cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Natural killer cell activity and survival after azacitidine treatment in high-risk MDS.

The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of myeloid malignancies with diverse presentation, characteristics, and pathological features. A particular area of divergent features in MDS relates...
Development of an Innovative Career Development Program for Early-Career Women Faculty.

ObjectiveOur institutional Women in Medicine & Science Program (formerly the Office of Women in Medicine and Science) developed the Early Career Development Program for Women to promote the careers...
Modeling by Fitting Data

Often military analysis in data science requires analysis of the data and in many cases the use of regression techniques. Regression is not a one-method-fits-all approach; it takes good approaches and common sense to complement the mathematical and statistical approaches used in the analysis. This chapter discusses some simple and advanced regression techniques that have been used often in the analysis of data for business, industry, and government. We also discuss methods to check for model adequacy after constructing the regression model. We also believe technology is essential to good analysis and illustrate it in our examples and case studies.
Regulation of host-microbe interactions at oral mucosal barriers by type 17 immunity

The oral mucosa is a primary barrier site and a portal for entry of microbes, food, and airborne particles into the gastrointestinal tract. Nonetheless, mucosal immunity at this barrier remains understudied compared with other anatomical barrier sites. Here, we review basic aspects of oral mucosal histology, the oral microbiome, and common and clinically significant diseases that present at oral mucosal barriers. We particularly focus on the role of interleukin-17 (IL-17)/T helper 17 (TH17) responses in protective immunity and inflammation in the oral mucosa. IL-17/TH17 responses are highly relevant to maintaining barrier integrity and preventing pathogenic infections by the oral commensal fungus Candida albicans On the other hand, aberrant IL-17/TH17 responses are implicated in driving the pathogenesis of periodontitis and consequent bone and tooth loss. We discuss distinct IL-17-secreting T cell subsets, emphasizing their regulation and function in oropharyngeal candidiasis and periodontitis.
Contemporary Management Strategies in VAD Infection.

The use of durable ventricular assist devices (VAD) to manage end-stage heart failure is increasing, but infection remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with VAD. In this review, we synthesize recent data pertaining to the epidemiology, diagnosis, management, and prevention of VAD infections, discuss transplant considerations in patients with VAD infections, and highlight remaining knowledge gaps. We also present a conceptual framework for treating clinicians to approach these infections that draws on the same principles that guide the treatment of analogous infections that occur in patients without VAD. Despite advances in device design, surgical techniques, and preventative interventions, more than a third of VAD recipients still experience infection as an adverse outcome. Positron emission tomography has emerged as a promising modality for identifying and characterizing VAD infections. High-quality data to support many of the routine therapeutic strategies currently used for VAD infections—including suppressive antibiotic therapy, surgical debridement/device exchange, and novel antimicrobials for emerging multidrug-resistant organisms—remain limited. Although pre-transplant VAD infection may impact some early transplant outcomes, transplantation remains a viable option for patients with most types of VAD infection. Standardized definitions of VAD infection applied to large registry datasets have yielded key insights into the epidemiology of infectious complications among VAD recipients, but more prospective studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of existing and novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Risk Factors for Delayed Extubation Following High Posterior Cervical and Occipital Fusion.

Background Much has been written on initial airway management in patients undergoing cervical spine procedures, but comparatively less is known about extubation criteria. High cervical and occipital fusion procedures pose a particular risk for extubation given the potential for a reduced range of motion at the occiput-C1 and C1-C2 joints should reintubation be necessary. Materials and methods We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of posterior high cervical and occipital fusion cases to identify factors related to delayed extubation and postoperative airway and pulmonary complications. Using a convenience sample of all cases operated between January 2009 and April 2018, we reviewed anesthesia records and discharge summaries to compare patient characteristics, airway management, surgical factors, and postoperative complications between patients who underwent delayed extubation and those who did not. Results A total of 135 patients met our inclusion criteria. Overall, 92 (68.1%) patients were extubated in the operating room (OR), and 43 (31.9%) underwent delayed extubation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age, procedure length, C2 as the highest level fused, and percentage colloid administered as predictors of delayed extubation. We did not find a difference in the rate of postoperative pulmonary complications between groups (6/92 [6.5%] for OR extubation; 2/43 [4.7%] for delayed extubation). Two patients had serious airway complications, and both were extubated in the OR (2/92, 2.2%). Conclusions The decision to extubate immediately postoperatively after high cervical and occipital fusion should be considered carefully as the morbidity associated with airway obstruction can be severe in this population, while negative effects of delayed extubation were not evident in our analysis.
Differences in Failure Mode Between Simple and Mattress Suture Configuration in Arthroscopic Bankart Repairs: A Cadaveric Study:

