cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Algorithm for detecting defects in wooden logs using ground penetrating radar

Presently there are no suitable non-invasive methods for precisely detecting the subsurface defects in logs in real time. Internal defects such as knots, decays, and embedded metals are of greatest concern for lumber production. While defects such as knots and decays (rots) are of major concern related to productivity and yield of high value wood products, embedded metals can damage the saw blade and significantly increase the down time and maintenance costs of saw mills. Currently, a large number of logs end up being discarded by saw mills, or result in low value wood products since they include defects. Nondestructive scanning of logs using techniques such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) prior to sawing can greatly increase the productivity and yield of high value lumber. In this research, the GPR scanned data has been analyzed to differentiate the defective part of the wooden log from the good part. The location and size of the defect has been found in the GPR scanned data using the MATLAB algorithm. The output of this algorithm can be used as an input for generating operating instructions for a CNC sawing machine. This paper explains the advantages of the GPR technique, experimental setup and parameters used, data processing using RADAN software for detection of subsurface defects in logs, GPR data processing and analysis using MATLAB algorithm for automated defect detection, and comparison of results between the two processing methods. The results show that GPR in conjunction with the proposed algorithm provides a very promising technique for future on-line implementation in saw mills.
Citizens Coping as Soldiers: A Review of Deployment Stress Symptoms Among Reservists

The present study provides a summary of studies examining the prevalence of posttraumatic stress (PTSD) and related symptoms among reserve personnel deployed during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The few extant studies showed that in-theater and shortly after returning from deployment, reserve and active duty personnel had similar rates of PTSD and related symptoms. Sometime after deployment, reserve personnel reported higher rates of PTSD and related symptoms than active duty personnel. A work stress model is used to develop several possible explanations of findings, having implications for practices to reduce stress symptoms among reservists and for improving research and theory of future studies examining PTSD and related symptoms among reservists.
A point mutation in bioactive RNA results in the failure of mutant heart correction in Mexican axolotls.

Ambystoma mexicanum is an intriguing animal model for studying heart development because it carries a mutation in gene c. Hearts of homozygous recessive (c/c) mutant embryos do not contain organized myofibrils and fail to beat. The defect can be corrected by organ-culturing the mutant heart in the presence of RNA from anterior endoderm or endoderm/mesoderm-conditioned medium. By screening a cDNA library made of total conditioned medium RNA from normal axolotl embryonic endoderm, we isolated a single clone (MIR), the synthetic RNA from which corrects the mutant heart defect by promoting myofibrillogenesis and thus was named MIR (myofibrillogenesis inducing RNA). In the present study, we have examined MIR gene expression in mutant axolotl hearts at early pre-heart-beat developmental stages and found its quantitative expression, as detected by RT-PCR, to be the same as in normal hearts. However, careful analysis of sequence data revealed a G➙U point mutation in the mutant MIR RNA. Further computational analyses, using GENEBEE software to compare normal and mutant MIR RNAs show a significant alteration in RNA secondary structure of the point-mutated MIR RNA. The results from bioassay and confocal microscopy immunofluorescent studies demonstrate that, unlike MIR RNA derived from normal embryos, the mutated MIR RNA does not promote myofibrillogenesis in mutant embryonic hearts and fails to rescue/correct the mutant heart defect.
Novel hydrogen-bonded two- and three-dimensional networks generated from the reaction of metal nitrate hydrates (M Cd, Co) with the bidentate linear ligand 4,4-bipyridine

Two new hydrogen-bonded coordination polymers have been prepared using the transition metal nitrate hydrates Cd(NO3)2·4H2O and Co(NO3)2·6H2O in combination with the organic bidentate ligand 4,4′-bipyridine: Cd2(H2O)4(bipy)5(NO3)2(PF6)2 (1) (bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine) and [Co(H2O)4(bipy)][PF6]2·3bipy (2). The compounds were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Compound 1 shows a novel hydrogen bonded brick wall motif assembled from unprecedented dimeric “H-shaped” [Cd2(bipy)5] building blocks via a new complementary binary hydrogen bonding bridge. Compound 2 forms a novel three-dimensional network based on [Co(H2O)4(bipy)]n linear polymer chains which are cross-linked to each other by a new type of Co–H2O(2)⋯bipy⋯H2O(1)⋯bipy⋯H2O(1)⋯bipy⋯H2O(2)–Co hydrogen bonding linkage.
Strengthening Government Effectiveness in Belize: Achievements and Challenges in Planning, Investment, and M&E Systems

Since 2007, the Government of Belize made important reforms to enhance public sector management. Most recently, improving planning capabilities has been a key area of attention, with essential strides being made by elaborating a medium-term plan and a long-term vision. However, other areas of public management that are critical to increasing government effectiveness have seen less development in past years, such as public investment management, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems. This Technical Note presents an assessment of the country's current capabilities in terms of results-based planning, public investment, and M&E systems, and makes recommendations to contribute to strengthening these areas. The analysis is largely based on the findings of an assessment known as the PRODEV Evaluation Tool (PET).
LONG‐TERM ADAPTATION OF EPISTATIC GENETIC NETWORKS

