cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Navigating "thorny" issues

In their article Mindfulness and discussing ‘thorny’ issues in the classroom Konstantinos Alexakos et al. (Cult Stud Sci Educ, 2016. doi:10.1007/s11422-015-9718-0) describe “thorny” issues as “difficult topics to discuss because they are more personal to some perhaps even cause pain and violence.” As women from different backgrounds, we engage in a metalogue, which expands on our thoughts and emotions the thorny issues evoked. Our discussion is grounded in theoretical frameworks of mindfulness, wellness, and safe space for learning. We also reflect on our experiences of facing some of the thorny issues in our academic and personal lives. Having trust and respect for one another and being aware of thorny issues allows for a meaningful conversation about the complexity and nuances involved in discussing difficult topics in a classroom setting.
Queue-length estimation using real-time traffic data

We consider the problem of estimating queue-lengths at an intersection from a pair of advance and stop bar detectors that count vehicles, when these measurements are noisy and biased. The key assumption is that we know weather the queue is empty or not. We propose a real-time queue estimation algorithm based on stochastic gradient descent. The algorithm provably learns the detector bias, and efficiently estimates the queue-length with theoretical guarantee. The algorithm is tested in a simulation and in a case study using traffic data from an intersection in Beaufort, North Carolina.
Minimally Invasive vs Open Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair: Is There a Superior Approach?

Background The minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approach for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair remains controversial. Our objective was to compare outcomes and complications of the MIS and open approaches, with risk-stratification of patients based on defect size and key patient characteristics. Study Design The multinational CDH Study Group (CDHSG) registry was queried for the period from 2007 to 2015. Patient demographics and operative details, including the CDHSG Staging System defect size (A to D), were reviewed. Open cases consisted of laparotomy and thoracotomy; MIS repairs included laparoscopy and thoracoscopy. Outcomes included length of stay (LOS) for patients surviving to discharge, hernia recurrence, and adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO) requiring surgery. Regression analyses were performed. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were derived. Results A total of 3,067 CDH patients underwent open (n = 2,579; 84%) or MIS (n = 488; 16%) repair. Patients undergoing open repair were more likely to be diagnosed prenatally, be premature, have lower 5-minute Apgar scores, and have major cardiac anomalies (all p Conclusions After risk-stratification of CDH patients, an MIS approach was independently associated with decreased LOS and SBO, but higher recurrence rates.
Hobbes's Paradoxical Toleration: Inter regentes tolerantia, tolerans intolerantia inter plebem

The source of Hobbes's liberal view of toleration is a recognized paradox within his absolutist political sovereign. This article argues that Hobbes's view of toleration is consistent with his overall political theory based upon his broader religious teaching, which leads to an epistemological skepticism on the veracity of religion, and as such among rulers toleration is not only allowed, but necessary. Further, this article argues that the inability of the sovereign to punish the private conscience of the citizen derives from natural right and the inherent limitation of law. Finally, this article examines Hobbes's use of religious argumentation to support the inability of a believer to challenge or deviate from the religious commands of the sovereign.
Differential Applicability of Criminological Theories to Individuals? The Case of Social Learning vis-à-vis Social Control:

The current study uses finite mixture models (FMMs) to examine whether competing theories—social learning and social control—are differentially applicable to individuals. Posterior probabilities reveal that 85% of individuals are most consistent with social learning theory (“learners”), whereas 15% are most consistent with social bonding theory (“bonders”). Relative to bonders, learners have significantly lower alcohol consumption and alcohol use risk—as denoted by learning and bonding variables. Results reveal generally stronger variable effects in the FMM as compared with the full-sample ordinary-least-squares (OLS) regression, particularly for differential association and belief. OLS regressions among classified subsamples resulted in substantial gains in explained variance among learners but no improvements among bonders. Implications of differential applicability of theories for assessments of theoretical validity and policy development are discussed.
Indoor radon and lung cancer. Estimating the risks.

Abstract Radon is ubiquitous in indoor environments. Epidemiologic studies of underground miners with exposure to radon and experimental evidence have established that radon causes lung cancer. The finding that this naturally occurring carcinogen is present in the air of homes and other buildings has raised concern about the lung cancer risk to the general population from radon. I review current approaches for assessing the risk of indoor radon, emphasizing the extrapolation of the risks for miners to the general population. Although uncertainties are inherent in this risk assessment, the present evidence warrants identifying homes that have unacceptably high concentrations.
Bridging the digital divide among low income urban communities. Leveraging use of Community Technology Centers

