cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design Analytics of Complex Communication Systems Involving Two Different Sensory Disabilities

The design of a robust communication among two different sensory disabilities Deaf vs. Blind remains an emerging field of research in disability healthcare communication system design. As an important part of modern technology, android and iPhone applications are frequently used in designing such communication systems. However, there is no 'one-size-fits-all' in case of different sensory disability health communication design. Hence, an in-depth understanding of their requirement, media preferences, similarity and difference and up-to-date technology usability are plausible towards universal and personalized communication system design. This research addresses such complex issues and performs a study involving two different types of disabilities deaf and blind communication. As a part of healthcare analytics, critical incidences are recorded and corresponding complexities are measured in order to evaluate communication protocol with social signal processing. Communication flow diagram, complexity analysis and critical incidence are quantified to improve communication protocols. Moreover, the uniqueness of disability can be personalized through this process which has valuable implications in rehabilitation and multi-purpose healthcare communication device development.
Myxobolus lepomis n. sp. (Cnidaria: Myxobolidae), a gill myxozoan infecting Lepomis marginatus Holbrook and Lepomis miniatus Jordan (Perciformes: Centrarchidae), in the Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas, USA.

A parasitological survey of freshwater fishes in the Big Thicket National Preserve in southeast Texas revealed myxozoan infections in two species of sunfish, Lepomis marginatus Holbrook and Lepomis miniatus Jordan (Perciformes: Centrarchidae). Pseudocysts were elongate-oval, 988 × 485 µm (ex L. marginatus) and 800 × 606 µm (ex L. miniatus) and demonstrated a predilection to the edge of the primary gill lamellae. Myxospores consistent with the genus Myxobolus were oblong, 16.8–21.3 (19.0 ± 0.9) µm long, 7.0–8.8 (7.9 ± 0.5) µm wide and 5.3–6.1 (5.8 ± 0.3) µm thick (ex L. marginatus) and 17.2–20.3 (18.8 ± 0.7) µm long, 7.5–9.9 (8.7 ± 0.6) µm wide, and 6.8–7.2 (7.0 ± 0.2) µm thick (ex L. miniatus); with 2 pyriform polar capsules 8.3–9.8 (9.0 ± 0.5) µm long, 2.2–2.7 (2.5 ± 0.2) µm wide (ex L. marginatus) and 9.2–10.5 (10.0 ± 0.4) µm long, 2.2–3.0 (2.8 ± 0.2) µm wide (ex L. miniatus). Statistically, the measurements of spore body width, polar capsule length, and polar capsule width were significantly different between myxospores from L. marginatus and L. miniatus. However, intraspecific genetic variability between isolates at the 18S rRNA gene was negligible, with 2,000 bp of sequence. The isolates shared no significant sequence similarity with any myxozoan deposited in the GenBank nucleotide database. Phylogenetic analysis inferred from the 18S rRNA gene from both L. marginatus and L. miniatus placed the isolates within a clade of myxozoan parasites of perciform fishes. Based on shared tissue and host family tropism, overlapping morphological characters and high degrees of sequence conservation at the 18S rRNA gene, we propose these isolates as morphologically distinct, genetically conspecific representatives of M. lepomis n. sp. from the gills of L. marginatus and L. miniatus in the Big Thicket National Preserve in Texas, USA.
Treatment sequences in non-small cell lung cancer in the United States from 2014-2016.

237Background: A number of important advancements in the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) have increased and diversified options for improved patient care based on individual characteristics. The ability to tailor therapy increases the challenges related to appropriate treatment sequencing. This study was designed to describe these emerging treatment patterns following the approval of novel targeted agents. Methods: Flatiron Health OncoEMR, a nationally-representative electronic medical records database in the US, was used to evaluate treatment patterns by histology (squamous and nonsquamous). Eligible patients were 18+ years of age who initiated 2ndline therapy for mNSCLC from Dec 2014-Jul 2016. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the clinical and demographic characteristics of the study population, treatments used by line of therapy, and treatment sequencing. Analyses were conducted using SAS version 9.2. Results: A total of 3498 eligible patients were included in...
Neoliberal Ideology and College Students: Developing a Customer Orientation While in College

