cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Transdisciplinary Focus on Drug Abuse Prevention: An Introduction

This article introduces the scope of the Special Issue. A variety of scientific disciplines are brought together to establish theoretical integration of the arenas of drug use, misuse, “abuse,” and drug misuse prevention. Transdisciplinary scientific collaboration (TDSC) is utilized as a process of integration. Introductory comments regarding the strengths and limitations of TDSC are presented. Then, the relevance of genetics to substance misuse and substance misuse prevention is presented. Next, the relevance of cognition for prevention is discussed. Specifically, neurologically plausible distinctions in cognition and implicit cognition and their relevance for prevention are discussed. At a relatively molar social-level of analysis, social network theory, systems dynamic models, geographic information systems models, cultural psychology, and political science approaches to drug misuse and its prevention are introduced. The uses of both quantitative and qualitative statistical approaches to prevention are...
Ethanol conversion to methane by a coal microbial community

The potential of added ethanol to enhance the rate and extent of biogenic conversion of coal to methane was investigated. Small amounts of methane were slowly produced from unamended Big George coal collected from the Powder River Basin. Added ethanol was partially converted to methane by a microbial community in the coal in the absence of other amendments. The extent and rate of ethanol conversion to methane was enhanced by the addition of a buffered, mineral salts medium and a coal derived microbial community. The pattern of methane production suggested that a fraction of the added ethanol first adsorbed to coal and then was degraded to methane after desorption. The addition of a solvent, like ethanol, may assist with the solubilization of coal constituents to facilitate more rapid and more extensive production of biogenic methane from coal.
Organization theory in administrative law: A proposal for a design science

A design science for administrative law is proposed. Organization-controlling law should be designed in terms of sociological competence. Architecture and engineering offer a model based on (1) good fit, (2) multi-disciplinary perspectives, (3) analysis and feedback of failures, and (4) a paradigm. The science would begin with characteristics of regulated organizations and categories of law-organization relationships and lead to better design of compliance machineries. However, methodological strictures within mainstream sociology reduce the prospects for this science.
Appraising Research in Second Language Learning: A Practical Approach to Critical Analysis of Quantitative Research by PORTE, GRAEME KEITH

A review of the second edition of the book "Appraising Research in Second Language Learning: A Practical Approach to Critical Analysis of Quantitative Research," by Graeme Keith Porte is presented.
Excitation Energies with Cost-Reduced Variant of the Active-Space EOMCCSDT Method: The EOMCCSDt-3̅ Approach

In this paper, we discuss the performance of several simplified variants of equation-of-motion coupled cluster method (EOMCC) with iterative inclusion of singles, doubles, and active-space triples (EOMCCSDt). In particular, we explore simplified EOMCCSDt approaches that enable one to generate the triply excited amplitudes in an on-the-fly manner. The original EOMCCSDt formulation has already demonstrated great success in encapsulating the most important excited-state correlation effects due to triples. In analogy to the original EOMCCSDT-3 formulation, the proposed approach can bypass the typical bottlenecks associated with the need for storing triply excited amplitudes. In this paper, we illustrate the performance of several approximate EOMCCSDt methods, named EOMCCSDt-3 and EOMCCSDt-3, on typical benchmark systems including C2, N2, ozone, ethene, and E-butadiene molecules. These new methods yield excitation energies close to the EOMCCSDt ones. The extrapolation of excitation energies for basis sets ranging from cc-pVDZ to cc-pV6Z for N2 and C2 shows very good convergence to the experimental results for states dominated by single excitations. The performance of the EOMCCSDt-3x approach is also compared with the results obtained with popular CCSDR(3) and CC3 approaches.
Iron frames: Reconstructing the landscape views of A. J. Russell's photography

(1989). Iron frames: Reconstructing the landscape views of A. J. Russell's photography. Nineteenth-Century Contexts: Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 41-66.
Towards resilient high performance applications through real time reliability metric generation and autonomous failure correction

One predominant barrier encountered in furthering research and development efforts aimed at facilitating resilient HPC applications is a substantial lack of existing reliability and performance data originating from extreme-scale computing distributions. In order to develop an understanding of how and why highly scaled HPC applications are encountering increasingly frequent performance interruptions, one must conduct extensive trending and analysis on contemporary machines and their associated programs. However, existing HPC application log files are labyrinthine documents that, even with the assistance of intelligent data mining algorithms, translate poorly to human discern. In addition, conventional log filtering processes are limited to execution within a post-mortem, reactive time period, as the enormous size of these documents prevents efficient real time interaction.Thus, there exists a strong need within the HPC field for the provision of accurate-yet-concise real time application information. Moreover, the means of reporting this data must be sufficiently lightweight and non-intrusive, as to successfully-yet-discretely attach itself to the multiple processes running on multiple cores within tens (or in some cases, hundreds) of thousands of compute nodes. Furthermore, this information should in turn be used to facilitate the autonomous correction of application-threatening faults, suspensions, and interruptions.This paper describes a dynamic application instrumentation module (utilizing a combination of Open|SpeedShop software and custom scripting) aimed at successfully achieving these goals.
A network-based signaling mechanism of cancer development and progression

