cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neural network computer program to determine photorefractive keratectomy nomograms

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate a commercially available neural network program for calculation of photorefractive keratectomy treatment nomograms. Setting: University referral refractive surgery clinic. Methods: PRK/LASIK Brain™ a commercial neural network computer program, was trained using the demographics, preoperative clinical data, surgical parameters, and 1 year postoperative clinical data of 44 patients treated with a Summit Technology excimer laser using a 5.0 mm optical zone. The neural-networkderived nomogram was compared with the standard treatment nomogram for each patient. The relative contribution of age, sex, keratometry, and intraocular pressure (IOP) to the predicted nomograms was also assessed. Results: Nomograms produced by the neural network were qualitatively similar to the standard nomogram. The sequence of data entry during training affected the network's predictions. Entry ordered by outcome (as opposed to entry by chronological order) yielded a nomogram that was more consistent with the standard nomogram. However, both outcome- and chronologically ordered network-derived nomograms diverged from the standard nomogram in individual patients, including a subset for whom use of the standard nomogram yielded desired refractive results (within 0.25 diopter of emmetropia). Further analysis of the neural-network-derived nomograms revealed marked sensitivity to sex, age, keratometry readings, and IOP. Conclusions: Neural networks offer a potential means of individualizing treatment nomograms to account for patient demographics, preoperative examination, surgeon style, and equipment bias. However, a data set of 44 patients was not sufficient to train the PRK/LASIK Brain network to accurately predict treatment parameters in individual cases in the training set. A larger training set or a different learning algorithm may be required to improve the neural network's performance.
3d-Metal monocarbonyls MCO, MCO+, and MCO− (M=Sc to Cu): comparative bond strengths and catalytic ability to produce CO2 in reactions with CO

Abstract The electronic and geometrical structures of 3d-metal monocarbonyls MCO (M=Sc to Cu), the MCO − anions and MCO + cations are computed using the density functional theory with generalized gradient approximation for the exchange-correlation potential. Our calculated adiabatic electron affinities and ionization potentials are in good agreement with experiment. Using the results of our previous computations on the MC, MC − , and MC + series, we estimated the energies required for the Boudouard disproportionation reactions MCO 0,−,+ +CO→MC 0,−,+ +CO 2 . Among the neutrals, this reaction is endothermic by 1.30 eV for Mn, while Fe is found to be the second best atom, with the reaction being endothermic by 1.59 eV. These are substantially reduced with respect to the gas phase Boudouard reaction CO+CO→C+CO 2 , which is endothermic by 5.65 eV. Several of the anions have disproportionation energies similar to the neutrals, while cations are found to be less favorable than the neutrals.
Kinetic analysis of the intracellular conjugation of monochlorobimane by IC-21 murine macrophage glutathione-S-transferase.

Monochlorobimane (MCB) reacts with glutathione (GSH) in a reaction catalyzed by the glutathione-S-transferase (GST) isozymes. The diffusion of MCB through cell membranes is rapid and the fluorescent conjugates are relatively insensitive to quenching and to pH effects, and are expelled slowly from the cell, allowing the rate of fluorescence increase to be used to probe the dynamics of the intracellular reaction. Using low-light microscopic cytometry to monitor the initial rates of fluorescence increase for the GST-catalyzed reaction within IC-21 macrophages yields Vmax = 8.4·10−16 mol s−1 cell−1 and KmMCB = 65 μM. Combining these data with an integrated Michaelis analysis of the reaction course yields KIP ≈ 1.5·10−5 M, and KmGSH ≈ 3.0·10−4 M (at [MCB] = 50 μM). The values of Vmax and KmMCB for the cell-free (extracellular) GST-catalysed conjugation reaction are 1.2·10−18 mol s−1 cell−1 and 3.1 μM, respectively. The values of Vmax for the intra- and extracellular conjugation reactions differ by 700-fold, suggesting the presence of an intracellular activator for this enzyme system.
Fetal Growth Restriction

Normal fetal growth is determined by the genetically predetermined growth potential and further modulated by maternal, fetal, placental, and external factors. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a failure to reach this potential and is clinically suspected if sonographic estimates of fetal weight, size, or symmetry are abnormal. Integration of fetal anatomy assessment, amniotic fluid dynamics, uterine, umbilical, and fetal middle cerebral artery Doppler is the most effective approach to differentiate potentially manageable placenta-based FGR from aneuploidy, nonaneuploid syndromes, and viral infection. Although placental dysfunction results in a multisystem fetal syndrome with impacts on short- and long-term outcome, only cardiovascular and behavioral responses are helpful to guide surveillance and intervention. Early-onset FGR before 34 weeks gestation is readily recognized but challenging to manage as questions about optimal delivery timing remain unanswered. In contrast, near-term FGR provides less of a management challenge but is often missed as clinical findings are more subtle. Once placenta-based FGR is diagnosed, integrating multivessel Doppler and biophysical profile score provides information on longitudinal progression of placental dysfunction and degree of fetal acidemia, respectively. Choosing appropriate monitoring intervals based on anticipated disease acceleration and intervention when fetal risks exceed neonatal risks are the prevailing current management approaches.
Glass transition of materials with various degrees of covalent bonding

