cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mimicking within Euclidean space a cosmological time dilation of gamma-ray burst durations

If gamma-ray burst sources are cosmological in origin, then the time dilation at large z can correlate a burst's duration with its peak flux. Detection of this effect is thought by many to be strong evidence for a cosmological burst origin. In this Letter I show that an apparent time distortion--either a dilation or contraction--is generally expected for an ensemble of bursts that is spatially limited within Euclidean space. The appearance of this effect is correlated with the falling away of the log N-log P curve from a -3/2 slope line. An example of this effect is provided by the relativistic bulk motion model, which produces a strong time dilation when spatially limited in Euclidean space. As a consequence, envidence that weak bursts have longer durations than strong bursts is not evidence of a cosmological burst origin.
Urban Dispersion Modelling and Experiments in the Daytime and Nighttime Atmosphere

An analytical model of atmospheric dispersion in urban areas in both daytime and nighttime conditions is presented. The model is based on a Gaussian formulation where the horizontal and vertical diffusion coefficients are determined according to analytical theories. The model is validated with dispersion measurements from field experiments conducted in Oklahoma City, Salt Lake City, St. Louis and London, U.K. The theory is in good agreement with the data for both daytime and nighttime conditions. The data support the conclusion that the magnitude of the nighttime stratification in the urban atmosphere is weak; however, its effects on dispersion are not negligible. The predicted existence of two distinct dispersion regimes, in the near and in the far field, is also confirmed by the data. The good collapse of the data suggests that urban dispersion is governed by the characteristic length scales of atmospheric boundary-layer turbulence, rather than urban canopy length scales that are more likely to affect dispersion only in the vicinity of the source.
NMR Investigation of n-Alkylamine Self-Organization Along the Sidewalls of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (SWNTs)

Single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have drawn considerable attention from the scientific community based on their potentially unique 1-D electronic and optical properties as well as mechanical properties. These characteristics result from the one dimensional quantum wire structure of CNTs, which have the spike-like van Hove singularities (vHs) in the electronic density of states. The detailed shape of the density of states function depends sensitively on CNT type semiconducting (sem-) versus metallic (met-)), diameter and chirality. Using the preferential affinity of amines towards sem -SWNTs, our group has been able to attain bulk separation by type based on a differential solubility of SWNTs according to the amine organization interaction on the nanotube surface. It has been argued that stable dispersions of sem -SWNTs with surfactant-amines originate from the organization of the aliphatic chain along the nanotube sidewalls, along with a small amount of zwitterions. The separation of sem-enriched SWNTs assisted by octadecylamine (ODA) had been depicted in the form of either small amount of zwitterionic interaction between carboxylic acid groups of acid-purified SWNTs or the physisorption on the SWNTs sidewall, leaving met -SWNTs in the precipitate.
Atlas of Histopathology of Selected Neglected Tropical Diseases Prevalent in Latin America and the Caribbean

The objective of this chapter is to present an atlas of histopathological findings of some of the major Neglected Tropical Diseases that continue to pose a substantial burden of disease in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Transient behavior in the Lorenz model

Abstract. Dynamical systems like the one described by the three-variable Lorenz model may serve as metaphors for complexity in nature. When natural systems are perturbed by external forcing factors, they tend to relax back to their equilibrium conditions after the forcing has shut off. Here we investigate the behavior of such transients in the Lorenz model by studying its trajectories initialized far away from the asymptotic attractor. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, these transient trajectories exhibit complex routes and, among other things, sensitivity to initial conditions akin to that of the asymptotic behavior on the attractor. Thus, similar extreme events may lead to widely different variations before the perturbed system returns back to its statistical equilibrium.
Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy with Hizentra® is Safe and Effective in Two Infants

Hizentra® is a 20% liquid IgG product approved for subcutaneous administration in adults and children greater than 2 years of age. We report two infants less than 2 years in which administration of Hizentra® was safe and effective.
Selective CD4+ Lymphopenia in Melanoma Patients Treated With Temozolomide: A Toxicity With Therapeutic Implications

Purpose Standard schedule temozolomide (TMZ; daily for 5 days every 4 weeks) is often used in melanoma patients, but phase III data show that it is no more effective than standard dacarbazine. Extended TMZ dosing regimens may be superior by delivering the drug continuously at a higher dose over time. Using an extended dosing schedule, we noted a high incidence of lymphopenia and occasional opportunistic infections (OIs). Here we report our retrospective experience in the first 97 patients. Materials and Methods TMZ was administered at 75 mg/m2/d orally for 6 weeks every 8 weeks, although nine patients were treated continuously without a break. Seventeen patients were treated with TMZ alone; 73 patients received TMZ with thalidomide; seven patients received TMZ with low-dose interferon alfa. Results Median duration of TMZ treatment was 113 days; 29% received ≥ 24 weeks of therapy. Lymphopenia was seen in 60% of patients (absolute lymphocyte count < 800/μL) with a median of 101 days to lymphopenia. TMZ did ...
Conservation of the Black-Tailed Prairie Dog: Saving North America's Western Grasslands, by Hoogland, J. L. (ed.)

