cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
State-dependent patterns and coupling between the vaccination schedule, population mobility and the COVID epidemic outline, in the US states

We study the evolution of the COVID-19 epidemic in the US, since January 2020 until May 2021. Our primary goal is to understand some of the complex coupled dynamics between factors that ultimately regulate the epidemic case load. As potentially crucial factors, we focus on population mobility and vaccination patters (both related to risk of contracting the SARS-Cov2 virus). These factors may in turn depend on demographic parameters (which are unrelated to the epidemic evolution), but also on the population response to the epidemic outbreak itself. In our work, we use correlation analyses, in conjunction with open source data from US states, to investigate the type and strength (1) of the relationships between demographic measures and epidemic, mobility and vaccination timelines during our established time window; (2) of the bidirectional coupling between these timelines. We showed that the wide between-state differences in epidemic outcome correspond to between-state differences in demographic measures (such as density, income, political affiliation). As a potential underlying mechanism, we found that demographic measures are also predictive of the degree of coupling between epidemic timelines (on one hand) and vaccination and mobility timelines (on the other hand), coupling which can be broadly interpreted as the population9s behavioral response to the epidemic. In support of this idea, our analysis shows this response to be tightly correlated with epidemic outcome. This suggests that a state9s demographic profile may be invaluable to generating predictions on the epidemic evolution in the respective state, and that this information may be used to understand the weaknesses of a state and how to compensate for them to improve epidemic outcome (e.g., via state centralized incentives, and customized mitigation strategies).
Molecular Ecology of Marine Invasions

Biological invasions are the establishment of populations of species in regions where they were formerly absent. Recent studies have shown that marine invasions have dramatically increased in the past several decades (Carlton and Geller 1993, Cohen and Carlton 1995). However, only in the past few years have the ecological consequences of invasions been carefully studied (e.g., Brenchley and Carlton 1983, Bertness 1984, Carlton 1989, Carlton et al. 1990, Shushkina and Musayeva 1990, Carlton and Geller 1993, Nalepa and Schloesser 1993, Grosholz and Ruiz 1995). Some examples of invasions which have had profound ecolgical impacts include the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha in the Great Lakes (Hebert et al. 1989), the Asian clam Potomocorbula amurensis (Carlton et al. 1990), the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi in the Black Sea (Vinogradov et al. 1989) among others. The U.S. National Research Council has recognized marine invasions as one of five major threats to biodiversity (NRC 1995).
Federal deficits and money growth in the United States: A vector autoregressive analysis

Abstract A multivariate VAR modelling technique is employed in this paper to test for causality between federal deficits and money growth in the United States. Four alternative causality hypotheses, including the common accommodation view, are examined. In addition to the two policy variables, four other related macro variables are included in the empirical analysis; namely, short-term interest rates, prices, real output, and exchange rates. The VAR results consistently reject the accommodation hypothesis and indicate that monetary and fiscal policy actions are set independently in the United States. Other causality inferences are also obtained and their implications are discussed.
Degrees of Inequality: How the Politics of Higher Education Sabotaged the American Dream

America's higher education system is failing its students. In the space of a generation, we have gone from being the best-educated society in the world to one surpassed by eleven other nations in college graduation rates. Higher education is evolving into a caste system with separate and unequal tiers that take in students from different socio-economic backgrounds and leave them more unequal than when they first enrolled. Until the 1970s, the United States had a proud history of promoting higher education for its citizens. The Morrill Act, the G.I. Bill and Pell Grants enabled Americans from across the income spectrum to attend college and the nation led the world in the percentage of young adults with baccalaureate degrees. Yet since 1980, progress has stalled. Young adults from low to middle income families are not much more likely to graduate from college than four decades ago. When less advantaged students do attend, they are largely sequestered into inferior and often profit-driven institutions, from which many emerge without degrees--and shouldering crushing levels of debt. In Degrees of Inequality, acclaimed political scientist Suzanne Mettler explains why the system has gone so horribly wrong and why the American Dream is increasingly out of reach for so many. In her eye-opening account, she illuminates how political partisanship has overshadowed America's commitment to equal access to higher education. As politicians capitulate to corporate interests, owners of for-profit colleges benefit, but for far too many students, higher education leaves them with little besides crippling student loan debt. Meanwhile, the nation's public universities have shifted the burden of rising costs onto students. In an era when a college degree is more linked than ever before to individual--and societal--well-being, these pressures conspire to make it increasingly difficult for students to stay in school long enough to graduate. By abandoning their commitment to students, politicians are imperiling our highest ideals as a nation. Degrees of Inequality offers an impassioned call to reform a higher education system that has come to exacerbate, rather than mitigate, socioeconomic inequality in America.
A Transparent Engine for Flow and Combustion Visualization Studies

A single-cylinder research engine for flow and combustion visualization has been designed, built, and operated. It has a transparent liner and piston-top window that maximize optical access for inspecting in-cylinder flow and combustion
Monte Carlo Methods

The term Monte Carlo refers to the use of random variables to evaluate quantities such as integrals or parameters of fit functions that are typically too complex to evaluate via other analytic methods. This chapter presents elementary Monte Carlo methods that are of common use in data analysis and statistics, in particular the bootstrap and jackknife methods to estimate parameters of fit functions.
Childhood Socialization and Intergenerational Influences

This article provides a brief overview of the topic of childhood socialization and intergenerational influences in consumer behavior. Current knowledge of intergenerational influences remains grounded in a relatively small research base, leaving many intriguing questions still to be addressed. Keywords: family; children; socialization; learning
Ecuador's Sovereign Default: A Pyhrric Victory for Odious Debt?

