cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Freud’s Argument, Part 1: Phenomenal Representationality as the Essence of the Mental

In this chapter, I begin my reconstruction of Freud’s positive argument for the existence of unconscious mental states. Freud attempts to show that the essence of the mental is brain representationality, not consciousness. A requirement for mounting such an essentialist argument is to identify the mental-relevant essence of consciousness. Based partly on a review of the literature, I argue that the mental-relevant essence of consciousness is whatever enables consciousness to play the role it (apparently) does in the capacity for rationality. The first part of Freud’s overall argument, then, is to show that it is the representational content of phenomenal consciousness that provides the apparent ability of consciousness to provide rational capacities.
Beyond drive-by race scholarship: the importance of engaging geopolitical contexts

In transnational rhetorical scholarship critical race work is imperative, but it can be tricky. Critical race work attends to how violences (actual, structural, verbal, and textual) serve to mainta...
Why Remittances Are a Political Blessing and Not a Curse

This paper reconsiders the proposition that remittances act as a political curse by reducing the poor’s demand for economic redistribution. With a newer democratization model focused on the demand for income protection from the rising groups in society, remittances may instead function as a political blessing. Since remittances increase income not only for the middle-class citizens that receive most of them, but also for the merchant and working classes that do not receive them per the multiplier effect, remittances should increase the demand for political rights to protect the economic assets of these societal groups. Using an error correction model with both country and year fixed effects, it reports a significant positive relationship between the change in democracy and net remittance inflows as a share of GDP using three different operational measures for democracy. It also reports results consistent with the underlying causal argument, showing how remittances increase national income and societal economic freedom.
Endogenous Economic Institutions and Persistent Income Differences among High Income Countries

Why haven’t most western European countries, Canada, and Japan caught up to the United States? This paper develops an economic growth model with endogenous economic institutions, which provides an alternative theoretical explanation for the persistent income differences between the United States and the other high income countries. It argues that because innovation is more skill intensive than imitation, skilled individuals in the US (the leader country) have more human capital than skilled individuals in the other high income countries (the followers). This implies greater willingness and ability by skilled individuals in the US to actively participate in politics. As a result, US voters choose better for growth policies than the voters in the other high income countries, and this prevents the other high income countries from catching up to the United States. The model developed in this paper predicts that follower countries cannot fully catch up to the leader if they have the same or slightly better exogenous characteristics. They can only fully catch up if their exogenous characteristics are significantly better than those of the leader country. This result emphasizes the importance of historically given initial conditions.
Corticospinal tract damage in HHH syndrome: a metabolic cause of hereditary spastic paraplegia

Hyperornithinemia–hyperammonemia–homocitrullinuria (HHH) syndrome is a rare disorder of urea cycle characterized by progressive pyramidal and cerebellar dysfunction, whose pathophysiology is not yet fully understood. Here we describe the spectrum of the long fibers involvement in HHH syndrome, attempting a correlation between clinical, electrophysiological and neuro-radiological data. Nine HHH patients were longitudinally evaluated by clinical examination, neurophysiological assessment including motor (MEPs), somato-sensory evoked potentials (PESS) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV), brain and spinal cord MRI All patients had pyramidal dysfunction and 3/9 an overt spastic paraplegia. Mild to moderate cerebellar signs were found in 7/9, intellectual disability in 8/9. At lower limbs, MEPs resulted abnormal in 7/8 patients and PESS in 2/8; peripheral sensory-motor neuropathy was found in 1/9. MRI documented atrophic changes in supra-tentorial brain regions in 6/9 patients, cerebellum in 6/9, spinal cord in 3/7. A predominant corticospinal dysfunction is evident in HHH syndrome, along with milder cerebellar signs, intellectual disability of variable degree and rare peripheral neuropathy. Phenotypical similarities with other disorders affecting the urea cycle (argininemia and pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase deficiency) suggest possible common mechanisms contributing in the maintenance of the corticospinal tract integrity. HHH syndrome phenotype largely overlaps with complex Hereditary Spastic Paraplegias (HSPs), in the list of which it should be included, emphasizing the importance to screen all the unsolved cases of HSPs for metabolic biomarkers.
Uncertainties in Prediction of Tritium Breeding in Candidate Blanket Designs Due to Present Uncertainties in Nuclear Data Base