Data collected from 550 households on Internet access and digital literacy skills.The survey was among the low income communities in a Nairobi Slum.Study found huge urban digital divide among the residents of Mathare Slum.Limited digital and media literacy skills and lack of internet access in Mathare.An intervention was designed and implemented to close the digital divide in Mathare.A Community Technology Center offering internet access and digital literacy skills.Evaluation of participants internet use continuance intentions beyond the project.Study demonstrates that CTCs are an effective digital divide intervention approach. To fully leverage the availability of the internet services in Kenya, all the citizens need to be able to access and use the internet and related services. The availability of 4G networks, cyber cafs and fiber connectivity in most residential areas of Nairobi has allowed many Nairobi residents to be part of its information-based society. But, as with the other existing social inequalities in Nairobi, many people residing in the citys low-income areas lack access to the internet. This has a negative impact on the residents prospects as the governments and businesses are increasingly delivering their services online. Using a pre-tested questionnaire, data were collected from five hundred and fifty respondents on their internet access and digital literacy skills among the residents of the Mathare Slum. From the survey, the study found existence of limited digital literacy skills and lack of internet access among the residents of the Mathare Slum. The study then used the Community Technology Centers (CTCs) intervention approach to narrowing the digital divide by setting up a CTC in the Mathare Slum to offer free community internet access and digital literacy skills training. Eight cohorts, each of eighteen residents, were offered free digital literacy training for five weeks and free unlimited internet access for four months. The study then evaluated the trainees internet usage continuance intentions after four months of continued use of the internet at the CTC. The results indicate that perceived enjoyment, perceived usefulness, internet self-efficacy, and confirmation of expectations all significantly influence the participants satisfaction with use of the internet. The results also show that continuance intentions of the participants from low income household to continue using internet beyond the CTC can be predicted by perceived service cost, satisfaction, internet self-efficacy and perceived usefulness. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of CTCs as an intervention approach and a replicable model that can be used to bridge the urban digital divide among low income urban communities for the development of an all-inclusive information-based society. Implications and recommendations for policy, practice and research are provided.
P112 Impact of allele-specific anti-HLA class I antibodies on organ allocation

Aim Accurate classification of serologically-distinct antigens (Ag) is critical in organ allocation, and nowadays it is possible to define anti-HLA antibody specificity to the allelic level. We examined class I antibodies (Ab) for allelic specificities that may be serologically distinct and evaluated its impact on crossmatch (XM) results and organ allocation. Methods 6726 sera were tested for anti-HLA Ab using LABScreen Single Ag assay (One Lambda), in which 17 class I HLA Ag are represented by more than one allele. Discordance in MFI values between the two allelic beads was examined as a categorical variable to mimic clinical practice, and as a continuous variable (MFI value) to better reflect biological plausibility. To evaluate the significance of an allele-specific Ab on XM results, we examined an unbiased cohort of deceased donor-candidate testing (125,828 CDC XMs between 2014 and 2017). In our lab, all candidates within a blood group have a CDC XM performed, regardless of whether they have donor-specific antibody (DSA). This uniquely allows us to examine whether a candidate with an allele-specific DSA, who has already been excluded from the match run, would indeed have a positive XM against a donor who has a different allele. Statistical analyses were performed using JMP12Pro (SAS Institute). Results 1. The incidence of discordance between the two allelic beads varied depending on whether MFI values were considered as continuous vs categorical variables. 2. The presence of allele-specific Ab for rare alleles was out of proportion to their frequencies in the population. 3. The presence of Ab against only the rare allele was a poor predictor of a positive CDC XM, with a positive predictive value of 0–7% compared with 52.5% if the candidate had DSA against an A or B locus Ag. Conclusions 9 out of 17 Class I HLA antigens had potential allele-specific reactivity, meaning that candidates with antibody selectivity against rare alleles may be unnecessarily excluded from many organ offers based on definition of unacceptable antigens by serological equivalence. Conversely, for centers relying on virtual-XM, prematurely defining alleles as new serological splits could unfortunately allow transplants for which the recipient has DSA. Further testing is needed to rigorously confirm these allele-specific reactivity patterns.
Institutional origins of WOFS formal contracting: A judicial arbitrariness perspective

Abstract In drawing from neo-institutional theory and the institution-based view, this study provides new insights concerning how home and host country norms influence wholly owned foreign subsidiary (WOFS) formal contract utilization. Our analysis of 171 WOFSs operating in the Philippines suggests that parent home country uncertainty avoidance, as an institutionalized organizational practice, is positively related to WOFS utilization of formal contracts in governing interorganizational relationships. Our results also reveal that managerial perceptions of local judicial arbitrariness directly influence formal contract utilization, and moderate the positive relationship between parent home country uncertainty avoidance and WOFS formal contract utilization. Furthermore, when compared to managerial perceptions of national judicial arbitrariness, perceived local judicial arbitrariness will exhibit a stronger negative direct and indirect influence on WOFS formal contract utilization. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
A 1280 by 720 by 3, 250 mW, 24 fps Hexachromatic Imager for Near-Infrared Fluorescence Image-Guided Surgery

