cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Digestive anatomy of Halella azteca (Crustacea, Amphipoda).

The digestive tract of the freshwater amphipod Hyalella azteca is a straight but differentiated tube consisting of foregut, midgut, and hindgut divisions. The foregut is subdivided into a tubular esophagus, a cardiac stomach, and a pyloric stomach. The cuticular lining of the cardiac stomach is elaborated into a set of food-crushing plates and ossicles, the gastric mill, while the pyloric cuticle forms a complex straining and pressing mechanism. Nine caeca arise from the midgut, seven anteriorly and two posteriorly. Four of the anterior caeca, the hepatopancreatic caeca, are believed to be the primary sites of digestion and absorption. The remaining caeca may be absorptive, secretory, or both. The much-folded hindgut wall is capable of great distention by extrinsic muscle action for water intake to aid in flushing fecal material out of the anus; such action also may stimulate antiperistalsis by intrinsic rectal muscles.
Influence of statistical and constraint loss size effects on cleavage fracture toughness in the transition—A single variable experiment and database

Abstract This paper, which is the first of two parts, describes a comprehensive experimental study to systematically measure constraint loss and statistical size effects on fracture toughness of a typical low alloy pressure vessel steel in the brittle-to-ductile transition. Both of these size effects lead to higher toughness in smaller specimens. Previous studies primarily involved specimens that differed in size, but with self-similar standard geometric configurations, making it difficult to separate constraint loss from statistical size effects. The focus here is on a single-variable database developed for a homogeneous plate section of the decommissioned Shoreham Reactor vessel steel, tested at the 3/4-plate thickness position. Tests were carried out at a common set of conditions and covered a full matrix of specimens with six thicknesses ( B ) ranging from 7.9 to 254 mm and four widths ( W ) ranging from 6.4 to 50.8 mm. The variations in B were designed to provide readily observable statistical sampling effects, while variations in W result in fracture at deformation conditions ranging from small scale yielding to those involving extensive loss of constraint. A detailed analysis of this database is presented in a companion paper, where physically based models are used to quantify the relative contributions of constraint loss and statistical size effects. The models also provide a general approach to adjusting measured toughness for both testing and applications. The B – W database and analysis also provides a comprehensive independent assessment of some key aspects of the master curve method in the ASTM E 1921 Standard discussed in detail elsewhere. In this paper, we present an empirical analysis that shows a high constraint toughness scaling with B that is reasonably consistent with ASTM E 1921, as well as effects of loss of constraint that occur at much lower deformation levels than reflected in the data censoring limit in ASTM E 1921.
Temperature, cyanide and phenolic nitrification inhibition

Abstract Laboratory evaluations were conducted of the rate of ammonia biooxidation to nitrite by an autotrophic culture of nitrifiers. Ammonia oxidation biokinetics were found to follow Michaelis-Menten-type relationships. Alterations in Michaelis-Menten kinetics were quantified with elevated temperatures and selected trace organics typical of steel industry type wastewaters. Based on data obtained, the toxic inhibition to biological nitrification decreased in the order of free cyanide, coal tar acid phenolics (derived from a coke plant), phenol, 2,3,6-trimethylphenol, 2-ethylpyridine, 2,4,6-trimethylphenol, complexed cyanides and thiocyanate. All substances except free cyanide appear to follow a “shoulder effect” where low levels of inhibitor had no influence on rates of biological nitrification while higher levels had profound effects. Upper temperature limits for stable optimum nitrification is about 30°C with decreasing rates of nitrification on either side of this optimum. Nitrification rates approach zero as temperatures of wastewater approach 45°C.
Analysis of human embryos from zygote to blastocyst reveals distinct gene expression patterns relative to the mouse.

Abstract Early mammalian embryogenesis is controlled by mechanisms governing the balance between pluripotency and differentiation. The expression of early lineage-specific genes can vary significantly between species, with implications for developmental control and stem cell derivation. However, the mechanisms involved in patterning the human embryo are still unclear. We analyzed the appearance and localization of lineage-specific transcription factors in staged preimplantation human embryos from the zygote until the blastocyst. We observed that the pluripotency-associated transcription factor OCT4 was initially expressed in 8-cell embryos at 3 days post-fertilization (dpf), and restricted to the inner cell mass (ICM) in 128–256 cell blastocysts (6 dpf), approximately 2 days later than the mouse. The trophectoderm (TE)-associated transcription factor CDX2 was upregulated in 5 dpf blastocysts and initially coincident with OCT4, indicating a lag in CDX2 initiation in the TE lineage, relative to the mouse. Once established, the TE expressed intracellular and cell-surface proteins cytokeratin-7 (CK7) and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR1), which are thought to be specific to post-implantation human trophoblast progenitor cells. The primitive endoderm (PE)-associated transcription factor SOX17 was initially heterogeneously expressed in the ICM where it co-localized with a sub-set of OCT4 expressing cells at 4–5 dpf. SOX17 was progressively restricted to the PE adjacent to the blastocoel cavity together with the transcription factor GATA6 by 6 dpf. We observed low levels of Laminin expression in the human PE, though this basement membrane component is thought to play an important role in mouse PE cell sorting, suggesting divergence in differentiation mechanisms between species. Additionally, while stem cell lines representing the three distinct cell types that comprise a mouse blastocyst have been established, the identity of cell types that emerge during early human embryonic stem cell derivation is unclear. We observed that derivation from plating intact human blastocysts resulted predominantly in the outgrowth of TE-like cells, which impairs human embryonic stem cell derivation. Altogether, our findings provide important insight into developmental patterning of preimplantation human embryos with potential consequences for stem cell derivation.
Independent financial experts: From wished for to wistful thinking