Ecuador’s strategic default on some of its external debt last year has drawn much commentary and generated passionate reactions. Some commentators who advocate creating a mechanism for addressing odious or illegitimate debt encouraged Ecuador to repudiate its obligations and have generally applauded its decision to do so. For those who are sympathetic to efforts to create such a mechanism, however, this enthusiasm may be misplaced. Articulating a narrow definition of odious or illegitimate debt is one of the primary challenges for advancing any doctrine or institution that would enable sovereigns to repudiate or discharge obligations on equitable grounds. The obligations that were the subject of Ecuador’s default may have been the product governmental mismanagement, corruption, or policies designed to benefit wealthier interests in the country over poorer ones. Yet the justifications given for its default do not come close to establishing that its citizens did not obtain meaningful benefits from the underlying transactions or the various debt restructurings that the country experienced in recent decades. In fact, many of the aspects of Ecuador’s indebtedness appear to be conventional results of sovereign borrowing, debtor default, and creditor forbearance. If so, Ecuador’s episode may end up heightening concerns that a mechanism for addressing odious or illegitimate debt would inevitably implicate transactions that are potentially beneficial to sovereigns and their citizens, perhaps making it harder for many sovereigns to borrow for productive purposes. Heightening such concerns only serves to undermine efforts to convince legal actors and policymakers to adopt such a mechanism.
Understand and analyzing learning objects: A foundation for long-term substantiality and use for e-learning

In this paper, we investigated the genres of learning objects (LOs) within eight e-learning courses that provide boating safety instruction in the United States. Guided by findings from our literature review, five genres of LOs emerged during the analysis, including interactive and non-interactive graphics, interactive and non-interactive animations, and interactive text feedback. We surveyed the use of each genre of LOs within the courses and found that more non-interactive LOs than interactive LOs were adopted. Also, interactive text feedback was the most popular interactive genre available for seven courses. In our discussion, we explore potential management mechanisms of LOs in digital repositories. Our genre analysis provides a foundation for appropriate deconstruction of LOs into components, which can assist with the management of digital repositories. Effective deconstruction of LOs allows instructors and designers to successfully discover LOs that they need and reuse them in new learning units. https://doi.org/10.34105/j.kmel.2015.07.018
Are engineers unsung heroes of medical progress?: The historic bond between physics, engineering, and medicine

Abstract This review traces the heretofore unsung hero role of engineering in the evolution of today’s healthcare and the growing bond between physics, engineering, and medicine. It recognizes the debt owed to the various specialties of healthcare engineering, especially the bioengineers who contribute not only to a better understanding of basic physiologic and pathologic processes but also to the development and application of technology and the adaptation of new engineering discoveries to medicine. In the past half-millennium, the fields of physics, engineering, and medicine have made a large number of seminal contributions to each other, resulting in ever-advancing healthcare methodologies, although only a precious few remain identified by the originators’ names. In this review, 3 engineers are cited in detail for their milestone contributions to medical progress: Roentgen in radiology, Bovie in electrosurgery, and, more recently, Greatbatch in implantable cardiac pacemakers. Future horizons in medicin...
An Aspirated Psychrometer for Measuring Insect Microhabitat Humidity

A modified “Rosenberg” wet-dry bulb aspirated psychrometer to be used in microclimate studies is as accurate as the Assman TM psychrometer. This psychrometer can be placed within the crop canopy and wired to a recorder for continuous monitoring of humidity.
Multiple Chronic Conditions and Asthma: Implications for Practice and Research

At least half of US adults with asthma have at least 1 other chronic condition. Having asthma and other chronic conditions are associated with poorer asthma outcomes. Several studies considered the relationship between asthma and other specific chronic conditions; results of these studies indicated that having depression or anxiety and/or panic disorder is associated with an increased risk of developing a new asthma diagnosis and with poorer asthma outcomes. In addition, results of these studies indicated that having asthma is associated with an increased risk of developing a new depression or anxiety and/or panic disorder diagnosis. Theoretical models for understanding multiple chronic conditions have emerged, with models that include a balance between patient workload and capacity; classification of specific conditions as concordant and/or discordant and/or dominant; and identification of the gap between what a patient needs and what health care services are able to offer. Potential implications for clinical providers include screening for chronic conditions not yet recognized, such as mental health disorders, promoting and tracking medication adherence in those who have multiple chronic conditions, and simplifying treatment regimens to reduce patient workload.
Preventing Degenerative Tendinitis of the Rotator Cuff: A Program Proposal

Degenerative tendinitis of the rotator cuff is investigated through a review of the literature. Its clinical appearance, related biomechanics, treatment and factors leading to its development are discussed. Based on these findings an occupational therapy program designed to prevent the condition is proposed. The program focuses both on strengthening the rotator cuff muscles in preparation for stressful use of the arm and on improving upper back posture. The identification of individuals at risk for its development is also discussed. Several hypotheses for future study are proposed and the importance of preventive programming to the future of occupational therapy is considered.
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase and adenyl cyclase in cardiac hypertrophy and cardiomyopathy.