Background:Traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations disrupt the anteroinferior labrum (Bankart lesion), leading to high rates of instability and functional disability, necessitating stabilization.P...
Okun’s law revisited in the time–frequency domain: introducing unemployment into a wavelet-based control model

This paper integrates the Okun’s law (OL) relationship into a wavelet-based control (WBC) model to compare simulated optimal fiscal and monetary policy for the US when the policymakers place varying emphasis on the primary macroeconomic targets of unemployment, output growth, and inflation. The simulation results show that the unemployment rate is impacted differently across frequency ranges. We find that fiscal policy is the most aggressive when economic growth is emphasized as a policy objective, whereas monetary policy is relatively more aggressive when the inflation rate is emphasized. Given that the US inflation rate was below target for the start of the simulation exercises, when it is emphasized, that leads to lower interest rates, a depreciated exchange rate, and larger aggregate investment. We also find that introducing OL into a WBC model leads to less expansionary fiscal and monetary policies when unemployment is initially low.
The Digital Transformation of the Grocery Business - Driven by Consumers, Powered by Technology, and Accelerated by the COVID-19 Pandemic

Companies are increasingly looking for ways to understand and profitably leverage digital transformation with a vast amount of new communications and computing technologies. Despite the potential for digital transformation to generate substantial economic benefits, very few businesses have undergone successful digital transformations. However, evolving consumer attitudes and behaviors, technological advances, new competitive pressures, and laser thin margins, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, are driving digital transformation in the grocery business. Brick and mortar, e-commerce companies, as well as new start-ups, are making major investments in all aspects of the digital grocery ecosystem—the online shopping experience, automated picking, delivery, and the digital supply chain. Retailers are connecting their investments to enhanced customer loyalty, revenue, and ultimately profit. This research—based on inductive methods—aims to discuss key drivers and technologies utilized in digital grocery business and contributes by introducing a model of digital grocery ecosystem to better understand digital transformation of the grocery business.
Clinical significance of pathologic abnormalities in biopsy samples from the appendiceal orifice.

Aims Appendiceal orifice mucosa often appears inflamed endoscopically, even when other colonic segments appear normal. Histological findings in biopsy samples taken from endoscopically abnormal mucosa may simulate a variety of inflammatory colitides. We performed this study to evaluate the clinical implications of inflammatory changes isolated to the appendiceal orifice. Methods and results In this double cohort study, biopsy samples from 26 histologically abnormal appendiceal orifices were reviewed. Twenty-five control cases were culled from endoscopically normal (n = 11) and abnormal (n = 14) appendiceal orifices that were histologically normal. Histological findings were correlated with presentation, medication history, findings at other colonic sites and clinical outcomes. Study cases displayed active inflammation (n = 12), chronic active inflammation (n = 13) or features simulating collagenous colitis (n = 1). Eighteen patients had biopsies taken from other colonic sites; these revealed benign polyps (n = 10) or displayed active (n = 4) or chronic active (n = 4) inflammation. All patients with findings isolated to the appendiceal orifice were asymptomatic at most recent clinical follow-up. Four of eight (50%) of the patients with inflammation in other biopsy samples were ultimately diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, in keeping with the well-established role of the appendix as a 'skip lesion' in that disorder. Control patients presented for screening colonoscopy (n = 19), iron deficiency anaemia (n = 3) or change in bowel habits (n = 3) and none reported gastrointestinal symptoms upon follow-up, regardless of the endoscopic appearance of the appendiceal orifice. Conclusion Isolated inflammation of the appendiceal orifice mucosa should not be regarded as a feature of evolving inflammatory bowel disease or other types of chronic colitis.
6β-Hydroxytestosterone Promotes Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension via Enhanced Cytosolic Phospholipase A 2 α Activity.

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that the CYP1B1 (cytochrome P450 1B1)-testosterone metabolite 6β-hydroxytestosterone contributes to angiotensin II-induced hypertension by promoting ...
Errata-"Finite Deflections of Sandwich Plates

force to the air stream which tends to move the operating point to 2, and so on. Such an intersection is called unstable. If Curve C recrosses A, as in Fig. 5, vibration may occur. If it does not recross, the solution diverges steadily, causing blowout. Since most systems operate on the region of the compressor characteristic with negative slope, it must be shown that it is possible to have pressure-required curves with negative slope. In order to make a simpler problem computationally, pressure losses in the combustion chamber are neglected, and all dynamic pressures (/2pV ) are assumed to be small compared to ambient pressure (P«). Incompressible formulas can then be used. The pressure required by the nozzle is
IOP-lowering Efficacy And Tolerability Of AR-13324, A Dual Mechanism Kinase Inhibitor For The Treatment Of Glaucoma

Ser/Thr Kinase Assays. Compounds were screened against human ROCK1 and ROCK2. Additional kinases were selected based upon the similarity of the active site to that of Rho kinase (PKC-theta) and/or the reported role of the kinase in the regulation of cytoskeletal organization or smooth muscle contractility (PKC-theta, MRCKα, CAMK2a). Protein kinase activity was quantitated using Promega’s KinaseGloTM Luminescent Kinase Assay Kit according to included directions.
Hearing the signal through the noise: assessing the stability of individual differences in declarative memory in the second and third years of life.

