cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epilogue: The Future of Environmental Guilt

This epilogue argues that cultivating a new orientation toward environmental guilt can help us engage ecological crisis more effectively. Drawing on Aldo Leopold’s land ethic, I propose redefining environmental guilt as the felt expression of care for biotic communities we have harmed or whose integrity, stability, and beauty we have failed to protect. When approached as a resource and teacher, environmental guilt can guide us toward ecological connection and care. In order to transform environmental guilt’s affective pull toward reconciliation and reparation, however, I contend that we must act as part of something greater than ourselves. Collective guilt calls for collective action.
Hybrid cost aggregation for dense stereo matching

Matching cost initialization and aggregation are two major steps in the stereo matching framework. For dense stereo matching, a matching cost needs to be computed at each pixel for all disparities within the search range so that it can be used to evaluate pixel-to-pixel correspondence. Cost aggregation connects the matching cost with a certain neighbourhood to reduce mismatches by a supporting smoothness term. This paper presents a hybrid cost aggregation method to overcome mismatches caused by textureless surface, depth-discontinuity areas, inconsistent lightings in an image. The steps taken to aggregate costs for an energy function include adaptive support regions, multi-path aggregation, and adaptive penalties to generate a more accurate disparity map. Compared with two top-ranked stereo matching algorithms, the proposed algorithm yielded the disparity maps of the dataset in Middlebury benchmark V2 with smaller error ratios in depth-discontinuity regions.
Palmitoylation: A new mechanism for control of NCX1 function.

A paper by Gok et al., identified Zinc Finger DHHC-Type Palmitoyltransferase 5 (zDHHC5) and Acyl-Protein Transferase 1 (APT1) as the enzymes responsible for the dynamic palmitoylation of NCX1. Palmitoylation occurs at the cell surface and increases the affinity of NCX1 for lipid rafts. Additionally, they discovered that palmitoylation controls the affinity of NCX1 for exchange inhibitory protein (XIP) and regulates intracellular calcium concentration. These findings provide new insights into endogenous control of NCX1 function and will drive future investigations directed at understanding its full potential.
Lung Involvement by Systemic Diseases

Systemic diseases commonly affect the lung, producing secondary pathology that can be difficult to recognize from primary lung diseases. These include pulmonary involvement by various autoimmune diseases such as relapsing polychondritis, rheumatoid arthritis involvement in the form of rheumatoid nodules, IgG4-related sclerosing disease, diseases that arise within compromised immune systems such as granulomatous lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD), and deposition diseases such as amyloid and light chain deposition disease. This chapter describes the clinical and pathology features of these six entities so that practicing pathologists recognize them.
Enzymatic Mechanisms in DNA Replication: Initiation of Strands

A model for the initiation of nascent (Okazaki) fragments in the discontinuous phase of replication is the conversion of ⌽X174 viral single-stranded (SS) DNA to the parental duplex replicative form (RF). The conversion in vitro requires at least eleven Escherichia coli proteins. Among these protein n’, a highly specific DNA-dependent ATPase (dATPase), guides proteins n, n”, i, dnaC dnaB and primase to the intragenic locus between structural genes F and G to assemble a mobile priming system, the primosome. Remarkably, the primosome, having served in the SS→RF reaction, is still physically and functionally present in nearly intact form following isolation by sucrose gradient centrifugation. During the next replicative stage (RF→RF), the conserved primosome facilitates cleavage, by the ⌽X-encoded gene A protein, of the viral strand, thereby initiating continuous elongation of this strand. When fully restored by the addition of protein i, the primosome repeatedly primes the discontinuous elongation of the complementary strand through several cycles of progeny RF production.
Effect of LGBT anti-discrimination laws on school climate and outcomes for lesbian, gay, and bisexual high school students

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) high school students face challenges that impede their academic, social, and emotional well-being. School policies that provide resources and protecti...
Engage Engineering Students in Homework: Attribution of Low Completion and Suggestions for Interventions.

Homework is an important out-of-class activity, crucial to student success in engineering courses. However, in a first-semester freshman engineering course, approximately one-fourth of students were completing less than 80% of the homework. The purpose of this study was to examine students’ attribution of their low completion of homework and suggest corresponding interventions to help students with different attribution types. A qualitative approach was applied using semi-structured interviews for data collection. The interviewees were students who were on track to complete less than 80% of the homework. Students in the study attributed their low rates of completion to multiple factors. We coded and summarized students’ attributions of homework incompletion according to Weiner’s attribution theory and suggested corresponding interventions for students with different attribution types. Results show that most students attributed their failure to complete their homework to external reasons rather than internal reasons. A large portion of student’s attributions for low homework completion was due to poor time management skills. Some students attributed low homework completion to unstable factors such as illness, transition, or adjustment problems. A small portion attributed low homework completion to uncontrollable reasons, such as sickness and homework difficulty. Students’ reasons for homework incompletion varied across the three dimensions of Weiner’s attribution theory suggesting that a variety of intervention techniques is required. In addition to use of widely adopted interventions such as first year seminars, tutoring, and tutorial sessions, intervention techniques based on attribution theory may be necessary to employ, to help students avoid negative emotional and behavioral consequences of homework incompletion.
Methods and Meaning in Islamic Law: Introduction

