cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Verisimilitude: a causal approach

I present a new definition of verisimilitude, framed in terms of causes. Roughly speaking, according to it a scientific model is approximately true if it captures accurately the strengths of the causes present in any given situation. Against much of the literature, I argue that any satisfactory account of verisimilitude must inevitably restrict its judgments to context-specific models rather than general theories. We may still endorse—and only need—a relativized notion of scientific progress, understood now not as global advance but rather as the mastering of particular problems. This also sheds new light on longstanding difficulties surrounding language-dependence and models committed to false ontologies.
Use of Luminescent CdSe–ZnS Nanocrystal Bioconjugates in Quantum Dot‐Based Nanosensors

Biomolecules labeled with luminescent colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have potential for use in numerous applications, including fluoro-immunoassays and biological imaging. QD labels exhibit size-tunable narrow-band luminescent emission and high resistance to photodegradation. They also exhibit efficient Forster energy transfer between neighboring QDs of different sizes and their emission is readily quenched by bound fluorescent dyes. In this paper, we describe preliminary results aimed at defining conditions for the design and preparation of nanoscale QD-bio-conjugate sensors based on fluorescence quenching. We envision building sensor assemblies that employ quantum dots linked with dye-labeled biological receptors that utilize donor-acceptor energy transfer between QDs and receptors for conducting recognition-based assays. In particular, we report the effects of varying the concentration of energy acceptors bound to nanocrystal surfaces under both soluble and solid phase conditions on quenching phenomena.
Dynamic Flow Control in Store-and-Forward Computer Networks

In a recent paper we presented an analysis of flow control in store-and-forward computer communication networks using a token mechanism. The analysis assumed equilibrium conditions for a selected set of system parameters which were not dynamically adjusted to stochastic fluctuations in the system load; this mechanism was referred to as "static flow control." In this paper we study a "dynamic flow control" in which parameters of the system are dynamically adjusted to match the availability of resources in the network. Based on Markov decision theory, an optimal policy to dynamically select the number of tokens is formulated. Because an exact solution to the problem is extremely difficult, an effective heuristic solution to the problem is presented. Numerical results are given and it is shown that the throughput-delay performance of a network is better with dynamic control than with static control.
Molluscum Contagiosum Virus Topoisomerase: Purification, Activities, and Response to Inhibitors

Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), the only member of the Molluscipoxvirus genus, causes benign papules in healthy people but disfiguring lesions in immunocompromised patients. The sequence of MCV has been completed, revealing that MCV encodes a probable type I topoisomerase enzyme. All poxviruses sequenced to date also encode type I topoisomerases, and in the case of vaccinia virus the topoisomerase has been shown to be essential for replication. Thus, inhibitors of the MCV topoisomerase might be useful as antiviral agents. We have cloned the gene for MCV topoisomerase, overexpressed and purified the protein, and begun to characterize its activities in vitro. Like other eukaryotic type I topoisomerases, MCV topoisomerase can relax both positive and negative supercoils. An analysis of the cleavage of plasmid and oligonucleotide substrates indicates that cleavage by MCV topoisomerase is favored just 3' of the sequence 5' (T/C)CCTT 3', resulting in formation of a covalent bond to the 3' T residue, as with other poxvirus topoisomerases. We identified solution conditions favorable for activity and measured the rate of formation and decay of the covalent intermediate. MCV topoisomerase is sensitive to inhibition by coumermycin A1 (50% inhibitory concentration, 32 microM) but insensitive to five other previously reported topoisomerase inhibitors. This work provides the point of departure for studies of the mechanism of function of MCV topoisomerase and the development of medically useful inhibitors.
Effect of Changing Gloves Before Placental Extraction on Incidence of Postcesarean Endometritis

Objective: We sought to determine if changing the surgeon&#39;s gloves after delivery of the infant and prior to manual placental removal decreases the incidence of postcesarean endometritis.
Medial orbitofrontal cortex: its role in mediating satiety in the macaque.

Thomas R. Scott1, Erin M. Edwards2, Carrie A. Smith2, Kristen G. Hilgert2, Gary J. Schwartz3 and Thomas C. Pritchard2 1College of Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA, 2Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA and 3Bourne Laboratory, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 21 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains, NY 10605, USA
Aspects of the release of superoxide by leukocytes, and a means by which this is switched off.

