cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cenozoic Paleogeography of North Atlantic Land Bridges

This paper attempts to synthesize vertebrate paleontological evidence and recently acquired knowledge of the geological history of terrestrial connections across the northern North Atlantic area. In 1975 I published a survey of this subject (McKenna, 1975) but it is appropriate here to bring the synthesis up to date in view of recent geophysical work and in view of further paleontological exploration in the Arctic and elsewhere. As Alfred Wegener (1929) was well aware, the world has had but one history; for that reason geological evidence and biological evidence each provide constraints on any proposed solutions to the ancient geography of an area such as the northern end of the North Atlantic. Although I hope to bring the subject up to date, I intend also to speculate on potential vertebrate paleontological field work that might yield new evidence concerning the details of timing and position of Tertiary land connections between now separated areas.
Carbon Dioxide "Trapped" in a β-Carbonic Anhydrase.

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are enzymes that catalyze the hydration/dehydration of CO2/HCO3(-) with rates approaching diffusion-controlled limits (kcat/KM ∼ 10(8) M(-1) s(-1)). This family of enzymes has evolved disparate protein folds that all perform the same reaction at near catalytic perfection. Presented here is a structural study of a β-CA (psCA3) expressed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in complex with CO2, using pressurized cryo-cooled crystallography. The structure has been refined to 1.6 A resolution with R(cryst) and R(free) values of 17.3 and 19.9%, respectively, and is compared with the α-CA, human CA isoform II (hCA II), the only other CA to have CO2 captured in its active site. Despite the lack of structural similarity between psCA3 and hCA II, the CO2 binding orientation relative to the zinc-bound solvent is identical. In addition, a second CO2 binding site was located at the dimer interface of psCA3. Interestingly, all β-CAs function as dimers or higher-order oligomeric states, and the CO2 bound at the interface may contribute to the allosteric nature of this family of enzymes or may be a convenient alternative binding site as this pocket has been previously shown to be a promiscuous site for a variety of ligands, including bicarbonate, sulfate, and phosphate ions.
Decentralization and the Fragmentation of the Post-Marcos Party System

Among the developments that have attracted the attention of a large number of scholars and policymakers interested in the Philippines are two dramatic trends that emerged after the fall of Marcos: decentralization and the fragmentation of the party system. In 1991 the Philippines embarked on a grand experiment, pledging to divert an unprecedented amount of resources and authority to local governments. This decentralization was rolled out, in fits and starts, and with successes and failures, over the course of the next two decades. Over the same two decades the Philippines party system shed its pre-martial law norm of a stable two-party system, and replaced it with a highly unstable and increasingly fragmented party system. This paper investigates whether these two developments are somehow linked. I argue that there are theoretical reasons to believe the two should be related – decentralization reduces the prize available to large national parties, which should correspond to greater fragmentation. After examining the electoral and decentralization data I find that the fragmentation of the post-Marcos party system is consistent with the incentives generated by decentralization as well as a shift to a single term limit for the president. However, the timing of decentralization better accounts for the spike in fragmentation we observe beginning in 2001.
Nitric Oxide Stimulates Matrix Synthesis and Deposition by Adult Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells Within Three-Dimensional Cocultures

Vascular diseases are characterized by the over-proliferation and migration of aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) within the vessel wall, leading to compromise in cell–cell and cell–matrix signaling pathways. Tissue engineering approaches to regulate SMC over-proliferation and enhance healthy ECM synthesis showed promise, but resulted in low crosslinking efficiency. Here, we report the benefits of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) cues, delivered from S-Nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), to cell proliferation and matrix deposition by adult human aortic SMCs (HA-SMCs) within three-dimensional (3D) biomimetic cocultures. A coculture platform with two adjacent, permeable 3D culture chambers was developed to enable paracrine signaling between vascular cells. HA-SMCs were cultured in these chambers within collagen hydrogels, either alone or in the presence of human aortic endothelial cells (HA-ECs) cocultures, and exogenously supplemented with varying GSNO dosages (0–100 nM) for...
G19 Improving out of hours paediatric services: the role of a clinical nurse coordinator at a tertiary children’s hospital