J. L. Hoogland (ed.). 2006. Conservation of the Black-Tailed Prairie Dog: Saving North America's Western Grasslands.Island Press, Washington, D.C., 350350 pp. ISBN 1-55963-498-7, price (paper), $35. Conservation of the Black-Tailed Prairie Dog is a collection of papers written by many authors—including editor John L. Hoogland, who has devoted most of his professional career to the study of prairie dog biology—that aims to provide a summary of all current data concerning 1 of North America's keystone species, the black-tailed prairie dog ( Cynomys ludovicianus ), and the conservation of this species. With 30 contributing authors, this work provides substantial information on C. ludovicianus and also includes a very broad range of discussion stemming from different specializations. Incorporated into the text are many photographs and illustrations that help to support the writing. The main theme, of course, is conservation. Separated into 3 parts, this book serves to inform and offer solutions for the preservation and management of prairie dogs. Part I of the book is an overview of the natural history of prairie dogs, including demography and population dynamics, social structures, and discussion of C. ludovicianus as a keystone species. Hoogland points out that without solid and long-term scientific knowledge of prairie dog biology, we cannot act …
Disruption of β-catenin pathway or genomic instability define two distinct categories of liver cancer in transgenic mice

Abstract Background & Aims: Human liver cancer can be divided into 2 categories that are characterized by activation of β-catenin and genomic instability. Here we investigate whether similar categories exist among 5 transgenic models of liver cancer, including c-myc, transforming growth factor-α, E2F-1, c-myc/transforming growth factor-α, and c-myc/E2F-1 mice. Methods: The random amplified polymorphic DNA method was used to assess the overall genomic instability, and chromosomal loci affected by genomic alterations were determined by microsatellite analysis. β-Catenin mutations and deletions were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing screening. Cellular localization of β-catenin and expression of α-fetoprotein, a prognostic marker of hepatocellular carcinoma, were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Results: Liver tumors from the transgenic mice could be divided into 2 broad categories characterized by extensive genomic instability (exemplified by the c-myc/transforming growth factor-α mouse) and activation of β-catenin (exemplified by the c-myc/E2F-1 mouse). The c-myc/transforming growth factor-α tumors displayed extensive genomic instability with recurrent loss of heterozygosity at chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 12, 14, and X and a low rate of β-catenin activation. The genomic instability was evident from the early dysplastic stage and occurred concomitantly with increased expression of α-fetoprotein. The c-myc/E2F-1 tumors were characterized by a high frequency of β-catenin activation in the presence of a relatively stable genome and low α-fetoprotein levels. Conclusions: We have identified 2 prototype experimental models, i.e., c-myc/transforming growth factor-α and c-myc/E2F-1 mice, for the 2 categories of human hepatocellular carcinoma characterized by genomic instability and β-catenin activation, respectively. These mouse models will assist in the elucidation of the molecular basis of human hepatocellular carcinoma.
Multibeam sonar (DIDSON) assessment of American shad ( Alosa sapidissima ) approaching a hydroelectric dam

We investigated the fish community approaching the Veazie Dam on the Penobscot River, Maine, prior to implementation of a major dam removal and river restoration project. Multibeam sonar (dual-freq...
A microstructure-fiber-based 10-GHz synchronized tunable optical parametric oscillator in the 1550-nm regime

We demonstrate a microstructure-fiber (MF)-based supercontinuum source and a synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator in the 1550-nm regime. By using a 12.5-m-long MF, we obtained a 10-GHz repetition-rate picosecond-pulse source that is capable of /spl sim/120-nm wavelength tunability due to the wide-gain bandwidth of the combined processes of stimulated Raman scattering and parametric four-wave mixing.
Chapter 12. Skull and Dentition of Willeumys korthi, nov. gen. et sp., A Cricetid Rodent from the Oligocene (Orellan) of Wyoming

Abstract The skull and mandible, with complete dentitions, of an Orellan rodent are described as a new genus and species of Eumyinae (Rodentia, Muroidea, Cricetidae) based on a combination of unique and shared features: small molar series compared to skull size, featherlike diagonal ridges on surface of lower incisor enamel, rounded triangular shape of M3, and flat interorbital roof and separate temporal crests.
Economic implications of pain management.