Publisher Summary Attention to variability in early declarative memory is not only important in its own right but also an essential component in the examination of relations among individual differences in early memory and other individual characteristics such as temperament and language. Although less attention has been paid to them, relative to the attention paid to mean or group level trends, there also are individual differences in early declarative memory. Early in development, when declarative memory is newly emergent, individual differences are apparent in whether children show evidence of memory.
Cold‐based debris‐covered glaciers: Evaluating their potential as climate archives through studies of ground‐penetrating radar and surface morphology

We describe the morphology and internal structure of Mullins and Friedman Glaciers, two cold-based, debris-covered alpine glaciers that occur in neighboring valleys in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. Both glaciers are overlain by a single, dry supraglacial debris layer (8–75 cm thick); each mantling debris layer is marked with near-identical patterns of arcuate ridges and steps, as well as corresponding changes in bulk grain size, meter-scale surface topography, and thermal contraction crack polygons. Results from 24 km of ground-penetrating radar data show that the ice within the uppermost 1–2 km of Mullins and Friedman Glaciers is essentially free of englacial debris (<1% by volume) but thereafter is interspersed with bands of englacial debris (each <3 m thick and dipping up glacier) that intersect the ice surface at all major surface ridges and steps. The similarity in number and pattern of englacial debris bands and corresponding surface ridges and steps across both glaciers, along with model results and observations that call for negligible basal entrainment, is best explained by episodic environmental change at valley headwalls. Our working hypothesis is that layers of englacial debris originate as supraglacial lags that form in ice-accumulation areas during times of reduced net ice accumulation; following renewed net ice accumulation, these lags are subsequently buried by snow and ice, flow englacially, and intersect the ice surface to impart distinctive changes in the texture of supraglacial debris and topographic relief. The implication is that the englacial structure and surface morphology of these cold-based, debris-covered glaciers preserves a consistent record of climate and environmental change.
Purification and Biochemical Characterization of Neuropeptide Y2 Receptor

Abstract Neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptors consist of three subtypes, designated NPY1, NPY2, and NPY3. The Y1 receptor has been cloned. The present study reports the purification of the NPY-Y2 receptor from porcine brain and its biochemical characterization. NPY receptors were solubilized and purified by sequential hydrophobic interaction, ion exchange, and NPY-affinity chromatography. By use of SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, high performance liquid chromatography gel permeation chromatography, and chemical cross-linking studies, the affinity-purified brain NPY-Y2 receptor was identified as a monomeric glycoprotein with a molecular mass of 60 kDa. Following deglycosylation, the molecular mass of the Y2 receptor was decreased to 45 kDa. Although the 125I-NPY binding to the purified NPY receptor was considerably decreased by N-ethylmaleimide, guanine nucleotides had no effect. Therefore, the purified NPY-Y2 receptor is probably not associated with G-proteins, but may have intramolecular-free sulfhydryl groups. The specific activity of the isolated NPY-Y2 receptor is 15.8 nmol/mg of protein. The isolated receptor retained its capacity to bind to 125I-NPY, specific to NPY and peptide YY, and showed no cross-reactivity with any other peptides. Highly purified (109-fold purification) NPY receptor from the brain was identified as the Y2 subtype as demonstrated by its affinity to C-terminal fragments of NPY, including NPY-(13-36).
Estimating optimal cost of allocating virtualized resources with dynamic demand

Considering the dynamics of the demand on virtulized resources is indispensable to reduce the operational costs in the context of "pay-as-you-go" model. In this paper, we formulate the optimization problem of minimizing the operational costs with dynamic demand. Furthermore, a new simple index to estimate the optimum is proposed.
Biological information specialists for biological informatics

Data management and integration are complicated and ongoing problems that will require commitment of resources and expertise from the various biological science communities. Primary components of successful cross-scale integration are smooth information management and migration from one context to another. We call for a broadening of the definition of bioinformatics and bioinformatics training to span biological disciplines and biological scales. Training programs are needed that educate a new kind of informatics professional, Biological Information Specialists, to work in collaboration with various discipline-specific research personnel. Biological Information Specialists are an extension of the informationist movement that began within library and information science (LIS) over 30 years ago as a professional position to fill a gap in clinical medicine. These professionals will help advance science by improving access to scientific information and by freeing scientists who are not interested in data management to concentrate on their science.
Artificial vision support system (AVS2) for improved prosthetic vision