Estimates of the uncertainty ..delta../sub D/ in predicting the achievable tritium breeding ration (TBR) due to the uncertainties in nuclear data base are presented for several fusion blanket concepts. Specifically, the impact of the current uncertainties in measuring basic nuclear data on the calculated TBR is analyzed and discussed for four leading blanket designs that utilize different breeding materials, namely, Li/sub 2/O, 17Li-83Pb, LiAlO/sub 2/, and flibe. The impact on the TBR values of various evaluations for beryllium, which is employed as a multiplier in the latter two blankets, has been studied. Estimates for ..delta../sub D/ in other blanket concepts have also been assessed. Moreover, estimates have been made, based on previous studies, for the contribution to ..delta../sub D/ introduced by using neutron cross-section libraries that have different group structure and weighting spectra. Based on statistically incorporating the present cross-section uncertainties and their correlation in the analysis, the range of the uncertainty in TBR was found to be between 2 and 6% in all the concepts considered. The nonstatistical treatment for cross-section errors tends to give larger values for ..delta../sub D/. The uncertainty in TBR introduced by misrepresenting the secondary energy-angle distribution of the /sup 9/Be(n,2n') cross-section ranges from approx.more » =4% in the flibe to approx. =2% in the LiAlO/sub 2/ blanket. Uncertainty up to approx. =15% can be encountered in the TBR evaluation in thin blankets with natural /sup 6/Li enrichment if broad-group cross-section libraries are used. However, this uncertainty can be reduced upon using an appropriate weighting spetrum representative of the one found in these blankets type.« less
Extension and inversion of salt-bearing rift systems

Abstract. We used physical models to investigate the structural evolution of segmented extensional rifts containing syn-rift evaporites and their subsequent inversion. An early stage of extension generated structural topography consisting of a series of en-echelon graben. Our salt analog filled these graben and the surroundings before continued extension and, finally, inversion. During post-salt extension, deformation in the subsalt section remained focused on the graben-bounding fault systems, whereas deformation in suprasalt sediments was mostly detached, forming a sigmoidal extensional minibasin system across the original segmented graben array. Little brittle deformation was observed in the post-salt section. Sedimentary loading from the minibasins drove salt up onto the footwalls of the subsalt faults, forming diapirs and salt-ridge networks on the intra-rift high blocks. Salt remobilization and expulsion from beneath the extensional minibasins was enhanced along and up the major relay or transfer zones that separated the original sub-salt grabens, forming major diapirs in these locations. Inversion of this salt-bearing rift system produced strongly decoupled shortening belts in basement and suprasalt sequences. Suprasalt deformation geometries and orientations are strongly controlled by the salt diapir and ridge network produced during extension and subsequent downbuilding. Thrusts are typically localized at minibasin margins where the overburden was thinnest, and salt had risen diapirically on the horst blocks. In the subsalt section, shortening strongly inverted sub-salt grabens, which uplifted the suprasalt minibasins. New pop-up structures also formed in the subsalt section. Primary welds formed as suprasalt minibasins touched down onto inverted graben. Model geometries compare favorably to natural examples such as those in the Moroccan High Atlas.
An Analytical Model for Estimating Alveolar Wall Elastic Moduli From Lung Tissue Uniaxial Stress-Strain Curves

The non-linear stress-strain behavior of uniaxially-stretched lung parenchyma is thought to be an emergent phenomenon arising from the ensemble behavior of its microscopic constituents. Such behavior includes the alignment and elongation of randomly oriented alveolar walls with initially flaccid fibers in the direction of strain. To account for the link between microscopic wall behavior and the macroscopic stress-strain curve, we developed an analytical model that represents both alignment and elongation of alveolar walls during uniaxial stretching. The model includes the kinetics and mechanical behavior of randomly oriented elastic alveolar walls that have a bending stiffness at their intersections. The alignment and stretch of the walls following incremental stretch of the tissue were determined based on energy minimization, and the total stress was obtained by differentiating the total energy density with respect to strain. The stress-strain curves predicted by the model were comparable to curves generated by a previously published numerical alveolar network model. The model was also fit to experimentally measured stress-strain curves in parenchymal strips obtained from mice with decreased lung collagen content, and from young and aged mice. This yielded estimates for the elastic modulus of an alveolar wall, which increased with age from 4.4 to 5.9 kPa (p = 0.043), and for the elastic modulus of fibers within the wall, which increased with age from 311 to 620 kPa (p = 0.001). This demonstrates the possibility of estimating alveolar wall mechanical properties in biological soft tissue from its macroscopic behavior given appropriate assumptions about tissue structure.
Developable mechanisms on right conical surfaces

Abstract An approach for designing developable mechanisms on a conical surface is presented. By aligning the joint axes of spherical mechanisms to the ruling lines, the links can be created in a way that the mechanism conforms to a conical surface. Terminology is defined for mechanisms mapped onto a right cone. Models are developed to describe the motion of the mechanism with respect to the apex of the cone, and connections are made to cylindrical developable mechanisms using projected angles. The Loop Sum Method is presented as an approach to determine the geometry of the cone to which a given spherical mechanism can be mapped. A method for position analysis is presented to determine the location of any point along the link of a mechanism with respect to the conical geometry. These methods are also applied to multiloop spherical mechanisms.
Sex, Gender, and Medicine

Mounting evidence shows that biological sex and gender impacts how our bodies and brains work. As our traditional scientific model, heavily influenced by misguided policies and ingrained cultures, is rooted in the belief that males and females are interchangeable outside of our reproductive zones, it’s time for a scientific reboot. Depending upon the context, our chromosomes, hormones, and life experiences effect our lives in ways which are both inconsequential and critically important. To practice up-to-date medicine and optimize our own resiliency, it’s important to understand and openly discuss these very real differences. This introductory chapter is designed as a “sex and gender boot camp” and will review basic definitions, explore clinical and professional examples of sex and gender differences, provide a template for framing differences, and share the author’s personal experiences in discovering this material and using it to become more resilient.
Intersectional pathways: The role victimization plays in women’s offending and in prisons