This longitudinal study investigates changes in the extent to which students express or reject a customer orientation towards their education from their initial summer orientation to the end of their second year in college. Fifteen of the 19 items associated with a customer orientation included in the survey (N=3885, n=1085, RR= 28%) exhibited statistically significant changes, all in ways consistent with a greater expression of a customer approach. Results also indicated that while students increasingly expressed a customer orientation, overall, they continued not to express beliefs consistent with a customer approach. Implications are discussed within the framework of neoliberal ideology.
Assessing the Accuracy of Eyelid Measurements Utilizing the Volk Eye Check System and Clinical Measurements.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to validate the accuracy of marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1) measurements obtained by the Volk Eye Check system, a modified smartphone that measures MRD1 automatically, relative to clinical and digital measurements. METHODS In this prospective observational study of adults with normal eyelids and ptosis, MRD1 was measured clinically, digitally, and automatically with the Volk device. Eyes were divided into successful versus unsuccessful Volk trial groups; successful eyes were then subdivided into control and ptosis subgroups. The primary outcome measures were mean MRD1 obtained by the 3 modalities. Secondary outcome measures included the success rate of the device and the prevalence of ptosis within the successful and unsuccessful groups. RESULTS In the overall sample of 88 eyes, clinical and digital MRD1 were not significantly different. Among eyes with successful Volk trials, significant differences in MRD1 measured by the 3 modalities were as follows: in the successful group, Volk MRD1 (3.05 mm) was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than digital MRD1 (2.68 mm); in the ptosis subgroup, Volk MRD1 (2.47 mm) was significantly higher than clinical (2.05 mm; p < 0.05) and digital MRD1 (1.91 mm; p < 0.01). Eyes in the successful group (66% of attempted collections) demonstrated significantly higher MRD1 (mean difference, 1.21 mm; p < 0.01) and were significantly less likely to demonstrate ptosis (2.7×; p < 0.05) than those in the unsuccessful group. CONCLUSIONS The Volk device measures MRD1 well in normal patients but overestimates MRD1 in patients with ptosis. It may be most appropriate in assessing patients with normal or elevated eyelid position. Clinical and digital MRD1 measurements were not different than each other.
Robotic sigmoidectomy for chronic complicated diverticular disease - a video vignette.

Robotic surgery offers similar morbidity and mortality rates compared to laparoscopic approach in the setting of colorectal surgery [1]. With the introduction of da Vinci Xi robotic platforms further advantages including a greater range of motion, added dexterity and precision with greater operative reach in four quadrants can be achieved. This video demonstrates the feasibility of robotic sigmoidectomy for complicated diverticular disease with the da Vinci Xi robotic platform (Video). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
A Robust Load Balancing and Routing Protocol for Intra-Car Hybrid Wired/Wireless Networks

With the emergence of connected and autonomous vehicles, sensors are increasingly deployed within cars to support new functionalities. Traffic generated by these sensors congest traditional intra-car networks, such as CAN buses. Furthermore, the large amount of wires needed to connect sensors makes it harder to design cars in a modular way. To alleviate these limitations, we propose, simulate, and implement a hybrid wired/wireless architecture, in which each node is connected to either a wired interface or a wireless interface or both. Specifically, we propose a new protocol, called Hybrid-Backpressure Collection Protocol (Hybrid-BCP) , to efficiently collect data from sensors in intra-car networks. Hybrid-BCP is backward-compatible with the CAN bus technology, and builds on the BCP protocol, designed for wireless sensor networks. We theoretically prove that an idealized version of Hybrid-BCP achieves optimal throughput. Our testbed implementation, based on CAN and ZigBee transceivers, demonstrates the load balancing and routing functionalities of Hybrid-BCP and its resilience to DoS attacks and wireless jamming attacks. We further provide simulation results, obtained with the ns-3 simulator and based on real intra-car RSSI traces, that compare between the performance of Hybrid-BCP and a tree-based data collection protocol. Notably, the simulations show that Hybrid-BCP outperforms the tree-based protocol on throughput by 12 percent. The results also show that Hybrid-BCP maintains high packet delivery rate and low packet delay for safety-critical sensors that are directly connected to the sink through wire.
Injection of Autologous Blood for Bleb Leaks in New Zealand White Rabbits

Purpose. Bleb leaks after trabeculectomy with antimetabolites can be recalcitrant to therapy. Peribleb autologous blood injections are a moderately successful new treatment modality for such leaks. However, it is unclear what mechanism the injections work to achieve leak resolution. Methods. A randomized, prospective study in the rabbit model was undertaken to evaluate further the clinical and histologic effects of peribleb autologous blood injection after leak induction in mitomycin-C exposed blebs, compared to controls that received only peribleb balanced salt solution injections. Results. In the blood-treated eyes, all bleb leaks healed. Control eyes either demonstrated persistent bleb leaks with shallow anterior chambers or failed blebs that were Seidel negative. Histologic results were remarkable for increased peribleb cellularity and collagen deposition in the blood-treated eyes, compared to controls. Conclusions. Peribleb autologous blood injections are associated with bleb leak resolution, increased peribleb cellularity, and collagen deposition in the rabbit model.
MOLECULAR BEAM STUDIES OF REACTION DYNAMICS OF F + H2, D2

Reactions of F + H2, D2 have attracted extensive theoretical and experimental attention in recent years and will undoubtedly become one of the prototype chemical reactions in the future for the detailed understanding of reaction dynamics through meaningful comparison between theoretical calculations and experimental observations.
Improvements in access to care for vulnerable children in California between 2001 and 2005.

Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Alhambra, CAAddress correspondence to: Gregory D. Stevens, PhD, MHS, Center for Community Health Studies, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 1000 South Fremont Ave., Unit #80, Alhambra, CA 91803; tel. 626-457-4049; fax 626-457-5858; e-mail .©2009 Association of Schools of Public Health
Human Herpesviruses: Varicella and Herpes Zoster

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes two clinically distinct diseases in humans. Varicella (or chickenpox), which results from primary infection of a susceptible individual, is a common, extremely contagious, and usually benign acute illness that occurs in seasonal epidemics and is characterized by a generalized vesicular rash. Like all herpesviruses, VZV establishes latency following primary infection. Reactivation of latent VZV results in herpes zoster (or shingles), a localized cutaneous eruption in a dermatomal distribution that occurs most commonly among elderly individuals. Thus, varicella results from primary exogenous contact with VZV, while herpes zoster represents reactivation of latent VZV that usually occurs decades after the primary infection. Both varicella and herpes zoster can cause serious morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised populations. Both manifestations of VZV can now be prevented through the use of vaccines containing live, attenuated virus.
Anthropometric heritability and child growth in a Caribbean village: A quantitative genetic analysis of longitudinal height, weight, and body mass index in Bwa Mawego, Dominica.

Objectives Body size and composition vary widely among individuals and populations, and long-term research in diverse contexts informs our understanding of genetic, cultural, and environmental impacts on this variation. We analyze longitudinal measures of height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) from a Caribbean village, estimating the extent to which these anthropometrics are shaped by genetic variance in a small-scale population of mixed ancestry. Materials and methods Longitudinal data from a traditionally horticultural village in Dominica document height and weight in a non-Western population that is transitioning to increasingly Westernized lifestyles, and an 11-generation pedigree enables us to estimate the proportions of phenotypic variation in height, weight, and BMI attributed to genetic variation. We assess within-individual variation across growth curves as well as heritabilities of these traits for 260 individuals using Bayesian variance component estimation. Results Age, sex, and secular trends account for the majority of anthropometric variation in these longitudinal data. Independent of age, sex, and secular trends, our analyses show high repeatabilities for the remaining variation in height, weight, and BMI growth curves (>0.75), and moderate heritabilities (h2 height = 0.68, h2 weight = 0.64, h2 BMI = 0.49) reveal clear genetic signals that account for large proportions of the variation in body size observed between families. Secular trends show increases of 6.5% in height and 16.0% in weight from 1997 to 2017. Discussion This horticultural Caribbean population has transitioned to include more Westernized foods and technologies over the decades captured in this analysis. BMI varies widely between individuals and is significantly shaped by genetic variation, warranting future exploration with other physiological correlates and associated genetic variants.
Role of Activated Platelets in the Homing, Maturation, and Differentiation of Endotheleal Progenitor Cells (EPCs) to Vascular Subendotheleal Matrix.

We and others have found that platelets play an important role in the recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells to sights of vascular injury. However, it is not clear whether the EPCs mature and differentiate to endothelial cells following recruitment to the vascular injury sites. In addition, there is limited in vivo data to support the role of EPCs in re-endothlialization following vascular injury. We conducted in vitro experiments to investigate the maturation of EPCs on platelet based-media and in vivo experiments to evaluate the recruitment of EPCs following vascular injury. In in vitro experiments human EPCs were isolated from donated buffy coats by magnetic microbeads and flow cytometry cell sorting using CD133 and VEGFR-2, respectively, as cell markers. Isolated viable EPCs (CD133+, VEGFR-2+ cells) were plated on human fibronectin or a monolayer of washed human platelets. Cell colonies were counted 7 days after plating and stained for the endothelial cell markers CD31 (PECAM-1) and CD144 (VE-cadherin). The mean number of colony-forming cells was 35±2.6 colonies/106 cells on platelets, which was significantly higher than 18±4.2 colonies/106 cells on fibronectin (n = 4, P<0.01). Apart from the difference in colony numbers, the EPC colonies grew faster on the platelet substrate, were larger, and had more spindle-shaped cells (Figure 1 - staining of EPC colonies for CD31 and CD144). In the in vivo experiments a model of transluminal injury to mouse femoral arteries was used. Femoral artery denudation was performed by 0.25-mm-diameter angioplasty guidewire. Injured femoral arteries were compared to the contra-lateral controls (uninjured), and were harvested 1.5 hours following the injury and immunostaining performed with an anti-VEGFR-2 antibody. Four experiments showed a markedly higher number of VEGFR-2+ cells in the artery that has undergone denudation. These experiments indicate that a media composed of platelets promotes the maturation and differentiation of EPCs. Furthermore, in vivo, EPCs are recruited early following vascular injury. Thus, homing, maturation, and differentiation of EPCs are mediated by platelets.
An integrative medicine case exemplar: The perspectives of a family physician credentialed in acupuncture