Abstract A thermodynamic theory for the compositional variation of glass transition temperatures, T g , provides a basis for the effect of relative amounts of covalent and secondary bonding on this property. Two relevant parameters are calculated and are consistent within a factor of two or so with experimental observation.
Interpersonal dependency and social loss

Abstract Interpersonal dependency is related to a variety of physical and psychological disorders. High levels of dependency pose a risk for psychological distress because of the excessive reliance placed on others for emotional support and directional guidance. Because of this, dependent personalities may be especially vulnerable to social loss. The present study was designed to examine the effects of interpersonal dependency and social loss on measures of emotional and social functioning. 375 College students completed the initial assessment and 302 (81%) were reassessed 10 wk later. A 2 x 2 x 2 MANOVA showed that subjects reporting elevated levels of dependency displayed significantly higher levels of depression, loneliness and self-criticism, and significantly lower levels of self-esteem. These differences were observed at baseline assessment and remained at the 10 wk follow-up. Results suggest that interpersonal dependency has important effects on emotional and social functioning and increases a person's risk for emotional distress.
Direct-sequence spread spectrum overlay in the microwave landing system band

We examine the performance of a direct-sequence spread spectrum (DS-SS) code-division multiple-access (CDMA) system used in a spectral overlay mode in the microwave landing system (MLS) band, from 5091-5150 MHz. The purpose of the overlay system is to enable increased spectral efficiency (higher data throughput), for future potential aeronautical datalink communications. We estimate the performance degradation incurred by both systems for a range of transmit powers, DS-SS bandwidths and data rates, and example MLS and DS-SS system parameters. We also explore the use of multicarrier (MC) DS-SS signaling techniques. Our study uses both analysis and computer simulations. We provide examples that explore both MLS and DS-SS system parameter values appropriate for the successful application of overlay.
Kentucky's Perpetual Prisoner Machine: It's about Money1

Kentucky is currently facing a severe budget crisis and is seeking ways to lower its prison and community corrections costs. This article focuses on our study of the prison and parole experience of men and women in Kentucky. What we found is a virtual “perpetual incarceration machine” where prisoners are recycled from prison to parole and back to prison. The following discussion includes: Kentucky's prison population continues to grow, parole failure, methods, description of interview samples, interview data, the structure producing parole failure, and Kentucky's perpetual incarceration mechine. Based on our findings, several promising reforms are recommended that if implemented would serve to reduce the prison population and the rate of parole failure.
Decentralized Control with Communication Bandwidth Constraints

In this paper, we consider the decentralized control problem in the setting of limited bandwidth sensing channels. Specifically, we consider stabilization of a linear time-invariant(LTI) plant by multiple controllers, that receive sensing information through limited bit rate channels, and cannot communicate directly with each other. The main result of the this paper is a sufficient condition on the respective channel rates to guarantee system stabilizability. We also provide an explicit way to construct the associated encoder, decoder and controller to achieve stability. The encoder and decoder have very simple structure. The extra communication cost induced by the decentralized structure is illustrated with an example.
Laser Surface Processing of B4C–TiB2 Eutectic

The formation of a directionally solidified non-oxide eutectic surface layer based on the 75 mol% B4C and 25 mol% TiB2 eutectic composition has been developed using a continuous-wave, high-power, CO2 laser. To prevent the oxidation of nonoxide compounds and to reduce thermal stress formation, an atmospherically controlled furnace capable of back-heating samples up to 1100°C during the laser processing has been employed. The effect of the laser scan rate on the eutectic microstructure formation is investigated. It is found that at relatively slow laser scan rates, ∼2–4 mm/s, the formation of a colony-type eutectic microstructure with submicrometer scale features is observed. At higher heating rates up to 42 mm/s, disordered eutectic grains with nanometer-scale TiB2 lamellae form. The dependence of the TiB2 interlamellar spacing on the crystallization rate in the laser solidified B4C–TiB2 eutectic has the same general trend as in the eutectic produced by a floating zone method. However, this method allows the production of much smaller microstructural length scales, on the order of 100 nm, as a consequence of the high crystallization velocity.
Nanoscale selective area epitaxy: towards lithographically defined quantum dots at 1.5 /spl mu/m using direct lithographic patterning

InP/InGaAs/InP heterostructures were selectively grown in an array of 60 nm holes on a 90 nm pitch by MOCVD. The pattern was defined photolithographically directly in hydrogen silsesquioxane, a spin-on-glass, obviating the need for pattern transfer processes.
Induction of Mr 78,000 Glucose-regulated Stress Protein in Poly(Adenosine Diphosphate-Ribose) Polymerase- and Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide-deficient V79 Cell Lines and Its Relation to Resistance to the Topoisomerase II Inhibitor Etoposide

