cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emolabeling increases healthy food choices among grade school children in a structured grocery aisle setting

Health literacy, the ability to acquire health-related knowledge and make appropriate health-related decisions, is regarded as a key barrier to meaningfully convey health information to children and can impact food choice. Emolabeling is an image-based labeling strategy aimed at addressing this problem by conveying health information using emotional correlates of health using emoticons (happy = healthy; sad = not healthy). To test the utility of such a method to promote healthy food choices among children, 64 children (59% girls, <5% non-White, mean BMI = 52nd percentile) in kindergarten through 5th grade were first given a brief 5-min lesson on how to use the emoticons, then asked to choose any 4 foods in each of 2 aisles structured to mimic a grocery aisle - there were 12 identical foods placed in the same location in each aisle with half being low calorie and half high calorie snacks. Foods were emolabeled in one aisle; no emolabels were used in the other aisle; the order that children were brought in each aisle was counterbalanced. Results showed that adding emolabels increased the number (M ± SD) of healthy foods chosen (3.6 ± 0.7 with vs. 2.3 ± 1.1 without emolabels present [95% CI 1.0, 1.5], R(2) = .67) and reduced the total calories (M ± SD) of foods chosen (193.5 ± 88.5 Cal with vs. 374.3 ± 152.6 Cal without emolabels present [95% CI -212.6, -149.0], R(2) = .70). Hence, adding emolabels was associated with healthier food choices among children, thereby demonstrating one possible strategy to effectively overcome health literacy barriers at these ages.
Myelodysplastic syndrome survival and secondary AML trends in the United States.

7552Background: Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a rare heterogeneous group of hematologic stem cell disorders. The most recent FDA therapies approved for the treatment of MDS were decitabine (May...
A prospective observational cohort study of posterior tibial nerve stimulation in patients with multiple sclerosis: design and methods

Posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a promising treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with MS. However, long term data focusing on PTNS impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), bowel and bladder symptoms are lacking. This paper describes a study protocol that examines the extended efficacy of PTNS on MS related bladder and bowel symptoms and resulting HRQOL. This is a single-centered, prospective, longitudinal, observational cohort study of patients with MS who suffer from LUTS and are refractory to two prior treatment modalities. Participants who have elected to pursue PTNS therapy for LUTS will be eligible. The primary outcome is the median number of urinary frequency and incontinence episodes on a 3-day voiding diary at 3, 12 and 24 months compared to baseline. Secondary outcome measures will include change in total AUA-SS, M-ISI, NBSS, SF-12, SSS and BCS scores from baseline The Expanded Disability Status Scale and magnetic resonance imaging will be evaluated at baseline and annually throughout the study. This research protocol aims to expand on the existing literature regarding outcomes of PTNS in MS. Specifically, it will provide long term follow-up data on bladder, bowel, sexual and HRQOL outcomes. The completion of this study will provide longitudinal efficacy data of the impact of PTNS in MS patients. NCT04063852 .
Rehabilitation for Rhabdomyolysis Associated With Breast Cancer Treatment

Rhabdomyolysis can result in pain, physical limitations and may require hospitalization for medical management; however, little evidence has been reported on the efficacy of physical therapy (PT) interventions for this condition. Additionally, a review of literature on occurrences of rhabdomyolysis associated with cancer treatments yielded limited results. The purpose of this case report was to describe the acute and inpatient rehabilitation (IPR) examination, interventions, and outcomes for a patient with breast cancer and rhabdomyolysis. The patient was a 57-year-old female with a history of recurrent breast cancer who presented to the hospital with a chief complaint of bilateral thigh pain and weakness after the second cycle of chemotherapy and was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis. After initially declining PT treatment during her first hospitalization, the patient was readmitted after a fall at home. She was hospitalized for 14 days with a transfer to IPR. The patient received a total of 12 days of PT (two acute care visits and 10 IPR visits) that included patient education, neuromuscular re-education, therapeutic exercise, and gait training. The patient was discharged home at a modified independent level with improvements in pain from 8/10 to 0/10 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Functionally, she improved from ambulating 20 feet (6.1 m) to 600 feet (183 m); her Timed Up and Go score improved from 62 seconds to 10 seconds. Finally, her Berg Balance Scale improved from 31/56 to 55/56. Data from this case study suggest that PT management appears to improve functional outcomes for individuals diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis while undergoing chemotherapy, however, a holistic approach was necessary for progress to educate her on the importance of participation in PT with this condition. Further research is required to explore factors that influence rhabdomyolysis in the presence of chemotherapy as well as the recommended rehabilitation program for rhabdomyolysis.
Exploiting collateral sensitivity controls growth of mixed culture of sensitive and resistant cells and decreases selection for resistant cells in a cell line model