We have designed, fabricated, and tested a hexachromatic imager for near-infrared fluorescence image-guided surgery capable of simultaneously imaging three visible and near-infrared spectral channels. The sensor is comprised of 1280 by 720 pixels yielding a 48 dB signal-to-noise-ratio and achieving a minimum indocyanine green concentration detectability of 5 nM. The imaging sensor combines the vertically stacked photodiode technology and an array of pixelated spectral interference filters in a single-chip single-snapshot architecture yielding high sensitivity and clinical translation.
Potential and Properties of Plant Proteins for Tissue Engineering Applications

Fibers produced from plant proteins such as zein, soyprotein and wheat gluten, glutenin and gliadin have good mechanical properties, excellent water stability and biocompatibility that make them suitable for tissue engineering and other medical applications. Although animal proteins such as collagen are used for medical applications, materials developed from collagen do not have the properties desired for tissue engineering applications. Materials developed from collagen have poor wet strength and also have the risk of carrying diseases. The plant protein fibers developed in our laboratory have better water stability than PLA and collagen fibers in water and films developed from wheat gluten, gliadin and glutenin without using any crosslinking agents have strength, water stability and biocompatibility required for medical applications. The plant protein fibers developed were characterized for their morphological and physical structures, mechanical properties and stability under various physiological conditions. Different types of animal cells were cultured on the fibers and the cytocompatibility and attachment, growth and proliferation of cells on the fibers was studied. It was found that plant proteins fibers supported the attachment, growth and proliferation of animal cells and the fibers were stable in pH 7.2 water for at least 30 days. Some of the plant proteins show better cell attachment and proliferation than PLA. In this paper, we will present the properties and potential of using various plant protein fibers for tissue engineering and other medical applications.
Outcomes of a 4-year program with higher education and employment goals for individuals diagnosed with mental illness.

OBJECTIVE:This study examined outcomes of the first four years (2005–2009) of the Bridge Program, an occupational therapy (OT) program that incorporates principles of supported education and supported employment. This program was developed to assist individuals with mental illness to achieve higher education and employment goals. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-eight adult participants with various mental health diagnoses. METHODS: A quantitative one-group pretest-posttest survey design and posttest qualitative focus groups were used. RESULTS: Participants enrolled in higher education increased from 7 to 11 (pretest = 15%; posttest = 23%), participants employed increased from 5 to 19 (pretest = 10%; posttest = 40%), and the combined category of higher education/employment increased from 12 to 30 (pretest = 25%; posttest = 63%) Statistical significance was achieved from pre to posttest in the employment sample ( p< 0.000), and in the combined sample of higher education/employment ( p< 0.000), but was not achieved in the higher education sample from pre to posttest (p = 0.125). CONCLUSIONS:QuantitativeandqualitativeresultssupportthatanOTprogramincorporatingprinciplesofsupportededucation and employment can assist individuals with mental illness to achieve higher education and employment goals. Results also outlined items participants found to be supports and barriers to achieving goals.
Cytoarchitecture and Layer Estimation in High-Resolution Neuroanatomical Images

A robust method for quantifying the cellular architecture (cytoarchitecture) of the brain is a requisite for differentiating brain areas, identifying neurological diseases, and modeling architectural differences across species. Current methods for characterizing cytoarchitecture and, in particular, identifying laminar (layer) divisions in tissue samples, require the expertise of trained neuroanatomists to manually annotate the various regions within each image. However, as neuroanatomical datasets grow in volume, manual annotations become inefficient, impractical, and risk the potential of biasing results. In this paper, we propose an automated framework for cellular density estimation and detection of laminar divisions within retinal and neocortical datasets. This method is based upon the use of sparse recovery methods to simultaneously denoise cellular densities and detect transitions in the density which mark the beginning and end of layers. Retinal and neocortical images are used to demonstrate the efficacy of the methods. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using automation to reveal the cytoarchitecture of neurological samples in high-resolution images.
A Rigorous Model Order Reduction Framework for Waste Heat Recovery Systems Based on Proper Orthogonal Decomposition and Galerkin Projection

A proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and Galerkin projection-based model order reduction framework is developed for the evaporator heat exchanger in heavy-duty diesel engine organic Rankine cycle waste heat recovery system. The dynamics in the heat exchanger are first modeled by a finite-volume model, composed of highly nonlinear, coupled, partial differential equations, and then used to generate snapshots from which basis functions are defined. Reduced order models (ROMs) are then derived using the Galerkin projection approach. The accuracy and the execution time of different POD ROMs are evaluated against the high-fidelity finite-volume model. The results show that the POD ROM dimension can be selected based on the specific requirements of accuracy and computation time demanded by the intended model utilization. The proposed ROM framework can be utilized to generate ROMs with various dimensions for different purposes, such as estimator design, model-based control, and benchmark generation.
Calibration of a hand-held stereovision system for image-guided spinal surgery

