cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuromorphic Computing Using Memristor Crossbar Networks: A Focus on Bio-Inspired Approaches

Neuromorphic computing systems, which employ electronic circuits based on digital and analog components to mimic the neurobiological structures in nervous systems, have attracted broad interest as a promising approach for future computing applications [1]-[3]. The interest is driven both from the bottom-up, where continued performance gains following Moore's law have become increasingly harder to obtain [4], [5], and from the top-down, where prolific applications of data-centric tasks such as artificial intelligence [6]-[8], bigdata analysis [9]-[11], and large-scale numerical simulations [12], [13] demand computer architectures that can efficiently address the von Neumann bottleneck [14]. Neuromorphic computing allows massive amounts of data to be processed in parallel, potentially with minimal data movement, thus offering a promising solution for current and future computing needs.
Using quantum games to teach quantum mechanics, part 2

Introductory courses in computational and quantum chemistry introduce topics such as Hilbert spaces, basis set expansions, and observable matrices. These topics are fundamental in the practice of quantum computations in chemistry as most computational methods rely on basis sets to approximate the true wave function. The mechanics of these topics can easily and intuitively be shown through the use of the game quantum tic-tac-toe (QTTT). Herein we propose a series of activities, using the mechanics of both classical tic-tac-toe (CTTT) and QTTT, intended to assist in the student’s understanding of these quantum chemistry topics by exploiting their intuitive comprehension of the game. Quantum tic-tac-toe QTTT is a quantum analogue of CTTT and can be used to demonstrate the use of superposition in movement, qualitative (and later quantitative) displays of entanglement, and state collapse due to observation. QTTT can be used for the benefit of the student’s comprehension in several other topics with the aid of ...
In reply: Complete blood cell count.

We thank Dr. Homler for his question and for highlighting another important disease state, obstructive sleep apnea, in which a high red cell distribution width (RDW) has correlated with disease severity.[1][1],[2][2] The 2 retrospective studies he mentioned indicated that RDW is negatively
Optimizing cell encapsulation condition in ECM-Collagen I hydrogels to support 3D neuronal cultures.

Abstract Background The emergence of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture in neural tissue engineering has significantly elevated the complexity and relevance of in vitro systems. This is due in large part to the incorporation of biomaterials to impart structural dimensionality on the neuronal cultures. However, a comprehensive understanding of how key seeding parameters affect changes in cell distribution and viability remain unreported. New method In this study, we systematically evaluated permutations in seeding conditions (i.e., cell concentration and atmospheric CO2 levels) to understand how these affect key parameters in 3D culture characterization (i.e., cell health and distribution). Primary rat cortical neurons (i.e., 2 × 106, 4 × 106, and 1 × 107 cells/mL) were entrapped in collagen blended with ECM proteins (ECM-Collagen) and exposed to atmospheric CO2 (i.e., 0 vs 5% CO2) during fibrillogenesis. Results At 14 days in vitro (DIV), cell distribution within the hydrogel was dependent on cell concentration and atmospheric CO2 during fibrillogenesis. A uniform distribution of cells was observed in cultures with 2 × 106 and 4 × 106 cells/mL in the presence of 5% CO2, while a heterogeneous distribution was observed in cultures with 1 × 107 cells/mL or in the absence of CO2. Furthermore, increased cell concentration was proportional to the rise in cell death at 14 DIV, although cells remain viable >30 DIV. Comparison with existing methods ECM-Collagen gels have been shown to increase cell viability of neurons long-term. Conclusion In using ECM-collagen gels, we highlight the importance of optimizing seeding parameters and thorough 3D culture characterization to understand the neurophysiological responses of these 3D systems.
Analysis of Piebald Madtom (Noturus gladiator) diet

Abstract The Piebald Madtom, Noturus gladiator, is found in tributaries of the Mississippi River from the Obion River in northern Tennessee to the Big Black River in central Mississippi. The species is currently petitioned for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, and is of conservation concern in both Mississippi and Tennessee. Yet little is known about the feeding ecology of the species. To this end, diets were extracted from stomachs and intestinal tracts from available formalin-preserved museum specimens (n = 57). These specimens came from the Hatchie River, Wolf River, Yazoo River, and Big Black River of Mississippi or Tennessee. All diet items were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level, and contribution characterized as percent composition by number, total number of prey items, proportion of diets containing a prey item, frequency of occurrence, and prey-specific abundance. Twenty-one different diet items included larval trichopterans with sand cases, teleost scales, ostracods, and larval odonates (primarily Macromiidae). The relationship between prey-specific abundance and frequency of occurrence was described using an Amundsen plot, and revealed that trichopteran larvae and larval odonates are of high importance, and suggesting the species may forages on both sandy substrates and leaf packs.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Military Aviators