Abstract Although great progress has been made in understanding the respiratory burst of leukocytes that produce superoxide (O2-), it is possible that a component or components, might have been overlooked. Furthermore, O2- production and its sequels, though cardinal in bactericidal action, might ultimately be damaging to the host's own cells. It is important, therefore, that a biologic mechanism exist to turn off O2- production by stimulated leukocytes. This article offers evidence that methoxatin (PQQ), a redox-cycling orthoquinone, might be involved in O2- production by leukocytes. This is based on the fact that inhibitors of O2- production, such as diphenylene iodonium (DPI) and 4,5-dimethylphenylene diamine (DIMPDA), were shown to sequester PQQ in leukocytes, i.e., to form adducts with that substance. Addition of PQQ to cells blocked with the inhibitors partially restored O2- release. With respect to turning off cellular O2- release, a factor was observed to be released to the medium by old macrophages (14 days old, but not by those less than 7 days old). Such conditioned medium, when added to stimulated neutrophils or macrophages, blocked O2- release. This factor was sensitive to proteases, exhibited molecular sizes of 3 and 11 kDa, and its action was independent of the nature of the stimulus applied to the leukocytes. It was partially purified by column (sizing) chromatography and HPLC. It seems to be a general modulator of the release of reactive oxygen species by phagocytes and is irrespective of phagocytic cellular type, or species from which the cells were derived.
Nocturnal light environments and species ecology: implications for nocturnal color vision in forests

Although variation in the color of light in terrestrial diurnal and twilight environments has been well documented, relatively little work has examined the color of light in nocturnal habitats. Understanding the range and sources of variation in nocturnal light environments has important implications for nocturnal vision, particularly following recent discoveries of nocturnal color vision. In this study, we measured nocturnal irradiance in a dry forest/woodland and a rainforest in Madagascar over 34 nights. We found that a simple linear model including the additive effects of lunar altitude, lunar phase and canopy openness successfully predicted total irradiance flux measurements across 242 clear sky measurements (r=0.85, P<0.0001). However, the relationship between these variables and spectral irradiance was more complex, as interactions between lunar altitude, lunar phase and canopy openness were also important predictors of spectral variation. Further, in contrast to diurnal conditions, nocturnal forests and woodlands share a yellow-green-dominant light environment with peak flux at 560 nm. To explore how nocturnal light environments influence nocturnal vision, we compared photoreceptor spectral tuning, habitat preference and diet in 32 nocturnal mammals. In many species, long-wavelength-sensitive cone spectral sensitivity matched the peak flux present in nocturnal forests and woodlands, suggesting a possible adaptation to maximize photon absorption at night. Further, controlling for phylogeny, we found that fruit/flower consumption significantly predicted short-wavelength-sensitive cone spectral tuning in nocturnal mammals (P=0.002). These results suggest that variation in nocturnal light environments and species ecology together influence cone spectral tuning and color vision in nocturnal mammals.
Dose-dependent increases in flow-mediated dilation following acute cocoa ingestion in healthy older adults

An inverse relation exists between intake of flavonoid-rich foods, such as cocoa, and cardiovascular-related mortality. Favorable effects of flavonoids on the endothelium may underlie these associations. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to test the hypothesis that acute cocoa ingestion dose dependently increases endothelium-dependent vasodilation, as measured by an increase in brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), in healthy older adults. Measurements were obtained before (preingestion) and after (1- and 2-h postingestion) ingestion of 0 (placebo), 2, 5, 13, and 26 g of cocoa in 23 adults (63 ± 2 yr old, mean ± SE). Changes in brachial artery FMD 1- and 2-h postingestion compared with preingestion were used to determine the effects of cocoa. FMD was unchanged 1 (Δ-0.3 ± 0.2%)- and 2-h (Δ0.1 ± 0.1%) after placebo (0 g cocoa). In contrast, FMD increased both 1-h postingestion (2 g cocoa Δ0.0 ± 0.2%, 5 g cocoa Δ0.8 ± 0.3%, 13 g cocoa Δ1.0 ± 0.3%, and 26 g cocoa Δ1.6 ± 0.3%: P < 0.05 compared with placebo for 5, 13, and 26 g cocoa) and 2-h postingestion (2 g cocoa Δ0.5 ± 0.3%, 5 g cocoa Δ1.0 ± 0.3%, 13 g cocoa Δ1.4 ± 0.2%, and 26 g cocoa Δ2.5 ± 0.4%: P < 0.05 compared with placebo for 5, 13, and 26 g cocoa) on the other study days. A serum marker of cocoa ingestion (total epicatechin) correlated with increased FMD 1- and 2-h postingestion (r = 0.44-0.48; both P < 0.05). Collectively, these results indicate that acute cocoa ingestion dose dependently increases brachial artery FMD in healthy older humans. These responses may help to explain associations between flavonoid intake and cardiovascular-related mortality in humans.
Bactericidal/Permeability-Increasing Protein (rBPI21) and Fluoroquinolone Mitigate Radiation-Induced Bone Marrow Aplasia and Death