The accuracy of image guidance in spinal surgery can be compromised by intervertebral motion between preoperative supine CT images and intraoperative prone positioning. Patient registration and image updating approaches have been developed to register CT images with intraoperative spine and compensate for posture and alignment changes. We have developed a hand-held stereovision (HHS) system to acquire intraoperative profiles of the exposed spine and facilitate image registration and surgical navigation during open spinal surgery. First, we calibrated the stereo parameters using a checkerboard pattern, and the mean reprojection error was 0.33 pixel using 42 image pairs. Second, we attached an active tracker to the HHS device to track its location using a commercial navigation system. We performed spatial calibration to find the transformation between camera space and tracker space, and the error was 0.73 ± 0.39 mm. Finally, we evaluated the accuracy of the HHS using an ex-vivo porcine specimen. We used a tracked stylus to acquire locations of landmarks such as spinous and transverse processes, and calculated the distances between these points and the reconstructed stereovision surface. The resulting accuracy was 0.91 ± 0.58 mm, with an overall computational efficiency of ~ 5s for each image pair. Compared to our previous microscope-based stereovision system, the accuracy and efficiency of HHS are similar while HHS is more practical and functional, and would be more broadly applicable in spine procedures.
Comparison of Dorsal Dermal Fascial Fenestrations With Fasciotomy in an Acute Compartment Syndrome Model in the Foot

Background:Treatment of compartment syndrome of the foot with fasciotomy remains controversial because of the theoretical risk of infection and soft tissue coverage issues. The purpose of this stud...
Research to Practice: Implementation of Family School Success for Parents of Children With ADHD

Abstract “Family-School Success” (FSS) is an efficacious intervention improving the home and school functioning of children with ADHD in grades 2–6. An extension of this intervention designed for a younger population also showed positive effects for kindergarten and first grade students in a pilot study. Following the completion of these trials, FSS was implemented in a fee-for-service tertiary care ADHD center. The implementation process included adapting the manual and treatment procedures to be feasible outside the structure and support of a federally funded randomized control trial (RCT). The current study examines the process of adapting the treatment protocol and examines the acceptability and effectiveness of the adapted FSS, as well as predictors of family treatment response including parent engagement in treatment (as measured by attendance and homework adherence). A case study illustrates the adaptations to the intervention and its implementation in the clinic-based setting. In line with findings from clinical trials, families reported high satisfaction with the adapted FSS intervention and showed significant improvement in parental self-efficacy, child academic homework performance, and reduction in child impairment. Additionally, as in the initial FSS RCT, parental attendance in the adapted FSS program predicted child attention to academic homework, controlling for parental adherence to between-session homework. Furthermore, controlling for attendance at FSS sessions, parent adherence to between-session homework assignments predicted improvements in parent self-efficacy as well as child’s homework productivity. These results replicate those of the original RCT and confirm that both session attendance and between-session homework completed are important for improvement during the program. Overall, this study provides support for the acceptability and effectiveness of this treatment model and suggests that future work toward dissemination to community-based settings would be worthwhile.
United States v. Woods and the Future of the Tax Blue Book as a Means of Penalty Avoidance and Statutory Interpretation

The Blue Book is a “General Explanation” of tax law prepared by the Joint Committee on Taxation, and is commonly relied upon by both taxpayers and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In United States v. Woods, the U.S. Supreme Court broadly disapproved of judicial deference to the Blue Book when courts are faced with such reliance. Yet, the Court left no guidance on when the Blue Book should or should not prove persuasive. The Court’s decision to summarily undermine Blue Book deference—without further elaboration, sophistication, or nuance—will give taxpayers pause when considering whether to rely on the Blue Book. However, the need for pause is unfortunate; the Treasury Department lists the Blue Book as a substantial authority on which taxpayers may rely to avoid certain tax penalties. Moreover, Blue Book reliance is appropriate in various other contexts as a means of statutory interpretation. Nonetheless, the Court has, with a broad stroke, come down against the Blue Book without considering that a given case’s facts and circumstances determine the Blue Book’s interpretive weight. The Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), which creates the Blue Book, is a nonlegislative working group that is promulgated by the Internal
From Freewill to Force: Examining Types of Coercion and Psychological Outcomes in Unwanted Sex.

