cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial Oscillations in Physiology and Pathophysiology

Oscillations in chemical reactions and metabolic pathways have historiacally served as prototypes for understanding the dynamics of complex nonlinear systems. This chapter reviews the oscillatory behavior of mitochondria, with a focus on the mitochondrial oscillator dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS), as first described in heart cells. Experimental and theoretical evidence now indicates that mitochondrial energetic variables oscillate autonomously as part of a network of coupled oscillators under both physiological and pathological conditions. The physiological domain is characterized by small-amplitude oscillations in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) showing correlated behavior over a wide range of frequencies, as determined using Power Spectral Analysis and Relative Dispersion Analysis of long term recordings of ΔΨm. Under metabolic stress, when the balance between ROS generation and ROS scavenging is perturbed, the mitochondrial network throughout the cell locks to one main low-frequency, high-amplitude oscillatory mode. This behavior has major pathological implications because the energy dissipation and cellular redox changes that occur during ΔΨm depolarization result in suppression of electrical excitability and Ca2+ handling, the two main functions of the cardiac cell. In an ischemia/reperfusion scenario these alterations scale up to the level of the whole organ, giving rise to fatal arrhythmias.
The Use of Religion Among HIV-Infected African American Women

A study of the associations among physical and mental health and differential patterns of religiosity among African American women was conducted with a sample of 253 participants: 104 HIV-infected, 46 chronically ill (not HIV-infected), and 103 healthy subjects. Participants' uses of private (i.e., prayer) and public (i.e., church attendance) forms of religiosity were assessed using data from semi-structured interviews. The relationship between religiosity and mental health exhibited an incongruous pattern, differing across health condition and forms of religious behavior. The practice of public religiosity was found to be inversely associated with engagement in high-risk health behaviors among HIV-infected and healthy women but not among the chronically ill. Although private religiosity was unrelated to participants' perceptions of physical health, public religiosity was positively associated with physical health among HIV-infected women and inversely associated with their CD4 count. Finally, having a sense of control over one's health was positively related to religiosity. Results from this study support the important role religion plays for persons faced with chronic terminal diseases, as in the case of HIV/AIDS.
Construction of three-dimensional printed anatomic models for frontal sinus education.

BackgroundThe anatomy of the frontal sinus can pose a challenge for many neuroradiolgists and otolaryngologists, especially trainees. While much of resident education occurs in didactics, self-study or in the operating room, studies suggest that some trainees prefer hands-on learning. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology provides users the opportunity to make customizable low-cost objects that provide tactile learning—a learning modality that may be preferable in education.MethodsThree-dimensional printed models of frontal sinus anatomy based on selected patient computed tomography scans that represent various air cells according to the International Frontal Sinus Classification (IFAC) as different colored solid structures were printed using binder jetting.ResultsSeven unique de-identified patient scans were selected as the basis for the models so that all frontal cell types described in the IFAC scheme are represented between all 3D printed models.ConclusionThis paper describes the technology and p...
Aid Allocation and Outcomes: What Role Do Political Motives Play?

Foreign aid effectiveness has been a hugely explored topic in the economic development and political economy literature. In spite of disagreements in the literature with regard to aid effectiveness, it can be undisputedly argued that aid is an important source of capital for many recipient nations. Yet, this source of capital can be extremely volatile. Studies stress that donors value recipients’ historical, strategic, and geographical interests. An extensive strand of studies have explored donor motives for aid allocation and have found factors like political and economic motivations, political favoritism, and donors’ ideology to be playing crucial roles in such allocations. This chapter summarizes the growing literature on donor motives for aid allocation to recipient nations.
Exploration of seasonal moisture variation in standing loblolly and slash pine using time domain reflectometry

Seasonal variation in the moisture content (MC) of standing trees can have a significant impact on wood (and when harvested) log weight; however, its variation is poorly understood owing to the destructive nature of sampling methodologies. To improve our understanding of temporal moisture variation, low cost systems that continuously monitor MC of standing trees are required. Time domain reflectometry (TDR) was explored as an option to estimate standing tree MC. TDR data was collected from ten loblolly and ten slash pine trees growing on the Lower Coastal Plain of Florida and ten loblolly pine from the Piedmont of Georgia on a weekly basis for approximately 1 year. Site specific calibrations were used to predict MC, but owing to a pronounced wound response it was not possible to accurately track temporal changes in whole-tree MC. If calibrations more oriented toward living trees can be obtained, it may be possible to use TDR to monitor temporal changes in standing tree MC.
A Single Prior Injection of Methamphetamine Enhances Methamphetamine Self-Administration (SA) and Blocks SA-Induced Changes in DNA Methylation and mRNA Expression of Potassium Channels in the Rat Nucleus Accumbens