How should we think about the most pressing questions of Islamic law and legal history today? We asked leading scholars of Islamic law and history to weigh in on the methods and meaning they notice or favor, at a time when much has changed in the field and the world since Islamic law emerged as a major field of studies in the global academy over the last century, and at a time when access to new sources, historiographical advances, and data science tools promise that more changes are yet to come.
Determination Of Stress Intensity Factors (K 1 , K 2 , K 3 ) By Optical Methods

SUMMARY o WILSON - FEM [15] o YAMAMOTO a SUMI[16] The development of algorithms for - HARRIS [14] -- --BENTHEMa KOITER[17] extracting the three stress intensity factorsK1, K2, aid K from stress frozen crackedbodies was briefly reviewed. By removingprimary slices from the body mutually ortho-gonal to the crack plane and the crack border,these algorithms could be used to extractestimates of K1 and i 2 from near tip data after applying fringe multiplication and Tardymethods. Then, by removing a sub -slice from 0.1 0.2 0.3 04 0.5 0.6 each primary slice, and using results from theprimary slice, an equation for K3 wasobtained.Fig. 10 Slice Orientation for Problem No. 2. N Lo a_ = 0.8 w F 0.6z ¢ a 0.4 o w0.2 2 I - Kq 7Ta =0 536 z o t 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 SQUARE ROOT OF NORMALIZEDAVERAGE DISTANCE FROM CRACK TIP (../-2 ) NORMALIZED CRACK DEPTH (a /b) Fig. 13 Comparison Between Theory and Results from applying the method ofExperiment for Problem No. 2. analysis to two problems (i) a part circularsurface flaw in a flat plate under remoteuniaxial tension where the crack was inclined to the load direction and plate surface and(ii) a circumferential crack in a round bar under torsion were presented. In the firstcase, K1 aerd {(2 reached maximum values away from maximum crack depth. K3 was found to benegligible in the former problem but was found to exhibit values close to analyticalresults in the latter case [18].
Population distribution subsequent to charge exchange of 29.85 keV Ni+ on sodium vapor

Abstract The population of low-energy metastable states in Ni I subsequent to charge-exchange reactions and cascade decay was studied for 29.85 keV Ni ions impinging on a sodium vapor. The charge-exchange cross sections were calculated using a semi-classic time-dependent perturbation theory and redistribution of the population via rapid spontaneous decays was simulated. Collinear laser spectroscopy experiments were performed on four emission lines in Ni I to determine populations in low-energy metastable states: 3d94s 3D3 (204.787 cm− 1), 3d94s 3D2 (879.816 cm− 1), 3d94s 3D1 (1713.087 cm− 1) and 3d94s 1D2 (3409.937 cm− 1). Fair agreement was obtained between the simulation and experimental results. The low-energy metastable states were preferentially populated after the cascade decay in contrast to weak populations in near-resonant high-energy states in Ni I.
The Complexity of Large-scale Convex Programming under a Linear Optimization Oracle

This paper considers a general class of iterative optimization algorithms, referred to as linear-optimization-based convex programming (LCP) methods, for solving large-scale convex programming (CP) problems. The LCP methods, covering the classic conditional gradient (CG) method (a.k.a., Frank-Wolfe method) as a special case, can only solve a linear optimization subproblem at each iteration. In this paper, we first establish a series of lower complexity bounds for the LCP methods to solve different classes of CP problems, including smooth, nonsmooth and certain saddle-point problems. We then formally establish the theoretical optimality or nearly optimality, in the large-scale case, for the CG method and its variants to solve different classes of CP problems. We also introduce several new optimal LCP methods, obtained by properly modifying Nesterov's accelerated gradient method, and demonstrate their possible advantages over the classic CG for solving certain classes of large-scale CP problems.
Infection in the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipient

Successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) requires the accomplishment of several tasks: the application of a conditioning regimen that eliminates to the greatest possible extent the patient’ s malignant cell burden; the suppression of the patient’ s immunity in order to prevent rejection of the transplanted cells; and the creation of “space” for the donor cells within the bone marrow. A variety of conditioning regimens are being utilized, with irradiation and chemotherapy (most commonly, cyclophosphamide) being the mainstays of most conditioning regimens. In addition, nonmyeloablative chemotherapy regimens, without irradiation, are being explored as well. These may be supplemented with other chemotherapeutic agents, anti-T-cell antibodies to suppress recipient immunity, and a variety of cytokines and cytokine antagonists. From an infectious disease point of view, the possible consequences of the conditioning regimen are several: mucositis severe enough to affect nutrition and hydration, provide a portal of entry for bacteria and yeast to invade, and prevent the reliable absorption of medications; persistent pancytopenia; and impaired cell-mediated immunity, thus predisposing to viral-induced, especially cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, as well as Epstein—Barr virus (EBV) posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (1,2). The importance of granulocytopenia in the pathogenesis of significant infection in patients undergoing treatment for cancer was first defined by Bodey in 1966 (3) and confirmed many times since then. He reported that indidence of infection was 14% if the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) fell below 500/mm3, rising to 24–60% if it fell to less than 100/mm3. The longer the duration of the granulocytopenia and the more rapid the fall in the ANC, the greater the risk of infection. Granulocytopenia of more than 5 wk duration has an incidence of infection that approaches 100% (3–5).
Intellectual Property at the Boundary

Significant creative work — both commercial and noncommercial — is organized neither by market transactions using legally defined intellectual property nor by top-down task management within firms, but by privately ordered governance regimes, such as user innovator communities. Some creative groups opt for such regimes even though IP protection is legally and practically available. This chapter argues that are general reasons to expect private ordering to be more effective than formal intellectual property at encouraging innovation in some situations. It then focuses on issues that arise when these alternative innovation regimes butt up against the intellectual property-based market. What occurs in these boundary zones is critical to the stability of the privately ordered innovation governance regimes, to the transfer of socially valuable innovations between creative groups and outsiders and to the potential for collaboration across these boundaries. Except in the case of university technology transfer, the boundaries between privately ordered innovation regimes and the intellectual property-based market have yet to receive much attention from researchers.
The Case for the Carbon Tax: How to Overcome Politics and Find Our Green Destiny

This Article will argue that implementing a carbon tax in the United States will afford the best protection against climate change. Economists generally consider pollution taxes to be the "gold standard" of market-based instruments. Cap-and-trade systems are less effective and more complex to implement than pollution taxes. The article will first compare a carbon tax with a cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gas emissions. Then it will explore barriers to implementation of a carbon tax, including the U.S. aversion to taxes. Finally, the article will propose methods for overcoming those barriers, including opportunities posed by expiring tax provisions. The conclusion will introduce the concept of recycling carbon tax revenues.
Electromagnetic fields from power lines

The magnetic fields from a power line can be computed given a knowledge of the currents and geometry of the line. A statistical method for predicting the magnetic fields given the inherent indeterminancy of the currents is presented. Results for typical and reduced magnetic field power lines are developed using a zeroth order model for predicting the magnetic field cumulative probability distribution near a power line. Emphasis is placed on the ELF magnetic fields because these are the subject of most recent health effects research and regulatory activity. >
Sequence variation in telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) as a determinant of risk of cardiovascular disease: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study

Background Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) maintains telomere ends during DNA replication by catalyzing the addition of short telomere repeats. The expression of telomerase is normally repressed in somatic cells leading to a gradual shortening of telomeres and cellular senescence with aging. Interindividual variation in leukocyte telomere length has been previously associated with susceptibility to cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study was to determine whether six variants in the TERT gene are associated with risk of incident coronary heart disease, incident ischemic stroke, and mortality in participants in the biracial population-based Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, including rs2736100 that was found to influence mean telomere length in a genome-wide analysis.
Susceptibilities of 177 penicillin-susceptible and -resistant pneumococci to FK 037, cefpirome, cefepime, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, imipenem, biapenem, meropenem, and vancomycin.

MICs of six extended-spectrum cephalosporins (cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, FK 037, cefpirome, cefepime), three carbapenems (imipenem, meropenem, biapenem), and vancomycin for 49 penicillin-susceptible (S), 77 penicillin intermediate-resistant (I), and 51 penicillin-resistant (R) pneumococci were determined by agar dilution. Compared with ceftazidime (MICs for 90% of strains tested [MIC90s] of 2.0, 16.0, and 16.0 micrograms/ml for S, I, and R strains, respectively), all other cephalosporins yielded lower MICs (MIC90s of 0.06 to 0.125, 0.5 to 1.0, and 1.0 to 2.0 micrograms/ml against S, I, and R strains, respectively). All three carbapenems were very active, with MIC90s, even for R strains, of
Deoxyribonucleoside Cyclic N-Acylphosphoramidites as a New Class of Monomers for the Stereocontrolled Synthesis of Oligothymidylyl- and Oligodeoxycytidylyl- Phosphorothioates

A simple and straightforward synthesis of the pyrimidine 2‘-deoxyribonucleoside cyclic N-acylphosphoramidites RP-1 and SP-1 is described. Specifically, (±)-2-amino-1-phenylethanol 2 was chemoselect...
Study of the Attenuation of Ultrasonic Shear Waves in Superconducting Aluminum