Abstract Cell lines deficient in poly(ADP-ribose) synthesis due to enzyme deficiency (ADPRT54 and ADPRT351) or substrate deficiency (N2, N3, and N4) are resistant to topoisomerase II-directed agents, including etoposide (VP-16), N -[4-(9-acridinylamino)-3-methoxyphenyl]methanesulfonamide, and Adriamycin, relative to the effect of these agents on parental V79 Chinese hamster cells. Resistance is stable in the ADPRT54 and ADPRT351 cell lines, whereas resistance in the N2, N3, and N4 cell lines occurs when the cells are grown in nicotinamide-deficient medium to produce a state of NAD deficiency. However, sensitivity to VP-16 reverts to normal when cellular NAD levels return to control levels during growth in nicotinamide-containing complete medium. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-deficient cell lines show constitutively increased levels of a protein at M r 78,000 on Coomassie blue-stained, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels that was subsequently confirmed with monoclonal antibodies to be M r 78,000 glucose-regulated stress protein (GRP78). Similarly, N2, N3, and N4 cells show induction of GRP78 under nicotinamide-deficient conditions. Induction of GRP78 is associated with elevated levels of GRP78 mRNA and appears to be regulated at the transcriptional level. When N3 cells with deficiency of poly(ADP-ribose) synthesis due to NAD deficiency are shifted to complete, nicotinamide-containing medium, they restore their NAD content, undergo a decrease in GRP78 levels, and regain sensitivity to VP-16. When V79 cells are shifted to nicotinamide-deficient medium they undergo a reduction in NAD content, followed by a progressive elevation in GRP78 levels, and they subsequently become increasingly resistant to VP-16. These studies demonstrate a clear association between deficiency of the NAD-poly(ADP-ribose) synthesis system, induction of GRP78 synthesis, and resistance to VP-16.
The nanogranular behavior of C-S-H at elevated temperatures (up to 700 °C)

Abstract Cement-based materials are non-combustible, but the complex chemo-physical mechanisms that drive at elevated temperatures the thermal degradation of the mechanical properties (stiffness, strength) are still an enigma that have deceived many decoding attempts. This paper presents, for the first time, results from a new experimental technique that allows one to rationally assess the evolution of the nano-mechanical behavior of cement paste at elevated temperatures. Specifically, the thermal degradation of the two distinct calcium-silicate hydrate (C-S-H) phases, Low Density (LD) C-S-H and High Density (HD) C-S-H, is assessed based on a statistical analysis of massive nanoindentation tests. From a combination of nanoindentation, thermogravimetry and micromechanical modeling, we identify a new mechanism, the thermally induced change of the packing density of the two C-S-H phases, as the dominant mechanism that drives the thermal degradation of cementitious materials. We argue that this loosening of the packing density results from the shrinkage of C-S-H nanoparticles that occurs at high temperatures, most probably due to the loss of chemically bound water.
An evolutionary approach to configuring an embedded system based on power consumption

Power consumption and portability issues are increasingly significant in system-on-a-chip applications. As a result, it is important that power and performance tradeoffs are made more visible to chip architects and circuit designers. Next generation tools are being developed to achieve high accuracy by estimating power consumption earlier in the design process. These tools also allow the designer to explore different configurations in a given design space. As the design space continues to expand, more efficient search methods are needed. This paper presents a framework for an evolutionary approach to configuring an ideal embedded processor based on power consumption.
Modulated differential scanning calorimetry in the glass transition region. V. Activation energies and relaxation times of poly(ethylene terephthalate)s

Temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry is used to evaluate the kinetics of the glass transition from measurement of the first harmonic of the apparent, reversing heat capacity. The data are taken from quasi-isothermal experiments with negligible instrument lag, extrapolated to zero modulation amplitude. Equations based on irreversible thermodynamics that can be understood in terms of the hole theory of liquids are applied to measurements on amorphous, semicrystalline, and biaxially drawn poly(ethylene terephthalate)s (PET). The activation energy of amorphous PET decreases from 328 to 153 kJ/mol on crystallization and to 111 kJ/mol on orientation, and is correlated with an increase in the preexponential factor. After annealing of the crystallized samples below the glass transition temperature, the activation energy of the semicrystalline PET can recover beyond the level of amorphous PET, to 387 kJ/mol. The earlier observed decrease in enthalpy relaxation on crystallization is linked to this sharp decrease in activation energy.
Existence of discrete state estimators for hybrid systems on a lattice

The observability properties of a class of hybrid systems whose continuous variables are available for measurement are considered. We show that the discrete variable dynamics can be always extended for observable systems to a lattice in such a way that the extended system has the properties that allow the construction of the LU discrete state estimator. It updates two variables at each step, the upper and lower bound of the set of all possible discrete variable values compatible with the output sequence. Causes of the estimator complexity are investigated.
Transonic and Boundary Layer Similarity Laws in Dense Gases