Background: Economic issues in pain management affect the patient, the provider and society. This paper will review some of the data on the costs to society of chronic pain and its associated disability. It will also look at the costs to patient and provider of alternative economic models. Conceptual issues that underlie health care delivery and the attendant costs must be addressed if society is to gain control over runaway health care costs and reduce the economic burden of chronic pain and disability for the patient as well as the provider. Methods: Literature review and synthesis. Results: Chronic pain is the primary cause of health care consumption and disability in the working years. Multidisciplinary pain clinics have proven utility. Data on efficacy of most other kinds of care is lacking. Disability costs are related to conceptual inadequacies and the medicalization of post-industrial societies. Conclusion: To control inappropriate care and escalating costs, we must change concepts of pain and disability and the methods of funding both of these in relation to chronic pain. The outcome of the continuing struggle between the profession of medicine, the state and capitalists will determine how and whether pain management is a part of medical care.
Mayo leadership programs for physicians

Health-care organizations have recognized the need to prepare physicians for various leadership and management positions within their own institutions. The demands of a dynamic health-care environment have created increased pressure for institutions to develop a larger cadre of physician leaders and managers among their staff, and this must be done cost-effectively and efficiently. In the past, physicians who wanted more education had to look beyond their practice to fulfill this need. Institutions have begun to create tailor-made programs for their physicians in order to meet the various needs of their staff regarding leadership and management. Herein we describe the educational initiatives undertaken in 1995 and 1996 to provide Mayo physicians with in-house leadership and management programming. A substantial number of institutions are answering the challenge for increased physician expertise in leadership and management through the development of their own in-house programs.
Elevation of plasma tryptophan by insulin in rat

Abstract The concentration of tryptophan in rat plasma increases by 30–40% 2 hr after fasting animals receive insulin (2 U/kg) or consume a carbohydrate meal. These treatments decrease the concentrations of all other amino acids examined: Insulin administration also lowers plasma glucose levels. Large doses of glucagon (1 mg/kg) reduce plasma tryptophan concentrations. Lower doses are without a significant effect. The sources of plasma tryptophan responsible for its increase after insulin administration have not been identified.
Microclimate, freezing tolerance, and cold acclimation along an elevation gradient for seedlings of the Great Basin Desert shrub, Artemisia tridentata

Abstract Vegetation, microclimate, seedling frequency, freezing tolerance, and cold acclimation were compared for seedlings of Artemisia tridentata collected from 1775, 2175, and 2575 m elevation in the eastern Sierra Nevada, California. Data were used to test the hypothesis that ecotypic differences in stress physiology are important for seedling survival along gradients from desert to montane ecosystems. The vegetation canopy cover and A. tridentata seedling frequency were greatest at 2575 m, compared to 1775 and 2175 m. Snow cover ameliorated temperatures near the soil surface for part of the winter and depth varied across elevations. Freezing tolerance was compared for seedlings maintained in growth chambers at day/night air temperatures of 25°C/15°C. The temperature at which electrolyte leakage and Photosystem II function (FV/FM) from leaves were half-maximum was approximately −13·5°C for leaves of seedlings from all three elevations. Shifting day/night air temperatures from 25°C/15°C to 15°C/5°C initiated about 1·5° of acclimation by plants from all three altitudes, with seedlings from the highest elevation exhibiting the greatest acclimation change. Measurements of ambient air and canopy temperatures at the three elevations indicated that wintertime average low temperatures were consistent with the measured degree of freezing tolerance. At small spatial scales used in this study, pollen and seed dispersal between study sites may have precluded resolution of ecotypic differences. Patterns of freezing tolerance and cold acclimation may depend on a combination of mesoclimate and microclimate temperatures, canopy cover, snow depth, and snow melt patterns.
Clozapine-Associated Pancreatitis

Mr. G. is an adopted 34-year-old male with a history of schizoaffective disorder, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, obesity, and hypertension. He has no known history of alcohol or substance abuse. He has required inpatient psychiatric hospitalization for most of his adult life, having failed all antipsychotic medication trials until clozapine treatment was initiated 3 years ago. His symptoms have included impulsivity, violent and aggressive behaviors, auditory hallucinations, irritability, and paranoia. On clozapine, Mr. G.’s condition stabilized, and for the first time he was capable of transitioning to a group home setting. According to his adoptive parents and his caregivers, his major side effects from clozapine were hyperphagia and severe weight gain. Mr. G. arrived at a local community hospital in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis, with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and elevated amylase (492 U/L) and lipase (1052 IU/L) levels, diagnostic of acute pancreatitis. Abdominal computerized tomographic scans revealed phlegmon in the pancreatic body and tail, providing further evidence of acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Lipid levels were also noted to be markedly elevated (cholesterol, 575 mg/dL; triglycerides, 5740 mg/dL). Mr. G. was febrile, with both hemodynamic and metabolic instability, and required intubation for respiratory distress resulting from a metabolic acidosis. He subsequently developed adult respiratory distress syndrome and multisystem organ failure and after 2 weeks was transferred to our facility for further management. Following Mr. G.’s arrival, extensive phlegmon was percutaneously drained from his pancreas, and empirical antibiotic coverage was continued. Three pancreatic aspirations were performed during the course of Mr. G.’s hospitalization, and all pancreatic fluid cultures were found to be negative. When Mr. G. was initially admitted to the community
Animal pleasure and its moral significance