Measurements were made of the ultrasonic shear wave attenuation in superconducting aluminum, using 99.999% pure single crystals with parallel faces in the [100], the [110], and the [111] directions. It was found that the temperature dependence of the attenuation could be separated into two parts: a sharp decrease in attenuation very close to the transition temperature and a residual attenuation having a temperature dependence similar to that for the longitudinal waves. The method of adiabatic demagnetization was used to lower the temperature to 0.3\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, and an extrapolated plot of the residual attenuation in this range could be used to determine an effective BCS energy gap. The fraction of the total attenuation represented by the residual attenuation was found to be strongly temperature-dependent. Application of a magnetic field was found to lower the transition temperature as would be expected. In fact, it was found that the method of ultrasonic attenuation could be used to determine the critical fields accurately near the zero-field value, where permeability measurements are difficult. A theory was developed to explain the behavior of the shear-wave attenuation as a function of temperature. The formulation began with approximations which should be valid in the London region and employed a self-consistent method for determining the dissipative forces on the lattice. Suitable modification extended the theory to cover the entire superconducting temperature range. Using the theoretical results, it is possible to determine the parameters $\ensuremath{\tau}$ and $l$, the electron relaxation time and mean free path, for one orientation and frequency and then predict the correct results for other frequencies at the same orientation. One thus obtains the correct frequency dependence for the total electronic attenuation. Some correlation was made between results for different orientations.
Continuing variation in successive asexual generations of Pythium splendens following sexual reproduction

Stability of the phenotypic characteristics of growth rate, colony type, sensitivity to streptomycin and sensitivity to chloramphenicol of the conidium progeny of selfed oospore cultures of Pythium splendens was investigated. Progeny were divided into parental A type, D type for those deviated from A type but with uniform pattern and M type for those with irregular growth pattern or with dissimilar appearance on two replicate plates. Conidium progeny of A type isolate 167F and its A type oospore cultures showed the same colony type and displayed little variation in growth rate, and sensitivity to streptomycin and chloramphenicol. The D and M type oospore cultures displayed considerable variation in all phenotypic characteristics measured. Similar variation in conidium progeny following selfing was observed in isolate 167F-9, an A type oospore progeny of isolate 167F. Following sexual reproduction conidium progeny continued to vary in second and third conidium generations tested. The phenomenon of continuing variation in successive asexual generations induced by sexual reproduction may plan an important role in evolution, survival and development of pathogenicity and fungicide resistance of an organism by increasing the diversity and extent of the constitutive variation resulting from gene recombination during sexual reproduction.
Echocardiographic demonstration of pulmonary embolism as it evolves through the right heart chambers

In three patients with pulmonary embolism, two-dimensional echocardiography demonstrated thrombi within the right heart chambers. These thrombi, suspected of embolizing into the pulmonary circulation, showed varied morphology and mobility. Of the two patients undergoing embolectomy, only one survived. The third patient improved with anticoagulation therapy. Two-dimensional echocardiography is useful in evaluating patients suspected of having pulmonary thromboembolism because it may demonstrate evolution of the thrombus.
Functional polymers and sequential copolymers by phase transfer catalysis. VII: Synthesis and characterization of alternating block copolymers of aromatic poly(ether sulfone)s with aliphatic polysulfides and aliphatic polysulfones

α,ω-Di(bromo)polyhexamethylenesulfides were polyetherified with α,ω-di(phenol)aromatic poly(ether sulfone)s in the presence of tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulfate (stoichiometric amounts versus phenolic end groups) as phase transfer catalyst, in a two phase system of 50 wt% aqueous NaOH solution and monochlorobenzene. The alternating block copolymers obtained, were transformed into polyhexamethylenesulfone–aromatic poly(ether sul-fone) alternating block copolymers by oxidation with m-chloroperbenzoic acid in chloroform solution. DSC analysis of both types of alternating block copolymers show phase separation, due to the crystallization of the polyhexamethylenesulfide or polyhexamethylenesulfone blocks.
Heat Transfer Analysis via Rate Based Sensors

This paper presents an integrated rate-based sensor/numerical method for resolving the surface heat flux of a fundamental inverse heat conduction problem in a semi-infinite geometry that additionally accounts for thermocouple delay due to its intrinsic time constant. A series of well-designed voltage-rate interfaces, that directly generate the required signal from the in-depth thermocouple, are used in conjunction with the thermocouple calibration curve to provide higher-time derivatives of the thermocouple's temperature. Using a lumped energy balance about the thermocouple's bead, a first-order model is produced relating the thermocouple temperature to the positional temperature. The required thermocouple's time constant is estimated with the aid of the Loop-Current Step Response method. Higher-time derivatives of the in-depth heat flux are produced using time integral relationships between the positional temperature and heat flux. Finally, the surface heat flux and temperature are estimated using the finite difference based Global Time Method. To verify this concept and acquire real data, an experiment was performed using a well-designed heater sandwiched between two identical plates for producing a symmetric temperature distribution in each plate with an accurately known heat input. Encouraging results are presented from this preliminary study indicating the merit of the methodology. Nomenclature AH = Heated Area of the Block, m 2
Searching for information in a time-pressured setting: experiences with a Text-based and an Image-based decision support system