Introduction The incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is increased in occupations exposed to repetitive motion, poor wrist posture, and vibration exposure. While all pilots are exposed to these factors, helicopter pilots are especially exposed to vibration. The study is to identify the incidence and risk factors for CTS in military aviators. Materials and methods Clearance was obtained from Tripler Army Medical Center IRB. The Defense Medical Epidemiological Database was queried for all new cases of CTS from 2006 to 2015. Incidence rates (IRs) were determined for helicopter pilots, fixed-wing pilots, and nonpilot officers. Poisson regression analysis was used to calculate adjusted IR in order to control for demographic factors. Race was also taken into account, where pilots would classify themselves into a white or non-white race, defined by each individual. Race was assessed in the study to see if there were any differences in IR of CTS between white and non-white pilots. Results We identified 7,398 new cases of CTS among 2,319,352 person-years within the study period. Increasing age, female gender, and non-white race were significantly correlated with higher IR. Fixed-wing pilots demonstrated significantly lower adjusted IR than nonpilot officers in each age group. Helicopter pilots demonstrated higher IR than fixed-wing pilots in each age group. Helicopter pilots had lower incidence of CTS early in their career compared to nonpilot officers, but by age 40+, their IR ratio was significantly higher (1.21). Conclusion Analysis of the database indicates that fixed-wing pilot status is a protective factor against development of CTS among U.S. military officers. In contrast, helicopter pilots were found to be at an increased rate of CTS than their fixed-wing counterparts. Their incidence is comparable to their nonpilot officer peers early in their career, but is significantly increased at the senior level. Increasing age and female gender are risk factors in the military officer population as expected. Non-white race was found to increase risk in the military population, in contrast to reports of the civilian population.
Robotic Gastrectomy for Gastric Adenocarcinoma in the USA: Insights and Oncologic Outcomes in 220 Patients

While multiple Asian and a few Western retrospective series have demonstrated the feasibility and safety of robotic-assisted gastrectomy for gastric cancer, its reliability for thorough resection, especially for locoregional disease, has not yet been firmly established, and reported learning curves vary widely. To support wider implementation of robotic gastrectomy, we evaluated the learning curve for this approach, assessed its oncologic feasibility, and created a selection model predicting the likelihood of conversion to open surgery in a US patient population. We retrospectively reviewed data on all consecutive patients who underwent robotic gastrectomy at a high-volume institution between May 2012 and March 2019. Of the 220 patients with gastric cancer selected to undergo curative-intent robotic gastrectomy, surgery was completed using robotics in 159 (72.3%). The median number of removed lymph nodes was 28, and ≥ 15 lymph nodes were removed in 94% of procedures. Surgical time decreased steadily over the first 60–80 cases. Complications were generally minor: 7% of patients experienced complications of grade 3 or higher, with an anastomotic leak rate of 2% and mortality rate 0.9%. Factors predicting conversion to open surgery included neoadjuvant chemotherapy, BMI ≥ 31 kg/m2, and tumor size ≥ 6 cm. These findings support the safety and oncologic feasibility of robotic gastrectomy for selected patients with gastric cancer. Proficiency can be achieved by 20 cases and mastery by 60–80 cases. Ideal candidates for this approach are patients with few comorbidities, BMI < 31 kg/m2, and tumors < 6 cm.
System Requirements for Intraoral Ultrasonic Scanning

Ultrasound is a technology driven imaging modality that leaps with innovations in computing, both hardware and software, integration, i.e. miniaturization, as well as engineering advances, such as analog–digital conversion, improvements in dynamic range, signal to noise, etc. Dental ultrasound is in its infancy. No ultrasound scanner modifications have been reported in the literature nor in the market, that are specific to dental ultrasound. In the past hardware and software have been modified to accommodate specific medical applications, such as cardiac imaging, obstetrics, gynecology, etc. This chapter reviews existing solutions with respect to their ability to perform in dental imaging. Specific existing ultrasound applications, relevant to dental imaging are discussed. The chapter closes with an introduction of imaging modes that enhance the dental imaging performance as well as specific imaging specifications that would essentially create a dental specific ultrasound scanner solution.
App-Based Pain Management and Opioid Education Program for Patients in Clinic Waiting Rooms.

Abstract Background Best approaches to delivering patient education related to pain management and opioid safety are understudied. Aims This study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary patient-reported impact of an app-based patient pain education program. Design Pilot study with data collection occurring on 43 weekdays between August 2019-February 2020. Setting Waiting rooms at the pain clinic and a primary care medical home within two military treatment facilities. Participants Military health system beneficiaries seeking general care at the primary care medical home or pain-specific care at the pain clinic. Methods The Joint Pain Education and Project curriculum includes patient-focused videos describing the biopsychosocial aspects of pain and pain management, medication take-back and safe disposal, and multidimensional pain assessments. The app-based videos were available on tablets in the waiting rooms for patients to view and complete surveys on after. Results Overall, 152 patients viewed the videos and completed surveys. Most viewers were interested in receiving other tablet-based health education while in the waiting room (62%). Most viewers found videos to be moderately or very helpful (73%) and were satisfied or very satisfied with the information provided (85%). Participants at the primary care medical home were more likely to find videos helpful compared to participants at the pain clinic (OR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.07, 4.20; p = .03). Conclusion Implementing app-based pain management education is feasible across clinic settings and is well received by patients. Clinics should consider providing pain education across care setting, rather than just pain specialty clinics, to help foster discussions between clinicians and patients regarding pain management and opioid safety.
Workers’ Attitudes about Domestic Violence (DV): Does Personal Experience with DV Matter?