Unwanted sex is sex that is not fully desired, whether an individual agrees to it or not. It can be coerced—when one person compels another unwilling person—or not coerced—when a person willing agr...
What Is the Universe Made of? (Matter, Energy, and Interactions)

Having considered the nature of space and time, we now turn our attention to the stuff of the universe: what do we know about the things—both material and immaterial—which inhabit space and time? The state of our current understanding of matter and energy is both highly detailed and very incomplete. We still have a lot to learn. As already hinted in Chap. 2, Einstein’s theory of general relativity is very successful at describing physics on the large scale (planetary, stellar, galactic, and so forth) but is completely incompatible with quantum mechanics—an equally successful model of physics, but at the subatomic scale. The ongoing quest to resolve this incompatibility is one of the most interesting and open fields of physics research. In this chapter, we will explore various properties of materials, including some of the latest developments in materials science. But we will begin with a look at the fundamental building blocks of matter and one of the most intriguing questions of modern physics: What is the universe made of?
Two-color frequency-multiplexed IMS technique for gas thermometry at elevated pressures

The development and demonstration of a high-bandwidth two-color temperature sensor for high-pressure environments using intensity-modulation spectroscopy (IMS) is presented. The sensor utilized rapid intensity modulation, beam coalignment, and frequency multiplexing to deal with common challenges for laser absorption spectroscopy systems at high pressures and achieved a sensor bandwidth of $$100\,$$ kHz. The P(16) and R(6) transitions of the $$\mathrm {H}_{\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{O}$$ fundamental antisymmetric stretch rovibrational band near $$2.5\,\upmu$$m were chosen for initial development of this temperature diagnostic concept. Temperature validation experiments were conducted with shock tubes for both reactive and non-reactive environments. Shock tube experiments were first conducted with $$\mathrm {H}_{\mathrm{2}}\mathrm{O}$$ and $$\mathrm {N}_{2}$$ mixtures at pressures of around $$8.2\,$$ atm, yielding temperature measurements with a standard deviation of $$2.9\,\,{\text {K}}$$ within the steady-state test time. The performance of this system was then validated at $$36.9\,$$ atm, yielding temperature measurements with a standard deviation of $$8.4\,\,{\text {K}}$$. By comparing the measured temperatures with calculated temperatures based on ideal shock jump relations, the sensor achieved an average accuracy within $$4.3\,\,{\text {K}}$$ of the known temperatures across multiple experiments spanning a range of 1030–1450 K, 8–38 atm. These results demonstrate that the IMS-based sensor enables high-precision measurements of temperature at high pressures.
Autonomic brain in the gut

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is an autonomic “brain-in-the-gut” that integrates gastrointestinal motility, secretion and blood flow into homeostatic patterns of gut behavior. Experimental models for the ENS are the same as for all independent integrative nervous systems, whether in the vertebrate brain and spinal cord or in invertebrate animals. The ENS coordinates and organizes the behavior of the musculature, secretory glands and vascular system, in each of the specialized organs of the gastrointestinal tract, into meaningful behavior of each organ. The ENS stores a library of programs for differing patterns of small and large intestinal adaptive behaviors. Programs in the library are akin to 21st century digital “apps” that run on smart phones, tablet computers and comparable devices.
Bringing Anticipatory Images to Reality

With the images of the future acting as a beacon forward, the students acted like master planners in pursuit of their visions. The students used a variety of planning techniques, such as back-casting, implementation intentions, if/then evaluation, and obstacle scenarios to achieve their dreams. They used these planning tools to attain their long-range visions, as well as their short-term anticipatory images, such as getting a good grade on an assignment or test. The students described how their visions influenced their decision-making process in the present moment, such as making decisions about majors, course selections, and internships. The students also chose social activities and friends with whom they socialized based on their images of the future. They described how they avoided people in their lives who did not support or share their positive images of the future.
Surface prediction and measurement for modulated tool path (MTP) turning

Abstract This paper describes a time-domain simulation for predicting surface finish in modulated tool path (MTP) turning, which uses sinusoidal axis motions in the feed direction to produce discontinuous chips for ductile workpiece materials. The simulation includes: the low frequency and low amplitude tool oscillation in the feed direction; the time-varying chip thickness, cutting force, and tool displacement; and the plastic side flow effect used to calibrate the effective tool nose radius. Comparisons between predicted and measured surface profiles are presented for turning a 6061-T6 aluminum cylinder as a function of the MTP oscillation frequency and amplitude with discontinuous chip formation.
Postpartum breast cancer has a distinct molecular profile that predicts poor outcomes.