Most people in US prisons are men, but the incarceration rate for women rose 700% from 1980 to 2017. Women of color and transgender women are disproportionately housed in correctional facilities compared with their representation in the population. Despite the increased volume of women in prisons, researchers, policy makers, and practitioners often fail to consider the context of women’s offending. For example, there is a clear connection between victimization and offending in women. Most women who are incarcerated have experienced some form of sexual or physical victimization as a child, an adult, or both, prior to incarceration and have physical and mental health issues stemming from these experiences. These issues will often go unaddressed or be exacerbated while incarcerated, likely contributing to a high recidivism rate. This chapter reviews the theoretical and empirical research pertaining to the role of victimization in women’s offending and incarceration. In reviewing this research, we consider the influence of intersectionality and the marginalization of women who are incarcerated.
An automated method for defining anatomic coordinate systems in the hindfoot.

Abstract The absence of a standardized method for defining hindfoot bone coordinate systems makes it difficult to compare kinematics results from different research studies. The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and robust procedure for defining anatomical coordinate systems for the talus and calcaneus. Four methods were evaluated based upon their anatomic consistency across subjects, repeatability, and their correspondence to functional axes of rotation. The four systems consisted of: 1) interactively identified bony landmarks, 2) a principal component analysis, 3) automatically identified bony landmarks, and 4) translating the tibial coordinate system to the hindfoot bones. The four systems were evaluated on 40 tali and 40 calcanei. The functional axes of rotation were determined using dynamic biplane radiography to image the hindfoot during gait. Systems 2 and 3 were the most repeatable and consistent due to the lack of operator intervention when defining coordinate systems. None of the coordinate systems corresponded well to functional axes of rotation during gait. System 3 is recommended over System 2 because it more closely mimics established bone angles measured clinically, especially for the calcaneus. This study presents an automated method for defining anatomic coordinate systems in the talus and calcaneus that does not rely on manual placement of markers or fitting of spheres to the bone surfaces which are less reliable due to operator-dependent measurements. Using this automated method will make it easier to compare hindfoot kinematics results across research studies.
Burden, risk factors, and infectious complications of cellulitis and erysipelas in US adults and children in the emergency department setting.

Background Little is known about the use and burden of emergency department (ED) visits for cellulitis/erysipelas in the United States. Objective To determine the prevalence, risk factors, complications, and cost of emergency care for cellulitis/erysipelas in the United States. Methods Cross-sectional study of the 2006 to 2016 National Emergency Department Sample, including a 20% sample of US ED visits (N = 320,080,467). Results The mean annual incidence of ED visits with a primary diagnosis of cellulitis/erysipelas was 2.42 to 3.55 per million adult and 1.14 to 2.09 per million pediatric ED visits. ED visits for cellulitis/erysipelas decreased significantly from 2006 to 2015 (Rao-Scott chi-square, P Limitations No data on cellulitis and erysipelas treatment or recurrence. Conclusion There is a substantial and increasing burden of ED visits for cellulitis/erysipelas in the United States. Many ED visits occurred for uncomplicated cellulitis/erysipelas, in part because of health care disparities.
A self-consistent event biasing scheme for statistical enhancement

Statistical enhancement aims at reduction of the time necessary for computation of the desired device characteristics. Enhancement algorithms are especially useful when the device behavior is governed by rare events in the transport process. Such events are inherent for sub-threshold regime of device operation, simulations of effects due to discrete dopant distribution as well as tunneling phenomena. Virtually all Monte Carlo device simulators with statistical enhancement use population control techniques (Wordelman et al., 1998). They are based on the heuristic idea for splitting of the particles entering given phase space region D of interest. The alternative idea - to enrich the statistic in D by biasing the probabilities associated with the transport of classical carriers - gives rise to the event-biasing approach. Due to the event biasing the behavior of the simulated numerical particles differs from that of Boltzmann carriers. Nevertheless the Boltzmann distribution function f is recovered by using the proper weights associated to the particles. The approach, first proposed for evolution of an initial condition (Rota et al., 1989), has been recently extended for stationary transport determined by boundary conditions (Kosina et al., 2003). Biased could be the events for particle evolution and/or the initial or boundary distributions. The approach is derived from the integral form of the linear Boltzmann equation (BE), where Coulomb interactions are neglected.
Credit Risk Sharing and Credit Market Regulation