Background 75% of hospital working time is out of hours. The Department of Health recognises that patient safety in hospitals during these hours is a significant problem and recommends this as an area for change 1,2. Hospital at night (HaN) services have been implemented to address this concern. The HaN ethos aims to deliver safe patient care by utilising the skill mix and competences of a centralised multidisciplinary team 3. Senior paediatric nurses are often more experienced than junior doctors at managing paediatric patients and delivering clinical care and are therefore suited to undertake coordinator roles in such settings. This enables them to undertake work traditionally performed by doctors and also provide support to ward nurses 4,5. Aim To evaluate the effect of a HaN clinical nurse coordinator (CNC) on the workload of the medical team. Method 8 senior nursing staff with advanced skills were recruited to pilot a clinical nursing HaN role for 6 months, between the hours of 18.00–02.00 daily. The nurses held the medical SHO bleep and were responsible for triaging, undertaking procedures, performing reviews and coordinating escalation of care. A proforma was developed to gain quantitative evidence of the bleeps received, jobs completed and jobs escalated which was then used as an audit tool to analyse the effectiveness of the role. This was entered into an excel database and analysed monthly. A qualitative questionnaire was sent to medical and nursing staff to get further feedback on the role. Results Data was collected for 174 consecutive days during each CNC shift. The total number of jobs received was 3209. The CNC performed 784/1148 (68%) of procedures, 347/983 (35%) reviews, 84/430 (20%) prescriptions and 144/643 (22%) other jobs. 719/1060 (68%) of jobs were completed in less than 30 min. 100% of doctors reported that they had more time to complete tasks. 76% of nurses felt it enabled more direct patient care. Conclusion This pilot evaluation shows that the CNC was able to perform a significant number of medical jobs. The role was valued by both nurses and doctors enabling more time for patient care. Following the success of this pilot scheme a full time HaN team has been appointed.
14 Be(g .s .) and single-particle energies in 13 Be

Coupling two $sd$-shell neutrons to a pure $p$-shell $^{12}\mathrm{Be}$ ground state (g.s.), rather than to the physical g.s., removes difficulties in applying a previous simple model to $^{14}\mathrm{Be}$. I have calculated the g.s. wave function in this simple model, and have estimated the $2{s}_{1/2}$ single-particle energy.
A alpha and B beta chains of fibrinogen stimulate proliferation of human fibroblasts

During blood coagulation and wound healing, fibrinogen polymerises to form a fibrin matrix, providing a substratum over which connective tissue cells migrate and proliferate. Although a number of growth factors have been implicated in this process, a possible role for the fibrin(ogen) molecules themselves has not been considered. In this study we have investigated the ability of the constituent chains of fibrin(ogen) to induce fibroblast replication. Fibrinogen chains (A alpha 1, A alpha 2, B beta and gamma) were separated by cation exchange chromatography and their mitogenic activity was assessed before and after treatment with thrombin. The A alpha 1, A alpha 2 and B beta chains where all found to stimulate fibroblast replication (23 +/- 2.9%, 29.2 +/- 5.3% and 31.4 +/- 5% stimulation above control, respectively) and on the addition of thrombin this activity was enhanced. No activity was observed in the gamma chain before or after treatment with thrombin. These results indicate that growth promoting activity is inherent in fibrin(ogen) structure, suggesting a novel mechanism for fibroblast proliferation during wound healing.
Factors affecting a perishable supply chain's transaction costs and service

A discrete event simulation study is used to investigate the effect of supply variability, demand variability, targeted cycle service level, supply flexibility factor, number of suppliers, and retailer-to-supplier ratio on average transaction cost and observed cycle service level in a two-tiered supply chain with multiple suppliers and multiple retailers. Our findings indicate that transaction cost decreases as demand variability increases or as targeted cycle service level increases. Transaction cost increases as supply variability increases. Observed cycle service level and average transaction cost are not significantly affected by number of suppliers and retailer-to-supplier ratio. Observed customer service level gets worse when supply or demand variability increases, and it improves when supply becomes more available.
Short-term strength of non-penetrating mesh fixation: LifeMesh™, Tisseel™, and ProGrip™.

Non-penetrating mesh fixation is becoming widely accepted even though little is known about the short-term fixation strength of these techniques. Although clinical outcomes are the ultimate measure of effectiveness, ex vivo biomechanical evaluation provides insights about the load-carrying capacity of the mesh–tissue complex in vivo. As such, the purpose of this study was to compare the short-term fixation strength of three unique non-penetrating methods of fixation: LifeMesh™, ProGrip™, and Tisseel™. Among these, LifeMesh™ is a novel technology where large-pore, mid-weight polypropylene mesh is embedded in a dry matrix of porcine gelatin and microbial transglutaminase enzyme, providing self-fixation without the need for a separate adhesive application. Seven mongrel swine underwent implantation of two 4 × 7 cm pieces of either LifeMesh™, ProGrip™, or polypropylene mesh fixated with 2 mL of Tisseel™; 10 min after application, the samples were excised with the abdominal wall and stored for immediate biomechanical testing. The samples underwent lap shear testing to determine the short-term fixation strength of these three technologies. ProGrip™ demonstrated mean fixation strength of 1.3 N/cm (±STE 0.2). Mean fixation for mesh fixated with Tisseel™ was 2.6 N/cm (±STE 0.5). LifeMesh™ samples had mean fixation strength of 8.0 N/cm (±STE 2.1). Analysis of variance testing showed that interfacial strength of LifeMesh™ was significantly greater than that of either ProGrip™ or Tisseel™. ProGrip™ and Tisseel™ were not significantly different from each other (p = 0.06). Short-term strength of mesh fixation is an undescribed factor in hernia repair, but could have significant implications for early recurrence and mesh contraction. While further investigation is needed to define adequate interfacial strength, this comparison of non-penetrating mesh fixation methods shows that the novel LifeMesh™ technology exhibits greater strength than other non-penetrating fixation techniques.
More about the Avoidance Hypothesis in Store Loyalty