This paper presents arguments for, and evidence in support of, the important role of pleasure in animals’ lives, and outlines its considerable significance to humankind’s relationship to other animals. In the realms of animal sentience, almost all scholarly discussion revolves around its negative aspects: pain, stress, distress, and suffering. By contrast, the positive aspects of sentience – rewards and pleasures – have been rarely broached by scientists. Yet, evolutionary principles predict that animals, like humans, are motivated to seek rewards, and not merely to avoid pain and suffering. Natural selection favours behaviours that enhance survival and procreation. In the conscious, sentient animal, the drives to secure food, shelter, social contact, and mates are motivated by desire (appetitive behaviour) and reinforced by pleasure (consummative behaviour). This is reflected in animals’ behaviour in the realms of play, food, sex, and touch. Despite the heuristic value of interpreting animal behaviour through the proximate (experiential) lens, scholarly study of animals remains entrenched almost exclusively in the ultimate (evolutionary) sphere. Not just science but also ethics suffer for this, for when we see animals as only the products of a competitive struggle for survival, we risk overlooking the positive qualities of their lives. Pleasure has moral import for such practices as factory farming and laboratory research, for it amplifies the moral burden of depriving animals the opportunity to lead fulfilling, enjoyable lives.
Identification and Distribution of Morphologically Conserved Smoothhound Sharks in the Northern Gulf of Mexico

AbstractIdentification of sharks within the genus Mustelus (smoothhound sharks) is problematic because of extensive overlap in external morphology among species. Consequently, species-specific management of smoothhound shark resources is difficult when multiple species inhabit the same geographic region. The species identification and distribution of smoothhound sharks in the northern Gulf of Mexico (the Gulf) were assessed using sequences of mitochondrial DNA, nuclear-encoded microsatellites, and catch data. Phylogenetic analysis of 1,047 base pairs of mitochondrially encoded ND-2 sequences and Bayesian clustering of multilocus genotypes at 15 microsatellites revealed three genetically distinct monophyletic lineages (clades) of smoothhound sharks in the Gulf. Examination of external morphology revealed characters that distinguished each genetically distinct clade, and based on species descriptions and comparisons with the type and other specimens in established collections, the lineages were identified a...
The ISW1 and CHD1 ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers compete to set nucleosome spacing in vivo

Adenosine triphosphate-dependent chromatin remodeling machines play a central role in gene regulation by manipulating chromatin structure. Most genes have a nucleosome-depleted region at the promoter and an array of regularly spaced nucleosomes phased relative to the transcription start site. In vitro, the three known yeast nucleosome spacing enzymes (CHD1, ISW1 and ISW2) form arrays with different spacing. We used genome-wide nucleosome sequencing to determine whether these enzymes space nucleosomes differently in vivo We find that CHD1 and ISW1 compete to set the spacing on most genes, such that CHD1 dominates genes with shorter spacing and ISW1 dominates genes with longer spacing. In contrast, ISW2 plays a minor role, limited to transcriptionally inactive genes. Heavily transcribed genes show weak phasing and extreme spacing, either very short or very long, and are depleted of linker histone (H1). Genes with longer spacing are enriched in H1, which directs chromatin folding. We propose that CHD1 directs short spacing, resulting in eviction of H1 and chromatin unfolding, whereas ISW1 directs longer spacing, allowing H1 to bind and condense the chromatin. Thus, competition between the two remodelers to set the spacing on each gene may result in a highly dynamic chromatin structure.
Lipoprotein-associated coagulation inhibitor (LACI) is a cofactor for heparin: synergistic anticoagulant action between LACI and sulfated polysaccharides.

Lipoprotein-associated coagulation inhibitor (LACI) is a plasma-derived protein that inhibits tissue factor (TF)/factor VIIa-induced coagulation in a factor Xa-dependent manner. The roles of endogenous plasma LACI and exogenously added LACI and heparin, in the regulation of coagulation, initiated via the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, were studied using the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and the modified prothrombin time (PT) assays, respectively. Both LACI- depleted plasma and normal plasma have identical APTTs and similar prolongations of the APTT in response to heparin; both are fully anticoagulated (arbitrarily defined as clotting times of greater than 1 hour) at similar concentrations of heparin. These results indicate that heparin is an effective anticoagulant when coagulation is initiated by the intrinsic pathway and that endogenous LACI is not significantly involved in the regulation of this pathway. The PT of normal plasma is only marginally longer than that of LACI-depleted plasma in the absence of heparin, suggesting that endogenous plasma LACI has a very limited capacity to inhibit TF-induced clotting. However, in the presence of heparin, the PTs of LACI-depleted plasma and normal plasma are different. Prolongation of the PT occurred only moderately and linearly with increasing concentrations of heparin in LACI-depleted plasma. In contrast, normal plasma showed a greater extent of PT prolongation in response to heparin and the plasma became fully anticoagulated at a certain threshold concentration of heparin. These results suggest that LACI serves as a cofactor for heparin and thus greatly enhances the inhibition of TF-induced coagulation. LACI-depleted plasma was supplemented with purified recombinant LACI and/or heparin and the effects on TF-induced clotting were studied. A combination of LACI and heparin greatly enhanced anticoagulation compared with LACI or heparin alone. Many sulfated polysaccharides were also found to enhance the LACI-dependent inhibition of TF-induced clotting. By weight, the relative potencies of these compounds are: low molecular weight heparin (mean Mr, 5,100) greater than unfractionated heparin greater than low molecular weight heparin (mean Mr, 3,700) greater than pentosan polysulfate greater than dermatan sulfate greater than dextran sulfate greater than heparan sulfate. Based on the above results, it is concluded that LACI is a cofactor for heparin in the inhibition of TF- induced clotting and that LACI and sulfated polysaccharides act synergistically in whole plasma.
Carbon Offsets in California: Science in the Policy Development Process