CDK4/6 inhibitors such as ribociclib are becoming widely used targeted therapies in hormone-receptor-positive (HR+) human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2−) breast cancer. However, cancers can advance due to drug resistance, a problem in which tumor heterogeneity and evolution are key features. Ribociclib-resistant HR+/HER2− CAMA-1 breast cancer cells were generated through long-term ribociclib treatment. Characterization of sensitive and resistant cells were performed using RNA sequencing and whole exome sequencing. Lentiviral labeling with different fluorescent proteins enabled us to track the proliferation of sensitive and resistant cells under different treatments in a heterogeneous, 3D spheroid coculture system using imaging microscopy and flow cytometry. Transcriptional profiling of sensitive and resistant cells revealed the downregulation of the G2/M checkpoint in the resistant cells. Exploiting this acquired vulnerability; resistant cells exhibited collateral sensitivity for the Wee-1 inhibitor, adavosertib (AZD1775). The combination of ribociclib and adavosertib achieved additional antiproliferative effect exclusively in the cocultures compared to monocultures, while decreasing the selection for resistant cells. Our results suggest that optimal antiproliferative effects in heterogeneous cancers can be achieved via an integrative therapeutic approach targeting sensitive and resistant cancer cell populations within a tumor, respectively.
Witnessing Cyberbullying and Internalizing Symptoms among Middle School Students.

Cyberbullying is a significant problem among school-aged youth. Cyberbullying peaks in middle school with 33% of middle school students reporting cyberbullying victimization and more than 50% reporting witnessing cyberbullying as bystanders. Although the association between cyberbullying victimization and internalizing symptoms is well documented, there is limited research examining the impact of witnessing cyberbullying on bystanders. To assess differences in internalizing symptoms between cyberbullying bystanders and non-bystanders, a school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among middle school students (6th–8th grade) in the United States (N = 130; 57.4% female; 42.6% male). Questionnaire data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of co-variance (MANCOVA) with three outcome variables (depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms) and the between-subject factor bystander status (bystander, non-bystander). We controlled for witnessing school bullying to examine the unique effect of witnessing cyberbullying on internalizing symptoms. Results of the MANCOVA indicated a significant effect for cyberbullying bystander status (p < 0.04). Post hoc analyses demonstrated that bystanders reported significantly higher levels of depression (p < 0.05), anxiety (p < 0.02), and somatic symptoms (p < 0.01) than non-bystanders. Findings suggest that programs to support students who witness cyberbullying are needed to reduce the mental health risks associated with being a cyberbullying bystander.
Confronting LCDM with Gravitational Lensing Constraints on Small Scale Structure

This paper primarily addresses the question of whether recent lensing observations probing the small scale structure in the universe are consistent with the LCDM model. A conservative approach is taken where only the most difficult to explain cases of image flux anomalies in strong lenses are considered. Numerical simulations are performed to compare predictions for the LCDM small scale mass function with observed flux ratios. It is found by simulating several represent cases that all the cusp caustic lens anomalies and the disagreements between monochromatic flux ratios and simple lens models might be explained without any substructure in the primary lenses' dark matter halos. Intergalactic LCDM halos are enough to naturally explain these cases. However, thus far, spectroscopic gravitational lensing observations require more small mass halos (~ 10^6 Msun) than is expected in the LCDM model.
A Bootstrap Procedure for Testing P-Technique Factor Analysis.

New data-collection methods (smartphones; wearable devices) afford researchers opportunities for studying psychological processes in detail. Data collected in these studies are often non-normal mul...
Proportionality in Personal Life

Efforts to apply the principle of proportionality to criminal sentences are notoriously problematic. But even though they are daunting, only a few legal philosophers believe we should give up trying to do so. Perhaps we can make progress overcoming some of the many legal difficulties by attending to how the principle is applied in non-legal contexts—that is, in contexts I call personal life. Proportionality, I believe, is an attractive principle in penal sentencing because it is an attractive principle in ordinary situations in which persons are sanctioned for wrongdoing. I briefly mention several familiar non-legal contexts in which sanctions have recently been imposed on celebrities or public figures for real or perceived wrongdoing. My hope is that sensitivity to how the principle of proportionality is interpreted in these contexts might facilitate efforts to apply this principle to sentencing domains. At first glance, proportionality as applied in non-legal contexts appears to differ from its penal analogue. I describe some of these alleged differences. Among the foremost is that judgments of proportionality in personal life often respond to how the transgressor has behaved apart from the particular incident that has attracted media attention. Penal sanctions, by contrast, are said to be imposed only for the particular crime(s) charged. I argue that this difference is more apparent than real. I conclude that we can reach a few modest insights about how to apply the principle of proportionality in criminal sentencing by attending to its counterpart in personal life.
Multiscale temperature-dependent ceramic matrix composite damage model with thermal residual stresses and manufacturing-induced damage