This paper relates to the controversy centering around Lessig’s contention that store loyalty may be established more out of avoidance of certain stores than attraction to others. The specific concept studied by the authors relates to acceptance and rejection sets of stores. Two hypotheses are tested. H1 : The consumer’s evoked set of stores is likely to contain stores in which the consumer would plan to shop and stores in which the consumer would avoid shopping. H2: Consumers’ attribute evaluations will be significantly different between the acceptance set and the rejection set of stores, being more favorable toward the acceptance set of stores.
Housing Conundrum: A Shortage of Demand or Supply?

Rents and house prices are rising considerably faster than income. The combination of limited construction and substantial price increases is consistent with constrained supply. Supply is constrained, in large part, because it is not easy or cheap to build in the close-in areas where many people want to live. The only solution to this problem is to find a way to build more housing.
Statistical Process Simulation

In the last chapter we indicated that yield maximization methods, which take into account inherent fluctuations in the IC manufacturing process, must be supported by statistical process and device simulation. It will also be demonstrated in the following chapters of this book that such simulation is a necessary ingredient not only for circuit design but also for process and device development, as well as IC process diagnosis and control. This chapter describes the statistical process and device simulator FABRICS , which can mimic the stochastic nature of the manufacturing process. This simulator is based on concepts first proposed in [59], and then in [61, 65] and [83]. FABRICS consists of two major parts: a process simulator and a device simulator. The models implemented in FABRICS allow for the statistical simulation of typical semiconductor devices manufactured by a variety of fabrication processes.
High field electromechanical effects in dielectrics under pulsed stress

Electromechanical deformation is one of the mechanisms by which dielectric breakdown may be initiated in polymer dielectrics. Recent experimental breakdown results on polymers are readily explained if some form of electromechanical thinning of the specimen before breakdown is postulated. We will present optical evidence in support of a model of highly localized shear deformation before breakdown. Most polymer films undergoing shear deformation will become optically anisotropic in the region under stress. The resulting birefringence can be detected with polarized light. In this way, we have delineated the intensity, extent, and distribution of electromechanical deformation in a polycarbonate-polydimethylsiloxane copolymer.
SHELF LIFE AND CULINARY PROPERTIES OF THAWED FROZEN PASTEURIZED WHOLE EGG

Commercially pasteurized whole egg had a shelf life (total viable count slightly in excess of 106 bacteria per gram) of approximately 15, 9, 2, and 1 days at 2, 7, 13, and 23 C, respectively. The thawed frozen pasteurized product has a maximum shelf life of 9 days at 2 C and 3 days at 13 C. The thawing temperature of the frozen product did not influence its shelf life to any great extent. Culinary properties of the fresh, pasteurized and thawed frozen pasteurized egg were very similar.
Gait transitions and disturbance response for planar bipeds with reaction wheel actuation

The reaction wheel stabilizer (RWS) concept for bipedal stabilization consists of a wheel that can be accelerated in order to impart a reaction torque on the rest of the biped. The beneficial effects of such a device (or emulation of such a device through limb motion) on transient body motions are not well understood. This work quantifies this phenomenon by comparing optimal trajectories for robots with and without an RWS in terms of energy efficiency and dynamic feasibility when attempting to execute speed transitions and disturbance response motions. Robots with RWS systems are able to more efficiently execute abrupt speed transitions, showing up to a 60% improvement in efficiency for single step transitions. In responding to forward push disturbances, the RWS improves efficiency by between 20 and 60% over the range of tested disturbances. These savings are significantly larger than those shown previously for periodic walking.
The Effects of Physical Landscape Variables on Burrow-Site Selection in the Kuwaiti Desert by Lesser Egyptian Jerboa (Jaculus jaculus)

ABSTRACTKnowledge of the habitat affinities and associations of a species is important for understanding its ecology and spatial distribution. This study investigates the effects of environmental and spatial variables including location (north–south), proximity to the sea (coastal–inland), and physical soil properties (soil moisture, particle size, and soil cohesion) on the burrowing locations of the lesser Egyptian jerboa (Jaculus jaculus). Quadrant sampling was used to collect field data on the location and number of burrows in a study area in Kuwait. The chi-square test illustrated a statistical relationship between the number of burrows and the physical soil properties, and the Mann–Whitney test illustrated a statistical relationship between the number of burrows and location (north–south) as well as proximity to the coast. The results showed that jerboa burrows are primarily located in soil with medium soil moisture, soil cohesion, and medium to coarse particle size, which we attribute to the ease of...
Recent Advances in the Controlled Synthesis of Acrylic Polymers by Group Transfer Polymerization