State-of-the-art and upcoming camera-driven, implanted artificial vision systems provide only tens to hundreds of electrodes, affording only limited visual perception for blind subjects. Therefore, real time image processing is crucial to enhance and optimize this limited perception. Since tens or hundreds of pixels/electrodes allow only for a very crude approximation of the typically megapixel optical resolution of the external camera image feed, the preservation and enhancement of contrast differences and transitions, such as edges, are especially important compared to picture details such as object texture. An Artificial Vision Support System (AVS(2)) is devised that displays the captured video stream in a pixelation conforming to the dimension of the epi-retinal implant electrode array. AVS(2), using efficient image processing modules, modifies the captured video stream in real time, enhancing 'present but hidden' objects to overcome inadequacies or extremes in the camera imagery. As a result, visual prosthesis carriers may now be able to discern such objects in their 'field-of-view', thus enabling mobility in environments that would otherwise be too hazardous to navigate. The image processing modules can be engaged repeatedly in a user-defined order, which is a unique capability. AVS(2) is directly applicable to any artificial vision system that is based on an imaging modality (video, infrared, sound, ultrasound, microwave, radar, etc.) as the first step in the stimulation/processing cascade, such as: retinal implants (i.e. epi-retinal, sub-retinal, suprachoroidal), optic nerve implants, cortical implants, electric tongue stimulators, or tactile stimulators.
Antimicrobial drug development – the past, the present, and the future

Antimicrobial resistance has been an issue since the introduction into clinical use of the first agents in the 1940s. Although the discovery and development of new classes of antimicrobials through the 1960s presented an array of treatment options, these options for some serious and life-threatening infectious diseases may now be more limited. This paper examines the history of antimicrobial development, showing how the challenges in discovering new classes of drugs have been with us for the last 40 years. The present state of antimicrobial discovery and development is shaped by these challenges as well as by the economic realities of the pharmaceutical industry. This paper also discusses some of the regulatory considerations in antimicrobial drug development, and presents some potential solutions to the challenges inherent in antimicrobial drug development, including steps taken by the US Food and Drug Administration to streamline the drug review process for antimicrobial agents while maintaining the standards necessary to protect and promote the health of the public.
Evaluación de condiciones de proceso y conservación en la calidad de mandarina Satsuma

Los frutos citricos de maduracion temprana producidos en Argentina y que son destinados a la exportacion tienen un desverdizado y tiempo de atemperado (descanso) antes de su procesado. Los efectos de la aplicacion de etileno y la conservacion refrigerada sobre la calidad de los citricos estan bien documentados, sin embargo no se conoce la influencia de las condiciones del descanso, seguidas de un transporte refrigerado en la calidad de estas mandarinas. En este estudio se evaluaron distintas condiciones de temperaturas, humedades relativas (HR) y contenido de dioxido de carbono (CO2) durante el descanso; como asi tambien distintas concentraciones de CO2 en un almacenamiento refrigerado. El desverdizado se realizo con 1 - 3 ppm de etileno, durante 72 hs a 21 oC y 90% HR, posteriormente en el descanso se evaluaron: condiciones ambientales, 21 oC con y sin control de humedad relativa y frutos envueltos con polietileno a 21 oC. Luego las mandarinas fueron procesadas en una linea de empaque y almacenadas a 5oC durante 25 dias. Para evaluar la influencia del CO2 en el transporte los frutos fueron envueltos con polietileno y almacenados a 5 oC con revisaciones a los 30 y 60 dias. Se pudo determinar que las condiciones en las que se realiza el descanso influyen en la calidad de los citricos y que dichas alteraciones se mantienen hasta el final de la comercializacion. Contenidos elevados de CO2 durante el descanso no retrasan la evolucion del color; sin embargo elevados porcentajes de perdida de peso durante este periodo provocaron alteraciones en la piel de los frutos luego del almacenamiento refrigerado. Concentraciones altas de dioxido de carbono en el transporte favorecieron la aparicion de alteraciones en la piel de los frutos, que no son habituales en esta variedad y no se encuentran documentadas.
The Problems with Cross-Border Quality Assurance

Quality assurance for cross-border higher education often focuses on concerns about academic standards. But the challenge of evaluating international branch campuses and other foreign education outposts goes beyond enforcing basic standards of quality. We identify five issues that that make quality assurance in the cross-border context problematic.
ADR visualization: A generalized framework for ranking large-scale scientific data using Analysis-Driven Refinement

Prioritization of data is necessary for managing large-scale scientific data, as the scale of the data implies that there are only enough resources available to process a limited subset of the data. For example, data prioritization is used during in situ triage to scale with bandwidth bottlenecks, and used during focus+context visualization to save time during analysis by guiding the user to important information. In this paper, we present ADR visualization, a generalized analysis framework for ranking large-scale data using Analysis-Driven Refinement (ADR), which is inspired by Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR). A large-scale data set is partitioned in space, time, and variable, using user-defined importance measurements for prioritization. This process creates a prioritization tree over the data set. Using this tree, selection methods can generate sparse data products for analysis, such as focus+context visualizations or sparse data sets.
Dynamic strain sensing of a composite lattice with an integrated optical fiber