We discuss the validity of similarity and scaling laws for transonic flow and compressible boundary layers when dense gas effects are important. The physical mechanisms for the failure of each class of scaling law are delineated. In the case of transonic flow, a new similitude based on a modified small disturbance equation is presented.
Brief Intervention for Anxiety in Primary Care Patients

To address the difficulty of assessing and managing multiple anxiety disorders in the primary care setting, this article provides a simple, easy-to-learn, unified approach to the diagnosis, care management, and pharmacotherapy of the 4 most common anxiety disorders found in primary care: panic, generalized anxiety disorders, social anxiety disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder. This evidence-based approach was developed for an ongoing National Institute of Mental Health-funded study designed to improve the delivery of evidence-based medication and psychotherapy treatment to primary care patients with these anxiety disorders. We present a simple, validated method to screen for the 4 major disorders that emphasizes identifying other medical or psychiatric comorbidities that can complicate treatment; an approach for initial education of the patient and discussion about treatment, including provision of some simple cognitive behavioral therapy skills, based on motivational interviewing/brief intervention approaches previously used for substance use disorders; a validated method for monitoring treatment outcome; and an algorithmic approach for the selection of initial medication treatment, the selection of alternative or adjunctive treatments when the initial approach has not produced optimal results, and indications for mental health referral.
Consequences of Switching 5α-Reductase Inhibitors on Prostate Specific Antigen Velocity

Purpose: The 5α-reductase inhibitors improve urinary symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia, deter benign prostatic hyperplasia progression and provide prostate cancer chemoprevention. Currently there are a number of 5α-reductase inhibitor formularies, including Proscar®, generic finasteride and dutasteride. While all formularies decrease serum prostate specific antigen (a proxy for prostate volume), they may not accomplish this to the same degree, which may have dramatic effects on prostate specific antigen kinetics in men changing 5α-reductase inhibitor formularies. We examined prostate specific antigen velocity after changes in 5α-reductase inhibitor formularies.Materials and Methods: We identified patients treated with 2 or more 5α-reductase inhibitor formularies who had sufficient prostate specific antigen values to calculate prostate specific antigen velocity during each 5α-reductase inhibitor treatment. Patient data were grouped depending on the formularies received. Statistical analysis ...
“Is It Really Safe? That's What We Want to Know”: Science, Stories, and Dangerous Places

Abstract This article presents a case study of risk perception and decision making regarding the former nuclear test site of Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. This example demonstrates how people use combinations of scientific and anecdotal evidence to consider whether places are “really safe.” Furthermore, the article examines how scientific studies of risk operate as cultural systems and how a lack of dialogue and understanding across cultural systems can confuse discussions about risk and affect the development of places. The study is based on interviews with still-exiled Bikinians as well as with workers and visitors on Bikini Atoll. *I want to thank Kat Kleman Davis, Matt Hannah, Truman Hartshorn, and the four anonymous reviewers for the helpful comments on earlier drafts of this paper. I also would like to thank Lorraine Dowler, Lakshman Yapa, James McCarthy, and Roger Downs for their help throughout the research process.
Postural balance indicator and associated feedback compensation system

Postural balance related disorders not only limit individual mobility but also often result in serious injuries or even death in particular in the elderly. Presented statistical data demonstrates the severity of this growing problem as the population at large is getting older. In addition, the disorders of the vesitibular system, often of idiopathic origin, and related abnormalities affect population across all age groups. Therefore, in order to provide an assessment of balance, awareness to patients, as well as continuous feedback to assist in maintaining equilibrium, a low cost unobtrusive system for postural balance management has been designed. The system is based on two designed and perpendicularly placed level sensors with optical detection, and a set of vibrators interfaced with the PIC based BS2 board by Parallax. The tilt identifiable vibrators provide a feedback. A programmable delay and curtailment of movement related superficial responses provides additional adaptability. The premise of this compact battery operated system is to assist patients in restoring mobility and gaining independence.
Statistics of Advective Stretching in Three-dimensional Incompressible Flows

We present a method to quantify kinematic stretching in incompressible, unsteady, isoviscous, three-dimensional flows. We extend the method of Kellogg and Turcotte (J. Geophys. Res. 95:421–432, 1990) to compute the axial stretching/thinning experienced by infinitesimal ellipsoidal strain markers in arbitrary three-dimensional incompressible flows and discuss the differences between our method and the computation of Finite Time Lyapunov Exponent (FTLE). We use the cellular flow model developed in Solomon and Mezic (Nature 425:376–380, 2003) to study the statistics of stretching in a three-dimensional unsteady cellular flow. We find that the probability density function of the logarithm of normalised cumulative stretching (log S) for a globally chaotic flow, with spatially heterogeneous stretching behavior, is not Gaussian and that the coefficient of variation of the Gaussian distribution does not decrease with time as $t^{-\frac{1}{2}}$ . However, it is observed that stretching becomes exponential log S∼t and the probability density function of log S becomes Gaussian when the time dependence of the flow and its three-dimensionality are increased to make the stretching behaviour of the flow more spatially uniform. We term these behaviors weak and strong chaotic mixing respectively. We find that for strongly chaotic mixing, the coefficient of variation of the Gaussian distribution decreases with time as $t^{-\frac{1}{2}}$ . This behavior is consistent with a random multiplicative stretching process.
Survey of School Psychologists' Attitudes, Feelings, and Exposure to Gay and Lesbian Parents and Their Children