Natural and social scientists are increasingly stepping out of purely academic roles to actively inform science-based climate change policies. This chapter examines a practical example of science and policy interaction. We focus on the implementation of California’s global warming law, based on our participation in the public process surrounding the development of two new carbon offset protocols. Most of our work on the protocols focused on strategies for ensuring that the environmental quality of the program remains robust in the face of significant scientific and behavioral uncertainty about protocol outcomes. In addition to responding to technical issues raised by government staff, our contributions—along with those from other outside scientists—helped expand the protocol development discussion to include important scientific issues that would not have otherwise been part of the process. We close by highlighting the need for more scientists to proactively engage the climate policy development process.
99 Tc Process Monitoring System In-Lab Performance Characterization

Executive Summary A 99Tc Process Monitoring (Tc-Mon) System has been designed and built for deployment at the recently constructed 200 West Pump & Treat (200W PT therefore, once they have reached their maximum useful capacity, the columns must be disposed of as radioactive waste. The Tc-Mon system’s primary duty will be to periodically sample and analyze the effluents from each of the two primary extraction columns to determine 99Tc breakthrough. The Tc-Mon system willmore » enable the CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Company (CHPRC) to measure primary extraction column breakthrough on demand. In this manner, CHPRC will be able to utilize each extraction column to its maximum capacity. This will significantly reduce column disposal and replacement costs over the life of the plant. The Tc-Mon system was constructed by Burge Environmental, Inc. and was delivered to PNNL in June 2013 for setup and initial hardware and software performance testing in the 325 Building. By early July, PNNL had initiated an in-laboratory performance characterization study on the system. The objective was to fully calibrate the system and then evaluate the quality of the analytical outputs 1) against a series of clean groundwater samples prepared as 99Tc standards, and 2) on actual 200W P&T Plant grab samples containing 99Tc (and other radioactive and non-radioactive contaminants) at levels reported by the Waste Sampling and Characterization Facility. These grab samples included pre-treated (Pre-Resin) and post-treated (Post-Resin) 200W P&T Plant waters for May through August 2013. This report contains the following information: • The genesis of the 99Tc sensor and the Tc-Mon analytical system. • A description of the Tc-Mon system’s major hardware and software components. • A description of the operational principles behind the 99Tc sensor. • Results from the calibration of three components within the Tc-Mon system. The three systems requiring calibration are: 1. Sampling Chamber 2. Conductivity Sensor 3. 99Tc Sensor • Presentation of analytical results obtained on the fully calibrated Tc-Mon system. This includes a determination of the precision and accuracy of each system defined above. • Estimation of the 99Tc sensor’s minimum detectable activity and limit of quantification. • A brief discussion of potential chemical and radiological influences on the 99Tc sensor based on known contaminants in 200W P&T Plant water. • Observations regarding 99Tc sensor longevity.« less
Freezing Methods Influence on Fat and Moisture Composition of Precooked Thighs

Abstract EACH new method that is introduced to process poultry items creates new problems that must be solved before the technique achieves general acceptance. Most of the poultry that is currently processed is blast frozen, but new methods are being introduced. Marion and Stadelman (1958) studied several methods of freezing poultry meat with temperatures ranging from −12°C. to −26°C, and freezing times ranging from one-half to ten hours. The rate of freezing did not have a significant influence on the tenderness of the breast muscle. Miller and May (1965) also reported that rate of freezing did not have any influence on tenderness. Studies concerning freezing methods of turkeys (Barrie et al., 1964; Pickett and Miller, 1967) revealed no difference between blast and liquid freezing methods on the tenderness of turkeys. However, Li et al. (1969) noted lower shear values for thigh muscles frozen by liquid nitrogen process for five minutes to…
Transitioning Thermal and Anelastic Balance Calibration Technology to Practice

AEDC has developed methodologies for calibrating balances for thermal and anelastic/creep effects. Initial development of these methods has shown that an increase in the accuracy of the aerodynamic forces and moments derived from use of a strain gauge balance appears possible. Addressed herein are thermal effects due to uniform balance temperature, thermal stress from rate of change of temperature, change in output due to change in gauge moisture, and anelastic/creep effects with two modes of relaxation. An integrated approach to include all of the stated effects in the interpretation of balance calibration results is demonstrated. Results are shown herein for balance calibration loading at laboratory temperature and a combined load application at nominal temperatures of 75 and 110 deg. F., with and without anelastic/creep considerations. Math models are given for humidity, temperature, and anelastic effects. Residual error is reduced to less than 0.5 micro-volts, RMS.
Position Graphs for Pong Hau K'i and Mu Torere