A fiber-optic sensor was used to investigate the modal response of a highly-flexible graphite/bismaleimide lattice structure. The natural frequencies and modal amplitudes were determined based on strain readings taken from the structurally- integrated fiber-optic sensor. The advanced composite lattice structure to which the sensor was attached is a half-scale model of the aluminum grid currently being used for active control studies at the Air Force Astronautics Laboratory. The dynamically-scaled compos ite lattice structure, which employs 2.604-cm (1.025-inches) wide strips to form a five-by- five grid, is 76.52-cm (30.125-inches) square overall with a nominal thickness of 0.094 cm (0.037 inches). The longitudinal and transverse members employ the same seven-ply [O3/90] s stacking sequence with reference to their local coordinate system, except at the intersections, where the layers are alternated. The scaled lattice structure was fabricated from G40-600/5245C graphite/bismaleimide prepreg tape. The firs...
Cloning, expression and genomic structure of human LMX1A, and variant screening in Pima Indians ☆

LIM-homeodomain containing protein LMX1A activates transcription of the insulin gene. The human LMX1A gene maps to 1q22-q23, a region identified as a putative type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) locus in several different populations. We analyzed LMX1A as a positional and biological candidate gene for T2DM in the Pima Indians, in whom a linkage of T2DM to 1q21-q23 has been previously reported. In the present study, we describe the cloning, expression and genomic organization of the LMX1A gene, which is composed of 11 exons spanning approximately 151 kb. In addition to a transcript encoding the predicted full-length protein of 382 amino acids, we identified two truncated cDNA forms produced via additional transcription start sites and alternative splicing. We identified seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) throughout the LMX1A locus and determined allele frequency distributions in 150 diabetic and 150 unaffected Pimas. We did not find evidence for association of any LMX1A SNPs with T2DM and conclude that LMX1A does not contribute significantly to T2DM etiology in Pima Indians.
Comparative Psycholinguistics in the Study of Cultures

Abstract La Psycholinguistique comparee et l'etude de la culture. — L'A. decrit une serie de recherches interculturelles qui ont ete realisees au Centre de Psycholin-guistique comparee de l'Universite de l'Illinois. Le but de ces recherches etait de trouver une forme polyculturelle du differentiateur sernantique pour plus de 20 communautes qui different par la culture et la langue. Dans chacune d'elles, les donnees ont ete recueillies par des moyens standardises et par des procedes propres au groupe linguistique (sans recours a une traduction). L'analyse factorielle des donnees ainsi obtenues montre que les systemes affectifs presentent une generalite universelle, independante de la culture et de la langue, et qui consiste en une structure tri-dimensionnelle dont les facteurs independants peuvent ětre facilement identifies comme Valeur, Puissance et Activite. Le differentiateur semantique polyculturel consiste, dans chaque langue, en 12 echelles bipolaires sur lesquelles un individu peut attribuer une val...
Effects of experimental hyperlipoproteinemia on the canine eye.

Abstract Hyperlipoproteinemia was induced in dogs of different ages. No effects were observed in the fundus. Lipid was deposited in peripheral cornea in proportion to the level of plasma cholesterol in three of 12 eyes. Extensive lipid deposition was observed in the anterior peripheral corneal stroma. In electron micrographs, intracytoplasmic membrane-bound vacuoles were seen in keratocytes and crystalline spaces were present in corneal stroma.
The Al-Ni-Ti system (Aluminum-Nickel-Titanium)

The Al-Ni-Ti system was evaluated by [82Nas]. This evaluation includes additional information from [78Ans], [83Sri], [83Zak], [85Omal], [85Oma2], [85Nas], and [86Edm]. The evaluation by [82Nas] is confirmed for the most part by the recent literature.
High-power free-electron laser amplifier using a scalloped electron beam and a two-stage wiggler

The article of record as published may be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevSTAB.9.050703
Observations on the ultrastructure of the ectodermal component during odontogenesis in Helostoma temmincki.