The aftermath of the Enron collapse included Congressional legislation known as the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX), which was rushed into law on July 29, 2002, by President Bush. This legislation, aimed at restoring confidence in the financial markets, addresses many aspects of corporate governance. This article addresses the audit committee provisions of SOX, particularly the requirements for independent membership and financial expertise. The article outlines the legislative requirements and then discusses the possible effects of this ‘patch‐up’. Is it too little too late and how long will the patch last?
Environmentally related research in scholarly hospitality journals: Current status and future opportunities

Abstract This study presents a comprehensive review of recent developments in environmentally related research articles published in major hospitality journals in the period from 2000 to 2010. A total of 58 articles are classified into three hospitality areas: lodging, restaurant, and meeting and convention. The results are presented with the discussion of research articles by period, journal, research focus, research type, and key findings. Conclusions and recommendations for future research are offered.
Modeling tidal stream energy extraction and its effects on transport processes in a tidal channel and bay system using a three-dimensional coastal ocean model

Abstract This paper presents a numerical modeling study for simulating in-stream tidal energy extraction and assessing its effects on the hydrodynamics and transport processes in a tidal channel and bay system connecting to coastal ocean. A marine and hydrokinetic (MHK) module was implemented in a three-dimensional (3-D) coastal ocean model using the momentum sink approach. The MHK model was validated with the analytical solutions for tidal channels under one-dimensional (1-D) conditions. Model simulations were further carried out to compare the momentum sink approach with the quadratic bottom friction approach. The effects of 3-D simulations on the vertical velocity profile, maximum extractable energy, and volume flux reduction across the channel were investigated through a series of numerical experiments. 3-D model results indicate that the volume flux reduction at the maximum extractable power predicted by the 1-D analytical model or two-dimensional (2-D) depth-averaged numerical model may be overestimated. Maximum extractable energy strongly depends on the turbine hub height in the water column, which reaches a maximum when turbine hub height is located at mid-water depth. Far-field effects of tidal turbines on the flushing time of the tidal bay were also investigated. Model results demonstrate that tidal energy extraction has a greater effect on the flushing time than volume flux reduction, which could negatively affect the biogeochemical processes in estuarine and coastal waters that support primary productivity and higher forms of marine life.
Successive Matrix Inversion Method for Reanalysis of Engineering Structural Systems

Over the past several decades, numerous structural analysis techniques have been developed to represent physical systems behavior more realistically, and the structural models, therefore, have become larger and more complex. Even though modern computer power has increased significantly, cost of computational analysis has been a major restrictive factor in a structural system design involving multiple disciplines and repetitive simulations. A new reanalysis technique is developed. The successive matrix inversion (SMI) method is most suitable for reanalysis of structures. The SMI method reproduces exact solutions for any localized modification of the initial system. Several numerical examples are given to demonstrate the efficiency of this method.
Tritiated water turnover in free-living desert rodents.

Abstract 1. 1. Tritiated water (HTO) turnover and urine osmolarity were followed in free-living and laboratory maintained desert rodents as indices of the state of their water economy. 2. 2. HTO turnover rates in free-living Peromyscus maniculatus (0.32 of HTO per day) were three times those of the heteromyid rodents (Dipodomys merriami and Perognathus penicillatus) in the community. 3. 3. HTO turnover varied seasonally in the free-living heteromyids and the magnitude of the seasonal change suggested that the Perognathus made use of torpor in colder months. 4. 4. In laboratory work on Perognathus, HTO turnover was inversely related to body weight and ambient temperature but independent of the protein content of the diet. Urine osmolarity was directly related to ambient temperature and to dietary protein. 5. 5. HTO turnover behaved as would be expected of a water tracer but in all laboratory trials, HTO turnover exceeded actual water turnover as determined by food consumption. 6. 6. The use of HTO turnover as an index of water turnover, with emphasis upon the implications of isotope effects and multi-compartment kinetics, is discussed in light of these findings.
Refuge-seeking and pest avoidance by feral horses in desert and island environments

