cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dominant tree species of the Colorado Rockies have divergent physiological and morphological responses to warming

Abstract Increasing temperatures worldwide, as a primary manifestation of climate change, may cause substantial alterations in forests, presenting a major challenge to predicting responses in forest composition and function. Yet, recent empirical research on climate and forests has found patterns at odds with theoretical and modeling expectations. Indeed, the need for an improved mechanistic understanding of climate’s effects on forests is clear but controlled field studies that address this issue are lacking. Montane and subalpine systems may be particularly sensitive to changes in temperature yet quantifying temperature effects in real-world conditions can be challenging. We used three common gardens arrayed over a 1200 m elevation and 6 °C mean annual temperature gradient in the Front Range of Colorado to evaluate the temperature responses of seedlings of three widespread and dominant tree species in Colorado: lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and aspen (Populus tremuloides). Seedlings for the gardens were sourced from populations naturally occurring at the intermediate elevation on this gradient and were planted into identical soils in all three gardens. We focused on in situ photosynthetic performance of seedlings, plasticity in spring phenology, and adjustments in leaf morphology. We found no evidence for clear temperature sensitivities in photosynthetic rates of the two coniferous species, neither across a 6 °C range in growing season temperatures between sites nor across manipulated leaf temperatures of 15–30 °C within sites. Likewise, lodgepole pine exhibited uniform leaf size across the temperature gradient; however, ponderosa pine leaf size did increase significantly at the warmest site. In contrast, aspen displayed pronounced temperature sensitivity in photosynthesis and leaf morphology, with maximum observed values at intermediate temperatures which both declined at the colder or warmer temperatures. Relative to the conifers, aspen also showed reduced phenological responses to warming with ∼12% fewer growing days at the intermediate site, and 6% at the warmest site. These divergent responses suggest that warming temperatures can alter seedling success in a number of different ways, and taken together, are likely to alter forest composition of Colorado in favor of greater dominance by montane conifer species.
Africa and Foreign Direct Investment

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in sub-Saharan Africa has grown markedly in the last two decades. Despite this growth, Africa still represents only a fraction of the world’s FDI flows, and a considerable portion of Africa’s inward FDI has been in the extractive sectors. These dual problems both highlight the limits to Africa’s competitiveness and portend the continued dependence of African economies on primary commodities; declining global commodity prices, especially, raise fears of a return to Africa’s 1970s economic malaise. Yet comparing the contemporary African experience to that of the previous generation is misleading. This chapter examines these and other trends in FDI in Africa, including the type, source, and destination, and seeks to explain the evolving patterns of investment. It also assesses the degree to which FDI has stimulated domestic investment responses, which are essential to the diversification and development of African economies.
Enteral/Parenteral Nutrition in Foals and Adult Horses Practical Guidelines for the Practitioner

Nutritional support is an important adjunct to medical therapy in the sick, injured, or debilitated equine patient. What is not clear is the optimal route, composition, or amounts of support. The enteral route should be chosen whenever possible to maximize the benefits to the gastrointestinal tract and the patient as a whole. Complete or partial parenteral nutrition is most useful as a bridge during recovery and transition to enteral feeding in the horse. The reader is encouraged to consider nutritional support whether enteral or parenteral in any anorexic, chronically debilitated, or sick equine patient.
Antiangiogene Therapie von Pankreaskarzinomen im Mausmodell

Einleitung: Das Tumorwachstum unterliegt einer Balance zwischen positiven und negativen Regulatoren der Angiogenese. Antiangiogene Faktoren inhibieren potent die Endo-thelzellproliferationin vitro und das TumorWachstumin vivo. Daher konnte die antiangiogene Therapie ein neues Konzept zur Behandlung von Pankreaskarzinomen liefern.
Elaboration of Dendrites and Synaptic Connections

The dictum that “Nature geometrizeth, and observeth order in all Things” (Sir Thomas Browne, Religio Medici, 1643) cannot be applied more aptly than to the developing nervous system, and it is in the geometry of their dendrites that neurons express their most characteristic features. Yet it is a mere century since those features could first be discerned with the aid of the Golgi technique. Rapid progress could be made only after 1873, when Golgi introduced his techniques for impregnating neurons with metallic salts. Before then, it is true that Deiters, in 1865, had first illustrated the dendrites, which he called protoplasmic processes, in spinal motoneurons, but he could not see the detailed geometry of the dendritic tree. Before the application of the Golgi technique, even the Purkinje cell dendritic tree remained hidden. In 1837, Purkinje illustrated only the perikaryon and proximal part of the dendrites of the cerebellar cells that bear his name, and he did not draw attention to their dendrites. In Koelliker’s great three-volume Mikroskopische Anatomie (1850–1852), the dendrites are not identified as such. In fact, it was not until 1890 that Wilhelm His introduced the term dendrite.
Factors Affecting Student Performance and Satisfaction: Online versus Traditional Course Delivery