Identification of safe, effective treatments to mitigate toxicity after extensive radiation exposure has proven challenging. Only a limited number of candidate approaches have emerged, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has yet to approve any agent for a mass-casualty radiation disaster. Because patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation undergo radiation treatment that produces toxicities similar to radiation-disaster exposure, we studied patients early after such treatment to identify new approaches to this problem. Patients rapidly developed endotoxemia and reduced plasma bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI), a potent endotoxin-neutralizing protein, in association with neutropenia. We hypothesized that a treatment supplying similar endotoxin-neutralizing activity might replace the BPI deficit and mitigate radiation toxicity and tested this idea in mice. A single 7-Gy radiation dose, which killed 95% of the mice by 30 days, was followed 24 hours later by twice-daily, subcutaneous injections of the recombinant BPI fragment rBPI21 or vehicle alone for 14 or 30 days, with or without an oral fluoroquinolone antibiotic with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, including that against endotoxin-bearing Gram-negative bacteria. Compared to either fluoroquinolone alone or vehicle plus fluoroquinolone, the combined rBPI21 plus fluoroquinolone treatment improved survival, accelerated hematopoietic recovery, and promoted expansion of stem and progenitor cells. The observed efficacy of rBPI21 plus fluoroquinolone initiated 24 hours after lethal irradiation, combined with their established favorable bioactivity and safety profiles in critically ill humans, suggests the potential clinical use of this radiation mitigation strategy and supports its further evaluation.
Ionic Equilibrium and Transport in the Alkaline Anion Exchange Membrane

Several groups have demonstrated alkaline anion exchange membranes (AAEMs) with promising hydroxyl anion conductivity and stability without a supporting metal hydroxide solution. This work examines the equilibrium dissociation and solvation processes associated with the AAEM's quaternary ammonium side chains and its impact on the membrane's ionic conductivity. This is undertaken using an analogy to acidity functions for solutions containing a strong base of similar chemical structure to the AAEM's functional groups. The AAEM has a lower base dissociation constant, relative to the acid dissociation constant for DuPont's Nafion. The lower dissociation constant results in a smaller degree of dissociation and thus availability of ionic charge carriers. An ionic transport model is then used to predict membrane conductivities. The dissociation and solvation models are used to prescribe the concentration of the available charge carriers. The dissociation and solvation models permit a consistent description of the AAEM and Nafion to predict ionic conductivity. This model is validated with experimental ionic conductivity data. The dissociation and solvation processes are recognized as a prominent factor influencing membrane conductivity.
The Language That Came Down the Hill: Slang, Crime, and Citizenship in Rio de Janeiro

ABSTRACT In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the register of slang has historically been embraced to forge salient social and spatial distinctions, demarcating the physical space of the favela (shantytown) and naturalizing the exclusion of its residents. In this article, I examine the ongoing enregisterment of slang in Rio's current context of profound social inequality, democratic instability, heightened urban violence, and geographic proximity. Within this climate of fear and insecurity, newly vulnerable and newly marginalized city residents draw on and reify salient speech repertoires to negotiate rights to the city and to the nation-state that have become increasingly threatened along socioeconomic, racial, and residential lines. I argue that the enregisterment of slang constructs newly emergent citizenship categories that both challenge and reinforce Brazil's entrenched regime of differentiated citizenship, illuminating the productive role of linguistic differentiation in the modern nation-state. [Keywords: slang, crime, citizenship, marginality, Brazil]
Building systems using analysis patterns

1. ABSTRACT We consider the use of analysis patterns in the definition of initial object-oriented models. In particular, we consider large patterns, as opposed to the small analysis patterns shown in most of the current literature, and we use analogy in carrying over the patterns between applications. We believe that this approach produces a software architecture that is more flexible and reusable than approaches applying patterns at a later stage. 1.1
Fundamentals of impedance cardiography

The most widely used impedance method for cardiac stroke volume and cardiac output measurements is described. It uses band electrodes around the ends of the thorax and forward extrapolation of the systolic portion of the impedance waveform. Studies performed to determine the physiological origin of the impedance change and the apparently conflicting results are summarized. Comparative studies with other methods are briefly discussed. It is concluded that for the present technique to be placed on a sound scientific base, it is necessary to determine what regions or organs contribute to the impedance change recorded from the thoracic surface, but that it shows remarkably good correlation with other cardiac output measurement systems if applied to a select relatively healthy population, given all the assumptions involved. >
Quantitative Upright–Supine High-Speed SPECT Myocardial Perfusion Imaging for Detection of Coronary Artery Disease: Correlation with Invasive Coronary Angiography

A recently developed camera system for high-speed SPECT (HS-SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging shows excellent correlation with conventional SPECT. Our goal was to test the diagnostic accuracy of an automated quantification of combined upright and supine myocardial SPECT for detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) (≥70% luminal diameter stenosis or, in left main coronary artery, ≥50% luminal diameter stenosis) in comparison to invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Methods: We studied 142 patients undergoing upright and supine HS-SPECT, including 56 consecutive patients (63% men; mean age ± SD, 64 ± 13 y; 45% exercise stress) without known CAD who underwent diagnostic ICA within 6 mo of HS-SPECT and 86 consecutive patients with a low likelihood of CAD. Reference limits for upright and supine HS-SPECT were created from studies of patients with a low likelihood of CAD. Automated software adopted from supine–prone analysis was used to quantify the severity and extent of perfusion abnormality and was expressed as total perfusion deficit (TPD). TPD was obtained for upright (U-TPD), supine (S-TPD), and combined upright–supine acquisitions (C-TPD). Stress U-TPD ≥ 5%, S-TPD ≥ 5%, and C-TPD ≥ 3% myocardium were considered abnormal for per-patient analysis, and U-TPD, S-TPD, and C-TPD ≥ 2% in each coronary artery territory were considered abnormal for per-vessel analysis. Results: On a per-patient basis, the sensitivity was 91%, 88%, and 94% for U-TPD, S-TPD, and C-TPD, respectively, and specificity was 59%, 73%, and 86% for U-TPD, S-TPD, and C-TPD, respectively. C-TPD had a larger area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve than U-TPD or S-TPD for identification of stenosis ≥ 70% (0.94 vs. 0.88 and 0.89, P
Blastocoel expansion in the preimplantation mouse embryo: stimulatory effect of TGF-alpha and EGF.