Abstract This work presents a multiscale thermomechanical simulation framework to capture the temperature-dependent damage behavior of woven ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). The framework consists of cooldown simulations, which capture a realistic material initial state, and subsequent mechanical loading simulations to capture temperature-dependent nonlinear stress–strain behavior. The cooldown simulations result in a realistic material initial state with thermal residual stresses and damage hotspots that occur due to constituent property mismatch and post-manufacturing cooldown. A fracture mechanics-informed thermomechanical progressive damage model is extended to capture the manufacturing-induced damage that occurs because of the high thermal residual stresses and to simulate the mechanical response of two-dimensional (2D) plain weave carbon (C) fiber, silicon carbide (SiC) matrix (C/SiC) CMCs at temperatures ranging from room temperature (RT) to 1200 °C. A combination of temperature-dependent material properties and damage model parameters are included in the model to simulate the effects of temperature on deformation and damage behavior. Model calibration was conducted using quasi-static tensile experimental data from the literature for RT, 700 °C, and 1200 °C and the nonlinear, temperature-dependent predictive capabilities of the reformulated model are demonstrated for 1000 °C. The model is also applied to simulate the temperature-dependent thermomechanical response of a 2D woven five harness satin (5HS) SiC/SiC CMC at RT and 1200 °C and shows excellent agreement with experiments.
Cleft Lip and/or Palate in Infants Prenatally Exposed to Opioids.

Objective:To determine the prevalence and odds ratios for cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) among infants prenatally exposed to opioids with or without neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS).Desig...
Age Distribution of Coronavirus Disease 2019, a Review of Laboratory Data from a Regional Health System

Background Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began in early 2020, data has shown that the risk for admission and death among younger patients is low despite many positive tests in this age group. Between June-August 2020, persons aged 20-29 years accounted for >20% of total cases yet mortality rate is close to 0%. As community transmission of COVID-19 advances, our objective is to understand the age trends for COVID-19 across a regional health system. Methods A retrospective analysis of COVID-19 test results from a regional health system laboratory from March 16th - November 15th, 2020 was conducted. All COVID-19 inpatient admissions and mortality data for the same time was included. Positivity rate, proportion of positive tests and hospitalization, along with mortality rates were calculated. Results A total of 484,824 results were reviewed of which 21,109 was positive (4.4%). Individuals under the age of thirty accounted for 39% of positive tests whereas 20% was from those sixty and above. Among those hospitalized, 11% were Conclusions This study found that many young individuals test positive for COVID-19; however, majority do not require hospitalization. Furthermore, no deaths were observed, indicating that all recovered. Unfortunately, older patients did not behold the same outcome, highlighting that high number of positive tests observed among younger patients do not relate directly to admission and mortality. This indicates the gravity of strict adherence to prevention strategies and behaviors in the community to safeguard those at higher risk for hospitalization and associated mortality.
Finite Element Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Single-Column Bridge Bent with Flexural Failure Under Near-Fault Ground Motion

This paper investigated seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) single-column bridge bent with flexural failure under near-fault ground motion. Innovative nonlinear fiber-based finite element models (FEM) with combined damage mechanisms were proposed. Cracking and spalling of cover concrete, buckling of longitudinal reinforcing steel bars, and bond-slip effect were considered. To study bond-slip effect, two FEM were developed: model 1 (without bond-slip) and model 2 (with bond-slip). Nonlinear static cyclic pushover analyses and nonlinear response history analyses under scaled near-fault ground motion were conducted. The simulation results were compared with available pseudo-dynamic test results. Various ductility coefficients were evaluated to assess the seismic performance of RC bridge column. The attributes of near-fault ground motion on the seismic responses of RC bridge column were discussed. Model 1 overestimated the ultimate lateral load resistance, longitudinal reinforcing steel bar strain, and cover concrete strain. Model 1 also underestimated the lateral deflection of RC bridge column. The results of model 2 agree well with experimental observations including hysteretic responses and damage mechanisms. In general, the predictions of both models are in good agreement with the experimental observations. However, model 2 provides improved predictions on the seismic performance of RC single-column bridge bent under near-fault ground motion. It was also observed that maximum responses of RC bridge columns under near-fault motion were characterized by one or few large hysteretic cycles. The proposed models could also help practicing engineers and researchers simulate seismic performance of RC bridge columns under near-fault ground motions in a computationally efficient manner.
scSGL: Signed Graph Learning for Single-Cell Gene Regulatory Network Inference