The transition from occasional to escalated psychostimulant use is accelerated by prior drug exposure. These behavioral observations may be related to long-lasting transcriptional and/or epigenetic changes induced by the drug pre-exposure. Herein, we investigated if a single methamphetamine (METH) injection would enhance METH self-administration (SA) and impact any METH SA-induced epigenetic or transcriptional alterations. We thus injected a single METH dose (10 mg/kg) or saline to rats before training them to self-administer METH or saline. There were three experimental groups in SA experiments: (1) a single saline injection followed by saline SA (SS); (2) a single saline injection followed by METH SA (SM); and (3) a single METH injection followed by METH SA (MM). METH-pretreated rats escalated METH SA earlier and took more METH than saline-pretreated animals. Both groups showed similar incubation of cue-induced METH craving. Because compulsive METH takers and METH-abstinent rats show differences in potassium (K+) channel mRNA levels in their nucleus accumbens (NAc), we wondered if K+ channel expression might also help to distinguish between SM and MM groups. We found increases in mRNA and protein expression of shaker-related voltage-gated K+ channels (Kv1: Kcna1, Kcna3, and Kcna6) and calcium-activated K+ channels (Kcnn1) in the SM compared to MM rats. SM rats also showed decreased DNA methylation at the CpG-rich sites near the promoter region of Kcna1, Kcna3 and Kcnn1 genes in comparison to MM rats. Together, these results provide additional evidence for potentially using K+ channels as therapeutic targets against METH use disorder.
Feminist Translation Matters: Reading Fashion, Materiality, and Revolution in the English-Language Translations of Marie Chauvet’s La danse sur le volcan

Like feminist translation studies, recent scholarship at the intersections of feminist and fashion theories has offered new ways of thinking about the history of modernity, the body, and communication in interpersonal and transnational spheres. Fashion and translation share similar attributes in popular thought—both are ubiquitous and often perceived as superficial. Both are often relegated to the realm of the feminine in which the labor of self-fashioning or translation is viewed as derivative, shallow, or intellectually disengaged. Drawing together feminist knowledge from translation and fashion studies to form a transdisciplinary framework, this paper explores the role of dress—its production, materiality, and history—in the context of two English-language translations of the novel La danse sur le volcan (1957) by Haitian author Marie Chauvet (1916-1973). In its analysis of the translation history of La danse into English, this article suggests that a transnational feminist literary translation praxis necessitates a sustained engagement with the material and imagined lives of objects in the longue duree, particularly fashion items such as scarves and dresses.
Formic acid oxidation boosted by Rh single atoms

Atomically dispersed Rh on N-doped carbon exhibits promising electrocatalytic properties for formic acid oxidation while Rh nanoparticles are inert towards this reaction. The Rh single atoms exhibit high tolerance to CO poisoning compared to Rh nanoparticles.
Physician Burnout, Interrupted

Physician Burnout, Interrupted The burnout problem won’t be solved without addressing the issues of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. During the Covid-19 pandemic, a sense of altruism and urge...
Tech and the City: Axialization, Institutionalization and Disruption

“Something, something big, was happening in multiple places along the axis running from China to the Mediterranean [and beyond] in the first millenium BCE...” That axial age spurred by urbanization and with guidance from axial sages invented modernity (logic and institutions, rationality and strategic interactions and education and participatory civic society.) How should the smart cities of the future reaxialize to withstand deceptive interference, isolation against pandemics, cellularized instituions, etc.?
Reading Motivation in Bi/Multilingual Latinx Adolescents: An Exploratory Structural Equation Model.

This study investigated reading motivation among high school bi/multilingual students whose first language was Spanish. Latinx English Learners (N = 171) from four southeastern, suburban high schoo...
Science Diplomacy and Its Engine of Informed Decisionmaking: Operating through Our Global Pandemic with Humanity

Science diplomacy is an international, interdisciplinary and inclusive (holistic) process, involving informed decisionmaking to balance national interests and common interests for the benefit of all on Earth across generations Informed decisions operate across a 'continuum of urgencies', which extends from security to sustainability time scales for peoples, nations and our world The COVID-19 pandemic is the 'most challenging crisis we have faced since the Second World War', as noted in March 2020 by UN Secretary- General Antonio Guterres, when survival is once again a common interest at local-global levels This essay introduces common-interest-building strategies with science diplomacy to operate short term to long term, before-through-after the 'inflection point' of our global pandemic, as the next step in the evolution of our globally interconnected civilisation
The Role of Justice in the Constitution: The Case for Social and Economic Rights in Comparative Perspective