Abstract Although the meaning of Integrative Medicine differs by individual patients, their demand for a more inclusive and integrative approach to care that utilizes both conventional and complementary medicine modalities has been increasing. Integrative medicine is an attempt to fulfill this growing demand for more holistic approaches to healthcare. The perspective and exemplar of a dually credentialed—board certified family medicine physician/acupuncturist led to two possible scenarios to fulfill this need: 1) encourage clinicians to receive training in both conventional and complementary medicine to create more multi-credentialed clinicians (MCPs) and/or 2) foster inter-professional collaboration among providers. One advantage of establishing a system that encourages more MCPs is that it allows patients to receive conventional and complementary medical care from one individual, but the time and expense of producing these MCPs poses a significant challenge in creating a pipeline of these individuals. If collaboration among clinicians was facilitated to provide patients with an integrative approach to their health care, this would allow the clinician to specialize in their area of focus; however, differing opinions and perspectives about how to care for the patient may pose significant communication challenges in the delivery of effective integrative care. Both of these approaches have the potential to create more access to integrative medicine for patients. Generous funding sources that create platforms for integrative medicine healthcare, such as The Bernard Osher Foundation’s support for Integrative Medicine, allow university–based community healthcare systems to generate research data that support evidence-based systemic change.
The application of in vitro‐derived human neurons in neurodegenerative disease modeling

The development of safe and effective treatments for age-associated neurodegenerative disorders is an on-going challenge faced by the scientific field. Key to the development of such therapies is the appropriate selection of modeling systems in which to investigate disease mechanisms and to test candidate interventions. There are unique challenges in the development of representative laboratory models of neurodegenerative diseases, including the complexity of the human brain, the cumulative and variable contributions of genetic and environmental factors over the course of a lifetime, inability to culture human primary neurons, and critical central nervous system differences between small animal models and humans. While traditional rodent models have advanced our understanding of neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, key divergences such as the species-specific genetic background can limit the application of animal models in many cases. Here we review in vitro human neuronal systems that employ stem cell and reprogramming technology and their application to a range of neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, we compare human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons to directly converted, or transdifferentiated, induced neurons, as both model systems can take advantage of patient-derived human tissue to produce neurons in culture. We present recent technical developments using these two modeling systems, as well as current limitations to these systems, with the aim of advancing investigation of neuropathogenic mechanisms using these models.
Workshop 45 – Idiotypic Antibody

Publisher Summary This chapter describes characteristics of idiotypic antibodies. The study shows that the immunoglobulin immunogens used to elicit idiotypic antibodies may be heterogeneous, that is, antibody to a specific antigen, or homogeneous. During experiments, an idiotypic antibody produced to a homogeneous component in a proband also identified homogeneous antistreptoccal components raised in progeny. Idiotypic antibodies were developed from absorbed sera that were specific for anti-hapten antibodies induced in specific strains. The results suggest a relationship of the idiotypes to some of the known allotypes. The use of fluorescent-lableed autoidiotypic antisera for studying anti-idiotype producing cells was reported during the experiments. Attempts to correlate cross idiotypic specificity reactions with cold agglutinins with the antigen-binding specificity of the individual cold agglutinin were also reported during the experiments. The tests show that the monoclonal cold agglutinins are one of the most promising systems to correlating the idiotypic specificity with combining specificity in man.
Meta-Pangenome: At the Crossroad of Pangenomics and Metagenomics

With the recent technological advancement in cultivation-independent high-throughput sequencing, metagenomes have tremendously improved our ability to characterize the genomic contents of the whole microbial communities. In this chapter, we argue the notion of pangenome can be applied beyond the available genome sequences by leveraging metagenome-assembled genomes, to form a comprehensive representation of the genetic content of a taxonomic group in a particular environment. We present the concept of the meta-pangenome, a representation of the totality of genes belonging to a species identified in multiple metagenomic samplings of a particular habitat. As an essential component in genome-centric pangenome analyses, we emphasize the importance to perform stringent quality assessment and validation to ensure the high quality of metagenomic deconvoluted genomes. This expansion from the traditional pangenome concept to the meta-pangenome overcomes many of the biases associated with whole-genome sequencing, and addresses the in vivo ecological context to further develop a systems-level understanding of microbial ecosystems.
18 – Epitaxial Graphene

Graphene, a member of an emerging class of materials based on two-dimensional (2D) layered crystalline lattices, is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged into a sp2 bonded hexagonal array. The interest in graphene is due to extraordinary physical properties that are unique or relatively unique among other technologically important materials. In addition, graphene devices can be fabricated using standard lithographic techniques. Here, the synthesis of graphene on SiC via Si sublimation is described in some detail. This approach is a promising path to large-area graphene formation. A summary of properties and some applications results are presented.
Regional adiposity and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