The key enzyme in the genetic process of protein synthesis, ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase, is increased in activity during the early stages of cardiac hypertrophy induced by aortic banding. A similar increase in the activity of this enzyme is seen in the cardiomyopathy of the Syrian golden hamster. There are at least two RNA polymerases in the cell. RNA polymerase I is nucleolar in origin and synthesizes ribosomal RNA under conditions of reduced ionic strength. RNA polymerase II is nucleoplasmic in location and chiefly synthesizes deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-like RNA or messenger RNA. The latter enzyme is strongly inhibited by alpha amanitine, a toxic cyclopeptide obtained from the common poisonous mushroom. Increased adenyl cyclase activity in the myocardium of the hamster with cardiomyopathy suggests that catecholamines and cyclic adenosine monophosphate may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the condition.
Methods for Calculating the Cost of Developing Ground‐Water Resources in Appalachiaa

The project developed between the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Office of Appalachian studies and the U. S. Geological Survey for a study of the ground-water resources in Appalachia had two principal objectives. The first objective was to describe in general terms the ground-water resources of the Region as a whole and the second objective was to describe in greater detail the ground-water resources at about 20 selected sites. This paper deals with the methods used to describe the Region as a whole, wich a special emphasis on availability and cost of developing ground water, as was requested by the Office of Appalachian Studies.
Genetic Predisposition to Dyslipidemia and Risk of Preeclampsia.

Background Large epidemiologic studies support the role of dyslipidemia in preeclampsia; however, the etiology of preeclampsia or whether dyslipidemia plays a causal role remains unclear. We examined the association between the genetic predisposition to dyslipidemia and risk of preeclampsia using validated genetic markers of dyslipidemia. METHodS Preeclampsia cases (n = 164) and normotensive controls (n = 110) were selected from live birth certificates to nulliparous Iowa women during the period August 2002 to May 2005. Disease status was verified by medical chart review. Genetic predisposition to dyslipidemia was estimated by 4 genetic risk scores (GRS) (total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides) on the basis of established loci for blood lipids. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationships between each of the 4 genotype scores and preeclampsia. Replication analyses were performed in an independent, US population of preeclampsia cases (n = 516) and controls (n = 1,097) of European ancestry. r ESu LTS The GRS related to higher levels of TC, LDL-C, and triglycerides demonstrated no association with the risk of preeclampsia in either the Iowa or replication population. The GRS related to lower HDL-C was marginally associated with an increased risk for preeclampsia (odds ratio (OR) = 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.99–1.07; P = 0.10). In the independent replication population, the association with the HDL-C GRS was also marginally significant (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00–1.06; P = 0.04). concLu SionS Our data suggest a potential effect between the genetic predisposition to dyslipidemic levels of HDL-C and an increased risk of preeclampsia, and, as such, suggest that dyslipidemia may be a component along the causal pathway to preeclampsia.
Rationale for combination antifungal therapy

The relentless increase of invasive fungal infections and poor outcomes associated with available antifungal agents prompted the search for better therapeutic strategies. Combining antifungal drugs was recommended as a means to enhance efficacy in a variety of invasive infections including cryptococcosis, candidiasis, and aspergillosis. With the exception of cryptococcal meningitis, data from controlled clinical trials supporting such combinations are sparse. Moreover, little consensus exists regarding which combinations are synergistic or antagonistic in vitro and in vivo. Based on available data, several principles underlie these combinations.
Microbial glycolipids: possible virulence factors that scavenge oxygen radicals.

Abstract Two important pathogens of developing countries, Mycobacterium leprae, the etiologic agent of leprosy, and Leishmania donovani, the protozoal parasite that causes kalaazar, persist in the human host primarily in mononuclear phagocytes. The mechanisms by which they survive in these otherwise highly cytocidal cells are presently unknown. Since the best understood cytocidal mechanism of these cells is the oxygen-dependent system that provides lethal oxidants including the superoxide anion (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl radical (OH), and singlet oxygen (1O2), we sought specific microbial products of these organisms that might enable them to elude oxidative cytocidal mechanisms. Phenolic glycolipid I of M. leprae and lipophosphoglycan of L. donovani are unique cell-wall-associated glycolipids produced in large amounts by the organisms. In this study, phenolic glycolipid I derivatives and lipophosphoglycan were examined for their ability to scavenge potentially cytocidal oxygen metabolites in vitro. Electron spin resonance and spin-trapping indicate that phenolic glycolipid I derivatives and lipophosphoglycan are highly effective in scavenging hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions. The results suggest that complex glycolipids and carbohydrates of intracellular pathogens that can scavenge oxygen radicals may contribute to their pathogenicity and virulence.
Metabolic tumor volume as a prognostic imaging-based biomarker for head-and-neck cancer: Pilot results from radiation therapy oncology group protocol 0522

