cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Demo: Organic solar cell-equipped energy harvesting active networked tag (EnHANT) prototypes

Energy Harvesting Active Networked Tags (EnHANTs) will be a new class of devices in the domain between RFIDs and sensor networks. Small, flexible, and energetically self-reliant, EnHANTs will be attached to objects that are traditionally not networked, such as books, furniture, toys, produce, and clothing. More information about the EnHANTs project is available at http://enhants.ee.columbia.edu. In this demo we present a small network of EnHANT prototypes. The current EnHANT prototypes are integrated with novel custom in-house-developed energy harvesting and communications hardware, namely organic solar cells and ultra-wide-band impulse radio (UWB-IR) transceivers. The demo showcases prototypes communicating using the novel UWB-IR transceivers and adapting their communications and networking parameters to the available environmental energy harvested by the organic solar cells.
RAPSearch2: a fast and memory-efficient protein similarity search tool for next-generation sequencing data

Summary: With the wide application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, fast tools for protein similarity search that scale well to large query datasets and large databases are highly desirable. In a previous work, we developed RAPSearch, an algorithm that achieved a ~20–90-fold speedup relative to BLAST while still achieving similar levels of sensitivity for short protein fragments derived from NGS data. RAPSearch, however, requires a substantial memory footprint to identify alignment seeds, due to its use of a suffix array data structure. Here we present RAPSearch2, a new memory-efficient implementation of the RAPSearch algorithm that uses a collision-free hash table to index a similarity search database. The utilization of an optimized data structure further speeds up the similarity search—another 2–3 times. We also implemented multi-threading in RAPSearch2, and the multi-thread modes achieve significant acceleration (e.g. 3.5X for 4-thread mode). RAPSearch2 requires up to 2G memory when running in single thread mode, or up to 3.5G memory when running in 4-thread mode. Availability and implementation: Implemented in C++, the source code is freely available for download at the RAPSearch2 website: http://omics.informatics.indiana.edu/mg/RAPSearch2/. Contact: ude.anaidni@eyy Supplementary information: Available at the RAPSearch2 website.
Step Discontinuities in Waveguides

The method developed by Wiener and Hopf for solving a certain class of integral equations is applied to the problem of a discontinuity in cross section of a rectangular waveguide. We consider the problem of two waveguides of infinite width and different heights joined together with a short step when the only nonvanishing component of the magnetic field is that parallel to the edges of the step. It is assumed that the fundamental mode is incident in the larger channel traveling towards the step. For values of the channel height such that only the fundamental mode is propagated without attenuation, this problem has been treated in the "Waveguide Handbook"; our results are in very good agreement with the results given there. The present analysis is extended to cover the case where the larger channel is capable of supporting the mode above the fundamental without attenuation. Some numerical values are given for the ratio between the reflected and incident energies for various values of the channel and step heights.
Problems of island‐arcs and ocean‐deeps

The larger problems of island-arcs and ocean-deeps arise from a few basic facts which may be stated concisely as follows: First, the linear form of the island-arcs and deep-sea troughs stands in contrast to the non-linear swells and basins of the normal sea-floor.
Chemical synthesis of human protein S thrombin‐sensitive module and first epidermal growth factor module

Human plasma protein S is a nonenzymatic cofactor for activated protein C (APC) in the inactivation of coagulation factors Va and VIIIa, and helps to provide an essential negative feedback on blood coagulation. Previous indirect evidence suggested that the thrombin-sensitive region (TSR: residues 47-75, 1 disulfide) and the first epidermal growth factorlike region (EGF1: residues 76-116, 3 disulfides) of protein S may be functionally important for expression of its APC cofactor activity. To study the functional importance of these modules directly, access to the isolated TSR and EGF1 modules would be preferred. Recombinant expression of protein S intact TSR and correctly folded EGF1 has not been possible. Here we describe the synthesis of both TSR and EGF1 modules by stepwise solid phase peptide synthesis using the in situ neutralization/2-(1H-benzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluron ium hexafluorophosphate activation procedure for tert-butoxycarbonyl chemistry. For the TSR, correct intramodular disulfide bonding was confirmed. To overcome folding difficulties with the EGF1, a two-step oxidation procedure was used in which the cysteines involved in the middle, crossing, disulfide bond (Cys85-Cys102) remained protected with acetamidomethyl (Acm) groups after hydrogen fluoride treatment of the peptide resin. Selective formation of the first two disulfide bonds (Cys80-Cys93 and Cys104-Cys113) was followed by release of the Acm groups and subsequent formation of the third disulfide bond (Cys85-Cys102). CD studies revealed 54% of beta-sheet/turn in the EGF1 that is characteristic for EGF modules. Deuterium exchange studies suggested a very tightly packed core in EGF1 that is not accessible to the bulk solvent, likely a result from the compact structure caused by its three disulfide bonds. The 30% beta-sheet structure observed in the TSR involved amide protons that could be readily exchanged by deuterons, likely reflecting a more flexible structure of the TSR loop in contrast to the rigid structure of EGF1. The establishment of synthetic access to the TSR and EGF1 of protein S provides a versatile tool to study interactions of these modules with the blood coagulation components of the anticoagulant plasma protein C pathway.
Parallel Oxidation Mechanism for Si Oxidation in Dry O 2