Interest in online course delivery has increased in recent years, and a body of research has emerged regarding this trend. Many of the studies compare student performance online versus in a traditi...
Classical solutions for the 3D quasi-geostrophic system on a bounded domain

Abstract We revisit a model for three-dimensional, inviscid quasi-geostrophic flow on bounded, cylindrical domains introduced by the authors in Novack and Vasseur (2019). We prove the local-in-time existence of classical solutions.
Effect of chlortetracycline on the distribution of resistance genes

The objective of this study was to compare the distribution of tetracycline resistance genes in the Gram-negative fecal flora between swine that were fed subtherapeutic chlortetracy- cline as compared to pigs that did not receive in feed antimicrobials. Within each of 2 farms, 8 fin- isher barns were temporarily matched in pairs based on pig placement dates. For each matched pair, a barn was assigned to either treatment (50g chlortetracycline/ton of feed) or control. From 48 pigs per barn, 2 Gram negative colonies from the fecal flora were selected per pig for tetracy- cline resistance gene detection. The isolates were assayed for tet (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), and (G). A total of 88.7% of isolates (805/908) harboured at least one of the genes assayed. Overall, 35.3%, 59.9%, 0.9% of isolates were identified to harbour tet (A), (B), and (C), respectively. There were no differences detected in tetracycline resistance genes distribution between treatments. Results Overall, 908 isolates were assayed. A total of 88.7% of isolates (805/908) harboured at least one of the tetracycline resistance genes assayed. Overall, 35.3%, 59.9%, 0.9% of isolates were identified to harbour tet (A), (B), and (C), respectively. Both tet (A) and tet (B) were identified in 7.5% of isolates. For those swine that received chlortetracycline, 37.5%, 60.6%, 1.7% were identified to harbour tet (A), (B), and (C), respectively. For those swine that received no antibiotics 33.1%, 59.2%, 0.2% were identified to harbour tet (A), (B), and (C) respectively. There was no significant effect of treatment on the distribution of tetracycline resistance determinants (p>0.10). Discussion These results suggest that subtherapeutic chlortetracycline, at least under short-term exposure, does not alter the distribution of tetracycline resistance genes in the fecal flora of swine. The predominant identification of tet (A), (B), and (C) in the Gram-negative fecal flora of swine is in agreement with previous reports. Although our results cannot discredit the potential
Transistor‐Based Work‐Function Measurement of Metal–Organic Frameworks for Ultra‐Low‐Power, Rationally Designed Chemical Sensors

A classic challenge in chemical sensing is selectivity. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are an exciting class of materials because they can be tuned for selective chemical adsorption. Adsorption events trigger work-function shifts, which can be detected with a chemical-sensitive field-effect transistor (power ≈microwatts). In this work, several case studies were used towards generalizing the sensing mechanism, ultimately towards our metal-centric hypothesis. HKUST-1 was used as a proof-of-principle humidity sensor. The response is thickness independent, meaning the response is surface localized. ZIF-8 is demonstrated to be an NO2 -sensing material, and the response is dominated by adsorption at metal sites. Finally, MFM-300(In) shows how standard hard-soft acid-base theory can be used to qualitatively predict sensor responses. This paper sets the groundwork for using the tunability of metal-organic frameworks for chemical sensing with distributed, scalable devices.
Hepatitis C Treatment Differences in Elderly Patients: Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Background: Clinical studies evaluating direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment show sustained virological response at 12 weeks (SVR12) rates >90%. However, there are few elderly patients included in these studies; thus, generalizability of high success rates to patients >70 years old cannot be assumed. Objective: To identify treatment differences between elderly and nonelderly patients. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients who were treated with DAAs between June 2014 and September 2016 at our institution. Patients were divided into 2 groups: elderly, age ≥70 years at the time of initiation of DAAs, and nonelderly, 70 years to be the strongest predictor of treatment failure (odds ratio = 3.4), along with diagnosis of cirrhosis (odds ratio = 2.4), when corrected for gender, race, prior treatment experience, genotype, and presence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusion and Relevance: Lower SVR12 was seen in elderly cirrhotic patients (69.4%), who are at higher risk of complications related to advanced liver disease and untreated HCV infection, highlighting the need to treat patients before cirrhosis develops.
Developing a Model to Predict Hospital Encounters for Asthma in Asthmatic Patients: Secondary Analysis.