Purpose To evaluate candidate fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) imaging biomarkers for head-and-neck chemoradiotherapy outcomes in the cooperative group trial setting. Methods and Materials Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) protocol 0522 patients consenting to a secondary FDG-PET/CT substudy were serially imaged at baseline and 8 weeks after radiation. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), SUV peak (mean SUV within a 1-cm sphere centered on SUVmax), and metabolic tumor volume (MTV) using 40% of SUVmax as threshold were obtained from primary tumor and involved nodes. Results Of 940 patients entered onto RTOG 0522, 74 were analyzable for this substudy. Neither high baseline SUVmax nor SUVpeak from primary or nodal disease were associated with poor treatment outcomes. However, primary tumor MTV above the cohort median was associated with worse local-regional control (hazard ratio 4.01, 95% confidence interval 1.28-12.52, P =.02) and progression-free survival (hazard ratio 2.34, 95% confidence interval 1.02-5.37, P =.05). Although MTV and T stage seemed to correlate (mean MTV 6.4, 13.2, and 26.8 for T2, T3, and T4 tumors, respectively), MTV remained a strong independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival in bivariate analysis that included T stage. Primary MTV remained prognostic in p16-associated oropharyngeal cancer cases, although sample size was limited. Conclusion High baseline primary tumor MTV was associated with worse treatment outcomes in this limited patient subset of RTOG 0522. Additional confirmatory work will be required to validate primary tumor MTV as a prognostic imaging biomarker for patient stratification in future trials.
Natural Supersymmetry without Light Higgsinos

We present a mechanism that allows a large Higgsino mass without large fine-tuning. The Higgs is a pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone boson (PNGB) of the global symmetry breaking pattern $SO(5)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}SO(4)$. Because of the PNGB nature of the light Higgs, the $SO(5)$ invariant Higgsino mass does not directly contribute to the Higgs mass. Large couplings in the Higgs sector that spontaneously breaks $SO(5)$ minimize the tuning, and are also motivated by the requirements of generating a sufficiently large Higgs quartic coupling and of maintaining a natural approximate global $SO(5)$ symmetry. When these conditions are imposed, theories of this type predict heavy Higgsinos. This construction differs from composite Higgs models in that no new particles are introduced to form complete $SO(5)$ multiplets involving the top quark---the stop is the only top partner. Compatibility with Higgs coupling measurements requires cancellations among contributions to the Higgs mass-squared parameter at the 10% level. An important implication of this construction is that the compressed region of stop and sbottom searches can still be natural.
The Wax and the Mechanical Mind: Reexamining Hobbes's Objections to Descartes's Meditations

Many critics, Descartes himself included, have seen Hobbes as uncharitable or even incoherent in his Objections to the Meditations on First Philosophy. I argue that when understood within the wider context of his views of the late 1630s and early 1640s, Hobbes's Objections are coherent and reflect his goal of providing an epistemology consistent with a mechanical philosophy. I demonstrate the importance of this epistemology for understanding his Fourth Objection concerning the nature of the wax and contend that Hobbes's brief claims in that Objection are best understood as a summary of the mechanism for scientific knowledge found in his broader work. Far from displaying his confusion, Hobbes's Fourth Objection in fact pinpoints a key weakness of Descartes's faculty psychology: its unintelligibility within a mechanical philosophy.
Kinetics of dispersed carbon formation

Rates of particle formation in the thermal decomposition of acetylene in a diffusion flame have been measured. Particle formation rate-time curves are characterized by a sharp maximum. The particle formation rate at the maximum point is of the order of 10 15 particles/cm 3 /sec. The formation of soot particles is regarded as a result of a branched-chain process and of the destruction of active particles on the surface of the soot particles being formed. An analytical consideration demonstrates that the generation process of active particles (radical nuclei) has an activation energy of the order of 170 kcal/mole. An assumption is expressed that the radical C 2 is the radical nucleus in the case.
Effective photosensitization and selectivity in vivo of Candida Albicans by meso-tetra (N-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphine tetra tosylate.