The role of obesity in the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF), and in particular HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), has drawn significant attention in recent years. The prevalence of both obesity and HFpEF has increased worldwide over the past decades and when present concomitantly suggests an obese-HFpEF phenotype. Anthropometrics, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-hip-ratio (WHR), are associated with incident HFpEF. However, the cardiovascular effects of obesity may actually be driven by the distribution of fat, which can accumulate in the epicardial, visceral, and subcutaneous compartments. Regional fat can be quantified using noninvasive imaging techniques, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Regional variations in fat accumulation are associated with different HFpEF risk profiles, whereby higher epicardial and visceral fat have a much stronger association with HFpEF risk compared with elevated subcutaneous fat. Thus, regional adiposity may serve a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of HFpEF contributing to decreased cardiopulmonary fitness, impaired left ventricular compliance, upregulation of local and systemic inflammation, promotion of neurohormonal dysregulation, and increased intra-abdominal pressure and vascular congestion. Strategies to reduce total and regional adiposity have shown promise, including intensive exercise, dieting, and bariatric surgery programs, but few studies have focused on HFpEF-related outcomes among obese. Further understanding the role these variable fat depots play in the progression of HFpEF and HFpEF-related hospitalizations may provide therapeutic targets in treating the obese-HFpEF phenotype. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Racial/ethnic differences in US drug overdose mortality, 2017-2018.

Abstract Background The year 2018 marked the first year since 1999 in which the number of drug overdose deaths in the United States (US) declined compared to the previous year. However, it is unclear whether this decline was observed across all racial/ethnic groups. Methods Death certificate data from the National Center for Health Statistics were examined for drug overdoses among US residents with a race and ethnicity specified (69,764 in 2017 and 66,949 in 2018). Age-specific and age-adjusted drug overdose mortality rates for 2017 and 2018 were compared by race/ethnicity, overall, by sex, and for overdoses involving stimulants. Percentages of overdose deaths involving specific drug combinations were computed by race/ethnicity. Results From 2017 to 2018, the age-adjusted drug overdose mortality rate significantly decreased in Non-Hispanic (NH) Whites; among Hispanics, in contrast, a significant increase was observed. Significant increases in drug overdose mortality rates from 2017 to 2018 were observed for NH Black males, Hispanic males, and NH Blacks aged 65 and older, as well as for overdoses involving psychostimulants (in all racial/ethnic groups) and cocaine (in NH Blacks and Hispanics). In 2018, the proportion of drug overdose deaths involving opioids ranged from 43.2% among NH Asian/Pacific Islanders to 70.8% among NH Whites, and the level of opioid co-involvement in stimulant-involved overdose deaths also varied by race/ethnicity. Conclusions The continually-evolving US overdose crisis necessitates an evolving response, not only to address changes in the drug combinations most involved in overdose deaths, but also to strengthen interventions targeting racial/ethnic minority groups.
The Security Apparatus of Northern Iraq: One Thousand and One Kurdish Leaders and the Allure of the East

The Northern Part of Iraq and its structures has generated considerable interest in the West in the last thirty years. This paper analyzes the creation of the security structures in the Kurdistan R...
The potential of molten metal oxide sorbents for carbon capture at high temperature: Conceptual design

Abstract Molten metal oxides represent a new opportunity for climate change mitigation through carbon capture. This study presents a conceptual coal fired power plant design that utilizes these liquid phase sorbents for high temperature CO2 capture coupled with the simultaneous removal of other acid gases. To effectively recover heat from the process both the absorber and desorber are located within the boiler and steam is used for near–isothermal regeneration of the sorbent. The potential thermodynamic opportunity was evaluated through process simulation, with results indicating molten sorbents could outperform the state-of-the-art amine-based systems for CO2 capture. An energy penalty as low as 6% points was projected for systems using molten sorbents, half that for the amine system. An initial economic evaluation confirmed the benefits of molten sorbents; for the optimized design, levelized cost of electricity increased 39% (25%–49%) relative to that for the power plant without carbon capture. The expected cost of CO2 avoided was $34/tonne ($18/tonne to $56/tonne) which is 38% (27%–50%) lower than that for the amine process and competitive with the social cost of CO2. Challenges were identified with future work proposed and justified by the opportunity to mitigate climate change at a lower cost than current systems allow.
The Culture of Power Online: Cultural Responsiveness and Relevance in Vendor-Developed Online Courses:

With the expansion of online instruction in K-12 education, how and what is taught in a single course has the potential to affect the learning of thousands of students. Our mixed method study appli...
Transparent Sequential Learning for Statistical Process Control of Serially Correlated Data

Machine learning methods have been widely used in different applications, including process control and monitoring. For handling statistical process control (SPC) problems, conventional supervised ...
Research on Synchronous Condensers to Suppress Subsynchronous Oscillation Caused by New Energy Power Generation

Studies and practices indicate that new energy power generation (NEPG) such as wind and photovoltaic power may cause subsynchronous oscillation (SSO). A typical event caused by wind farms occurred in Qomul, Xinjiang, China, in July 2015, which led up to three steam turbines tripped off the grid in succession, and the ±800kV Qomul-Zhengzhou HVDC had to suffer a large power plummet. Different from similar phenomena relevant to steam turbines with series compensation or HVDC, the oscillation frequency due to NEPG is not a constant, but a variable value in a broadband. This characteristic makes it difficult to be effectively and economically suppressed. Nowadays in China, bursting synchronous condensers (SC) are more common to be installed in HVDC rectifier stations to provide reactive power and voltage support, and distributed synchronous condensers are employed more widely in new energy plants to improve voltage safety and stability of the grid. This paper proposes a new suppression method for SSO caused by NEPG, that is to append a subsynchronous oscillation damping control loop to the excitation system of the synchronous condensers, which are already employed in NEPG bases and HVDC rectifier stations. Simulation work has been carried out to verify the suppression effect preliminarily.
Plasma levels of oxytocin and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F2α in preterm labor and the effect of ethanol and ritodrine