Abstract Motivation Elucidating the topology of gene regulatory networks (GRNs) from large single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) datasets, while effectively capturing its inherent cell-cycle heterogeneity and dropouts, is currently one of the most pressing problems in computational systems biology. Recently, graph learning (GL) approaches based on graph signal processing (GSP) have been developed to infer graph topology from signals defined on graphs. However, existing GL methods are not suitable for learning signed graphs, which represent a characteristic feature of GRNs, as they account for both activating and inhibitory relationships between genes. They are also incapable of handling high proportion of zero values, which represent dropouts in single cell experiments. To this end, we propose a novel signed GL approach, scSGL, that learns GRNs based on the assumption of the smoothness and non-smoothness of gene expressions over activating and inhibitory edges, respectively. scSGL is then extended with kernels to take the nonlinearity of co-expressions into account and handle high proportion of dropouts. From GSP perspective, this extension corresponds to assuming smoothness/non-smoothness of graph signals in a higher dimensional space defined by the kernel. The proposed approach is formulated as a non-convex optimization problem and solved using an efficient ADMM framework. Results In our experiments on simulated and real single cell datasets, scSGL compares favorably with other single cell gene regulatory network reconstruction algorithms. Availability The scSGL code and analysis scripts are available at (https://github.com/Single-Cell-Graph-Learning/scSGL).
No Child Left Behind? An Interest-Convergence Roadmap to the U.S. Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child

In 2008, then-United States presidential candidate Barack Obama was among those arguing that the United States’ failure to ratify the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC or Convention) is an embarrassment. Along with Somalia, the United States was at the time one of two nations not party to the CRC. The U.S. is now alone on this front. As populist authoritarian forces gain strength under the administration of President Donald J. Trump, assaults on human rights are occurring with regularity, exacerbating the impact of our absence from global rights-conferring documents that seek to protect vulnerable groups. Illuminating the nation’s backsliding is that asylum-seeking families are being ripped asunder simply for seeking a better life and migrant children are dying in the custody of the U.S. government. As a consequence, the United States’ moral authority is waning—a development President Macron of France alluded to in a November 2018 address—compromising our ability to exercise global leadership. With due attention to these developments, this Article argues that the global impact of the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border is a pressure point where political will can be marshaled to ratify the CRC. It suggests that Professor Derrick Bell’s interest-convergence theory, which posits that the progress of minorities in the United States is defined by the extent to which it converges with the material interests of the political majority, can be applied as a normative tool to explore the U.S.’s ratification of the Convention. In reaching this conclusion, we must bear in mind that while Trump’s instincts are to withdraw from globalism wherever possible, the political majority—comprised of transnational actors including civil society, the media, courts, and Congress—has not lost sight of the fact that engagement with ongoing transnational legal processes has historically been central to the nation’s “soft power” approach to foreign policy because it facilitates the United States’ ability to cooperate with other nation’s around shared goals. Given the United States’ history as the only U.N.-member state not party to the CRC, ratification is in the interest of the political majority because it would help to close the distance with other nations by joining a transnational legal project where there is near-universal participation. For children’s rights advocates, the clarion call for U.S. participation in the treaty began when the CRC was adopted more than 30 years ago. CRC ratification is in the interest of children’s rights advocates because it would at long last operationalize the CRC, which affords robust protections to children including freedom from inhumane treatment and detention.
Strongly isospectral hyperbolic 3-manifolds with nonisomorphic rational cohomology rings

This paper shows that one cannot "hear" the rational cohomology ring of a hyperbolic 3-manifold. More precisely, while it is well-known that strongly isospectral manifolds have the same cohomology as vector spaces, we give an example of compact hyperbolic 3-manifolds that are strongly isospectral but have nonisomorphic rational cohomology rings. Along the way we implement a computer program which finds the nullity of the cup product map $H^1(M;\mathbb{Q})\wedge H^1(M;\mathbb{Q})\rightarrow H^2(M;\mathbb{Q})$ for any aspherical space in terms of the presentation of the fundamental group.
The Wedding Present: Domestic Life Beyond Consumption by Louise Purbrick

(2010). The Wedding Present: Domestic Life Beyond Consumption by Louise Purbrick. Design and Culture: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 104-107.
Smoothelin and caldesmon are reliable markers for distinguishing muscularis propria from desmoplasia: a critical distinction for accurate staging colorectal adenocarcinoma.