Recent results of 18O tracer experiments on thermal oxidation of Si in dry suggest two oxidizing species are responsible for the growth of . We examine here a model that reflects these mechanisms in the growth rate, using a sum of two linear‐parabolic growth rates. The model gives very close fits to the oxidation kinetics data for oxides ranging from 30A to 1 μm thick and for temperatures from 800° to 1200°C at both (100) and (111) Si orientations. Only three parameters are necessary in this model to provide excellent fits to the experimental data. A parallel diffusion of and another undetermined species is consistent with the result.
Older Adults’ Driving Reduction and Cessation: Perspectives of Adult Children

Purpose of the Study. Adult children are often directly affected by aging parents' decision to limit or stop driving. This qualitative study examined the process of driving reduction and cessation (DRC) from the perspective of adult children, with a focus on family communication. Design and Methods. Four focus group interviews were conducted with 37 adult children (29/37 female; mean age = 45.5) of older parents using a structured protocol. Transcripts were analyzed by two independent coders to identify major themes. Results. Themes represented three aspects of the DRC process: family communication and dynamics (i.e., discussion, negotiation, and planning; avoidance and side stepping; resignation and refusal), taking action to end a parent's driving career (i.e., engaging a third party; taking away the car), and post-cessation reflection (i.e., relief; social benefits; resentment and guilt). Implications. Despite the potential benefits of planning for DRC, families are unsure about how best to approach this topic. Adult children worry about assuming responsibility for their parents' transportation needs and their parents' reactions to restricted mobility. Despite a reluctance to communicate openly about DRC, adult children and their parents share similar and significant concerns that merit increased attention. Language: en
CELLULAR LOCALIZATION OF ROUS SARCOMA VIRUS AS STUDIED WITH FLUORESCENT ANTIBODY

A study has been made of the immunospecific, apple-green staining patterns imparted by fluorescent antibody to Rous virus in frozen sections of wing tumors produced in young chickens by various initiating doses of virus. Variations in the cellular site (cytoplasm, cell membrane, and nucleus), the distribution (particulate or homogeneous), and the quantity (little or much) of Rous viral antigens were seen. The per cent of sarcoma cells containing viral antigens was related to the tumor initiating dose of virus and to the infectivity titer of virus extracted from the wing tumor. With certain assumptions it was estimated that a quantity of virus approaching one tumor-producing dose (1 TD50) per tissue section was detectable with fluorescent antibody. Sarcoma cells containing viral antigens were identified as early as 4 days after inoculation of Rous virus. At this time viral antigens were also localized in the skeletal muscle of the inoculated wing in a characteristic focal pattern of deposition near or on the sarcolemma. This association between viral antigens and skeletal muscle fibers was observed also at 3 days after virus inoculation, when sarcoma cells were not yet demonstrable in the tissue sections. Viral antigens were detected in sarcoma cells in lung tumors of young chickens and in tumors of the chorioallantoic membrane of chick embryos.
Communication on line networks with deterministic or erasure broadcast channels

The capacity regions of line networks with node capacity constraints and broadcasting are derived when the broadcast channels are either deterministic or have erasures.
Microtubule Nucleating Capacity of Centrosomes in Tissue Sections

We used a novel adaptation of methods for microtubule polymerization in vitro to assess the MTOC activity of centrosomes in frozen-sectioned tissues. Remarkably, centrosomes of tissue sections retain the ability to nucleate microtubules even after several years of storage as frozen tissue blocks. Adaptations of these methods allow accurate counts of microtubules from individual cells and the quantitative estimation the MTOC activity of the intact tissue. These methods can be utilized to characterize MTOC activity in normal and diseased tissues and in particular tissues at different stages of development. (J Histochem Cytochem 47:1265-1273, 1999)
Evaluation of halite dissolution at a radioactive waste disposal site, Andrews County, Texas

Waste Control Specialists (WCS) has been granted permits to dispose of radioactive waste at their surface facility in western Andrews County, Texas, U.S.A. The facility is located over Permian-age, halite-bearing formations, and the possibility of dissolution and its effects on the long-term performance of the disposal site must be considered. We compare data from the WCS site and vicinity to three conceptual hydrologic models of dissolution processes (shallow, deep, and stratabound). Geophysical logs yield stratigraphic and lithofacies data from the underlying halite-bearing units, the Permian Rustler and Salado Formations. The halite units are continuous, and thickness and lithofacies vary by depositional process, with no discernible postdepositional dissolution. Modest structural trends in these units differ from local changes in evaporite thickness. Therefore, deformation is not related to thickness differences. Local thickness changes in the middle of the Salado Formation indicate depositional variations. Core obtained from upper evaporite-bearing formations at the WCS site show normal depositional features and no brecciation that would be associated with postdepositional dissolution. Deeply buried bedded halite behaves as a ductile material, and the effective stress is close to zero, so that the pressure in pore fluids approaches lithostatic. Hydraulic gradients are outward from halite toward overlying and underlying rocks, eliminating access for low-salinity fluids. Formation fluids at depth are commonly saline and slow moving, further limiting the dissolution process. The hydrologic systems at the site limit the potential for future dissolution.
Bamana Identity, State Formation, and the Sources of Bamana Art

