cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of market reforms on structural change: Implications for energy use and carbon emissions in China

This paper assesses the role played by market reforms in shaping the future level and composition of production, energy use, and carbon emissions in China. Arguments have been made that reducing distortions in China's economy through market reforms will lead to energy efficiency improvements and lower carbon emissions in China. However, these arguments are based on partial and not general equilibrium analyses, and therefore overlook the effects of market reforms on economic growth and structural change. The results suggest that further implementation of market reforms could result in a structural shift to less carbon-intensive production and thus lower carbon emissions per unit GDP. However, this fall in carbon intensity is not enough to compensate for the greater use of energy as a result of market reforms due to higher economic growth and changes in the composition of production. Therefore, China's transition to a market economy could result in significantly higher economic growth, energy use, and carbon emissions. These results could have implications for other countries considering or undergoing market transition.
Effects of copper on osmoregulation in sheepshead minnow, Cyprinodon variegatus acclimated to different salinities.

Abstract The sheepshead minnow, Cyprinodon variegatus is a euryhaline fish that inhabits estuaries and coastal marshes where it encounters a wide range of salinities. Many of these areas also have elevated levels of contaminants, creating the potential for toxic ions to interfere with the uptake of ions for osmoregulation. To determine whether the effect of copper on osmoregulatory activity is dependent on the osmotic conditions that individuals have been living at, fish were acclimated for 14 days to 2.5, 10.5 or 18.5 ppt seawater and then exposed to a fixed free cupric ion level (14.6 μM Cu2+) for 6 h. Plasma Na, plasma Cl, wet/dry weight ratio, transepithelial potential difference (TEPD) and branchial Na+/K+-ATPase activity were determined before and after copper exposure. We also computed Na and Cl equilibrium potentials. Following the salinity acclimation (in fish not yet exposed to copper), fish from the low salinity group (2.5 ppt) had lower TEPD, lower plasma Na levels and higher branchial Na+/K+-ATPase activity compared to the fish acclimated to higher salinities. No differences in plasma Cl and wet/dry weight ratio were detected. Copper exposure caused a significant decrease in plasma Na levels and Na+/K+-ATPase activity and an increase in wet/dry weight ratio, but these changes were limited to the 2.5 ppt salinity group. No significant changes in plasma Cl were detected. Copper treatment resulted in a small decrease in TEPD for all except the lowest salinity acclimation group. A comparison of equilibrium potentials with TEPD showed evidence of active transport of both Na and Cl in 2.5 ppt acclimated fish but not for the 10.5 or the 18.5 ppt acclimated fish. Our results show that effects of copper on osmoregulation are dependent on the fish’ past salinity regime, and that these effects tend to be more pronounced for euryhaline fish that have been living under hyposmotic conditions.
Rate effects for mixed-mode fracture of plastically-deforming, adhesively-bonded structures

Mixed-mode fracture of an adhesively-bonded structure made from a commercial adhesive and a dual-phase steel has been studied under different rates. Since mixed-mode fracture occurs along the interface between the steel and the adhesive, the cohesive parameters for the interface were required. The mode-II interfacial properties were deduced in earlier work. In this paper the mode-I interfacial toughness and the mode-I interfacial strength were determined at different rates. The mode-I interfacial strength was not affected by rate up to crack velocities at levels associated with impact conditions, and was essentially identical to the cohesive strength appropriate for crack growth within the adhesive layer. The mode-I toughness was reduced by about 40% when the crack propagated along the interface rather than within the adhesive. Furthermore, transitions to a brittle mode of failure occurred in a stochastic fashion, and were associated with a drop in interfacial toughness by a factor of about five. The mode-I interfacial parameters were combined with the previously-determined mode-II interfacial parameters within a cohesive-zone model to analyze the mixed-mode fracture of the joints which exhibited both quasi-static and unstable fracture. The mixed-mode model and the associated cohesive parameters for both quasi-static and unstable crack propagation provide bounds for predicting the behavior of the bonded joints under various rates of loading, up to the impact conditions that could be appropriate for automotive design.
The econometrics of higher education: editor's view

Abstract This special issue examines the role of econometrics in controlling for unobserved factors that could bias our understanding of key issues in higher education. The usual identification assumption of linear selection on observables is frequently found lacking. The authors show their determination and ingenuity in devising various strategies to avoid the inconsistency and, generally, to reduce the bias typically forthcoming in such cases. These researchers have made significant progress in overcoming these obstacles.
Reflections: What Does Quantum Physics of Storytelling Mean for Change Management?