An accurate distinction between deep muscularis propria invasion versus subserosal invasion by colonic adenocarcinoma is essential for the accurate staging of cancer and subsequent optimal patient management. However, problems may arise in pathologic staging when extensive desmoplasia blurs the junction between deep muscularis propria and subserosal fibroadipose tissue. To address this issue, forty-three (43) cases of colonic adenocarcinoma resections from 2007-2009 at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX were reviewed. These cases were selected to address possible challenges in differentiating deep muscularis propria invasion from superficial subserosal invasion based on HE 12 pT2 tumors; and 31 pT3 tumors. All 51 (100%) had diffuse, strong (3+) immunoreactivity for caldesmon and smoothelin in the muscularis propria with a granular cytoplasmic staining pattern. However, the desmoplastic areas of these tumors, composed of spindled fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, showed negative immunostaining for caldesmon and smoothelin (0/35). SMA strongly stained the muscularis propria and weakly (1+) or moderately (2+) stained the spindled fibroblasts in the desmoplastic areas (the latter presumably because of myofibroblastic differentiation). Compared to SMA, caldesmon and smoothelin are more specific stains that allow better delineation of the muscularis propria from the desmoplastic stromal reaction which provides a critical aide for proper staging of colonic adenocarcinoma and subsequent patient care.
Pultrusion of Thermoplastics—A Model

A model is presented describing the pultrusion process of thermoplastic matrix composites. The model provides the temperature, crystallinity, pressure, and consolidation inside the composite along the axis of the die, and the required pulling force. On the basis of the model, a computer code was written that can be used to obtain numerical results. A sample problem is presented illustrating the type of information which can be generated by the code.
Motivations for customer engagement in online co-innovation communities (OCCs): A conceptual framework

Purpose – This paper aims to propose an extended model to examine these motivations. As technology-led changes have revolutionized the marketplace, researchers and practitioners have grown keen to understand customers’ motivations for engaging in co-innovation in online communities. Design/methodology/approach – The research model is based on a review of previous literature and relevant business practices. Findings – The proposed conceptual model can be used to test empirically and explicate customers’ attitude towards engagement in co-innovation communities in the hospitality industry. Three major motivations drive customer engagement in online co-innovation communities (OCCs): brand equity, sense of community and monetary incentive. Customers’ prior experience with co-innovation projects also moderates the effects of the three motivations on customers’ attitude towards engagement in OCCs. Practical implications – The proposed model highlights the importance of engaging customers through OCCs to create s...
Cancer worry in women with hereditary risk factors for breast cancer.

Purpose/Objectives: To investigate symptom-based cancer worry in women who are at hereditary risk for breast cancer, specifically levels of worry, correlations of cancer worry, perceived cancer risk, and clinical signs or symptoms of breast cancer, as well as predictors of cancer worry. Design: Cross-sectional, correlational. Setting: Primarily the United States. Sample: 200 women, aged 18–80, with no personal history of cancer, who met at least one established criterion of hereditary breast cancer risk were recruited primarily from a mammography facility and cancer prevention clinics or via network sampling. Methods: Completion of the following self-report instruments: Thoughts About Cancer Scale and measures of clinical symptoms, perceived risk, and sample characteristics. Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and binary logistic regression. Main Research Variables: Cancer worry, total clinical signs of cancer, perceived cancer risk, age, and family history. Findings: Participants sometimes worried about breast cancer but had more general breast cancer worry than worry based on perceived neutral or breast cancer-specific symptoms. Total clinical signs of breast cancer correlated significantly with cancer worry. Women aged 41–50 and those with more clinical signs of breast cancer were 3.76 and 1.49 times more likely to have high worry, respectively. Conclusions: Moderate worry in high-risk women is not unusual. Total symptoms and younger age predict higher breast cancer worry, whereas perceived risk and family history do not. Implications for Nursing: Counseling of young, high-risk women should include assessments of worry and clinical signs of breast cancer.
Migraine With Aura as the Presentation of Leukemia

We present the case of a man with new onset of migraine with aura as the presenting sign of acute promyelocytic leukemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation. This previously unreported association may support theories of platelet serotonin involvement in the pathogenesis of migraine. It would be valuable in the future to evaluate other patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation or acute promyelocytic leukemia for the presence of migrainous auras or headaches, symptoms which may be underreported by patients, particularly in the setting of severe illness.
Startup size and the mechanisms of external learning: increasing opportunity and decreasing ability?