Background and Objective The fungus Candida albicans commonly causes mucosal and cutaneous infections in patients with impaired immunity. We investigated the effectiveness of the photosensitizer meso-tetra (N-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphine tetra tosylate (TMP-1363) in the photodynamic treatment (PDT) of C. albicans infection in vitro and its selectivity in an animal model. Materials and Methods The efficacy of TMP-1363 in PDT of C. albicans in vitro was compared to that of methylene blue (MB) using a colony forming unit (CFU) assay. In vivo infection in the mouse was established by inoculation of C. albicans yeast in the intradermal space of the ear pinna. Two days post-infection, 0.3 mg ml−1 TMP-1363 was administered topically. Thirty minutes after TMP-1363 application, the ears were irradiated at 514 nm using a fluence of 90 J cm−2 delivered at an irradiance of 50 mW cm−2. The ears were excised 2 hours post-irradiation, homogenized, and the organism burden was determined by a CFU assay. In vivo wide field and confocal fluorescence imaging assessed the localization of the photosensitizer in relationship to C. albicans. Results Photosensitization with TMP-1363 resulted in a greater than three-log increase in killing of C. albicans in vitro compared to MB. In vivo fluorescence imaging demonstrated a high degree of selective labeling of C. albicans by TMP-1363. PDT of infection using TMP-1363 resulted in a significant reduction in CFU/ear relative to untreated controls. Infected ears subjected to PDT displayed complete healing over time with no observable damage to the pinna. Conclusion Our in vitro and in vivo findings support TMP-1363-mediated PDT as a viable therapeutic approach for the PDT of candidiasis. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:324–332, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Altered Editing of Serotonin 2C Receptor Pre-mRNA in the Prefrontal Cortex of Depressed Suicide Victims

Five adenosines within the coding sequence of the serotonin 2C receptor (5-HT2C) pre-mRNA are converted to inosines by RNA editing (named A, B, C' (E), C, and D sites). In human prefrontal cortex (PFC), the most abundant 5-HT2C mRNA sequences result from editing at the A site, or from the editing combinations AC'C, ABCD, and ABD. In suicide victims with a history of major depression, C' site editing is significantly increased, D site editing is significantly decreased, and the C site shows a trend toward increased editing. Treatment of mice with the antidepressant drug fluoxetine (Prozac) causes changes in C', C, and D site editing that are exactly opposite to those seen in suicide victims. Thus, one outcome of fluoxetine treatment may be to reverse the abnormalities in 5-HT2C pre-mRNA editing seen in depressed suicide victims.
The utility of MRCP in preoperative mapping of biliary anatomy in adult-to-adult living related liver transplant donors.

Purpose To assess the utility of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in preoperative mapping of biliary anatomy in adult-to-adult living related liver transplant (LRLT) donors. Materials and Methods From 57 potential donors with preoperative MRCP, 27 cases (16 men, 11 women, age range 22–51 years, mean 37.2 years) underwent right lobe resection and had intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) for comparison. The MRCP and IOC reports were retrospectively reviewed in all 27 cases. The MRCP was performed on 1.5 Tesla MR magnets using breath-hold heavily T2-weighted sequences in axial/coronal thin sections, and variable-thickness rotating slabs. The accuracy of preoperative MRCP for biliary mapping in potential LRLT donors was analyzed compared to the IOC findings. Results Of 27 donors, 26 (96.3%) had MRCP which showed adequate information of central intrahepatic biliary anatomy. Of these, 19 had normal bifurcation confirmed by IOC, and single biliary anastomosis was created in the recipient at transplantation. MRCP correctly predicted 17 of 19 normal cases (sensitivity for normals: 89.5%). In seven donors with variant biliary anatomy, two separate biliary anastomoses were performed in the recipient. MRCP correctly predicted five of seven variants (sensitivity for variants: 71.4%). Overall, MRCP had an accuracy 84.6% (22/26). Conclusions MRCP has potential in the preoperative assessment of nondilated bile ducts in LRLT donors, however further improvements are desired to increase its quality and accuracy. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;19:209–215. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A kierkegaard reader: texts & narratives

(1990). A kierkegaard reader: texts & narratives. History of European Ideas: Vol. 12, No. 5, pp. 697-697.
A controlled evaluation of cognitive behaviorial therapy for posttraumatic stress in motor vehicle accident survivors

Seventy-eight motor vehicle accident survivors with chronic (greater than 6 months) PTSD, or severe sub-syndromal PTSD, completed a randomized controlled comparison of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), supportive psychotherapy (SUPPORT), or a Wait List control condition with two detailed assessments. Scores on the CAPS showed significantly greater improvement for those in CBT in comparison to the Wait List and to the SUPPORT conditions. The SUPPORT condition in turn was superior (p=0.012) to the Wait List. Categorical diagnostic data showed the same results. An analysis of CAPS scores including drop-outs (n=98) also showed CBT to be superior to Wait List and to SUPPORT with a trend for SUPPORT to be superior to Wait List. The CBT condition led to significantly greater reductions in co-morbid major depression and GAD than the other two conditions. Results held up well at a 3-month follow-up on the two active treatment conditions.
Controls on facies and sequence stratigraphy of an upper Miocene carbonate ramp and platform, Melilla basin, NE Morocco