Group transfer polymerization (GTP) is a new type of “living” polymerization for acrylic monomers. The polymerization proceeds by repeated addition of monomer to a growing chain end carrying a silyl ketene acetal group. During addition, the silyl group transfers to the incoming monomer regenerating a new ketene acetal function (Equation).
Photodegradation of Foods and Beverages

Most foods and beverages are rather unstable and undergo changes in odor, flavor, texture, color, nutrient content, etc., as the storage time increases. The rates and pathways of food degradation can be influenced by chemicals (e.g., metal ions, oxygen), pH, temperature, microorganisms, etc., and, as examined in this chapter, by ultraviolet (UV*) and visible radiation. There is now a rather large amount of literature on the photodegradation of foods and beverages. The present review is an extensive rather than intensive survey designed to illustrate the scope of the field. As much as possible, recent papers are used to illustrate the points I wish to make as a photobiologist; these provide an entry to the earlier literature. Unfortunately, there appear to be relatively few recent reviews on the effects of light on foods. The earlier literature was briefly reviewed by Heiss and Radtke (1968) and by Segal (1971). More recently, Sattar and deMan (1975) have reviewed the photodegradation of milk and milk products in detail, and Hense and Mari (1978) have reviewed the effects of light on those foods and beverages usually packaged in glass containers.
Incidental Finding of Oleothorax

An 86-year-old woman with a history of tuberculosis presented with symptoms of epigastric and chest pain. A dense opacity in the upper left lung was suggestive of an oleothorax.
Gas-phase pesticide measurement using iodide ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Abstract. Volatilization and subsequent processing in the atmosphere are an important environmental pathway for the transport and chemical fate of pesticides. However, these processes remain a particularly poorly understood component of pesticide lifecycles due to analytical challenges in measuring pesticides in the atmosphere. Most pesticide measurements require long (hours to days) sampling times coupled with offline analysis, inhibiting observation of meteorologically driven events or investigation of rapid oxidation chemistry. Here, we present chemical ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry with iodide reagent ions as a fast and sensitive measurement of four current-use pesticides. These semi-volatile pesticides were calibrated with injections of solutions onto a filter and subsequently volatilized to generate gas-phase analytes. Trifluralin and atrazine are detected as iodide–molecule adducts, while permethrin and metolachlor are detected as adducts between iodide and fragments of the parent analyte molecule. Limits of detection (1 s) are 0.37, 0.67, 0.56, and 1.1 µg m−3 for gas-phase trifluralin, metolachlor, atrazine, and permethrin, respectively. The sensitivities of trifluralin and metolachlor depend on relative humidity, changing as much as 70 and 59, respectively, as relative humidity of the sample air varies from 0 to 80 %. This measurement approach is thus appropriate for laboratory experiments and potentially near-source field measurements.
Chloro/bromotrimethylsilane-Cu(NO3)2·3H2O: Safe and efficient reagent system for the decarboxylative ipso-nitration and dibromination of cinnamic acids

Further synthetic potential of halotrimethylsilane-nitrate salt mixture is revealed. A mixture of TMSX-Cu(NO3)2.3H2O system is found to be an efficient reagent system for both the decarboxylative nitration (ipso-nitration) when X = Cl, and dibromination of cinnamic acids, with X = Br, under mild conditions. The reactions are safe and simple, affording the corresponding products (E)-β-nitrostyrenes, and anti-2,3-dibromo-3-phenylpropanoic acids in high yields with high selectivity in a relatively short time. Use of hazardous and toxic nitrating systems such acetyl nitrate and brominating agents such as molecular bromine can be avoided.
Electrochemical Cycling of Polycrystalline Silver Nanoparticles Produces Single-Crystal Silver Nanocrystals.

Electrochemically driven phase transformations in redox-active nanoparticles (NPs) are important in a number of areas, including batteries and sensors. We use high-resolution electron microscopy in conjunction with ex situ electrochemical experiments on TEM grids to study the oxidative conversion of polycrystalline silver NPs to amorphous silver oxide nanoparticles and their reductive conversion back to single-crystal silver nanocrystals (NCs). Results show that during oxidation nucleation occurs uniformly at the NP surface, producing a Ag@Ag2O core@shell structure during growth. The images reveal polycrystalline Ag cores and amorphous Ag2O shells for these structures. Electron microscopy also showed that the electrochemical reduction of Ag2O NPs can produce single-crystal Ag nanocrystals, suggesting that point nucleation at the NP–electrode interface during reduction enables a growth mechanism favoring the formation of single-crystal nanoparticles.
Economic evaluation of an electrochemical process for the recovery of metals from electronic waste.