Liberal Constitutions enacted after World War Two typically comprise social and economic rights and hence enshrine a distributive justice component. This component is embedded in the ideal of liberal constitutionalism thus requiring a guarantee of a minimum of justice which represents the “justice essentials” of the constitutional order. What that minimum requires varies depending on time, place, and resources. Moreover, social welfare rights are well set to further the justice essentials by advancing the three facets of the requisite distributive justice imperative: economic redistribution, recognition, and representation. Social welfare rights, however, are second generation rights that unlike traditional civil and political rights raise certain daunting conceptual and practical challenges. Second generation rights seemingly upset the right/duty correlation and defy providing individual remedies. Based on a conceptual and a practical examination, it becomes clear that at present the divide between first and second generation rights has become significantly blurred over time. Moreover, a comparative review of the judicial handling of constitutionally protected social and economic rights in various jurisdictions throughout the world reveals that the latter have been variously enforced and their violations remedied sometimes individually and sometimes on a more collective basis over time. Also, such rights have at times been vindicated directly, and at other times indirectly—e.g., grant of minimum subsistence on the basis of constitutional equality or dignity rights. Finally, turning to the US, the Constitution does not address social and economic rights and the US Supreme Court has thus far not given them any indirect recognition. Nevertheless, given the current exacerbation of economic inequalities, a compelling case can be made under the justice essentials for indirect US vindication of social welfare rights under the Due Process and the Equal Protection clauses of the Constitution.
Untangling irrigation effects on maize water and heat stress alleviation using satellite data

Abstract. Irrigation has important implications for sustaining global food production, enabling crop water demand to be met even under dry conditions. Added water also cools crop plants through transpiration; irrigation might thus play an important role in a warmer climate by simultaneously moderating water and high temperature stresses. Here we use satellite-derived evapotranspiration estimates, land surface temperature (LST) measurements, and crop phenological stage information from Nebraska maize to quantify how irrigation relieves both water and temperature stresses. Our study shows that, unlike air temperature metrics, satellite-derived LST detects significant irrigation-induced cooling effect, especially during the grain filling period (GFP) of crop growth. This cooling is likely to extend the maize growing season, especially for GFP, likely due to the stronger temperature sensitivity of phenological development during this stage. The analysis also suggests that irrigation not only reduces water and temperature stress but also weakens the response of yield to these stresses. Specifically, temperature stress is significantly weakened for reproductive processes in irrigated crops. The attribution analysis further suggests that water and high temperature stress alleviation contributes to 65 % and 35 % of yield benefit, respectively. Our study underlines the relative importance of high temperature stress alleviation in yield improvement and the necessity of simulating crop surface temperature to better quantify heat stress effects in crop yield models. Finally, untangling irrigation effects on both heat and water stress mitigation has important implications for designing agricultural adaptation strategies under climate change.
A Universal Framework for Featurization of Atomistic Systems

Molecular dynamics simulations are an invaluable tool in numerous scientific fields. However, the ubiquitous classical force fields cannot describe reactive systems, and quantum molecular dynamics are too computationally demanding to treat large systems or long timescales. Reactive force fields based on physics or machine learning can be used to bridge the gap in time and length scales, but these force fields require substantial effort to construct and are highly specific to given chemical composition and application. The extreme flexibility of machine learning models promises to yield reactive force fields that provide a more general description of chemical bonding. However, a significant limitation of machine learning models is the use of element-specific features, leading to models that scale poorly with the number of elements. This work introduces the Gaussian multi-pole (GMP) featurization scheme that utilizes physically-relevant multi-pole expansions of the electron density around atoms to yield feature vectors that interpolate between element types and have a fixed dimension regardless of the number of elements present. We combine GMP with neural networks to directly compare it to the widely-used Behler-Parinello symmetry functions for the MD17 dataset, revealing that it exhibits improved accuracy and computational efficiency. Further, we demonstrate that GMP-based models can achieve chemical accuracy for the QM9 dataset, and their accuracy remains reasonable even when extrapolating to new elements. Finally, we test GMP-based models for the Open Catalysis Project (OCP) dataset, revealing comparable performance and improved learning rates when compared to graph convolutional deep learning models. The results indicate that this featurization scheme fills a critical gap in the construction of efficient and transferable reactive force fields.
On the Weak and Strong Convergence of a Conceptual Algorithm for Solving Three Operator Monotone Inclusions

In this paper, a conceptual algorithm modifying the forward-backward-half-forward (FBHF) splitting method for solving three operator monotone inclusion problems is investigated. The FBHF splitting method adjusts and improves Tseng's forward-backward-forward (FBF) splitting method when the inclusion problem has a third-part operator that is cocoercive. The FBHF method recovers the FBF iteration (when this aforementioned part is zero), and it also works without using the widely used Lipschitz continuity assumption. The conceptual algorithm proposed in this paper also has those advantages, and it derives two variants (called Method 1 and Method 2) by choosing different projection (forward) steps. Both proposed methods also work efficiently without assuming the Lipschitz continuity and without directly using the cocoercive constant. Moreover, they have the following desired features: (i) very general iterations are derived for both methods, recovering the FBF and the FBHF iterations and allowing possibly larger stepsizes if the projection steps are over-relaxing; and (ii) strong convergence to the best approximation solution of the problem is proved for Method 2. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that an FBF-type method converges strongly for finding the best approximation solution of the three operator monotone inclusion.
Comparison of Radiographic, Ultrasound, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Detection of Retained Stingray Barb: A Cadaveric Study.