Abstract School psychologists' attitudes and feelings toward gay and lesbian parents were surveyed in relation to their training and exposure, and professional services offered to gay and lesbian parents and their children. The relationship between attitudes, feelings, training, exposure, and demographic characteristics was explored as well. A stratified random sample of 500 school psychologists who were members of NASP was surveyed using a 30-item questionnaire. Out of the 500 surveys sent, 267 school psychologists (53.4%) returned them. Overall, school psychologists have positive attitudes and feelings toward gay and/or lesbian parents. More specifically, school psychologists who were female, homosexual/bisexual, or living in the Western region of the United States had significantly more positive attitudes and feelings toward gay and/or lesbian parents. Although few school psychologists (30%) received any formalized training, those who had some training indicated more positive attitudes. The majority of...
Downstream ribosomal entry for translation of coronavirus TGEV gene 3b.

Gene 3b (ORF 3b) in porcine transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus (TGEV) encodes a putative nonstructural polypeptide of 27.7 kDa with unknown function that during translation in vitro is capable of becoming a glycosylated integral membrane protein of 31 kDa. In the virulent Miller strain of TGEV, ORF 3b is 5'-terminal on mRNA 3-1 and is presumably translated following 5' cap-dependent ribosomal entry. For three other strains of TGEV, the virulent British FS772/70 and Taiwanese TFI and avirulent Purdue-116, mRNA species 3-1 is not made and ORF 3b is present as a non-overlapping second ORF on mRNA 3. ORF 3b begins at base 432 on mRNA 3 in Purdue strain. In vitro expression of ORF 3b from Purdue mRNA 3-like transcripts did not fully conform to a predicted leaky scanning pattern, suggesting ribosomes might also be entering internally. With mRNA 3-like transcripts modified to carry large ORFs upstream of ORF 3a, it was demonstrated that ribosomes can reach ORF 3b by entering at a distant downstream site in a manner resembling ribosomal shunting. Deletion analysis failed to identify a postulated internal ribosomal entry structure (IRES) within ORF 3a. The results indicate that an internal entry mechanism, possibly in conjunction with leaky scanning, is used for the expression of ORF 3b from TGEV mRNA 3. One possible consequence of this feature is that ORF 3b might also be expressed from mRNAs 1 and 2.
The Robust Design in Capture-Recapture Studies: A Review and Evaluation by Monte Carlo Simulation

The use of capture-recapture methods in the estimation of population size, survival rates, and recruitment rates of wild animals is well established. The traditional approach has been to use the closed population models summarized by Otis et al. (1978) for short-term studies, and the Jolly-Seber open population model (Jolly 1965, Seber 1965), or some variation of it, for long-term studies. Pollock (1982) proposed a “robust” design that would allow the use of both closed and open population models in an ad hoc fashion for long-term studies. Potential advantages of this ad hoc method, over the use of the Jolly-Seber model alone, include: (1) abundance and other quantities can be estimated without assuming equal catchability, (2) all parameters can be estimated, (3) alternative estimators are available for most parameters, (4) recruitment can be separated into immigration and ’births’ with only two age-classes, (5) abundance and survival can be estimated with minimal sampling correlation, and (6) the design can be customized more finely to meet specific needs. This paper reviews the design and various methods of parameter estimation it allows for, and briefly compares the performance of available estimators using Monte Carlo simulation.
International Law, Governance and Global Children’s Health

From a medical perspective, we already know the leading causes of child mortality: acute respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, and neonatal infections. For the vast majority of cases, we also know the appropriate medical treatments. The difficult challenge and tragedy of global children's health lies in applying proven solutions to known problems. In the State of the World's Children 2008: Child Survival, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) identifies the "[u]nderlying and structural causes of maternal and child mortality.” Among other factors, the report lists "[p]oorly resourced . . . health and nutrition services;" "[l]ack of hygiene and access to safe water or adequate sanitation;" and exclusion from essential health services "due to poverty and geographic or political marginalization."This list hints at structural concerns that raise basic issues of governance not medicine. The report also acknowledges that these are complex and multidimensional problems in need of multidimensional solutions. "Their wide-ranging nature and interrelatedness require them to be addressed at different levels - community, household, service provider, government and international - in an integrated manner to maximize effectiveness and reach." This is a daunting challenge, but it is ultimately a challenge of effective governance, calling for frameworks that can facilitate exactly these forms of effective cooperation.Making the diagnosis is easier than remedying its causes. Simple tasks, like providing clean water and proper sanitation requires surmounting all the difficult historic challenges involved in establishing effective forms of local governance in the first place. This is not easy. Indeed, the baseline expectation should be that structures enabling effective cooperation are the exception and not the rule, as they are difficult to establish and maintain. Moreover, areas where effective structures of local governance have not historically taken root are likely to be among the most difficult settings in which to build cooperative frameworks. Sustainable public health progress, however, is not possible unless one focuses on these governance dimensions.This Chapter examines the role of international law and governance in the service of children's health. It explores the role and limits of classic international law. It argues for the need to shift from nations to networks as the effective unit of analysis, as well as the need to expressly recognize the role of law in creating and facilitating “frameworks of cooperation” that can ultimately connect the global-to-the-local. Governance must also be built from the grassroots up and not just from the top down.
Relationship of Vitamin B6 to the Met