Searching for the right information and making quick, accurate decisions within time-pressured settings is often non-trivial. We contrast the relative efficacies of written English (Text) and a more concise, compact communication mode (Image) for information search and decision making by using a financial incentive scheme to apply implicit time pressure on subjects. We found that, while Image users earned as much as Text users, they achieved this earnings parity by following speedier but less accurate strategies. We conclude with thoughts on possible refinements to our work that could steer subjects in the ideal direction of fast, accurate, lucrative decisions with languages like Image.
HIGH-ENERGY CU AND O ION CO-IMPLANTATION INTO SILICA GLASSES

Abstract Optical and structural changes of silica glass substrates implanted with Cu and O ions and subjected to thermal annealing, are examined as a function of the implantation sequence by optical absorption, Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) and thin film X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Before annealing, the distribution of Cu is affected by the implantation sequence and O- followed by Cu-implantation leads to fewer Cu nanoparticles than the Cu- followed by O ion implantation. After annealing, however, the redistribution behavior of Cu and optical absorption features are similar for both co-implanted samples. Nanocrystals of Cu2O are mainly formed by annealing and the absorption peaks at about 340, 450 and 480 nm are observed for the co-implanted samples. The peaks are possibly evidence for the presence of the copper oxide nanocrystals.
Distribution pattern of neointimal hyperplasia following sirolimus-eluting stent implantation assessed by 3-dimensional intravascular ultrasound

Sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) have been shown to reduce intimal hyperplasia (IH) within the stent. Although angiographic studies have suggested focal distribution of IH, these data are limited by its spatial resolution and the minimal amount of IH. Therefore, the exact distribution pattern of SES IH remains unclear. Ninety-six SIRIUS trial patients who underwent SES (51) or bare metal stent (45) implantation and three-dimensional IVUS at 8 months follow-up were enrolled. Neointimal area (stent-lumen area) was obtained at every 0.5-mm interval throughout the stented segment. The length of each stent with IVUS-detectable neointima was determined and divided by the stented length in each case to normalize the data. Even with IVUS, IH was detectable in very limited SES stented segments (median 8% of total stented length) compared to the diffuse nature of IH within BMS with only 5 stented lesions having segments free from IH. In 25% (13 of 51) of patients, no IH was detectable within whole SES stented segments. In conclusion, SES has reduced not only the total amount of IH, but also limited the distribution. These data suggest that local conditions (heterogeneity of biological responses of particular plaques, pharmacokinetics, or their combination) may play a role in IH following SES implantation.
Effects of smectite clay on biofilm formation by microorganisms

We have investigated the role of smectite clay particles in biofilm formation by several different species of bacteria (Pseudomonas syringae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis). We observed that the presence of clay particles enhances the formation of biofilms and, after 24 h, the bacterial populations in the clay mixtures were greater than the respective populations in media without clay. Smectite-bearing clay slurries uniformly develop bacteria–clay aggregates with a substantial biofilm component within 24 h, while the exclusively bacterial suspensions do not develop any observable biofilm component. The biofilm–clay aggregates vary in size from tens of micrometers to several millimeters. Biofilm formation was evaluated by phase contrast microscopy and fluorescence staining. Biofilm promotion by smectite clays may indicate the importance of transport of bacteria by aerosol dust particles.
Region-based representations for face recognition

Face recognition is one of the most important applied aspects of visual perception. To create an automated face-recognition system, the fundamental challenge is that of finding useful features. In this paper, we suggest a new class of image features that may be a useful addition to the set of representational tools for face-recognition tasks. Our proposal is motivated by the observation that rather than relying exclusively on traditional edge-based image representations, it may be useful to also employ region-based strategies that can compare noncontiguous image regions. The spatial homogeneity within regions allows for enhanced tolerance to geometric distortions and greater freedom in the choice of sample points. We first show that under certain circumstances, comparisons between spatially disjoint image regions are, on average, more valuable for recognition than features that measure local contrast. Second, we learn “optimal” sets of region comparisons for recognizing faces across varying pose and illumination. We propose a representational primitive---the dissociated dipole---that permits an integration of edge-based and region-based representations. This primitive is then evaluated using the FERET database of face images and then compared to established local and global algorithms.
Noradrenergic modulation of extinction learning and exposure therapy