Abstract Upwelling of cool seawater, paleoceanographic circulation, paleoclimate, local tectonics and relative sea-level change controlled the lithofacies and sequence stratigraphy of a carbonate ramp and overlying platform that are part of a temporally well constrained carbonate complex in the Melilla basin, northeastern Morocco. At Melilla, from oldest to youngest, a third-order depositional sequence within the carbonate complex contains (1) a retrogradational, transgressive, warm temperate-type rhodalgal ramp; (2) an early highstand, progradational, bioclastic platform composed mainly of a temperate-type, bivalve-rich molechfor facies; and (3) late highstand, progradational to downstepping, subtropical/tropical-type chlorozoan fringing Porites reefs. The change from rhodalgal ramp to molechfor platform occurred at 7.0±0.14 Ma near the Tortonian/Messinian boundary. During a late stage in the development of the bioclastic platform a transition from temperate-type molechfor facies to subtropical/tropical-type chlorozoan facies occurred and is bracketed by chron 3An.2n (∼6.3–6.6 Ma). Comparison to a well-dated carbonate complex in southeastern Spain at Cabo de Gata suggests that upwelling of cool seawater influenced production of temperate-type limestone within the ramp and platform at Melilla during postulated late Tortonian–early Messinian subtropical/tropical paleoclimatic conditions in the western Paleo-Mediterranean region. The upwelling of cool seawater across the bioclastic platform at Melilla could be related to the beginning of ‘siphoning’ of deep, cold Atlantic waters into the Paleo-Mediterranean Sea at 7.17 Ma. The facies change within the bioclastic platform from molechfor to chlorozoan facies may be coincident with a reduction of the siphoning of Atlantic waters and the end of upwelling at Melilla during chron 3An.2n. The ramp contains one retrogradational parasequence and the bioclastic platform three progradational parasequences. Minor erosional surfaces that bound the upper surface of the ramp and upper surface of the oldest platform parasequence are related to relative falls in sea level induced by local volcanism and associated tectonic uplift. These local relative falls had little influence on a broader-scale rise to stillstand in relative sea level that controlled development of the transgressive and early highstand systems tracts represented in the ramp and platform, respectively.
Companion Animals and Us: Exploring the Relationships Between People and Pets

(2002). Companion Animals and Us: Exploring the Relationships Between People and Pets. Ethics, Place & Environment: Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 292-294.
InnoVision's focus areas for motion imagery research and development

This paper describes the role that the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) has in motion imagery research and development (RD). Motion imagery RD is ubiquitous. Commercial technology is strongly leveraged by the Department of Defense (DoD) and each component in DoD has unique needs that they invest RD dollars against. DoD Directive 5106.60 gives NGA full responsibility for geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), including a wide range of RD functions. InnoVision, NGA’s RD component has specific areas of focus for motion imagery RD that are designed to complement and enhance service and industry efforts.
The Future-Shaping Function of the Governing Board

Prevailing research tends to narrow the starting view of most authors, including those who write about community colleges and their governing boards in common terms of organizational structure, management style, roles and responsibilities, personality issues, and so forth. But this essay focuses more on one particular topic: the unique relationship between boards and the urban colleges they serve, from the perspective of a university professor who also serves as a community college trustee.
Flame spread across surfaces of PBX 9501

Abstract There is little flame spread data for homogeneous energetic materials and no data for nitramines. We report the results of flame spread experiments of PBX 9501 (HMX (cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine) based explosive). The horizontal flame spread rate, Sf, is of the same order of magnitude as normal deflagration and varies nearly as the square root of pressure, as our scaling analysis presented here predicts. In the vertical orientation, the flame propagation downward was observed to be slightly faster than horizontal flame spread, presumably because of the melt layer flowing downward on the sample. In an accident scenario, a charge may be fractured or the surface roughened. Consequently, we also examined the effect of roughness. Minor roughness created by explosives machining was found to have a negligible affect on flame spread. However, more significant roughness can increase the rate between two and three times over normal flame spread for the conditions considered here. In addition we examine the effect of sample edges and configuration. Corners result in more favorable heat loss and therefore affect flame spread rate. We argue that the increased spread rate on edges and rough surfaces is because of favorable heat transfer convergence.
Dechlorination kinetics of monochlorobiphenyls by Fe/Pd: Effects of solvent, temperature, and PCB concentration

Abstract Well-known, yet undefined, changes in the conditions and activity of palladized zerovalent iron (Fe/Pd) over an extended period of time hindered a careful study of dechlorination kinetics in long-term experiments. A short-term experimental method was, therefore, developed to study the effects of temperature and solvent on the dechlorination of monochlorobiphenyls (MCBs), 2-chlorobiphenyl (2-ClBP), in particular by Fe/Pd. The experiments started with specified initial conditions and lasted only for 10 min. The average value ( k ) of the first-order rate constant for the dechlorination of 2-ClBP was 0.13 ± 0.03 L m−2 h−1, not significantly different from the average values for 3-chlorobiphenyl and 4-chlorobiphenyl. The apparent activation energy was 20 ± 4 kJ mol−1 and 17 ± 7 kJ mol−1, in a temperature range between 4 °C and 60 °C, for the dechlorination of 2-ClBP using two batches of Fe/Pd catalyst. The k values decreased significantly in mixtures with a methanol concentration higher than 10%. The values of the rate constant were slightly influenced by the initial concentrations in the experiments at a low temperature and in a solution with a high methanol concentration. The concentration dependence was described with a Langmuir equation, based on the Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism that includes an adsorption step of a single species preceding a rate-determining catalytic reaction.
Ultrastructure of electrophysiologically-characterized synapses formed by serotonergic raphe neurons in culture

