cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Persistence of Tuber melanosporum in truffle orchards in North Carolina, USA

A survey was conducted to determine the persistence of mycorrhization by Tuber melanosporum in truffle orchards established with European and American species of oak and common hazel trees in North Carolina. The trees had reportedly been inoculated and colonized by T. melanosporum prior to planting. Root samples were collected from 95 trees among seven orchards in 2015 and roots were analyzed by morphology and quantitative PCR. Samples that tested negative for T. melanosporum or where ectomycorrhizal morphology was not observed were analyzed by sequencing to identify the mycorrhizal fungal symbiont present. The presence of T. melanosporum was detected in all seven orchards. In six orchards, T. melanosporum was detected on all trees, but in only two of fifteen trees in one orchard. Other species of Tuber including T. brennemanii, T. canaliculatum, and T. lyonii, species of Scleroderma, and members of the Pezizales were also detected by sequence analysis. Sporocarps of T. aestivum and T. brumale were found in 2017 and 2018 in separate orchards in North Carolina after the survey was conducted. Overall, results indicate that T. melanosporum has persisted in truffle orchards sampled in North Carolina. Indigenous and contaminating fungal species, including Tuber species, were also detected and present a challenge to the truffle industry in North Carolina.
Induction Immunosuppression and Renal Outcomes in Adult Heart Transplantation.

Abstract Background This study explores the use of induction therapy in orthotopic heart transplantation as it relates to preoperative renal function and evaluates the impact of its utilization on post-transplant outcomes. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis using the United Network for Organ Sharing database from 2000 to 2018 evaluating the initiation of de novo dialysis after transplantation. We examined the relationship between induction immunosuppression and pre-transplant estimated glomerular filtration rate with post-transplant outcomes, accounting for inter-center variability through a mixed-effects logistic regression model. Results In total, 16,201 patients were included with a median age of 57 y (interquartile range 47, 63); 26% were women (n = 4222) and 28% (n = 4552) had a history of diabetes mellitus. The median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 67.5 mL/min (interquartile range 53.1, 86.7); 51.2% (n = 3068) of the recipients with eGFR Conclusion In this analysis, the use of induction immunosuppression in orthotopic heart transplantation varied widely between centers and did not correlate strongly with pre-transplant eGFR. In addition, its utilization did not mitigate the risk of renal replacement therapy after transplantation and in fact was associated with increased risk even after adjusting for confounders most notably in patients with eGFR ≥ 60.
Pre-Operative Urodynamic Assessment Has Poor Predictive Value for Developing Post-Operative Urinary Retention.

Abstract Background Post-operative urinary retention (POUR) following primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has a reported prevalence up to 35%. Risk factors for POUR have included surrogate markers such as the presence or absence of urologic disease. Pre-operative dynamic measurement with post-void residual volumes (PVR) has not been investigated as a tool for assessing POUR risk. Methods All male TJA patients underwent an institutional pre-operative screen for POUR, including PVR measurements, patient-derived subjective urinary retention scores, and assessment of urologic disease. The prospectively collected data were retrospectively reviewed. Proportions were evaluated with the chi-squared test, while continuous variables were evaluated by logistic regression analysis. Receiver-operator characteristic curves were utilized to determine the efficacy of using urodynamic variables as a predictor of developing POUR. Results Two hundred fifty-two male patients were reviewed who had a mean age of 64.9 years and mean body mass index of 30.8 kg/m2. The overall rate of POUR was 5.1%. Patient urinary retention scores were not associated with POUR. Elevated pre-operative PVR (>10 cc) alone and in combination with a history of urologic disease was significantly associated with POUR. However, both had low positive predictive values (10.5% and 18.2%), despite high negative predictive values (99.2% and 97.9%). Utilization of PVR resulted in moderate sensitivity (91.6%) and low specificity (72.1%) with an area under the curve of 0.69. Conclusion Urodynamic measurements and patient urinary retention scores, as part of an institutional pre-operative screening protocol, have limited value in determining which patients are at increased risk of POUR. The utility of obtaining these measurements pre-operatively is questionable.
Ischemic Enteropathy (Also Called Mesenteric Ischemia)

Mesenteric ischemia is divided by temporal occurrence (acute versus chronic) and the site of diminished mesenteric blood flow (arterial versus venous). Acute mesenteric ischemia is a serious medical condition that may lead to bowel infarction and sepsis with an overall morbidity and mortality approaching 50%. Because of its severity and potential for rapid and fatal consequences, early diagnosis of ischemic enteropathy is of critical importance. Chronic mesenteric ischemia is an insidious process and is usually related to arterial occlusion from atherosclerosis. Diagnostic approach is largely dependent on clinical presentation, with a contrast enhanced CT scan, especially a CTA, often being the modality of choice. Prognosis is largely dependent on the mechanism of ischemia as well as treatment, as there are both medical and surgical options available.
Reentrant Origami-Based Metamaterials with Negative Poisson's Ratio and Bistability