Bamana: The Art of Existence in Mali. Museum for African Art, New York. September 19, 2001—March 2, 2002. Bamana: The Art of Existence in Mali. Jean-Paul Colleyn. ed. New York: Museum for African Art, in association with Museum Rietberg and Snoek-Ducaju and Zoon, 2001. 263 pp.
Climate Reconstruction from Leaf Size and Shape: New Developments and Challenges

Leaf physiognomy (size and shape) in fossils is commonly used to reconstruct terrestrial paleoclimate. Physiognomic leaf-climate methods are underpinned mostly by the covariation between toothed margins and mean annual temperature (MAT) and between leaf size and mean annual precipita- tion. Digital leaf physiognomy, a multivariate method based largely on variables that are functionally linked to climate and that can be measured by computer algorithm, minimizes many of the deficiencies present in other approaches. Nevertheless, the relationships between MAT and many physiognomic vari- ables, especially tooth-related variables, are confounded by leaf thickness, leaf habit (deciduous vs. ever- green), and phylogenetic history. Until these factors are properly accounted for, a minimum error in MAT of ±4 °C for digital leaf physiognomy and ±5 °C for other methods should be assumed.
Leveraging Multiple Views of Text for Automatic Question Generation

Automatic question generation can play a vital role in educational applications such as intelligent tutoring systems. Prior work in question generation relies primarily on one view of the sentence provided by a parser of a given type, such as phrase structure trees or predicate argument structure. In contrast, we explore using multiple views from different parsers to create a tree structure which represents items of interest for question generation. This approach resulted in a 17% reduction in the error rate compared with our prior work, which achieved a 44% reduction in the error rate compared to state-of-the-art question generation systems. Additionally, the work presented in this paper generates with greater question variety than our previous work, and creates 21% more semantically-oriented versus factoid questions.
Nurse ethical awareness Understanding the nature of everyday practice

Much attention has been paid to the role of the nurse in recognizing and addressing ethical dilemmas. There has been less emphasis, however, on the issue of whether or not nurses understand the ethical nature of everyday practice. Awareness of the inherently ethical nature of practice is a component of nurse ethical sensitivity, which has been identified as a component of ethical decision-making. Ethical sensitivity is generally accepted as a necessary precursor to moral agency, in that recognition of the ethical content of practice is necessary before consistent action on behalf of patient interests can take place. This awareness is also compulsory in ensuring patient good by recognizing the unique interests and wishes of individuals, in line with an ethic of care. Scholarly and research literature are used to argue that bolstering ethical awareness and ensuring that nurses understand the ethical nature of the role are an obligation of the profession. Based on this line of reasoning, recommendations for education and practice, along with directions for future research, are suggested.
Bean Leaf Beetle : Micro-Spatial Patterns and Sequential Sampling of Field Populations

Dispersion of teneral and mature bean leaf beetles (BLB) populations approximated a negative binomial with the single individual being the basic component of the distribution. Aggregation indices indicated departure from randomness but only a slight degree of clumping. The common k of the negative binomial was distinctly lower for callow BLB than for mature BLB. The degree of aggregation of mature BLB was correlated with the seasonal fluctuations in abundance of the callow BLB. It is suggested that the ovipositing behavior of females is the causative factor of subsequent BLB aggregation. Using sampling decision rules for adult BLB based on Morisita's I∂ and Lloyd's coefficients, 30–50 random samples of 20 sweeps adequately estimate BLB densities in homogeneous soybean fields. Simple sequential sampling methods suited to ecological population studies and estimation of population levels in relation to a predetermined threshold are suggested.
Determination of Rupture Duration and Stress Drop for Earthquakes in New England

In this study we determined rupture durations and stress drops for twelve earthquakes in New England and vicinity using the pulse duration matching method. For the earthquakes rupture durations increase from 0.035 sec to 0.143 sec as magnitudes increase from 2.3 to 4.0. Stress drops range from 2.6 bars to 20.1 bars with a mean stress drop of 7.4 bars. The results are consistent with those of earthquakes with similar magnitudes in northeastern North America given by Atkinson (1993) and Boatwright (1994). Stress drops of earthquakes in New England are much lower than those of earthquakes with similar magnitudes in southern California given by Frankel and Kanamori (1983), suggesting that the two regions may be under different tectonic stresses.
The Meanings of Stress: Expanding the Stress Process Model