Abstract An important area of investigation in the field of entrepreneurship examines how people and organizations exploit technological opportunities. Prior research suggests that alliances, the mobility of experts, and the informal mechanisms associated with geographic co-location can present firms with useful opportunities to source technological knowledge. This paper uses insights from strategic management and organizational theory to suggest that organizational size may have an important impact on the extent of external learning, since it differentially affects the likelihood of learning via formal and informal mechanisms. Examining a cross-section of semiconductor startups, we find that external learning increases with startup size. With regard to the specific mechanisms of learning, we find that firms learn from alliances regardless of their size. For the informal mechanisms of mobility and geographic co-location, however, learning decreases with firm size. These results suggest that as startups grow, they may have increasing opportunities to access and exploit external knowledge, but their motivation (and hence ability) to learn from more informal sources may decrease.
An optical technique for in situ density determination in electrolyte solutions under hydrothermal conditions

We report on a technique which determines the density of hydrothermal solutions through the relationship between density and refractive index given by the Lorentz Lorenz equation. An optical cell is described which allows the refractive index of fluids to be measured at temperatures up to 823 K and pressures up to 1200 bar. The validity of the Lorentz-Lorenz equation is demonstrated for pure water and water/NaCl solutions. New experimental results are presented for the density of water/NaNO3 solutions at high temperature and pressure. The use of density data to derive other properties such as compressibility, thermal expansion coefficient, and apparent molar volume is demonstrated.
Evaluation of trench backfills at highway cross-drains

A highway cross-drain is an important element in a highway drainage system. This structure, however, has been related to the ride quality deterioration caused by pavement surface dips above this structure. In-situ probing techniques, such as the cone penetration test (CPT), miniature cone penetration test (Mini-cone) and dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP), were used to diagnose the causes of the dip problem. The field evaluations indicated that when a pavement surface dip occurred, the trench backfill underneath was softer than the adjacent subgrade soil. Because of its simplicity and potential as a quality control tool during the backfill process, the DCP test was given special attention. The field case histories and full-scale laboratory tests confirmed that DCP results can provide a reasonable estimation of the stiffness (modulus) of different trench backfills and subgrade soils. A possible way to prevent a pavement dip from occurring at a cross drain is to make a backfill stiffer than adjacent subgrade s...
Bidirectional data verification for cloud storage

This paper presents a storage enforcing remote verification scheme, PGV (Pretty Good Verification) as a bidirectional data integrity checking mechanism for cloud storage. At its core, PGV relies on the well-known polynomial hash; we show that the polynomial hash provably possesses the storage enforcement property and is also efficient in terms of performance. In addition to the traditional application of a client verifying the storage content at a remote server, PGV can also be applied to de-duplication scenarios where the server wants to verify whether the client possesses a significant amount of information about a file (and not just a partial knowledge/fingerprint of the file) before granting access to an existing file.While existing schemes are often developed to handle a malicious adversarial model, we argue that such a model is often too strong of an assumption, resulting in over-engineered, resource-intensive mechanisms. Instead, the storage enforcement property of PGV aims at removing a practical incentive for a storage server to cheat in order to save on storage space in a covert adversarial model.We theoretically prove the power of PGV by combining Kolmogorov complexity and list decoding and experimentally show the simplicity and low overhead of PGV by comparing it with existing schemes. Altogether, PGV provides a good, practical way to perform storage enforcing remote verification.
How Far Should We Generalize?: The Case of a Workload Model

A conceptual model based on staffing theory was applied to previously collected survey data from a representative sample of American workers The model links organizational size, workload, work experience variables (felt responsibility and involvement, assessments of work associates), and work outcomes (job satisfaction, work self-esteem, stress symptoms) Path analyses indicated that the model fit data from all waged and salaried workers relatively well When the model was applied to subsamples of new and established employees and of employees from two contrasting occupational groups (professional-technical workers and operative workers), somewhat different patterns emerged The study illustrates the benefits of applying psychological theories across subdisciplines, as well as the limitations of generalizing research findings across different categories of workers We suggest that localized theories and fine-grained analyses of workplace events could help to make research more applicable to work settings
Geographic variation in the reproductive biology of the sand crab Emerita analoga (Stimpson) on the California coast

Abstract Reproductive characteristics were measured in 23 populations of the sand crab Emerita analoga Stimpson in midsummer over ≈ 1000 km of the California coast. Significant geographic patterns were found in the female size at maturity, the size and age distribution of ovigerous crabs, and an estimate of population fecundity. No geographic patterns were found in egg size and size-specific fecundity. Crabs from southern sites reproduced at smaller sizes and younger ages and attained smaller maximum sizes than crabs from northern sites. Young of the year crabs at northern sites matured at larger sizes, reproduced in smaller proportions, and produced larger initial clutches than southern crabs. Size at maturity and the size distribution of ovigerous crabs were inversely correlated with water temperature. Fecundity was significantly correlated with crab carapace length in all populations but no geographic trend was found in size-specific fecundity. The lack of overlap in the size ranges of ovigerous crabs did not allow direct comparisons of fecundity-size regressions between northern and southern populations. The relationships of fecundity and crab size varied significantly among populations in both the northern and the southern groups. Estimates of population fecundity decreased significantly from north to south. That trend was related to geographic patterns in the size and age distribution of ovigerous crabs.
Microsatellite loci in the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni and their utility for other schistosome species