We conducted a comprehensive analysis of a manually curated human signaling network containing 1634 nodes and 5089 signaling regulatory relations by integrating cancer-associated genetically and epigenetically altered genes. We find that cancer mutating genes are enriched in positive signaling regulatory loops, whereas the cancer-associated methylating genes are enriched in negative signaling regulatory loops. We further characterized an overall picture of the cancer-signaling architectural and functional organization. From the network, we extracted an oncogene-signaling map, which contains 326 nodes, 892 links and the interconnections of mutated and methylated genes. The map can be decomposed into 12 topological regions or oncogene-signaling blocks, including a few ‘oncogenic-signaling-addictive blocks' in which frequently used oncogenic signaling events are enriched.Large scale sequencing of cancer genomes has shown that there is a lot of diversity and little overlap in terms of the different types of mutated genes. This diversity is seen among different types of tumours and even between tumours that originate from the same tissue. Despite the complexity of these mutations, the cancer signalling map allows them to be divided into a few common signaling modules and therefore uncovers the underlying logic of cancer signaling. Both common and tumor-type specific signaling modules are observed. The common module contains genes that are frequently mutated in most tumors regardless of tumor-type. However, the common module is generally not sufficient for tumorigenesis, because mutations of the genes in the common module are frequently accompanied by mutations in one or two other signaling modules. Different tumor types appear to achieve tumorigenesis via distinct mechanisms, i.e., through collaboration between different signaling modules. Taking a systems-biology approach, the researchers present a network view of molecular mechanisms of cancer signaling that will shape our understanding of fundamental tumor cell biology.
Differential effects of the PAF receptor antagonist UK-74,505 on neutrophil and eosinophil accumulation in guinea-pig skin.

Abstract 1. The effect of the dihydropyridine, platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonist, UK-74,505, on leucocyte accumulation and oedema formation in guinea-pig skin was investigated. The inflammatory reactions studied were elicited by exogenous mediators, a passive cutaneous anaphylactic (PCA) reaction and zymosan particles. 2. Leucocyte accumulation and oedema formation were measured as the local accumulation of i.v. administered 111In-labelled neutrophils or eosinophils together with 125I-labelled albumin. UK-74,505 was either administered i.v. or used to pretreat the radiolabelled leucocytes in vitro prior to their last wash and injection into recipient animals. 3. In vitro, UK-74,505 inhibited PAF-induced elevations in cytoplasmic levels of Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in fura-2-loaded guinea-pig neutrophils and eosinophils with IC50 values of 10(-9) M and 7 x 10(-9) M respectively. Neutrophils and eosinophils pretreated with 10(-7) M and 10(-6) M UK-74,505 respectively, and maintained at 37 degrees C, were unresponsive to PAF for the 4 h period investigated. 4. In vivo, using 2 h test periods, i.v. UK-74,505 (0.5 and 2.5 mg kg-1) inhibited the accumulation of 111In-neutrophils, 111In-eosinophils and oedema formation induced by intradermal PAF, but had no effect on responses elicited by leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and zymosan-activated plasma (ZAP, used as a source of C5a des Arg). UK-74,505 (2.5 mg kg-1) was also without an effect on response induced by a PCA reaction but significantly suppressed the 111In-eosinophil accumulation following the intradermal administration of zymosan particles. The 111In-neutrophil accumulation induced by zymosan particles was not, however, affected by UK-74,505.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Eustachian valve endocarditis: Detection with multiplane transesophageal echocardiography

Right-sided involvement is fairly common in infective endocarditis, but involvement of the eustachian valve is distinctly rare. We present the case of a 36-year-old intravenous drug user with staphylococcal bacteremia and septic pulmonary emboli. Transthoracic echocardiography was normal, but transesophageal echocardiography revealed a large eustachian valve vegetation. This case illustrates the utility of multiplane transesophageal echocardiography in the evaluation of eustachian valve pathology.
Algorithms for special cases of rectilinear steiner trees: I. Points on the boundary of a rectilinear rectangle

The general rectilinear Steiner tree problem has been proved to be NP-complete. In this paper, we consider a special case in which the points lie on the boundary of a rectilinear rectangle and give an O(n) algorithm to construct a minimum rectilinear Steiner tree for such points.
Use of carbon dioxide as carrier gas in gas chromatography.