SummaryHomogenized kidney from rats deficient in vitamin B6 exhibited only one third as much D-amino acid oxidase activity as did normal rat kidney homogenates. However, when the food intake of control animals was restricted to that of the B6 dieficient group there was no significant difference between the two groups in their kidney D-amino acid oxidase activity.A gavage supplement of D-amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine and valine) to vitamin B6 deficient rats greatly depresses dietary nitrogen utilization. Simultaneous injection of, or an adequate dietary supply of, vitamin B6 completely overcomes this effect.Supplements of the L-isomers of the same amino acids or an equivalent amount of inorganic nitrogen effected a smaller depression of dietary nitrogen utilization, thus pointing to a specific relationship between D-amino acid metabolism and vitamin B6.
The Role of Kairomones in Host Recognition and Host Acceptance Behavior of the Parasite Brachymeria intermedia

The role of kairomones in host recognition and host acceptance of the parasite Brachymeria intermedia (Nees) (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) was examined using 3 lepidopteran host species: the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lymantriidae); the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella L. (Pyralidae); and the spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens) (Tortricidae). The behavioral sequence from initial contact of the host through oviposition and departure is described. Responses to kairomones washed from host pupae with equivalent amounts of n -hexane per pupal surface area were greatest with gypsy moth, followed by spruce budworm and wax moth. When pupae were washed several times with n -hexane, there was a reduction in responses to the gypsy moth washes, with a dramatic reduction in responses to wax moth and spruce budworm washes. Females responded to gypsy moth pupae after 3 washes, but not to wax moth and spruce budworm pupae. B. intermedia females did not respond to n -hexane washes of larvae, nor to washes of combined larval frass, exuviae, and silk. Parasite males showed no response to kairomones.
Mechanism of thermal conductivity suppression in doped silicon studied with nonequilibrium molecular dynamics

We examined the underlying mechanisms for thermal conductivity suppression in crystalline silicon by substitutional doping with different elements ($X$ $=$ boron, aluminum, phosphorus, and arsenic). In particular, the relative effects of doping-induced mass disorder, bond disorder, and lattice strain were assessed using nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. Stillinger--Weber potential parameters for Si-$X$ interatomic interactions were optimized by fitting to relevant atomic forces from first-principles calculations. We first calculated the thermal conductivity variation of B-doped Si as a function of dopant concentration; the result shows excellent agreement with existing experimental data, indicating the reliability of our force-field-based simulations. At the dopant concentration of about 5 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} 10${}^{20}$ cm${}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$, the Si thermal conductivity value is predicted to be reduced from 137 W/mK at 300 K in undoped Si to 18/39/57/78 W/mK in As/B/P/Al-doped Si. Our study demonstrates that the mass disorder effect is primarily responsible for the thermal conductivity suppression in the As- and B-doped cases, whereas the bond disorder contribution is found to be more important than the mass disorder contribution in the Al- and P-doped cases; for all these systems, the lattice strain effect turns out to play a minor role in the reduction of lattice thermal conductivity.
Use of a Commercial Continuous Interstitial Glucose Monitor in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Abstract The objectives of the research study described in this article were to establish a technique of applying a commercial continuous interstitial glucose monitoring (CIGM) system in the rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) and to describe the longitudinal glucose curve. A total of 7 rabbits were included in the study and each was outfitted with a CIGM monitor with glucose data from the subject animals continuously recorded for up to 7 days. The CIGM system successfully recorded glucose values and allowed for the description of longitudinal glucose data in rabbits. The results of this CIGM research investigation in rabbits indicated that the use of the commercially available system was feasible and provided increased insight into glucose metabolism in this species.
DEFORMING REAL PROJECTIVE STRUCTURES