The paradigm shift to quantum physics will mean new approaches to change management and storytelling. Because what we thought we knew about space, time and matter has changed, our storytelling of the history, present and future will be different. My purpose is to reflect on the way changes in what I call the ‘quantum physics of storytelling’ prompt important changes in the practices of change management. Antenarrative is a genre of storytelling the future that is an ‘intra-weave’ with retrospective narrative of many pasts, and living stories of the more immediate Now-presentness of webs of relationality. One key change to change management is two new theories of antenarrative. Initially, antenarrative was defined in 2001 in only two [ontic] ways: the ante (bet) the transformation of the future, and the ante (before) to its fossilization in narrative retrospection coheres. These seem to connect narrative-past to predicted future-end-states. In this reflection, I submit quantum physics, because everything f...
X-Ray Biomicroholography

We discuss alternative techniques for microholography of biological specimens including requirements and constraints on the optical elements and recording media. We derive spatial and temporal coherence requirements for four representative holographic techniques and relate coherence and recording-medium resolution to maximum specimen volume. We give estimates of coherence length necessary to image a variety of specimens under a realistic set of assumptions. We discuss matters of wavelength selection with emphasis on the problem of obtaining high contrasts for nitrogen-bearing biological constituents. We use the eikonal approximation to derive equations for diffractive holographic imaging with particular attention to specimens of low contrast, and use these to illustrate the benefits of using 27r9 resonances to image molecular structures.
ANALYSING ARCHAEOLOGICAL BASALT USING NON‐DESTRUCTIVE ENERGY‐DISPERSIVE X‐RAY FLUORESCENCE (EDXRF): EFFECTS OF POST‐DEPOSITIONAL CHEMICAL WEATHERING AND SAMPLE SIZE ON ANALYTICAL PRECISION*

Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) has been commonly used to determine geological sources of volcanic glass artefacts, but its ability to discriminate between basaltic sources is less developed. We examine the precision and accuracy of non-destructive EDXRF for basalt artefacts by analysing varying size and weathering characteristics. The experiments identified no appreciable effect in reproducibility or measured composition due to thickness (down to 1 mm) or natural weathering of pre-contact flake scars for the 17 elements measured in this study. Samples with surface area less than 100 mm 2 , however, show significant variability in measured composition and reproducibility.
A Study of Tio2 Aerogels Pore and Ramified Structure by Small-Angle Neutron Scattering

The microstructural characteristics of titanium dioxide aerogels were studied by Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS). A variety of models were used to extract the morphological parameters from the SANS data. The evaluation of scattering data was found to be consistent with nitrogen gas adsorption and TEM measurements of a model of aerogel consisting of a light density matrix in which meso- and macro-pores are embedded.
A note on the homotopy theory of pro-G-spectra

Abstract This paper represents a step toward a model structure on pro-spectra in which the weak equivalences are the maps inducing pro-isomorphisms of all pro-homotopy groups. We construct a category in which these weak equivalences are inverted and show that we have not inverted “too much,” in the sense that isomorphic objects still give pro-isomorphic cohomology groups.
Renal stone epidemiology: A 25-year study in Rochester, Minnesota

There are no adequate studies of the incidence of urolithiasis in the United States, in spite of earlier claims that a "stone belt" exists in the southeastern section of the country. This report is the first description of the incidence and recurrence rates for symptomatic noninfected renal stones in a well-defined population. A total of 798 patients were enrolled in the study group, of whom 672 were incidence cases having had their first episode as documented residents of Rochester, Minnesota, between 1950 and the end of 1974. The annual age-adjusted incidence rate for females was stable over the 25-year study period at 36.0 per 100,000 population. That for males increased significantly (P less than 0.02) from 78.5 per 100,000 to 123.6 per 100,000. Recurrence calculations showed a high rate for both sexes in the first year, followed by lower but constant rates for all succeeding years.
Aspiration in children with CHARGE syndrome

Summary Patients with Coloboma, Heart defect, choanal Atresia, Retarded development, Genitorenal and Ear abnormalities (CHARGE) syndrome have been reported to be at high risk for aspiration and swallowing difficulties. Aspiration has been implicated as the most common cause of mortality in these patients. To date, however, aspiration and swallowing disorders in CHARGE patients have not been independently studied. Objective: To determine the prevalence of aspiration and swallowing dysfunction in children with CHARGE syndrome. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 30 children with CHARGE syndrome was performed. Results: Eighteen (60%) children had aspiration observed on video swallow study (VSS), flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and/or had otherwise unexplained bronchiectasis noted on CT scan of the chest. Twenty-four children (80%) had evidence of abnormal swallowing such as laryngeal penetration, dyscoordination, poor bolus mobility, or pooling of secretions. Conclusion: Aspiration and swallowing dysfunction are common in children with CHARGE syndrome. Formal evaluation of swallowing function should be part of the standard otolaryngologic examination for these patients.
Heme-oxygenase induction inhibits arteriolar thrombosis in vivo : Effect of the non-substrate inducer cobalt protoporphyrin