THE carrier gas in gas chromatography is usually considered to play little part in the analytical process, and its choice is usually determined primarily by the method of detection. That carrier gas may not, and need not, be entirely inert was demonstrated in two separate series of experiments. In one, carbon dioxide was substituted for helium in a gas-solid chromatographic system. In the other it was substituted for argon in a gas-liquid system.
Perspectives on Developing Management Theory, Circa 1999: Moving from Shrill Monologues to (Relatively) Tame Dialogues

The article discusses various papers published within the issue, including one by William McKinley and colleagues on determinants and development of schools in organization theory and another by Marianne Lewis and Andrew Grimes on metatriangulation.
Ocular laser bioeffects in Operation Iraqi Freedom

Laser hazards on the modern battlefield include numerous applications with the potential for eye damage from both pulsed and high luminance continuous energy laser devices. The multitude of laser devices deployed both by friendly and threat forces represent a significant hazard to vision, and consequently duty performance. Increased application of high luminance devices for tactical use may result in accidental exposure and temporary or persistent symptoms. These symptoms may be confounded by ongoing ocular retinal disorders. The management of these patients requires additional laser training to prevent injury as well as more experience and training for first responders in order to triage individuals with vision disturbances thought secondary to ocular laser exposure.
Computer forensics and electronic discovery: The new management challenge

Recent American court decisions and legislation have shown that the failure of an organization to retain electronic documents and to be able to locate the information when needed can cost the organization millions of dollars as well as its reputation. In spite of understanding the need for compliance, very few organizations actually have a good understanding of how to implement a system that will satisfy the requirements for electronic document retention and retrieval for litigation purposes. This paper suggests some positive steps that an organization can take to minimize the likelihood of court-imposed sanctions for noncompliance with discovery requests for electronic documents. The first step is the creation of an Information Management Team that includes experts in computer forensics, law, information management, information technology, and auditing. The next step is to develop and implement an electronic document retention and deletion policy. Any such policy must retain the flexibility to implement litigation holds by suspending routine document deletion when litigation is imminent.
Use of the Patient-generated Index in systemic sclerosis to assess patient-centered outcomes

Objective. To evaluate the content and construct validity of an individualized patient-reported instrument, the Patient-generated Index (PGI), in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), and to compare its performance to that of other instruments and to the Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) framework. Methods. Patients identified the 5 most important life areas affected by SSc, which we categorized into domains of the PROMIS framework (mental, physical, and social). Correlations were obtained between PGI and the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36), and the Symptom Burden Index (SBI) scores. Results. Sixty-two patients with SSc completed the PGI: 87% women, 69% white, mean age 53 years, mean disease duration 8 years, and 63% with diffuse disease. A total of 258 individual life area responses were recorded: 54% in social health (social function and relationship subcomponents); 28% in physical health (physical function, symptoms, general physical health); and 19% in mental health (consisting largely of the affect subcomponent). Patient PGI responses were categorized into 6 of the 7 subcomponents of the PROMIS framework; substance use/alcohol was not identified. Statistically significant correlations ranging in absolute value from 0.26 to 0.50 were observed between the PGI and the HAQ, SF-36 summary component scores, and the large majority of SF-36 subscales and SBI components. Conclusion. The PGI is a personalized instrument that adequately assessed a wide range of health-related quality of life outcomes within the PROMIS framework. The PGI captured additional constructs not yet defined within the framework that are important for patients with SSc.
Neonatal and pediatric peripheral parenteral nutrition: what is a safe osmolarity?

Background: To reach nutrition goals, peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) often exceeds an osmolarity (Osm) of 900 mOsm/L. Evidence suggesting PPNs with Osm > 900 mOsm/L are safe in adults. However, some pediatric data suggest the PPN Osm limit should be 500-700 mOsm/L, yet A.S.P.E.N. recommends a limit of 900 mOsm/L. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2007, to determine if PPNs with an Osm > 900 mOsm/L result in an increased rate of line-related events in neonatal and pediatric patients. Patients from birth to 21 years were included and grouped based on the final Osm of the PPN. The exposed group included patients with Osm > 900 mOsm/L and the nonexposed (NE) group Osm ≤ 900 mOsm/L. Results: Baseline demographic data were similar. The mean Osm for neonatal PPNs was 856 and 944 mOsm/L for pediatric PPNs. For neonatal PPNs, the incidence of line-related events was 50 per 100 patient days and 52 per 100 patient days for PPNs ≤ 900 and > 900 mO...
A Region-Based Representation of Images in MARS

We study the problem of representing images within a multimedia Database Management System (DBMS), in order to support fast retrieval operations without compromising storage efficiency. To achieve this goal, we propose new image coding techniques which combine a wavelet representation, embedded coding of the wavelet coefficients, and segmentation of image-domain regions in the wavelet domain. A bitstream is generated in which each image region is encoded independently of other regions, without having to explicitly store information describing the regions. Simulation results show that our proposed algorithms achieve coding performance which compares favorably, both perceptually and objectively, to that achieved using state-of-the-art image/video coding techniques while additionally providing region-based support.
Inactivation of pertussis toxin-sensitive guanyl nucleotide-binding proteins increase parathyroid hormone receptors and reverse agonist-induced receptor down-regulation in ROS 17/2.8 cells.