Introduction Stingray envenomations are a common marine animal injury for which it is important to identify and remove retained barbs to prevent secondary infection. The optimal imaging modality in stingray foreign body detection is not well characterized in the existing literature. In this study, we compared the accuracy of plain radiography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting stingray barbs in the human foot and ankle. Methods This cadaveric study included a 1:1 randomization to the presence or absence of barbs in 24 sample injuries of human cadaveric foot and ankle specimens. Physicians trained in emergency medicine and radiology performed ultrasound examinations on each specimen and interpreted the presence or absence of a barb. Participants also interpreted x-ray images in the same manner. MRI scans were separately interpreted by a musculoskeletal radiology attending. Data were analyzed using McNemar's test. Results The 19 participants included 14 (74%) trained in emergency medicine and 5 (26%) trained in radiology. Forty-seven percent were residents, 42% faculty, and 11% fellows. X-ray was associated with the highest sensitivity of 94% for the identification of a retained barb, followed by MRI (83%) and ultrasound (70%). MRI was associated with the highest specificity of 100%, followed by x-ray (98%) and ultrasound (73%). Conclusions Retained stingray barbs can lead to secondary infection after envenomation. In human cadaveric specimens, x-ray demonstrated the highest sensitivity, MRI demonstrated the highest specificity, and ultrasound demonstrated lower sensitivity and specificity.
Performance on a modified signal detection task of attention is impaired in male and female rats following developmental exposure to the synthetic progestin, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate.

Abstract Based on evidence that the developing mesocortical dopamine pathway is sensitive to progestins, in the present study we tested the hypothesis that attention, a fundamental component of successful cognitive behavior, is disrupted by developmental exposure to the synthetic progestin, 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC). To assess attentional impairments, a modified signal detection task was utilized with three stimulus modalities: compound (light and tone), light alone, and tone alone, for four stimulus durations (2, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 s). Adult rats were trained to push one lever if they detected the stimulus, and another lever if the stimulus was not presented. 17-OHPC animals were able to attend to the task, as evidenced by similar correct responses as controls. However, as the task became increasingly difficult at shorter durations, 17-OHPC animals made significantly more omissions compared to controls, suggesting that 17-OHPC treatment may disrupt attentional processes and/or delay response time. These findings add to the current body of literature demonstrating that exposure to 17-OHPC during development produces deficits in cognitive behavior in adulthood. These results may inform potential risks associated with 17-OHPC treatment in pregnant women with a history of preterm delivery who are commonly recipients of such treatment.
Towards A Fairer Landmark Recognition Dataset.

We introduce a new landmark recognition dataset, which is created with a focus on fair worldwide representation. While previous work proposes to collect as many images as possible from web repositories, we instead argue that such approaches can lead to biased data. To create a more comprehensive and equitable dataset, we start by defining the fair relevance of a landmark to the world population. These relevances are estimated by combining anonymized Google Maps user contribution statistics with the contributors' demographic information. We present a stratification approach and analysis which leads to a much fairer coverage of the world, compared to existing datasets. The resulting datasets are used to evaluate computer vision models as part of the the Google Landmark Recognition and RetrievalChallenges 2021.
Resident and Program Director Confidence in Resident Preparedness for Operative Vaginal Deliveries in Obstetrics and Gynecology Training Programs in the United States

BACKGROUND Operative vaginal delivery is used to expedite a safe vaginal delivery in the second stage of labor and is considered an essential part of residency training in obstetrics and gynecology. OBJECTIVE To assess the self-reported readiness of obstetrics and gynecology residents in the United States to perform vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery and forceps-assisted vaginal delivery compared with the perceptions of program directors. STUDY DESIGN The Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology surveyed the residents in all US training programs about their readiness to perform forceps-assisted and vacuum-assisted deliveries. The program directors were simultaneously surveyed about the readiness of their cohort to perform operative deliveries with and without attending oversight. The primary outcome of the survey was the residents' self-reported confidence in their ability to autonomously and independently perform operative deliveries. RESULTS Α total of 5084 out of 5514 (92.9%) resident physicians and 241 out of the 292 (83%) residency program directors completed the survey. Eighty-seven percent (95% confidence interval, 84.9-88.9) of the graduating residents reported feeling that they could autonomously perform a vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery, compared with 49.5% (95% confidence interval, 46.6-52.4) for forceps-assisted vaginal delivery (P<.01). Similarly, whereas 95.9% (95% confidence interval, 94.6-97.0) of the residents felt that they could confidently perform an emergency vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery, only 42.3% (95% confidence interval, 39.4-45.2) felt confident performing an emergency forceps-assisted vaginal delivery (P<.01). The residency program directors significantly overestimated their residents' confidence in independently performing an emergency forceps-assisted vaginal delivery or vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery than the residents themselves (54% [95% confidence interval, 47.1-60.5] vs 24% [95% confidence interval, 22.5-24.9] and 98.6% [95% confidence interval, 97.0-100] vs 71.9 [95% confidence interval, 70.6-73.2] respectively P<.01). Trainees in military-based residency programs and those interested in pursuing a career as generalists or maternal-fetal medicine specialists reported significantly higher preparedness to perform a forceps-assisted vaginal delivery. CONCLUSION Graduating obstetrics and gynecology residents report feeling less prepared to independently perform a forceps-assisted vaginal delivery than a vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery. The program directors had more confidence in the ability of their residents to perform an operative vaginal delivery than the residents themselves.
Reserpine binding to a vesicular amine transporter expressed in Chinese hamster ovary fibroblasts