Gene networks are likely to govern most traits in nature. Mutations at these genes often show functional epistatic interactions that lead to complex genetic architectures and variable fitness effects in different genetic backgrounds. Understanding how epistatic genetic systems evolve in nature remains one of the great challenges in evolutionary biology. Here we combine an analytical framework with individual-based simulations to generate novel predictions about long-term adaptation of epistatic networks. We find that relative to traits governed by independently evolving genes, adaptation with epistatic gene networks is often characterized by longer waiting times to selective sweeps, lower standing genetic variation, and larger fitness effects of adaptive mutations. This may cause epistatic networks to either adapt more slowly or more quickly relative to a nonepistatic system. Interestingly, epistatic networks may adapt faster even when epistatic effects of mutations are on average deleterious. Further, we study the evolution of epistatic properties of adaptive mutations in gene networks. Our results show that adaptive mutations with small fitness effects typically evolve positive synergistic interactions, whereas adaptive mutations with large fitness effects evolve positive synergistic and negative antagonistic interactions at approximately equal frequencies. These results provide testable predictions for adaptation of traits governed by epistatic networks and the evolution of epistasis within networks.
Trends in women engineering programs and degrees: harmony or discord?

It is noted that, during the past two decades, there has been significant but steady growth in the nature and scope of US women in engineering programs and a parallel increase in the number and percent of women enrolled in and graduating from US engineering institutions. The authors attempt to assess changes in women in engineering programs, to study changes in enrollments and degrees awarded to women in engineering, and to search for relationships between these two changes. Results of statistical analyses indicate that the mean number of 1987 women in engineering programs per institution, the mean number of women awarded 1990 B.S. engineering degrees per institution, and the mean percent of African American women awarded 1990 B.S. engineering degrees per institution were positively related to the percent of 1990 B.S. engineering degrees awarded to women at US engineering institutions. Recommendations are made for providing a positive environment for women attending engineering institutions across the US. >
Explorations In Pleated Fabric Garment Structures

Arashi Shibori, the traditional Japanese process of resist dyeing, is adapted to create pleated fabrics for use in garments. The purpose of this article is to: 1) document the pleating process using sequential photographs that provide enough visual detail to enable replication; 2) summarize the author’s previous experimental research using pleated fabrics; and 3) document the process in the design development of a current endeavor entitled Serendipity.
Older Persons’ Ethical Problems Involving Their Health

Although older persons (aged 65 years and older) experience stressful ethical problems involving their health, research is lacking about this phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to describe and examine the content and basic nature of older persons’ ethical problems concerning their health. The conceptual framework and method combined ethical enquiry and phenomenology. The participants were 18 older persons and 12 of their children or grandchildren (for contextual understanding). The 19 women and 11 men, 73% of whom were Caucasian, described 184 ethical problems, from which emerged 10 content categories. The basic nature of the ethical problems consisted of conflict, resolution and rationale. The results could assist health professionals to promote older persons’ ethical decision making, quality of life, and good death.
Onset of Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Adulthood

The development of the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) phenotype with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy usually occurs in adolescence, and documentation of patients with later onset of wall thickening during adulthood is rare. We report 4 patients with asymptomatic, nonobstructive HC (3 women and 1 man) who were studied with serial cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging or echocardiography. In these patients, LV wall thickening, confined to the apex and the contiguous distal portions of the ventricular septum and free wall, appeared in midlife and beyond. These patients were >40, >50, or >70 years old when the hypertrophy became evident. The maximum LV wall thickness was 14 to 25 mm (mean 18), with a "spade" deformity of the distal chamber, associated with a nondilated cavity and normal ejection fraction (65% to 80%), in the absence of mitral valve systolic anterior motion. In each patient, similar electrocardiographic patterns with similar diffuse and marked T-wave inversion (with or without increased precordial voltages) preceded the appearance of the HC phenotype on the imaging studies. In conclusion, the recognition that the onset of LV hypertrophy in HC can be delayed well into adulthood (and even to advanced age) has important implications regarding the clinical screening practices for families, and suggests the potential value of extending prospective serial imaging beyond adolescence in some relatives. Electrocardiographic repolarization abnormalities can predict the future development of apical LV hypertrophy in adults with HC.
Status of the ILC Main Linac lattice design

The report describes the present design of the ILC Main Linac lattice. The topics covered include basic element layout, optical functions, and issues centered around the linac following of the Earth's curvature.
Selective Growth of Poly-Diamond Thin Films Using Selective Damaging by Ultrasonic Agitation on a Variety of Substrates