Abstract Heme oxygenase-1 (HO) metabolizes heme to form the vasodilator carbon monoxide and antioxidant biliverdin. Upregulation of HO-1 by hemin, which is also a substrate attenuates thrombosis in rodent models, however, whether protection is due to HO-1 upregulation or to increased substrate availability is unknown. This study tested the hypothesis that treatment of mice with cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP), a non-substrate HO-1 inducer, would protect the endothelium from laser injury. C57Bl/J6 mice were treated with vehicle, CoPP (20 mg/kg), CoPP plus the HO-1 inhibitor tin protoporphyrin (SnPP; 20 mg/kg) or SnPP alone for 18 h. Intravital microscopy was used to quantitate thrombus formation in cremaster arterioles in response to laser ablation of the endothelium. CoPP treatment inhibited thrombosis by 43% compared to vehicle (P
Rare earth element mobility in high-alumina altered metavolcanic deposits, South Carolina, USA

Abstract Mineralogical and geochemical studies of Neoproterozoic metavolcanic rocks in the Carolina terrane, USA, document processes leading to remobilization of rare earth elements (REE) during residual weathering. The Haile kaolin deposits near Kershaw, South Carolina, occur predominantly in crystal metatuff and contain reserves of > 650,000 metric tons of specialty clay having ~ 60 to 450 ppm REE. The kaolins are temporally and spatially related to epithermal deposits of Fe, Au, and other metals that comprise the Haile gold mine property. Chemical alteration of the host volcanic rocks has strongly modified the original bulk rock composition producing a high-quality white clay resource composed of ~ 35% kaolinite, ~ 20% sericite ~ 45% quartz. The kaolin deposits are proposed to have formed by a combination of hydrothermal alteration and surficial weathering and the REE signature reflects the effects of volcanism, epithermal alteration and mineralization, metamorphism, and intense saprolitization. The metavolcanic rocks span from 64.9 to 76.8 wt.% SiO 2 with average contents of ~ 14.43 wt.% Al 2 O 3 , and ~ 3.98 wt.% K 2 O. They have REE from 58 to 113 ppm (ave. ~ 90 ppm), and are light REE-enriched (~ 60–200 ×, ave. 100 × chondritic abundance). Silicified, altered and Au-pyrite mineralized volcanic rocks as a group have SiO 2 contents (49–99 wt.%) that are inversely correlated with Al 2 O 3 (~ 1.3–27.16 wt.%). Mineralized and altered volcanic rocks range from 2 to 203 ppm REE (av. ~ 77); subvolcanic rhyolite porphyry has 2 to 144 ppm REE (av. ~ 74). The kaolin deposits have SiO 2 contents (51–85 wt.%) that are inversely correlated with Al 2 O 3 (10.1–33.4 wt.%). Chemical weathering of the metavolcanic rocks remobilized REE and caused variations in whole rock patterns that reflect differential weathering of primary titanite, allanite, and apatite and precipitation of secondary minerals. Newly formed minerals in the saprolitized volcanics rocks include Ba-Al phosphates, poorly crystalline and hydrated REE-phosphates, gibbsite, diaspore, goethite, lepidocrocite, rutile and siderite. The REE distributions in the kaolin deposits reflect the presence of monazite-(La), monazite-(Nd), and lesser amounts of poorly crystalline xenotime (Y, Dy, Gd). The minerals and chemical processes producing the weathered metavolcanic and subvolcanic rocks at the Haile mines are analogous to those leading to the formation of REE ion adsorption clay deposits in altered granitic rocks of China and Southeast Asia.
A predictor of fetal lung growth: Quintero et al

See related article, page 544 C ongenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a relatively common fetal bnormality encountered in obstetrics. ts high mortality rate is mainly due to ulmonary hypoplasia. Efforts to predict he likelihood of pulmonary hypoplasia ave centered on ultrasound-based meaures, including an assessment of lung olume “standardized” against a fetal ead circumference. The most comonly used measure in clinical practice s the lung area to head circumference atio (LHR). It has been believed that the HR is relatively constant across gestaional ages, making it fairly easy to use nd to explain to patients. New work by Quintero and colleagues rings into question whether or not the HR is truly gestational-age indepenent. The researchers made a purely athematical argument, using data rom prior studies to demonstrate their ndings. These suggest that LHR does, in act, depend upon gestational age. Dr uintero and colleagues went on to deelop a new formula, the quantitative ung index (QLI).
Pattern of Antimicrobial Susceptibility Obtained from Blood Isolates of a Rare but Emerging Human Pathogen, Gordonia polyisoprenivorans

The genus Gordonia, originally described in 1971 by Tsukamura, consisted of both clinical and environmental isolates ([9][1]). However, a recent review of case reports suggests the genus Gordonia as an increasing source of opportunistic infection, with many of its species as the primary agents
The evolving, flowless drainhole: A nongravitating-particle model in general relativity theory