Abstract We examined mechanisms of down-regulation of PTH receptors and desensitization of the PTH-stimulated increase in intracellular cAMP in clonal rat osteosarcoma cells, ROS 17/2.8. ROS cells treated with 10 nM [Nle8,Nle18,Tyr34] bovine (b) PTH-(1-34) amide (NlePTH) for 3 days showed loss of specific PTH binding and PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation to 10% of that in vehicle-treated control cells. Treatment of these cells with both 0.5 mM 8-bromo-cAMP (8-Br-cAMP) and 1 mM methylisobutylxanthine or 100 ng/ml cholera toxin for 3 days elicited no change in either of these responses. Treatment with 10 nM NlePTH for 3 days did not modify the cAMP accumulation stimulated by 30 μM forskolin or 1 μg/ml cholera toxin, indicating that agonist-specific desensitization of PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation is not due to diminished activity of either the stimulatory guanyl nucleotide regulatory subunit (Gs) or the catalytic subunit of the adenylate cyclase. Treatment of ROS cells with pertussis toxin (PT; 10 ng/ml) ...
The Effects of Status Cues on Choices of Social Power and Influence Strategies

Abstract Social influence and social power were examined in two studies. In Study 1, samples of U.S. students who had been presented with randomly ordered lists of 13 influence tactics and power bases predicted the likelihood that an influence agent would use the tactics or power bases, for seven status-differentiated, hypothetical relationships. Lower status agents were perceived to use influence tactics, and higher status agents were perceived to use power bases. In Study 2, female students were assigned either a supervisory role or a subordinate role. The participants in the supervisory and subordinate roles identified power bases or influence tactics that had been rated by the participants in Study 1 as commonly used by higher or lower status influence agents, respectively. The results of the present study seem to support the notion that social influence and social power are separate strategies.
New energy-storage unit for heavy-duty vehicles encompassing cold-weather starting

A standard light ignition (SLI) battery, the vehicle energy storage element, must deliver maximum energy and maximum power. These design requirements are self-excluding; consequently, compromises must be made in the battery design. Increasing energy demands of the vehicle electric accessories are moving this technology towards its limits. New SLI battery designs are not providing the required energy density and cold cranking capabilities (i.e., maximum power) at temperatures as cold as -40 /spl deg/F. This paper explores a solution that uses an ultracapacitor pack in parallel with the starter motor and a unidirectional dc-dc converter allows optimal charging of the pack. The service battery could contribute a portion of the starter motor power using the converter. Lastly, load levelling of the vehicle electric accessories, and hence improved voltage regulation, can be provided to the vehicle power system at a cost by adding to the converter the bi-directional power flow feature.
From Pabst to Pepsi: The Deinstitutionalization of Social Practices and the Creation of Entrepreneurial Opportunities

In this paper, we examine the dual role that social movement organizations can play in altering organizational landscapes by undermining existing organizations and creating opportunities for the growth of new types of organizations. Empirically, we investigate the impact of a variety of tactics employed by the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), the leading organizational representative of the American temperance movement, on two sets of organizations: breweries and soft drink producers. By delegitimating alcohol consumption, altering attitudes and beliefs about drinking, and promoting temperance legislation, the WCTU contributed to brewery failures. These social changes, in turn, created opportunities for entrepreneurs to found organizations producing new kinds of beverages by creating demand for alternative beverages, providing rationales for entrepreneurial action, and increasing the availability of necessary resources.
The past and present Earth-Moon system: the speed of light stays steady as tides evolve

Tides induce a semimajor axis rate of +38.08 ± 0.19 mm/yr, corresponding to an acceleration of the Moon’s orbital mean longitude of −25.82 ± 0.13 "/cent2, as determined by the analysis of 43 yr of Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR) data. The LLR result is consistent with analyses made with different data spans, different analysis techniques, analysis of optical observations, and independent knowledge of tides. Plate motions change ocean shapes, and geological evidence and model calculations indicate lower rates of tidal evolution for extended past intervals. Earth rotation has long-term slowing due to tidal dissipation, but it also experiences variations for times up to about 105 yr due to changes in the moment of inertia. An analysis of LLR data also tests for any rate of change in either the speed of light c or apparent mean distance. The result is (−2.8 ± 3.4)×10–12 /yr for either scale rate or –(dc/dt)/c, or equivalently −1.0 ± 1.3 mm/yr for apparent distance rate. The lunar range does not reveal any change in the speed of light.
Factors Predicting Life Expectancy in Patients With Metastatic Cancer Receiving Palliative Radiation Therapy

days) after being intubated. Median OS was 0.36 months (range 0-113 months). OS at 1 year and 6 months were 3.6% and 10.7%, respectively. Eight (28%) patients were successfully extubated and received a higher median radiation dose as compared to unsuccessfully extubated patients (26.0 Gy vs. 12.3 Gy) (p Z 0.046). No successful extubation occurred more than 22 days post-RT. Age (HR: 2.14), female sex (HR: 4.75) and advanced tumor stage (III, IV) (HR: 10.8, 10.5) were associated with worse OS; age (OR: 3.72, p Z 0.06) and female sex (OR: 12.3, p Z 0.08) were non-significantly associated with decreased ES. One patient was alive at the time of data abstraction, having survived 113 months. Conclusions: This is the first study to describe the outcomes of using RT for intubated ICU patients with malignant airway obstruction. The observation that no successful extubation occurred 22 days post-RT can be used to guide care clinical decisions made by medical staff, patients and their families in the ICU. While the prognosis for these patients is poor, there may be a dose dependent relationship between RT and ES. Author Disclosure: A.V. Louie: None. S. Lane: None. D.A. Palma: None. A. Warner: None. J.Q. Cao: None. G.B. Rodrigues: None.
Solution of the Equations of Magneto-Fluid Dynamics with Chemical Reaction