The concept of meaning plays a central role in major conceptualizations of the stress process, yet it remains underanalyzed by sociologists. In this article, the author proposes a series of research questions that place meaning construction at the center of the stress process. The questions are motivated by a review of limitations of prior approaches to analyzing meaning: appraisals, narrative ratings, social context, and respondents’ personal meanings. These approaches use meaning to improve the prediction of stress outcomes but neglect their social origins. Two new lines of research on meaning are proposed to address this limitation: the structural and cultural origins of meaning and the process of meaning negotiation. These lines of research broaden the view of the “social” in social stress research and allow a more comprehensive understanding of the processes through which social arrangements affect personal distress.
Expression of class II molecules on intestinal epithelial cells in humans: Differences between normal and inflammatory bowel disease*

Abstract Expression of class II antigens on human intestinal epithelial cells was assessed using a sensitive avidin-biotin-peroxidase technique. HLA-DR was present predominantly in the normal small bowel with diminished but evident expression in the colon. HLA-DP staining was less prominent, and HLA-DQ was absent. In inflammatory bowel disease the expression of both HLA-DR and HLA-DP was increased, but that for HLA-DQ remained absent, suggesting an inherent defect in the ability of intestinal epithelial cells to express HLA-DQ. In related experiments, an interferon gamma-treated malignant epithelial cell line T84 also failed to stain for HLA-DQ and HLA-DP despite the presence of HLA-DR. Isolated RNAs for all three subclasses of HLA-D were detectable by slot-blot analysis, suggesting that the lack of HLA-DQ expression relates to posttran-scriptional defects in intestinal epithelium. These and other differences with conventional class II antigen-positive accessory cells (macrophages/B cells) may help to explain the unique properties of intestinal epithelial cells as antigen-presenting cells.
Seasonal and regional variations in extreme precipitation event frequency using CMIP5

Understanding how the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events are changing is important for regional risk assessments and adaptation planning. Here we use observational data and an ensemble of climate change model experiments (from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5)) to examine past and potential future seasonal changes in extreme precipitation event frequency over the United States. Using the extreme precipitation index as a metric for extreme precipitation change, we find key differences between models and observations. In particular, the CMIP5 models tend to overestimate the number of spring events and underestimate the number of summer events. This seasonal shift in the models is amplified in projections. These results provide a basis for evaluating climate model skill in simulating observed seasonality and changes in regional extreme precipitation. Additionally, we highlight key sources of variability and uncertainty that can potentially inform regional impact analyses and adaptation planning.
Effect of maternal serum insulin on umbilical extraction of glucose and lactate in fed and fasted sheep

In 18 chronically instrumented pregnant ewes in late gestation, umbilical extractions of glucose and lactate were determined before and during the continuous infusion of ovine insulin, 0.25 mU/kg · min, into one uterine artery. Studies were conducted in both well-nourished and fasting ewes. Exogenous insulin increased the umbilical extraction of glucose without altering the umbilical extraction of lactate over the range of concentrations of maternal blood glucose encountered in the fed and fasted states. Moreover, the efflux of lactate into the uterine venous circulation in two additional ewes was not altered by the administration of insulin. These studies support the hypothesis that maternal circulating insulin binds to insulin receptors on the microvillous brush border of the placenta to effect an increase in the carrier-mediated transfer of glucose rather than cause an intraplacental decrease in the catabolism of glucose to lactate. The results suggest that, as maternal levels of blood glucose and serum insulin spontaneously rise in concert over the physiologic range, both factors may contribute to the increasing umbilical extraction of glucose. Furthermore, these observations raise the possibility that decreased binding of insulin by placental insulin receptors, which is reported to occur in placentas from diabetic women, may be accompanied by a relatively decreased umbilical uptake of glucose for a given maternal concentration of glucose, but not of lactate.
The Contexts and Dynamics of Science Communication and Language

This final contribution to this special Journal of Language and Social Psychology issue on “using the science of language to improve translation of the language of science” places the articles in the context and nature of the broader literature on science communication, particularly as it relates to the media. This framework is crafted with a view to identifying the complex factors and processes that create translation problems, highlighting models and approaches that can improve science communication. Throughout, we propose a parsimonious set of research agenda items. Scholars wishing to move between different models of science communication should take into consideration the processes of formative evaluation, intergroup accommodation, and message design logics.
The Productivity Slowdown in the United States

In this chapter the passage of the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982, which created the SBIR program, is placed in the context of the U.S. productivity slowdown in the 1970s.
Compact Omnidirectional Circularly Polarized Antenna