We investigate the unique mechanical properties of reentrant 3D origami structures based on the Tachi-Miura polyhedron (TMP). We explore the potential usage as mechanical metamaterials that exhibit tunable negative Poisson's ratio and structural bistability simultaneously. We show analytically and experimentally that the Poisson's ratio changes from positive to negative and vice versa during its folding motion. In addition, we verify the bistable mechanism of the reentrant 3D TMP under rigid origami configurations without relying on the buckling motions of planar origami surfaces. This study forms a foundation in designing and constructing TMP-based metamaterials in the form of bellowslike structures for engineering applications.
Sharing the Wealth

This review of the textbook, "Community Economic Development Law" (Aspen 2013), written by Susan Bennett, Brenda Bratton Blom, Louise Howells and Deborah Kenn, appeared in Vol. 22, No.1 issue of the Journal of Affordable Housing & Community Economic Development Law.
Synthetic manipulation of the triflone group : Formation from alcohols, constructions, and conversion to ketones and amines

Abstract The rearrangement of trifluoromethanesulfinates to trifluoromethanesulfones (“triflones”) was developed as a synthetic method for obtaining these compounds Their utility as reagents for the construction of carbon skeletons is explored with regard to reactions such as alkylation, conjugation addition, and cycloaddition. In addition, the conversion of triflones to more common functionality is described.
Targeting Oncogenic Drivers

Cancer is a genetic disease caused by a series of somatic and/or germline mutations. The roles of oncogenes and tumor suppressors in cancer molecular origin have been well established. Targeting oncogene products has become an attractive therapeutic strategy with great clinical success, whereas tumor suppressors are considered 'undruggable' because current technology is not able to restore tumor suppressor function in metastatic disease. Although systematic approaches to discover genetic alterations have become available to individual patients, differentiating driver from passenger mutations and identifying and validating drug targets remain challenging. Protein tyrosine kinases play crucial roles in virtually all cellular processes and possess structural features that render them 'druggable'. Monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors represent two major classes of targeted therapeutic agents, each possessing its own strength and weakness. Although initial successes have been achieved, targeted therapy faces many challenges that need to be addressed and hurdles to overcome.
Robotic arm in-situ operations for the Mars Exploration Rovers surface mission

This paper describes the operations of the 5 degree-of-freedom instrument deployment device (IDD), a dexterous robotic manipulator on the Mars Exploration Rovers, spirit and opportunity. The unprecedented flawless operations of the IDD enabled precise and reliable placement of at least 3 in situ instruments in sequential order on a designated target position on Martian rock/soil any time during the Martian diurnal cycle (day or night). These placements demonstrated a repeatability of /spl sim/1 mm in position and /spl sim/1 degree in orientation. This operations breakthrough is underappreciated, but it alone enabled the scientist to characterize a wide range of rocks and soils in a timely manner in the hunt for geological clues that revealed that the planet was once rich in water. In this paper we describe the IDD planning and command sequence generation process used to place and hold in situ instruments directly against rock and soil targets of interest within the IDD work volume.
The Spectrum of the Th-Ar Hollow-Cathode Lamp Used with the 2dcoude Spectrograph

We have produced an atlas of the Th-Ar hollow-cathode lamp used with the 2dcoude spectrograph at McDonald Observatory. The atlas covers from 3611.9 to 10596.4 A at a resolving power of 52,000. We have determined the wavelenghts of 1483 emission lines in the spectrum with a median precision of 0.00023 A. A web-based interface is offered for interactive visualization of segments of the atlas or spectral orders.
Nature and stability of atoll island shorelines: Gilbert Island chain, Kiribati, equatorial Pacific