Nonstationary, spherically symmetric solutions of the coupled field equationsRμυ=2φ,μφ,υ and □φ=0, in which the coupling polarity is opposite to the orthodox, are derived. The basic solution, termed the evolving, flowless drainhole manifold, has these properties: (1) geodesic completeness; (2) a topological hole that shrinks to a point at a singular event and immediately begins to expand back to infinite size; (3) multiple branching of geodesics that arrive at the singular event; (4) asymptotic flatness at spatial infinity, luminal infinity, and temporal infinity; (5) isometric symmetry under time reversal and under space reflection through the drainhole; (6) conformal symmetry under space-time dilatations that leave the singular event fixed, and also under space-time inversions that interchange the singular event and a point at infinity. An earlier, static drainhole solution of the same equations was able to represent an ordinary star's external field or to serve as a model of a simple gravitating or nongravitating particle, replacing in these capacities the Kruskal-Fronsdal-Schwarzschild black-hole manifolds. The evolving, flowless drainhole can be thought of as modeling the death and rebirth of a scalar particle that is infinitely large in the infinite past and the infinite future. This particle does not gravitate, for the “ether flow” whose spatial variations in the static drainhole solution are identified with gravitation is removed from consideration in the evolving, flowless drainhole solution by being turned off at the outset. What is left is space alone, evolving dynamically in accordance with the field equations.
An algorithm and architecture for constant-Q spectrum analysis

Existing methods for implementing short-time constant-Q spectrum analysis have important drawbacks. A simple algorithm for a proper analysis is given and its implementation investigated. Some useful features of signal-processor hardware architectures are inferred.
Stereochemistry and Mechanism of the Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Intramolecular Hydrofunctionalization of an Unactivated Cyclic Alkene

Through employment of deuterium-labeled substrates, the triflic acid catalyzed intramolecular exo addition of the X-H(D) (X=N, O) bond of a sulfonamide, alcohol, or carboxylic acid across the C=C bond of a pendant cyclohexene moiety was found to occur, in each case, with exclusive formation (≥90%) of the anti-addition product without loss or scrambling of deuterium as determined by (1)H and (2)H NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry analysis. Kinetic analysis of the triflic-acid-catalyzed intramolecular hydroamination of N-(2-cyclohex-2'-enyl-2,2-diphenylethyl)-p-toluenesulfonamide (1a) established the second-order rate law: rate=k(2)[HOTf][1a] and the activation parameters ΔH(++)=(9.7±0.5) kcal mol(-1) and ΔS(++)=(-35±5) cal K(-1) mol(-1). An inverse α-secondary kinetic isotope effect of k(D)/k(H) =(1.15±0.03) was observed upon deuteration of the C2' position of 1a, consistent with partial C-N bond formation in the highest energy transition state of catalytic hydroamination. The results of these studies were consistent with a mechanism for the intramolecular hydroamination of 1a involving concerted, intermolecular proton transfer from an N-protonated sulfonamide to the alkenyl C3' position of 1a coupled with intramolecular anti addition of the pendant sulfonamide nitrogen atom to the alkenyl C2' position.
Molecular markers for bladder cancer: the road to a multimarker approach

Bladder cancer is the seventh most common malignancy worldwide, with almost 14,000 patients dying from this disease in the USA alone. Because of the need for long-term and frequent follow-up, as well as the paucity of sensitive and specific noninvasive tests, bladder cancer management has the highest cost per patient among all cancer types. Several molecular markers, especially members of the cell cycle regulation and apoptosis pathways, have been investigated. However, no individual marker has been prognostically powerful enough to change clinical management. The combined analysis of a panel of markers spanning different pathways is the most promising approach. We give an overview of the most important molecular markers functioning in crucial pathways and focus on their role in multimarker analysis.
Debugging hygienic macros

Over the past two decades, Scheme macros have evolved into a powerful API for the compiler front end. Like Lisp macros, their predecessors, Scheme macros expand source programs into a small core language; unlike Lisp systems, Scheme macro expanders preserve lexical scoping, and advanced Scheme macro systems handle other important properties such as source location. Using such macros, Scheme programmers now routinely develop the ultimate abstraction: embedded domain-specific programming languages. Unfortunately, a typical Scheme programming environment provides little support for macro development. This lack makes it difficult for programmers to debug their macros and for novices to study the behavior of macros. In response, we have developed a stepping debugger specialized to the concerns of macro expansion. This debugger presents the macro expansion process as a linear rewriting sequence of annotated terms; it graphically illustrates the binding structure of the program as expansion reveals it; and it adapts to the programmer's level of abstraction, hiding details of syntactic forms that the programmer considers built-in.
A floating-gate transistor based continuous-time analog adaptive filter

This paper describes a floating-gate transistor based analog implementation of adaptive filters that adapt based on the least-mean-square (LMS) learning algorithm. Floating-gate transistors are used for both weight adaptation and non-volatile weight storage. A current-mode approach results in a compact, low-power synapse. Experimental results from a prototype chip with a matrix of 16times4 synapses along with supporting circuitry fabricated in a 0.35 mum CMOS process are provided to demonstrate adaptation.
An 11.75-Gb/s combined decision feedback equalizer and clock data recovery circuit in 0.18-μm CMOS