The role played by the ectodermal component during lower vertebrate tooth development has been a subject of much speculation. In order to provide new information on this matter the cytostructural changes occuring in the ectodermal part of the tooth buds of a small fresh water fish Helostoma temmincki were investigated. The cells of the two epithelial layers which form the ectodermal cap of the tooth bud showed little sign of specialization during the early phase of tooth formation. There was no evidence of the synthesis and secretion of enamel matrix. With the onset of the calcification of the dentin specializations indicating an absorptive activity were observed in the cells of the outer epithelial layer. These changes consisted of an elaborate system of canalicular spaces and coated vesicles. Concurrently the cells of the inner layer accumulated large amounts of iron in the form of ferritin particles. The iron was subsequently deposited over the outer layer of the dentin imparting a reddish-brown coloration to the teeth. The ultrastructural specialization of the ectodermal component during tooth development are suggestive of transport functions similar to those which are thought to occur in post-secretory enamel organs during the maturation of enamel.
How Hollow Can We Go? A Case Study of the Florida’s Efforts to Outsource Oversight of Privatized Child Welfare Services

How hollow government can go is a long-standing question that has not been fully answered. In particular, the literature has highlighted the importance of contracting monitoring, but has rarely examined whether or when this function can be successfully outsourced. Extending and integrating theoretic approaches that are relevant to government contracting, this article proposes six conditions that public managers must address in order to successfully outsource the contracting oversight function. The framework is then applied to the case of Florida’s experiment with contracting out financial and programmatic monitoring of outsourced child welfare services. The discontinued experiment in Florida illustrates the challenges that arise when outsourcing the contracting monitoring function in a politically charged environment.
NAPS: a Connectionist Implementation of Cognitive Maps

Abstract This paper introduces a connectionist model of cognitive map formation and use which performs wayfinding tasks. This model is at a higher level of cognitive function than much connectionist work. Its units are each at the level of an already trained backpropagation pattern recognizer. Although similar in certain respects to Hendler's work, the model described herein offers several additional features: first, it is a connectionist model; secondly it learns relationships via a modified Hebbian learning rule and so does not need to input a database; thirdly, spreading activation is an integral part of the model. The model introduced here also differs from backpropagation models in two important respects. First, it does not require correct training input; rather, it learns from ordinary experience. Secondly, it does not converge to a fixed point or equilibrium state; thus, more sophisticated mechanisms are required to control the network's activity. Fatigue and three types of inhibition combine to ca...
An Experimental Comparative Study of Autonomous and Co-operative Vehicle-follower Control Systems

Abstract This paper is a comparative study of the performance of constant-time-gap autonomous control systems and co-operative longitudinal control systems that use inter-vehicle communication. Analytical results show that the minimum time gap that can be achieved in autonomous control is limited by the bandwidth of the internal dynamics of the vehicle. Experimental results from typical sensors and actuators are used to show that in practice it is very difficult to achieve a time gap less than 1 s with autonomous vehicle following. This translates to an inter-vehicle spacing of 30 m at highway speeds and a theoretical maximum traffic flow of about 3000 vehicles per hour. The quality of radar range and range rate measurements pose limitations on the spacing accuracy and ride quality that can be achieved in autonomous control. Dramatic improvements in the trade-off between ride quality and spacing accuracy can be obtained merely by replacing radar range rate in the autonomous control algorithm with the difference between the measured velocities of the two cars (a rudimentary form of co-operation). As a baseline comparison, the experimental performance of fully co-operative control is presented. An inter-vehicle spacing of 6.5 m is maintained in a platoon of 8 co-operative vehicles with an excellent ride quality and an accuracy of ±20 cm. Extending this to a 10-vehicle platoon makes it possible to achieve theoretical maximum traffic flows of about 6400 vehicles per hour. Another issue of importance addressed in the paper is the need to accommodate malfunctions in radar (ranging sensor) measurements. Measurement errors can occur due to hardware malfunctions as well as due to road curves, grades and the highway environment in the case of large inter-vehicle spacing. The ability of a co-operative control system to monitor the health of the radar and correct for such errors and malfunctions is demonstrated experimentally.
Five Fluorocarbons for Administration of Aerosol Bronchodilators

The exposure of the upper respiratory tract to aerosol propellants produces apnea, bradycardia, and biphasic fall and rise in aortic blood pressure in anesthetized dogs. This response represents the irritation of sensory receptors in the nasal and nasopharyngeal mucosa and is not elicited with aerosol propellants administered via a tracheal cannula bypassing the upper respiratory tract. When this is done, a different reflex is elicited, consisting of tachycardia that is mediated by the thoracic sympathetic nerves. There is either bronchodilation or bronchoconstriction depending on the type of propellant. The three propellants (11, 12, and 114) widely used in aerosols, when inspired in large doses, elicit both bradycardia and tachycardia and induce bronchoconstriction or bronchodilation. Two additional propellants (115 and C318), which are not ordinarily used to dispense bronchodilator drugs, do not elicit any change in heart rate and produce only bronchodilation. It is suggested that these two propellants merit further investigation and may replace the three widely used ones if these prove the use and abuse of aerosols.
Recalibrating the spirit level: An analysis of the interaction of income inequality and poverty and its effect on health

