-W require 80% less ignition energy than lower compositional density composites such as Al-Ti (1.01 cm compared with 0.34 cm, respectively).
Social values and conformity)

To test the hypothesis that group pressure has some immediate and lasting effects on the value of an individual, 61 Ss were chosen according to their social value scores on the Allport-Vernon-Lindzey “Study of Values” scale, 33 having high social values and 28 having low ones. Half the Ss from each extreme were used as a control group, the other half was then placed in a social pressure situation in which the social values of the “group” appeared to be opposite from those of the individual subject. A written retest was used later to measure the amount of conversion. The results were found to be in the direction of the hypothesis.