Islands rimming Pacific atolls typically form narrow, low-lying lands that are commonly perceived to be particularly vulnerable to global changes such as sea-level rise. As these, low islands form the only habitable land for many island nations, understanding the character of shorelines, and the rates and controls that operate to bring about changes, is an issue of central importance. The purpose of this study is to unravel the characteristics of coastal change on atoll islands of the Gilbert Island chain of the equatorial Pacific nation of Kiribati, especially as they relate to autogenic shoreline processes and El Nino/Southern Oscillation variability. Integration of field observations, differential global positioning system data, historical aerial photographs and ultra-high resolution remote sensing images demonstrates the nature, spatial patterns and rates of change from 17 islands on Maiana and Aranuka atolls. The results illustrate that, between 2005 and 2009, ca 50% of the shorelines on these islands displayed a discernable shift in position; some shorelines were accretionary (at net rates up to ca 8 m year−1) and others were erosional (up to ca 18 m year−1). Long-term net rates of change on Maiana between 1969 and 2009 were lower than short-term net rates measured between 2005 and 2009. Both short-term and long-term observations illustrate some of the greatest change occur near terminations of the largest, north–south oriented islands, associated with longshore movement of coarse sand and gravel. Direct hits by tropical depressions and marked seasonality, factors interpreted as being essential in island growth and shoreline dynamics elsewhere, do not directly impact these equatorial atolls and can be eliminated as fundamental controls on shoreline dynamics. Similarly, observations over four years suggested that shoreline variability probably is not influenced directly by marked sea-level change, although a recent increase in the rates of shoreline change could reflect instability related to the cumulative effect of a long-term increase in the rate of sea-level rise. Within this framework of global change, local anthropogenic effects, autogenic shoreline processes and El Nino/Southern Oscillation-influenced wind and wave variability control many aspects of these dynamic shorelines. These results provide quantitative insights into the character and variability of rates of shoreline change, information essential for evaluating and mitigating the vulnerability of island nations such as Kiribati.
Oscillations in endogenous inputs to neurons affect excitability and signal processing.

Synchrony and oscillations in neuronal firing play important roles in information processing in the mammalian brain. Here, we evaluate their role in controlling neuronal output in a well defined motor behavior, breathing, using an in vitro preparation from neonatal rat that generates respiratory-related motor output. In this preparation, phrenic motoneurons (PMNs) receive endogenous rhythmic inspiratory currents with prominent oscillations in the 20-50 Hz range. We recorded these inspiratory currents in individual PMNs and used them as test inputs for the same motoneuron (MN) during the normally silent expiratory periods. The impact of the oscillations on MN output was evaluated by filtering the currents before injection. Responses to unfiltered inspiratory currents were indistinguishable from voltage changes during spontaneous inspiratory periods. More than 90% of action potentials occurred within milliseconds [-2 to +4] of the oscillation peaks. The timing of action potentials was highly reproducible in response to unfiltered currents. Attenuation of the oscillations by low-pass filtering (<50 Hz) decreased the precision in action potential timing and significantly reduced the number of action potentials by ∼35%. The adrenergic agonist phenylephrine increased instantaneous firing frequency in responses evoked by square-wave or low-pass filtered inspiratory currents but had no effect on firing frequency evoked by unfiltered currents. We conclude that oscillations control the precise timing of action potentials, help to maximize synaptic drive efficiency, and constrain MN firing frequencies to those optimal for muscle contraction.
Interprofessional Integrative Medicine Training for Preventive Medicine Residents

Integrative medicine training was incorporated into the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Preventive Medicine residency at the Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Newark Campus as a collaboration between the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and the School of Health Related Professions. Beginning in 2012, an interdisciplinary faculty team organized an Integrative Medicine program in a Preventive Medicine residency that leveraged existing resources across Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences. The overarching aim of the programs was to introduce residents and faculty to the scope and practice of integrative medicine in the surrounding Newark community and explore evidence-based research on integrative medicine. The faculty team tapped into an interprofessional network of healthcare providers to organize rotations for the preventive medicine residents that reflected the unique nature of integrative medicine in the greater Newark area. Residents provided direct care as part of interdisciplinary teams at clinical affiliates and shadowed health professionals from diverse disciplines as they filled different roles in providing patient care. The residents also participated in research projects. A combination of formal and informal programs on integrative medicine topics was offered to residents and faculty. The Integrative Medicine program, which ran from 2013 through 2014, was successful in exposing residents and faculty to the unique nature of integrative medicine across professions in the community served by Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences.
Diagnostic specificity and mental health service utilization among veterans with newly diagnosed anxiety disorders

Abstract Objective This study examined rates of specific anxiety diagnoses (posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobia) and anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (anxiety NOS) in a national sample of Veterans and assessed their mental health service utilization. Method This study used administrative data extracted from Veteran Health Administration outpatient records to identify patients with a new anxiety diagnosis in fiscal year 2010 (N = 292,244). Logistic regression analyses examined associations among diagnostic specificity, diagnostic location, and mental health service utilization. Results Anxiety NOS was diagnosed in 38% of the sample. Patients in specialty mental health were less likely to receive an anxiety NOS diagnosis than patients in primary care (odds ratio [OR] = 0.36). Patients with a specific anxiety diagnosis were more likely to receive mental health services than those with anxiety NOS (OR = 1.65), as were patients diagnosed in specialty mental health compared with those diagnosed in primary care (OR = 16.29). Conclusion Veterans diagnosed with anxiety NOS are less likely to access mental health services than those with a specific anxiety diagnosis, suggesting the need for enhanced diagnostic and referral practices, particularly in primary care settings.
Neuropsychological function in adults after high dose fractionated radiation therapy of skull base tumors