As the market of electronic devices continues to evolve, the waste stream generated from antiquated technology is increasingly view as an alternative to substitute primary sources of critical a value metals. Nevertheless, the sustainable recovery of materials can only be achieved by environmentally friendly processes that are economically competitive with the extraction from mineral ores. Hence, This paper presents the techno-economic assessment for a comprehensive process for the recovery of metals and critical materials from e-waste, which is based in an electrochemical recovery (ER) technology. Economic comparison is performed with the treatment of e-waste via smelting, which is currently the primary route for recycling metals from electronics. Results indicate that the electrochemical recovery process is a competitive alternative for the recovery of value from electronic waste when compared with the traditional black Cu smelting process. A significantly lower capital investment, 2.9 kg e-waste per dollar of capital investment, can be achieved with the ER process vs. 1.3 kg per dollar in the black Cu smelting process.
Crossing the blood-brain barrier with nanoparticles

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is one of the most essential protection mechanisms in the central nervous system (CNS). It selectively allows individual molecules such as small lipid-soluble molecules to pass through the capillary endothelial membrane while limiting the passage of pathogens or toxins. However, this protection mechanism is also a major obstacle during disease state since it dramatically hinders the drug delivery. In recent years, various tactics have been applied to assist drugs to cross the BBB including osmotic disruption of the BBB and chemical modification of prodrugs. Additionally, nanoparticles (NPs)-mediated drug delivery is emerging as an effective and non-invasive system to treat cerebral diseases. In this review, we will summarize and analyze the advances in the drug delivery across the BBB using various NPs in the last decade. The NPs will cover both traditional and novel nanocarriers. The traditional nanocarriers consist of poly(butylcyanoacrylate), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), poly(lactic acid) NPs, liposomes and inorganic systems. In the meanwhile, novel nanocarriers such as carbon quantum dots with their recent applications in drug delivery will also be introduced. In terms of significance, this review clearly depicts the BBB structure and comprehensively describes various NPs-mediated drug delivery systems according to different NPs species. Also, the BBB penetration mechanisms are concluded in general, emphasized and investigated in each drug delivery system.
Promoting positive parenting for families in poverty: New directions for improved reach and engagement

Abstract An extensive literature documents the numerous interrelated stressors families in poverty face, and associated risks for children's wellbeing. Positive parenting holds tremendous promise as a counterbalance to these risks; thus, evidence-based parenting programs represent one of the most important approaches in the arsenal of services for children and youth in poverty. However, logistic and perceptual barriers with particular relevance for low-income families contending with multiple stressors prevent many parents from engaging in supportive services. Applying an ecological public health model, we present evidence for innovative service models from within and outside of the parenting literature that provide support to individuals and families in communities of poverty, highlighting aspects of service models that align with the needs of high poverty families. Specifically, we review evidence that parenting programs may reach and engage more families if services are 1) led by fellow community members to align with cultural norms and multiply opportunities for service provision; 2) embedded in key settings such as homes and schools with flexibility to bridge settings; 3) aligned with the goals and needs of those settings, and bundled with other services to address families' pressing needs, thereby taking a “family-centered” form; and 4) offered through multiple formats, from traditionally formatted sequenced curricula to informal conversations infused with core parenting principles. Expanding the workforces, settings, intervention foci, and formats that can support parents' adoption of positive parenting practices may reduce the research to practice gap for some of our nation's most vulnerable children and families.
Engine Control by Classical Methods

This chapter reviews and applies classical SISO design techniques (root locus and frequency domain loopshaping) to the problem of fan speed control using fuel flow rate as control input. A model-matching method is also described that is used in CMAPSS as a design tool. The shortcomings associated with the use of fixed linear compensation are illustrated with simulation examples.As expected, classical linear compensation is adequate only to govern the engine close to a fixed operating point, as defined by the current inlet conditions and desired thrust setpoint. Engine accelerations across wide fan speed ranges, as well as thrust regulation across changing inlet conditions are handled poorly when a fixed linear controller is used. Aside from nonlinearity and parametric changes in the plant, critical variables must be maintained within safety ranges.Linear compensation, however, is the basic building block of standard GTE control systems. Parametric changes and nonlinearity are addressed conventionally addressed with gain-scheduled linear compensators, while limit protection logic schemes are used to override the active linear regulator when a critical variable approaches its safety limit. In this chapter, three basic design approaches to thrust regulation by means of classical linear compensation are examined. Fuel flow rate is considered to be the only control actuator. At the end of the chapter, a CMAPSS simulation is presented that exposes the limitations of fixed-regulator schemes.
Rising through the ranks: The evolution of the market for corporate executives, 1936–2003

I present new stylized facts on the market for managers over the twentieth century, utilizing a novel data set on managerial careers. From the 1930s to the mid-1970s, the level of executive pay, in...
RADIOACTIVITY IN FOODS. II. EVIDENCE OF FALLOUT CONTAMINATION DURING 1958 AND 1959

