cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Study design for the fostering eating after stroke with transcranial direct current stimulation trial: a randomized controlled intervention for improving Dysphagia after acute ischemic stroke.

Goal Dysphagia is a major stroke complication but lacks effective therapy that can promote recovery. Noninvasive brain stimulation with and without peripheral sensorimotor activities may be an attractive treatment option for swallowing recovery but has not been systematically investigated in the stroke population. This article describes the study design of the first prospective, single-center, double-blinded trial of anodal versus sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) used in combination with swallowing exercises in patients with dysphagia from an acute ischemic stroke. The aim of this study is to gather safety data on cumulative sessions of tDCS in acute–subacute phases of stroke, obtain information about effects of this intervention on important physiologic and clinically relevant swallowing parameters, and examine possible dose effects. Methods Ninety-nine consecutive patients with dysphagia from an acute unilateral hemispheric infarction with a Penetration and Aspiration Scale (PAS) score of 4 or more and without other confounding reasons for dysphagia will be enrolled at a single tertiary care center. Subjects will be randomized to either a high or low dose tDCS or a sham group and will undergo 10 sessions over 5 consecutive days concomitantly with effortful swallowing maneuvers. The main efficacy measures are a change in the PAS score before and after treatment; the main safety measures are mortality, seizures, neurologic, motor, and swallowing deterioration. Conclusions The knowledge gained from this study will help plan a larger confirmatory trial for treating stroke-related dysphagia and advance our understanding of important covariates influencing swallowing recovery and response to the proposed intervention.
Residually finite dimensional C*-algebras and subquotients of the CAR algebra

It is proved that the cone of a separable nuclearly embeddable resid- ually finite-dimensional C*-algebra embeds in the CAR algebra (the UHF algebra of type 2 ∞ ). As a corollary we obtain a short new proof of Kirchberg's theorem asserting that a separable unital C*-algebra A is nuclearly embeddable if and only there is a semisplit extension 0 → J → E → A → 0 with E a unital C*-subalgebra of the CAR algebra and the ideal J an AF-algebra. The new proof does not rely on the lifting theorem of Effros and Haagerup.
An electrophysiological investigation of indirect semantic priming

In two experiments, direct and indirect semantic priming were measured using event-related potentials. In Experiment 1, participants rated the relatedness between prime and target on a seven-point scale. In Experiment 2, participants simply read the primes and targets as they monitored for a semantic category in probe filler items. Significant direct and indirect N400 priming effects were observed in both experiments. In Experiment 1, the indirect N400 priming effect remained significant when indirectly related and unrelated word pairs were matched for participants' explicit relatedness judgments. In both experiments, the indirect N400 priming effects were preserved when indirectly related and unrelated word pairs were matched on more global and objective measures of semantic similarity. These findings are discussed in the context of current theoretical models of semantic memory and semantic priming.
Flux penetration of a hard superconducting tube

Abstract Observed flux jumps correlate with sharply increased Joulean dissipation when a flux front penetrates the bore of a NbZr tube. Varying the wall thickness exhibits a maximum of dissipation.
The propensity for consuming ethanol in Drosophila requires rutabaga adenylyl cyclase expression within mushroom body neurons

Alcohol activates reward systems through an unknown mechanism, in some cases leading to alcohol abuse and dependence. Herein, we utilized a two-choice Capillary Feeder assay to address the neural and molecular basis for ethanol self-administration in Drosophila melanogaster. Wild-type Drosophila shows a significant preference for food containing between 5% and 15% ethanol. Preferred ethanol self-administration does not appear to be due to caloric advantage, nor due to perceptual biases, suggesting a hedonic bias for ethanol exists in Drosophila. Interestingly, rutabaga adenylyl cyclase expression within intrinsic mushroom body neurons is necessary for robust ethanol self-administration. The expression of rutabaga in mushroom bodies is also required for both appetitive and aversive olfactory associative memories, suggesting that reinforced behavior has an important role in the ethanol self-administration in Drosophila. However, rutabaga expression is required more broadly within the mushroom bodies for the preference for ethanol-containing food than for olfactory memories reinforced by sugar reward. Together these data implicate cAMP signaling and behavioral reinforcement for preferred ethanol self-administration in D. melanogaster.
Recalcitrant Ulcer Caused by Embedded Papier‐Mache