Abstract Purposes: To evaluate the long term effects of high dose fractionated radiation therapy on brain functioning prospectively in adults without primary brain tumors. Methods and Materials: Seventeen patients with histologically confirmed chordomas and low grade chondrosarcomas of the skull base were evaluated with neuropsychological measures of intelligence, language, memory, attention, motor function and mood following surgical resection/biopsy of the tumor prior to irradiation, and then at about 6 months, 2 years and 4 years followin completion of treatment. None received chemotherapy. Results: In the patients without tumor recurrence or radiation necrosis, the were no indications of adverse effects on cognitive functioning in the post-acute through the lage stages after brain irradiation. Even in aptients who received doses of radiation up to 66 Cobalt Gy equivalent through nondiseased (temporal lobe) brain tissue, memory and cognitive functioning remaining stable for up to 5 years after treatment. A mild decline in psychomotor speed was seen in more than half of the patients, and motor slowing was related to high radiation doses in midline and temporal lobe brain structures. Conclusion : Results suggest that in adults, tolerance for focused radiation is relatively high in cortical brain structures.
The length of the day

The following natural phenomenom appears to be little known and even less understood, despite the ease with which it may be observed and the elementary nature of the mathematics required for a reasonably accurate explanation: since the daylight is shortest at the winter solstice, one (especially one who must rise early!) would expect sunrise to occur earlier each day following the solstice. Nevertheless, as the data [1] in Table 1 show, the sunrise continues to occur later each day (in fact, for about two weeks) after the winter solstice.
Modification of electron beam ion source instability by longitudinal kinetic effects

Abstract The electron beam ion source (EBIS) was proposed and subsequently realized by Donets. Further development has been done by the Orsay group and by the Berkeley group. Much theoretical work has been done on EBIS and, in particular, Litwin, Vella, and Sessler find that an electrostatic mode of the electron beam-ion system is unstable using a fluid calculation. The present work indicates that the inclusion of a longitudinal velocity spread in the electron beam decreases the instability growth rate, but their conclusions are not significantly modified. Numerically it is shown that substantial linear instability remains, even when sizeable longitudinal velocity spread is included. The principal result of the work is fig. 1; it gives the complex frequency of the mode as a function of σ / υ 0 z , σ being the spread and υ 0 z being the average electron axial velocity.
Al-substituted tobermorite: shows cation exchange

Abstract It has been found that the tobermorite family--fundamental to cement chemistry can exhibit base exchange behavior. Several Al-substituted tobermorites were synthesized and these 11A type tobermorites were discovered to have cation exchange as well as selective cation adsorption properties. For example, Al-substituted tobermorite (synthesized from a mixture of clinoptilolite and mortar) has a cation exchange capacity of 56 meq/100g and a selective Cs adsorption K d of 3400 (ml/g). The cation exchange and selective properties of Al-substituted tobermorite are analogous to those of zeolites because of its rigid structure but unlike those of smectites or vermiculites where the basal spacing varies with the nature of the interlayer cation.
An automated management system for applications software

The Applications Group at the Academic Computing Center maintains approximately 100 applications software products on our CDC 170/750 Cyber computer. We also maintain some 30 products on each of five instructional Digital Equipment VAXes. Most of these we receive from vendors, some have been developed locally, and some of these we distribute to other sites.In order to manage the workload, we have developed over a period of time an automated product management system, which we call Hellas. The basic philosophy behind Hellas is that a software maintenance system will be successful if it is simple to use, has a straight-forward methodology, and fits our computing system management requirements.For the most part, this paper will describe the Hellas system as it is implemented on the Cyber computer. The features, however, have their analogs on the VAX computers as well.
The semantics of transposition

Although morphologists typically agree on the definition of ‘transposition’ as word formation that changes syntactic category but does not affect the semantics of the base, I will argue that the implementation and application of the definition of ‘transposition’ gives rise to radically different treatments and radically different inventories of affixes or processes that count as transpositional. I will first explore two treatments of transposition in the literature, that of Beard (1995) and Spencer (2010, 2013), and then provide a detailed analysis of transposition within the framework of lexical semantic representation developed in Lieber (2004, 2007, 2009, 2010, forthcoming). I will argue that within a theory that is explicit about lexical semantic representations, there are actually very few affixes or processes that can be considered transpositional, the best candidate in English being conversion from noun to verb.
Recovery of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguis from a dental explorer after clinical examination of single human teeth.