The factors that promote blastocoel expansion in the preimplantation mouse embryo are not well understood. Since cAMP stimulates the rate of blastocoel expansion and, in other systems, EGF can elevate intracellular cAMP levels, we investigated the ability of either TGF-alpha or EGF to stimulate the rate of blastocoel expansion in the mouse. Picomolar concentrations of either TGF-alpha or EGF stimulate the rate of blastocoel expansion in a concentration-dependent manner, and the continual presence of the growth factor is required to observe the stimulatory effect. Neutralizing antibodies to either TGF-alpha or EGF inhibit the TGF-alpha or EGF stimulatory effect, respectively. An antibody to the extracellular domain of the EGF receptor stimulates the rate of blastocoel expansion in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas an antibody to the cytoplasmic domain of the receptor does not. Tyrphostin RG 50864, which inhibits the EGF receptor kinase activity, inhibits the TGF-alpha stimulation of the rate of blastocoel expansion in a concentration-dependent manner; the less active tyrphostin, RG 50862, has no inhibitory effect. In addition, TGF-alpha does not stimulate a precocious onset of cavitation. The stimulatory effect on the rate of blastocoel expansion elicited by TGF-alpha or EGF is observed in 70% of the embryos (responders). Responders and nonresponders have similar intracellular ATP levels and cell numbers. Whereas TGF-alpha stimulates the uptake of [35S]methionine into the acid-soluble and acid-insoluble pools in the responders, TGF-alpha has no stimulatory effect in the nonresponders. Results of these experiments suggest that an initial differentiative function of the first mammalian epithelium—fluid transport—is sensitive to peptide growth factor modulation.
Using action design research to research and develop evaluation practice

Although much research on evaluation (RoE) is intended to eventually improve practice, little of it embeds the research in ongoing evaluations so that immediate improvements can be made at the local practitioner level in real time. Action Design Research is an approach to develop and improve practice as part of the ongoing process of conducting an evaluation. After identifying limitations in current approaches to RoE, I discuss the need for a case-based view of practice that emphasizes practical as well as technical reasoning and then discuss the use of Action Design Research to develop and test alternative evaluation practices to both improve ongoing practice and contribute to general knowledge about the professional practice of evaluation.
Syntactic structure and acoustic pattern in speech perception Arthur Wingfield

The interaction of syntactic structure and acoustic pattern in perceptual segmentation of heard speech was investigated using sentences recorded with intonation patterns appropriate to their underlying structure and sentences where intonation was placed in direct conflict with the underlying structure. Speech samples were monitored through dichotic earphones with messages switched from one ear to the other either between or within major linguistic constituents. Analysis of errors in source localization and in sentence reproduction suggested a primary role of acoustic pattern in segmentation is to cue underlying syntactic structure. Two subsidiary experiments provided evidence that observed effects were related to active perceptual processing of the speech signal.
Prefrontal lobotomy in the treatment of pain.

(1949). Prefrontal Lobotomy in the Treatment of Pain. Postgraduate Medicine: Vol. 5, No. 5, pp. 375-379.
Hyaluronic Acid Inhibitor 4-Methylumbelliferone Activates the Intrinsic Apoptosis Pathway in K562 Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Cells.

Background As an inhibitor of hyaluronic acid (HA) synthesis, 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) has been shown to induce apoptosis of various types of cancer cells. However, the potential impact of 4-MU-induced apoptosis on leukemia cells via modulation of HA is not well-known. Materials and methods We examined apoptosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cells after treatment with 4-MU using annexin V/propidium iodide (V/PI) analysis and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. We further examined the mechanisms of 4-MU-induced apoptosis by measuring mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species generation. Using real-time PCR, and western blot analysis we examined signaling pathways involved in apoptosis. Results The current study demonstrated that treatment of CML cells with 4-MU led to induction of apoptosis through PARP cleavage and loss of mitochondria membrane potential. Mechanistically, 4-MU led to increased p53 mRNA expression, elevated cytoplasmic protein levels of cytochrome c and B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X (BAX) and reduced levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2) expression. Addition of exogenous soluble HA was able to protect 4-MU-exposed cells from apoptosis. Conclusion Our findings suggest that 4-MU induces apoptosis in CML cells by activating components associated with the intrinsic apoptosis pathway.
DNA repair by RNA: Templated, or not templated, that is the question