We develop a tractable general equilibrium model to analyze credit risk sharing via credit default swaps (CDS) and CDS market regulation under aggregate uncertainty. If available equity capital is below a threshold, any equilibrium of the basic economy with no CDS markets features firm default and underinvests in firms relative to the efficient allocation. For low aggregate risk levels, there is a unique equilibrium of the economy with unregulated CDS markets in which bondholders are fully insured. Investment is efficient, and the efficient allocation can be implemented via transfers alone. For intermediate aggregate risk, the unregulated CDS economy overinvests, and a margin or collateral requirement on CDS sellers that becomes more stringent as aggregate risk increases is necessary for efficiency. When aggregate risk is high, the CDS market breaks down. A collateral requirement restores equilibrium and efficiency, but it must be maximally stringent and accompanied by a capital requirement that restricts CDS supply.
180-GHz Pulsed CMOS Transmitter for Molecular Sensing

The performance of a CMOS transmitter designed for planetary science in situ molecular sensing applications having an operational bandwidth of 180–190 GHz and peak output power of 0.6 mW (−2.22 dBm) is evaluated with a series of spectroscopic-based experimental trials. Continuous wave frequency modulated absorption schemes are exploited to probe the Doppler and sub-Doppler lineshape profiles of the water rotational transition at 183.310 GHz. These results demonstrate the tuning finesse and phase-noise characteristics of the integrated circuit embedded phase lock loop used to generate coherent mm-wave radiation are sufficient for high-precision molecular spectroscopy applications. A description of the pulse modulator designed into the CMOS circuitry allowing for implementation of sensitive emission-based Fourier transform detection schemes is provided with performance characterized for spectroscopically relevant pulse durations (40–500 ns). Results are accompanied by a spectral analysis of the transmitter pulse signal leakage, where the total isolation is measured to be 22 dB. The first emission-based molecular detections obtained with this source are presented demonstrating viability for this transmitter to be incorporated into future planned resonant cavity enhanced in situ molecular sensing systems.
Review of Nicholas Guyatt, ‘Bind Us Apart: How Enlightened Americans Invented Racial Segregation’ (Basic 2016)

Legal historian Nicholas Guyatt argues in "Bind Us Apart: How Enlightened Americans Invented Racial Segregation" (Basic 2016), that racial segregation was created not by enemies of equality but rather by friends of equality in order to establish practical limits on their disruptive ideas. Drawing on rich sources, he says liberals pursued separationist policies not only to manage the social experience of slaves and former slaves, but also native peoples. Here I make the following points: (1) Guyatt doesn't distinguish between temporary, strategic resort to segregation from deeper philosophical commitments to segregation; (2) juxtaposing the plight of African slaves in America and the experience of native peoples doesn't by itself explain why integration was seen as more feasible for one group and annihilation for the other. We need to know more about each group's relative role in the political economy, the state of politics at the time, and the connections between national policy, territory, and the political imagination.
Behavior and Design of Steel Delta Girders for Flexure and Shear

AbstractA steel delta girder (SDG) is formed by welding two inclined plates in the form of a V from the web to the compression flange of an I-section. Analytical, numerical, and experimental resear...
London’s Triumph: Merchants, Adventurers, and Money in Shakespeare’s City

Stephen Alford is a professor of early modern British history at the University of Leeds and a fellow of the Royal Historical Society. In London’s Triumph, he examines the astonishing growth and su...
Computation of Controlled Invariants for Nonlinear Systems: Application to Safe Neural Networks Approximation and Control

Abstract In this paper, we consider the problem of computing multidimensional interval controlled invariants for nonlinear input-affine systems. We first present sufficient conditions for an interval to be controlled invariant. Then, we introduce the concept of local framers, based on which we present a sound algorithm to compute interval controlled invariants. Finally, we show how the proposed framework makes it possible to provide safety guarantees when using deep neural networks, either as a model or a controller of nonlinear systems. Illustrative examples are provided showing the merits of the proposed approach and its scalability properties.
WE-D-BRB-03: Geometrization of Tumor Evolution

Discoveries in cancer research are impacting patients through development of new therapeutics and better diagnostic tools. However, there is still a lack of understanding about heterogeneity in patient response to these therapeutics, optimizing therapeutic dosing schedules, or predicting complex metastatic patterns due to the complexity of the disease. Heterogeneity of patient response to treatment stems from the intricate interactions with the microenvironment, and distant organs and other environmental pressures including low oxygen, high acidity, and toxic drugs. To deconvolute some of this complexity physical scientists are using intricate tools to improve cancer diagnosis and predict drug resistance. Also to predict tumor growth and response to therapeutics, computational scientists are developing mathematical tools that link physical sciences or evolutionary sciences approaches with experimental and clinical data. These models yield predictions based on initial parameters obtained from patient clinical data, such as noninvasive imaging. This session will highlight the utilization of these mathematical and physical tools to predict patient response to treatment options, predict the optimal drug dosing schedule, and improve cancer diagnosis. This approach could be further enhanced by developing tools and models to chart the progress of stressed, aging tissue towards the progression to uncontrolled cell growth and mutational meltdown even before the diagnosis. Learning Objectives: 1. To learn about treatment response heterogeneity 2. To learn about tumor evolutionary capabilities 3. To learn about mathematical tools that link physical sciences with experimental and clinical data
(E)-3-(2,6-Dichloro­benzyl­idene)indolin-2-one