Blood flukes in the genus Schistosoma are important human parasites in tropical regions. Genetic heterogeneity of the parasite contributes to the observed phenotypic variation in this host—parasite interaction and may play a role in disease epidemiology. In this paper, we describe the characterization of five polymorphic microsatellite loci from the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni , which can now be applied in assessments of schistosome genetic diversity. The five loci revealed extensive polymorphism, as 5—8 alleles per locus were detected among five isolates (from both human patients and snail intermediate hosts) from two Brazilian villages.
Hydrodynamical Models of Line-driven Accretion Disk Winds

We present here one-dimensional analytic hydrodynamic models and both one-dimensional and two-dimensional numerical hydrodynamic models for line-driven accretion disk winds from cataclysmic variable (CV) systems. Using the one-dimensional analytic models we explore the physical conditions necessary for the existence of a disk wind and study the dependence of wind speed and mass-loss rate on radius. The results of our two-dimensional model are consistent with the spectrum observed from CVs in the polar nature of the wind, the maximum absorption at roughly half the terminal speed of the P Cygni profiles, and the order of magnitude of the terminal speeds. For disk luminosity Ldisk = L☉, white dwarf mass Mwd = 0.6 M☉, disk radius Rdisk = R☉, and sound speed a = 10 km s-1 we obtain a wind mass-loss rate of wind=2 × 10−14 M yr-1 and a terminal velocity of ~3000 km s-1. The two-dimensional models show that centrifugal forces produce shocks in the disk wind. If these shocks were absent, the mass-loss rates obtained would be too low to produce the optical depths required to explain the P Cygni profile of CVs. The two-dimensional models demonstrate the importance of centrifugal forces in winds from accretion disks and thus the necessity of models where these forces may be represented.
Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts in High Risk Newborns Weighing under 2000 Grams; A Clinical Report

Fifty-three low birth weight high risk newborns who developed progressive hydrocephalus despite a trial period of intermittent lumbar punctures underwent cribside ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. They all weighed less than 2000 g at the time of shunting (mean, 1308.6 g +/- 398.2 SD). The operative procedures were performed at a mean age of 31.5 days +/- 16.1 (SD). There were no deaths in this series. During the nursery stay, 14 patients required operative revisions for obstruction. The most common problem was infection, which occurred in 13 (24.5%) after the primary intervention and in another 5 of the 14 (35.7%) patients who required revision. The overall infection rate/patient was 26.9%. Shunt removal and intensive antibiotic therapy cured the infection in all but 1 patient. Premature, low birth weight newborns may undergo ventriculoperitoneal shunting, but close follow-up for complications such as infection and shunt obstruction is always required.
Multiquark compound resonances and anomalous mean free path from relativistic heavy-ion collisions

The anomalously short mean free path observed in realtivistic heavyion collisions is interpreted in terms of the enhancement of nuclear-reaction cross-sections due to collective excitations of multiquark compound resonances with narrow resonance widths. A consistent explanation of the observed short mean free paths is provided by our model.
The preparation of two insoluble forms of the phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, and their interactions with polysaccharides and glycoproteins.

Abstract Concanavalin A, a plant hemagglutiuin which precipitates with polysaccharides and glycoproteins having terminal α- d -mannopyranosyl, α- d -glucopyranosyl, and related structures, has been converted into two active, insoluble derivatives by (a) preparing a poly- l -leucyl derivative of the protein and (b) coupling to agarose beads by the cyanogen bromide method. Both reagents bound dextran B-1355 which is a highly branced α- d -glucose polymer and yeast mannan which is a highly branched α- d -mannose polysaccharide. In contrast, dextran B-512 which is a polymer with a lower degree of branching was not bound to either adsorbent. To illustrate the utility of these preparations in the fractionation of carbohydrate polymers, the separation of hog gastric blood group substance into two fractions is described. The unadsorbed fraction retained some ability to precipitate soluble concanavalin A. The failure of this fraction and of dextran B-512 to be bound is discussed in terms of the number of interactions necessary for adsorption.
Design and Characterization of a Magnetically Driven Valveless Micropump for Drug Delivery