Background: As a major chronic disease, asthma causes many emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations each year. Predictive modeling is a key technology to prospectively identify high-risk asthmatic patients and enroll them in care management for preventive care to reduce future hospital encounters, including inpatient stays and ED visits. However, existing models for predicting hospital encounters in asthmatic patients are inaccurate. Usually, they miss over half of the patients who will incur future hospital encounters and incorrectly classify many others who will not. This makes it difficult to match the limited resources of care management to the patients who will incur future hospital encounters, increasing health care costs and degrading patient outcomes. Objective: The goal of this study was to develop a more accurate model for predicting hospital encounters in asthmatic patients. Methods: Secondary analysis of 334,564 data instances from Intermountain Healthcare from 2005 to 2018 was conducted to build a machine learning classification model to predict the hospital encounters for asthma in the following year in asthmatic patients. The patient cohort included all asthmatic patients who resided in Utah or Idaho and visited Intermountain Healthcare facilities during 2005 to 2018. A total of 235 candidate features were considered for model building. Results: The model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.859 (95% CI 0.846-0.871). When the cutoff threshold for conducting binary classification was set at the top 10.00% (1926/19,256) of asthmatic patients with the highest predicted risk, the model reached an accuracy of 90.31% (17,391/19,256; 95% CI 89.86-90.70), a sensitivity of 53.7% (436/812; 95% CI 50.12-57.18), and a specificity of 91.93% (16,955/18,444; 95% CI 91.54-92.31). To steer future research on this topic, we pinpointed several potential improvements to our model. Conclusions: Our model improves the state of the art for predicting hospital encounters for asthma in asthmatic patients. After further refinement, the model could be integrated into a decision support tool to guide asthma care management allocation.
Making the Random the Usual: Appreciative Inquiry/Boot Camp Translation-Developing Community-Oriented Evidence That Matters.

Background: The evidence underlying clinical guidelines arising from typical scientific inquiry may not always match the needs and concerns of local communities. Our High Plains Research Network Co...
Idiopathic pneumoperitoneum without gastrointestinal perforation in a low-birth weight infant: A rare type of air leak syndrome

Neonatal free air on X-ray images is generally due to intestinal perforation, and requires surgical intervention. However, some cases without intestinal perforation show free air on X-ray images. Pneumoperitoneum without perforation is caused by an air leak syndrome. We present here the case of a low-birth-weight infant with free air on X-ray images, who had no evidence of intestinal perforation intraoperatively.
CHAPTER 3 – Gorn Trees

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses Saul Gorn's concept of a tree and its relationship to three computer problems: searching, subroutines, and theorem proving. The importance of Gorn's conception of a tree lies in the clarity with which it exposes the tree structure, the underlying addressing scheme, and the contents of the tree vertices. Edge labeling of a tree is important for decision trees. In this application, the content of each vertex is a question. By labeling the edges of the decision tree, the possible answers to each question and their relationship to a chosen path through the tree is identified. This type of labeling is common in flowcharts, where the various exits from each decision point are labeled with the decision response, which causes the program to follow that edge. Moreover, at times it is also necessary to establish a direction within a tree, or an order among the branches of a tree.
EVALUATION OF VARIETAL RESISTANCE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERS OF FALSE AND KERNEL SMUT DISEASES OF RICE IN EGYPT

Rice false and kernel smuts are worldwide diseases present almost in rice ecosystems. Smut diseases are new production constrains. In Egypt, these smuts were considered a minor disease. False smut infects some grains of the panicle causing a yield loss. In addition, it produces ustiloxin which is a poisonous toxin to humans and other animals. Kernel smut also reduces the yield and quality of grains. The present study aimed to determine the resistance of number of rice genotypes against both false and kernel smut. Also study the physiological characters of the isolated fungi. Twenty three Egyptian rice genotypes were used in this investigation under field conditions in Sakha experimental farm during the 2009 and 2010 rice growing seasons. In case of false smut, all tested varieties were susceptible with different level of susceptibility as Giza 171, Giza 172, Giza 177 and Giza 178 were highly susceptible although Giza 171 and Giza 172 as late mature and Giza 177 is an early maturing variety. Data presented here show a wide range of variability in the response of different rice types against false smut infection. The resistance level of Japonica type against the disease was ranged from 20.37 to 92.90 %. While, the resistance level of Indica rice was ranged from 68.15 to 83.21 %. Also hybrid rice showed similar Indica rices behavior whereas their resistance level ranged from 66.82 to 81.88 %. In case of Indica- Japonica rice resistance were ranged from 54.01 to 88.06 %. The resistance of GZ lines ranged from 67.68 to 92.04 %. The widely cultivated varieties, Sakha 101 and Sakha 104 showed to be more resistant than other cultivars and exhibit significant a degrees of field resistance to false smut (92.90 %) compared with highly susceptible cultivar Giza 171. Regarding to kernel smut, Giza 171, Giza 172, Giza 159, Giza 177 and Giza 178 were the most susceptible tested cultivars. While Sakha 101, Sakha 104, GZ6522, GZ7955, Giza 182 and the Egyptian Yasmine were moderately resistance cultivars presenting over 90 % disease recovery. The physiological studied showed that false smut was grown abundantly on rice bran agar medium with fairly sporulation, while potato sucrose agar showed to be the most suitable medium for growing kernel smut fungus. The isolates of both fungi exhibited different level of variability. False smut isolates were differed in their colors with a range from olive to white or orange, while kernel smut isolates differed in pigments production with a range from violet or purple up to reddish color.
一项有关孕中期和孕后期持续补充叶酸的临床随机对照试验