Summary-Certain aspects of the bacterial flora adhering to a dental explorer following a tactile diagnostic examination of a single tooth were investigated. Plaque present on the explorer was dislodged, and suspended into a reduced transport fluid by sonification. After serial dilution, suitable aliquots were placed on a high sucrose-containing medium, and on a mannitol medium. Colonies resembling Strepr~c~cc~s mutans and Streptococcus sung& were enumerated on these media. The explorer removed approximately 3-l x lo6 bacteria from a single tooth. Streptococcus mutans accounted for 17 per cent of the isolates from carious teeth and for 1.6 per cent of the isolates found on noncarious teeth. This difference was significant at thep < 0.01 level. The proportions of Strep. sunguis were significantly higher in material removed from noncarious teeth than in plaque removed from the carious teeth.
The pre‐state community in Greece∗

The city‐state was embryonically present in the chiefdoms of the ninth century B.C.; most importantly, the concept of a koinonia as a comprehensive unity with known boundaries, a central place, and...
Expert Judgments of Computer-Based and Clinician-Written Reports

Abstract Clinical, efficacy, and validity issues pertaining to the use of computerized IQ testing are addressed by comparing computer-based test interpretations (CBTIs) of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children — Revised and reports written by a clinical psychologist. A group of 33 experienced clinicians who were blind to report authorship compared the reports. Overall, they rated the CBTIs significantly higher than the clinician-written reports. Specifically, results indicated that the CBTI for one child was more thorough in addressing the important features and provided a wider range of interpretations and recommendations. The CBTI for a second child was also judged to provide a wider range of recommendations. These findings are discussed in terms of the strengths and limitations of CBTIs and clinician-written reports, and the contribution that CBTIs can make to psychological testing.
An assessment of Graham v. Connor, ten years later

Allegations of excessive force in policing have been cited as one of the most frequent claims filed against the police in arrest situations. The United States Supreme Court in Graham v. Connor (1989) determined that “objective reasonableness” is the Fourth Amendment standard to be used in evaluating claims of excessive force. This paper analyzes the patterns of lower federal court decisions in 1,200 published Section 1983 cases decided from 1989 to 1999. The assessment examines how these courts have applied and interpreted the standard in four categories involving force. Policy and training issues are discussed and future research concerns are presented.
Hydrogen exchange-mass spectrometry analysis of beta-amyloid peptide structure.

β-Amyloid peptide (Aβ) is the primary protein component of senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease and is believed to be responsible for the neurodegeneration associated with the disease. Aβ has proven to be toxic only when aggregated; however, the structure of the aggregated species associated with toxicity is unknown. In the present study, we use hydrogen−deuterium isotope exchange (HX)-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (MS) along with enzymatic digestion as a tool to examine at near residue level, the changes in Aβ structure associated with aggregation to a fibril form. Our results show that the structure of Aβ intermediate species formed early in the course of fibrillogenesis is dependent upon solvent conditions. Additionally, the HX-MS data of peptic Aβ fragments suggest that the C-terminal segment of the peptide is approximately 35% protected from exchange in fibril-containing samples, relative to monomeric Aβ species prepared in DMSO/H2O. The N-terminus (residues 1−4) is completely unprotecte...
Heat Stress Improves Functional Recovery and Induces Synthesis of 27- and 70-kDa Heat Shock Proteins Without Preserving Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Function in the Ischemic Rat Heart ☆

Abstract Heat stress (HS) and the subsequent expression of heat shock proteins has been shown to enhance post-ischemic functional recovery and reduce infarct size. The purpose of these experiments was to determine if HS pre-treatment preserves sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) function, a cellular organelle that plays an important role in myocardial contractility. Anesthetized rats were heat stressed for 15 min by raising temperature to 42°C. Twenty-four hours later the hearts were perfused by Langendorff's method and subjected to either 20 or 35 min of global ischemia, with a subset of hearts then being subjected to 10 or 20 min of reperfusion, respectively. SR function was assessed by oxalate-supported Ca2+uptake rate in cell free preparations in the presence and absence of ruthenium red, a selective SR calcium release channel blocker. Ca2+uptake decreased significantly from 25.6±3.4 to 13.4±1.9 and 11.3±2.3 nmol/min/mg protein (mean± s.e. ), following 20 and 35 min of ischemia, respectively. A similar trend was observed following reperfusion as well. No significant difference in Ca2+uptake was observed between HSvcontrol hearts. Similarly, in samples where the Ca2+release channel was blocked with ruthenium red, decreased Ca2+uptake rates were noted after both ischemia and reperfusion, with no significant differences seen between HS and non-HS hearts. There was significant improvement in developed pressure, +dP/dtand −dP/dt, with reduced creatine kinase release in HSvnon-HS hearts. Western blot analysis demonstrated increased synthesis of 27- and 70-kDa heat shock proteins in HS but not in control animals. It is concluded that HS improves functional recovery and induces expression of 27- and 70-kDa heat shock proteins without preservation of SR function in the globally ischemic rat heart.
Path Planning Using a Novel Finite Horizon Suboptimal Controller