Abstract We have measured the concentrations of circulating oxytocin and the 13,14-dihydro, 15-keto-metabolite of prostaglandin F 2α (PGFM) in women during preterm labor. Twelve women were given intravenous ethanol and 11 women received intravenous ritodrine for the prevention of preterm birth. Blood samples were obtained before and ½, 1, 2, 4, 12, and/or 24 hours after treatment began. On admission, the plasma concentrations of both oxytocin and PGFM were raised over levels observed in women with normal pregnancies of similar gestational age, 25 to 36 weeks. The initial oxytocin level was 58.5 ± 8.2 pg/ml (mean ± SE, n=23) and the mean initial PGFM level was 264 ± 33.1 pg/ml (n = 15); both values were significantly higher than in 10 control subjects (17.4 ± 4.8 and 156 ± 21.8 pg/ml, respectively). During infusion of ethanol, the plasma oxytocin level fell rapidly, the levels at ½ and 1 hour after infusion being significantly lower than before the infusion (29.0 ± 5.5 and 27.8 ± 3.5 pg/ml, respectively). The plasma oxytocin level remained low in women in whom the treatment arrested labor and prevented preterm birth (n = 8) but rose 2 to 4 hours after the infusion began in women in whom the treatment failed to arrest labor (n = 4). Ritodrine, on the other hand, had no significant effect on circulating oxytocin levels. The plasma PGFM level decreased significantly during ritodrine treatment only in the successfully treated patients. Ethanol had no consistent effect on plasma PGFM levels in the four patients in whom PGFM levels were measured. In the ritodrine-treated patients, the plasma PGFM level was positively correlated with the frequency of uterine contractions whereas in the ethanol-treated patients a correlation of plasma oxytocin to the frequency of contractions was observed. Thus, oxytocin secretion is increased during preterm labor, and the release of prostaglandin F is also increased. While it is not possible to determine whether any or both of these oxytocic agents actually trigger preterm labor, both seem to play a role in its mechanism.
Causes of a male-biased operational sex ratio in the fiddler crab Uca crenulata

This research investigates the causes of a male-biased operational sex ratio in a population of the California fiddler crab, Uca crenulata. Mensurative studies revealed there were almost twice as many adult males as females, mating occurred across half of the days within the breeding season, and females had much longer individual reproductive cycles than males. Therefore, many more males than females were available for mating on each breeding day. Perhaps as a consequence, males spent a large proportion of their time fighting with neighbors and rapidly waving their large claws when females passed by.
Fleet Mix Planning in the U.S. Coast Guard: Issues and Challenges for DSS*

Fleet mix planning in the U.S. Coast Guard involves determining a combination of naval assets best suited to meet the Coast Guard’s future mission requirements while satisfying various resource constraints. In this paper, I describe the problem, and present and discuss certain challenges it raises in the field of decision support systems (DSS). The fleet mix planning problem is fairly unstructured, has a long-term planning horizon and impact, and there is uncertainty about future mission objectives and demand for the fleet’s services. As such, I believe, it is a classical application suited to the use of DSS technology, according to accepted definitions of a DSS. However, an examination of DSS theory and technology reveals that current DSS theories and implementations do not adequately address this problem. Thus, the fleet mix planning problem raises several research challenges in the design and implementation of decision support systems. In this paper, I discuss the problem and these challenges in detail, and propose that fleet mix planning could be a useful benchmark problem for DSS.
On the Molecular Properties of Atmospheric Ion Clusters and Their Relationship to Nucleation

In order to elucidate the chemical composition, stability, and nature of atmospheric ions, extensive studies of the thermodynamic properties of molecular clustering about ions have been undertaken in our Laboratory. Significant new findings show that the bond energies for polar molecules clustered about ions of open electronic structure are far greater than expected for a simple ion-dipole interaction. The results clearly establish the fact that chemical bonding is quite important in effecting the formation of atmospheric ions. These results have also led to a clarification of the role of small clusters in ion-induced nucleation phenomena.
Monogamy of the Heart: Extradyadic Sex and Gay Male Couples