Micropump, an actuation source to transfer the fluid from reservoir to the target place with accuracy and reliability, plays an important role in microfluidic devices. A broad range of micropump applications in biomedical fields are found in the fluid fine regulation and precise control systems for implantable drug delivery, chemical and biological detection, as well as blood transport in cardiology system. A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) magnetic composite membrane based on microfabrication with dimensions of 6 mm and 65 μm in diameter and thickness respectively, is employed to actuate a proposed micropump. In micro pumping operation, the fluid flow effects on the actuation and dynamic response of an oscillating membrane are curial to the design of the micropump. Therefore, the resonant frequency of this micro device is estimated considering the added mass and fluid damping to understand the behaviors of the valveless micropump. In this study, the membrane actuation is implemented by a miniaturized electromagnet, which provides an external time-varying magnetic field. The magnetic force on the membrane is proportional to the gradient of the magnetic field and the magnetization of the micro particles embedded in the membrane. The alternating attractive and repulsive magnetic forces on this composite membrane are computed by Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The basic design issues of the electromagnetic actuator involving air gaps, input current signals, and distribution of magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit are presented. Moreover, the magnetic-structure coupling analysis is conducted to determine the maximum deformation and stresses on the membrane, which result from the action of these magnetic forces. Finally, frequency-dependent flow rate of a dual-chamber configuration micropump has been studied. The pumping rate increases almost linearly with the excitation frequency at low ranges and there exists resonant frequencies at which the flow rate will reach a maximum value. After the flow rate peaks, the pumping rate decreases sharply along with the actuating frequencies. The maximum flow rate for the dual-chamber remains at 27.73μl/min under 0.4 A input current with an excitation frequency of 3 Hz. For comparison, a single-chamber micropump reaches a maximum flow rate of 19.61μl/min with a resonant frequency of 4.36 Hz under the same condition.
Prediction of Incident Hypertension Risk in Women with Currently Normal Blood Pressure

Abstract Background We examined whether a hypertension risk prediction model based on clinical characteristics and blood biomarkers might improve on risk prediction based on current blood pressure alone. Methods A prospective cohort of 14,822 normotensive women aged 45 years and older were followed over 8 years beginning in 1992 for the development of hypertension. Among a randomly selected two-thirds sample (N=9427), hypertension prediction models were developed using 52 potential predictors and compared with a model based on blood pressure alone. Each prediction model was validated in the remaining one third (N=5395). Results In the development cohort, the best prediction model for incident hypertension included age, blood pressure, ethnicity, body mass index, total grain intake, apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein(a), and C-reactive protein (Bayes Information Criteria [BIC]=8788). Although this model was superior to a model based on blood pressure alone (BIC=8957), it was only marginally better than a simplified model including age, blood pressure, ethnicity, and body mass index (BIC=8820). In the validation cohort, the simplified model demonstrated adequate calibration, a c-index similar to that of the best model (0.703 vs 0.705), and when compared with the model based on blood pressure alone, reclassified 1499 participants to hypertension risk categories that proved to be closer to observed risk in all but one instance. Conclusion In this prospective cohort of initially normotensive women, a model based on readily available clinical information predicted incident hypertension better than a model based on blood pressure alone.
Surrogate Testing by Estimating the Local Dispersions in Phase Space

In this report, a clustering approach is presented to detect dynamical nonlinearity in a stationary time series. The one-dimensional time series sampled from a dynamical system is mapped on to the m-dimensional phase space by the method of delays. The vectors in the phase space are partitioned by k-means clustering technique. The local trajectory matrix for the vectors in each of the clusters is determined. The eigenvalues of the local trajectory matrices represent the variation along the principal directions and are obtained by singular value decomposition (SVD). The product of the eigenvalues represents the generalized variance and is a measure of the local dispersion in the phase space. The sum of the local dispersions (gT) is used as the discriminant statistic to classify data sets obtained from deterministic and stochastic settings. The surrogates were generated by the Iterated Amplitude Adjusted Fourier Transform (IAAFT) technique.
Influence of heredity on human sensitivity to environmental chemicals

Hereditary peculiarities in individual responses to environmental chemicals are a common occurrence in human populations. Genetic variation in glutathione S-transferase, CYP1A2, N-acetyltransferase, and paraoxonase exemplify the relationship of metabolic variation to individual susceptibility to cancer and other toxicants of environmental origin. Heritable receptor protein variants, a subset of proteins of enormous pharmacogenetic potential that have not thus far been extensively explored from the pharmacogenetic standpoint, are also considered. Examples of interest that are considered include receptor variants associated with retinoic acid resistance in acute promyelocytic leukemia, with paradoxical responses to antiandrogens in prostate cancer, and with retinitis pigmentosa. Additional heritable protein variants of pharmacogenetic interest that result in antibiotic-induced deafness, glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism and hypertension, the long-QT syndrome, and beryllium-induced lung disease are also discussed. These traits demonstrate how knowledge of the molecular basis and mechanism of the variant response may contribute to its prevention in sensitive persons as well as to improved therapy for genetically conditioned disorders that arise from environmental chemicals.