F INITE horizon optimal control of nonlinear systems is a challenging problem due to the time dependency of the associated Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) partial differential equation. Developments in calculating closed form solution to the problem include [1] which gives a solution for prespecified initial condition and time-to-go. Using a series expansions of the solution is considered in [2,3]. The drawback of series-based methods is the limited domain of convergence; hence, they are not suitable for systems with high nonlinearities [3]. As for the intelligent control methods, the interested reader may refer to [4] and the references therein. The state-dependent Riccati equation (SDRE) method [5] for infinite horizon optimal control of nonlinear systems provides the motivation for this study; a state-dependent differential Riccati equation is introduced in this work to provide an approximate closedform solution to the finite horizon optimal control problem. The relation between the equation and the HJB equation is investigated. Then, an approximatemethod is suggested for solving the differential Riccati equation. The performance of the developed technique is investigated with path-planning problems for the approach and landing (A&L) phase of a reusable launch vehicle (RLV), such that the vehicle lands in a fixed and prespecified downrangewith the least possible vertical velocity and flight-path angle. Interested readers may refer to [6] for a literature review on the availablemethods for the A&L problem.
Atomic spectra in the gravitational field of a collapsing prolate spheroid

Numerical calculations of Shapiro and Teukolsky suggest that the spacetime of a collapsing prolate spheroid in general relativity may develop regions of high curvature or naked singularities. Using the sequence of analytic metrics found by Nakamura, Shapiro, and Teukolsky to model this collapse, we calculate the effect of the gradiant of the gravitational field on the spectra of freely falling one-electron atoms located just outside the spheroid. We discuss competing perturbations and features that distinguish them from the gravitational effect.
Conditioned opponent responses in human tolerance to caffeine

Regular coffee drinkers show tolerance to the salivation-inducing effects of caffeine. We present evidence indicating that this tolerance results from a conditioned inhibition of salivation, with coffee as the conditioned stimulus. The tolerance disappears when caffeine is presented in an unfamiliar vehicle, and inhibition of salivation occurs when coffee drinkers drink decaffeinated coffee. These two findings are predictions of a conditioned opponent view, which holds that stimuli associated with the administration of caffeine induce physiological conditioned responses that oppose the basic effects of the drug. In contrast with salivation, the alerting effects of caffeine show little tolerance, and no evidence for conditioned opponent processes. Thus, different effects of the same drug can perhaps display totally different conditioning properties.
Simulation of Ocean Temperature and Heat Storage from a GCM Coupled to a Variable Depth Upper Ocean

Abstract The simulation of zonal mean ocean surface temperature and heat storage (time rate of change of heat content) obtained from a low resolution, atmospheric general circulation model (GCM) coupled to a variable depth upper-ocean formulation (A/VO model) is compared with observations and with a parallel simulation using a constant (50 m) depth upper-ocean component (A/CO model). Variable depths are used to specify the heat content in the seasonal mixed layer and thermocline; the depths are prescribed to vary latitudinally and seasonally but not longitudinally. The Northern Hemisphere depths are taken from Meehl; for the Southern Hemisphere, Meehl's depths are modified to account for differences in ocean thermal structure between the hemispheres. The annual variation of upper ocean depth produces important effects on seasonal simulation of ocean surface temperature in the extratropics. In this study, the extremes of ocean temperature in both hemispheres occur earlier by about 30 days in the A/VO model...
On the nonexistence of exceptional branch points for weak relative minima in Plateau’s problem

We define the notion of an exceptional branch point for a minimal surface in \({{\mathbb R}^3}\) and show that it is closely related to the notion of false branch point. We prove that even in the presence of an exceptional branch point we may, under certain conditions, reduce Dirichlet’s energy and therefore also reduce area.
Relation between ventricular fibrillation voltage and probability of defibrillation shocks. Analysis using Hilbert transforms

We used Hilbert transforms to re-evaluate the previously reported correlation between defibrillation shock outcome and absolute ventricular fibrillation voltage (AVFV). Previously in the literature, single values of AVFV acquired just prior to shock delivery were used to show a correlation between AVFV and shock outcome. In subsequent studies, a modified analysis procedure was used to show a correlation between shock outcome and moving average of AVFV. The use of single values of AVFV makes the AVFV sensitive to the local phase of the electrocardiographic (ECG) waveform, whereas moving averages are weighted by previous values of the ECG. The envelope is independent of the phase of the ECG and is not weighted by previous values of ECG as is the moving average. We explored, therefore, whether the AVFV computed from the envelopes of the ECG showed a stronger correlation with shock outcome than single values and moving averages of the AVFV. We estimated envelopes using the Hilbert transform. Orthogonal ECGs (sagittal, X; transverse, Y; and longitudinal, Z) were recorded from 11 dogs during 10 seconds of electrically induced ventricular fibrillation followed by a defibrillation shock with 50% probability of success. We used transvenous (right ventricular apex to subcutaneous patch) leads to deliver defibrillation shocks. Results from 236 successful and 249 unsuccessful trials showed, in contrast with the previously reported correlation, that moving average of AVFV was not higher for successful trials. In the Z direction, unsuccessful trials had higher voltage than successful trials (P < .05). Comparison of envelope voltages between successful and unsuccessful trials did not show any consistent and statistically significant differences. Although there were some methodological differences between ours and the previously reported studies, they are unlikely to have caused the discrepant observations. Our results suggest, therefore, that the absolute voltage of ECG during ventricular fibrillation is not robustly correlated with shock outcome.
Implementing the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD): Achievements, Open Questions and Strategies for the Way Forward.