Young women’s breast cancer (YWBC) has poor prognosis and known interactions with parity. Women diagnosed within 5–10 years of childbirth, defined as postpartum breast cancer (PPBC), have poorer prognosis compared to age, stage, and biologic subtype-matched nulliparous patients. Genomic differences that explain this poor prognosis remain unknown. In this study, using RNA expression data from clinically matched estrogen receptor positive (ER+) cases (n = 16), we observe that ER+ YWBC can be differentiated based on a postpartum or nulliparous diagnosis. The gene expression signatures of PPBC are consistent with increased cell cycle, T-cell activation and reduced estrogen receptor and TP53 signaling. When applied to a large YWBC cohort, these signatures for ER+ PPBC associate with significantly reduced 15-year survival rates in high compared to low expressing cases. Cumulatively these results provide evidence that PPBC is a unique entity within YWBC with poor prognostic phenotypes. The molecular differences between postpartum (PPBC) and nulliparous (NPBC) young women breast cancer (YWBC) patients remain unknown. Here the authors perform RNA sequencing and multiplex immunohistochemistry on an FFPE breast cancer cohort and suggest that PPBC is a unique entity within YWBC with poor prognosis.
Shared Reality: Detecting Stealthy Attacks Against Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous Vehicles (AVs), also known as self-driving cars, are becoming more prevalent in our daily lives. AVs rely on sensor information to evaluate their environment and make crucial decisions in real-time, however, new attacks can create false sensor and actuation commands. As technological advancements expand the usage of AVs to perform more complex tasks, it is imperative to secure the integrity of these devices against malicious external tampering. In this paper, we propose a security framework we call Shared Reality, which consists of verifying that sensors perceive the same physical reality. We implement our design on a custom hardware platform that uses the popular Robot Operating System (ROS) software. Our experiments show that AVs utilizing our proposed security framework ensure security with low overhead while performing several autonomous tasks.
Expression of Neuregulins and their Putative Receptors, ErbB2 and ErbB3, Is Induced during Wallerian Degeneration

Schwann cell dedifferentiation and proliferation is a prerequisite to axonal regeneration in the injured peripheral nervous system. The neuregulin (NRG) family of growth and differentiation factors may play a particularly important role in this process, because these axon-associated molecules are potent Schwann cell mitogens and differentiation factors in vitro . We have examined Schwann cell DNA synthesis and the expression of NRGs and their receptors, the erbB membrane tyrosine kinases, in rat sciatic nerve, sensory ganglia, and spinal cord 0–30 d postaxotomy. Analysis of NRG cDNAs from these tissues revealed several novel splice variants and showed that cells endogenous to injured nerve express NRG mRNAs. A selective induction of mRNAs encoding the glial growth factor (GGF) subfamily of NRGs occurs in nerve beginning 3 d postaxotomy and thus coincides with the onset of Schwann cell DNA synthesis. In later stages of Wallerian degeneration, however, Schwann cell mitogenesis markedly decreases, whereas elevated GGF expression persists. Of the four known erbB kinases, Schwann cells express both erbB2 and erbB3 receptors over the entire interval studied. Expression of erbB2 and erbB3 is coordinately induced in response to axotomy, indicating that Schwann cell responses to NRGs may be modulated by changes in receptor density. Neuregulin (including transmembrane precursors) and erbB protein are associated with Schwann cells postaxotomy. Thus, in contrast to the concept of NRGs as axon-associated mitogens, our findings suggest that NRGs produced by Schwann cells themselves may be partially responsible for Schwann cell proliferation during Wallerian degeneration, probably acting via autocrine or paracrine mechanisms.
Third-Party Income Reporting and Income Tax Compliance

Individuals whose income is not reported to the tax authority by a third party (e.g., the self-employed and those earning casual wages such as tips) may be less likely to be detected evading taxes relative to the case in which they are subject to third-party reporting. However, the compliance response is not known, in part because of the difficulty in obtaining information on individual choices in these situations. We use experimental methods to examine individual income tax compliance in settings where a portion of an individual's income is relatively difficult to detect upon audit by the tax authority, due to the absence of third-party information. Our results indicate that tax compliance rates decline as individuals earn larger shares of income that is not perfectly detectable. Our results also indicate that tax compliance rates decline with higher income, lower audit rates, and higher tax rates.
Unified theory of reverse blocking dynamics in high-voltage cascode devices

This paper investigates the dynamic evolution of the internal voltages in cascode-based high-voltage devices under reverse blocking mode. For the first time, this analysis covers blocking times ranging from fast transitions to steady-state, where leakage current plays a predominant role. A theoretical model is developed with the support of simulation and experimental data for cascode switch and rectifier, constituted by GaN-HEMTs (600V) and Si-FETs (30V). Finally, this knowledge is used to build a GaN cascode switch with enhanced electrical performance and ruggedness.
Régimen de inundaciones en la costa peruana prehispánica: reinterpretación de los campos hundidos de Chilca

Las formaciones de tierras agricolas prehistoricas de Chilca, Peru, han sido tradicionalmente identificadas como campos hundidos, hoyas excavadas para crear superficies fertiles mas cercanas a la napa freatica natural. Un ana· lisis de la morfologia, del contexto fisico y del uso reciente de ellas indican que este punto de vista es incorrecto, y que el conjunto de caracteristicas indican el control de las inundaciones por medio de albarradas o terraplenes. Se describen comparaciones con sistemas similares en America, y son examinadas las implicancias para reconstruir procesos agricolas prehistoricos.
Beta-adrenergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptor densities in the human sinoatrial node: identification of a high beta 2-adrenergic receptor density.