Let S be a compact Riemann surface of hyperbolic type and T(S) the Teichmul- ler space of S. We show that the Maskit grafting map is a homeomorphism from T(S) onto T(S). It follows from this result that S has a projective structure which is different from the canonical Fuchsian uniformization, and has discrete, injective holonomy contained in PSL(2, R). We are concerned in this paper with the grafting operation along a simple, closed geodesic on a closed, hyperbolic Riemann surface (see Section 3 for defi- nitions). This construction was first considered by Maskit (7) in the context of projective structures on surfaces; he used it to provide examples of distinct struc- tures with identical holonomy maps. Later, Goldman (6) showed that, with the exception of the canonical Fuchsian structure, all real projective structures with discrete, injective holonomy are obtained by grafting.
Clinical study on the Nd:YAG fractional laser on the protection of the subcutantous vascular net skin graft

Objective To explore a effective clinical method which could improve the survival of subcutaneous vascular net skin graft.Methods The Nd:YAG fractional laser was performed and preconditioned on the skin graft 24 houres,the survival of the skin graft was observed 10 days after the operation.Results The conditioned skin graft all survived better than the nonconditioned skin graft.Conclusion The preconditioning of subcutaneous vascular net skin graft is effective to improve the survival of the skin graft.
Kant on the Objectivity of Empirical Knowledge

Kant took the challenge of skepticism about empirical knowledge very seriously, declaring it a scandal to philosophy that there was no known proof of the existence of the external world.1 What is troubling about Kant’s discussion of skepticism is its apparent generality. In the Preface to the, first edition of the Critique of Pure Reason he speaks of it without distinguishing among various kinds and representatives of skepticism, and his considering Hume to be perhaps the most profound (geistreichste) of the skeptics doesn’t betray an appreciation of the varieties of skepticism.2 In fact, however, the unfolding of Kant’s philosophical program displays distinct, systematically related responses to the distinct kinds of skepticism concerning the external world represented by Sextus Empiricus, Descartes’s demon, and Hume, This chapter considers Kant’s program for responding to skepticism about the external world and, with that, for defending the objectivity of empirical knowledge claims in the first Critique. After sketching Kant’s program, I will argue first, that the position he defends constitutes a distinctively subjectivist epistemology, and hence makes an unsatisfactory defense of the objectivity of empirical knowledge claims; second, that the direct argument for his position is not sound, so that he has not defended the objectivity of empirical knowledge claims; and third, that Kant fails to address second-order questions about the justification of his philosophical theory of knowledge.
Pathophysiologic evaluation of the transgenic CFTR “gut-corrected” porcine model of cystic fibrosis

This study evaluated the pulmonary pathophysiology of the transgenic CFTR "gut-corrected" cystic fibrosis (CF) pigs. Four sows produced 18 piglets of which 11 were stillborn with only 2 animals surviving beyond 2 weeks. Failure to survive beyond the neonatal period by 5 piglets was judged to result from metabolic dysfunction related to genetic manipulation for CFTR gut expression or due to cloning artifact. Plasma analysis showed very low plasma proteins, highly elevated liver enzymes, and severe acidosis. All surviving offspring received furosemide for systemic edema. Physiologic evaluation was performed with lung tissues from the two surviving pigs. Both acetylcholine and forskolin induced mucous liquid secretion that was significantly lower in CF bronchi than non-CF bronchi. The percent non-volatile solids in mucus secreted from CF bronchi was elevated following acetylcholine or forskolin. Mucociliary transport in excised tracheas was reduced in the CF tracheas relative to nonCF tracheas. The diameter of CF tracheas was less than that of non-CF pigs in spite of their greater body weight. Despite exhibiting severe metabolic dysfunction during the neonatal period, this CF animal model appears to express important characteristics of human CF pulmonary disease.
Co-Opting Discrimination to Augment Privilege: Misuse of Claims of Discrimination by Anti-Vaccine Activists

In their efforts to fight against tightening of school immunization requirements anti-vaccine activists have repeatedly claimed that such tightening discriminates against, or even segregates, intentionally non-vaccinated children. They have drawn on language and imagery created in response to racial discrimination against minority groups. This essay explains why such claims are legally incorrect - and pragmatically inappropriate. First, unvaccinated children are meaningfully different from the vaccinated. Second, not vaccinating is a choice, and not an immutable characteristic. Treating non-vaccinating parents differently is closer to different treatment of those who drink and drive than to different treatment of racial minorities. Finally, the use of the discrimination language is troubling here. Most parents that do not vaccinate (though not all) belong to privileged groups. Vaccine refusal is much more common among white, middle class people. Using the language created to protect disadvantaged minorities from oppression in this context is incorrect and jarring.
Effect of Compound Dielectric and Metal Thinning on Metal-Insulator-Metal Resonant Absorbers for Multispectral Infrared Air-Bridge Bolometers

Addition of wavelength selective absorbers on microbolometers tends to increase their thermal mass and slow their infrared response times. Making the bolometric material an integral part of the absorber and minimizing layer thicknesses is one possible way to maintain high detector speeds. Here, we study experimentally the effect on permittivity of adding a layer of semiconducting VOx between two layers of SiO2. Additionally, we investigate theoretically the effect on resonance wavelength of thinning the metal in metal-insulator-metal plasmonic resonant absorbers.
A melt castable energetic cocrystal