怀孕前和孕早期补充叶酸能够预防胎儿神经管缺陷，因此医生建议育龄期妇女从计划怀孕开始到孕前3个月结束每日补充400μg的叶酸。但是目前有关孕前3个月后持续补充叶酸的研究较少，其作用也不完全清楚。
Cloud dimensions from Jack Rabbit II field trial data

Abstract Jack Rabbit II field trials recorded a large amount of point sensor data regarding meteorology and chlorine concentrations and included many video and specialized standoff measurements. Cloud dimensions must be inferred or analyzed from such data. The test data were used to identify cloud dimensions (widths and heights to the 20 and 200 ppm contours) for use in the model inter-comparison exercise. Cloud widths and heights at fixed measurement distance of 0.2, 0.5, 1 and 2 km were assessed by use of point-sensor data as well as by standoff sensor data. Some point sensor data exists at 5 and 11 km for possible future analysis. Standoff LIDAR measurements can be used for cloud heights at the 0.5, 1 and 2 km. This paper presents the analysis methods applied to concentration point sensors and concentration estimates from standoff UV LIDARs. The resulting cloud height and width observations are presented for Trials 1, 6 and 7 and initial comparisons are provided between point and standoff sensors as well as with limited model results.
Are Rising Athletics Allocations Associated with Student Costs: Evidence from Public NCAA Division I Universities

Many in the higher education community criticize the millions of dollars in financial allocations given to intercollegiate athletics departments by universities on the premise that when universities have to provide more allocation money to athletics, student costs increase. Evidence supporting this argument, however, is largely anecdotal. This study used fixed effects regression analyses to explore whether year to year changes in university funds allocated to athletics lead to higher student costs. Our findings call into question the argument that rising athletics allocations are a significant direct driver of student costs.
BD+14$^\circ$3061: A Luminous Yellow Post-AGB Star in the Galactic Halo

I report the discovery that the 9th-magnitude Galactic-halo star BD+14$^\circ$3061 is a member of the rare class of luminous metal-poor "yellow post-AGB" stars. Its Gaia DR2 parallax implies an absolute magnitude of $M_V=-3.44\pm0.27$, and it is a very high-velocity star moving in a retrograde Galactic orbit. BD+14$^\circ$3061 is a field analog of the half-dozen yellow PAGB stars known in Galactic globular clusters, which have closely similar absolute magnitudes. These objects are the visually brightest members of old stellar populations; their apparently narrow luminosity function makes them potentially useful as Population II standard candles. The spectral-energy distribution of BD+14$^\circ$3061 out to $22\,\mu$m shows no evidence for circumstellar dust. The star is a low-amplitude semi-regular pulsating variable, with typical periods of 30-32 days. A radial-velocity study suggests that it is a spectroscopic binary with a period of 429.6 days, making it similar to known binary yellow PAGB stars such as HD 46703 and BD+39$^\circ$4926.
Comparison of serratus anterior plane block with epidural and paravertebral block in critically ill trauma patients with multiple rib fractures.

Background Pain from rib fractures is associated with significant pulmonary morbidity. Epidural and paravertebral blocks (EPVBs) have been recommended as part of a multimodal approach to rib fracture pain, but their utility is often challenging in the trauma intensive care unit (ICU). The serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) has potential as an alternative approach for chest wall analgesia. Methods This retrospective study compared critically injured adults sustaining multiple rib fractures who had SAPB (n=14) to EPVB (n=25). Patients were matched by age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiology Physical Status, whether the patient required intubation, number of rib fractures and injury severity score. Outcome measures included hospital length of stay, ICU length of stay, preblock and post block rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) in intubated patients, pain scores and morphine equivalent doses administered 24-hour preblock and post-block in non-intubated patients, and mortality. Results There were no demographic differences between the two groups after matching. Nearly all of the patients who received either SAPB or EPVB demonstrated a reduction in RSBI or pain scores. The preblock RSBI was higher in the serratus anterior plane block group, but there was no difference between any of the other outcome measures. Discussion This retrospective study of our institutional data suggests no difference in efficacy between the serratus anterior plane block and neuraxial block for traumatic rib fracture pain in critically ill patients, but the sample size was too small to show statistical equivalence. Serratus anterior plane block is technically easier to perform with fewer theoretical contraindications compared with traditional neuraxial block. Further study with prospective comparative trials is warranted. Level of evidence Retrospective matched cohort; Level IV.
Surveying Ethics: a Measurement Model of Preference for Precepts Implied in Moral Theories (PPIMT)

Recent research in empirical moral psychology attempts to understand (rather than place judgment on) the salient normative differences that laypeople have when making moral decisions by using survey methodology that is based on the operationalized principles from moral theories. The PPIMT is the first measure designed to assess respondents’ preference for the precepts implied in the three dominant moral theories: virtue ethics, deontology, and consequentialism. The current study used a latent modeling approach to determine the most theoretically and psychometrically-sound model for the PPIMT using a combined sample of college students from a southeastern university in U.S. and MTurk respondents. The PPIMT model fit was acceptable (χ2 = 84.125, df = 40, p = 0.001; RMSEA = 0.052, 90%CI = 0.037 to 0.068; CFI = 0.980; SRMR = 0.035) with four items for Virtue, four items for Deontology, and three items for Consequentialism.
Examining Parental Treatment Decisions Within a Contemporary Pediatric Dentistry Private Practice