Memory consolidation is enhanced by emotional arousal, an effect mediated by noradrenergic beta-receptor signaling. Norepinephrine strengthens consolidation of both appetitive and aversive learning, and is implicated in extinction of conditioned responses. In this review, we summarize work on the noradrenergic mechanisms of extinction learning and implications for extinction-based exposure therapy. The evidence suggests that norepinephrine release evoked by conditioned stimuli during extinction strengthens extinction memory via beta-receptor signaling. The modulatory effect of norepinephrine during extinction depends on predictable presentation of conditioned stimuli and optimal levels of norepinephrine release. Mechanistically, norepinephrine acts to increase cellular excitability and enhance synaptic plasticity within extinction-related neural circuitry. Currently, drugs that modulate norepinephrine are being used to treat symptoms of anxiety disorders, and are now being tested as pharmacotherapeutic prophalactics in the prevention of chronic posttraumatic stress reactions and as adjuncts to extinction-based exposure therapy. Studies of these new applications of noradrenergic drugs show a converging pattern of results with basic science suggesting ways in which basic laboratory findings can be translated into procedures to enhance clinical outcomes.
Factors influencing suppliers’ participation in private electronic markets

This study is intended to identify factors, which influence suppliers’ participation in the private electronic market (PEM). The results of this study show that many suppliers do not recognize the potential benefits that PEM could offer and they do not believe their off-line relationships with a buyer could be transferred to on-line. Thus, buyers need to convince their suppliers that PEM is not just a price based marketplace but instead a business model where mutual benefits can be achieved based on existing trust relationships between a buyer and limited number of qualified suppliers.
Molecular Cloning, Functional Expression, and Selective Regulation of Ovine Prostaglandin H Synthase-2

Structural characterization for ovine prostaglandin H synthase-1 (PGHS-1) is extensive, but the corresponding structure for the homologous ovine PGHS-2 isoform is undefined. Accordingly, we isolated a full-length (3.4 kb) ovine PGHS-2 cDNA from a primary-culture cell model (ovine tracheal epithelial cells) originally described as containing both PGHS isoforms. Analysis of ovine PGHS-2 cDNA sequence indicated conservation of critical amino acid residues, but differences in other hydrophilic regions allowed for the development of an anti-peptide antibody highly selective for PGHS-2. Enzymatic activities of the recombinant ovine PGHS isozymes indicated significant differences in response to aspirin-acetylation consistent with the characteristics of endogenous cellular PGHS activities under basal and serum-induced conditions. The results fully account for previous evidence of two distinct PGHS activities in cultured airway epithelial cells and provide for additional definition of PGHS structure-function relationships.
Automatic detection of three-dimensional vascular tree centerlines and bifurcations in high-resolution magnetic resonance angiography.

Objectives: We sought to develop a simple and robust algorithm capable of automatically detecting centerlines and bifurcations of a three-dimensional (3D) vascular bed. Materials and Methods: After necessary preprocessing, an appropriate cost function is computed for all vessel voxels and Dijkstra's minimum-cost-path algorithm is implemented. By back tracing all the minimum-cost paths, centerlines and bifurcation are detected. The detected paths are then split into segments between adjacent nodes (bifurcations or vessel end-points) and smoothed by curve fitting. Results: Application of the algorithm to both simulated 3D vessels and 3D magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) images of an actual intracranial arterial tree produced well-centered vessel skeletons. Quantitative assessment of the algorithm was performed. For the simulated data, the root mean square error for centerline detection is about half a voxel. For the human intracranial MRA data, the sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), and accuracy of bifurcation detection were calculated for different cost functions. The best case gave a sensitivity of 91.4%, a PPV of 91.4%, and an RMS error of 1.7 voxels. Conclusions: To the extent that imperfections are eliminated from the segmented image, the algorithm is effective and robust in automatic and accurate detection of centerlines and bifurcations. The cost function and algorithm used are demonstrated to be an improvement over similar algorithms in the literature.
Effect of a simethicone-containing tablet on colonic gas elimination in breath

The effect of a tablet containing the antiflatulent, simethicone, on intestinal hydrogen (H2) elimination in breath was studied. In three trials, normal subjects (age 12–52 years) received, on subsequent days, lactulose or lactulose with two tablets of either simethicone or placebo in randomized order. Breath samples were collected over 210 min and analyzed by gas chromatography for H2. The time course of H2 expiration above baseline levels was calculated and compared for the three tests. No significant differences in transit time were found. Cumulative H2 expiration was significantly lower after simethicone compared to placebo. H2 production from stool incubated with simethicone or placebo indicated that the drug had no effect in reducing the fermentative production of H2 in vitro. Interestingly, the vehicle present in the tablets could be fermented by intestinal bacteria. Simethicone reduced the amount of H2 eliminated in breath, but this effect was offset partially by H2 production from the fermentation of unabsorbable substances used in the formulation of the tablets.
The trade-off between food and temperature in the habitat choice of bluegill sunfish

A model is presented to describe the trade-off between food and temperature in bluegills Lepomis macrochirus, where temperature was the primary factor used in determining the patch in which to reside.
The Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME) Scale: A review of research.