Polycrystalline diamond thin films have been selectively deposited on Si, SiO 2 , Si 3 N 4 , Ta, Mo, alumina, and sapphire substrates using selective damaging by ultrasonic agitation. Novel processes were developed to selectively damage the polished substrates by ultrasonic agitation. Optical and scanning electron microscopy is used to study selectivity and morphology of as-grown diamond thin films.
Sudden Death and Enlarged Adrenal Glands in an Otherwise Healthy Adult Woman

1. What are this individual’s most striking anatomic autopsy findings? 2. How do you explain these findings? 3. What is the most likely diagnosis consistent with this patient’s autopsy histopathologic findings? 4. What is the most common cause of Addison’s disease? 5. What laboratory testing can help confirm the diagnosis in this case or in a living patient? 6. What utility does a single, untimed, serum cortisol measurement have in evaluating Addison’s disease in a living patient? 7. Why were no tuberculosis (TB) organisms found in stained tissue sections from the decedent? 8. Based on the decedent’s most likely diagnosis, what increased risk is there to the decedent’s family and close contacts and to autopsy personnel? 9. Why did the decedent’s skin darken in the period immediately preceding her death?
Role of microglia in inflammation-mediated degeneration of dopaminergic neurons: neuroprotective effect of interleukin 10.

Inflammation in the brain has been recognized to play an increasingly important role in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Inflammation- mediated neurodegeneration involves activation of the brain’s resident immune cells, the microglia, which produce proinflammatory and neurotoxic factors including cytokines, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide, and eicosanoids that directly or indirectly cause neurodegeneration. In this study, we report that IL-10, an immunosuppressive cytokine, reduced the inflammation-mediated degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons through the inhibition of microglial activation. Pretreatment of rat mesencephalic neuron-glia cultures with IL-10 significantly attenuated the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced DA neuronal degeneration. The neuroprotective effect of IL-10 was attributed to inhibition of LPS-stimulated microglial activation. IL-10 significantly inhibited the microglial production of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), nitric oxide, ROS and superoxide free radicals after LPS stimulation.
The Face of Crime: Viewers' Memory of Race‐Related Facial Features of Individuals Pictured in the News

This study examined news readers’ memories of race-related facial features of an individual pictured in the news. Participants were presented with a series of news stories, including one of four different versions of the news story of interest: nonstereotyped, stereotyped/noncrime, nonviolent crime, violent crime. Each of the four versions contained a photograph of an individual who was the focus of the story, with the same photograph appearing across news story conditions. Subsequently, participants reconstructed the photograph of the individual by selecting from a series of facial features (i.e., noses, mouths, skin tones) presented on a computer screen. Although selected features did not differ from the actual photograph in the nonstereotyped and stereotyped/noncrime conditions, selected facial features for the crime stories featured more Afrocentric than Eurocentric features, particularly for the story concerning violent crime. If asked to imagine a “prototypical” criminal, what characteristics would most people bring to mind? Perhaps they would picture characteristics reflecting actual arrest statistics, with images reflecting a larger proportion of males than females, for example. Undoubtedly, many characteristics would also reflect stereotypes of criminality and common depictions, including media portrayals of criminals. Given the considerable amount of research that reports that news stories associate criminality with African Americans, coupled with research reporting people’s greater fear of and assumed guilt of Blacks compared to Whites, it follows that many people would likely envision a Black rather than a White criminal (Bodenhausen, 1990; Chiricos, Hogan, & Gertz, 1997; Gordon, Michels, & Nelson, 1996; Hurwitz & Peffley, 1997; St. John & Heald-Moore, 1995).
Radiofrequency energy delivery for pulmonary vein isolation: is less more?

As catheter ablation to eliminate atrial fibrillation (AF) has evolved, new catheter technologies have become available to increase lesion size and improve safety. Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation was first performed with radiofrequency energy using a 4 mm tip electrode. Subsequently, 8–10 mm tip electrodes and irrigated-tip catheters became available.1 The premise of these systems is that as the catheter tip is cooled either by blood flow or by an irrigant, more energy can be delivered deep in the tissue without reaching the temperature ceiling at the catheter tip–tissue interface. Furthermore, the risk of thrombus or char formation is also reduced.2 Besides radiofrequency energy, other types of energy such as cryo, microwave, ultrasound, and laser have been used for PV isolation or ablation of atrial myocardium. The power and temperature settings for radiofrequency ablation using a variety of catheters often have been rather empirical. When energy is applied near critical structures such as the PVs or oesophagus, the energy output has been reduced based on anecdotal experience of adverse events. However, there …
Helical dislocations in gadolinium gallium garnet (Gd3Ga5O12)