There are two independent mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit of the title compound, C15H9Cl2NO. The dihedral angles between the oxindolyl and dichloro­phenyl rings are essentially identical for the two independent mol­ecules [63.4 (1) and 63.2 (1)°]. Dimers linked by amide–carbonyl N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds are formed from each symmetry-independent mol­ecule and the respective symmetry equivalent created by inversion.
The Patient Centered Medical Home

The Patient Centered Medical Home is an evidence-based well-defined care delivery model that is considered to be one of the most promising care delivery systems to improve patient outcomes, the cost of health care, and access to care. It is thought to be the solution for the US health care crisis. Over the last few years, numerous demonstration projects have been funded by various organizations to help convert practices into a PCMH model of care. The results of these demonstration projects supported the effectiveness of the PCMH.
Markov-type inequalities for constrained polynomials with complex coefficients

It is shown that c1nmax{k + 1, logn} ≤ sup 06=p∈Pc n,k ‖p‖[−1,1] ‖p‖[−1,1] ≤ c2nmax{k + 1, logn} with absolute constants c1 > 0 and c2 > 0, where P n,k denotes the set of all polynomials of degree at most n with complex coefficients and with at most k (0 ≤ k ≤ n) zeros in the open unit disk. Here ‖ · ‖[−1,1] denotes the supremum norm on [−1, 1]. This result should be compared with the inequalities c3n(k + 1) ≤ sup 06=p∈Pn,k ‖p‖[−1,1] ‖p‖[−1,1] ≤ c4n(k + 1) , where c3 > 0 and c4 > 0 are absolute constants and Pn,k denotes the set of all polynomials of degree at most n with real coefficients and with at most k (0 ≤ k ≤ n) zeros in the open unit disk. This second result has been known for a few years, and it may be surprising that there is a significant difference between the real and complex cases as far as Markov-type inequalities are concerned. Let Pn(r) denote the set of all polynomials of degree at most n with real coefficients and with no zeros in the union of open disks with diameters [−1,−1+2r] and [1− 2r, 1], respectively (0 < r ≤ 1). Let P n(r) denote the set of all polynomials of degree at most n with complex coefficients and with no zeros in the union of open disks with diameters [−1,−1+2r] and [1− 2r, 1], respectively (0 < r ≤ 1). An essentially sharp Markov-type inequality for P n(r) on [−1, 1] is also established that should be compared with the analogous result for Pn(r) proved in an earlier paper. 1991 Mathematics Subject Classification. 41A17.
Dormancy and host preference in Luprops tristis (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Very high abundance, concealment in litter, aggregation in residential buildings, a repelling defensive secretion and absence of natural enemies make control of the home-invading detritivorous tenebrionid beetle, Luprops tristis (Fabricius), difficult. Identification of the feeding preference in relation to the hosts could provide useful information. Study reveals that the feeding preference of post-dormancy phase of L. tristis towards senescent leaves of the hosts, namely rubber, cashew, mango, jackfruit, wild jack, cocoa, cassia and sapota, contrasts with its earlier known high preference towards rubber litter of the pre-dormancy phase. Reasons for the feeding preference variations, fitness consequences of delay in feeding for the post-dormancy adults and the potential of these towards devising a strategy for regulating the population buildup of new generation of beetles are discussed.
Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Beetle Counts as a Means of Making Larval Control Recommendations in Nebraska

A larval damage prediction method for Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte was evaluated in west central and northeastern Nebraska from 1978–1980. Cornfields averaging 1 beetle per plant on any sampling date were considered to be indeterminant with respect to a damage prediction; the growers were advised to use a soil insecticide as a precautionary measure. With the possible exception of a few fields in northeastern Nebraska, in which yield difference probably was not due to D. virgifera virgifera larval feeding, the prediction method was reliable >80% of the time. The study indicated that lowering the treatment threshold to 0.75 or 0.90 beetles per plant increased the prediction accuracy to >90% (root damage ratings <2.75), with none of the fields with prediction errors being seriously damaged (root damage ratings <3.1). As a result of this study, only 158 and 263 of ca. 3,050 ha of field corn in the west central study area were treated with soil insecticide for D. virgifera virgifera in 1981 and 1982, respectively. No serious problems were reported in the untreated fields by the field scouts. Before the IPM program, ca. 90%of the fields were treated with corn rootworm larvicides.
Promises and pitfalls of supercritical fluid extraction in polychlorinated compound analyses

Abstract The application of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) for the determination of organochlorine compounds in a variety of environmental matrices was explored. The results obtained show that SFE holds a clear advantage in the case of complex matrices such as biological tissues. The limiting factors for the applicability of this technique are the initial instrumentation costs and impurities in commercially available supercritical fluids such as CO 2 and N 2 O.
Does standing affect acetabular component inclination and version after THA

Background Avoiding complications after hip arthroplasty with hard-on-hard bearings, especially metal-on-metal, correlates with the position of the acetabular component. Supine imaging with conventional radiography has traditionally been utilized to assess component inclination (abduction), as well as anteversion, after THA and surface replacement arthroplasty (SRA). However, most adverse events with hard bearings (excessive wear and squeaking) have occurred with loading. Standing imaging, therefore, should provide more appropriate measurements.
New light on an open-and-shut case.