In certain radar and wireless communication applications, omnidirectional circularly polarized (CP) antennas are desired but existing solutions have complex 3-D structures and are large in size. In this paper, a compact and low profile CP antenna having omnidirectional pattern on azimuthal plane is demonstrated. The CP waveform is synthesized by combining two linearly polarized and omnidirectional antennas with 90° phase difference on their terminals. The most challenging part of the design is the realization of the horizontally polarized antenna with omnidirectional radiation pattern. This antenna is designed using a novel two-faced slot antenna structure capable of emitting in-phase radiation of equal magnitude on both sides of the antenna. The two faces of the low-profile slot antenna are connected by a thin meander parallel plate waveguide to provide antiparallel field distributions over the two faces of the slot radiators. This special design removes radiation nulls on E-plane that exists on conventional slot antennas, the mechanism of which has been carefully discussed in this paper. The other antenna is a compatible pair of planar inverted-F antennas constructed on the sides of the finite-ground plane two-faced slot antenna for the provision of vertically polarized omnidirectional radiation. A feed network with power splitter and phase shifter is also accommodated on the compact CP antenna. The antenna is designed and fabricated, and its performance is measured against numerical simulations. It is shown that the fabricated antenna at 2.4 GHz can provide measured axial ratio of lower than 1.8 and gain variations of less than ±1.5 dB over all azimuth angles.
Electrochemical-mechanically triggered transient electronics

Electronics, which functions for a designed time period and then degrades, holds promise in lots of areas, including medical implants, disposable electronic devices and data securing hardware. Here, we report a new type of transient electronics that is triggered through electrochemical-mechanical manner with robust and reliable mechanical design, low triggering voltage and fast transient characteristics. Such device is constructed through integrating electrochemical-mechanically triggered MEMS module with functional electronics. The electrochemical-mechanical triggering mechanism in this device opens up new vistas for transient electronics designs. Various materials and different type of electronics has been demonstrated.
K-ras mutation for prediction of response to chemotherapy plus autophagy inhibition in NSCLC.

e19069 Background: Autophagy (ATG) preserves growth potential during cellular stresses and may promote chemotherapy resistance. K-ras deficient mouse models depend on ATG for tumor growth. Hydroxyc...
Controlled synthesis of few layer graphene films for gas sensor applications

A novel approach for synthesis of few layer graphene films on SiC has been developed which uses halogen based inductively coupled-reactive ion etching (ICP-RIE) and rapid thermal annealing (RTA) in atmospheric pressure argon. These films have been characterized using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy. Surface characterization by XPS reveals the presence of defects similar to those observed for graphene oxide (GO) but at a much lower levels that those observed for GO. As in the case for GO, the defect density could be further reduced by chemical methods which improved carbon to defect ratio based on XPS analyses. Raman spectroscopy showed the presence of D, G and 2D peaks at 1330 cm-1, 1599 cm-1 and 2671 cm-1, respectively, which is comparable with similar graphene films formed by thermal annealing of SiC. The full widths at half max (FWHM) for these peaks was, however, comparable to those observed for GO. Electrical characterization of these graphene films using collinear four point probe measurements showed the electrical resistivity of these films is consistent with the observed values for few layer exfoliated graphene. Gas sensor structures were fabricated using lithography free methods, and initial gas response studies were performed for H2.
Legal Issues for New Ventures: Choice of Lawyer and Choice of Entity

This note discusses the legal issues entrepreneurs must consider as they form their company as a legal entity. In Q&A format, the note concisely defines the types of entity available and discusses when and how to engage a lawyer. Excerpt UVA-ENT-0072 LEGAL ISSUES FOR NEW VENTURES: CHOICE OF LAWYER AND CHOICE OF ENTITY Introduction Moving a new business from the idea stage to that of legal entity is an exciting step in the entrepreneurial process. In this note, we explore some of the typical and essential questions an entrepreneur might ask during this phase of development. Questions . . .
John Dewey’s pragmatic technology

Thanks in large part to Larry A. Hickman’s (1992) John Dewey’s Pragmatic Technology, it is now widely accepted that John Dewey was one of the first philosophers of technology. Because John Dewey re...
Investigating Alkylsilane Monolayer Tribology at a Single-Asperity Contact with Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Chemisorbed monolayer films are known to possess favorable characteristics for nanoscale lubrication of micro- and nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS). Prior studies have shown that the friction observed for monolayer-coated surfaces features a strong dependence on the geometry of contact. Specifically, tip-like geometries have been shown to penetrate into monolayer films, inducing defects in the monolayer chains and leading to plowing mechanisms during shear, which result in higher coefficients of friction (COF) than those observed for planar geometries. In this work, we use molecular dynamics simulations to examine the tribology of model silica single-asperity contacts under shear with monolayer-coated substrates featuring various film densities. It is observed that lower monolayer densities lead to reduced COFs, in contrast to results for planar systems where COF is found to be nearly independent of monolayer density. This is attributed to a liquid-like response to shear, whereby fewer defects ar...
Addressing a Patient's Hope for a Miracle

Ill patients may make decisions to continue aggressive life-prolonging care based on hope for a miraculous recovery, and clinicians can find goals of care discussions with these patients extremely challenging. Thus, palliative care providers may be asked to help in these discussions. The concept of "miracle" can express a multitude of hopes, fears, and religious commitments. Effective, sensitive engagement requires the palliative care provider to attend to these variegated hopes, fears, and commitments. This case presents a typology of ways patients express hope for a miracle along with analysis of the motivations and beliefs underlying such hopes and suggestions for tailored responses by palliative care providers.
Severe Mental Illnesses in Asian Americans: Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