Single-crystals of gadolinium gallium garnet (GGG) were grown by the Czochralski technique and cut into wafers. The dislocations present in the wafers were studied by optical microscopy using either the birefringence they induced, or the etch pits formed where they met the sample surface. Helical dislocations, many of which were large enough to be visible to the unaided eye, were present in a number of specimens. The Burgers vectors of the helices were parallel to the and directions. No helices with Burgers vectors parallel to were observed althoughit is known that dislocations with Burgers vectors along are sometimes present in GGG. The sign of the stress parallel to the axis of heliceswas determined with the aid of a sensitive tint plate, and found to be compressive. This means that the helices were of interstitial type. Einkristalle aus Gadolinium-Gallium-Granat (GGG) wurden nach dem Czochralski-Verfahren hergestellt und in Scheibchen zerschnitten. Die in den Scheibchen vorhandenen Versetzungen wurden mit demLichtmikroskop untersucht wobei entweder die von ihnen verursachte Doppelbrechung oder die an den Durchstospunkten mit der Oberflache entstandenen Atzgrubchen benutzt wurden. In einer Anzahl von Proben waren Versetzungsspiralen vorhanden, von denen viele so gros waren, das sie mit dem blosen Auge sichtbar waren. Die Burgers-Vektoren der Spiralen waren parallel zu den - und -Richtungen. Spiralen mit Burgers-Vektoren parallel zu -Richtungen wurden nicht beobachtet, obwohl bekannt ist, das Versetzungen mit -Burgers-Vektoren manchmal in GGG vorkommen. Das Vorzeichen der Spannung parallel zur Spiralachse wurde aus der Doppelbrechung bestimmt und ergab sich als Druckspannung. Dies bedeutet, das die Spiralen Zwischengitterplatzcharakter haben.
PROBABLE HYBRIDIZATION IN THE ACACIA CONSTRICTA SPECIES GROUP (FABACEAE: MIMOSIDEAE)

Abstract Principal components analyses (PCA) suggest that Acacia constricta and A. neovernicosa rarely hybridize, 1 lone probable hybrid being reported from Durango, Mexico. In contrast, hybrids of A. neovernicosa and A. schottii seem to be more common. Probable hybrids involving these 2 species were found in Brewster and Presidio counties, Texas, all within the known geographic range of A. schottii. Resumen Analisis de componentes principales (PCA) sugiere que Acacia constricta y A. neovernicosa raramente sufren hibridizacion, solo se registra 1 probable hibrido de Durango, Mexico. En contraste, hibridos de A. neovernicosa y A. schottii parecen ser mas frecuentes. Hibridos prosbables de estas dos especies se encontraron en los condados de Brewster y Presidio, Texas, todos adentro del rango conocido de A. schottii.
High-end server system partitioning for cost reduction

In this paper, we demonstrate the use of finite-dimension linear programming to maximize the number of partial good multicore processor chips in a symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) node of a given logical size and physical footprint. It is asserted that to the first order the cost of a productized processor chip will be proportional to the scrap of a processor chip containing good cores but being unusable for the implementation of an SMP node. Therefore, the tradeoff between the number of processing units (PUs) on a chip and the total number of PUs on an SMP node is examined. This paper shows that an optimized SMP offering can be found so that the total chip cost of a high-end system can be minimized. However, such cost reduction will limit the SMP node size for a given processor chip yield. It will also be shown that as the chip yield improves the SMP node size that can be profitably implemented will increase.
Optimizing full scope of practice for nurse practitioners in primary care: A proposed conceptual model

Abstract Background Nurse practitioners (NPs), if utilized to their optimal potential, could play a key role in meeting the growing demand for primary care. Purpose The purpose of this study was to propose a comprehensive model for maximizing NP contributions to primary care which includes the factors affecting NP care and patient outcomes and explains their interrelated impact. Method We synthesized the results of the published literature to develop a model, which emphasizes NP scope of practice regulations, institutional policies, NP practice environment, and NP workforce outcomes as determinants of NP care and patient outcomes. Discussion Our model provides a framework to help explain how variations in scope of practice regulations at the state-level and institutional policies within organizations directly and indirectly influence the practice environment of NPs, NP workforce outcomes, and patient care and outcomes. Conclusion Aligning policy change, organizational innovations, and future research are critical to NP optimal utilization and patient care and outcomes.
Cortical and thalamic activation in conscious sensory experience

Our work has been aimed directly at the question of the nature of the spatio-temporal configurations of cerebral neural activities which elicit, or are at least uniquely correlated with, the conscious awareness of a somatosensory experience in the awake and alert individual. We have focused the study on the differences between cerebral functions associated with stimuli that are at or just above threshold level for eliciting a conscious sensory experience, as opposed to those with stimuli that are below such a threshold. The implication is that there are some unique differences between physiological cerebral states above and below this threshold level. The term threshold is used by us in tF.e broad sense of the just adequate levels for all significant parameters of a stimulus (electrical in our studies) not merely that for intensity (Libet et al., 1964; Libet, 1972). (To avoid confusion with threshold levels for various,other types of responses to stimuli, particularly for evoked potentials (EP’s), the thresholdlevels for eliciting a conscious sensory response will be referred to as „threshold-c.’)
Miscellaneous Topics in Causal Systems

This chapter deals with extensions and generalizations of causal differential equations to other important areas of nonlinear analysis. We begin with the set differential equations with causal operators naming them as causal set differential equations (CSDE). Set differential equations in a metric space has gained much attention recently due to its applicability to multivalued differential inclusions and fuzzy differential equations and its inclusion of ordinary differential systems as a special case. The generalization of this dynamic system to include causal differential equations would cover a wider variety of situations and therefore, it would initiate an interesting and useful branch of nonlinear analysis that requires further investigation.
Rethinking the Definition of Success in the Management of a Periprosthetic Joint Infection: Commentary on an article by Miguel M. Gomez, MD, et al.: "The Fate of Spacers in the Treatment of Periprosthetic Joint Infection".