An 11.75-Gb/s combined DFE and CDR circuit in 0.18mum CMOS is presented. The feedback path of the DFE is merged with an Alexander phase detector resulting in reduced power and enhanced performance. It is capable of equalizing copper cable channels with up to 12dB loss at 5.875GHz Nyquist frequency and consumes 201mW with a 1.8 supply voltage.
The incidence of hypercalcemia in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Hypercalcemia is a well-recognized phenomenon in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, but the incidence of hypercalcemia in this group of patients is not clear. We have reviewed the records of 166 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck presented at the Boston VA Medical Center over a 2-year period (October 1981 to September 1983). Hypercalcemia (> 11 mg/dl), for which a benign etiology could not be identified, occurred in the clinical course of seven patients (4.2%). Of the hypercalcemic patients, 5/7 (71.4%) had advanced stage IV disease and serum calcium levels ranging from 11.2 to 15 mg/dl at presentation. The incidence of hypercalcemia in this stage IV group was 5/78 (6.4%). On the basis of concomitant serum alkaline phosphatase, x-ray films, and radionuclide bone scans in these patients, bone metastases or a humoral factor were felt to be the etiologic agent. Six of the seven patients died within 77 days of the onset of the hypercalcemia despite vigorous antihypercalcemic and chemotherapeutic measures, and the remaining patient is under chemotherapy at present. We conclude that hypercalcemia is a late manifestation of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and is an ominous prognostic sign. Hypercalcemia without bone metastases is presumably due to the production of ectopic parathormone (PTH)-like substances from the tumor. To control this hypercalcemia, the underlying tumor must be treated vigorously in conjunction with symptomatic treatment. It should be noted that of 166 patients not all have been followed to the end stage of their disease and, thus, the true incidence of hypercalcemia may be slightly higher than 4.2%.
The surface velocity field in steep and breaking waves

Coincident simultaneous measurements of the surface displacement and the horizontal velocity at the surface of steep and breaking waves are presented. The measurements involve a novel use of laser anemometry at the fluctuating air-water interface and clearly show the limitations of surface displacement measurements in characterizing steep and breaking wave fields. The measurements are used to examine the evolution of the surface drift velocity, spectra, wave envelopes, and forced long waves in unstable deep-water waves. Preliminary results of this work were reported by Melville & Rapp (1983).
Beamed microwave power transmission and its application to space

The general principles and special components of beamed microwave power transmission systems are outlined, and their application to the space program is discussed. For a beamed system starting with a DC source of power, converting it to a microwave beam for transmission through space, and ending with DC power output at the receiving end, an experimentally measured and certified DC-to-DC efficiency of 54% has been achieved. The application that is discussed in detail is a low-earth-orbit-to-geostationary-orbit (LEO to GEO) transportation system that depends on vehicles propelled by electric thrusters whose power is supplied by a microwave beam originating at the earth's surface. A scenario for such a system is chosen, and the performance results are presented. The advantages of the all electronic system over a chemically propelled system are enumerated. The principles of space propulsion, particularly as they relate to electric propulsion, are outlined. Key components at the terminals of the system are discussed. Environmental considerations are discussed. >
Infrared microspectroscopic studies on the pitting of AA2024-T3 induced by acetone degreasing

Acetone degreasing of aluminum alloy AA2024-T3, as per the ASTM E1078-97 cleaning protocol, showed that copper-rich intermetallic particles acted as a photocatalyst in the presence of moisture to convert the acetone remaining on the surface to acetic acid. In this work, using synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy (SIRMS), we have investigated further the acetone-induced pitting of AA2024-T3 that was shown earlier using XPS. Using SIRMS prior to sodium chloride mist exposure shows the presence of carboxyl groups at sites where pitting is initiated, indicating that pitting is induced by acetone. The infrared linescan and mapping performed on acetone-degreased AA2024-T3 exposed to sodium chloride mist shows the presence of acetyl groups surrounding the pits. Based on this work, acetone is not recommended for degreasing aluminum–copper alloys. Copyright  2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of prostaglandin D2 in mast cell activation-induced sensitization of esophageal vagal afferents

Sensitization of esophageal afferents plays an important role in esophageal nociception, but the mechanism is less clear. Our previous studies demonstrated that mast cell (MC) activation releases the preformed mediators histamine and tryptase, which play important roles in sensitization of esophageal vagal nociceptive C fibers. PGD2 is a lipid mediator released by activated MCs. Whether PGD2 plays a role in this sensitization process has yet to be determined. Expression of the PGD2 DP1 and DP2 receptors in nodose ganglion neurons was determined by immunofluorescence staining, Western blotting, and RT-PCR. Extracellular recordings were performed in ex vivo esophageal-vagal preparations. Action potentials evoked by esophageal distension were compared before and after perfusion of PGD2, DP1 and DP2 receptor agonists, and MC activation, with or without pretreatment with antagonists. The effect of PGD2 on 1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI)-labeled esophageal nodose neurons was determined by patch-clamp recording. Our results demonstrate that DP1 and DP2 receptor mRNA and protein were expressed mainly in small- and medium-diameter neurons in nodose ganglia. PGD2 significantly increased esophageal distension-evoked action potential discharges in esophageal nodose C fibers. The DP1 receptor agonist BW 245C mimicked this effect. PGD2 directly sensitized DiI-labeled esophageal nodose neurons by decreasing the action potential threshold. Pretreatment with the DP1 receptor antagonist BW A868C significantly inhibited PGD2 perfusion- or MC activation-induced increases in esophageal distension-evoked action potential discharges in esophageal nodose C fibers. In conclusion, PGD2 plays an important role in MC activation-induced sensitization of esophageal nodose C fibers. This adds a novel mechanism of visceral afferent sensitization.
2D Image Database Indexing: A Coefficient-Based Approach