This study examined how workers’ personal experience with domestic violence (DV) and their training and education impact their attitudes and beliefs about DV. Understanding workers’ attitudes is ne...
Incorporating Transformative Intersectional Psychology (TIP) into Our Understanding of LGBTQ Muslims' Lived Experiences, Challenges, and Growth.

This article serves as the first in a series of six articles providing a theoretically and empirically informed approach to understanding Muslim LGBTQ lives from an intersectional positive-growth f...
Where Does the Money Go? Creating Transparency in Libraries Operational Budgeting

Operating and personnel budgets encompass the majority of spending in academic libraries, but are often decided with little process or participation. Transparent budget processes for assigning this funding provide the opportunity for widespread clarity and understanding of how budgets are used, and how to acquire funding. The budget model described offers one way to help ensure that every voice in the library has the opportunity to share their ideas for improvements, programs, personnel, and events.
The Impact of Corticosteroid Injection Timing on Infection Rates Following Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Study Design/Setting:Systematic review/meta-analysis.Objectives:The objective of this review was to assess how the risk of infection following lumbar spine surgery varies as a function of the timin...
Arms and Influence in Syria: The Pitfalls of Greater U.S. Involvement

In the midst of growing public wariness about large-scale foreign interventions, the Obama administration has decided to arm the Syrian rebels. Those who call for increasing the scope of U.S. aid to the Syrian rebels argue that (1) arming the rebels is the cheapest way to halt a humanitarian catastrophe, hasten the fall of the Assad regime through a rebel military victory or a negotiated settlement, and allow the Obama administration to influence the broader direction of Syrian politics in a post-Assad world; (2) failure to step up U.S. involvement will damage America’s credibility and reputation in the eyes of our allies and adversaries; and (3) U.S. objectives can be accomplished with a relatively small level of U.S. commitment in Syria. These arguments are wrong on all counts. There is a high risk that the decision to arm the Syrian rebels will drag the United States into a more extensive involvement later, the very scenario that the advocates for intervention claim they are trying to avoid. The unique characteristics of alliances between states and armed nonstate groups, in particular their informal nature and secrecy about the existence of the alliance or its specific provisions, create conditions for states to become locked into unpalatable obligations. That seems especially likely in this case. The specific way the administration has chosen to increase the scope of its support to the rebels sets the stage for even greater U.S. commitment in Syria in the future. Given that Americans are unwilling to support large-scale interventions in far-flung reaches of the globe, policymakers should avoid looking for military solutions to political problems by committing to conflicts that don’t threaten core national security interests.
Survey and assessment of crew performance evaluation methods applicable to human spacecraft design

Space is an unforgiving environment where the actions of the crew play a critical role in their health and safety. Given the limited number of crewmembers typically onboard a spacecraft and the multitude of complex systems they must operate, the performance of each individual is of paramount importance. Spacecraft habitat layout and operations are two main drivers affecting crew performance efficiency. Having the capability to analyze and compare crew performance across various spacecraft configurations can help identify improvements early in the conceptual design process where changes are less costly to implement, ultimately reducing overall project costs and improving long-term operations of the system. Currently, there are few comprehensive methods readily available for evaluating crew integration within a spacecraft in the conceptual design phase. In order to address this shortcoming, the goal of this work was to analyze various specialized evaluation methods found in analogous industries that have potential application to human spacecraft design. A survey of more than 400 human performance evaluation methods was completed. Over twenty different attributes were identified for each method and a variety of analyses were conducted to characterize and evaluate their potential use for assessing human spacecraft design options. The analysis revealed a particular deficiency of quantitative evaluation methods that are applicable early in the systems engineering design phase. It also identified five existing methods that could be supplemented to achieve the needs of an early design evaluation method. Additional discussion describes potential issues that must be overcome when developing a method specific for use in human spacecraft evaluations.
Flare physics at high energies

High‐energy processes, involving a rich variety of accelerated particle phenomena, lie at the core of the solar flare problem. The most direct manifestation these processes are high‐energy radiations, gamma rays, hard X‐rays and neutrons, as well as the accelerated particles themselves, which can be detected in interplanetary space. In the study of astrophysics from the moon, the understanding of these processes should have great importance. The inner solar system environment is strongly influenced by activity on the Sun; the physics of solar flares is of great intrinsic interest; and much high‐energy astrophysics can be learned from investigations of flare physics at high energies.
Human plasma protein Z antigen: range in normal subjects and effect of warfarin therapy