This paper looks at the implementation of the DESD from a global perspective. It takes the position that quality education is fundamental for learning how to live sustainably, and that the DESD needs to be better positioned in the education landscape and conceived as a global social movement that must be fostered and nurtured for the well-being of humankind. It suggests that, while there has been progress, much remains to be achieved. Several key challenges are identified. With regard to overcoming these obstacles, it focuses on macro-level strategies that would allow the development of environments in which actions can take root and grow so that the work of the DESD endures beyond the decade itself. Finally, it suggests that there are some opportunities that can be seized to make the task ahead easier to accomplish.
Localized d States for Pseudopotential Calculations: Application to the Alkaline-Earth Metals

A procedure for constructing very localized $d$ basis states for generalized pseudopotential calculations is suggested and applied to the alkaline-earth metals calcium, strontium, and barium. Unlike the $d$ states of the free ion or atom, these localized $d$ states do not significantly overlap their neighbors in the metal. They also appear to lead to more accurate estimates of the $s\ensuremath{-}d$ hybridization. Form factors and energy-wave-number characteristics are calculated and used to study the effects of hybridization on representative physical properties of the alkaline earths. In general, hybridization is found to make important contributions to the liquid-metal resistivity and the low-temperature-phase stability, but not to the binding energy nor to the phonon frequencies. A preliminary calculation also suggests that the fcc-bcc phase transitions in calcium and strontium can be understood in terms of the generalized pseudopotential theory.
A protocol to formalise function verbs to support conservation-based model checking

This paper proposes, demonstrates, and validates a protocol to formalise mechanical function verb definitions to support automated analysis of early design concepts, specifically, physics-based model checking using the conservation laws. Present graph-based function structures rely on controlled vocabularies of verbs and nouns to model functions and flows. Currently, all vocabularies define these terms in plain text, allowing inconsistent interpretation and term usage in models, thus making the models unsuitable for formal computational reasoning. To address this limitation, two types of model-level consistencies – topological and conservational – are identified through model examination as critical requirements for physics-based reasoning. A protocol is then demonstrated to evolve three verbs – Branch, Distribute, and Convert_Energy – from their textual definitions into formal classes that include the necessary information elements to support this reasoning. These verbs are used to construct function mod...
Factors associated with mortality and morbidity in small intestinal volvulus in horses

Objective— To determine historical, physical, and clinical factors that may affect morbidity and mortality in horses with small intestinal volvulus unrelated to other causes (e.g., incarceration, lipoma, etc.). Study Design— Retrospective study. Animals— Client-owned horses (115), aged 1 month to 21 years. Methods— Data were obtained from medical records, identified by computer search and manual review. Continuous variables were compared between affected and non-affected horses with Mann–Whitney U-tests and non-continuous variables with Fisher's exact test (2 × 2 tables) or χ2-tests (larger tables). Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to develop a multivariable model of the risk factors, taking account of confounding and interaction. Results— Eighty percent of horses recovered from surgery survived to hospital discharge. Neither age, breed, nor sex was related to mortality. Survivors had a significantly lower heart rate, shorter capillary refill time, and better mucous membrane color. Variables associated with worsening cardiovascular status, increased hemoconcentration, and exudation of cells and protein into peritoneal fluid were significantly associated with non-survival. After recovery from surgery, the most serious complication was colic, which was significantly associated with non-survival (P=.028) as was a second celiotomy (P<.01). Both of these complications were associated with a jejunocecostomy during the first surgery. Conclusions— Significant differences in the clinical and clinicopathologic signs were identified between survivors and non-survivors. Clinical Relevance— These findings can be used to make a scientific assessment of prognosis in the pre-operative, operative, and post-operative management of horses with small intestinal volvulus.
Laser restoration of flow in occluded ventricular shunts for pediatric neurosurgery