Recent electrophysiological investigations in this laboratory have shown that cultured mesopontine serotonergic neurons from neonatal rats evoke serotonergic and/or glutamatergic responses in themselves and in non-serotonergic neurons.17 Serotonergic nerve terminalsin vivo are heterogeneous with respect to vesicle type, synaptic structure, and the frequency with which they form conventional synaptic contacts, but the functional correlates of this heterogeneity are unclear. We have therefore examined the ultrastructure of electrophysiologically-characterized synapses formed by cultured serotonergic neurons, and have compared the findings with the ultrastructural characteristics of serotonergic synapses reportedin vivo. Dissociated rat serotonergic neurons in microcultures were identified by serotonin immunocytochemistry or by uptake of the autofluorescent serotonin analogue 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine, and were subsequently processed for electron microscopy. Unlabeled axon terminals formed numerous synapses on serotonin-immunoreactive somata and dendrites. Serotonin-immunoreactive axon terminals formed synapses on the somata, dendrites and somatodendritic spine-like appendages of serotonergic and non-serotonergic neurons. In microcultures containing a solitary serotonergic neuron that evoked glutamatergic or serotonergic/glutamatergic autaptic responses, both symmetric and asymmetric synapses were present. In addition to large dense core vesicles, individual neurons contained either microcanaliculi and microvesicles, clear round vesicles, or clear pleiomorphic vesicles. For a given cell, however, the subtypes of vesicles present in each axon terminal were similar. Thus, dissociated serotonergic and non-serotonergic raphe neurons formed functional, morphological synapses in culture. A direct examination of both the synaptic physiology and ultrastructure of single cultured serotonergic neurons indicated that these cells released serotonin and glutamate at synapses that were morphologically similar to synapses formed by serotonergic neuronsin vivo. The findings also suggested that individual serotonergic neurons differ with respect to synaptic vesicle morphology, and are capable of simultaneously forming symmetric and asymmetric synapses with target cells.
Characterization of superdislocation dissociations in Al66Ti25Cr9 with transmission electron microscopy observations and image simulations

The nature of dissociated superlattice dislocation cores in Al66Ti25Cr9, deformed at room temperature, has been characterized by weak-beam transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and comparison of experimental images with computer-simulated images. The displacement fields associated with narrowly dissociated APB- and SISF-dissociated ‹110› superdislocations were calculated to account for the asymmetry in dislocation contrast and led to a better understanding of the formation of images. Such calculations are a powerful aid, when coupled with image simulations, in distinguishing the “real” intensity peaks from the supplementary peaks that can be generated under experimental imaging conditions. While both APB- and SISF-dissociated superdislocations were identified, the vast majority of superdislocations were determined to be APB-dissociated. Corrected values of the fault energies (γAPB and γSISF ) have been measured for this alloy. These energies and the observed dissociations are shown to be self-consistent.
Crystal engineering a linear polymer of C60 fullerene via supramolecular pre-organization

The action of heat and pressure on a co-crystallate of C60 and a calixarene, where the fullerenes are pre-organized in separated linear columns, gives a linear [2 + 2] addition polymer of (C60)n without crosslinking.
An agent-based approach for capturing and linking provenance in geoscience workflows

Provenance is becoming increasingly important as web services and computational workflows enable new methods by which work is conducted. Yet, there exist sets of questions that cannot be addressed by current provenance capture systems. We address these challenges by leveraging a service provenance ontology that captures execution details of workflow constituent web services. The ontology is used in conjunction with a multi-agent system to automate provenance aggregation and collation. The use of a multi-agent system eliminates the need to modify service interfaces, as was done in previous research. Simulation experiments are used to evaluate multiple agent topologies and identify an efficient and scalable system that scales to large numbers of workflows. We address limitations in e-Science provenance capture.We extend the usage of an existing service provenance ontology.Our approach is grounded in Semantic Web standards and W3C provenance ontology.Our evaluation identifies an efficient solution capable of scaling to large number of workflows.We explore the integration of Semantic Web and multi-agent systems to address outstanding challenges in e-Science.
Leptin pro-angiogenic signature in breast cancer is linked to IL-1 signalling