The publication of The Spirit Level (Wilkinson and Pickett, 2009) marked a paramount moment in the analysis of health and inequality, quickly attracting a remarkable degree of attention, both positive and negative, both in academic and in public discourse. Following at least 20 years of research, the book proposes a simple and powerful argument: inequality per se, more specifically income inequality, is harmful to every aspect of social life. In order to confirm this idea, the authors present a series of bivariate, cross-sectional associations showing comparisons across countries and within the United States. Despite the methodological limitations of this approach, the authors advance causal claims concerning the detrimental effects of income inequality. They also rule out poverty as a plausible alternative explanation, without directly measuring it. Meanwhile, over the last decade stratification scholars have demonstrated the nonlinear effect of economic factors, especially income, on health. The results suggest that a relative approach is best for analyzing dynamics at the top of the income distribution, whereas an absolute approach seems most appropriate for studying the bottom of the distribution. Consistent with this perspective, here I reanalyze data from The Spirit Level, adding a measure of poverty, in order to control the effect of inequality and explore its interaction with poverty. The findings show that inequality and poverty-which I contend are two interdependent but nonetheless distinct phenomena-interact across countries, such that the detrimental effects of inequality are present or stronger in countries with high poverty, and absent or weaker in countries with low poverty; poverty replaces inequality as the favored explanation of health and social ills across states. The new evidence suggests that income distributions are characterized by a complex interplay between inequality and poverty, whose interaction deserves further analysis.
The U.S. Supreme Court Speaks on Voluntary School Integration Plans: Policy and Practice Implications for Educational Leaders

This article addresses important legal issues surrounding voluntary school integration plans and explores policy and practice implications of the Seattle and Louisville cases. School policy guidance for how school districts should create or change their voluntary integration policies is discussed. Further discussion reveals what some school districts around the nation are doing in light of the Seattle/Louisville decision. Additional discussion speaks of future policy possibilities for school districts and educational leaders to consider as a possible solution to creating voluntary school desegregation plans. Practical implications are addressed for middle and secondary school principals as school leaders who must deal with the outcomes produced by school district policies regarding integration plans.
Postanesthetic Pulmonary Edema In an Arab Stallion

Summary A six-year-old arabian stallion was admitted to The Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital for evaluation and repair of a comminuted fracture of the second phalanx. The horse developed impaired arterial oxygenation during surgey and pulmonary edema post-operatively. We postulate that impaired arterial oxygenation resulted from atelectasis of the dependent lung during annesthesia, and the pulmonary edema occurred following re-expansion of the atelectatic of the initiating cause of the edema, removal of excess lung water from the alveoli, and restoration of normal arterial oxygenation. The horse was fully recovered within 12 hours of initiation of clinical signs of respiratory compromise. The horse was fully recovered within 12 hours of initiation of clinical signs of respiratory compromise. This report describes re-expansion pulmonary edema due to reperfusion injury in a horse, treatment of the condition, and a possible explanation of the pathogenesis of this pulmonary pathology.
Vocalization in chicks, and the concept of “stimulus contrast”

Abstract 1. 1. The calls of the chick form a single system of responses, in which increasing intensity is shown by increasing length, pitch and number of trilling cycles. 2. 2. The twitter and related calls are elicited by any stimulus which contrasts with background stimulation. Such stimuli are said here to have “intrinsic contrast”. 3. 3. Naive chicks twitter when pecking at any type of small particle. In experienced chicks, twitters are given during pecks at food when hungry. Chicks trained to peck a lever for a food reward gave most of their twitters at the time when they perceived cues announcing the arrival of food. After long deprivation of food the number of calls given remained high throughout a session of fifty rewards, but after brief deprivation the number of calls were high for only the first few rewards and then became low. Twitters are also given to cues which announce the automatic presentation of food or, in thirsty birds, water. An explanation in terms of conditioning of the twitter is discussed and shown to be improbable. It is likely that the cues announcing food are given contrast because of the chick's set to perceive them, and that this set is affected by hunger. Contrast given to stimuli in this way is here termed “signal contrast”. 4. 4. It is argued that all the calls of the chick form a single system of responses evoked by stimulus contrast of differing persistence and intensity. Persistent and relatively intense contrast, such as results from cold or absence of the imprinting object, is needed to evoke calls towards the peep end of the twitter-peep series, whilst very intense contrast such as that provided by a painful electric shock is needed to elicit a shriek. 5. 5. The association between twitters and approach to the stimulus source, and between peeps and avoidance, can be explained by assuming that approach may be elicited by moderate stimulus contrast, and avoidance by intense contrast. 6. 6. Other groups of responses, which may be best regarded as elicited by stimulus contrast, include alert responses, protective responses and certain autonomic responses associated with conflict. The latter two groups have probably both given rise to display components.
Management of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: Looking Beyond the Knife. An Update on the Role of Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Imatinib Therapy