In the brain, neurotransmitter-receptor binding represents the moment of stereochemical recognition in which one neuron senses the signal sent by another. Submillisecond time-resolved FTIR spectroscopy now provides a first glimpse of the generative protein-ligand interactions that lead to glutamate receptor ion channel activation.
Low temperature processed SnO2 films using aqueous precursor solutions

Abstract We present a comparison study of the microstructure developments during aqueous solution deposition of SnO2, particularly, through chemical bath deposition (CBD) and liquid phase deposition (LPD) at very low temperatures (40–75 °C). The effects of solution chemistry on the microstructural details and electrical properties of SnO2 thin films are presented and discussed. Smooth, nanoparticulate SnO2 films were obtained from supersaturated precursor solutions with lower precursor concentrations while more aggregated SnO2 films were generated from higher precursor concentrations. Loosely-packed and porous structures were obtained from low supersaturation solutions with very low pHs. The deposition rates were also evaluated under various deposition conditions. XRD result shows that annealing process helps improve the degree of crystallinity of the as-deposited films that are composed of 3–10 nm nanocrystalline particles. One advantage of LPD of SnO2 films is in-situ fluorine doping during deposition. The resulting electrical resistivity of F-doped SnO2 films was about 18.7 Ω cm after the films were annealed at 450 °C.
Assessing Gender-Related Portrayals in Top-Grossing G-Rated Films

The purpose of this content analysis was to examine gender-related portrayals in popular G-rated films. Our research questions addressed the prevalence and nature of males and females in general-audience fare. To answer our research queries, 101 of the top-grossing box office films released theatrically in the United States and Canada from 1990 to early 2005 were assessed. The results showed that males outnumber females by a ratio of 2.57 to 1, which has not changed in fifteen years. Females were more likely than males to be young and depicted traditionally. In terms of personality traits, females were more likely to be smart, good, and beautiful than were males.
The synthesis of low crystallinity polyacetylene from the precursor polymer polybenzvalene

Abstract The synthesis and properties of the conductive polymer precursor polybenzvalene ( PBV ) and its conversion to polyacetylene ( PA ) are presented. PBV was synthesized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization ( ROMP ) of benzvalene ( BV ) with non-Lewis acidic tungsten alkylidene catalysts. Treatment of PBV with solutions of HgCl 2 , HgBr 2 , ZnI 2 and AgBF 4 results in a CC bond rearrangement, and produces polyacetylene PA . The PA films produced with HgCl 2 displayed the highest conductivities and the best mechanical properties. The PA produced was of low crystallinity and upon treatment with I 2 exhibited conductivities of 1 Ω −1 cm −1 . Oriented PA was produced by stretching the PBV and converting it to PA . With I 2 doping, the oriented PA ( l / l 0 =6) displayed a conductivity of 49 Ω −1 cm −1 .
Multiscan MRI-based virtual cystoscopy

Computed tomography (CT) based virtual cystoscopy (VC) has been studied as a potential tool for screening bladder cancer. It is accurate in localizing tumor of size larger than 1 cm and less expensive, as compared to fiberoptic cystoscopy. However, it is invasive and difficult to perform due to using Foley catheter for bladder insufflating with air. In a previous work, we investigated a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based VC scheme with urine as a natural contrast solution, in which a MRI acquisition protocol and an adaptive segmentation method were utilized. Both bladder lumen and wall were successfully delineated. To suppress motion artifact and insight pathological change on the bladder wall images, a multi-scan MRI scheme was presented in this study. One transverse and another coronal acquisitions of T1-weighted that cover the whole bladder were obtained twice, at one time the bladder is full of urine and at another time it is near the empty. Four bladder volumes extracted from those 4 datasets were registered first using a flexible three- dimensional (3D) registration algorithm. Then, associated 4 lumen surfaces were viewed simultaneously with the help of an interactive 3D visualization system. This MRI-based VC was tested on volunteers and demonstrated the feasibility to mass screening for bladder cancer.
Undermining truthmaker theory

Truthmaker theorists hold that there is a metaphysically explanatory relation that holds between true claims and what exists. While some critics (e.g. Merricks 2007) try to provide counterexamples to truthmaker theory, that response quickly leads to a dialectical standoff. The aim of this paper is to move beyond that standoff by attempting to undermine some standard arguments for truthmaker theory. Using realism about truth and a more pragmatic account of explanation, I show how some of those arguments can be undermined.
Invariant NKT cells: Killers and conspirators against cancer

Although invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells influence antitumor responses indirectly by secreting cytokines and promoting the cytolytic functions of T and NK cells, we find that iNKT cells mediate direct tumoricidal activity in vitro and significantly inhibit tumor growth in vivo, even in the absence of other cytotoxic lymphocytes.
The Fracture Energy and Some Mechanical Properties of a Polyurethane Elastomer