In the article “The Fate of Spacers in the Management of Periprosthetic Joint Infection,” Gomez et al. raise two important questions with regard to the treatment of periprosthetic joint infection: What occurs with the patient during the interim between staged surgical treatments; and what occurs with the patient who does not undergo the subsequent stage of treatment? This information is valuable as most reports on the outcome of a two-stage treatment for periprosthetic joint infection, in which infection eradication is attained in 85% to 90% of patients, have focused on showing results only for patients who completed the second stage. From their findings, Gomez et al. suggest that this may overestimate the rate of infection eradication, as some of these treated patients may have a subsequent infection. Equally importantly, the point is made that there are other possible outcomes after the index removal of the implant (failure to proceed with the second stage, surgical treatment other than reimplantation, amputation, fusion, resection arthroplasty, spacer retention, and death) that need to be described. The combination of reporting the success of the two-stage treatment and reporting the failures as defined above yields a much fuller picture of the impact of a periprosthetic joint infection. The authors are to be commended for asking and attempting to answer questions of great clinical import and in expanding the criteria for what …
Future Semiconductor Devices and Their Simulation

This chapter contains sections titled: New Types of Devices Challenges in Nanostructure Simulation This chapter contains sections titled: References
Una relación problemática : el vínculo sociológico entre individuo y sociedad

El texto propone el vinculo entre individuo y sociedad como tension central para la sociologia. Desde el reconocimiento de una crisis en la representacion de la idea moderna de sociedad, se discute la pertinencia de la categoria en la disciplina a partir de los argumentos de Touraine y Bajoit, y en base a la actual discusion sociologica del individuo y sus relaciones, siguiendo a Dubet, Elias y Martuccelli, se propone una representacion mas plastica de la sociedad. Tal idea plastica de sociedad, como objetivo del trabajo, nos permite avanzar en la direccion de una sociologia no sustancialista y relacional que pueda abordar de manera mas plausible los actuales cambios sociales e individuales. Especificamente, abordar un objeto disciplinar distinto de la ‘sociedad’ para enfrentar los desafios que implican la centralidad del individuo y sus diversas formas de sociabilidad en el marco de las relaciones sociales contemporaneas.
TWO PLUTONIUM-METAL CRITICAL ASSEMBLIES

Two plutonium-metal critical assemblies were studied at the Pajarito site in Los Alamos. Part I describes Jezebel, the bare plutonium assembly, and gives its observed characteristics along with a few comparisons with enricheduranium systems. Part II covers Popsy, a plutonium core in a thick normal-uranium reflector. As Popsy was relatively inflexible- intended only for a preliminary surveyits experimental program was much less complete than that of Jezebel. (auth)
Synthetic tunable amplifying buffer circuit in E. coli.

While predictable design of a genetic circuit’s output is a major goal of synthetic biology, it remains a significant challenge because DNA binding sites in the cell affect the concentration of available transcription factors (TF). To mitigate this problem, we propose to use a TF that results from the (reversible) phosphorylation of protein substrate as a circuit’s output. We demonstrate that by comparatively increasing the amounts of substrate and phosphatase, the TF concentration becomes robust to the presence of DNA binding sites and can be kept at a desired value. The circuit’s input/output gain can, in turn, be tuned by changing the relative amounts of the substrate and phosphatase, realizing an amplifying buffer circuit with tunable gain. In our experiments in E. coli, we employ phospho-NRI as the output TF, phosphorylated by the NRII kinase, and dephosphorylated by the NRII phosphatase. Amplifying buffer circuits such as ours could be used to insulate a circuit’s output from the context, bringing s...
Electron-transfer catalyzed cycloaddition reactions of unactivated cyclic olefins in weakly coordinating anion electrolyte