The problem investigated in this paper is the quick identification of free-form 2D objects using a coefficient based indexing technique. We demonstrate that combining implicit polynomial shape descriptors with calibration techniques has the potential to quickly identify images of similar shapes. As a pilot experiment, our approach is evaluated against a small database consisting of 15 images, with three different images from five categories. The index system achieves an overall top-3 matching accuracy of 88.9% comparing to 91.1% of the traditional brutal force method on the same database with a computational cutoff of 67.7%.
Thermoplastic bonding to metals via injection molding for macro-composite manufacture

In this work, we explore a new method of in-situ joining of polymers to metals in injection molding to allow direct bonding between thermoplastic and metal parts. Such a method can integrate several downstream steps in product manufacture, allow optimal design of products and joints, and avoid adhesive application, assembly, and associated difficlties. A variety of process parameters and their effects upon the interface tensile strengths were examined. A full factorial experiment was conducted involving four of the critical process parameters identified. The effects upon tensile strength at break of the following process parameters were studied: (1) adherend surface temperature, (2) screw linear velocity, (3) bondline thickness, and (4) pack and hold pressure. The fracture surfaces and the thermoplastic metal interfaces were analyzed. The bonds fabricated with higher adherend surface temperatures have increased mean tensile strength and less adhesive failure. This increase in mean bond tensile strength and less adhesive failure was due to increased polymer penetration of the adherend surface roughness, at the micrometer level, as shown in the analysis of the polymer-metal interface by a scanning electron microscope (SEM).
A performance study of the RPE mechanism for PDES

We present the latest implementation of our Remote Process Execution (RPE) mechanism for parallel discrete-event simulation (PDES), along with results of an empirical study of its performance. RPE is an optimistic time warp based mechanism, which allows logical processes on one processor to execute remotely on another when the former is lagging behind in the computation. The advantage is that processors running too far ahead need neither wait, nor run excessively optimistically: they can instead do some useful work for processors which are falling behind. The disadvantage of course, is the cost associated with running processes remotely. The experiments we have run so far show that performance can be significantly enhanced through RPE under the right conditions. In particular, as expected, the site of computation grains was found to be of primary importance. Though our tests were ran with relatively few processors, we suggest a few simple modifications which should allow the scheme to work well for large numbers of computing elements. >
How Much Internet Gaming is Too Much

Have you received complaints from patients, clients, peers or someone close to you about the amount of time that someone is spending on the Internet in any activity? The answer is probably yes. Our...
Low energy MTCMOS with sleep transistor charge recycling

A new circuit technique is proposed in this paper to lower the energy overhead of mode transitions for effective energy reduction with the MTCMOS circuits. The charge stored at the virtual rails and the sleep signal lines are recycled during the active-to-sleep-to-active mode transitions with the proposed technique. Applying the charge recycling MTCMOS circuit technique to a 32-bit Brent-Kung adder reduces the energy overhead due to the mode transitions by up to 12.2% as compared to the conventional MTCMOS circuits. Furthermore, the standby mode power consumption is reduced by up to 92.8% as compared to a standard Brent-Kung adder in a 65 nm CMOS technology.
Evaluation of guild-indicator species for use in resource management

We followed selection guidelines commonly used by management agencies to select mountain quail (Oreortyx pictus) as an indicator species for an ecological guild of birds. We then evaluated the ability of mountain quail to indicate the presence of other species from the guild and to index the quality of the habitat for other species. The ability of quail to indicate the presence of species from the ecological guild varied widely within and among vegetation types. Species compositions of the ecological guild were more consistent in comparisons of sites within vegetation types than they were in comparisons of sites between vegetation types. Mountain quail habitat was significantly different from the habitats of sympatric species from the guild for 14 of 15 multivariate contrasts. We suggest that managers use indicator species with caution. If indicators are used, they should be applied to guilds composed of species that closely share ecological affinities. The habitat of the indicator species should overlap extensively with those of all other guild members. The use of indicators should be restricted to very similar sites within the same general vegetation type.
Allowable Tolerances in the Position of Antenna Elements in an Array Amenable To Adaptive Processing

The equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) degradation due to random position errors in the location of the antenna elements in an array is derived through the expected value and standard deviation of the EIRP. The expressions are derived for a linear and a semicircular array (SCA). The minimum tolerance of the array elements is presented by means of the relationship between the EIRP degradation and a standard deviation or the uniform bound of the probability distribution. Using this tolerance, the output signal to interference and noise ratio (OSINR) is examined in the framework of adaptive processing using the direct data-domain least-squares (D3LS) approach. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 43: 215–221, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20423
Making mathematical reasoning fun: web-integrated, collaborative, and "hands-on" techniques

Is it possible to excite students about learning the mathematical principles that underlie high-quality software? Can they use a development environment for "hands-on" experimentation with reasoning? Is this possible without displacing existing content? The answer is a resounding yes ---from the experiences of professors at several institutions--- but it takes the right set of pedagogical principles, reasoning tools, and "hands-on" exercises. This workshop will help educators transfer the excitement of learning how to apply mathematical reasoning in building high quality software, by adopting one reasoning concept at a time.
Spinal epidural lipomatosis: a review of its causes and recommendations for treatment

Spinal epidural lipomatosis is most commonly observed in patients receiving long-term exogenous steroid therapy, but can also be seen in patients with endogenous steroid overproduction, obesity, or idiopathic disease. With this condition, there is hypertrophy of the epidural adipose tissue, causing a narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of neural structures. A majority of patients will present with progressive myelopathy, but radicular symptoms are also common. Conservative treatment—weaning from steroids or weight loss—can reverse the hypertrophy of the adipose tissue and relieve the neural compression. If conservative management fails, surgery with decompressive laminectomy is also very successful at improving the patient’s neurological symptoms.
The Therapeutic Value of the Human-Animal Connection

The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristics of pet therapy which promote positive experiences and health in the elderly. Data were obtained through observations of pet therapy sessions, through interviews with a pet therapy provider, and residents of a long-term care facility who participated in pet therapy, and from the reflections of my (first author) own experiences as a pet therapy volunteer. The results revealed four characteristics which contributed to the benefits received by participants: (a) humanness; (b) anticipation and continuity; (c) ability to facilitate reminiscence; and (d) social aspects. The findings supported previous research by providing evidence of the value of pet visitation. In addition, ways in which these four qualities may enhance the physical, cognitive and social-emotional benefits received by nursing home residents participating in pet therapy and other activities is discussed.
Two new Stratiomyinae, including Panamamyia gen. nov., from the Neotropical Region (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)

A new species of Hoplitimyia James, H. inbioensis sp. nov., is described from Costa Rica. A new genus, Panamamyia gen. nov. (type species P. silbergliedi sp. nov.) is described from Panama. Both taxa are very rare in collections, not having been taken during extensive Malaise trap surveys in Costa Rica.
Childhood cancer in children with congenital anomalies in Oklahoma, 1997 to 2009

Background Data-linkage studies have reported an association between congenital anomalies and childhood cancer. However, few studies have focused on the differences in the effect of congenital anomalies on cancer as a function of attained age. We aimed to examine associations between anomalies and childhood cancer as a function of attained age among children born in Oklahoma. Methods Data were obtained from the Oklahoma State Department of Health from 1997 to 2009 (n = 591,235). We linked Vital Statistics records for singleton deliveries to the Oklahoma Birth Defects Registry and the Oklahoma Central Cancer Registry using name and birth date. To assess the relation between anomalies and childhood cancer, we used Cox regression analysis allowing for a nonproportional hazards for anomalies as a function of age. Results There were 23,368 (4.0%) children with anomalies and 531 (0.1%) children with cancer. When considering 3-year age intervals, we detected an increased hazard of any childhood cancer in children with anomalies compared with those without anomalies before 1 year of age (hazard ratio, 14.1; 95% confidence interval, 8.3–23.7) and at 3 years of age (hazard ratio, 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.6–3.2). The increased hazard declined with increasing time since birth, with the effect diminished by 6 years of age. Conclusion Our results were consistent with previous studies indicating an increased rate of childhood cancer among children with anomalies at younger ages. Furthermore, our study added a methodological refinement of assessing the effect of anomalies as a function of attained age. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Abstract 2872: Should Recent Stroke Patients be Routinely Screened for Kidney Disease?