An energetic cocrystal is described between 3,4-diaminofurazan (DAF) and 4-amino-3,5-dinitropyrazole (ADNP). The material is remarkable because interaction between the components leads to melting behavior and melt-state stabilization (absent in ADNP), that allows a melt castable formulation with explosive performance superior to DAF. This provides another potential advantage of cocrystallization for energetic materials.
Validation of the Mental Illness Sexual Stigma Questionnaire (MISS-Q) in a sample of Brazilian adults in psychiatric care

ABSTRACT Objective We evaluated the psychometric properties of a new instrument “Mental Illness Sexual Stigma Questionnaire” (MISS-Q). Methods We interviewed 641 sexually active adults (ages 18-80) attending public outpatient psychiatric clinics in Rio de Janeiro about their stigma experiences. Results Nine factors were extracted through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and labeled: ‘individual discrimination by others’; ‘staff willingness to talk about sexuality’; ‘staff and family prohibitions’; ‘sexual devaluation of self’; ‘perceived attractiveness’; ‘mental illness concealment’; ‘perceived sexual role competence’; ‘withdrawal’; and ‘locus of social-sexual control’. ‘Withdrawal’ and ‘locus of social-sexual control’ showed poor psychometric properties and were excluded from further analysis. The remaining seven factors had high factorial loadings (.39 to .86), varying from sufficient to optimal reliability (Ordinal α ranged from .57 to .88), and good convergent and discriminant validity. Conclusions The resulting MISS-Q is the first instrument assessing mental illness sexual stigma with demonstrated psychometric properties. It may prove useful in reducing stigma, protecting sexual health, and promoting recovery.
Identification of Individual Immobilized DNA Molecules by Their Hybridization Kinetics Using Single-Molecule Fluorescence Imaging

Single-molecule fluorescence methods can count molecules without calibration, measure kinetics at equilibrium, and observe rare events that cannot be detected in an ensemble measurement. We employ total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to monitor hybridization kinetics between individual spatially resolved target DNA molecules immobilized at a glass interface and fluorescently labeled complementary probe DNA in free solution. Using super-resolution imaging, immobilized target DNA molecules are located with 36 nm precision, and their individual duplex formation and dissociation kinetics with labeled DNA probe strands are measured at site densities much greater than the diffraction limit. The purpose of this study is to evaluate uncertainties in identifying these individual target molecules based on their duplex dissociation kinetics, which can be used to distinguish target molecule sequences randomly immobilized in mixed-target samples. Hybridization kinetics of individual target molecules are d...
An urban-based climatology of winter precipitation in the northeast United States

Abstract Varying forms of precipitation during winter weather events cause disruptions to commercial operations and transportation networks, particularly in densely populated regions. Developing a better understanding of the characteristics surrounding these events may lead to better prediction and subsequent mitigation. This study constructs a 21-year cold season climatology of precipitation type over highly urbanized areas of the northeastern United States. By using quality-controlled station reports, a specific focus is placed on the influence of urbanization in precipitation processes. In events involving multiple precipitation types, the ambient atmospheric profile is very close to the freezing point in lower levels. The influence of the boundary layer urban heat island may play a role in increasing melting of hydrometeors. Statistically significant findings from linear regression modeling show that proximity to urban centers, as derived from mean road density, plays a role in the surface observation of mixed precipitation events. 21% of any mixed precipitation observation may be attributed to its distance from a high density urban area. Decreases in mean surface wind speed and direction during mixed precipitation events increase the likelihood of an intact boundary layer urban heat island and melting of hydrometeors when compared to stronger wind speeds during snowfall events.
Physician Age and Performance on the American Board of Emergency Medicine ConCert Examination.

OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to expand on results from a 2014 study on the association between physician age and performance on the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) ConCert examination. METHODS This was a retrospective, longitudinal growth study comparing performance on the ConCert examination and physicians' ages at the time of examination. All examination attempts from 1990 to 2016 made by residency-trained physicians were eligible for inclusion. Multilevel growth models were constructed to examine the relationship between age at time of examination and performance, controlling for physician characteristics. RESULTS The study group included 15,533 examination attempts by 12,786 physicians. The mean (±SD) age of the physicians across all examination administrations was 45.02 (±5.18) years (range = 35 to 72 years). The mean (±SD) ConCert examination score across all administrations was 85.39 (±5.71; range = 51 to 100). Among first-time ConCert examination takers, older age was associated with lower examination scores (r = -0.25, p < 0.0001). Across all examination attempts, age was negatively correlated to examination scores (r = -0.24; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS After physician characteristics were controlled for, there was an association between advancing age and declining performance on the ABEM ConCert examination. This information may be important to the individual physician to develop targeted competency assessment and professional development.
Petronarratology: A Bioregional Approach to Oil Stories

In “Petronarratology: A Bioregional Approach to Oil Stories”, Bart Welling argues that ecocritics and narratologists have an important role to play in challenging the narratives that help p...