Purpose The primary objective of this study was to compare relationships between child, parent, and clinical factors with patient-level treatment decisions for early childhood caries. A secondary objective was to describe children that received silver diamine fluoride (SDF) as interim versus long-term treatment. Patients and methods Parents of 2-6-year-old children seeking care at a multi-center pediatric dentistry private practice were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Demographic data and dental anxiety data according to the Modified Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale were collected via questionnaire. A dental visit behavior rating and decayed, missing, and filled tooth (dmft) index were recorded from the child's dental record. The primary outcome was treatment decision categorized into three groups: (1) treatment with SDF (n=25), (2) conventional restorative treatment under local anesthesia (n=32), and (3) restorative treatment under general anesthesia (n=33). Analyses included descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and ordered logistic regression. Results Child age, parent education level, family income, dental insurance status, dental visit behavior rating, and dmft were significantly different across treatment groups in bivariate comparisons. However, when included in multivariable, ordered logistic regression, child dental anxiety was the only significant covariate associated with treatment decisions (Odds Ratio=5.01, 95% confidence interval: 1.51 to 16.63). In secondary analysis, two distinct subgroups were identified within the SDF group: one as long-term treatment (n=9) and one as interim treatment prior to general anesthesia (n=16). The long-term group was younger (mean=3.2 versus 3.7), had lower dmft (mean=4 versus 11.1), and had lower frequency of very high dental anxiety (0% versus 15%). Conclusion The present study identified child dental anxiety as the primary factor associated with treatment decisions at this private practice. The characterization of two subgroups of children treated with SDF has meaningful implications for studies evaluating the economic and public health impacts of SDF.
Assessment of variability in motor grading and patient-reported outcome reporting: a multi-specialty, multi-national survey.

The goal of this survey-based study was to evaluate the current practice patterns of clinicians who assess patients with peripheral nerve pathologies and to assess variance in motor grading on the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale using example case vignettes. An electronic survey was distributed to clinicians who regularly assess patients with peripheral nerve pathology. Survey sections included (1) demographic data, (2) vignettes where respondents were asked to assess on the MRC scale, and (3) assessment of practice patterns regarding the use of patient-reported outcome measures. Inter-rater reliability statistics were calculated for the application of the MRC scale on example vignettes. There were 109 respondents. There was significant dispersion in motor grading seen on the example vignettes. For the raw responses grading the example vignettes on the MRC scale, Krippendorff’s alpha was 0.788 (95% CI 0.604, 0.991); Gwet’s AC2 was 0.808 (95% CI 0.683, 0.932); Fleiss’ kappa was 0.416 (95% CI 0.413, 0.419). Most respondents reported not utilizing any patient-reported outcome measures across peripheral nerve pathologies. Our data show that there is significant disagreement among providers when applying the MRC scale. It is important for us to reassess our current tools for patient evaluation in order to improve upon both clinical evaluation and outcomes reporting. Consensus guidelines for outcomes reporting are needed, and domains outside of manual muscle testing should be included.
An Examination of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder–Related Symptoms Among a Sample of Latinx Sexual- and Gender-Minority Immigrants

Latinx sexual- and gender- minority (SGM) immigrants experience stress across multiple axes of identity, which can lead to negative health consequences. Using an intersectional-cultural theory of stress, the current study sampled 194 Latinx SGM immigrants to examine the association between intersectional discrimination (i.e., race- and sexual orientation-based), acculturative stress, symptoms related to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and somatic distress. We used moderated hierarchical linear regression analysis to determine whether social support moderated the associations among intersectional discrimination, acculturative stress, and PTSD symptoms. The results showed that after controlling for time in the United States, PTSD symptoms were associated with intersectional discrimination, β = .57, SE = 3.14, p < .001, and acculturative stress, β = .42, SE = 2.47, p < .001, at higher levels of social support. The variability in outcome explained by the variables of interest was approximately 47%. These findings offer important and timely data that can inform future research and clinical applications in this underserved and understudied community.
Oceans in Crisis mdash Human Garbage

The level of consciousness that created a problem in the first place is not the level of consciousness whereby the problem can be fixed Yet having learned little or nothing from history our civilization is currently destroying the very environment from which it sprang and on which it relies for continuance To change anything we must through the choices we make reach beyond where we are beyond where we feel safe We must dare to move ahead even if we do not fully understand where we are going or the price of getting there because we will never have perfect knowledge And we must become students of processes and let go our advocacy of positions and embattlements over winning agreement with narrow points of view True progress toward an ecologically sound landsea environment and a socially just culture will be initially expensive in both money and effort but in the end will be progressively benefit all generations The longer we wait however the more disastrous becomes the social environmental consequences of the current land sea nexus and the more expensive and difficult become the necessary social changes No biological shortcuts technological quick fixes or political hype can mend what is broken Dramatic fundamental change is necessary if we are really concerned with bettering the quality of lifeeven that of next year It is not a question of can we or can rsquo t we change but one of will we or won rsquo t we change Change is a choice a choice of individuals reflected in the collective of society and mirrored in the biophysical land sea connection of human garbage
The Evolution of Guided Tissue Regeneration: Alveolar Bone Grafting