In contrast to the other well-studied vitamin K-dependent proteins that circulate in plasma, protein Z antigen is much more variable. The concentration in plasmas collected in EDTA from 455 normal, healthy donors is normally distributed with a mean of 2.9 micrograms/mL (46 nmol/L) and a SD of 1.0 microgram/mL (95% interval of 32% to 168% of the mean). No significant correlation to age or sex could be detected. In comparison, the concentration of protein C antigen measured with the same type of assay on the same 455 samples has a log normal distribution with a mean of 4.0 micrograms/mL (65 nmol/L) and a 95% interval of 70% to 138% of the mean. Also in marked contrast to other plasma vitamin K-dependent proteins, the total protein Z antigen level is extremely low in patients on stable warfarin therapy (range 1% to 16% of normal). Moreover, even though greater than 95% of the antigen in normal plasmas adsorbs to barium citrate (a crude reflection of the presence of gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) residues), in the patients taking warfarin almost all of the small amount of the antigen failed to adsorb, suggesting that virtually no protein Z had its full complement of Gla residues. Total protein C antigen in the same 25 patients averaged 53% of normal (34% to 72%) and 54% (average) of the total remaining antigen still adsorbed to barium citrate. The concentration of protein Z antigen in the plasma of a normal individual given a loading dose of warfarin fell at an initial rate of approximately 20% a day, indicating a plasma half-life (t1/2) of 2 to 3 days.
Determination of sulfur dioxide in grapes and wines.

Very probably sulfur dioxide (SO2) is analyzed in wines more often than any other component. For the best product the careful and judicious use of SO2 is required. Most well-run wineries will check before and after the addition of SO2 to first determine if it should be added, then to be sure the correct amount has been added. The usefulness of SO2 in grape juice and wines has been reviewed many times. A few reviews are Kielhofer 1963; Wucherpfennig 1975; Ough 1983; Schopfer and Aerny 1985. SO2 performs several functions in the preservation of a grape juice or wine. It inhibits the polyphenol oxidase enzymes of the grape (White and Ough 1973; Ribereau-Gayon et al. 1976b; Traverso-Rueda and Singleton 1973), prevents oxidation of the wine by binding with aldehydes and ketones (Lafon-Lafourcade 1985), preventing Maillard-type reactions, and reacts with phenols to prevent their further oxidation such as wine pinking (Simpson et al. 1983). The addition of SO2 to a wine decreases the red color by adding to the 2- or 4-position on the anthocyanin.
A modular neural system for handwritten alphabet recognition using invariant moment-based features

A recognition system for identifying handwritten alphabets using a specific artificial neural network structure is described. Layers of feedforward networks preprocess the alphabets by extracting features that enhance the characters' dissimilarity. The features approximate the moments and moment invariants which are invariant to translation, rotation, and scaling of the processed alphabets. The collective tasks of the feedforward network modules integrate feature extraction preprocessing with classification. >
The Hydra Parallel Programming System: Research Articles

The Hydra Parallel Programming System, a new parallel language extension to Java, and its supporting software are described. It is a fairly simple yet powerful language designed to address a number of areas that have not received much attention. One of these areas is the recompilation of parallel programs at runtime to allow a parallel program to adapt to the architecture it is executing on. The first version of this software system focuses on smaller Symmetric Multiprocessing and compatible architectures which are becoming more common. This particular class of machines has a great need for more options in the area of parallel programming among the vastly popular Java language programmers. Hydra programs will run as sequential Java on machines that do not have the parallel support or do not have an implemented Hydra runtime system without requirement of any modifications to the program. This paper describes the language, compares it with other languages (specifically with JOMP, an OpenMP implementation for Java), presents a brief discussion on compiling and executing Hydra programs, presents some sample benchmarks and their performance on three platforms, and concludes with a discussion of issues and future directions for Hydra. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of sonification in shell weight measurements

[1] While the sonification step in Lohmann's [1995] shell weight paleocarbonate proxy method is necessary for the removal of detritus contained in the chambers of foraminifera shells, it has a drawback in that it preferentially induces the breakup of thin-walled shells and hence biases shell weight measurements toward the thick-walled end of the spectrum. This bias is particularly large for samples which have been weakened by dissolution.
Cytotoxicity of sera from healthy persons and cancer patients.