Autonomic Receptors in Human Sinus Node. The objective of this study was to measure autonomic receptor densities in the human sinoatrial node and adjacent atrial myocardium to gain further insights into autonomic regulation of sinoatrial node function in the human heart. Sinoatrial nodes (n = 9) were acquired from human donors. Quantitative light microscopic autoradiography of radioligand binding sites in tissue sections was used to compare β-adrenergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptor densities within specific tissue compartments of the sinoatrial node and adjacent myocardium. Total β-adrenergic receptors were measured with the nonsubtype selective radioligand [125I] iodocyanopindolol. β2-Adrenergic receptors were determined by measuring the amount of radioactivity bound to sections incubated with radioligand in the presence of the highly β1-selective antagonist CGP-20712A. Specific autoradiographic grain densities were normalized to myocyte area/unit tissue area. Myocytes in the sinoatrial node occupied 47.7%± 0.1% of the total tissue area compared with 92.8%± 0.1% in myocardium (P 3-fold higher in the sinoatrial node than adjacent atrial myocardium, reflecting their specialized roles in regulating cardiac rate and rhythm. The β2-subtype is predominant in both regions. the β2-subtype, however, is > 2.5-fold more abundant in the sinoatrial node than in atrial myocardium. The relatively high β2-receptor density in the human sinoatrial node is consistent with physiologic studies that implicate this receptor in regulating cardiac chronotropism.
Working Girl Blues: The Life and Music of Hazel Dickens

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Hazel Dickens and Bill C. Malone Year: 2008 Pages: 144 Details: 41 photographs Publisher: University of Illinois Press ISBN: 978-0-252-03304-9 (hard cover). Prices: $60.00 USD(hard cover).
Etiology and onset of agoraphobia: a critical review.

Abstract Research on the etiology and onset of agoraphobia is reviewed. Evidence indicates that it is the most prevalent clinical phobic disorder with age of onset in the mid- to late-twenties. It primarily affects women with no particular socioeconomic distinctions. A number of claims have been made linking various family, childhood, and premorbid personality characteristics to onset, however, strong empirical support for these has yet to be demonstrated. Increased attention is being devoted to the role of biological factors in the development of this disorder and some findings have suggested that spontaneous panic attacks may be biologically linked. Studies have shown that the onset of agoraphobia usually occurs following a period of stress or an identifiable precipitant. Interpersonal difficulties have frequently been reported as stressors, but the range of traumata associated with onset is quite extensive. Suggestions for future research are presented.
C–F and C–C bond activation by transition metals in low energy atomic ion/surface collisions

The transition metal ions, Cr +· , Mo +· , W +· and Re + , abstract one or more fluorine atoms or C m F n groups (m = 1,2; n = 1-5) in collisions with fluorocarbon self-assembled monolayers (F-SAMs). The number of atoms abstracted increases with collision energy, and with W +· and Re + it is possible to maximize a specific scattered product ion by selecting the appropriate collision energy. The collision energy dependence suggests that dissociation of the products of multiple abstractions is not an important source of any of the observed ion/surface reaction products. The ions W +· and Re + activate and insert into C-C as well as C-F bonds. In Re + collisions, products of C-C bond activation are of comparable intensity to the C-F activation products. The reactivity of the ions towards fluorine abstraction is observed to be Cr +· +· +· + . The data are interpreted in terms of reaction at the surface and are rationalized by considering three factors (i) the electronic structures of the ions, (ii) the thermochemistry of fluorine abstraction, and (iii) the degree of orbital overlap of the metal ion and the F-SAM substrate.
Prediction of the Effective Thermal Diffusivity of Discretely Inhomogeneous Media

An extended definition of the effective thermal diffusivity is posed via an analogy to acoustic and EM wave propagation in discretely inhomogeneous media. Specifically, the propagation of a periodic, plane thermal wave of frequency ω, through an inhomogeneous medium consisting of spherical particles embedded in a continuous matrix, is theoretically examined. An exact solution for the time–harmonic conduction equation, for the multiple sphere system, is developed by use of the scalar wave harmonic functions and the addition theorem for the harmonics. An effective medium model, which is based on the Quasi–Crystalline approximation (QCA) for acoustic and EM wave propagation, is developed, and a formulation for the frequency–dependent effective thermal diffusivity is derived. In the limit of x = Rω/α0→0, where R is the sphere radius and α0 the matrix thermal diffusivity, it is shown that formulation reduces to that derived from a static model.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Pressure-volume relationship of the fetal lamb heart.