Cultural beliefs, medical traditions, and language are just some of the characteristics that distinguish the uniqueness and distinctness of mental illness within Asian American community compared to other U.S. populations. The assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for ethnic Asian patients affected by mental illness requires culturally appropriate and flexible approaches for effective service delivery. Working with the families of schizophrenia and bipolar patients, as well as addressing the stigma associated with mental illness is especially important for Asian American patients, even more than mainstream and other American ethnic groups.. Of note, there is a limited number of studies on schizophrenia and no research on bipolar disorders among Asian Americans. Recommendations for better service delivery include specific guidelines for assessment and treatment of Asian American clients, particularly noting some of the particular needs of an individual subgroup (language, for example) within the general minority community.
Effectiveness of Iliopsoas Self-Stretching on Hip Extension Angle, Gluteus Maximus Activity, and Pelvic Compensations during Prone Hip Extension in Subjects with Iliopsoas Shortness

Purpose: This study examined the effectiveness of iliopsoas self-stretching on the hip extension angle, gluteus maximus (GM) activity, and pelvic compensated angle during prone hip extension (PHE) in subjects with iliopsoas shortness. Methods: Twenty-healthy subjects with iliopsoas shortness were re...
Different roles for plasminogen activators and metalloproteinases in melanoma metastasis

Malignant human melanoma cells produce many matrix-degrading enzymes, including plasminogen activators and matrix metalloproteinases. These enzymes have substrate specificity for different components of ECM and most of them have been demonstrated to contribute to melanoma cell-mediated dissolution of matrices and to melanoma cell invasion. The degradation of complex matrices in vitro requires the cooperation of proteases with specificity for glycoproteins and collagens. The contribution of proteases to spontaneous melanoma metastasis was studied by overexpressing specific protease inhibitors in human melanoma cells. Overexpression of PAI-2 inhibited the spread of distant metastasis indicating a role for uPA/plasmin in melanoma invasion. Overexpression of TIMP-2, in contrast, reduced the growth rate of subcutaneous tumors, but did not inhibit metastasis, indicating that MMP activities promote melanoma growth in the skin and may not be required for metastatic dissemination. Thus, uPA and MMP activities are involved in different processes, but they both contribute to melanoma malignancy.
Searching for Authoritative Documents in Knowledge-Base Communities

Knowledge-based communities are popular Web-based tools that allow members to share and seek knowledge globally. However, research on how to search effectively within such knowledge repositories is scant. In this paper we study the problem of finding authoritative documents for user queries within a knowledge-based community. Unlike prior research on the ranking function design which considers only content or hyperlink information, we leverage the social network information embedded in the rich social media, in addition to content, to design novel ranking strategies. Using the Knowledge Adoption Model as the guiding theoretical framework, we design features that gauge the two major factors affecting users’ knowledge adoption decisions: argument quality (AQ) and source credibility (SC). We design two ranking strategies that blend these two sources of evidence with the content-based relevance judgment. A preliminary study using a real world knowledge-based community showed that both AQ and SC features improved search effectiveness.
Microvascular changes in early diabetes mellitus.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses microvascular changes in early diabetes mellitus. The numbers of knobs that may be seen and counted in the capillary loops of man in the nailfold and at the inner malleolus are examined in the chapter. These knobs, which may remind of the so-called capillary aneurysms described in the retina, have been observed most frequently along the transitional limb, but they also occur in the course of the loops. They may be observed in the skin and mucous membrane of the mouth and can easily be photographed and objectively counted at the nailfold. The occurrence of knobs in the four groups of subjects, namely, normal, pre-diabetics, chemical diabetics, and overt diabetics, are illustrated in the chapter. A quantitatively significant difference in knobs seems to exist between nondiabetic normals and each of the three other groups, that is, prediabetics, chemical diabetics, and overt diabetics. In the pre-diabetics, there is a positive statistical correlation between knobs and glucose area changes. This relationship is not seen in the chemical diabetics.
Endophyte traits relevant to stress tolerance, resource use and habitat of origin predict effects on host plants

All terrestrial plants are colonized by foliar endophytic fungi that can affect plant growth and physiology, but the prediction of these effects on the plant host remains a challenge. Here, we examined three paradigms that potentially control how endophytes affect plant hosts: habitat adaptation, evolutionary history and functional traits. We screened 35 plant-endophyte pairings in a microcosm experiment under well-watered and drought conditions with Panicum virgatum as the host. We related the measured plant responses to fungal phylogenetic relatedness, characteristics of fungal habitats across a rainfall gradient and functional traits of the fungi related to stress tolerance and resource use. The functional traits and habitat characteristics of the fungi predicted 26-53% of endophyte-mediated effects on measures of plant growth, physiology and survival. Overall, survival was higher for plants grown with more stress-tolerant fungi, and aboveground biomass was enhanced by fungi from warmer and drier habitats. Plant growth and physiology were also dependent on fungal resource use indicators; however, specific predictors were dependent on water availability. Simple ecological traits of foliar endophytic fungi observed in culture can translate to symbiotic lifestyles. These findings offer new insights and key testable predictions for likely pathways by which endophytes benefit the plant host.
Use of sodium bicarbonate and blood gas monitoring in diabetic ketoacidosis: A review