Abstract Cis-Cyclooctene, C8H14, undergoes an efficient electron-transfer (ET) catalyzed cycloaddition reaction in dichloromethane containing [NBu4][B(C6F5)4] as supporting electrolyte. The reactions were initiated by in-situ anodic generation of catalytic amounts of either [N(2,4-C6H3Br2)3]+ (1+, “magic green”) or [ReCp(CO)3]+ (2+, Cp = (η5-C5H5)). The olefin radical chain reaction induced by ET mediation was complete in less than 10 min, some 100–1000 times faster than the optimum photochemically induced preparations of cyclobutane derivatives from cyclic olefins. Yields of up to 87% of mixtures of C16H28 isomers were obtained at an electro-synthetic level. Use of the weakly coordinating [B(C6F5)4]− anion, rather than a traditional small anion such as [PF6]− or [ClO4]−, was required to carry out the cyclization reactions. The more easily oxidized trans-cyclooctene, when anodized directly at an electrode, gave a similar isomeric mixture of cyclobutanes. Cycloheptene and cyclohexene underwent similar [2 + 2] coupling to give cyclobutane products. Cyclopentene gave a [2 + 2 + 2] cyclized trimer. The mechanism appears to involve a key radical–substrate propagation step in which an olefin radical cation reacts with a neutral olefin to give a cyclobutyl radical cation, which then accepts an electron, most likely from another olefin, to form the final neutral compound. Although the E1/2 potentials of the ET mediators are 660–900 mV lower than the estimated oxidation potentials of the olefins, the endergonic nature of the ET initiation step works to the advantage of the chain process by favoring the radical–substrate propagation step.
Electron Mobility of N-Type GaN Films

The lateral transport in GaN films produced by electron cyclotron resonance plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (ECR-MBE) doped n-type with Si to the levels of 10 15 − 10 20 cm −3 was investigated. The room temperature electron mobility vs carrier concentration was found to follow a family of bell-shaped curves consistent with a recently proposed model in which dislocations with an edge component introduce acceptor centers along the dislocation lines which capture electrons from the conduction band in n-type GaN. The mechanism of scattering was investigated by studying the temperature dependence of the carrier concentration and electron mobility. We found that for the samples with high carrier concentration (> 10 18 cm −3 ), the scattering at low temperatures is dominated by impurities while for samples with low carrier concentration ( 17 cm −3 ), the scattering is dominated by charged dislocations.
Achieving optimum selectivity in oxygen assisted alcohol cross-coupling on gold.

Oxidative coupling of alcohols is of great practical importance due to the wide range of synthetic applications using esters. Controlling the selectivity toward production of specific esters in cross-coupling is a long-sought goal in designing efficient synthetic routes. We report a quantitative study of the factors that determine the esterification selectivity in the oxidative cross-coupling of alcohols mediated by oxygen-covered Au(111). The high reactivity of gold is attributed to the activity of atomic oxygen bound to Au particles in forming surface-bound alkoxy species. The relative surface concentrations of alkoxys and the ease of the β-H elimination play critical roles in determining the product distribution. For a given reactant composition the surface concentration of alkoxys is skewed toward the higher molecular weight alcohol in the mixture exposed to the surface. Vibrational spectroscopic studies reveal that the relative stabilities of alkoxys parallel the gas phase acidities of the correspond...
Interactions of organic anions with the organic cation transporter in renal BBMV

It is generally assumed that the organic cation transport system in the renal proximal tubule is specific for organic cations and the transport of organic cations is not affected by organic anions....
Do People Adapt to Poorer Health? Health and Health Satisfaction over the Life Cycle

As people get older, health deteriorates and so too does satisfaction with health. Moreover, differences in health and health satisfaction by gender are positively associated, as are differences by race, education, and cohort. These findings are based on an analysis of data from the United States General Social Survey.
Analysis of urine cadmium and blood cadmium of workers before and after the cadmium dust control

OBJECTIVE To analyze the urinary cadmium, blood cadmium and urinary beta2-MG of workers in a zinc powder processing plant before and after the cadmium dust control, and to explore the effects of dust control on the prevention and treatment of cadmium hazards. METHODS The on-site occupational hazard survey was used to investigate the changes of urine cadmium, blood cadmium and beta3-MG of 84 workers exposed to cadmium before and after the treatment by self-control analysis for evaluating the effects of dust control measures in a zinc powder processing plant. RESULTS After treatment of the cadmium dust, the geometric mean of zinc dust in the workplace significantly decreased from 3.38 mg/m3 to 2.22 mg/m3 (P < 0.01). The geometric mean concentration of blood cadmium [(2.19 +/- 1.19) microg/L] and urine cadmium [(1.96 +/- 0.74) microg/g Cr] before treatment were significantly higher than those of one year [(1.63 +/- 0.83) microg/L] and [(1.25 +/- 0.83) microg/g Cr] and two years [(1.36 +/- 0.95) microg/L] and [(0.94 +/- 0.72) microg/g Cr] after the cadmium dust control (P < 0.01), respectively. The positive correlations analysis between urine cadmium and blood cadmium concentration of one and two years before and after the cadmium dust treatment implied that there was significant difference (r = 0.466, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Dust treatment could reduce the impact of low concentration cadmium on the urine cadmium and blood cadmium concentrations of the workers exposed to cadmium, and effectively prevent the cadmium poisoning.
Lymphocyte Response as a Model of Cell-Mediated Immunity