Cells are continuously exposed to both endogenous and exogenous sources of genomic stress. To maintain chromosome stability, a variety of mechanisms have evolved to cope with the multitude of genetic abnormalities that can arise over the life of a cell. Still, failures to repair these lesions are the driving force of cancers and other degenerative disorders. DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are among the most toxic genetic lesions, inhibiting cell ability to replicate, and are sites of mutations and chromosomal rearrangements. DSB repair is known to proceed via two major mechanisms: homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). HR reliance on the exchange of genetic information between two identical or nearly identical DNA molecules offers increased accuracy. While the preferred substrate for HR in mitotic cells is the sister chromatid, this is limited to the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle. However, abundant amounts of homologous genetic substrate may exist throughout the cell cycle in the form of RNA. Considered an uncommon occurrence, the direct transfer of information from RNA to DNA is thought to be limited to special circumstances. Studies have shown that RNA molecules reverse transcribed into cDNA can be incorporated into DNA at DSB sites via a non-templated mechanism by NHEJ or a templated mechanism by HR. In addition, synthetic RNA molecules can directly template the repair of DSBs in yeast and human cells via an HR mechanism. New work suggests that even endogenous transcript RNA can serve as a homologous template to repair a DSB in chromosomal DNA. In this perspective, we will review and discuss the recent advancements in DSB repair by RNA via non-templated and templated mechanisms. We will provide current findings, models and future challenges investigating RNA and its role in DSB repair.
Contraindications to Needle Aspiration of A Solid Renal Mass: Tumor Dissemination By Renal Needle Aspiration

We report a case of tumor dissemination via needle aspiration of a solid hypovascular renal mass. This case emphasizes how needle aspiration of these masses does not always lead to proper management and may be detrimental to the patient.
Characterization of Bovine Bladder Mucin Fractions that Inhibit Escherichia Coli Adherence to the Mucin Deficient Rabbit Bladder

We have previously shown that a dialyzed, lyophilized saline extract from bovine urothelium can restore the antiadherence activity of the rabbit bladder following mucin removal with 50% acetone. This report describes results of initial purification of antiadherence factor(s) from bovine bladder mucin and describes results of biochemical analysis in an attempt to elucidate possible mechanism of this antiadherence activity. Separation performed by gel filtration (Spectra gel AcA 34, 20-350 KD range) results in three fractions. Only the low molecular weight fraction had a statistically significant inhibitory effect on bacterial adherence to the mucin deficient rabbit bladder. After overnight dialysis against running deionized water and lyophilization, the crude extract contained 60% protein while gel filtration fractions 1-3 contained 35%, 90% and 15% by weight respectively. The first fraction (apparent high molecular weight, greater than 350 kD) did not appear to enter SDS polyacrylamide electrophoresis gels (SDS-PAGE, 3-12%) or agarose gels (0.5%) to any significant extent. In the fractions that displayed antiadherence activity (the crude extract, fractions 2 and 3) SDS-PAGE bands were seen corresponding to an apparent molecular weight of 78 kD in addition to bands co-migrating with bovine serum albumin (BSA). BSA itself slightly increases bacterial adherence in this model. Most of the albumin of the crude extract was found in the second fraction (60%). On the other hand most of the sulfate and sugar of the crude extract was found in the third, low molecular weight fraction. Since sulfated polysaccharides such as heparin and dextran sulfate are very effective antiadherence agents in this rabbit bladder model, it is conceivable that the sulfated sugar content of the third fraction is responsible for its antiadherence effect on the mucin deficient rabbit bladder.
Asian Pacific American Medical Students: Beyond the 'golden stethoscope'

PURPOSE OF THE PAPER: The purpose of this paper is to present a keynote address given in 1995 immediately prior to the formal inauguration of the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association lAPAMSAr in New York. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Asian Pacific American lAPAr medical students have increased ten­fold as a percentage of the entering class from 1975­1995 to its current level of 18.2%. The recent history of the APA medical student movement is traced from its inception in regional conferences in 1993 to the formation of a national electronic mail bulletin board l"AAMSnet"r in 1994, and its culmination in the first national conference and inauguration of the Asian Pacific AMerican Medical Student Association lAPAMSAr at New York University in 1995. CONCLUSIONS: Although the "golden stethoscope" image is used to represent the pinnacle for APA students entering the medical profession, beneath the image lie difficult challenges specific to APAs including those of family and culture, academic performance, professional acceptance, and community responsibility. The potential of the APAMSA organization to address local, regional, and national APA health issues is explored.
Setting the stage : Previous paleoclimatic research in Texas and surrounding areas