Summary This article emphasizes the concept of this monograph which presents the views of various authors who are experts in this field of alveolar bone reconstruction. Although these surgeons differ in their clinical approach to the problem areas discussed, there is an established anatomic and physiologic basis for the selection of the appropriate form of treatment for the patient who presents for bone reconstruction and prosthodontic restoration.
Zur Logik der “Nor” und “Nand” Schaltkreise

Zur Informationsdarstellung in datenverarbeitenden Anlagen werden Spannungspegelverwendet, wobei im allgemeinen nur zwischen einem Spannungspegel „hoheren“ und „niederen“ Potentials unterschieden.wird. Neben diesen Festlegungen.uber die Informationsdarstellung ist die Zerlegung des zeitlichen Ablaufes in diskrete Zeitintervalle von entscheidender Bedeutung.
Power Electronics at General Electric:1900–1941

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the power electronics at general electric (GE). The history of power electronics at G.E. is almost a paradigm case of modern science, engineering, and invention. An important developmental project that was launched at G.E. in 1933 was the substitution of metal enclosures for glass in electron tubes. It was marked by a dialectical exchange of ideas and information on the techniques at several levels including lamps, gas, and vacuum tubes; electrical power and radio communication; glass and metal containers; theory and experiment; science and engineering; competitive and non-competitive applications. The effective beginning of intensive research on electronic tubes at G.E. might be dated to early February 1913, when E.F.W. Alexanderson arranged the delivery of a de Forest audion to the G.E.R.L. A small team of scientists, engineers, and technicians led by Langmuir quickly converted the erratic and gaseous audion into a reliable and predictable high-vacuum pliotron.
Polyomorphisms Conjugate to Dilations

Consider polynomial maps f : ℂ n → ℂ n and their dilations sf(x) by complex scalars s. That is, maps f whose components f i are polynomials with complex coefficients in the n variables (x 1, x 2, ... , x n ) = x ∈ ℂ n . The question, first raised by O.-H. Keller in 1939 [10] for polynomials over the integers but now also raised for complex polynomials and, as such, known as The Jacobian Conjecture (JC), asks whether a polynomial map f with nonzero constant Jacobian determinant det f′(x) need be a polyomorphism: I.e., bijective with polynomial inverse. It suffices to prove injectivity because in 1960–62 it was proved, first in dimension 2 by Newman [19] and then in all dimensions by Bialynicki-Birula and Rosenlicht [4], that, for polynomial maps, surjectivity follows from injectivity; and furthermore, under Keller’s hypothesis, the inverse f −1(x) will be polynomial, at least in the complex case, if the polynomial map is bijective. The group of all polyomorphisms of ℂ n is denoted GA n (ℂ). It is isomorphic to the group Aut C[x] of automorphisms σ of the polynomial ring ℂ[x] by means of the correspondence o(f) = σ where σ(x i ) = f i (x). Polynomial maps f(x) satisfying det f′(x) = const ≠ 0 are called Keller maps. We can and do assume that f(0) = 0 and f′(0) = I. Five main problems arise:
Guanosine tetraphosphate inhibition of fatty acid and phospholipid synthesis in Escherichia coli is relieved by overexpression of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (plsB).

The accumulation of the alarmone guanosine-3‘,5‘-bispyrophosphate (ppGpp) in response to amino acid starvation or energy source depletion mediates the coordinate inhibition of macromolecular and membrane phospholipid biosynthesis in Escherichia coli. Accumulation of ppGpp triggered by the induced expression of either the relA gene or an unregulated, truncated relA gene that encodes a constitutively active ppGpp synthetase I, inhibited both de novo fatty acid and phospholipid biosynthesis and the incorporation of exogenous fatty acids into phospholipid. ppGpp inhibition of fatty acid and phospholipid synthesis was associated with an accumulation of long-chain acyl-ACP, the end products of fatty acid biosynthesis, and substrates for the sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (the plsB gene product). Overexpression of the plsB gene product relieved the inhibition of fatty acid and phospholipid synthesis, prevented the accumulation of long-chain acyl-ACPs, and allowed an increase in cell size following elevation of intracellular ppGpp. However, stable RNA accumulation and cell division were still blocked by ppGpp accumulation. These data show that the sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase mediates the ppGpp-dependent regulation of fatty acid and phospholipid biosynthesis in E. coli.
Perisynaptic surface distribution of multiple classes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on neurons in the chicken ciliary ganglion