During 1958 and 1959, approximately 5,000 samples of 50 different human and animal foods were examined for total radioactivity resulting from fall-out. Highest total concentration was found in the animal fodders and tea. Among the animal fodders, the alfalfas were about 4 times as radioactive as the corn ensilages. In the case of tea, the imports from Japan, Formosa, and India carried the greatest amount of radioactivity. Significantly lower concentrations were noted in African and Brazilian teas. Lower, in comparison by factors ranging from 1/10 to 1/100 of the above but still measurable, was the radioactivity in fresh vegetables. Most of the contamination was found in spinach, celery, lettuce, and greens in that decreasing order. As compared to the fresh vegetables, fruits were on the average only 1/7 as radioactive. Measurable quantities of radioactivity were found only in plums, prunes, and strawberries, in that decreasing order. As noted in an earlier surveillance study, significant radioactivity continued to be detected in dairy products; also in oysters and clams. Insignificant traces of radioactivity were found in salmon and tuna, and none whatsoever in meat and poultry. Nearly all total beta concentrations declined from 1958 through 1959, reflecting the cessation of weapons testingmore » late in 1958. Analyses showed that on the average about 10% of the, total beta level in a food could be accounted for by the presence of strontium-90. 10 tables. Figure. 5 references. (auth)« less
NEUROTROPHIC FACTORS | Role of BDNF in Animal Models of Epilepsy

The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is ubiquitous in the central nervous system throughout life. In addition to exerting trophic effects on target neurons, BDNF appears to be part of a general mechanism for activity-dependent modification of synapses in the developing and adult nervous system. Many studies have shown that abnormal upregulation of BDNF occurs in a variety of animal model of epilepsy, and interference with BDNF signal transduction inhibits the development of the epileptic state. Further study of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which BDNF influences cell survival and excitability will likely provide novel concepts and targets for the treatment and prevention of epilepsy.
Generalized transient simulation of two-phase heat exchangers using zeotropic fluid mixtures

Abstract Transient simulation techniques for the modeling of two-phase heat exchangers employed in thermally driven heat pump systems utilizing a binary fluid mixture of ammonia and water as the working fluid are presented. Model formulation is presented using unsteady forms of conservation equations. The systems of equations for the discretized finite volume (FV) method and the moving-boundary (MB) method are described. The resulting systems of coupled, non-linear equations form a set of differential-algebraic equations (DAE), and are solved at each simulation time step. The solver implementation for DAE systems is discussed in detail and considerations for stability and accuracy are discussed. The schemes presented in this paper ensure conservation of mass and energy on an integral basis over the entire component for all time steps. Comparisons of computational efficiency and accuracy between the two approaches are presented for different test cases encountered in an ammonia-water condenser.
Metaphor Interpretation as Selective Inferencing: Cognitive Processes in Understanding Metaphor (Part 2)

In Part 1, the importance of spatial and other metaphors was demonstrated. An approach to interpreting metaphor in a computational framework was described, based on the idea of selective inferencing, in which a processor draws or refrains from drawing certain inferences in a controlled fashion. Two examples of metaphors were examined in detail in this light—a simple metaphor and a spatial metaphor schema. In Part 2 a novel metaphor is examined and there is a discussion, from this perspective, of some classic issues concerning metaphor, including the analogical processes that underlie metaphor, the stages in the life of a metaphor, and the definition of metaphor.
Lithobox: Creative Practice at the Intersection of Craft and Technology

The integration of new digital and physical fabrication tools with fine arts has the potential to provide new outlets for artistic expression, while at the same time raising questions about the role of material and process in artistic practice. In this work, we present Lithobox, a system that translates the traditional ceramic and lighting technique of lithophanes into a means of creating illuminated 3D models through a creative approach that utilizes both digital and tangible construction. Through work sessions with nine artists, we explored how the Lithobox fabrication process impacted the way artists manifest design ideas and engage in creative exploration in crafting. At the TEI arts track, we plan to show our system and the physical lithophanes from our work with artists. The attendees will likely discuss the design, material, and artistic aspects of our exhibit. From these discussions, our goal is to gain insight into beneficial directions for integrating digital technology into traditional fine arts practices.
Impact of phonons and spin-orbit coupling on Auger recombination in InAs

We extend the methodology for calculating Auger recombination from first principles to include spin-orbit interaction, which allows us to study materials in which the spin-orbit splitting and the band gap are of similar magnitude. We use this methodology to compute the direct and indirect Auger coefficients in InAs and related alloys. The direct process involves only Coulomb interaction, while the indirect process is mediated by phonons. We show how the spin-orbit split-off states allow for efficient direct Auger recombination, greatly enhancing the excitation rate of Auger holes due to a near resonance between the spin-orbit splitting and the band gap of the material. We find that the direct hole-hole-electron Auger recombination coefficient decays exponentially with increasing band gap, while the electron-electron-hole Auger recombination coefficient decays faster than exponentially. Additionally, we modeled the phonon-assisted process in InAs and show that the direct Auger process is dominant.
Childhood adversities and prior involvement with child protective services.