For the past several years at Beloit College, we have taught a course in Ethnomathematics, using Marcia Ascher's [2] as the primary text. The course has been extremely popular with students, who enjoy the exposure to mathematical ideas in other cultures, and broadening for both students and faculty. For our students, one of the hardest sections of [2] is Ascher's graph theoretic analysis of the Maori game Mu Torere, which first appeared in this MAGAZINE [1]. I will present a simpler graph for Mu Torere, which makes strategy for playing the game transparent. I will begin by illustrating the graph theoretic technique on a very simple, but still interesting game-the Chinese children's game Pong Hau K'i.
Single-Molecule Chemo-Mechanical Spectroscopy Provides Structural Identity of Folding Intermediates

Single-molecule force spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful tool for studying the folding of biological macromolecules. Mechanical manipulation has revealed a wealth of mechanistic information on transient and intermediate states. To date, the majority of state assignment of intermediates has relied on empirical demarcation. However, performing such experiments in the presence of different osmolytes provides an alternative approach that reports on the structural properties of intermediates. Here, we analyze the folding and unfolding of T4 lysozyme with optical tweezers under a chemo-mechanical perturbation by adding osmolytes. We find that two unrelated protective osmolytes, sorbitol and trimethylamine-n-oxide, function by marginally decelerating unfolding rates and specifically modulating early events in the folding process, stabilizing formation of an on-pathway intermediate. The chemo-mechanical perturbation provides access to two independent metrics of the relevant states during folding trajectories, the contour length, and the solvent-accessible surface area. We demonstrate that the dependence of the population of the intermediate in different osmolytes, in conjunction with its measured contour length, provides the ability to discriminate between potential structural models of intermediate states. Our study represents a general strategy that may be employed in the structural modeling of equilibrium intermediate states observed in single-molecule experiments.
Dual Citizenship Allowance and Migration Flow: An Origin Story

What effect does variation in dual citizenship policies of both sending and receiving societies have on bilateral migration flow? Employing a modified gravity model, we use a new dual citizenship d...
Performance Simulation of Retraction/Extension Mechanism of a Certain Aircraft

To test the performance of the retraction/extension mechanism of a landing gear of a certain aircraft,the mathematic model of the retraction/extension mechanism is presented,and its performance simulation is based on the 3D model of the landing gear and the 1D model of the deploying-and-retracting cylinder and the fall-accelerating cylinder.The result shows that this retraction/extension mechanism with theoretical values can fulfill its deploying-and-retracting task during a limited time and that the collision among components of the landing gear is inexistent.Besides,with the help of the co-simulation model,the influence of the structural parameters of the deploying-and-retracting cylinder and fall-accelerating cylinder on the retraction/extension performance is studied,and it is suggested that the cross-section areas of the piston chamber of the deploying-and-retracting cylinder and the piston-rod chamber of the fall-accelerating cylinder are prior selection during the retraction/extension mechanism optimization progress can be as reference of the optimization design.
Self‐control as generalized operant behavior by adults with autism spectrum disorder

The present investigation attempted to teach self-control to 3 adults who had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Using a self-control training procedure that coupled a gradual fading of delay to access a large delayed reinforcer with a concurrent work requirement, each participant was exposed to conditions in which baseline levels of choices for large delayed reinforcers and task engagement increased 10-fold. Furthermore, generalization effects were partially demonstrated in a novel context.
Bowel Ischemia and Portal Venous Gas: What to Do?

Abstract The etiology of pneumatosis and portal venous gas in ischemic colitis is debated, but one theorized cause is transmural ischemia and subsequent bacterial translocation. Traditionally though as a surgical emergency, today not all patients with pneumatosis and portal venous gas need an operation. We have reviewed recent published algorithms and applied them to our practice.
A Case Study of Exploring Older Chinese Immigrants’ Social Support within a Chinese Church Community in the United States

The number of older Chinese immigrants living in the United States is increasing steadily. They are faced with challenges to meet their needs for social support and are unlikely to turn to formal services. This case study utilizes an ecological framework to analyze social support among Chinese immigrants age 65 year and older within a Christian Chinese church community, and to explore the ways in which a Chinese church functions as the source of social support for older Chinese immigrants. Seven months of participant observation and ten face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted with 65+ Chinese adults who attended one Chinese church in the Southern United State and included questions concerning patterns of support and personal relationships within the church. Findings revealed that gender, living arrangements, working experiences, ability to drive, and English language skills were related to support the older Chinese immigrants sought, received, and provided. Although the Chinese church can be a viable source of supplementary support, some participants in this study felt the support they received from the church was insufficient, particularly in terms of emotional support. Therefore, suggestions are outlined that may assist Chinese churches to be more proactive in better understanding and providing services that meet the different needs and desires of older Chinese immigrants.
Inter-organ regulation of adipose tissue browning