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe and too-common complication of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Acidosis is one of the fundamental disruptions stemming from the disease process, the complications of which are potentially lethal. Hydration and insulin administration have been the cornerstones of DKA therapy; however, adjunctive treatments such as the use of sodium bicarbonate and protocols that include serial monitoring with blood gas analysis have been much more controversial. There is substantial literature available regarding the use of exogenous sodium bicarbonate in mild to moderately severe acidosis; the bulk of the data argue against significant benefit in important clinical outcomes and suggest possible adverse effects with the use of bicarbonate. However, there is scant data to support or refute the role of bicarbonate therapy in very severe acidosis. Arterial blood gas (ABG) assessment is an element of some treatment protocols, including society guidelines, for DKA. We review the evidence supporting these recommendations. In addition, we review the data supporting some less cumbersome tests, including venous blood gas assessment and routine chemistries. It remains unclear that measurement of blood gas pH, via arterial or venous sampling, impacts management of the patient substantially enough to warrant the testing, especially if sodium bicarbonate administration is not being considered. There are special circumstances when serial ABG monitoring and/or sodium bicarbonate infusion are necessary, which we also review. Additional studies are needed to determine the utility of these interventions in patients with severe DKA and pH less than 7.0.
Ex Vivo Assessment of Porcine Donation After Circulatory Death Lungs That Undergo Increasing Warm Ischemia Times.

Background Increased utilization of donation after circulatory death (DCD) lungs may help alleviate the supply/demand mismatch between available donor organs and lung transplant candidates. Using an established porcine DCD model, we sought to determine the effect of increasing warm ischemia time (WIT) after circulatory arrest on lung function during ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP). Methods Porcine donors (n = 15) underwent hypoxic cardiac arrest, followed by 60, 90, or 120 minutes of WIT before procurement and 4 hours of normothermic EVLP. Oxygenation, pulmonary artery pressure, airway pressure, and compliance were measured hourly. Lung injury scores were assessed histologically after 4 hours of EVLP. Results After EVLP, all 3 groups met all the criteria for transplantation, except for 90-minute WIT lungs, which had a mean pulmonary artery pressure increase greater than 15%. There were no significant differences between groups as assessed by final oxygenation capacity, as well as changes in pulmonary artery pressure, airway pressure, or lung compliance. Histologic lung injury scores as well as lung wet-to-dry weight ratios did not significantly differ between groups. Conclusions These results suggest that longer WIT alone (up to 120 minutes) does not predict worse lung function at the conclusion of EVLP. Expanding acceptable WIT after circulatory death may eventually allow for increased utilization of DCD lungs in procurement protocols.
Requirements for Root of Trust Establishment

Root-of-Trust (RoT) establishment assures that either a state of an untrusted system contains all and only content chosen by an external verifier and the verifier’s code begins execution in that state, or the verifier discovers the existence of unaccounted content. RoT establishment is sufficient to assure program booting in malware-free system states, and necessary for establishing secure initial states for any software system. In particular, it is necessary for software deployed in access control and cryptographic applications despite the presence of an adversary (e.g., persistent malware) that controls that system. In this paper, we define requirements for RoT establishment and their relationships. These requirements differ from those for software-based and cryptographic attestation protocols. We point out these differences and explain why these protocols cannot be expected to satisfy the defined RoT requirements. Then we argue that jointly satisfying all these requirements yields a secure solution for establishing malware-free states – a strictly weaker requirement than RoT establishment. However, to establish RoT, it is sufficient to load a family of almost universal hash functions in a malware-fee state and then verify their outputs when applied to state components.
Conceptual versus procedural approaches to ordering fractions

This paper reports the performance of 30 rising seventh-grade girls on a task in which they were asked to order four fractions from least to greatest. Less than three-fifths attained correct answers. The performance gap was widest between students who attended Title I schools and those who did not, the latter being much more likely to attain correct answers. The achievement gap was less prominent by race/ethnicity, family socioeconomic status, and community type (suburban/urban versus rural). Participants tended to use conceptual and procedural approaches equally, but conceptual approaches were more successful. The most common conceptual strategy was making drawings that illustrated part-whole concepts, and the most common procedural strategy was converting fractions to equivalent fractions. The most problematic fractions to place in order of relative size were the two middle fractions, which were somewhat closer to each other in size than other adjacent pairs and were farthest from the benchmarks of 0 or 1. Based on these and other research findings, we conclude that it would benefit students to possess a greater repertoire of specific strategies, especially conceptual strategies such as use of number lines, benchmarks, and set models, for working with fractions.
Plasmonic Hot Hole Transfer in Gold Nanoparticle-Decorated Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Nanosheets