Abstract The hypothesis that insect harassment of feral horses results in the use of “refuge” sites to minimize pest pressures was examined. Patterns of resource exploitation were identified in two populations of feral horses ( Equus caballus ), one in an insular mountain range in the deserts of Nevada and the other on a barrier island off the Atlantic Coast of Virginia and Maryland. Although physical features, amount and distribution of free water, and insect densities differed between the 2 study sites, horses displayed similar seasonal and daily patterns of habitat use. In the island horses, the rate of tail swishing/min was used as a crude measure of insect harassment. This behavior occurred least at beach and bay sites. These sites, in addition to the ocean, were used most during the summer, particularly between 10.00 to 16.00 h. In the desert population, the horses grazed in meadows early in the day when it was cooler and pest densities were lower. Movements shifted during the day, and horses rested on higher slopes and ridges primarily during the afternoon. Two new refuges for energy conservation were observed, viz. inshore water and snow patches. Resting occurred often in each of these areas.
Does elimination of a negative phototaxis eliminate CAR acquisition in goldfish

Eleven groups run under classical, instrumental, pseudoconditioning, CS-only, US-only, and time-lapse procedures, with the ITI illuminated and a color change CS, showed that true classically trained animals do not increase CAR performance with training, whereas instru- mentally trained goldfish do. This is consistent with a phototaxic interpretation suggested in earlier work. Additionally, the finding that CS-only and time-lapse controls show high “acquisi- tion” rates, whereas pseudoconditioning controls do not, not only questions the use of the pseudoconditioning procedure as the sole learning control in this situation, but also questions a learning interpretation itself. Conclusions of what and how, or even if, goldfish learn in this apparatus seem premature.
Multilingualism from a lifespan perspective: case studies from a language workshop for Spanish seniors in Saint-Denis, France

In socio- and applied linguistic research, age tends to be accounted for as fixed, biographical information, and individuals in later life have rarely been considered more than marginally. In this paper, I attempt to address this oversight by presenting data from multilingual subjects over the age of 65 as they take part in a language and literacy course for senior citizens. I account for their age not as a fixed category or an index of deterioration, but as a reflection of ongoing processes of personal, social and historical dimensions that can be measured in terms of the lifespan, a concept prevalent in the field of social gerontology. Keeping in mind the core elements of what I propose as a lifespan perspective – timescales, life events, language ideologies and linguistic repertoires – I conduct discourse analysis on their metalinguistic conversations to illuminate the subjective and phenomenological factors that have shaped – and that continue to shape – their linguistic repertoires and the ideologies...
High accuracy 2D angle estimation with extended aperture vector sensor arrays

A novel ESPRIT-based 2D angle estimation scheme is proposed involving the use of a right-triangular array of three vector sensors spaced much farther apart than a half-wavelength. A vector sensor is composed of six co-located antennas distinctly measuring all six electromagnetic field components of a multi-component incident wavefield. Information on each source's respective electromagnetic field components is obtained by decoupling the signal eigenvectors via lower dimensional eigenvectors derived from TLS-ESPRIT. This facilitates estimation of each source's respective Poynting vector thereby enabling one to resolve the phase ambiguities in ESPRIT's eigenvalues when the intervector-sensor spacing is greater than a half-wavelength. Simulations are presented showing the sample variance of the direction cosine estimates decreasing linearly on a log-log scale as the intervector-sensor spacing is increased from a half-wavelength to 30 wavelengths, with a factor of 80 reduction in the latter case relative to the former case. The proposed scheme and attendant vector sensor array also outperform a uniformly-spaced array of scalar sensors with the same aperture and same number of component antennas whenever the intervector sensor spacing in the former case is greater than 3 half-wavelengths.
Numerical computations of turbine blade aerodynamics; comparison of SAS and LES

Numerical investigations of turbine blade are carried out using Scale Adaptive Simulation (SAS), large eddy simulation (LES) and Detached-eddy Simulation (DES), techniques. The goal of the present studies is to investigate the turbine blade aerodynamics and blade cooling techniques. The simulations are performed for a Reynolds number, Re = 1.3 x 10 6 , based on the chord, c, of the airfoil and free-stream velocity. The computational results reveal the dissipative nature, of SAS, associated with the turbulence modeling.
Intimate Partner Violence and Health Care-Seeking Patterns Among Female Users of Urban Adolescent Clinics

To assess the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) and associations with health care-seeking patterns among female patients of adolescent clinics, and to examine screening for IPV and IPV disclosure patterns within these clinics. A self-administered, anonymous, computerized survey was administered to female clients ages 14–20 years (N = 448) seeking care in five urban adolescent clinics, inquiring about IPV history, reasons for seeking care, and IPV screening by and IPV disclosure to providers. Two in five (40%) female urban adolescent clinic patients had experienced IPV, with 32% reporting physical and 21% reporting sexual victimization. Among IPV survivors, 45% reported abuse in their current or most recent relationship. IPV prevalence was equally high among those visiting clinics for reproductive health concerns as among those seeking care for other reasons. IPV victimization was associated with both poor current health status (AOR 1.57, 95% CI 1.03–2.40) and having foregone care in the past year (AOR 2.59, 95% CI 1.20–5.58). Recent IPV victimization was associated only with past 12 month foregone care (AOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.18–3.46). A minority (30%) reported ever being screened for IPV in a clinical setting. IPV victimization is pervasive among female adolescent clinic attendees regardless of visit type, yet IPV screening by providers appears low. Patients reporting poor health status and foregone care are more likely to have experienced IPV. IPV screening and interventions tailored for female patients of adolescent clinics are needed.
The Implications of Metalandscape Connectivity for Population Viabilityin Migratory Songbirds