The energy required to form a unit of new surface in the fracture of a polyurethane elastomer is determined. The rate sensitivity of the material has been reduced by swelling it in toluene. This paper primarily describes the experimental work of measuring the lower limit of the fracture energy. With this value and the creep compliance as a basis, the rate dependence of fracture energy for the unswollen material has been determined. It is thus shown that the dependence of the fracture energy on the rate of crack propagation can be explained by energy dissipation around the tip of the crack. Good agreement between the theoretically and experimentally determined relationships for the rate-sensitive fracture energy is demonstrated.
The Square-Wave Illusion and Phase Anisotropy of the Human Visual System

A triangular-wave grating is perceived to fluctuate over time: at one moment it may appear veridical (ie triangular), at another it may more closely resemble a square-wave grating with rounded edges. In addition, the square-wave illusion itself is bistable, in that it sometimes appears to shift in phase by 180 deg. Experiments in which the phase and amplitude of the first three frequency components of the triangular-wave grating were independently varied showed that the square-wave illusion results from the relative phase of the frequency components. Adaptation to two frequency components in square-wave (sine) phase was found to reduce the illusion strength, and adaptation to triangular-wave (cosine) phase was found to increase the illusion strength. In addition, the square-wave adaptation effect spreads to nonadapted retinal areas. It is concluded that the square-wave illusion reflects a phase anisotropy in the human visual system that favors square-wave phase over other phase relations.
Effects of Substerilizing Doses of Reserpine and Gamma Irradiation on Reproduction of the Tobacco Budworm

A combination consisting of 0.1% ( wt/v ) reserpine incorporated in the larval diet plus treatment of the resulting pupae with 7.5 had of gamma irradiation was tested in the laboratory to determine whether it would sterilize Heliothis virescens (F.) without adversely affecting the life cycle, sexual behavior, and adult longevity. The two substerilizing treatments induced complete sterility in females, but the fecundity and fertility of untreated females mated with treated males were reduced only 24 and 49%, respectively, compared with untreated moths. Sexual behavior (spermatophore transfer) and adult longevity were not adversely affected.
Cellular responses to free grafting of the extensor digitorum longus muscle of the rat.

Abstract The cellular and subcellular responses related to the survival or destruction and subsequent regeneration of muscle fibers within the freely grafted extensor digitorum longus muscle of the rat were examined by light and electron microscopy. A small number of fibers at the periphery of the grafts survived the initial ischemia but underwent denervation changes and accumulated lipid deposits. The majority of fibers in the grafts, however, became ischemic and underwent an intrinsic degeneration within 4 hours. Cell-mediated destruction of the degenerating fibers occurred as the grafts became revascularized. The basal laminae and some of the satellite cells were the only elements of the original fibers that persisted. Regeneration began at the periphery of the graft within three days after grafting and reached the center about three days later. After phagocytosis of the original fibers, presumptive myoblasts within the grafts differentiated into myoblasts and myotubes. The formation of myotubes followed a biphasic pattern of development comparable to that of normal fetal muscle. Although most of the myotubes were formed within the basal lamina remaining from the original fiber, there was also evidence for regeneration outside the basal lamina. Myotubes matured into muscle fibers which were essentially normal in appearance when examined up to 180 days after grafting. Some fibers, however, were atrophic, presumably due to a failure to become innervated, and some fibers were joined by myo-myous junctions. Pre-denervated grafts and Marcaine-treated grafts were also examined. There were more surviving fibers in pre-denervated grafts, and cell-mediated destruction of degenerating fibers proceeded more rapidly than in normal grafts. No surviving fibers were found in Marcaine-treated grafts. The changes in these grafts were otherwise similar to normal grafts. A schematic model of the spatial and temporal sequence of degeneration and regeneration within a free muscle graft is presented.
Protective action of carotenoid pigments against photodynamic damage to liposomes.

Abstract— When liposomes (a model membrane system) are subjected to a dye-sensitized photo-oxidation, lysis, as measured by glucose leakage or a change in light scattering, results. Before lysis occurs, the membrane lipids undergo peroxidative damage, as determined by the appearance of malondialdehyde. Carotenoids incorporated into the liposomal membrane protect against both lipid peroxidation and liposomal lysis. Other 1O2 quenchers and free radical absorbers also protect liposomes from photodynamic damage.
Racial Variation in the Use of Coronary-Revascularization Procedures — Are the Differences Real? Do They Matter?