This paper discusses the algorithmic development for solving the Navier-Stokes equations coupled to Maxwell"s equations for simulating hypersonic flow, including the equations for chemical and thermal non-equilibrium. Inclusion of these three sets of equations in the numerical simulation of hypersonic flow is computationally intensive. The approach taken herein is modular, one solution module for each of the three sets of equations, to reduce both the programming complexity and computational execution time. Magneto-Fluid-Dynamics (MFD) offers a possible breakthrough in both hypersonic vehicle design and propulsion through flow control and reduced vehicle heat transfer. This paper applies the solution algorithms for simulating the MFD Ziemann experiment and the hypersonic RAM-C flight experiment.
Dynamic QoS-aware multimedia service configuration in ubiquitous computing environments

Ubiquitous computing promotes the proliferation of various stationary, embedded and mobile devices interconnected by heterogeneous networks. It leads to a highly dynamic distributed system with many devices and services coming and going frequently. Many emerging distributed multimedia applications are being deployed in such a computing environment. In order to make the experience for a user truly seamless and to provide soft performance guarantees, we must meet the following challenges: (1) users should be able to perform tasks continuously, despite changes of resources, devices and locations; (2) users should be able to efficiently utilize all accessible resources within runtime environments to receive the best possible Quality-of-Service (QoS). In this paper, we propose an integrated QoS-aware service configuration model to address the above problems. The configuration model includes two tiers: (1) service composition tier, which is responsible for choosing and composing current available service components appropriately and coordinating arbitrary interactions between them to achieve the user's objectives; and (2) service distribution tier which is responsible for dividing an application into several partitions and distributing them to different available devices appropriately. Our initial experimental results based on both prototype and simulations show the soundness of our model and algorithms.
Communications networks for the force XXI digitized battlefield

In striving to meet the increasing demands for timely delivery of multimedia information to the warfighter of the 21st Century, the US Army is undergoing a gradual evolution from its “legacy” communications networks to a flexible internetwork architecture based solidly on the underlying communications protocols and technology of the commercial Internet. The framework for this new digitized battlefield, as described in the DoD's Joint Technical Architecture (JTA), is taken from the civilian telecommunications infrastructure which, in many cases, differs appreciably from the rigors of the battlefield environment. The purpose of this paper is to survey the components and characteristics of the Army's legacy communications networks, to illustrate the directions currently being taken for accomplishing this digitization, to describe the areas in which the civilian and military systems differ, and to define a glide path for convergence of the two technologies in support of the military's increasing appetite for information.
The Contribution of Siblings and Peers to the Parenting Process

All social scientists would agree that the parent-child relationship is central in shaping development. Mother and father are simply the most important people in the growing child’s life. More than anyone else, they are responsible for determining whether the child becomes a mature, healthy adult.
Assessing Student Learning: Are Business Schools Making the Grade?.

In April 2003, some standards regarding accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International changed. Under the 2003 standards, students had to demonstrate learning achievement; thus, the focus shifted from what teachers taught to what students learned. Survey data indicates that although progress has been made in meeting the new assurance of learning (AoL) standards, many schools still fall short. In particular, schools are lagging in master of business administration (MBA) assessment and in using assessment data to close the loop. In this article, the author draws on recent survey data to describe the current state of assessment practice in business schools. She provides examples on how assessment results can be used to improve curricula. She also provides insight to problems some schools have in meeting the AoL standards.
Click Chemistry: A Potential Platform for Development of Novel Dental Restorative Materials

The main aim of this study is to develop novel polymer modified glass-ionomer cement (GIC) glasses utilizing click chemistry and RAFT polymerization. These novel glasses can serve as a platform to improve the properties of GIC's by incorporating chemistries and formulations that are not normally compatible with GIC's. Aluminofluoro-silicate glasses utilized in glass-ionomer dental cements were coated with azide terminated silane groups. In addition, a copolymer of acrylic acid-itaconic acid containing alkyne groups was synthesized by RAFT polymerization and was coupled via ‘click’ chemistry with the azide-coated GIC glass particles. FT-IR spectroscopy was used to characterize the synthesized materials and to confirm completion of the ‘click’ coupling reaction. The experimental cements cured, demonstrating that these modified glasses could be utilized in GIC formulations. The long setting and working times compared to control groups indicate that further improvements are necessary to fully utilize this che...
Detection of Eperythrozoon suis using the polymerase chain reaction.