Adaptive thermogenesis is an important component of energy expenditure. Brown adipocytes are best known for their ability to convert chemical energy into heat. Beige cells are brown-like adipocytes that arise in white adipose tissue in response to certain environmental cues to dissipate heat and improve metabolic homeostasis. A large body of intrinsic factors and external signals are critical for the function of beige adipocytes. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of neuronal, hormonal, and metabolic regulation of the development and activation of beige adipocytes, with a focus on the regulation of beige adipocytes by other organs, tissues, and cells. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of inter-organ regulation of adipose tissue browning may provide an avenue for combating obesity and associated diseases.
A hardware design for in-brain neural spike sorting

Neural spike sorting is used to classify neural spike signals based on neuron type and so is an essential step in decoding brain signals. Because of its computational complexity, spike sorting is generally carried out offline or, at least, using a transmitted signal. In contrast, in-brain spike sorting would reduce the data that needs to be transmitted by orders of magnitude with a corresponding reduction in transmission power. This would enable real-time wireless neural recordings. In this paper, we design and characterize a hardware prototype for in-brain spike sorting. Our design is able to reduce the wireless transmission power by a factor of over 200 over direct transmission. Also, compared with the current state-of-the-art, our design increases the sorting accuracy from 75% to 93% while remaining within hard constraints for power, power density, and real-time processing.
Extreme winds and precipitation during landfall of atmospheric rivers

Atmospheric rivers—long, narrow filaments of large integrated water vapour transport—are associated with weather and water extremes, such as precipitation extremes and flooding in western North America and northern Europe. Here we apply a global detection algorithm for atmospheric rivers to reanalysis data during 1997–2014 to investigate the impact of atmospheric rivers on wind extremes as well as precipitation extremes. We find that atmospheric rivers are associated with up to half of the extreme events in the top 2% of the precipitation and wind distribution, across most mid-latitude regions globally. Landfalling atmospheric rivers are associated with about 40–75% of extreme wind and precipitation events over 40% of the world’s coastlines. Atmospheric rivers are associated with a doubling or more of the typical wind speed compared to all storm conditions, and a 50–100% increase in the wind and precipitation values for extreme events. We also find that the majority of extreme wind events catalogued between 1997 and 2013 over Europe with billion US dollar losses were associated with atmospheric rivers. We conclude that landfalling atmospheric rivers can represent a significant hazard around the globe, because of their association with not only extreme precipitation, but also extreme winds. Atmospheric rivers have been associated with extreme rainfall events. A global detection algorithm, applied to reanalysis data, suggests that they contribute substantially to extremes in wind as well as precipitation along coasts globally.
Youthful Processing Speed in Older Adults: Genetic, Biological, and Behavioral Predictors of Cognitive Processing Speed Trajectories in Aging.

Objective: To examine the impact of genetic, inflammatory, cardiovascular, lifestyle, and neuroanatomical factors on cognitive processing speed (CPS) change over time in functionally intact older adults. Methods: This was an observational study conducted over two time points, included 120 community dwelling cognitively normal older adults between the ages of 60 and 80 from the University of California San Francisco Memory and Aging Center. Participants were followed with composite measures of CPS, calculated based on norms for 20-30 year-olds. Variables of interest were AD risk genes (APOE, CR1), markers of inflammation (interleukin 6) and cardiovascular health (BMI, LDL, HDL, mean arterial pressure, fasting insulin), self-reported physical activity, and corpus callosum (CC) volumes. The sample was divided into three groups: 17 "resilient-agers" with fast and stable processing speed; 56 "average-agers" with average and stable processing speed; and 47 "sub-agers" with average baseline speed who were slower at follow-up. Results: Resilient-agers had larger baseline CC volumes than sub-agers (p < .05). Resilient-agers displayed lower levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and insulin (ps < .05) than sub-agers, and reported more physical activity than both average- and sub-agers (ps < .01). In a multinomial logistic regression, physical activity and IL-6 predicted average- and sub-ager groups. Resilient-agers displayed a higher frequency of APOE e4 and CR1 AA/AG alleles. Conclusions: Robust and stable CPS is associated with larger baseline CC volumes, lower levels of inflammation and insulin, and greater self-reported physical activity. These findings highlight the relevance of neuroanatomical, biological, and lifestyle factors in the identification and prediction of heterogeneous cognitive aging change over time.
The social costs of uranium mining in the US Colorado Plateau cohort, 1960–2005