The relationship between culture and environment and the effects of variable climatic conditions on past cultures have long been recognized, but have not always been pursued in archaeological investigations. Early studies treated the environment as a static phenomenon, partly due to lack of precise dating methods and underdevelopment in the science of paleoclimatology. This paper outlines the history of paleoclimatic/paleoenvironmental reconstructions in relation to culture in the Southern Plains, tracing the work from research surrounding the Clovis site from the 1930s up to the present day. We introduce the following set of papers from a symposium at the 1994 joint Plains Conference/Texas Archeological Society Annual Meeting at Lubbock, which united researchers active in paleoclimatic studies in Texas.
Principles, Techniques, and Instrumentation of NEXAFS

In this chapter a basic question is addressed: How can the X-ray absorption signal from a single molecular layer on the surface of a bulk material be measured? In particular, electron yield and fluorescence yield detectors and experimental techniques are discussed and specific attention is given to the problems of normalization and background correction of experimental data.
Design and mathematical modeling of a fiber-optic displacement and force sensor

We report on the design, mathematical modeling and preliminary development work for a novel fiber optic force sensor for applications of force sensing and force-feedback in robotic surgery and in other systems where a small passive sensor immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI) may be needed. The proposed sensor uses a novel (patent pending) approach, not reported in the existing literature, based on a fiber collimator and a four-quadrant dichroic mirror. The sensor is small enough to fit at the distal end of typical surgical devices for laparoscopic surgery (d<10 mm), can be assembled from glass/dielectric materials (EMI immune) and does not require active local powering and conditioning (filtering, amplification) of the signal it produces in response to an applied external force.
Exploring Evidence of Nineteenth Century Dissection in the Dunning Poorhouse Cemetery

In 1990, excavation of an area known as Dunning, on the northwest side of Chicago, revealed human skeletal remains from what is believed to be the first cemetery for the Cook County Poor Farm and Insane Asylum (1851–1869). 114 burial features (yielding 120 individuals) were recovered, including five anatomical elements displaying postmortem examination. The goal of this research is to determine why postmortem examination is found amidst the burials in the Dunning Cemetery, and to explore what these five instances tell us about nineteenth century medicine and cultural attitudes towards the indigent.
The crystal and molecular structure of 3, 4-dihydroxy L-phenyl-alanine

The molecule crystallizes in spacegroup P21 with two molecules per unit cell. The unit cell dimensions area = 6.044 A,b = 13.607 A,c = 5.311 A,γ = 97.55°. The density was calculated to be 1.512 g.ml.−1 and found to be 1.51 g.ml.−1 The major atoms were located by the reliable image method and the hydrogen atoms were located from a difference electron density map. Full-matrix least squares refinement of the parameters yielded an unweighted residual indexR of 0.088. The bond lengths and angles of the amino acid grouping are consistent with values in other amino acids. The structural parameters of the aromatic system are very similar to those of noradrenaline and dopamine hydrochlorides. The crystal structure is dominated by a three-dimensional intermolecular hydrogen bonding system. The molecular conformation is different from that displayed by any other aromatic amino acid or peptide whose crystal structure is known.
Crime and Punishment for Cognitive Radios

Frequency-agile radios hold the potential for improving spectrum utilization by allowing wireless systems to dynamically adapt their spectral footprint based on local conditions. Whether this is done using market mechanisms or opportunistic approaches, the gains result from shifting some responsibility for avoiding harmful interference from the static ldquoregulatory layer" to layers that can adapt at runtime. However, this leaves open the major problem of how to enforce/incentivize compliance and what the structure of ldquolight-handed" regulation should be. This paper addresses this question by developing a model for the incentives associated with cheating and for the tradeoffs between different elements of an enforcement structure which will effectively deter cheating. It then investigates a code-based scheme for detecting and assigning liability to culprits.
Dynamic Hohlraum Z-Pinches as Radiation Sources for High Energy Density Experiments

Dynamic hohlraum (DH) z-pinches on the Z machine at Sandia National Laboratories have proven to be an excellent radiation source for driving high energy density experiments. The Z DH source produces as much as 100 kJ with powers up to 17 TW into a 4-mm diameter, axially-located radiation exit hole above the source. The Sandia Laboratories? ZR upgrade of Z may be able to similarly produce 200 kJ. The complex Z DH radiation source varies in spectral power and timing from shot-to-shot. We are characterizing the source physics through simulation and experiment in order to minimize this variability. We are studying how the complex spatially and temporally-dependent behavior of the DH source affects the performance of a number of axially-located experiments. Using the Z DH as a source, we developed the new blast wave diagnostic, and applied it in a number of novel experiments. A large number of physics issues can be addressed by the Z DH and blast wave diagnostic, including experiments to study opacity, radiation transport and hydrodynamics. We will show how some experiments are quite sensitive to the source details while others are much less so. A synopsis and analysis of recently completed experiments as well as proposals for future work are presented.
In situ generated probability distribution functions for interactive post hoc visualization and analysis