Eperythrozoon suis is an extracellular red blood cell parasite that causes icteroanemia in acutely ill pigs and a variety of syndromes in chronically infected pigs. Current techniques to detect E. suis infection are limited by variability of parasitemias and antibody responses in infected animals. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was investigated to determine its potential as a means of detecting E. suis infection in pigs. With DNA samples extracted from either purified E. suis organisms or E. suis-infected pig blood, PCR produced an amplification product 492 base pairs in length. This amplification product hybridized successfully with the fragment of the DNA probe from which the primer sequences had been selected. Sensitivity studies indicated that the PCR protocol was capable of amplifying total genomic E. suis DNA in quantities as low as 450 pg. When PCR was used with DNA from blood samples from a splenectomized pig that had been infected with E. suis, amplification products were detectable as early as 24 hours postinfection. This preliminary analysis indicates that PCR shows promise as a means of efficiently detecting E. suis infection in pigs. Eperythrozoon suis is a rickettsial organism that par- asitizes red bloodcells of pigs. The E. suis organisms are found extracellularly on red blood cell membranes,
Instrumentation of Two Experimental Sanitary Landfills

An experimental study of the behavior of sanitary landfills is reported. Two facilities are described: a simulated land-fill operated under laboratory conditions and a field landfill operated under natural environmental conditions. This paper emphasizes environmental control and temperature monitoring, although the complete study includes evaluation of liquid and gas pollutant generation. The simulated landfill is a laboratory lysimeter 6 feet square and 13 feet high. Temperature and precipitation controls are provided. Of particular concern is the minimization of heat flow through the tank's vertical walls, both in and out, due to temperature differentials between the refuse and the laboratory. The field facility is operated under natural environmental conditions. While the project is incomplete, the results of the temperature study indicate that refuse temperatures can exceed 150°F if the refuse remains aerobic. Once anaerobic, refuse temperatures are relatively constant and virtually independent of atmospheric temperature changes. It is concluded that, while temperatures can indicate the existence of an aerobic or anaerobic state in the refuse, they are not indicators of the expended landfill life. A summary of lysimeter gas and leachate data is presented.
Lineage Structure, Marriage and the Family Amongst the Central Bantu

Using the factors of family structure examined by Audrey Richards in a well-known essay, this article suggests that a more productive concept for the historical study of Central Africa than either the unique tribe or a group of societies identified by their rule of descent may be the lineage mode of production, in the restricted sense developed by P. P. Rey. Analysis of the organization of political, economic and ritual functions among the BaKongo, BaSuku, BaPende and other Zairean peoples shows the complementarity and flexibility of patrilateral and materilateral relationships. It is suggested that the greater ‘quantity’ of social structure exhibited by coastal peoples, as well as their matrilineal development, may result from the prolonged effects of the great Congo trade, especially the trade in slaves, modifying an old and generally bilateral system organized by networks of permanent matrimonial alliance. This system is characteristic of the Congo basin, Zimbabwe and Angola.
Helminths of Pond-Reared Walleye From Wisconsin

One hundred extended growth walleye fingerlings, Sander vitreus (Percidae), collected on 6 October 2004, from 1 rearing pond at the Lake Mills State Fish Hatchery in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, were examined for parasites. Diplostomum sp. (Trematoda: Diplostomatidae), Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda: Anisakidae), Bothriocephalus cuspidatus (Cestoda: Bothriocephalidae), and Proteocephalus sp. (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae) were the only parasites found. The first 3 species occurred as larval stages. Diplostomum sp. and Contracaecum sp. had similar prevalences, mean intensities, and mean abundances (72%, 2.2, and 1.6 and 71%, 2.1, 1.5, respectively) in walleye fingerlings. A headlamp technique used by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources personnel generated a prevalence of Diplostomum sp. in the lens that overestimated the prevalence of Diplostomum sp. found in a random subsample of 100 fingerlings examined with a microscope. Proteocephalus sp. and B. cuspidatus infected 14 and 12 fingerlings, respectively.
Islam, Globalization and the Changing Face of Moroccan Citizenship

Mohammed is seventeen years old and occupies a unique space of Moroccan identity. He is Isuqayn, a member of the Black sharecropping class from Tata Province. Isuqayn maintain a place of ambiguity in Moroccan identity politics. They are neither Arab nor Berber and, unlike the well-known Gnawa, they have not developed a historical narrative connecting them to the cultures of sub-Saharan Africa beyond the taken for granted “fact” that all Black people come from sub-Saharan Africa. Indeed, the term Isuqayn, roughly translated as people of the market, signifies this uncertainty and a lack of place within the Moroccan ethnic landscape. However, Mohammed is the first of his brothers to attend high school and is actively seeking a way beyond this ambiguity. He is part of a generation of men and women from his village that are utilizing the tools of globalization to make a life for themselves outside of the boundaries ascribed to them by their Blackness and their presumed Africanness. Significantly, there is no pre-determined outcome or desired endpoint and the future remains rife with unknown possibilities, both good and bad. The goal of this paper is to begin to outline the transformations of which Mohammed is a part.
SPECIFIC AND GENERAL CONTOUR ADAPTATION EFFECTS FOUND USING A SELECTIVE ADAPTATION PARADIGM