Abstract Sixty-five coupled gay men were qualitatively interviewed to examine how they decided whether or not to be monogamous, and how some maintained openly nonmonogamous relationships. Unlike their monogamous counterparts, men in open relationships cognitively separated sex from intimacy and prized sexual variety. Although outside sex could stimulate insecurity, men in open couples established guidelines that safeguarded their health and affirmed couple primacy. Respondents in self-described monogamous unions who engaged in outside sex minimized its importance, and some reported that monogamy was assumed but never discussed with their partners. These findings suggest that clinicians be flexible regarding traditional ideas about sexual monogamy and commitment as they help gay couples improve communication and affirm couple boundaries.
The protein translocation machinery of the endoplasmic reticulum

The rough endoplasmic reticulum (r.e.r.) has been postulated to possess a single translation-coupled translocation system (in multiple copies) that effects signal sequence-mediated translocation of all secretory and lysosomal proteins and integration of all integral membrane proteins whose port of entry is the rough endoplasmic reticulum (G. Blobel 1980 Proc. natn. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 77, 1496-1500). Two proteins have been isolated that are components of the r.e.r. translocation system. Their properties and function in protein translocation across and integration into membranes are discussed.
Plasma surface modification of polymers using atmospheric pressure discharges

Summary form only given. Atmospheric pressure plasmas, and corona discharges in particularly, are used to treat polymer films to improve their wetting and adhesion properties. Production of O, OH and HO/sub 2/ radicals in humid air discharges have been found to result in surface oxidation of the polymer and produce Low Molecular Weight Oxidized Material (LMWOM). Although a widely used industrial process, the fundamental plasma surface interactions which produce LMWOM and modify surface properties are not well understood. Results from a computational investigation of corona treatment of polypropylene will be discussed with the goal of determining the reaction mechanism which produce LMWOM and improve wetting properties. The gas phase plasma chemistry is modeled using a global kinetics model, GLOBAL-KIN, coupled to a surface kinetics model which addresses the plasma surface interactions. The region above the polymer surface is divided into two zones: a) a homogeneous bulk plasma; and b) a diffusion layer. Radicals produced in the bulk plasma diffuse to the polymer surface where they may adsorbed or directly react with surface sites. The products desorb from the polymer surface, transporting back through the diffusion layer to the bulk plasmas. The surface processes are simulated using a site-balance model with a variable area density of surface sites to account for modification of the surface morphology by the plasma. The surface reaction mechanism distinguishes between processes which produce hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups. Comparisons can then be made with experimental data for corona treated polypropylene based on wettability (contact angle). Results will be discussed for corona treatment of polypropylene in web-type reactors while varying energy density, humidity and web-speed. As probabilities of polymer surface reactions are in general uncertain, sensitivity studies will be made on the reaction mechanism. Comparison to experiments by industrial collaborators at 3M will aid in refining the mechanism.
A novel design of tunable terahertz devices using graphene parallel-plate waveguide

This paper presents a novel design of tunable terahertz devices using graphene parallel-plate waveguide (GPPWG). Graphene parallel-plate waveguide can provide tunable propagation constant which can be controlled by the external biasing voltage. To facilitate the design, closed-form design equations are derived. Based on the proposed GPPWG, tunable devices can be designed in the terahertz (THz) range. To verify the proposed theory, a THz power divider with tunable power division ratios is designed and simulated. The simulation results show good agreement with the design theory.
Toward an empirical test of the role of cognitive conflict in learning

Abstract Piaget's hypothesis that cognitive conflict (disequilibrium) is a precondition for intellectual development was examined and compared to a social learning rule-consistent modeling hypothesis. A study was conducted which manipulated the degree of external social conflict (disagreement) between two adult models about answers to conservation of weight items, assessed internal cognitive conflict, and examined their relationship during acquisition of conservation of weight by 60 preoperational first graders. Rule-consistent modeling involved both models agreeing in their display of a conserving judgment and rationale for each test item. Significant acquisition, transfer, and retention of conservation were found for only those children exposed to the least socially conflicting (but rule-consistent) modeling treatment. Neither of the two measures of cognitive conflict predicted acquisition of conservation. The results were interpreted as supportive of a social learning view of cognitive development.
Interrelations between thyroxin and adrenalin in the regulation of oxygen consumption in the albino rat.

THYROXIN and adrenalin are both known to have a calorigenic effect, manifested by an increase in oxygen consumption (1, 2). Ring (3) showed that the response to adrenalin was potentiated by thyroxin, and that the logarithm of the response was proportional to the basal metabolism. That this was a direct relationship between the two hormones was demonstrated by the inability of non-thyroid metabolic stimulants and depressants, such as dinitrophenol and fasting, to affect the response to adrenalin. Schaeffer and Thibault (4, 5) also found that thyroxin greatly increased the response to adrenalin. The potentiation could be observed even before and after the calorigenic effect of the thyroxin itself was evident. In both investigations single large doses of thyroxin were used. Ring proposed that either a reversible chemical reaction between thyroxin and adrenalin or adsorption may be involved. Recent data on the action of hormones at the enzyme level suggest that adrenalin and thyroxin may influence consecutive...
Optimization of the Microencapsulated Islet for Transplantation