This work studies photogenerated carrier dynamics in gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-decorated mono- to few-layer transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanosheets using transient absorption spectroscopy (...
Abdominoplasty with Combined Surgery

Abdominoplasty is the fifth most common cosmetic plastic surgery procedure performed in the United States and combining it with other procedures has become more the norm than the outlier. Liposuction is the most common adjunctive procedure, followed by breast surgery, lower back lift, and thigh lift, in addition to hernia repair and gynecologic procedures. The goal of these combination procedures includes creating more global aesthetic improvement while protecting patients from complications, based on consideration of confounding medical variables and increased risks presented by surgery of prolonged duration and exposure.
Toxicities with combination BRAF and MEK inhibition in resected stage III melanoma.

e22086Background: Patients with stage III melanoma are at high risk for recurrence after resection of the primary lesion. The Combi-AD study showed adjuvant therapy with BRAF inhibitor, dabrafenib ...
Direct Peritoneal Resuscitation Improves Survival in a Murine Model of Combined Hemorrhage and Burn Injury

Introduction Combined burn injury and hemorrhagic shock are a common cause of injury in wounded warfighters. Current protocols for resuscitation for isolated burn injury and isolated hemorrhagic shock are well defined, but the optimal strategy for combined injury is not fully established. Direct peritoneal resuscitation (DPR) has been shown to improve survival in rats after hemorrhagic shock, but its role in a combined burn/hemorrhage injury is unknown. We hypothesized that DPR would improve survival in mice subjected to combined burn injury and hemorrhage. Materials and methods Male C57/BL6J mice aged 8 weeks were subjected to a 7-second 30% total body surface area scald in a 90°C water bath. Following the scald, mice received DPR with 1.5 mL normal saline or 1.5 mL peritoneal dialysis solution (Delflex). Control mice received no peritoneal solution. Mice underwent a controlled hemorrhage shock via femoral artery cannulation to a systolic blood pressure of 25 mm Hg for 30 minutes. Mice were then resuscitated to a target blood pressure with either lactated Ringer's (LR) or a 1:1 ratio of packed red blood cells (pRBCs) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Mice were observed for 24 hours following injury. Results Median survival time for mice with no DPR was 1.47 hours in combination with intravascular LR resuscitation and 2.08 hours with 1:1 pRBC:FFP. Median survival time significantly improved with the addition of intraperitoneal normal saline or Delflex. Mice that received DPR followed by 1:1 pRBC:FFP required less intravascular volume than mice that received DPR with LR, pRBC:FFP alone, and LR alone. Intraperitoneal Delflex was associated with higher levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha and macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha and lower levels of interleukin 10 and intestinal fatty acid binding protein. Intraperitoneal normal saline resulted in less lung injury 1 hour postresuscitation, but increased to similar severity of Delflex at 4 hours. Conclusions After a combined burn injury and hemorrhage, DPR leads to increased survival in mice. Survival was similar with the use of normal saline or Delflex. DPR with normal saline reduced the inflammatory response seen with Delflex and delayed the progression of acute lung injury. DPR may be a valuable strategy in the treatment of patients with combined burn injury and hemorrhage.
Postoperative radiotherapy is associated with improved overall survival for alveolar ridge squamous cell carcinoma with adverse pathologic features.

BACKGROUND Alveolar ridge squamous cell carcinoma (ARSCC) is poorly represented in randomized trials. METHODS Adults in the National Cancer Database diagnosed with ARSCC between 2010 and 2014 who should be considered for postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)-defined risk factors were identified. RESULTS Eight hundred forty-five (58%) of 1457 patients meeting the inclusion criteria received PORT. PORT was associated with improved overall survival (OS) on unadjusted (hazard ratio [HR] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70-0.98, P = .02) and multivariable (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.64-0.94, P = .002) analyses. PORT was associated with significantly improved 5-year OS for patients with 1 (68% vs 58%, P < .001), 2 (52% vs 31%, P < .001), and ≥3 (38% vs 24%, P < .001) NCCN-defined risk factors. Prognostic variables significantly associated with worse OS on multivariable analysis included advanced age, primary tumor size ≥3 cm, high grade, positive margin(s), stage N2-3, level IV/V nodal metastasis, and extranodal extension. CONCLUSION PORT for resected ARSCC with adverse pathologic features is associated with significantly improved OS.
Racism Hidden in Schools Through Smiling and Shaking Hands

We live in an era where various forms of discrimination are reconfigured, disguised, and hidden through different mechanisms. Blacks and other racially marginalized groups may not be officially enslaved or colonized, but they continue to be victims of subtle forms of racism hidden through smiles. Smiling, in other words, is used as a veil to hide deep-seated racial prejudice against people of color in institutions, like schools and the workplace.