Landscape connectivity is considered important for species persistence, but linkages among landscape populations (metalandscape connectivity) may be necessary to ensure the long-term viability of some migratory songbirds at a broader regional scale. Because of regional source-sink dynamics, these species can maintain steady populations within extensively fragmented landscapes (landscape sinks) owing to high levels of immigration from source landscapes. We undertook a modeling study to identify the conditions under which immigration, an index of metalandscape connectivity, could rescue declining populations of songbirds in heavily disturbed landscapes. In general, low to moderate levels of immigration (m = 0–20%) were sufficient to rescue species with low edge-sensitivity in landscapes where 40%) were required to rescue highly edge-sensitive species in extensively fragmented landscapes that had lost >50% habitat, or when any landscape lost P50% habitat gradually over a period of 100 or more years (r = 0.5% habitat lost/year). Paradoxically higher levels of immigration were thus necessary to offset population declines when habitat was lost gradually than when it was lost quickly, where population response lagged behind landscape change. This implies that the importance of metalandscape connectivity for population viability may not be fully appreciated in landscapes undergoing rapid rates of change. Natural immigration rates for migratory songbirds match the very high levels (>40%) we found necessary to sustain populations in heavily disturbed landscapes, which underscores the importance of metalandscape connectivity for the continued persistence of many migratory songbirds in the face of widespread habitat loss and fragmentation.
An improved SNR estimator for speech enhancement

In this paper, we propose an MMSE a priori SNR estimator for speech enhancement. This estimator has similar benefits to the well-known decision-directed approach, but does not require an ad-hoc weighting factor to balance the past a priori SNR and current ML SNR estimate with smoothing across frames. Performance is evaluated in terms of estimation error and segmental SNR using the standard logSTSA speech enhancement method. Experimental results show that, in contrast with the decision-directed estimator and ML estimator, the proposed SNR estimator can help enhancement algorithms preserve more weak speech information and efficiently suppress musical noise.
Usefulness of oral nisoldipine for stable angina pectoris

Abstract The duration and extent of antianginal effects of nisoldipine, a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist, were assessed in 178 patients with chronic stable angina pectoris. Using a placebo run-in, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel study design, patients received placebo twice daily for 2 to 3 weeks and were then randomized to receive either placebo (n = 42), nisoldipine 10 mg once daily (n = 44), nisoldipine 10 mg twice daily (n = 47) or nisoldipine 20 mg once daily (n = 45) for 5 weeks. Frequency of angina and nitroglycerin consumption were assessed by weekly patient diaries. Exercise tolerance time was assessed at baseline and at weeks 1, 3 and 5 in the double-blind phase. Peak effects after 5 weeks of double-blind medication showed significant or nearly significant improvements with nisoldipine over placebo in time-to-termination of exercise, time to onset of angina, and time to onset of 1 mm ST-segment depression. There were no significant improvements in trough effects with nisoldipine. Also, placebo was not significantly different from nisoldipine in either the number of anginal attacks or nitroglycerin consumed. Although significantly more drug-related, adverse effects were observed with the nisoldipine regimen, 20 mg once daily, compared with placebo, nisoldipine appears to be an effective and well-tolerated antianginal drug. However, its duration of antianginal action, as measured by exercise stress testing, is relatively short. The drug needs to be examined using shorter dosing intervals and higher daily doses, or in a longer-acting sustained-release formulation.
The Columbia grasp database

Collecting grasp data for learning and benchmarking purposes is very expensive. It would be helpful to have a standard database of graspable objects, along with a set of stable grasps for each object, but no such database exists. In this work we show how to automate the construction of a database consisting of several hands, thousands of objects, and hundreds of thousands of grasps. Using this database, we demonstrate a novel grasp planning algorithm that exploits geometric similarity between a 3D model and the objects in the database to synthesize form closure grasps. Our contributions are this algorithm, and the database itself, which we are releasing to the community as a tool for both grasp planning and benchmarking.
DECOMPOSER: a synthesizer for systolic systems

A tool for synthesizing systolic systems is introduced. Given a hierarchical specification of the computations to be performed and hints as to how these computations are to be performed, this tool generates an analysis of the hardware required to do the computations. The computations are specified as directed acyclic graphs and the hints tell the temporal and topological relationships of each computation. The systolic system is synthesized by traversing the graph and marking each computation with a processor name and a time stamp. This tool, called DECOMPOSER, is the newest entry in a tool set currently under development at Penn State [IO1]. Its output can subsequently be fed to the remaining tools in the tool set to generate a VLSI fabrication description of the systolic system.
Constructing the social democratic developmental state in Africa: lessons from the “Global South”