Background Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) have traditionally been treated with surgical resection alone resulting in high rates of recurrence. However, the discovery of imatinib efficacy in GIST has revolutionized its management.
Perceived Neighborhood Safety and Depressive Symptoms Among African American Crack Users

This study examined the association between perceived neighborhood safety and depressive symptoms among 443 out-of-treatment African American crack cocaine users interviewed between 2000 and 2002 in North Carolina and tested the regression of depression on perceived neighborhood safety and common predictors of depression. Perceived neighborhood safety was an important predictor of depressive symptoms in models that adjusted for other correlates of depression. The findings are limited by the cross-sectional nature of the data and the complex etiology and course of depression. Additional research is needed to clarify the relationship between perceived neighborhood safety and depression. The study was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Differential activation of intracellular versus plasmalemmal CB2 cannabinoid receptors.

The therapeutic and psychoactive properties of cannabinoids have long been recognized. The type 2 receptor for cannabinoids (CB2) has emerged as an important therapeutic target in several pathologies, as it mediates beneficial effects of cannabinoids while having little if any psychotropic activity. Difficulties associated with the development of CB2-based therapeutic agents have been related to its intricate pharmacology, including the species specificity and functional selectivity of the CB2-initiated responses. We postulated that a plasmalemmal or subcellular location of the receptor may contribute to the differential signaling pathways initiated by its activation. To differentiate between these two, we used extracellular and intracellular administration of CB2 ligands and concurrent calcium imaging in CB2-expressing U2OS cells. We found that extracellular administration of anandamide was ineffective, whereas 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) and WIN55,212-2 triggered delayed, CB2-dependent Ca2+ responses...
Highly nonlinear solitary waves-based sensor for monitoring concrete

This paper describes the application of a novel actuator/sensor technology for monitoring concrete at early age. A device is designed to generate and detect highly nonlinear solitary waves (HNSWs) in a chain of steel beads. Two experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, the propagation of the HNSWs in the chain was recorded. In particular, the reflections at the interface between the chain and a composite layer consisting of a thin aluminum plate and the concrete were observed. It was found that the travelling time of HNSWs of the reflected pulses depend on the boundary conditions of the chain, so it changes as the stiffness and strength of concrete develop during the hydration process. In the second experiment, a similar actuator was used to transmit mechanical waves inside concrete. These waves were then detected by an embedded commercial transducer. The change of frequency components of the stress waves in the fresh concrete was monitored and used to interpret the initial set of the concrete. The results of these two experiments were compared to outcomes of the penetration resistance test (ASTM C403) conventionally used to determine the time of setting. We found that the proposed nondestructive evaluation method can be used in fresh concrete although more tests are needed to prove repeatability under various concrete mixtures.
The search for social safety and comfort in families raising children with complex chronic conditions.

Social consequences of raising children who were medically fragile and developmentally delayed (MF/DD) were explored in an ethnographic study of 20 families with school-age children. The overarching theme was the families’ search for safety and comfort in social situations. Major categories comprising this theme included the need to anticipate and plan for the child’s care; overcoming environmental, child-related, and attitudinal barriers; and finding social activities that were comfortable for all members of the family. When this search was successful, families could relax, and all members could participate in a variety of social encounters and activities; but when safety and comfort could not be achieved, families were likely to limit social activities or split the family so that the child who was MF/DD could be cared for while other family members participated in social events.
Educational needs for the “Smart Grid” workforce

Advances in technology and major programs to enhance the electric power system throughout the world have led to the concept of the “Smart Grid”. This concept has been formally defined in various places and is driving many of the current changes in educational curricula at all levels. This paper provides a brief summary of the known definitions and the resulting educational needs for the technical workforce of the future.
An order-algebraic definition of knuthian semantics

This paper presents a formulation, within the framework of initial algebra semantics, of Knuthian semantic systems (K-systems) which contain both synthesized and inherited attributes. The approach is based on viewing the semantics of a derivation tree of a context-free grammar as a set of values, called an attribute valuation, assigned to the attributes of all its nodes. Any tree's attribute valuation which is consistent with the semantic rules of the K-system may be chosen as the semantics of that derivation tree. The set of attribute valuations of a given tree is organized as a complete partially ordered set such that the semantic rules define a continuous transformation on this set. The least fixpoint of this transformation is chosen as the semantics of a given derivation tree. The mapping from derivation trees to their least fixpoint semantics is a homomorphism between certain algebras. Thus, the semantics of a K-system is an application of the Initial Algebra Semantics Principle of Goguen and Thatcher. This formulation permits a precise definition of K-systems, and generalizes Knuth's original formulation by defining the meaning of recursive (circular) semantic specifications. The algebraic formulation of K-systems is applied to proving the equivalence of K-systems having the same underlying grammar. Such proofs may require verifying that a K-system possesses certain properties and to this end, a principle of structural induction on many-sorted algebras is formulated, justified, and applied.