Abstract Caldwell's Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME) scale is perhaps the most widely used instrument to assess the quality of a young child's home learning environment. In this paper, the HOME'S psychometric properties and methodological uses are explored, and its utility as a research and clinical instrument is examined. Strengths of the HOME scale include the relatively wide range of information available pertaining to its psychometric properties and its use in studies of a variety of populations for a variety of purposes. Weaknesses include the fact that most research relating HOME scores to later child development is correlational. Several suggestions for future research are offered.
Effect of Interspersed Questions on Learning From Mathematical Text.

One of the objectives of formal education is as follows: The student should become increasingly able to learn through his reading and become less and less dependent on the teacher. How should the mathematical material be written so that the reader is more actively engaged, is thinking, and hence, gains more knowledge from the reading experience? During the early 1960s many mathematics educators felt that the scheduling and control of student behavior embedded in the programmed textbooks would lead to more knowledge gained from the reading experience. The following statement indicates the prevailing thought today with respect to programmed materials:
Optimal time bounds for some proximity problems in the plane

Abstract Given a sequence of n points that form the vertices of a simple polygon, we show that determining a closest pair requires Ω(n log n) time in the algebraic decision tree model. Together with the well-known O(n log n) upper bound for finding a closest pair, this settles an open problem of Lee and Preparata. We also extend this O(n log n) upper bound to the following problem: Given a collection of sets with a total of n points in the plane, find for each point a closest neighbor that does not belong to the same set.
Center of Mass Acceleration Feedback Control of Standing Balance by Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation Against External Postural Perturbations

This study investigated the use of center of mass (COM) acceleration feedback for improving performance of a functional neuromuscular stimulation control system to restore standing function to a subject with complete, thoracic-level spinal cord injury. The approach for linearly relating changes in muscle stimulation to changes in COM acceleration was verified experimentally and subsequently produced data to create an input-output map driven by sensor feedback. The feedback gains were systematically tuned to reduce upper extremity (UE) loads applied to an instrumented support device while resisting external postural disturbances. Total body COM acceleration was accurately estimated (>;89% variance explained) using 3-D outputs of two accelerometers mounted on the pelvis and torso. Compared to constant muscle stimulation employed clinically, feedback control of stimulation reduced UE loading by 33%. COM acceleration feedback is advantageous in constructing a standing neuroprosthesis since it provides the basis for a comprehensive control synergy about a global, dynamic variable and requires minimal instrumentation. Future work should include tuning and testing the feedback control system during functional reaching activity that is more indicative of activities of daily living.
Acanthosis Nigricans with Endometrial Carcinoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract Background. Acanthosis nigricans is classified into benign and malignant forms on the basis of clinical associations. The main interest in acanthosis nigricans has been based on its association with malignancy because of the dramatic clinical appearance of the skin lesions and the usually rapidly fatal nature of the underlying disease. "Tripe palms" is a descriptive term of acanthosis nigricans of the palms. It more often is associated with internal malignancy. Most importantly, it often precedes the diagnosis of a new or recurrent tumor. Malignant acanthosis nigricans is most commonly associated with intra-abdominal malignancies. There are very few reports in the literature of malignant acanthosis nigricans associated with gynecological malignancies. Only five cases of endometrial carcinoma associated with acanthosis nigricans and/or tripe palms have been reported in the literature. Case. A 69-year-old African-American female presented with skin changes consistent with the diagnosis of acanthosis nigricans and tripe palms. More than 14 months later she was found to have endometrial carcinoma. She subsequently underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy followed by chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin. During treatment of the underlying malignancy the skin condition dramatically improved. Conclusion. Tripe palms can be associated with endometrial carcinoma and may be the first sign of malignancy. Malignant acanthosis nigricans may improve with treatment of the underlying malignancy. Patients who present with tripe palms may need to undergo workup to search for underlying malignancy.
“Cold nuclear fusion”: A hypothetical model to probe an elusive phenomenon

The natural tendency of identical bosons to clump in ordinary space is ascribed to a “symmetry force,” whose action is equivalent to the effects of the wavefunction for a collection of degenerate bosons. The symmetry force is hypothesized to produce clusters of deuterons in the lattice for a high enough stoichiometric ratio of deuterons to Pd atoms and to catalyze tunneling to achieve cold fusion. A semiempirical power law is derived as a function of the number of deuterons,N, in a representative cluster: for large enoughN the fusion products are He4 plus heat, while for small clusters the fusion rate is much lower and the Oppenheimer-Phillips process favors the production of tritium over neutrons. Pulsed production of heat and neutrons is suggested. Finally, three additional roles in physics for the symmetry force are hypothesized.
An Efficient Sample/Monte Carlo Methodology For Developing Robust Photolithography Processes