One hundred and forty sera from 68 cancer patients and 34 healthy persons were tested for cytotoxicity against human cell lines HEp2, AdenoCx 1 and Amnion B by using 20% test serum as the only serum in the culture medium and incubating for 5–7 days. Evaluation included cell counts, dye exclusion tests, and qualitative grading of cell growth on a basis of 0 to ++++. Final analyses were based entirely on the qualitative grading. Only sera which caused unequivocal toxicity (0 or + growth) were classified as cytotoxic. Cytotoxicity was unrelated to the cell line used for the tests. Toxicity gradually diminished during storage at -20° C, but reproducibility of repeated tests of the same serum was good if sera were stored less than 3 months. In studies of multiple serum specimens from the same individual, some persons, both cancer patients and healthy controls, showed inconstant toxicity which was not related to any recognized change in the donor's condition or activities. Toxicity was not related to sex or age. Toxicity was much more frequent in sera from patients with leukemia and lymphoma (74%) than in healthy controls (19%) and somewhat more frequent (39%) in sera from patients with other forms of cancer. Amongst the cancer patients toxicity was somewhat less frequent in sera from patients with the most aggressive cancers, but the difference could easily have occurred by chance. Medications (especially cancer chemotherapeutic agents), various„blood chemistry” determinations, and blood counts had no clear relationships to serum toxicity, but the data did not exclude the possibility that certain medications (e.g. daunomycin) and certain metabolic abnormalities (e.g. uremia) cause sera to be toxic. Patients of blood group A more commonly had cytotoxic serum than did group O patients. The phenomenon of serum cytotoxicity offers no promise as a diagnostic test for cancer because of the frequency of both „false positive” and „false negative” reactions. Neither is it of prognostic value since it was not consistently related to survival or severity of disease. The increased frequency of cytotoxicity in sera from cancer patients as compared to healthy persons is highly significant statistically, but the cause and biological significance of the phenomenon remain an enigma.
Microstructure and segregation in splat-cooled aluminum-copper alloy

Abstract Several Al-4.5 wt% Cu alloy specimens were levitated and splat-cooled under various processing conditions. Among the processing variables affecting microstructure, the dropping temperature appeared to be very important. The microstructure of foils obtained by splat-cooling droplets in the liquid-solid range was duplex with coarse dendrite cells embedded in a fine rod-like dendritic structure. In foils obtained by splat-cooling superheated droplets the fine rod-like dendritic structure was sometimes interrupted at the middle of the foil by a fine equiaxed dendritic structure. Microsegregation in splat-cooled foils, expressed as volume fraction of nonequilibrium interdendritic secondary phase θ-Al 2 Cu, was about 50% lower than in a regular casting.
Compartmentation of catecholamines in rat brain: Effects of agonists and antagonists

Summary The subsynaptosomal distributions of dopamine (DA) in striatum and of norepinephrine (NE) in hypothalamus and cerebral cortex were examined. Isolated nerve-endings from each region were osmotically disrupted and subractionated into a soluble cytoplasmic fraction (end supernatant, Se) and a synaptic vesicle fraction (P 2 V). DA and NE were measured in the crude homogenate and in subcellular fractions by a radioenzymatic assay. Levels of NE and DA were 3–5 times higher in the nerve-ending cytoplasm than in the synaptic vesicles, suggesting that catecholamines within the nerve-endings are predominantly in soluble form. Amphetamine increased DA levels in the tissue homogenate and in the nerve-ending cytoplasm but not in synaptic vesicles. Pargyline and γ-butyrolactone (GBL) increased DA levels in all fractions with the greatest increase occuring in the cytoplasmic fraction. Both 6-hydrodopamine (6-OHDA) and α-methyltyrosine (AMT) cuased uniform DA decreases in all fractions. Hypothalamic levels of NE in the two nerve-ending compartments were also reduced to a similar extent after AMT. Reserpine produced uniform depletions of striatal DA in both nerve-ending fractions while the rate of DA repletion was more rapid in the vesicular compartment. Levels of hypothalamic NE were also uniformly depleted by reserpine at the times examined. The cytoplasmic storage compartment is discussed in terms of a possible anatomical correlate such as the smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
Design of heterogeneous turbine blade

Abstract Constantly rising operating pressure and temperature in turbine drivers push the material capabilities of turbine blades to the limit. The recent development of heterogeneous objects by layered manufacturing offers new potentials for the turbine blades. In heterogeneous turbine blades, multiple materials can be synthesized to provide better properties than any single material. A critical task of such synthesis in turbine blade design is an effective design method that allows a designer to design geometry and material composition simultaneously. This paper presents a new approach for turbine blade design, which ties B-spline representation of a turbine blade to a physics (diffusion) process. In this approach, designers can control both geometry and material composition. Meanwhile, material properties are directly conceivable to the designers during the design process. The designer's role is enhanced from merely interpreting the optimization result to explicitly controlling both material composition and geometry according to the acquired experience (material property constraints). The mathematical formulation of the approach includes three steps: using B-spline to represent the turbine blade, using diffusion equation to generate material composition variation, using finite element method to solve the constrained diffusion equation. The implementation and examples are presented to validate the effectiveness of this approach for heterogeneous turbine blade design.
Influence of the nature of the secretory stimulus on the composition of the carbohydrate moiety of glycoproteins of the submaxillary saliva.