Most nicotinic ACh receptors (AChRs) studied to date in the embryonic chicken ciliary ganglion are recognized either by monoclonal antibody (mAb) 35 or by alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-Bgt). Previous studies found that mAb 35-AChRs are found at both synaptic and extrasynaptic sites, while alpha-Bgt-AChRs are found exclusively at extrasynaptic sites. To gain a three-dimensional understanding of the distribution of these two AChR classes and their spatial relationship to synaptic sites, we have visualized mAb 35-AChRs and alpha-Bgt-AChRs immunofluorescently using laser scanning confocal microscopy and have compared their distribution with that of the synaptic vesicle antigen SV2. Both mAb 35-AChR and alpha-Bgt-AChRs are found in clusters that are widely distributed over the surface of embryonic chicken ciliary ganglion neurons. Some mAb 35- AChRs are located at synaptic sites, but the bulk of them are located extrasynaptically in well-defined patches measuring 1–4 micron in diameter. alpha-Bgt-AChRs are found almost exclusively in these extrasynaptic sites, which thus contain both AChR types. These sites are often surrounded by elements of the synaptic calyx but are themselves largely free of SV2 antigen. In 14 week chickens the relationship between mAb 35-AChRs, alpha-Bgt-AChRs, and synaptic sites is similar to that in embryos except that in this instance individual synaptic boutons are often surrounded by AChR-containing patches. These results suggest that most surface AChRs in both embryonic and mature chicken ciliary neurons are perisynaptic, which raises questions about the function of these AChRs.
The conservation equations for multicomponent gas mixtures in arbitrary coordinate systems

The conservation equations for multicomponent reacting gas mixtures are generally given only in Cartesian or orthogonal curvilinear coordinate systems. Actually, the conservation equations are easily expressed in an arbitrary coordinate system. We present the general equations in tensor notation and then indicate the simplifications which arise for orthogonal curvilinear coordinates.
Multiscale design and control of systems and processes

A general theoretical framework is proposed for the design and control of industrial systems and devices based upon theoretical principles which are crystallizing at the present time as a result of joint multidisciplinary efforts in robotics, intelligent control, large systems for information distribution and decision support. This framework, which is called here the multiscale or multiresolutional approach, reflects the nature of cognitive processes in the brain and intelligent machines.
Visual process language: an environment that enhances inventiveness in the system development process-A theoretical perspective

The authors provide a theoretical perspective on the effect of computer support on creativity. The assertion is made that artifacts of information systems (ISs) do not substantially differ from those of art and science, and that the creative processes leading to the artifacts are similar. The autors further propose that the use of newly available computer technology, specifically, the visual process language (VPL), will have much to offer in terms of augmenting creativity when constructing IS artifacts. They postulate that VPL assists the first insight, preparation, and illumination steps of the creative process, and that both association/images and progressive abstraction techniques are embedded in VPL. >
Geometric Phases and Robotic Locomotion

Robotic locomotion is based in a variety of instances upon cyclic changes in the shape of a robot mechanism. Certain variations in shape exploit the constrained nature of a robot's interaction with its environment to generate net motion. This is true for legged robots, snakelike robots, and wheeled mobile robots undertaking maneuvers such as parallel parking. In this paper we explore the use of tools from differential geometry to model and analyze this class of locomotion mechanisms in a unified way. In particular, we describe locomotion in terms of the geometric phase associated with a connection on a principal bundle, and address issues such as controllability and choice of gait. We also provide an introduction to the basic mathematical concepts which we require and apply the theory to numerous example systems.
Complexity of scheduling tasks with time-dependent execution times

Abstract A new model of task system in which the execution time of a task depends on its starting time is considered. It is shown that the feasibility problem on a single processor is NP-complete for a set of tasks with identical release times and two distinct deadlines. An O(n log n)-time algorithm is given for a set of tasks with identical release times and deadlines. These two results give a sharp boundary delineating the complexity of the problem.
Vortex dynamics and performance of flexible and rigid plunging airfoils

Abstract The kinematic and aerodynamic behaviors of sinusoidally plunging, flexible airfoils were investigated over a parameter space broadly representative of biological or biomimetic flapping flight. PIV was used to characterize the velocity and vorticity fields, and the evolution of the flow structure is described. Comparisons with a rigid airfoil were performed in order to identify the effects of airfoil deformation on the evolution of the vorticity field. A modification in trailing-edge vortex evolution was observed at a reduced frequency of approximately 1.57, reflecting a change in its interaction with the leading-edge vortex. The transition to the higher-reduced-frequency flow structure correlates well with the propulsive efficiency leveling off to a broad peak. A scaling parameter was developed that provided good collapse of circulation values for the leading edge vortex within the parameter range investigated for each individual airfoil. Force and power measurements revealed that, while aerodynamic loads were strongly correlated with Strouhal number, the propulsive efficiency of the flexible airfoils was primarily dependent on reduced frequency k.
The Extinction Spectra of Silver Nanoparticle Arrays: Influence of Array Structure on Plasmon Resonance Wavelength and Width†