The growing power and capacity of supercomputers enable scientific simulations at extreme scale, leading to not only more accurate modeling and greater predictive ability but also massive quantities of data to analyze. New approaches to data analysis and visualization are this needed to support interactive exploration through selective data access for gaining insights into terabytes and petabytes of data. In this paper, we present an in situ data processing method for both generating probability distribution functions (PDFs) from field data and reorganizing particle data using a single spatial organization scheme. This coupling between PDFs and particles allows for the interactive post hoc exploration of both data types simultaneously. Scientists can explore trends in large-scale data through the PDFs and subsequently extract desired particle subsets for further analysis. We evaluate the usability of our in situ method using a petascale combustion simulation and demonstrate the increases in task efficiency and accuracy that the resulting workflow provides to scientists.
Emptiness Under Isolation and the Value Problem for Hierarchical Probabilistic Automata

k-Hierarchical probabilistic automata k-HPA are probabilistic automata whose states are stratified into $$k+1$$ levels such that from any state, on any input symbol, at most one successor belongs to the same level, while the remaining belong to higher levels. Our main result shows that the emptiness and universality problems are decidable for k-HPAs with isolated cut-points; recall that a cut-point x is isolated if the acceptance probability of every word is bounded away from x. Our algorithm for establishing this result relies on computing an approximation of the value of an HPA; the value of a probabilistic automaton is the supremum of the acceptance probabilities of all words. Computing the exact value of a probabilistic automaton is an equally important problem and we show that the problem is co-R.E.-complete for k-HPAs, for $$k \ge 2$$ as opposed to $$\mathbf {\Pi ^{0}_{{2}}}$$-complete for general probabilistic automata. On the other hand, we also show that for 1-HPAs the value can be computed in exponential time.
Effects of controlled air exposure on the survival, growth, condition, pathogen loads and refrigerated shelf life of eastern oysters

The benefits of exposing eastern oysters to air during commercial culture have not been well-characterized. An adjustable longline system (ALS) designed in Australia and recently adopted by the nascent aquaculture industry in the northern Gulf of Mexico, allows growing oysters at any position in the water column and is perfectly suited to study the benefits of air exposure. Four-month old diploid oysters were deployed in an ALS and divided into three groups: 1) oysters exposed to air daily for 8–12 hr during low tide, 2) oysters exposed to air weekly (~24 hr once a week), and 3) oysters kept subtidally. Oyster mortality and growth rates, Perkinsus marinus load and condition index were then determined every 3 months over 2 years, while refrigerated shelf life and Vibrio vulnificus load were determined in summer and early fall of the second year. Summer mortalities were delayed, P. marinus infection intensities tended to be lower and condition index was significantly higher in oysters exposed to air daily compared with oysters exposed to air weekly or held subtidally. Shell heights of oysters exposed to air daily were lower for most of the study due to a lower growth rate during the initial sampling interval following deployment. No consistent differences were found in V. vulnificus loads or refrigerated shelf lives between the groups. It is recommended that ALS be set so that oysters are kept subtidally fall through spring to promote growth, and exposed to air daily during summer to delay P. marinus proliferation.
Affective Influences on Older Adults' Attention to Self-Relevant Negative Information.

Objectives Some research suggests that older adults have a tendency to be biased toward positive information, but may be more willing to attend to potentially beneficial negative information in certain situations. Following the mood-as-resource framework, one possibility is that older adults may be more willing to consider negative information when in a positive mood, with positive affect serving as a buffer to the adverse emotional consequences that may follow. Method Young (n = 62) and older (n = 65) adults completed a difficult cognitive task before completing either a positive or negative experience recall task, depending upon assigned condition. Afterwards, they rated their interest in viewing their strengths and weaknesses on the previously completed task, and then selected and viewed different types of feedback (i.e., strengths or weaknesses). Results Older adults in the positive condition selected more weaknesses to view and spent more time viewing weaknesses than older adults in the negative condition. There were no differences across conditions in behavioral results for young adults. Ratings of interest in viewing different types of feedback did not correspond with actual feedback viewing behavior. Discussion Results highlight the importance of considering older adults' pre-existing mood before addressing self-relevant information that may be negative but important.
Board on the job: public-pension governance in the United States (US) states

Although elected officials have the final say over pensions, boards of trustees also influence plan governance. Not a great deal is known about boards or how they shape policies. Boards are composed of politically and nonpolitically appointed members, as well as active and retired employees. Plan active-employee size turns out to be the best predictor of membership, suggesting that employee voice expands as plans cover more workers. Using both fixed effects and instrumental variables approaches, I show how boards shape plans’ policies and funded levels. Active and retired members shape discount rates, whereas active membership is positively associated with funded ratios. Interestingly, gridlock is also associated with higher discount rates. However, I find that plans’ actual investment returns are poor predictors of expected returns, irrespective of board composition. Although boards offer a venue through which states can manage funds, they are not suited to solving pensions’ governance challenges alone.
Occipital Nerve Blocks and Neurolysis

Occipital neuralgia presents as pain in the distribution of the greater and/or lesser occipital nerves. The main symptom is sharp, shooting pain in the location of the nerves that may be associated with posterior scalp dysesthesia and/or hyperalgesia. Nerve entrapment seems to be the cause of this pathology, although more than 90% of the cases have no underlying structural cause. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings, and local anesthetic block is not only therapeutic but it can also be diagnostic. Treatment starts with conservative measures. Other alternatives include different techniques of local anesthetic injections (with or without steroids), radiofrequency of the nerve, or finally surgical treatment.
Freedom, Equality and Fraternity in Kant’s Critique of Judgement*