We have investigated the use of short pulses of infrared ((lambda) equals 2.09 micrometers ) light from a Ho:YAG laser to photofragment occlusions and restore flow in ventricular shunts, which provide the sole means of maintaining proper intracranial pressure in hydrocephalus patients. These experiments employed model tissues, a polymeric model compound, and patient explants in order to determine appropriate pulse energies and delivery rates for removal of occlusions material. Laser energy doses and rates of occlusion removal were established for these materials. Laser energy doses that do not damage the shunt device or surrounding tissue were identified. Optical fibers (25 ga. or smaller) can be introduced through the dome of current shunt devices and threaded to the occlusion site. Clinical application will require the continued development of an introducer tool for the transcutaneous insertion of the optical fiber into the shunt device and irrigation techniques for removing the occlusion detritus generated by photofragmentation treatment. Using this approach, a minimally invasive and benign procedure for in situ restoration of flow in occluded neurological implant devices becomes possible.
The nonvalue of retrospective peer comparison feedback in containing hospital antibiotic costs.

Abstract Antibiotics have accounted for an increasing percentage of hospital pharmacy charges. Recently, an inexpensive method, automated peer comparison feedback, has been developed to influence physician use of resources. The documented success of several implementations of this strategy led to a one-year experiment to influence hospital antibiotic utilization. Each month, attending physicians in the top 50 percentiles for expenditure were notified of their status in relation to their peers. Expenditures by feedback and control groups were compared to determine whether feedback would result in reduced expenditures by individuals, or whether there would be a generalized reduction in expenditure by the entire group (Hawthorne effect). Over the year, no significant reduction in expenditure was noted. However, some important utilization patterns were identified. Although more surgical patients received antibiotics than did nonsurgical patients, surgical antibiotic costs were less. Surgical therapy was typically of shorter duration and involved the use of less expensive antibiotics. Multiple-antibiotic prescribing was less frequent on surgical services. Thirty percent of attending physicians were responsible for 80 percent of all antibiotic costs; 60 percent of those in this top group were members of the medical cohort. In conclusion: (1) As implemented in the current study, automated peer comparison feedback was not an effective method for reducing antibiotic utilization; (2) Differences in prescribing patterns between services may dictate the best strategies for improving antibiotic utilizatioin; (3) More attention should be directed toward the relatively small "reference group" of physicians responsible for most hospital antibiotic prescribing.
Influence of trace metal ions on the determination of hydrogen peroxide in rainwater by using a chemiluminescent technique

Abstract We investigated the possibility that trace metals such as Fe(III) and Mn(II) may interfere in the determination of H 2 O 2 in air by the Cu(II) catalyzed oxidation of luminol. Interference was found to exist, especially at higher concentrations of the trace metals. Methods are suggested for dealing with this interference.
Management of posttraumatic syringomyelia using an expansile duraplasty. A case report.

Study design A patient in whom posttraumatic syringomyelia developed 34 years after an L2 fracture is reported. Objectives To review the pathophysiology and current management modalities for posttraumatic syringomyelia. The delayed presentation and management rationale of this case are emphasized. Summary of background data This case represents the most delayed onset of symptoms from a posttraumatic syrinx reported in the literature. Although lysis of arachnoid adhesions and expansile duraplasty to recreate the subarachnoid space have been described for nonshuntable syrinxes, this form of management was used as the primary management modality in this case. Methods A posttraumatic syrinx was managed by lysis of the arachnoid adhesions, fenestration of the cyst, and an expansile duraplasty. Results After surgery, the patient's symptoms improved, and magnetic resonance imaging showed a decrease in the size of the syrinx. Conclusion Posttraumatic syringomyelia represents one of the few surgically remediable presentations of spinal cord injury. Consequently, it is necessary to continuously develop and monitor new management options for this disease. In the case reported here, the syrinx was treated successfully without the implanting a drainage tube.
A Nissl Method Using Buffered Solutions of Thionin

Experiments were performed in an attempt to obtain a rapid method for staining the chromophilic substance of formalin-fixed nerve cells differentially without resorting to over-staining and subsequent acid-decolorizing. A satisfactory procedure using thionin in dilute buffered solutions was developed: Prepare a stock solution of the dye using 1 g. in 100 ml. of distilled water. Prepare veronal-acetate buffers (Michaelis, 1931) in the range of pH 5 to pH 3.S. To each 10 ml. of the buffer add 0.5 ml. of the stock dye solution. After rinsing in CO2-free distilled water place mounted or unmounted sections in this solution. (Freshly fixed material, 10μ to 20μ thick, is completely stained in 10 to 20 minutes but over-staining does not occur when longer times are allowed.) Return sections to distilled water (2 changes) and wash until diffusion of excess dye is no longer visible. Wash in 70% ethyl alcohol (2 changes) until diffusion of excess dye is no longer visible. Dehydrate in 95% ethyl alcohol and normal but...