The development of robust photolithography processes requires methodologies for efficiently finding operating conditions that will minimize the sensitivity of critical dimension control to the effects of inevitable manufacturing variability. Photolithography modeling coupled with a Monte Carlo sampling scheme and contemporary statistical design techniques accelerate the identification of the best operating conditions by reducing the number of needed process development experiments.
Abiotic reduction of uranium by Fe(II) in soil

Structural Fe(II) has been shown to reduce several oxidized environmental contaminants, including NO3, chlorinated solvents, Cr(VI), and U(VI). Studies investigating reduction of U(VI) by soils and sediments, however, suggest that abiotic reduction of U(VI) by Fe(II) is not significant, and that direct enzymatic reduction of U(VI) by metal-reducing bacteria is required for U(VI) immobilization as U(IV). Here evidence is presented for abiotic reduction and immobilization of U(VI) by structural Fe(II) in a redoximorphic soil collected from a hillside spring in Iowa. Oxidation of Fe(II) in the soil after reaction with U(VI) was demonstrated by Mossbauer spectroscopy and reduction of U(VI) by the pasteurized soil using U LIII-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). XAS indicates that both reduced U(IV) and oxidized U(VI) or U(V) are present after U(VI) interaction with the Fe(II) containing soil. The EXAFS data show the presence of a non-uraninite U(IV) phase and evidence of the oxidized U(V) or U(VI) fraction being present as a non-uranyl species. Little U(VI) reduction is observed by soil that has been exposed to air and oxidation of Fe(II) to goethite has occurred. Soil characterization based on chemical extractions, Mossbauer spectroscopy, and Fe K-edge XAS indicate that the majority of Fe(II) in the soil is structural in nature, existing in clay minerals and possibly a green rust-like phase. These data provide compelling evidence for abiotic reduction of U(VI) by structural Fe(II) from soil near Fe-rich oxic–anoxic boundaries in natural environments. The work highlights the potential for abiotic reduction of U(VI) by Fe(II) in reduced, Fe-rich environments.
Navier-Stokes computation of wing leading edge tangential blowing for a tilt rotor in hover

The effect of a thin tangential jet located at the leading edge of the wing of a tilt rotor configuration in hover is computed using the thin-layer Navier-stokes equations. Computations showed that leading edge tangential blowing is effective in reducing the download caused by the impingement of the rotor download caused by the impingement of the rotor downwash on the wing. Results from the numerical model support previous experimental findings that download reduction is due mainly to a decrease in upper surface pressure and not an increase in pressure on the lower surface. The numerical solution clearly shows that because of the three-dimensionality of the flow field, the download could be reduced further by allowing a spanwise variation in blowing strength.
A Robotics-Based Testbed for Verifying a Systematic Method of Identifying Contact-Dynamics Model Parameters

Contact-dynamics simulations are increasingly being used in industry for enhancing product design and operation. Simulation accuracy depends not only on the simulation tools (i.e., formulation, algorithms, and computer codes) but also on the model parameters used in the simulation. Determination of contact-dynamics model parameters for a complex dynamic system is challenging. It is desirable to have a systematic method which can identify multiple model parameters directly from the physical test of the involved contact hardware. This paper describes a robotics-based experimental testbed which is specially designed for study and verification of a systematic method of identifying key parameters of multiple-point contact-dynamics models. The identification method can identify the stiffness, damping, and friction parameters all together from system-level hardware tests. The basic requirements of the testbed and how they are met by the design of the testbed are described. Some results of the preliminary test of the testbed obtained so far are also included.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Polyethylene/starch blends with enhanced oxygen barrier and mechanical properties: Effect of granule morphology damage by solid-state shear pulverization

A mechanical process called solid-state shear pulverization (SSSP) was used to create blends or composites of polyethylene (PE) and starch that resulted in damaged granular structures. Because starch granules are unchanged when polymer/starch blends are made by melt mixing, this is the first time that damage (surface roughening, cracking, and clustering) to starch granule morphology has been reported in polymer/starch blends or composites. These morphological changes result in a 29% reduction in oxygen permeability for a 70/30 wt% PE/starch blend made by SSSP relative to neat PE; this compares with a 21% reduction in oxygen permeability when a similar blend is made by melt processing. In addition, relative to neat PE, the tensile modulus of a 70/30 wt% PE/starch blend is increased by 20% in the damaged starch case (vs. 10% in the blend made by melt mixing) while the reduction in tensile strength is significantly smaller than that found in melt-mixed blends.