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on lymphocyte response as a model of cell-mediated immunity. The initial response (recognition) by lymphocytes to either antigens to which the donor of the cells is sensitized or to allogeneic cells involves, at least in part, different cell populations responding to the different stimuli. Likewise, at least partial specificity was demonstrated by cells sensitized in vitro in the mixed leukocyte culture reaction in terms of an in vitro cytotoxic reaction mediated by such cells. On the other hand, the adherent cell requirement for the MLC reaction appeared to be nonspecific, as were a variety of soluble “factors” which could influence lymphocyte response. Lymphocytes from animals primed with certain antigens undergo blast transformation and mitosis in vitro when cultured with the priming antigen. It was demonstrated that different populations of antigen-specific precursor cells exist in the spleens of immunized mice. It was also observed that addition of cell-lethal amounts of tritiated thymidine to cultured cells dividing in response to sheep erythrocytes left a cell population which could no longer produce plaque-forming cells to the homologous antigen but would produce plaque-forming cells in response to a heterologous non-cross-reacting antigen.
Facilitating collaborative urban water management through university-utility cooperation

Abstract In the face of intensifying stresses such as climate change, rapid urban population growth, land use change, and public concern with rates and use restrictions, water management is becoming increasingly complex in the cities of the American West. One strategy to improve water management practices in this changing social-ecological context is to develop collaborative relationships that facilitate the engagement of multiple stakeholders at multiple scales. At the local level, one important but frequently underdeveloped collaborative link is that between university researchers and water utilities, who together occupy the interstitial space between science and decision-making, while at the same time interfacing with water users. Based on workshop data, a pilot survey, and interviews with representative water managers and university researchers from cities across the American West, we identify a number of barriers to establishing collaborative platforms from which utilities and university researchers can effectively work together to tackle challenges around sustainable urban water management in the twenty-first century. We make suggestions for overcoming these barriers and argue that developing an integrated model for university-utility collaborations is a critical area on which we must focus our collective attention if sustainable urban water management is to be achieved.
Commentary on "Transpositions within user-posted YouTube lyric videos: A corpus study"

Responding to Plazak's corpus study on pitch and tempo transpositions in user-created music videos on YouTube, I suggest that such transpositions may have musically communicative intentions. Besides the nominal changes designed to defeat copyright infringement detection algorithms, I propose that pitch and tempo changes may be used for listener enjoyment. Some comments on the methodology of the experiment are included.
Auditing for Score Inflation Using Self-Monitoring Assessments: Findings From Three Pilot Studies

Test-based accountability often produces score inflation. Most studies have evaluated inflation by comparing trends on a high-stakes test and a lower stakes audit test. However, Koretz and Beguin (2010) noted weaknesses of audit tests and suggested self-monitoring assessments (SMAs), which incorporate audit items into high-stakes tests. This article reports the first three trials of SMAs, evaluating whether SMAs can detect inflation that had already been documented. The studies were conducted with mathematics tests in three grades. Despite severe conservative biases, the audit component functioned as expected in many of the trials. The difference in performance between nonaudit and audit items was associated with factors that earlier research showed to be related to test preparation and score inflation, such as scoring just below the Proficient cut in the previous year and school poverty. However, a number of null findings underscore the need for additional research into the design of audit items.
A review of trazodone use in psychiatric and medical conditions

ABSTRACTTrazodone is an antidepressant that is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression. It has been used by mental health and primary care providers for the treatment of multiple psychiatric and medical conditions .This review describes trazodone mechanism of action, formulation, dosage and adverse effects and then summarizes the beneficial effects of trazodone in the treatment of various psychiatric and medical conditions such as major depression, as well non-approved FDA indications such as insomnia,anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, feeding and eating disorders, substance use disorders, behavioral disturbances associated with cognitive dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, certain pain conditions, and rehabilitation after acute ischemic stroke. Despite trazodone’s favorable effects in the treatment of FDA-unapproved psychiatric and medical conditions, large, randomized controlled clinical trials are still needed to confirm its efficacy in the treatment of t...
Cardiovascular disease prevention: lifestyle attenuation of genetic risk.

Both rare and common genetic variants predict the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but recent studies have provided compelling evidence that individuals who harbour variants that elevate their risk of CVD can substantially lower this risk by controlling lifestyle-related risk factors, such as smoking, diet, and physical activity.
'Reasonable' Police Mistakes: The Fourth Amendment and the Good Faith Exception after Heien

The law tolerates police mistakes in evaluating both what conduct violates the Fourth Amendment and whether there is a remedy available for any violation. In Heien v. North Carolina, the Supreme Court ruled 8–1 that the Fourth Amendment permits police officers to make reasonable mistakes in reading statutory proscriptions. What appears to be a relatively straight-forward decision in fact raises questions about both Fourth Amendment claims and the relationship between the substantive claims, the remedial doctrines of the good faith exception to the exclusionary rule and qualified immunity. This article explores the toleration of police error in these three areas and the impact of Heien on both substantive Fourth Amendment claims and the good faith exception. It concludes that although Heien expanded the toleration of police mistakes within substantive Fourth Amendment claims, the decision may paradoxically provide a vehicle for limiting the impact of the Supreme Court’s most recent rulings on the good faith exception.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Neonates: History and Future Directions