The potent antihypertensive drug reserpine inhibits the transport of biogenic amines into adrenal chromaffin granules and synaptic vesicles. Reserpine acts by binding almost irreversibly to the vesicular amine transporter, and this interaction has been used both to study the mechanism of transport and to purify the protein responsible. Recent isolation of a cDNA for the rat chromaffin granule amine transporter (CGAT) by selection in the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium now permits an analysis of the interaction with reserpine at a molecular level. Using membranes from stable transformants expressing the transporter, we show that reserpine binds specifically and quantitatively to CGAT. As with the native protein in bovine chromaffin granules, a pH gradient accelerates reserpine binding, and amine substrates compete for binding with reserpine. However, 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium and tetrabenazine, the other principal inhibitor of vesicular amine transport, compete very poorly with reserpine for binding, suggesting that they interact with CGAT at distinct sites.
The acquisition of, delayed hypersensitivity following attenuated mumps virus infection.

The ability of live attenuated mumps virus to induce delayed hypersensitivity and humoral antibody was studied in a prospective fashion. Thirty-five children between 15 months and 5 years of age with no history of overt mumps in the past received the attenuated virus subcutaneously. At the beginning of the study there was complete correlation between delayed hypersensitivity and neutralizing antibody in 83% of the children (26 skin-test negative and seronegative, 3 skin-test positive and seropositive). In the group initially seronegative and skin-test negative, 88% developed mumps neutralizing antibody following attenuated virus infection, and 91% of these seroresponsive children developed a positive mumps skin test. Therefore, a positive mumps skin test can serve as a simple marker for vaccine-induced immunologic response. Application of the mumps virus and avian placebo antigens simultaneously is necessary for meaningful interpretation of the mumps skin test. Two patients developed delayed hypersensitivity following vaccination without developing detectable humoral antibody. The possible significance and explanation of this partial, dissociated immunologic response is discussed.
Independent transmission companies: the key to capital formation for electric transmission in North America

The electric transmission infrastructure in North America is a key component of both our economic well-being and our quality of life. Independent transmission companies (ITC's) are companies that own or control neither electric generation or electric distribution assets. There are several factors that favor ITC's as investment vehicles for new transmission construction. Federal regulation and federal regulatory incentives, financial and operating structure flexibility, and both cost of capital and return on equity considerations provide the ITC with an advantage over vertically integrated utilities. ITC's also have access to capital markets with investment grade credit, and a capital markets that is friendly to asset backed investing and lending. The companies do not suffer internal competition for capital with other lines of business, and they stand to reward both customers and investors by participating in the building of our electric transmission infrastructure.
Funciones no lineales de bienestar social: ¿tienen los economistas del bienestar una exención especial de la racionalidad bayesiana?

Se argumenta que la teoria de la decision bayesiana supone una solucion a un importante problema filosofico, esto es, el problema de como definir el comportamiento racional bajo riesgo e incertidumbre. El autor ha mostrado en articulos anteriores que si tomamos en serio los postulados bayesianos de racionalidad y adoptamos un punto de vista individualista acerca del bienestar social, entonces nuestra funcion de bienestar social debe ser una funcion lineal de las utilidades individuales: de hecho, debe ser su media aritmetica. El presente articulo critica la opinion de Diamond y Sen de que uno de los postulados bayesianos (a saber, el principio de lo seguro) no se aplica a las decisiones sociales, por mas que pueda aplicarse a decisiones individuales. Tambien se critica la propuesta de Sen de convertir el bienestar social en una funcion no lineal de las utilidades individuales. La funcion de bienestar social propuesta por el autor depende de comparaciones de utilidad interpersonales. Se defiende el uso de tales comparaciones. Se ha comentado tambien que cualquiera que piense que la forma utilitarista (es decir, lineal) de la funcion de bienestar social no es lo suficientemente igualitaria, deberia rechazar el axioma del individualismo del autor, en vez de intentar rechazar los axiomas de racionalidad bayesiana. Sin embargo, esto seria equivalente a concederle prioridad a consideraciones igualitarias por encima, en muchos casos, de consideraciones humanitarias. Finalmente,el articulo discute las razones por las que un completo acuerdo en la formula matematica de la funcion de bienestar social no ocasionaria un estado utopico de consenso moral: todavia existirian controversias morales que surgirian de desacuerdos acerca de que predicciones hacer sobre hechos empiricos futuros.
Mathematical Models of Triple Junctions