Abstract In contrast to the adult heart, the fetal heart reportedly has little functional reserve. With increased clinical emphasis on fetal cardiac diagnosis, neonatal surgery, and the potential for future fetal cardiac intervention, it is essential that we better understand fetal cardiac function. Therefore, to demonstrate the extent of fetal cardiac preload reserve, we studied 10 fetal lambs using an isolated, isovolumic, blood-perfused heart preparation. We maintained constant afterload, inotropic state, coronary blood flow, heart rate, and perfusate blood gas values. As left ventricular (LV) volume (preload) was incrementally increased, LV end-diastolic pressure and LV peak systolic pressure were recorded. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that increases in LV developed pressures were predicted by the LV volume, demonstrating the presence of the Frank-Starling mechanism in each case. The plateau of the Starling pressure-volume curve occurred at an LV end-diastolic pressure of 12.5 ± 4.79 mm Hg (95% confidence interval, 9.07 to 15.9 mm Hg), lower than the plateau expected in the adult heart. This implies that, in the management of fetal and immature neonatal hearts, preload reserve plays an important but limited role in cardiac reserve.
Current Issues and Problems in the Chemical Vapor Deposition of Diamond

Current issues and problems in the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of diamond are those which relate to its characterization, its nucleation on foreign surfaces, the question of its formation in preference to the other phases of solid carbon (for example, graphite, chaoite, or lonsdaleite), why different morphologies and crystallographic orientations (textures) are seen in different experiments or with different parameters in the same experiment, and finally whether well-crystallized metastable phases can be obtained by CVD in other material systems or are only a peculiarity of carbon chemistry. Whether a given carbon coating is justly described as diamond has been such an issue, and coatings should clearly show evidence for diamond by x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy before the claim of diamond is made. Experimental results have not been consistent in many cases, and much work remains to be done before an accurate assessment can be made of the technological impact of the development.
Synthesis of acetylenic cyclophanes via intramolecular self-assembly: evidence of perfluorophenyl-phenyl quadrupole interactions in the solution state.

Reported herein is an example of a solution-state cross-coupling cyclization with an outcome mediated by perfluorophenyl−phenyl electrostatic interactions.
Water-dispersible multifunctional hybrid nanogels for combined curcumin and photothermal therapy

We design a class of water-dispersible hybrid nanogels for intracellular delivery of hydrophobic curcumin. The core-shell structured hybrid nanogels were synthesized by coating the Ag/Au bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) with a hydrophobic polystyrene (PS) gel layer as inner shell, and a subsequent thin hydrophilic nonlinear poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based gel layer as outer shell. The uniqueness of these hybrid nanogels lies in the integration of the functional building blocks for combined curcumin and photothermal therapy to significantly improve the therapeutic efficacy. The Ag/Au core NPs cannot only emit strong fluorescence for imaging and monitoring at the cellular level, but also exhibit strong absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) region for photothermal conversion. While the inner PS gel layer is introduced to provide strong hydrophobic interactions with curcumin for high drug loading yields, the external nontoxic and thermo-responsive PEG analog gel layer is designed to trigger the release of the pre-loaded curcumin either by variation of surrounding temperature or exogenous irradiation with NIR light. Such designed multifunctional hybrid nanogels are well suited for in vivo studies and clinical trials, thereby likely to bring this promising natural medicine of curcumin to the forefront of therapeutic agents for cancers and other diseases.
Ground access to airports, case study: Port Columbus International Airport

This study examines the ground access mode choices of passengers traveling to Port Columbus International Airport in Columbus, Ohio. The survey was conducted with 642 individuals at the airport in April 2012. The survey included questions about passengers' flights, attitudes toward auto-use, interest in alternative modes of transportation, important factors affecting mode choice, and socio-demographic information. The factors affecting passengers' mode choices constituted the greatest focus of the survey. Binary logit models are estimated to analyze the passengers' interest in taking alternative modes of transportation. The results show that individuals who are on business trips, flying alone (or with fewer people), and already trying to reduce their auto-use in general are more likely to take alternative modes of transportation to the airport. In addition, the most important factors that affect individuals' ground access mode decisions are presented separately for travelers on business trips and non-business trips.
Electrometallurgy in Canada

Many metallurgical manufacturers in Canada have taken advantage of the tremendous hydroelectric developments there which provide an abundance of low-cost electric power. Fuel combustion heat is being replaced by electric heat for such processes as annealing and wire patenting, and more electric power is being used in induction heating for forging and hardening, regulation of smelting furnaces, and in electric arc furnaces. Electric heat has allowed short time cycles, automatic operation, and has provided uniform results consistently.