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the neonate is a term that has been used since the 1970s for respiratory failure refractory to medical management. With its ability to increase survival, uses of ECMO have expanded and long-term morbidities continue to be under investigation. In this article, we review the history of ECMO and current methods of delivery. In addition, we explore common complications for survivors after ECMO, new technologies that may change who receives ECMO, and how we deliver this life saving treatment.
The Bacterial Chromosome: A Physical Biologist's Apology. A Perspective

I entered the bacterial chromosome field in 2004 as a fresh Ph.D. trained in theoretical physics. Ten years is not long enough for one to gain the depth and breadth of a scientific discipline of long history, certainly not for an early career scientist to write an essay of the status of A Mathematician’s Apology (Hardy 1940). Nevertheless, I agreed to write this perspective as a physicist who entered biology, because my colleagues are often curious to know what drives physicists to become (physical) biologists, and makes them stay in biology despite many challenges. I also wanted to share several lessons I have learned because, while some of them are personal and specific to my field, I have a good reason to believe that they might resonate with many future travelers. This perspective is for them.
SPIN-FARMING â A TOOL FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

The current research paper takes a look at back-yard gardening practices within the Serbian- Hungarian border region with the intention to evaluate the role of the inner settlement gardens in rural development through promoting self-sufficiency and potential commercialization. The project aims to explore possibilities for promoting spin farming as a tool for development in rural communities by exploiting unused capacities, encouraging local and household self-sufficiency, generating supplemental income and popularizing traditional, hand-crafted, local and bio-products. Results of the survey conducted in the area are presented along with possible future actions utilizing information obtained during the project.
Evaluating Concentrations of Pesticides and Heavy Metals in the U.S. Peanut Crop in the Presence of Detection Limits

ABSTRACT The concentration of mercury, cadmium, lead, and arsenic along with glyphosate and an extensive array of pesticides in the U.S. peanut crop was assessed for crop years 2013-2015. Samples were randomly selected from various buying points during the grading process. Samples were selected from the three major growing regions in order to attain a representative sample of U.S. peanut production. Samples were sent to an independent laboratory for testing. Appropriate statistical techniques were used to account for censored data due to test results below detection limits. Descriptive statistics and confidence intervals for the population mean concentration are presented where possible. For heavily censored data, the probability of a random sample from the population testing below the detection limit is estimated. Overall, concentrations were found to be low relative to health standards and consistent across crop years.
Palliative and Supportive Care for Glioma Patients

The diagnosis of a brain tumor is a life-changing event for patients and families. High-grade gliomas are incurable and long-term survival remains limited. While low-grade glioma patients have better outcomes, their quality of life is often affected by a variety of symptoms as well. Helping glioma patients improve quality of life at all stages of illness is an important goal for the interdisciplinary care team. There is evidence from advanced lung cancer patients that early involvement of a palliative care team can improve patient’s quality of life, symptom burden, and even survival and a similar approach benefits glioma patients as well. Patients with high-grade and low-grade glioma often suffer from significant symptom burden. We discuss how validated global symptom assessments and symptom-specific screening tools are useful to identify distressing symptoms. Seizures, fatigue, depression, and anxiety are some of the more common symptoms throughout the disease course and should be managed actively. Patients with glioma also have high symptom burden at the end of life and the majority lose decision-making capacity. Advance care planning conversations early in the disease course are essential to elicit the patient’s wishes for end of life care and effective communication with surrogate decision makers during all stages of the disease helps ensure that those wishes are respected.
Edge sparsity criterion for robust holographic autofocusing.

Autofocusing is essential to digital holographic imaging. Previously used autofocusing criteria exhibit challenges when applied to, e.g., connected objects with different optical properties. Furthermore, in some of the earlier autofocusing criteria, the polarity, i.e., whether to search for the peak or the valley as a function of depth, changes for different types of samples, which creates another challenge. Here, we propose a robust and accurate autofocusing criterion that is based on the edge sparsity of the complex optical wavefront, which we termed the “sparsity of the gradient” (SoG). We demonstrated the success of SoG by imaging a wide range of objects, including resolution test targets, stained and unstained Papanicolaou smears, stained tissue sections, and blood smears.
Public Funding of Energy Research

Cherry Murray served as the Director of the United States Department of Energy's Office of Science from 2015 until 2017. She was dean of Harvard University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences from 2009 until 2014, and Principal Associate Director for Science and Technology from 2007 to 2009 and Deputy Director for Science and Technology from 2004 to 2007 at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. From 1978 to 2004, Dr. Murray held a number of positions, retiring as Senior Vice President of Physical and Wireless Research, at Bell Laboratories, Lucent Technologies, formerly AT&T Bell Laboratories and previously Bell Telephone Laboratories, Inc.