Abstract Background. Microencapsulation of isolated islets is a good method for providing protection against immunologic reactions to the cells in both allogeneic and xenogenic grafts. Current methods of microencapsulation require chelation of the alginate-calcium core, which solubilizes the structural support of the capsules and may adversely affect durability. The purpose of the present study was to determine the in vitro response to glucose stimulation, of microencapsulated islets that have not been subjected to chelation. Materials and methods. Using an air-jet-syringe-pump droplet generator, islets isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats were encapsulated in alginate, followed by washes with poly- l -lysine, saline, and a second coat of alginate. Different groups of the microencapsulated islets were then tested for response to high glucose perifusion, before or after chelation, and the responses were compared with those of unencapsulated islets. Results. Chelated microencapsulated islets showed a normal biphasic insulin response to stimulation with 16.7 mM (300 mg%). Thus, insulin secretion increased from a mean ± SEM basal rate of 3005 ± 645 to a stimulated rate of 5165 ± 1030 pg/min ( P n = 6) in the first phase, comparable to results obtained with the unencapsulated islets. In contrast, unchelated microencapsulated islets did not respond to stimulation with 16.7 mM glucose. However, after a 24-h culture of these unchelated microcapsules, a small but significant response was observed. Conclusions. Although culturing unchelated microcapsules of islets may enhance their function, chelation of the microcapsular core is essential for optimal function of the enclosed islets.
Single-object consistency facilitates multisensory pair learning: Evidence for unitization

Learning about objects often involves associating multisensory properties such as the taste and smell of a food or the face and voice of a person. Here, we report a novel phenomenon in associative learning in which pairs of multisensory attributes that are consistent with deriving from a single object are learned better than pairs that are not. In Experiment 1, we found superior learning of arbitrary pairs of human faces and voices when they were gender-congruent — and thus were consistent with belonging to a single personal identity — compared with gender-incongruent pairs. In Experiment 2, we found a similar advantage when the learned pair consisted of species-congruent animal pictures and vocalizations vs. species-incongruent pairs. In Experiment 3, we found that temporal synchrony — which provides a highly reliable alternative cue that properties derive from a single object — improved performance specifically for the incongruent pairs. Together, these findings demonstrate a novel principle in associative learning in which multisensory pairs that are consistent with having a single object as their source are learned more easily than multisensory pairs that are not. These results suggest that unitizing multisensory properties into a single representation may be a specialized learning mechanism.
Type I collagen influences cartilage calcification: an immunoblocking study in differentiating chick limb-bud mesenchymal cell cultures.

Chick limb-bud mesenchymal cells, plated in high-density micro-mass culture, differentiate and form a matrix resembling chick epiphyseal cartilage. In the presence of 4 mM inorganic phosphate or 2.5 mM β-glycerophosphate mineral deposits upon this matrix forming a mineralized tissue that, based on electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared microspectoscopy, is like that of chick calcified cartilage. In this culture system the initial mineral deposits are found on the periphery of the chondrocyte nodules. During differentiation of the cells in the high-density micro-mass cultures there is a switch from expression of type I collagen to type II, and then to type X collagen. However, type I collagen persists in the matrix. Because there is some debate about whether type I collagen influences cartilage calcification, an immunoblocking technique was used to determine the importance of type I collagen on the mineralization process in this system. Studies using nonspecific goat anti-chick IgG demonstrated that 1–100 ng/ml antibody added with the media after the cartilage nodules had developed (day 7) had no effect on the accumulation of mineral in the cultures. Nonspecific antibody added before day 7 blocked development of the cultures. Parallel solution based cell-free studies showed that IgG did not have a strong affinity for apatite crystals, and had no significant effect on apatite crystal growth. Type I collagen antibodies (1–200 ng/ml) added to cultures one time on day 9 (before mineralization started), or on day 11 (at the start of mineralization), slightly inhibited the accumulation of mineral. There was a statistically significant decrease in mineral accretion with 100 or 200 ng/ml collagen antibody addition continuously after these times. Fab' fragments of nonspecific and type I collagen antibodies had effects parallel to those of the intact antibodies, indicating that the decreased mineralization was not attributable to the presence of the larger, bulkier antibodies. The altered accumulation of mineral was not associated with cell death in the presence of antibody (demonstrated by fluorescent labeling of DNA) or with increased apoptosis (TUNEL-stain). In the immunoblocked cultures, EM analysis demonstrated that mineral continued to deposit on collagen fibrils, but there appeared to be fewer deposits. The data demonstrate that type I collagen is important for the mineralization of these cultures. J. Cell. Biochem. 79:89–102, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An Application of Electrocardiographic Lead Theory to Impedance Plethysmography

The change in mutual impedance ?Z resulting from a change ?g in the conductivity of a particular region of a volume conductor is shown to be given by ?Z = - ?g?Lt?·L? dv. L? and L? are the lead fields associated with the two ports used to measure ?Z. The integration is over the region where the conductivity has changed. The superscript t indicates that the lead field is to be evaluated following the change in conductivity. An example involving a spherical conductor is provided.