Long-term social costs associated with underground uranium mining are largely unknown. This study estimated health costs of Native American and white (Hispanic and non-Hispanic origin) uranium miners in the US Public Health Service Colorado Plateau cohort study. Elevated uranium miner person-years of life lost (PYLL) were calculated from the most recent study of the Colorado Plateau cohort over 1960–2005. Nine causes of death categories were included. Costs to society of miner PYLL were monetized using the value of a statistical life-year approach. Costs over 1960–2005 totaled $2 billion USD [95% CI: $1.8, $2.2], or $2.9 million per elevated miner death. This corresponds to $43.1 million [95%: $38.7, $48.7] in annual costs. Lung cancer was the most costly cause of death at $1.4 billion [95%: $1.3, $1.5]. Absolute health costs were largest for white miners, but Native Americans had larger costs per elevated death. Annual excess mortality over 1960–2005 averaged 366.4 per 100,000 miners; 404.6 (white) and 201.5 per 100,000 (Native American). This research advances our understanding of uranium extraction legacy impacts, particularly among indigenous populations.
Optimizing LSTM RNNs using ACO to predict turbine engine vibration

This work presents the use of an ant colony optimization (ACO) based neuro-evolution algorithm to optimize the structure of a long short-term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network (RNN) for the prediction of aircraft turbine engine vibrations. It expands upon previous work using three different LSTM architectures, with the new evolved LSTM cells showing an improvement of 1.35%, reducing prediction error from 5.51% to 4.17% when predicting excessive engine vibrations 10 seconds in the future. These results were gained using MPI on a high performance computing cluster, evolving 1000 different LSTM cell structures using 168 cores over 4 days.
The Effect of Content Providers' Ability to Charge End-Users on the Network Neutrality Debate

There is an ongoing global debate on network neutrality, a principle that prohibits Internet Service Providers (ISPs) such as Comcast from charging content providers like Netflix for preferential delivery of their content to end-users. In this paper, we shed new light on the debate by developing and analyzing a two-sided model of the Internet that not only allows the ISP to charge both end-users and content providers, but, in contrast to previous work, also incorporates the ability of content providers to charge end-users directly. We show that in this scenario, which is more realistic in today’s world, all players are equally well off with or without network neutrality. This is in stark contrast to the findings obtained in a scenario where we limit content providers to rely on advertising alone for revenue; in such a context, content providers are worse off but the ISP and end-users are better off without network neutrality. We show that our results continue to hold when the content providers command different advertising rates, suggesting that removing network neutrality does not favor stronger content providers over weaker ones. We also study a scenario where only one content provider can charge end-users directly while the other relies only on advertising revenue. In this scenario, while the players are no longer indifferent between the two regimes, content providers can be better off and total surplus can reduce without network neutrality, which is in contrast to the findings obtained when both content providers are constrained to rely only on advertising for revenue.
Biological Control in Tomato Production Systems: Theory and Practice

Abstract Tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae), is a vegetable commodity which originated in the South American Andes, and is consumed worldwide today. Tomato is attacked by a number of pests causing damage not only to the fruit and stem but also to the root system of the plant. Because of these pests, insecticides are used, overusage of which leads to the development of resistance in pests, and human and environmental health hazards. Fortunately, biological control of tomato pests is a feasible alternative to using chemical insecticides. Biological control tactics including importation, augmentation, and conservation biocontrol are employed worldwide. Biocontrol agents involved in these studies include bacteria, entomopathogenic fungi, yeast, predatory insects, parasitoids, and entomopathogenic nematodes. The results of greenhouse, laboratory, and field-based studies indicate that the potential of biocontrol agents can be increased by understanding the pest–natural enemy interactions. The various biocontrol agents, their potentials, and limitations, as well as suggested management tactics to support biological control in tomato are presented in this chapter.
Influence of Bleeding Pattern on Ischemic Lesions After Spontaneous Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage with Intraventricular Hemorrhage

Concomitant acute ischemic lesions are detected in up to a quarter of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Influence of bleeding pattern and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) on risk of ischemic lesions has not been investigated. Retrospective study of all 500 patients enrolled in the CLEAR III randomized controlled trial of thrombolytic removal of obstructive IVH using external ventricular drainage. The primary outcome measure was radiologically confirmed ischemic lesions, as reported by the Safety Event Committee and confirmed by two neurologists. We assessed predictors of ischemic lesions including analysis of bleeding patterns (ICH, IVH and subarachnoid hemorrhage) on computed tomography scans (CT). Secondary outcomes were blinded assessment of mortality and modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 30 and 180 days. Ischemic lesions occurred in 23 (4.6%) during first 30 days after ICH. Independent risk factors associated with ischemic lesions in logistic regression models adjusted for confounders were higher IVH volume (p = 0.004) and persistent subarachnoid hemorrhage on CT scan (p = 0.03). Patients with initial IVH volume ≥ 15 ml had five times the odds of concomitant ischemic lesions compared to IVH volume < 15 ml. Patients with ischemic lesions had significantly higher odds of death at 1 and 6 months (but not poor outcome; mRS 4–6) compared to patients without concurrent ischemic lesions. Occurrence of ischemic lesions in the acute phase of IVH is not uncommon and is significantly associated with increased early and late mortality. Extra-parenchymal blood (larger IVH and visible subarachnoid hemorrhage) is a strong predictor for development of concomitant ischemic lesions after ICH.