Including triple junctions in rigorous mathematical models had very limited success until about 25 years ago. This paper surveys the mathematical results on triple junctions since then. Anisotropic surface energies, zero triple line energy, positive triple line energy, and negative triple line energy are all considered, in both sharp and diffuse interfaces. In particular, the problems with negative line junction energies in sharp interface theory are presented. Both equilibrium and growth models are reviewed, in 2 and 3 dimensions.
Testing object management (TOM): a prototype for usability knowledge management in global software

The collection and sharing of results from usability laboratories around the world has not yet made good use of emerging models of Internet-based knowledge sharing technologies. This paper will present a model for a system that could improve the sharing of knowledge on a global scale and also facilitate the linkage of design guidelines and patterns to the accumulated evidence from the many worldwide studies that are not processed into academic publications.
COMSAT Presidential directors: Promise and performance

Abstract The author considers the legislative history and precedents for the selection of COMSAT Presidential directors. Evidence is presented suggesting that Presidential appointees have made a contribution similar to that of stockholder and common carrier directors. This similarity in performance and attitude raises questions about how well the provision has lived up to Congressional intent, particularly in light of the company's own statements and recent ventures into competitive marketplaces. The author concludes that two basic options are available for reform of the Presidential director provision- elimination of the provision or the establishment of specific duties that Presidential directors must fulfil. Moreover, the tendency to uphold the stockholder interest over any other would be remedied by appointing Presidential directors from a wider range of backgrounds.
Metal boride catalysts in methanation of carbon monoxide: III. Sulfur resistance of nickel boride catalysts compared to nickel and raney nickel

Abstract The methanation activity of unsupported and alumina supported nickel and nickel borides, prepared by sodium borohydride reduction, was determined during in situ exposure to 10 ppm H 2 S at 525 K and 1.3 atm as a function of time. Using a recently developed deactivation model, deactivation rate constants and estimates of catalyst life were determined. The results indicate that nickel boride and Raney nickel catalysts are significantly more sulfur resistant, i.e. deactivate much more slowly in the presence of H 2 S, compared to unsupported nickel and nickel alumina catalysts. The superior sulfur resistance of the boron and aluminium promoted catalysts is explained by (i) their intrinsically low deactivation rate constants and (ii) their large capacity for sulfur adsorption.
The Role of Experiment in the Development of Solid Mechanics—Some Examples

Publisher Summary This chapter describes and discusses a number of experimental techniques in the field of solid mechanics, and outlines the way they have enabled theoretical advances to be made and physical assumptions to be either validated or shown to be erroneous. This chapter attempts to assess the role of experimental work in the development of the subject of solid mechanics. The development of the experimental aspects of the subject has, to a large extent, been concerned with the measurement of the stress-strain response of real solids under various conditions of loading, or in the fashionable jargon, the determination of the constitutive relation of the solid. A large part of the contribution of experimental work to the interpretation of the problems of solid mechanics is concerned with measurements of the stress-strain behavior of specimens of various solids, which are carried out with the object of assessing the nature of the deviations from ideal behavior, both with respect to nonlinearity and with respect to time dependence. These are sometimes carried out over a range of ambient temperatures. To conclude, there is much to be said for the view that experimenters ought to have a better understanding of the underlying theory of their subjects, but there is at least as much in the complaint that applied mathematicians should become aware of the existence of a real world and be prepared to leave the field of elegant speculation to pure mathematicians, who are paid to study it.
Evaluation of a field appropriate membrane filtration method for the detection of Vibrio cholerae for the measurement of biosand filter performance in the Artibonite Valley, Haiti.