We aimed to determine the relation between childhood adversities and prior involvement with Child Protective Services (CPS) history among children presenting for evaluation at a Child Advocacy Center. The study evaluated children presenting to a Child Advocacy Center (CAC) from 2009 to 2014. A five-item child adversity measure, based on mother’s report, was characterized into a scale of none, one, or two or more adversities. Caseworkers at the CAC assessed whether families had a prior history of involvement with CPS. Among the 727 children included in the analyses, 43% had a prior history of involvement with CPS. Twenty-six percent of the children experienced one childhood adversity while 29% experienced two or more. In regression analyses adjusting for socio-demographics, experiencing one (Prevalence Ratio (PR) 1.25 95%CI 1.0–1.5) or two or more adversities (PR1.67 95%CI 1.4, 2.0) was associated with higher prevalence of CPS history compared to those who reported none. Childhood adversities are associated with prior contact with CPS, suggesting there are missed opportunities to provide services to high-risk families. CACs may be in a unique position to advocate for families and prevent further victimization of children.
Crystal size effects on giant thermopower in CrSb 2

We have examined size effect on thermal, transport, and thermodynamic properties of a ${\mathrm{CrSb}}_{2}$ single crystal. We demonstrate highly anisotropic quasi-one-dimensional electrical conductivity, quasiballistic phonons, and giant thermopower of $\ensuremath{-}6$ mV/K at 15 K. A thermopower peak is suppressed to $\ensuremath{-}1.6$ mV/K by changing crystal dimensions and shows linear dependence on the phonon mean-free path. Whereas electronic diffusion thermopower is significant, the bulk of the giant thermopower in ${\mathrm{CrSb}}_{2}$ stems from the coupling of the very long mean-free path phonons with the in-gap states.
Redefining the contours of hispanicity in '92: José Sanchis Sinisterra’s teatro fronterizo and the V Centenario

The showcasing of Jose Sanchis Sinisterra’s Lope de Aguirre, traidor within the V Centenario was significant for various reasons. The event bestowed legitimacy upon a playwright who foregrounded ma...
Genetic Architecture of Early Vigor Traits in Wild Soybean

A worldwide food shortage has been projected as a result of the current increase in global population and climate change. In order to provide sufficient food to feed more people, we must develop crops that can produce higher yields. Plant early vigor traits, early growth rate (EGR), early plant height (EPH), inter-node length, and node count are important traits that are related to crop yield. Glycine soja, the wild counterpart to cultivated soybean, Glycine max, harbors much higher genetic diversity and can grow in diverse environments. It can also cross easily with cultivated soybean. Thus, it holds a great potential in developing soybean cultivars with beneficial agronomic traits. In this study, we used 225 wild soybean accessions originally from diverse environments across its geographic distribution in East Asia. We quantified the natural variation of several early vigor traits, investigated the relationships among them, and dissected the genetic basis of these traits by applying a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) with genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. Our results showed positive correlation between all early vigor traits studied. A total of 12 SNPs significantly associated with EPH were identified with 4 shared with EGR. We also identified two candidate genes, Glyma.07G055800.1 and Glyma.07G055900.1, playing important roles in influencing trait variation in both EGR and EPH in G. soja.
Barriers and facilitators to PDMP IS Success in the US: a systematic review

Abstract Introduction Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP) help prevent prescription drug misuse and promote appropriate pain management. Despite these benefits and PDMP mandates in most states, PDMPs face challenges that hinder their success. This paper uses the Delone and McLean Information Success (IS) Model to review the current literature for barriers and facilitators to PDMP quality, use, intention to use and user satisfaction in the United States (U.S.). Material and Methods Scopus, PubMed and Embase databases were searched due to their relevance to information technology, education and research. Results There were 142 and 183 barriers and facilitators, respectively, found in 44 peer reviewed articles. Barriers to PDMP quality, use and user satisfaction include lack of interstate data sharing, access difficulties, lack of time, inability to delegate access, lack of knowledge or awareness of the PMDP, and lack of EHR integration. Facilitators to PDMP quality, use and user satisfaction include interstate data connections, real-time data updates, EHR integration, and access delegation. Discussion Interstate data sharing, EHR integration and expanding access to delegates were common themes found. Some results were found to be contradictory such as mandating use. Conclusion PDMP users can use these findings to assess current barriers to PDMP success in the U.S. and draw possible solutions from the list of facilitators. Practitioners should consider the context of their state and organization when determining which facilitators would most promote PDMP IS success. Combining facilitators may be the best route to PDMP IS success in certain situations.
Multiphoton Ionization Spectroscopy of Polyatomic Molecules

A short review of the historical development of two-photon and multi photon processes is given. Some of the interesting work on multiphoton ionization (MPI) of atomic systems is briefly mentioned.
Regularity Based Decentralized Social Networks