Background Studies have reported that blacks undergo fewer coronary-revascularization procedures than whites, but it is not clear whether the clinical characteristics of the patients account for these differences or whether they indicate underuse of the procedures in blacks or overuse in whites. Methods In a study at Duke University of 12,402 patients (10.3 percent of whom were black) with coronary disease, we calculated unadjusted and adjusted rates of angioplasty and bypass surgery in blacks and whites after cardiac catheterization. We also examined patterns of treatment after stratifying the patients according to the severity of disease, angina status, and estimated survival benefit due to revascularization. Finally, we compared five-year survival rates in blacks and whites. Results After adjustment for the severity of disease and other characteristics, blacks were 13 percent less likely than whites to undergo angioplasty and 32 percent less likely to undergo bypass surgery. The adjusted black:white od...
Impact of co-digestion on existing salt and nutrient mass balances for a full-scale dairy energy project

Anaerobic digestion of manure and other agricultural waste streams with subsequent energy production can result in more sustainable dairy operations; however, importation of digester feedstocks onto dairy farms alters previously established carbon, nutrient, and salinity mass balances. Salt and nutrient mass balance must be maintained to avoid groundwater contamination and salination. To better understand salt and nutrient contributions of imported methane-producing substrates, a mass balance for a full-scale dairy biomass energy project was developed for solids, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, chloride, and potassium. Digester feedstocks, consisting of thickened manure flush-water slurry, screened manure solids, sudan grass silage, and feed-waste, were tracked separately in the mass balance. The error in mass balance closure for most elements was less than 5%. Manure contributed 69.2% of influent dry matter while contributing 77.7% of nitrogen, 90.9% of sulfur, and 73.4% of phosphorus. Sudan grass silage contributed high quantities of chloride and potassium, 33.3% and 43.4%, respectively, relative to the dry matter contribution of 22.3%. Five potential off-site co-digestates (egg waste, grape pomace, milk waste, pasta waste, whey wastewater) were evaluated for anaerobic digestion based on salt and nutrient content in addition to bio-methane potential. Egg waste and wine grape pomace appeared the most promising co-digestates due to their high methane potentials relative to bulk volume. Increasing power production from the current rate of 369 kW to the design value of 710 kW would require co-digestion with either 26800 L d(-1) egg waste or 60900 kg d(-1) grape pomace. However, importation of egg waste would more than double nitrogen loading, resulting in an increase of 172% above the baseline while co-digestion with grape pomace would increase potassium by 279%. Careful selection of imported co-digestates and management of digester effluent is required to manage salt and nutrient mass loadings and reduce groundwater impacts.
Influence of hypothalamic IL-6/gp130 receptor signaling on the HPA axis response to chronic stress

Abnormal basal activity and stress-evoked reactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are often seen in depression, implicating HPA axis dysfunction as a potentially causative or exacerbating factor. Chronic stress is also a factor in depression, but it is not known what may underlie the shift from adaptive to maladaptive HPA activity over the course of chronic stress. Interleukin 6 (IL-6), a stress-inducible cytokine that signals through gp130 and IL-6Rα receptors to activate the JAK/STAT3 signaling cascade, is elevated in some subtypes of depression, and may have a modulatory effect on HPA activation, raising the possibility that IL-6 contributes to depression through effects on the HPA axis. In this study, we examined the effects of three different stress modalities, acute footshock, chronic intermittent cold (CIC) stress and chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) on IL-6 signaling in the hypothalamus. We also investigated whether IL-6 modulates the HPA response to chronic stress, by blocking IL-6 signaling in the brain during CIC stress using either a neutralizing antibody or an inhibitor of STAT3 phosphorylation. We show that IL-6 and STAT3 in the hypothalamus are activated in response to footshock and CUS. We also found that basal IL-6 signaling through the JAK/STAT3 pathway is required for the sustained CORT response to chronic, but not acute, cold stress and therefore is a potential determinant of plasticity in the HPA axis specifically during chronic stress exposure.
Stability analysis of interval matrices: another sufficient condition

A sufficient condition for the stability of interval matrices is presented, based on a Lyapunov approach. The condition, while requiring the solution of a Lyapunov matrix equation, removes the restrictions imposed by Heinen ∥1984). Examples given illustrate the improvement of the proposed condition over the ones given by Heinen and Bialas (1983) and Daoyi (1985).
How Healthy are Health Magazines? A Comparative Content Analysis of Cover Captions and Images of Women’s and Men’s Health Magazine

The current study investigated how “health” messages are marketed to men and women on the newsstand covers of two magazines published under the same brand name and by the same company in the United States (Rodale, Incorporated). Fifty-four covers of Men’s Health and Women’s Health magazine, published between 2006 and 2011, were content analyzed. All captions were coded for message theme, and prominent captions (the caption that covered the greatest amount of surface area on the page) were categorized for type of frame used. The number of objectifying phrases (phrases emphasizing the human body as an object for observation rather than a body with capabilities) used within prominent captions on covers was quantified. Cover portrait images were also assessed for whether models were partially or fully clothed. Findings demonstrated that Men’s and Women’s Health were equally likely to display objectifying statements on their covers, but Women’s Health covers promoted more feminine beauty/thin-ideal messages than Men’s Health covers; whereas Men’s Health covers promoted muscularity more than Women’s Health covers. None of the prominent captions were categorized as reflecting health-related frames for either magazine type. Overall, cover captions fit traditional gender-role stereotypes. Implications are discussed.