Leptin and interleukin-1 (IL-1) upregulate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), promote angiogenesis and are related to worse prognosis of breast cancer. However, it is unknown whether leptin regulates IL-1, and whether these effects are related to leptin-induction of VEGF/VEGFR2 in breast cancer. Several genetic and pharmacological approaches were used to determine the mechanisms involved in leptin regulation of IL-1 system (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1Ra and IL-1R tI) and the impact of IL-1 signalling on leptin-induced VEGF/VEGFR2 expression in mouse mammary cancer 4T1 cells (a model that resembles invasive and highly metastatic human breast cancer). Leptin increased protein and mRNA levels of all components of the IL-1 system. IL-1 upregulation involved leptin activation of JAK2/STAT3, MAPK/ERK 1/2, PI-3K/AKT1, PKC, p38 and JNK. Leptin-induced phosphorylation of mTOR/4E-BP1 increased IL-1β and IL-1Ra expression, but downregulated IL-1α. Leptin upregulation of IL-1α promoter was linked to SP1 and NF-κB transcription factors. In addition, leptin receptor (Ob-Rb) was upregulated by leptin. Interestingly, leptin upregulation of VEGF/VEGFR2 was partially mediated by IL-1/IL-1R tI signalling. We show for the first time that leptin induces several signalling pathways to upregulate the translational and transcriptional expression of IL-1 system in breast cancer cells. Moreover, leptin upregulation of VEGF/VEGFR2 was impaired by IL-1 signalling blockade. These data suggest that leptin pro-angiogenic signature in breast cancer is linked to, or regulated, in part by IL-1 signalling.
THE USE OF FRICTIONAL COEFFICIENTS TO EVALUATE UNPERTURBED DIMENSIONS IN DILUTE POLYMER SOLUTIONS

Abstract It has been shown that the unperturbed dimensions of polymer molecules can be estimated from a knowledge of the frictional coefficients in any given solvent. The method involves a graphical procedure based on the simple relation [F]=K f M 1 2 + 0·201 P 0 BA −2 M which is similar to an equation developed by Stockmayer and Fixman relating intrinsic viscosity and molecular weight. The method is tested experimentally using data obtained from dilute solution measurements on polystyrene and polymethylmethacrylate.
Electron-phonon interactions in copper-oxides

Abstract We calculate electron-phonon coupling constants for the copper oxide planes using a renormalized bandstructure as well as a diagrammatic 1/N approach. The effects of infinitely strong Coulomb repulsion lead to a dramatic reduction in the coupling. Phononic, polaronic and some charge transfer descriptions of the superconductivity seem unlikely in view of these results.
On the economics of GPRS networks with Wi-Fi integration☆

Abstract Wi-Fi provides an appealing opportunity for GSM/GPRS operators to enhance their data capability. By integrating both networks, operators are able to provide 3G-like services. However, both networks have different data rates and capacity, which makes economics of the network integration and pricing of services a challenging issue. In this paper we introduce a novel pricing model for GPRS networks integrated with Wi-Fi networks. The model identifies how the integration can play a significant role in increasing operators’ overall revenue and potentially improve the performance of GPRS networks. We identify the optimal GPRS charging rate and Wi-Fi connection fee that yields maximum network revenue. In addition, we conduct a case study of a wireless operator that considers network integration, adopting our pricing model. The investment analysis provides the insightful information for profitable business cases of GPRS networks with Wi-Fi integration.
Structure and Ca2+-Binding Properties of the Tandem C2 Domains of E-Syt2

Contacts between the endoplasmic reticulum and the plasma membrane involve extended synaptotagmins (E-Syts) in mammals or tricalbins in yeast, proteins with multiple C₂ domains. One of the tandem C₂ domains of E-Syt2 is predicted to bind Ca²⁺, but no Ca²⁺-dependent function has been attributed to this protein. We have determined the crystal structures of the tandem C₂ domains of E-Syt2 in the absence and presence of Ca²⁺ and analyzed their Ca²⁺-binding properties by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Our data reveal an unexpected V-shaped structure with a rigid orientation between the two C₂ domains that is not substantially altered by Ca²⁺. The E-Syt2 C2A domain binds up to four Ca²⁺ ions, whereas the C₂B domain does not bind Ca²⁺. These results suggest that E-Syt2 performs an as yet unidentified Ca²⁺-dependent function through its C₂A domain and uncover fundamental differences between the properties of the tandem C₂ domains of E-Syts and synaptotagmins.
Grain Boundary Structures in High-Purity Al2O3 Bicrystals Grown From the Melt

The clean room processing, firing and crystal growth techniques required to produce high-purity Al2O3 crystals and bicrystals with $[{\bar 2110}]$ tilt boundaries near low Σ misorientations are described. The chemical analysis requirements for high-purity ceramic materials are discussed. The boundary characteristics of the θ=33.2°, near Σ = 11, misorientation and the applicability of the CSL model to describe the observed facet planes is determined. The periodicity of the dislocations present in the boundary is 21 nm. STEM analysis of the grain boundary region indicates no second phase or detectable impurity concentrations. The importance of grain boundary structure investigations in high-purity materials and of chemically well-characterized boundaries is discussed.
Placental floor infarction complicating the pregnancy of a fetus with long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) deficiency.

By postmortem biochemical and molecular genetic analyses, an 8-month-old infant was diagnosed with long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency, an inborn error of mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation. He was born following a pregnancy complicated by a maternal floor infarction of the placenta, a disorder of unknown etiology. We speculate that the child's autosomal recessive fatty acid beta-oxidation disorder and the pregnancy complication are causally related.