Since the dawn of the post-colonial era in the various regions of the “Global South,” including Africa, the appropriate role of the state in the development process has been a frontier issue. The resulting debate has revolved around two major trajectories: the minimalist state and the maximalist state. The former, shaped by the liberal cum neo-liberal Weltanschauung, posits that the state should have a limited role in socio-economic development—basically the creation of propitious conditions for the private accumulation of capital. Essentially, the suzerainty over the development process should rest with the “market” and its associated forces, particularly businesses. On the other hand, the maximalist state perspective asserts that the state should have a prominent role in the development process, including serving as the engine. Importantly, the debate has gone through various cycles, each dominated by the minimalist state paradigm. In spite of the hegemony of the minimalist state perspective, several states in the “Global South” have experimented with various models of state dirigisme—the “developmental state:” authoritarian (e.g. Singapore and South Korea) and democratic (e.g. Botswana and Mauritius). Against this backdrop, using the lessons learned from the experiences of some of the states in the “Global South” that have experimented with variants of the developmental state model, this article concluded that the social democratic developmental state is the best trajectory for promoting human-centered democracy and development in Africa.
Low‐temperature synthesis and particle‐size control in yttrium‐based phosphors

Yttrium-based phosphors: Y 2 O 3 :Eu +3 , Y 2 O 3 :Tb +3 , Y 2 SiO 5 :Eu +3 , Y 2 SiO 5 :Tb +3 , and Y 3 Al 5 O 12 :Eu +3 , Y 3 Al 5 O 12 :Tb +3 have been made by sol-gel processes via organic precursors. In all the compositions, transparent non-crystalline xerogels were reacted either by dry firing or by hydrothermal reaction. At temperatures of 600-650°C, the gels reacted to single-phase well-crystallized anhydrous compounds as shown by powder x-ray diffraction. Luminescent emission measurements are presented for all the rare-earth-activated yttrium-based compounds. Scanning electron microscopy reveals a particle size of <0.2 μm with a morphology of loose aggregates in the case of Eu-doped samples.
IFN-lambda therapy: current status and future perspectives

Interferon-lambda (IFN-λ), the most recently described type III IFN, plays a crucial part by acting on specific cell types, controlling viral infections and establishing robust innate immunity against cancer. In contrast to IFN-α or IFN-γ, IFN-λ has a restricted cell response pattern, which could make this new IFN a better choice for disease targeting and reducing adverse events. Although IFN-λ is considered to have pivotal roles in cancer, viral infections and autoimmune diseases, clinical trials have only been conducted for treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. In this review, we discuss the current and the potential clinical applications of IFN-λ in the context of current IFN therapy.
Endogenous and exogenous modulators of potentials evoked by a painful cutaneous laser (LEPs).

Little is known about the specific functions of the human cortical structures receiving nociceptive input, their relationship to various dimensions of pain, and the modulation of these inputs by attention. We now review studies demonstrating the subdural potentials evoked by a cutaneous laser stimulus which produces a pure pain sensation by selective activation of cutaneous nociceptors (LEPs). These LEPs were localized over human anterior and middle cingulate (A & MCC), somatosensory (SI) and parasylvian (PS) cortices. LEP, lesion and imaging data define pain-related elements within each of these structures: insula and parietal operculum within PS, anterior and middle cingulate cortex, and possibly Brodman’s areas 3a, 3b and 1 within SI. LEPs recorded over each of these areas is modulated with laser intensity and evoked pain. Attention to the painful laser produces an increase in the amplitude of LEPs over all three cortical areas and emergence of a late positive potential over ACC alone. These studies provide clear evidence of human cortical structures receiving nociceptive input and the modulation of that input by exogenous (e.g. laser intensity) and endogenous factors (e.g. directed attention).
Growth of high quality, epitaxial InSb nanowires

The growth of InSb nanowires on an InSb(1 1 1) substrate in a closed system is described. A high density InSb nanowires was grown by the use of InSb substrates in a torch sealed quartz tube at a temperature of 4001C, using a 60 nm size gold colloid catalyst. The typical diameter of the InSb nanowires was 80–200 nm and they consisted of nearly equal atomic percent of In and Sb. Transmission electron microscopy showed the wires to be single crystal, with a growth direction of / 11 0S. r 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Sequential Filling of a Late Paleozoic Foreland Basin