Background: Since chronic kidney disease is a risk factor for the progression of cardiovascular disease, as well as recurrent cardiovascular events, a 2006 AHA Science Advisory recommends that all patients with cardiovascular disease be screened for evidence of kidney disease. Although several studies have related CKD as defined by a low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to increased primary stroke risk, no studies have so far assessed the association of low eGFR with secondary vascular risk after stroke. Objective: To evaluate the role of baseline low eGFR as an independent predictor of vascular risk after occurrence of an index ischemic stroke. Methods: Observational analysis of multicenter trial data comprising recent ischemic stroke patients enrolled from September 1996 to May 2003 and followed for 2 years. Low GFR was defined as GFR Results: Of 3673 subjects (99.8% of cohort) who with complete data, 34.3% had low eGFR. Subjects with low eGFR were significantly more likely to be female, of White race, older, have a history of prior stroke, CHF, diabetes, MI, hypertension, coronary bypass surgery or coronary angioplasty, as well as higher baseline systolic BP, total cholesterol and triglycerides compared to subjects with normal eGFR. On the other hand, subjects with low eGFR were significantly less likely to drink, smoke, or use antithrombotics at baseline compared to subjects with normal eGFR. In unadjusted analyses, low eGFR (vs normal eGFR) was associated with higher rate of the primary (HR=1.77, 95% CI: 1.48-2.13, p Conclusions: Baseline CKD is independently associated with a higher risk of secondary vascular events over 2 years among patients with a recent ischemic stroke. Consideration should be given to routinely screening all recent ischemic stroke patients for CKD. For those stroke patients with CKD, frequency of vascular events and progression of CKD might be ameliorated by prompt and appropriate intervention.
Women entrepreneurs' work-family management strategies: a structuration theory study

This research examines how women entrepreneurs are creating and recreating the gender structures that both restrict and enable methods for managing work and family demands. Specifically, we identify how entrepreneurial women have designed their businesses and structured their daily lives to mitigate work-family conflict. We develop a theoretical model identifying sites of tension for women as they navigate the work and family domains via a grounded theory approach. We offer implications for how gender, structuration, social cognitive, and border theories may be extended to understand entrepreneurial women's experiences.
Mars code

Redundant software (and hardware) ensured Curiosity reached its destination and functioned as its designers intended.
Equivalent circuit models for theI–V relationship in epithelial tissues

In many epithelia, a plot of the voltage resulting from a short (1 sec) current pulse vs. current (theI–V relationship) has been found to consist of a number of straight line regions (constant resistance) which intersect at breakpoints. If the tissue is modeled by an equivalent circuit consisting of a single emf and resistances, it is shown that replacement of a resistance with a non-ideal diode (with finite forward and back resistances) produces a single breakpoint at a voltage calculable from the circuit parameters. One breakpoint is produced per diode, up to a maximum of three. It is shown that no single-emf circuit can produce more than 3 breakpoints, or produce a breakpoint at a voltage greater than the open circuit potential. Such observations imply that more complex circuits containing more than one emf must be used for these cases.
Restriction of Zika Virus by Host Innate Immunity

Recent epidemics of Zika virus (ZIKV) have brought increasing concerns of heightened disease severity and neurotropism. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Lazear et al. (2016) and Bayer et al. (2016) show that innate immunity can restrict ZIKV infection and disease development.
The Dilemma of the Mid-Century Pragmatic Intellectual

The legacy of American pragmatism for mid-century intellectuals was the project of promoting an Emersonian culture of creative democracy by means of critical intelligence and social action. The major proponents of this project and legacy were no longer white Yankees but rather two second-generation Jewish Americans, Sidney Hook and Lionel Trilling; a second-generation American of German extraction, Reinhold Niebuhr; an Irish Southwesterner, C. Wright Mills; and a fifth-generation American of African descent, W. E. B. Du Bois. Unlike Emerson, Peirce, James, and Dewey, they neither were born and bred in the world of the northeastern highbrow culture and bourgeois society nor took for granted its privileges and opportunities. American pragmatism had gone native in new and diverse ways.
Idiopathic scoliosis: correction of lateral and rotational deformities using the Cotrel-Dubousset spinal instrumentation system.

The Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation (CDI) system developed between 1982 and 1984 is now being used extensively for the posterior correction of idiopathic scoliosis. In this study we compared the lateral and rotational correction obtained with CDI to that obtained with Harrington rod instrumentation and Drummond wiring. We matched 14 patients who had had CDI by age and sex with 14 patients who had had either Harrington rod instrumentation (n = 5) or Drummond wiring (n = 9). Average lateral curve correction was significantly better with CDI than with the combination of the other systems (71.9% and 56.4%, respectively; P less than .01). Average rotational correction was studied using the methods of Mehta, and Nash and Moe; all patients having CDI showed a median rotational improvement of 30 degrees; 57% of the comparison group had minimal improvement (P less than .01). These results suggest that CDI may offer a significant alternative to the Harrington and Drummond spinal instrumentation systems in the surgical management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Structure-aided drug design: crystallography and computational approaches.

Ideally, a drug that effectively attacks a specific target will be efficacious with few or no side effects. Historically, drug development has relied on a structure-activity sequential (trial-and-error) approach, testing many compounds and observing their pharmacologic effects. More recently, molecular biologists have investigated a new approach to drug design: starting with a specific target, determining what types of molecules would have a desired effect on that target and then constructing molecules that fit those criteria. Structure-aided drug design is a tool used in this new approach, which involves using crystallographic data and computer processing to describe a molecule precisely-in terms of all binding, Van der Waal's and electrostatic interactions-as a computational entity. The goal of this computational approach is to determine whether a molecule will bind to a target molecule and the character of the ligand interaction