We use high-quality electrodynamics methods to study the extinction spectra of one-dimensional linear chains and two-dimensional planar arrays of spherical silver nanoparticles, placing emphasis on the variation of the plasmon resonance wavelength and width with array structure (spacing, symmetry), particle size, and polarization direction. Two levels of theory have been considered, coupled dipoles with fully retarded interactions and T-matrix theory that includes a converged multipole expansion on each particle. We find that the most important array effects for particles having a radius of 30 nm or smaller are captured by the couple dipole approach. Our calculations demonstrate several surprising effects that run counter to conventional wisdom in which the particle interactions are assumed to be governed by electrostatic dipolar interactions. In particular, we find that for planar arrays of particles with polarization parallel to the plane the plasmon resonance blue shifts as array spacing D decreases fo...
Induction of altered gene expression in early embryos.

Abstract This review focuses on known genes whose expression may be perturbed by teratogens during early embryogenesis (preorganogenesis). Teratogens may disrupt embryogenesis by modifying positional information. Genes controlling positional information include those specifying the primary body axes: anterior–posterior, dorsal–ventral, or left–right. These genes often encode transcription factors, whose regulation or activation can stimulate aberrant tissue differentiation and morphogenesis. Alternatively, teratogens may directly affect cell differentiation, proliferation, or apoptosis. Hydrophilic signalling molecules such as growth factors and hydrophobic molecules such as retinoids regulate these processes. The signalling pathways activated often induce the coordinate regulation of tissue specific gene expression. In addition to modifying individual signalling pathways, teratogens can synergize with or antagonize the effects of other teratogens through inappropriate interactions between signal transduction pathways. Since teratogens may often directly or indirectly perturb the expression of known or as yet undescribed developmentally critical genes, this review also provides a short description of techniques to identify genes whose expression is altered by teratogens.
Soldier/robot team acoustic detection

The future battlefield will require an unprecedented level of automation in which soldier-operated, autonomous, and semi-autonomous ground, air, and sea platforms along with mounted and dismounted soldiers will function as a tightly coupled team. Sophisticated robotic platforms with diverse sensor suites will be an integral part of the Objective Force, and must be able to collaborate not only amongst themselves but also with their manned partners. The Army Research Laboratory has developed a robot-based acoustic detection system that will detect and localize on an impulsive noise event, such as a sniper's weapon firing. Additionally, acoustic sensor arrays worn on a soldier's helmet or equipment can enhance his situational awareness and RSTA capabilities. The Land Warrior or Objective Force Warrior body-worn computer can detect tactically significant impulsive signatures from bullets, mortars, artillery, and missiles or spectral signatures from tanks, helicopters, UAVs, and mobile robots. Time-difference-of-arrival techniques can determine a sound's direction of arrival, while head attitude sensors can instantly determine the helmet orientation at time of capture. With precision GPS location of the soldier, along with the locations of other soldiers, robots, or unattended ground sensors that heard the same event, triangulation techniques can produce an accurate location of the target. Data from C-4 explosions and 0.50-Caliber shots shows that both helmet and robot systems can localize on the same event. This provides an awesome capability - mobile robots and soldiers working together on an ever-changing battlespace to detect the enemy and improve the survivability, mobility, and lethality of our future warriors.
Renewing the respect for similarity

In psychology, the concept of similarity has traditionally evoked a mixture of respect, stemming from its ubiquity and intuitive appeal, and concern, due to its dependence on the framing of the problem at hand and on its context. We argue for a renewed focus on similarity as an explanatory concept, by surveying established results and new developments in the theory and methods of similarity-preserving associative lookup and dimensionality reduction — critical components of many cognitive functions, as well as of intelligent data management in computer vision. We focus in particular on the growing family of algorithms that support associative memory by performing hashing that respects local similarity, and on the uses of similarity in representing structured objects and scenes. Insofar as these similarity-based ideas and methods are useful in cognitive modeling and in AI applications, they should be included in the core conceptual toolkit of computational neuroscience.
An Integrated Text Analytic Framework for Product Defect Discovery

The recent surge in the usage of social media has created an enormous amount of user-generated content (UGC). While there are streams of research that seek to mine UGC, these research studies seldom tackle analysis of this textual content from a quality management perspective. In this study, we synthesize existing research studies on text mining and propose an integrated text analytic framework for product defect discovery. The framework effectively leverages rich social media content and quantifies the text using various automatically extracted signal cues. These extracted signal cues can then be used as modeling inputs for product defect discovery. We showcase the usefulness of the framework by performing product defect discovery using UGC in both the automotive and the consumer electronics domains. We use principal component analysis and logistic regression to produce a multivariate explanatory analysis relating defects to quantitative measures derived from text. For our samples, we find that a selection of distinctive terms, product features, and semantic factors are strong indicators of defects, whereas stylistic, social, and sentiment features are not. For high sales volume products, we demonstrate that significant corporate value is derivable from a reduction in defect discovery time and consequently defective product units in circulation.