ABSTRACT Through the use of an extensive data base of geophysical well logs, parasequence-scale subdivisions within a late Paleozoic synorogenic clastic wedge resolve cycles of sequential subsidence of a foreland basin, sediment progradation, subsidence of a carbonate shelf edge, diachronously subsiding discrete depositional centers, and basinwide transgression. Although temporal resolution of biostratigraphic markers is less precise in Paleozoic successions than in younger basins, parasequence-scale subdivisions provide more detailed resolution within marker-defined units in Paleozoic strata. As an example, the late Paleozoic Black Warrior basin in the foreland of the Ouachita thrust belt is filled with a synorogenic clastic wedge, the lower part of which intertongues with the fringe of a cratonic carbonate facies in the distal part of the basin. The stratal geometry of one tongue of the carbonate facies (lower tongue of Bangor Limestone) defines a ramp that grades basinward into a thin black shale. An overlying tongue of the synorogenic clastic wedge (lower tongue of Parkwood Formation) consists of cyclic delta and delta-front deposits, in which parasequences are defined by marine-flooding surfaces above coarsening- and shallowing-upward successions of mudstone and sandstone. Within the lower Parkwood tongue, two genetic stratigraphic sequences (A and B) are defined by parasequence offlap and downlap patterns and are bounded at the tops by basinwide maximum-flooding surfaces. The distribution of parasequences within sequences A and B indicates two cycles of sequential subsidence (deepening) and progradation, suggesting subsidence during thrust advance and progradation during thrust quiescence. Parasequence stacking in sequences A and B also indicates diachronous differential tectonic subsidence of two discrete depositional centers within the basin. The uppermost sequence (C) includes reworked sandstones and an overlying shallow-marine limestone, a vertical succession that reflects no tectonic subsidence, a very minor or null sediment supply, and basinwide transgression. The temporal resolution at parasequence scale significantly improves the resolution of the tectonic history of the thrust belt-foreland basin system.
Stephen Jay Gould’s Final View of Evolution

A review of The Structure of Evolutionary Theory. By Stephen Jay Gould. The Belknap Press. Cambridge (Massachusetts): Harvard University Press. $39.95. xxiii 1433 p; ill.; index. ISBN: 0–674–00613–5. 2002. Despite its size and title, this book, written over a period of 20 years by the most widely read popularizer of evolutionary biology, is not a broad discussion of the logic and history of evolutionary explanations in the life sciences. Rather—and not surprisingly for those who know the writings and persona of Stephen Jay Gould—it is a narrow account of what its author thinks is wrong or incomplete in Darwinian evolutionary theory (then, since, and now); how he and a few likeminded colleagues have significantly revised and “plurified” it; how many of his critics have been some combination of wrong, hypocritical, unprofessionally unfair, and motivated by envy; and how, in spite of the criticism he has endured, his ideas have triumphed and earned him a place in contemporary culture and in the history evolutionary thought. Near the beginning of his monstergraph, Gould did describe it as “partisan” (p 136) and himself as “the most arrogant of literati” (p 47), but neither of these warnings quite prepared me for the magisterial way in which they are later justified. Indeed, calling his book “partisan” is one of the few understatements in it: about ten percent of the approximately 1,000 references in the bibliography are to articles or books he authored alone; there are some 50 references to five mostly popular books by his best-published critic, and therefore favorite nemesis, Richard Dawkins; there is one reference to the work of William Hamilton, and there is not a single reference to Robert Trivers. And, yes, Gould’s membership among the “arrogant literati” is assured by this book: the writing is sometimes so verbose, convoluted, and digressive that sentences have to be reread in order to understand their content (or lack thereof). The following sentence could be used in a writing course as an example of how to kill a reader’s interest:
Rereading the Story of Abraham, Isaac, and ‘Us’ in Romans 4

Interpretations of Rom. 4 have often been subordinated to a single theme from Rom. 3.21-31, such as justification by faith, the inclusion of the Gentiles, or Paul’s demonstration that his gospel is in continuity with the Torah. While there is undeniable merit in these contentions, this article argues that Paul invokes Abraham for multiple purposes in order to answer his interlocutor’s charges against his gospel (Rom. 3.27—4.1). Paul’s argument is multifaceted and cannot be reduced to a single overarching theme. The second half of the article provides an exegesis of the oft-neglected 4.16-25 and argues that Paul crafts a reading of the Abraham story, a reading which is indebted to his prior Christological commitments, which answers the interlocutor’s question from 4.1 as to how Abraham can be the forefather of both Jews and Gentiles.
Editorial: Peer Review: Evolution or Revolution?

The topic of peer review has been the subject of debate in scientific circles for decades, yet it is viewed by many as one of the most stable and consistent practices in the world of scholarly journals. Peer review is defined as the scrutiny of manuscripts by technical experts or “referees.” The referees’ assessments are used by journal editors to make decisions about which papers to accept for publication. This process is sometimes an annoyance to authors, and is often perceived as unnecessarily slowing the manuscript acceptance process. Yet, most editors rely heavily on the opinions of experts in the subject matter. They rely on referees to provide thorough, objective assessments and provide constructive suggestions that the author can use, whether or not the particular manuscript is accepted for publication in that particular journal. So what’s new and/or controversial about peer review? As the pace of our professional lives has rapidly escalated, authors, peer reviewers and editors have been affected. Very busy reviewers often find the emails asking for one more review burdensome. Some editors believe that reviews, in general, are less critical than they used to be (although authors tend to disagree!) and often find it hard to obtain at least 2 critiques for each manuscript. So. . . many wonder if peer review is still a relevant exercise that is useful to authors, referees and editors and/or one that truly influences the quality of published papers. Overall, the basic question asked by many is: does peer review actually result in higher quality papers and, if so, are certain methods better than others? Interestingly, conventional wisdom suggests that senior scholars are the best reviewers; however, studies of reviewers’ performances suggest this isn’t the case—in fact, younger reviewers from top institutions, and who are known to the editor, are factors associated with higher quality reviews. On the other hand, peer review has
Densification of porous bodies in a granular pressure-transmitting medium