Centralized online social networks (OSNs) have drawbacks, chief among which are the risks posed to the security and privacy of the information maintained by them; and the loss of control over the information contributed by their members. The attempts to create decentralized OSNs (DOSNs) enable each member of an OSN keeps its own data under its control, instead of surrendering it to a central place; providing its own access-control policy. However, they are unable to subject the membership of a DOSN, and the interaction between its members, to any global policy. We adopt the decentralization, complementing it with a means for scalably specifying and enforcing regularities over the membership of a community, and over the interaction between its members.
Survey Analysis of Phenolic Compounds in Industrial Effluents by Gas Chromatography—Mass Spectrometry

Analyzing industrial effluents for phenolic compounds involves a number of problems both in the separation of these compounds from the aqueous medium and in the chromatography of the extracted compounds. Use of a continuous liquid-liquid extractor improved the recovery of phenolic compounds from those effluents that formed intractable emulsions during liquid-liquid extraction by shake-out. Tenax GC and SP-1240 DA proved to be the best general-purpose gas chromatographic column packings for a broad range of phenolic compounds. Derivatization procedures using diazomethane and pentafluorobenzyl bromide were found to be successful only under rigorously controlled conditions. For survey work, it appears that derivatization is of questionable value for initial qualitative analysis, because is many cases, the character of the matrix is not known.
Beyond computer graphics and CAD/CAM

Computer graphics and geometry research in the 1960’s and 1970’s paved the way for the rapid commercial development of CAD/CAM systems in the 1970’s and early 1980’s. For the last few years the commercial field has been in a steady state mode, involving primarily incremental improvements. Current signs indicate that the field is poised to move again. However, the ultimate direction is unclear.
Designing multi-hop optical networks using fixed wavelength transceivers

It has been recognized that the wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) scheme is one of the most promising ways to exploit the enormous bandwidth in a single mode optical fiber. We focus on using fixed wavelength transmitters and fixed wavelength receivers (which are considered to be more economically and technically feasible) to construct wavelength and time division multiplexed (WTDM) networks based on passive star couplers. We present some general principles used to construct such networks based on regular graphs. In particular, we discuss how to apply the principles to the following well-known regular graphs: perfect shuffle, generalized perfect shuffle and hypercube. The proposed algorithm supports a wider range of design alternatives than most of the previously proposed schemes.
Postpartum Depression and the Role of Nutritional Factors

Postpartum depression is the number one complication of childbirth [1], and healthcare providers need to have a keen understanding of the disorder in order to provide support and advice. In the first portion of this chapter, the prevalence and onset of postpartum depression is discussed, with a consideration for risk factors that have been associated with the disorder. Within this context, there is a discussion of how postpartum depression affects the mother, the mother–infant relationship, and infant development. Detection of postpartum depression is key to treatment, making repeated screening throughout the first year postpartum highly important.
Multiple metatarsal fractures in child abuse.

Ever since Caffey9s classic description of its clinical findings,1 physicians have been aware of the syndrome of child abuse and its skeletal pathology. Because of the emphasis placed on them by Caffey1 and others,2,3 it is now considered standard medical practice to obtain roentgenograms of the skull, ribs, and long bones as part of the routine evaluation of suspected child abuse. We are reporting an abused infant with multiple metatarsal fractures, an apparently undescribed finding in maltreatment syndromes. We also raise the question of whether or not roentgenographic search for fractures of the small bones of the extremities should be routinely performed.
Complexity comparison between FFT and DCT based real data Wigner processors

The symmetry of the discrete Wigner distribution (DWD) kernel input and the corresponding DWD output is used to develop an N-point DWD processor that outputs two DWD slices per N/2-point fast Fourier transform (FFT) subsystem. The overhead associated with FFT size reduction and kernel generation are shown to be less than that of the short-time Fourier transform magnitude (STFTM), given an equivalent reduction in FFT size, and the conclusion of double throughput for the DWD over that of the STFTM is validated. An alternative discrete-cosine-transform-based DWD processor is proposed where factorization is performed directly on the cosine matrix and compared in terms of computational complexity to radix-two, radix-four, and radix-2/4 FFT-based DWD processors. >
Climate change and food security: Agriculture, health and environmental research

Climate change and food security represent an intersection where agricultural, health and environmental research come together. If one employs a broad concept of food security (Chen and Kates, 1994,1995 this volume) that goes beyond the conventional notion of an increase in overall food supply to include the food security of households and their individual members, then food security includes the income and resources required to provide or to purchase a household’s food and the health required to absorb or use the food provided.
Regulation of Phagocytosis by FcγRIIb and Phosphatases

Phagocytosis of immune-complexes is a dynamic process that is accompanied by the generation of inflammatory/tissue damaging products. Recent advances in the field indicate that this process is subject to regulation by inhibitory Fcγ receptors and intracellular phosphatases, including the inositol phosphatases SHIP-1, SHIP-2 and PTEN, and the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. This chapter will describe the role of the inhibitory Fc receptor, FcγRIIb, and the phosphatases in modulating the signaling events leading to phagocytosis and the accompanying inflammation.