Abstract The submaxillary saliva of the dog produced after electric stimulation of the parasympathetic nerve chorda tympani or after administration of pilocarpine or acetylcholine contains a nondialyzable carbohydrate combined with protein in a ratio of about 1:1. This carbohydrate contains galactose, small amounts of mannose, glucosamine, and galactosamine in a ratio of 3:2, fucose, and neuraminic acid. The molar ratio of the sum of fucose and neuraminic acid (calculated under the assumption that it is present as sialic acid) to total hexosamine is very nearly 1, shows only small variations in salivas from individual animals, and appears very little dependent on the nature or the intensity of the stimulus. The molar ratio of neuraminic acid to fucose on the other hand varies in a wide range (0.16–2.6) with the dose of pilocarpine and shows also greater variations in salivas from individual animals. In salivas after electrical stimulation of the nerve, the ratio of neuraminic acid to fucose proved to be independent of the intensity of the stimulus and to vary to a much lesser degree from one animal to another. Superimposition of intra-arterial injections of acetylcholine on electrical nerve stimulation produces in the salivary carbohydrate a higher ratio of neuraminic acid to fucose than is obtained with nerve stimulation alone. The centrifugal patterns of salivary glycoproteins obtained with maximal doses of pilocarpine with an intermediate ratio of sialic acid to fucose of 0.75 consist of only one sharp peak.
Psychological Aspects of Life Support.

Psychologists have done little research on the psychological aspects of life support. Research in other areas of psychology has produced results applicable to the life support situation, however. The results of directly and indirectly applicable research indicate that both patients and their intimates suffer less psychological distress if those who have a close positive relationship with the patient maintain emotional closeness to the patient and participate in making decisions concerning life support. Decisions to end treatment are difficult because ending treatment changes the social structure and identity of the survivors. Death is less stressful if the death comes at the right time of life, and the process of dying is neither too long nor too short. People feel less distress if they have appropriate information concerning the situation and have some control.
“Them as Feel the Need to Be Free”: Reworking the Frontier Myth

The frontier myth, first identified by Frederick Jackson Turner over 100 years ago, defines U.S. American national identity. Through its many articulations, the frontier has relied on two dialectics, the savage-civil and the individual-communal, to move into new spaces to renew national unity. I contend that the television series Firefly demonstrates a new constitutive element for the frontier, substituting the political for the spatial. Politically, the story and aesthetics maximize upon the liminal space between the savage and the civil, the individual and the communal, and the nostalgic western and forward-looking science fiction. The frontier provided renews the frontier myth, realizing its unifying telos, by both constituting and reworking the dialectics.
The DEIMOS flexure compensation system: overview and operational results

The DEep Imaging Multi-Object Spectrograph (DEIMOS) was commissioned on Keck II in June 2002. It employs a closed-loop flexure compensation system (FCS) to measure and compensate for image motion resulting from gravitationally-induced flexure of spectrograph elements. The FCS utilizes a set of fiber-fed FCS light sources located at the edges of the instrument focal plane to produce a corresponding set of spots on a pair of FCS CCD detectors located on either side of the science CCD mosaic. (This FCS light follows the same light path through the instrument as the science spectra.) During science exposures, the FCS detectors are read out several times per minute. These FCS images are analyzed in real time to measure any translational motion of the FCS spots and to derive correction signals; those signals drive active optical mechanisms which steer the spots back to their nominal positions, thus stabilizing the images on the FCS CCDs and the science mosaic. This paper describes the commissioning of the DEIMOS FCS system, its continued evolution during its first 18 months of operation on the telescope, and its operational performance over that period. We describe the various challenges encountered while refining the initial FCS prototype (deployed at commissioning) into a fully-operational and highly-reliable system that is now an essential component of the instrument. These challenges include: reducing stray light from FCS light sources to an acceptable level; resolving interactions between FCS acquisition and slit mask alignment; providing robust rejection of cosmic ray events in FCS images; implementing a graphical user interface for FCS control and status.
Maintenance of living space by sweeper tentacles of Montastrea cavernosa, a caribbean reef coral

The reef-building coral Montastrea cavernosa Linnaeus possesses sweeper tentacles which have enlarged nematocyst batteries. Sweeper tentacles appear to be used in defense of the coral's living space and may successfully deter mesenterial filament attacks from the more aggressive coral M. annularis. M. cavernosa therefore possesses a specialized defensive strategy that has not been taken into account by present models describing spatial competition in coral reef ecosystems.
Rejected Youth in Residential Treatment Social Affiliation and Peer Group Configuration

In this investigation we examined the social relationships formed by children who were identified as rejected. A total of 105 students attending a middle school (fourth through eighth grade) within a large community-style residential treatment facility participated in this study. Data were collected on the students' social networks and sociometric status. Results indicated that a majority of rejected children affiliated within a peer cluster and were well integrated within the broader social network. Students who affiliated in peer clusters with a rejected student tended to be similar in sociometric status. Implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the peer rejection and the social affiliation research literatures.
Greenmail premia, board composition and management shareholdings

Abstract This paper investigates the association between premia paid in targeted share repurchases (greenmail) and the characteristics of the boards of directors. A nonlinear relationship is found between the premium paid and the proportion of shares held by the inside directors. The premium decreases as the proportion of unaffiliated outside directors increases.
Kinetics and thermodynamics of beta 2-microglobulin binding to the alpha 3 domain of major histocompatibility complex class I heavy chain.