Summary.-There is evidence for discrete property analyzers in mammalian visual systems. Research has indicated that prolonged stimulation of such units reduces their sensitivity to subsequent stimulation. Psychophysical studies have employed this effect, termed selective adaptation, to study feature extractors in the human visual system. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of density and deviation in the adaptation figure on the recognition thresholds of simple and complex test figures. A selective adaptation paradigm was employed. A strict property analyzer model suggests that increases in density, deviation, or complexity should lead to an increased recognition time for the test figures. This was not confirmed. The complexity of the test figure had no effect on its recognition time. Both increased density and deviation did have an effect on the recognition times of the test figures. The results thus suggest that contour adaptation involves at least two processes: a generd, probably petipheral effect due to the fatigue of visual receptor units and a more specific effect generated by the similarity between test figure and adaptation contours, independent of the site of stimulation. Psychophysical and electrophysiological data have suggested the existence of property analyzers in the mammalian visual system. This evidence suggests the existence of cells which are selectively tuned co detect particular stimulus characteristics (Hubel & Wiesel, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1965). Specific attributes such as movement, color, contour, and size selectively stimulate specific cells in the visual system (Andrews, 1965; Barlow, et al., 1964; Houlihan, et al., 1968; Kozak, et al., 1965; McCollough, 1965; Sekuler, et al., 1968). Hubel and Wiesel (1965) demonstrated that prolonged stimulation of these cortical cells reduces their sensitivity. This process is based on the observable physiological event that one result of prolonged stimulation on neural firing is that this stimulation reduces the frequency of firing. Following this, the neural system needs time to recover. Stimulation during the refractory phase requires a stimulus of greater magnitude than the original stimulus. Evidence for this effect in the visual system was provided by Barlow and Hill (1963). They reported that prolonged st~mulation of directionally sensitive retinal ganglia cells in the rabbit resulted in gradual response inhibition, followed by a refractory phase. The psychophysical analog of this fatigue-like effect is termed "selective adaptation" (Weisstein, 1970). That is, prolonged viewing of stimulus features tends to depress the detection threshold of their specific property analyz
Zinc and Zolpidem Modulate mIPSCs in Rat Neocortical Pyramidal Neurons

DeFazio, Tony and John J. Hablitz. Zinc and zolpidem modulate mIPSCs in rat neocortical pyramidal neurons. J. Neurophysiol. 80: 1670–1677, 1998. Pharmacological modulation of γ-aminobutyric acid-A ...
Lasers in dentistry 3. The use of lasers for the prevention of dental caries

Studies in our laboratories have demonstrated that specifically chosen CO2 laser treatment of dental enamel can markedly inhibit subsequent caries-like progression compared to controls in a laboratory model. Optimum caries inhibition in enamel appears to be achieved by pretreatments that produce surface temperatures in the range of 800-1200 degrees C. For clinical application the surface enamel heating must not lead to consequent pulp chamber temperature rises of > 4 degrees C. To meet these conditions a pulsed laser is required with a sufficiently high absorption coefficient (wavelength = 9.3 or 9.6 microns), pulse duration of 5-100 microseconds, 10-25 pulses per spot, repetition rate of 10-30 pulses per second, and low but effective fluence (approximately 1-5 J/cm2/pulse). A human intra-oral study has confirmed inhibition of caries progression in the human mouth. The clinical potential is good for caries preventive treatments by specific carbon dioxide laser conditions.
The battleground of the stenotic branch pulmonary arteries: the surgical approach of "less is more".

The achievements of congenital cardiac surgery over the past two decades are remarkable. However success comes at a price and occasionally the “sacrificial lamb” in this discipline are the branch pulmonary arteries. This is not to suggest intentional “sacrifice” however the necessity to provide pulmonary blood flow particularly in single ventricle palliation requires manipulation and potential distortion of the branch pulmonary arteries (BPA’s). In a large randomized trial assessing initial surgical palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome, although antegrade pulmonary blood flow through a Sano shunt provided an early survival benefit over a systemic arterial-pulmonary shunt, re-intervention rates on the BPA’s were significantly higher in the Sano cohort (1).
Quantifying uncertainty of past pCO2 determined from changes in C3 plant carbon isotope fractionation