Biosand filters in the Artibonite Valley of Haiti, the epicenter of the cholera epidemic that began in October 2010, were tested for total coliform and Vibrio cholerae removal efficiencies. While coliform are often used as an indicator organism for pathogenic bacteria, a correlation has never been established linking the concentration of coliform and V. cholerae, the causative agent for cholera. Hence, a method for field enumeration of V. cholerae was developed and tested. To this end, a plate count test utilizing membrane filtration technique was developed to measure viable V. cholerae cell concentration in the field. Method accuracy was confirmed by comparing plate count concentrations to microscopic counts. Additionally, biosand filters were sampled and removal efficiencies of V. cholerae and coliform bacteria compared. The correlation between removal efficiency and time in operation, biofilm (“schmutzdecke”) composition, and idle time was also investigated. The plate count method for V. cholerae was found to accurately reflect microscope counts and was shown to be effective in the field. Overall, coliform concentration was not an appropriate indicator of V. cholerae concentration. In 90 % of the influent samples from the study, coliform underestimated V. cholerae concentration (n = 26). Furthermore, coliform removal efficiency was higher than for V. cholerae hence providing a conservative measurement. Finally, time in operation and idle time were found to be important parameters controlling performance. Overall, this method shows promise for field applications and should be expanded to additional studies to confirm its efficacy to test for V. cholerae in various source waters.
The nucleus locus coeruleus modulates local cerebral glucose utilization during noise stress in rats

Local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU), estimated by the quantitative autoradiographic 2-deoxyglucose technique, was studied in rats with bilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the locus coeruleus (LC) and in vehicle-injected controls. Unanesthetized animals were studied during exposure to stressful levels of white noise (95 dB) or in relative silence (50 dB). Results indicated that noise caused greater and more widespread increases in LCGU in animals with LC lesions than in vehicle-injected controls. Lesions alone had little or no effect in animals not subjected to noise. Analyses of variance revealed significant treatment interaction effects (intact/lesion x silence/noise) for 37 of 109 regions measured. The pattern of results suggests that the LC acts during stress to limit unnecessary cerebral activity that might interfere with efficient sensory processing and/or the organization of appropriate behavioral responses. In this respect LC function may be similar to those actions of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system that suppress vegetative functions during stress to allow for the performance of coping responses.
Molecular Constants of Hydrogen

ONE of us recently published a table of constants for the neutral hydrogen molecule (Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., 14, 12; 1928). The most uncertain quantity in that table was the value of the moment of inertia for the ‘B’ level. The value given (1.99 × 10-40) is based on Hori's very doubtful interpretation of Witmer's band progression B3-An. We have now photographed the entire B-A system in the second order of a ten-foot vacuum spectrograph, designed by Prof. J. J. Hopfield and constructed in the shop of this laboratory. The new plates show clearly that the bands of the B-A system, originally analysed by Dieke and Hopfield, consist of R and P branches only, in contrast to Hori's assumption of an R branch plus coincident P and Q branches. On this new interpretation a complete verification of the combination principle has been obtained. The lines show clearly the alternating intensity to be expected for a symmetrical molecule.
Cerebellar control of ocular gaze stability

The ability to hold an eccentric position of gaze has been attributed to a brainstem network termed the ocular motor neural integrator. For this integrator to function properly, an intact cerebellum is necessary. This report describes a patient with cerebellar dysfunction who showed an unusual form of nystagmus: each slow phase had a waveform of increasing velocity. This contrasts with gaze paretic nystagmus, the more typical manifestation of cerebellar disorder, in which each slow phase has a waveform of decreasing velocity. Based on these observations and results from basic research, we propose that (1) the cerebellum controls neural integration in the brainstem by a positive feedback loop, and (2) pathological alterations in the strength of transmission (or gain) through the feedback loop cause the eyes to drift off target, with either an exponentially increasing (gain too high) or decreasing (gain too low) velocity.
Dietary factors in the pathogenesis and prophylaxis of calcium nephrolithiasis.

A 47-year-old man, an executive at a financial institution, entered the hospital for the evaluation of recurrent nephrolithiasis and the spontaneous passage of a renal stone 3 months previously. The patient had been in good health except for a 15-year history of recurrent renal stones. The stones, which had occurred bilaterally, had been passed at a rate of 5 per year for the last 5 years; in the first 10 years he had passed a total of 5 stones. The patient had undergone cystoscopy with stone extraction on three occasions and recently had been treated with extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy for a partially obstructing stone in the left proximal ureter. Crystallographic analysis of these stones had revealed that all were composed of 100% calcium oxalate monoand dihydrate. Radiography disclosed continuing stone formation by documenting the presence of new stones during the preceding 8 months. The patient had no history of gastrointestinal disease, excessive sun exposure, or current drug usage, including antacids and vitamin supplements. He had never received neck irradiation, nor had he experienced a urinary tract infection, His father and paternal uncle both had passed kidney stones of unknown type. The patient had undergone multiple evaluations for the cause of his stone diathesis but always had been told that "all studies were normal." He was specifically told that hypercalcemia had never been detected. Review of his diet by a dietician showed that he usually consumed 110 g of protein/day, with an 80 g intake of animal protein. His calcium
P -adic interpolation of dedekind sums

In this article we give an explicit representation of p-adic Dedekind sums and their reciprocity laws by using p-adic measure theory. We then study the consequences of the p-adic reciprocity law for particular positive integer values in which case we can recover a reciprocity law for Dedekind sums attached to particular Dirichlet characters. This gives a proof different from that of Nagasaka.
Particulate thallium fluxes in the northeast pacific