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule plays a crucial role in cytotoxic lymphocyte function. Functional class I MHC exists as a heterotrimer consisting of the MHC class I heavy chain, an antigenic peptide fragment, and β2-microglobulin (β2m). β2m has been previously shown to play an important role in the folding of the MHC heavy chain without continued β2m association with the MHC complex. Therefore, β2m is both a structural component of the MHC complex and a chaperone-like molecule for MHC folding. In this study we provide data supporting a model in which the chaperone-like role of β2m is dependent on initial binding to only one of the two β2m interfaces with class 1 heavy chain. β2-Microglobulin binding to an isolated α3 domain of the class I MHC heavy chain accurately models the biochemistry and thermodynamics of β2m-driven refolding. Our results explain a 1000-fold discrepancy between β2m binding and refolding of MHC1. The biochemical study of the individual domains of complex mo...
The Social Construction of a Religious Prophecy

Based on interviews and participant observation, this paper presents a narrative account of the reactions of people in a small, Arkansas community to the religious claims of prophecy and divine mission made by an individual who temporarily comes to reside in the community. Public interpretation and evaluation of the prophecy is conducted informally through the rumor construction process. Naturalistic interpretations of fraud or delusion are mostly suspended as supernatural interpretations by community members become ascendent. People are eventually forced to rationalize their reactions when events fail to materialize in the manner originally prophesied. The unfolding of events is viewed from a sociology of knowledge perspective and treated as a case study of the social construction of reality.
Nitration of two TCDD's and their conversion to 1,2,3,6,7,8-HCDD

Abstract Two regioselective synthetic routes to 1,2,3,6,7,8-hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin have been developed. Each consists of dinitration of a tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin followed by reduction and a Sandmeyer reaction.
Mesophase Structure-Mechanical and Ionic Transport Correlations in Extended Amphiphilic Dendrons

We have studied the self-assembly of amphiphilic dendrons extended with linear polyethylene oxide (PEO) chains and their ion complexes. Keeping the dendron core and linear PEO chain compatible allows for the combination of dendritic core-shell and conventional blockcopolymer characteristics for complex mesophase behavior. An unexpected sequence of crystalline lamellar, cubic micellar (Pm3n), hexagonal columnar, continuous cubic (Ia3d), and lamellar mesophases is observed. Multiple phase behavior within single compounds allows for the study of charge transport and mechanical property correlations as a function of structure. The results suggest an advanced molecular design concept for the next generation of nanostructured materials in applications involving charge transport.
Ultrastructural observations on synaptic ribbons in the pineal organ of the goldfish

Synaptic ribbons in the pineal organ of the goldfish were examined electron microscopically with particular attention to their topography. These structures were formed of parallel membranes, which were poorly preserved with OsO4 fixation and could be extracted from thin sections with pronase indicating their proteinaceous nature. Synaptic ribbons were closely apposed to the plasma membrane bordering dendrites of ganglion cells, but were also related to processes of both photoreceptor and supportive cells. Their close proximity to invaginations of the plasma membrane and portions of the endoplasmic reticulum suggest that they are involved in the turnover of cytoplasmic membranes. Tubular and spherical organelles of unknown function are also described.
An Initial Study of Direct Relationships between Life-Cycle Modularity and Life-Cycle Cost

This work shows the relationship between product life-cycle modularity and product life-cycle costs. Previous statements tying increased modularity to improved costs, specifically product retirement costs, motivated this work.The benefits of modularity with respect to product functionality, product development, production, the supply chain, and other life-cycle elements have been expounded by many works in several fields. Increased modularity has been widely considered to lead to decreased costs. Many have stated that, including modular design tradeoffs early in the design process will decrease life-cycle costs. Some even propose the hypothesis that modular architecture will lead to decreased life-cycle costs even if the modules are not made with other life-cycle characteristics specifically in mind. However, this desirable relationship - decreased costs driven by the increased modularity - has never been shown. No research has been done to prove if there exists a relationship between modularity and cost....
A cost-benefit analysis of preimplantation genetic diagnosis for carrier couples of cystic fibrosis