Densification is a critical step in the manufacture of near-net-shaped components via powder processing. A non-isostatic stress state will in general result in shape distortion in addition to densification. In the quasi-isostatic pressing (QIP) process the green body is placed into a granular pressure-transmitting medium (i.e. PTM), which is itself contained in a rigid die. Upon the application of a uniaxial load, the PTM redistributes the tractions on the green body, thereby creating a stress state that is quasi-isostatic. The character of the deformation of the PTM is studied using model experiments on pressing of the PTM in a rigid die and a scanning electron microscopy analysis of the PTM powder. An important problem of the optimization of the PTM chemical composition enabling the maximum densification of a porous specimen with the minimum possible shape distortion is solved. The results of modeling agree satisfactorily with the experimental data on cold QIPing Ti and Ni powder samples and hot QIPing TiC–TiNi cermet composites.
Balloon remodeling of complex anterior communicating artery aneurysms: technical considerations and complications

Introduction Reports of the limitations and feasibility of balloon remodeling for treatment of complex anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms are scarce. Methods Ninety-nine patients were treated with balloon-assisted coil embolization for ACoA aneurysms between August 2004 and October 2012. Records were reviewed for aneurysm characteristics, balloon trajectory (vessel and side), bilateral access, treatment-related complications, and aneurysm recurrence determined by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Morphological outcomes following treatment were categorized into Raymond class I, II, or III. Results Fifty-three aneurysms (53.5%) were unruptured and 46 (46.4%) were ruptured. Aneurysmal occlusion (Raymond I or II) was achieved in 89 patients (89.9%); three (3.0%) were incompletely embolized and treatment was aborted in six (6.1%). Balloon trajectories were from the A1 to either the ipsilateral or contralateral A2. In 17 cases (17.2%), bilateral A1 access was used to achieve balloon protection of the contralateral A2. In four cases (4.0%), balloon remodeling was aborted due to technical difficulty. There were 15 (15.2%) treatment-related complications; five (5.1%) were intraoperative ruptures, one of which resulted in a neurological deficit and another in death. All other complications were clinically silent, producing a permanent complication rate of 2.0%. Mean radiographic follow-up was 2.5 years, and six patients (6.1%) were retreated for recurrence or known remnant. Conclusions Balloon remodeling should be considered for broad-based complex ACoA aneurysms. This technique provides a high rate of aneurysm occlusion with an acceptable complication profile, and avoids the need for dual antiplatelet therapy. The balloon trajectory will depend on aneurysm morphology and bilateral access may be useful in selected cases.
Northwest Africa 011: A "eucritic" basalt from a non-eucrite parent body

We have carried out a detailed petrographic, mineralogical, and trace element study of Northwest Africa (NWA) 011. This meteorite bears many similarities to the eucrites it was initially identified with, although oxygen isotopic compositions rule out a genetic relationship. Like many eucrites, NWA 011 crystallized from a source with approximately chondritic proportions of REE, although a slightly LREE-enriched bulk composition with a small positive Eu anomaly, as well as highly fractionated Fe/Mg ratios and depleted Sc abundances (Korotchantseva et al. 2003), suggest that the NWA 011 source experienced some pyroxene and/or olivine fractionation. Thermal metamorphism resulted in homogenization of REE abundances within grains, but NWA 011 did not experience the intergrain REE redistribution seen in some highly metamorphosed eucrites. Despite a similarity in oxygen isotopic compositions, NWA 011 does not represent a basaltic partial melt from the acapulcoite/lodranite parent body. The material from which NWA 011 originated may have been like some CH or CB chondrites, members of the CR chondrite clan, which are all related through oxygen isotopic compositions. The NWA 011 parent body is probably of asteroidal origin, possibly the basaltic asteroid 1459 Magnya.
Posttraumatic Tremor and Other Posttraumatic Movement Disorders

Stress is defined as a state of threatened or disturbed homeostasis provoked by an internal or external stimulus (Black 2002). Trauma can be considered as a cause of mechanical stress. After trauma the organism responds with a series of reactions aimed to repair the damage, promote healing, and recruit host defense mechanisms. It is believed that the motor system may be involved in some of these mechanisms giving rise to loss of motor control and a variety of abnormal movements. Movement disorders (MDs) following trauma have been recognized in the medical literature since 1888 when Gowers described two patients with involuntary movements after neck and thumb trauma (Gowers 1888). Many types of MDs have been described following trauma, including: dystonia, tremor, chorea, tics, myoclonus, hemifacial spasm, hemimasticatory spasm, “jumping post-amputation stump,” painful legs (arms) and moving toes (fingers), synkinesias secondary to aberrant regeneration, and parkinsonism (Cardoso and Jankovic 1995; Jankovic 2009a, b).
“Nursing Students Assaulted”: Considering Student Safety in Community-Focused Experiences