At least during his critical period, all of Kant’s philosophical works have a secret political dimension. Among other things, following the analysis of Hannah Arendt, the Critique of Judgment – par...
EFFECT OF HIGH HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE ON PACIFIC WHITING SURIMI

The effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on gel strength, microbial numbers, proteolytic activity, color and pH of Pacific whiting surimi gels were investigated. Strong gels without the use of protease inhibitors were formed with HHP treatments from 1–4 kBars. Gel strength was not affected by holding time. Total plate counts showed that destruction of vegetative cells was accomplished with 4 kBar. Proteolytic activity was diminished but not eliminated with pressure treatments. The color of the surimi gels treated were translucent while the heat-treated gels were opaque. The pH was increased slightly with HHP treatment. HHP was an effective processing method for making high quality surimi gels from Pacific whiting.
The Oxidation of Organic Compounds by Metal Complexes in Zeolites

The selective oxidation of organic compounds to desired products has long been a challenge to chemists. The industrial oxidation of hydrocarbons to useful oxygenated compounds is commercially important and is carried out on a very large scale — on the order of several billons of pounds per year. The reactions are usually carried out at high temperatures(>150°C) and pressures,1 and often leave much to be desired in terms of selectivity. The difficultylies in the fact that the desired products are often themselves easily oxidizable, so that a certain percentage of the carbon is inevitably lost to CO and CO2, and other byproducts.
Matched Asymptotic Expansions in the Complex Plane

The analytical calculation of the radiation coefficient of a nanopteron is tricky because α(∈) is an exponential function of 1/∈. As explained in the previous chapter, the multiple scales series is a good approximation to the core of the nanopteron even though it diverges factorially. However, the ∈-power series gives no information about the radiation coefficient.
Homeostatic Regulation of Excitatory-Inhibitory Balance

Activity plays an important role in refining synaptic connectivity during development, but the precise mechanisms that underlie this activity-dependent refinement are still unknown. There is considerable evidence that correlation-based, or Hebbian, plasticity mechanisms akin to long-term potentiation and depression (LTP and LTD) play an important role in synaptic refinement1–3. However, it is not clear that Hebbian plasticity is sufficient for understanding activity-dependent development because the dramatic changes in synaptic strength produced by this kind of plasticity tend to destabilize the activity of neural circuits4–6. Additionally, LTD and LTP do not automatically generate competition between inputs5, but such competition is clearly an important aspect of sensory system plasticity1. It is therefore likely that LTP and LTD-like phenomena co-exist with other cellular plasticity mechanisms that provide competition and stability during activity-dependent development.
From belonging to belief: modern secularisms and the construction of religion in Kyrgyzstan

This is a welcome addition to the growing number of full-length ethnographies on Central Asian Islam. McBrien combines traditional, fine-grained ethnography with insightful commentary to explore wh...
LNA Design with CMOS SOI Process-l.4dB NF K/Ka band LNA

In this paper we first discuss about how to select the device type to get best LNA NF for applications ranging from sub-6GHz to 5G mm-Wave Ka-band. A prototype Ka-band fully integrated LNA is designed and fabricated in 45nm CMOS SOI process with a chip area of $\mathbf{530}\pmb{\mu} \mathbf{m}\times \mathbf{570}\pmb{\mu}\mathbf{m}$ . The LNA achieves a 3-dB bandwidth greater than 10 GHz while the NF remains below 2dB. From 24 to 28 GHz, the LNA achieves a gain of 14–12.8dB, IIP3 of 4–5 dBm, and NF around 1.4 dB (1.3-1.6 dB over several tests), from a 1.5 V supply with 10mA of current. In low power mode, the NF is around 1.5dB with a gain of 12.6dB and 7mW power consumption. To the authors knowledge, this is the best NF achieved at 28 GHz by any CMOS process and close to latest GaAs data with FOM larger than 250.
CalcuCafé: Designing for Collaboration Among Coffee Farmers to Calculate Costs of Production

Many smallholder coffee farmers in Latin America join cooperatives for increased access to global markets. This requires them to understand their costs relative to a complex sustainable coffee production process. To that end, we designed CalcuCafe, a web-based application for cooperative technicians and coffee farmers to calculate a farmer's costs of coffee production. We iteratively developed and evaluated CalcuCafe's design with members of two coffee cooperatives in Peru. Our research uncovered different expectations about the application between technicians and farmers, stemming from differing backgrounds, goals, and perspectives. Learning to use the application in a group setting helped overcome these differences and facilitated collaboration, resulting in a strong buy-in for the application. Our paper contributes a research and design effort to support smallholder coffee farmers, an underrecognized group at the intersection of HCI for sustainable agriculture and HCI for development.