Abstract Particulate fluxes of thallium in the northeast Pacific exhibit pronounced spatial gradients, which range over four orders of magnitude (3 X 10 −1 to 5.4 X 10 3 nmol m -2 a −1 ) and show scavenging by both organic and inorganic processes. They are highly correlated (R=0.96) with POC fluxes, have have elevated rates in coastal upwelling waters, and decrease exponentially with depth. They also appear to be correlated with lateral fluxes of manganese (hydro)oxides off the continental shelf. These findings substantiate recent seawater measurements which indicate that metastable species of monovalent thallium are cycled through the marine biosphere as a potassium analogue, whereas thermodynamically stable trivalent thallium (TI (OH) 3 ) is scavenged by ferromanganese (hydro)oxides.
Biocidal activity of algal toxins against immature mosquitoes.

Extracts of two species of green algae, filamentousRhizoclonium hieroglyphicum Kutz and a phytoplankton,Chlorella ellipsoidea Gerneck, obtained with solvents in the laboratory were assayed againstAedes aegypti L.,Culex quinquefasciatus Say, andCuliseta incidens (Thomson). On extraction with petroleum ether, groundR. hieroglyphicum yielded an active crude extract which was chromatographed on a neutral alumina column and eluted consecutively with petroleum ether, benzene, and methanol. All three eluted fractions were found to induce significant mortality in test mosquito species. The benzene-eluted fraction was the least toxic. The methanol-eluted fraction was the most toxic to all species and exhibited juvenile hormone-like activity; it also caused morphogenetic changes in emerging adults. All three fractions delayed the rate of development of mosquito larvae by 2-5 days. Three supernatants ofC. ellipsoidea obtained on different occasions were tested against first instars ofC. quinquefasciatus. After the confirmation of their activity, all supernatants were extracted with diethyl ether, combined, and assayed against first- and fourth-stage larvae of the three mosquito species. The first-stage larvae ofC. quinquefasciatus andC. incidens were approximately three times more suspectible than those ofA. aegypti. However, fourth-stage larvae of the former two species were about twice as susceptible to the extract as those of the latter species. Dead first-stage larvae of all the species had a shrunken appearance. In general,C. ellipsoidea extract was quicker acting than that ofR. hieroglyphicum.
PHP23: DRUG REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR INDIGENT PATIENTS: AN ECONOMIC IMPACT ON THE HOSPTAL ADMINISTRATION BUDGET

All patients are entitled to equal access to health care resources. The Department of Pharmacoeconomics at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (UTMDACC) administers a Patient Assistance Program (PAP) that provides assistance to indigent patients with free pharmaceuticals for their therapy. Drug cost is recovered through a drug reimbursement program offered by pharmaceutical companies. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this report is to examine trends in drug cost savings to indigent patients at UTMDACC using the PAP model. METHODS: A retrospective study using data from September 1996 to August 2000 was conducted to determine the value of the program. Patients were enrolled in this program if they qualified based on the Financial Classification Scale. Uninsured patients as well as under-insured patients were considered in this study. Data was analyzed to evaluate the trend in cost savings for the three fiscal years. RESULTS: Over $334 million was spent on drug cost over the period. There was an average increase of 22% per year in drug cost. The indigent patients accounted for 9% of the total patient population at UTMDACC. An estimated $33 million was spent on drugs for indigent patients during that period. The PAP system recovered a total of $16.8 million; $4.1M (1997), $4.3M (1998), $3.5M (1999), and $4.9M (2000). This accounts for 51% in drug cost recovery through this program. The fluctuation in cost saving was attributed to changes in the number of programs, number of patients enrolled, and product mix. CONCLUSION: The PAP system has provided free drugs to patients without financial resources and reduced the economic burden of this population on the health care institution. The program has created goodwill between the pharmaceutical companies, the health care institution, the patients and the community.
Upper mantle P-wave speed variations beneath Ethiopia and the origin of the Afar hotspot

The Afar hotspot has long been attributed to one or more thermal upwellings in the mantle, in particular starting thermal plumes characterized by a head that spreads laterally beneath the lithosphere, and a tail. New P-wave tomography images of the upper mantle beneath Ethiopia reveal an elongated low wave speed region that is deep (>400 km) and wide (>500 km). The location of the low wave speed anomaly aligns with the Afar Depression and Main Ethiopian Rift in the uppermost mantle, but the center of the anomaly shifts to the west with depth. The shape, depth extent, and location of the low wave speed anomaly is not consistent with a starting thermal plume presently beneath the hotspot. Instead, the anomaly suggests that the hotspot may be the surface manifestation of a broad mantle upwelling connected to the African Superplume in the lower mantle beneath southern Africa.