Objective To perform a cost-benefit analysis of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for carrier couples of cystic fibrosis (CF) compared with the alternative of natural conception (NC) followed by prenatal testing and termination of affected pregnancies. Design Cost-benefit analysis using a decision analytic model. Setting Outpatient reproductive health practices. Patient(s) A simulated cohort of 1,000 female patients. Intervention(s) We calculated the net benefit of giving birth to a child as the present value of lifetime earnings minus lifetime medical costs. Main Outcome Measure(s) Net benefits in dollars. Result(s) When used for women younger than 35 years of age, the net benefit of PGD over NC was $182,000 ($715,000 vs. $532,000, respectively). For women aged 35–40 years, the net benefit of PGD over NC was $114,000 ($634,000 vs. $520,000, respectively). For women older than 40 years, however, the net benefit of PGD over NC was -$148,000 ($302,000 vs. $450,000, respectively). Conclusion(s) Preimplantation genetic diagnosis provides net economic benefits when used by carrier couples of CF. Although there is an upper limit of maternal age at which economic benefit can be demonstrated, carrier couples of CF should be offered PGD for prevention of an affected child.
Neuropathology of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with superoxide dismutase 1 gene mutation

More than 60 mutations of the copper/zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene have been identified. We are aware of 19 reported autopsied cases of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) linked to these mutations. A review of these cases disclosed remarkable heter-ogenicity of ALS, not only in molecular genetics but also clinicopathologically. However, it is noteworthy that all patients with alanine to valine substitution at codon 4 (A4V) mutation of SOD1 in familial ALS apparently disclose a distinct characteristic phenotype. All these patients manifested a rapid course of progressive muscular atrophy and died less than 1 year after the onset of illness. Microscopic findings were essentially identical in three cases: (i) marked loss of anterior horn neurons and Clarke's nuclei; (ii) the presence of intracytoplasmic Lewy body like hyalin inclusions and cord-like enlargements of the processes in some of the affected neurons. The Lewy body like inclusions were also recognized by antibodies to phos-phorylated neurofilaments protein, ubiquitin, and SOD1. Under electron microscopy, the inclusions consisted of a network of 10 nm neurofilaments intermingled with ill-defined coarse linear structures; (iii) degeneration of spinocerebellar tracts, and middle root zone of the posterior column.
Equilibrium and Rate Study of Analyte−Matrix Interactions in Supercritical Fluid Extraction

Variation in analyte extraction efficiencies from environmental samples using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO2) have often been attributed to “matrix effects” including strong matrix−analyte binding. To examine this hypothesis, the equilibrium distribution of phenanthrene between SC CO2 and five well-characterized natural materials was measured as a function of temperature, pressure, and methanol modifier concentration. Dynamic extraction efficiencies and rates with and without methanol modifier were measured from the same materials. Energetic heterogeneity of active sites on dry soils was suggested by nonlinear isotherms displaying significant capacity differences across soil types. Removal efficiencies were highest from low organic matter sorbents, and these materials exhibited the lowest phenanthrene capacities and most linear isotherms. Modifier addition decreased the sorbent's equilibrium capacity for phenanthrene sorption by as much as an order of magnitude, resulting in linear isotherms and off...
Intangible investment, debt financing and managerial incentives

Abstract We analyze how debt affects a firm’s decision to allocate limited resources between real and intangible assets. Real assets provide cash flows for debt service and collateral in the event of default, while intangibles have a higher net present value which is captured only if debt is repaid. To avoid bankruptcy and the associated loss of the intangible assets’ cash flows, management may be induced to devote more effort in operating the firm, thereby increasing the productivity of the real assets. Alternatively, given debt, investment in intangibles acts to indirectly increase the value of the real assets to bondholders and so reduce the promised debt repayment. Hence, increasing debt financing exogenously may increase investment in intangible assets.
A landscape taphonomic model of the scale of prehistoric scavenging opportunities

Abstract The character of degreased mammal bones scattered over modern East African landscapes is shown to provide a measure of competition among carnivores for fresh carcasses. The number of bones by which individuals are represented, skeletal part profiles, and the completeness of surviving bones are shown to differ among three settings: Ngorongoro Crater, the Acacia woodlands and grass plains of the Serengeti, and riparian woodlands of the Serengeti. These differences are correlated directly to the scale of scavenging opportunities previously documented for these ecosystems and habitats. The results are explicable through reference to the sequence in which spotted hyenas consume carcass parts, and their competitively-induced motivation to destroy bone before its edible contents decompose. The landscape assemblages provide a taphonomic model for estimating the degree of competition for carcasses in prehistoric settings. Such estimates are a prerequisite for assessing the frequency by which prehistoric hominids may have acquired and consumed food from scavenged carcasses.
Electrostatic precursors to granular slip events

It has been known for over a century that electrical signals are produced by material failure, for example during crack formation of crystals and glasses, or stick-slip motion of liquid mercury on glass. We describe here new experiments revealing that slip events in cohesive powders also produce electrical signals, and remarkably these signals can appear significantly in advance of slip events. We have confirmed this effect in two different experimental systems and using two common powdered materials, and in a third experiment we have demonstrated that similar voltage signals are produced by crack-like defects in several powdered materials.