Abstract Knowledge of the past concentrations of atmospheric CO 2 level ( p CO 2 ) is critical to understanding climate sensitivity to changing p CO 2 . Towards this, a new proxy for p CO 2 has been developed based on changes in carbon isotope fractionation (Δ 13 C) in C 3 land plants. The accuracy of this approach has been validated against ice-core p CO 2 records, suggesting the potential to apply this proxy to other geological periods; however, no thorough uncertainty assessment of the proxy has been conducted. Here, we first analyze the uncertainty in the model-curve fit through the experimental data using a bootstrap approach. Then, errors of the five input parameters for the proxy are evaluated using sensitivity analysis; these include the carbon isotope composition of atmospheric CO 2 (δ 13 C CO2 ) and that of the plant material (δ 13 C org ) for two time periods, a reference time ( t = 0) and the time period of interest ( t ), and the value of p CO 2 at time t = 0. We then propagated the errors on the reconstructed p CO 2 using a Monte Carlo random sampling approach that combined the uncertainties of the curve fitting and the five inputs for a scenario in which the reference time was the Holocene with a target period for the reconstructed p CO 2 during the Cenozoic. We find that the error in the reconstructed p CO 2( t ) increases with increasing p CO 2( t ) , yet remains p CO 2( t ) p CO 2 levels generally less than 1000 ppmv. Towards this, an application of this uncertainty analysis is presented for the Paleogene (52–63 Ma) using published data. The resulting p CO 2( t ) levels calculated using this method average 470 +288/−147 ppmv (1 σ , n = 75), and overlap with previous p CO 2( t ) estimates determined for this time period using stomata, liverwort, and paleosol proxies. The analysis presented here assumes that the paleoenvironment in which the plants grew is unknown and is determined to be the largest source of error in the reconstructed p CO 2( t ) levels; errors in p CO 2( t ) could be reduced provided independent determination of the paleoenvironmental conditions at the fossil site.
Comparable composite endpoints after HLA-matched and HLA-haploidentical transplantation with post-transplantation cyclophosphamide.

Composite endpoints that not only encompass mortality and relapse, but other critical post-transplant events such as graft-versus-host disease, are being increasingly utilized to quantify survival without significant morbidity after allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation. High-dose, post-transplantation cyclophosphamide reduces severe graft-versus-host disease with allogeneic marrow transplantation, making composite endpoints after this management particularly interesting. We retrospectively analyzed 684 adults with hematologic malignancies who received T-cell-replete bone marrow grafts and cyclophosphamide after myeloablative HLA-matched related (n=192) or unrelated (n=120), or non-myeloablative HLA-haploidentical (n=372) donor transplantation. The median follow up was 4 (range, 0.02–11.4) years. Graft-versus-host disease-free, relapse-free survival was defined as the time after transplantation without grade III–IV acute graft-versus-host disease, chronic graft-versus-host disease requiring systemic treatment, relapse, or death. Chronic graft-versus-host disease-free, relapse-free survival was defined as the time after transplantation without moderate or severe chronic graft-versus-host disease, relapse, or death. One-year graft-versus-host disease-free, relapse-free survival and chronic graft-versus-host disease-free, relapse-free survival estimates were, respectively, 47% (95% CI: 41–55%) and 53% (95% CI: 46–61%) after myeloablative HLA-matched related, 42% (95% CI: 34–52%) and 52% (95% CI: 44–62%) after myeloablative HLA-matched unrelated, and 45% (95% CI: 40–50%) and 50% (95% CI: 45–55%) after non-myeloablative HLA-haploidentical donor transplantation. In multivariable models, there were no differences in graft-versus-host disease-free, or chronic graft-versus-host disease-free, relapse-free survival after either myeloablative HLA-matched unrelated or non-myeloablative HLA-haploidentical, compared with myeloablative HLA-matched related donor transplantation. Although limited by inclusion of dissimilar cohorts, we found that post-transplantation cyclophosphamide-based platforms yield comparable composite endpoints across conditioning intensity, donor type, and HLA match.
Considerations on Low Cost Placement Equipment for Board Assembly

This analysis provides a cost justification for low and mid range priced placement equipment. The main focus of the analysis is on the equipment idle time which exists because of transfer-time for low-component-count applications and setup-time for high-mix applications.
The "Batman Effect": Improving Perseverance in Young Children.

This study investigated the benefits of self-distancing (i.e., taking an outsider's view of one's own situation) on young children's perseverance. Four- and 6-year-old children (N = 180) were asked to complete a repetitive task for 10 min while having the option to take breaks by playing an extremely attractive video game. Six-year-olds persevered longer than 4-year-olds. Nonetheless, across both ages, children who impersonated an exemplar other—in this case a character, such as Batman—spent the most time working, followed by children who took a third-person perspective on the self, or finally, a first-person perspective. Alternative explanations, implications, and future research directions are discussed.
Targeting Oncogenic Transcription Factors: Therapeutic Implications of Endogenous STAT Inhibitors

Misregulation of transcription factors, including signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins, leads to inappropriate gene expression patterns that can promote tumor initiation and progression. Under physiologic conditions, STAT signaling is stimulus dependent and tightly regulated by endogenous inhibitors, namely, suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins, phosphatases, and protein inhibitor of activated STAT (PIAS) proteins. However, in tumorigenesis, STAT proteins become constitutively active and promote the expression of progrowth and prosurvival genes. Although STAT activation has been widely implicated in cancer, therapeutic STAT inhibitors are still largely absent from the clinic. This review dissects the mechanisms of action of two families of endogenous STAT inhibitors, the SOCS and PIAS families, to potentially inform the development of novel therapeutic inhibitors.