Community nursing experiences for undergraduate students have progressed beyond community-based home visits to a wide array of community-focused experiences in neighborhood-based centers, clinics, shelters, and schools. Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program chose to use sites situated within neighborhoods close to campus in order to promote student and faculty engagement in the local community. These neighborhood sites provide opportunities for students to deliver nursing services to underserved and vulnerable populations experiencing poverty and health disparities. Some of these neighborhoods are designated as high crime areas that may potentially increase the risk of harm to students and faculty. There is a need to acknowledge the risk to personal safety and to proactively create policies and guidelines to reduce potential harm to students engaged in community-focused experiences. When a group of baccalaureate nursing students was assaulted while walking to a neighborhood clinic, the faculty was challenged as how to respond given the lack of policies and guidelines. Through our experience, we share strategies to promote personal safety for students and recommend transparency by administrators regarding potential safety risks to students engaged in community-focused fieldwork activities.
Mechanisms Underlying Midazolam-Induced Peripheral Nerve Block and Neurotoxicity

Background and Objectives The benzodiazepine midazolam has been reported to facilitate the actions of spinally administrated local anesthetics. Interestingly, despite the lack of convincing evidence for the presence of γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors along peripheral nerve axons, midazolam also has been shown to have analgesic efficacy when applied alone to peripheral nerves. These observations suggest midazolam-induced nerve block is due to another site of action. Furthermore, because of evidence indicating that midazolam has equal potency at the benzodiazepine site on the GABAA receptor and the 18-kd translocator protein (TSPO), it is possible that at least the nerve-blocking actions of midazolam are mediated by this alternative site of action. Methods We used the benzodiazepine receptor antagonist flumazenil, and the TSPO antagonist PK11195, with midazolam on rat sciatic nerves and isolated sensory neurons to determine if either receptor mediates midazolam-induced nerve block and/or neurotoxicity. Results Midazolam (300 μM)–induced block of nerve conduction was reversed by PK11195 (3 μM), but not flumazenil (30 μM). Midazolam-induced neurotoxicity was blocked by neither PK11195 nor flumazenil. Midazolam also causes the release of Ca2+ from internal stores in sensory neurons, and there was a small but significant attenuation of midazolam-induced neurotoxicity by the Ca2+ chelator, BAPTA. BAPTA (30 μM) significantly attenuated midazolam-induced nerve block. Conclusions Our results indicate that processes underlying midazolam-induced nerve block and neurotoxicity are separable, and suggest that selective activation of TSPO may facilitate modality-selective nerve block while minimizing the potential for neurotoxicity.
Accelerated Extraction of Organic Pollutants Using Microwave Energy

This study, which is part of an ongoing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency research program, carried out by the National Exposure Research Laboratory, Characterization Research Division-Las Vegas (formerly Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory-Las Vegas), addresses new sample preparation techniques that prevent or minimize pollution in the laboratory ; improve target analyte recoveries ; and reduce sample preparation costs. In this paper, the extraction of 16 phenolic compounds and 20 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) from spiked soil, sand, and organic compost samples is addressed. Six phenols are also extracted from a certified reference soil. The conditions for extraction are a hexane-acetone (1 :1) solvent in closed vessels at 115°C for 10 min using microwave energy.
Multi-material additive manufacturing of robot components with integrated sensor arrays

Fabricating a robotic component comprising 100s of distributed, connected sensors can be very difficult with current approaches. To address these challenges, we are developing a novel additive manufacturing technology to enable the integrated fabrication of robotic structural elements with distributed, interconnected sensors and actuators. The focus is on resistive and capacitive sensors and electromagnetic actuators, though others are anticipated. Anticipated applications beyond robotics include advanced prosthetics, wearable electronics, and defense electronics. This paper presents preliminary results for printing polymers and conductive material simultaneously to form small sensor arrays. Approaches to optimizing sensor performance are discussed.
Complete representation of an optical correlation singularity

An understanding of correlation singularities is fundamentally important in imaging science. Until now spatial coherence studies have examined two-dimensional projections of the four-dimensional correlation function. Here we describe the properties of the complete correlation function.
Chemical and Structural Investigation of High-Resolution Patterning with HafSOx

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) chemical mapping have been used to examine key processing steps that enable sub-20-nm lithographic patterning of the material Hf(OH)4-2x-2y(O2)x(SO4)y·qH2O (HafSOx). Results reveal that blanket films are smooth and chemically homogeneous. Upon exposure with an electron beam, the films become insoluble in aqueous tetramethylammonium hydroxide [TMAH(aq)]. The mobility of sulfate in the exposed films, however, remains high, because it is readily exchanged with hydroxide from the TMAH(aq) solution. Annealing the films after soaking in TMAH(aq) results in the formation of a dense hafnium hydroxide oxide material that can be converted to crystalline HfO2 with a high electron-beam dose. A series of 9 nm lines is written with variable spacing to investigate the cross-sectional shape of the patterned lines and the residual material found between them.