A 47-year-old sculptor presented with an ulcer on her neck. She is non-diabetic and had been on potassium iodide for hyperthyroidism. She developed a pruritic rash (?drug eruption), and her neck had been scratched repeatedly with papier-mache (PM)-covered fingers while she worked on PM sculptures for 3 consecutive months. Debrided material from neck ulcer revealed innumerable pieces of refractile PM in various shapes in the background of necrotic tissue and fibrinoid exudate, on polaroscopic examination of H&E sections. Stains for micro-organisms (for fungi, acid-fast bacilli, and actinomycosis) were negative. In an attempt to remove residual embedded PM, wide excision of the site and full-thickness skin graft was done. After initial successful take and healing, the area redeveloped an ulcer. Additional debridement and biopsy from the graft site showed PM clustered around the blood vessels in the reticular dermis. PM is a product of paper pulp commonly used in arts and crafts. Rare cases of lead exposure in PM workers have been reported in the literature, however, no cutaneous problems caused by PM have been reported to date.
Kelvin wave variability near the equatorial tropopause observed in GPS radio occultation measurements

[1] Temperature fields in the equatorial upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, derived from GPS radio occultation measurements for 2001–2002, show evidence for planetary-scale Kelvin waves. These waves have a characteristic eastward phase tilt with height and typical vertical wavelengths of ∼4–8 km. The Kelvin waves exhibit coherent vertical structure over ∼12–25 km, with maximum amplitudes near the tropical tropopause (∼17 km). The waves are often quasi-stationary near the tropopause but exhibit regular eastward propagation in the lower stratosphere (with periods near 20 days). The quasi-stationary waves modulate the climatological cold tropopause over Indonesia. The transient lower stratospheric waves show enhanced amplitudes coincident with the descending westerly shear phase of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO). Correlations with outgoing long-wave radiation (OLR) data show that global temperature patterns over ∼12–17 km (with characteristic Kelvin wave structure) vary coherently with transient deep convection over Indonesia.
Exciting Event Detection Using Multi-level Multimodal Descriptors and Data Classification

Event detection is of great importance in high-level semantic indexing and selective browsing of video clips. However, the use of low-level visual-audio feature descriptors alone generally fails to yield satisfactory results in event identification due to the semantic gap issue. In this paper, we propose an advanced approach for exciting event detection in soccer video with the aid of multi-level descriptors and classification algorithm. Specifically, a set of algorithms are developed for efficient extraction of meaningful mid-level descriptors to bridge the semantic gap and to facilitate the comprehensive video content analysis. The data classification algorithm is then performed upon the combination of multimodal mid-level descriptors and low-level feature descriptors for event detection. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed framework are demonstrated over a large collection of soccer video data with different styles produced by different broadcasters.
A practical approach to modified condition/decision coverage

Testing of software intended for safety-critical applications in commercial transport aircraft must achieve modified condition/decision coverage (ITC/DC) of the software structure. This requirement causes anxiety for many within the aviation software cornmunitv. Results of a survey of the aviation software industry indicate that many developers believe that meeting the MC/DC requirement is difficult. and the cost is exorbitant. Some of the difficulties stem, no doubt, from the scant information available on the subject. This paper provides a practical 5-step approach for assessing MC/DC for aviation software products, and an analysis of some types of errors expected to be caught when MC/DC is achieved.
EFFECT OF THYROXINE ANALOGUES ON THE PERIPHERAL METABOLISM OF THYROXINE: THE HALF-LIFE AND PATTERN OF ELIMINATION.

The effects of thyroxine analogues on the metabolism of 131I radiothyroxine were investigated in thyroidectomized rats maintained in euthyroid state by exogenous L-thyroxine. The biological half-life of radiothyroxine and the radioactivity in urine and feces were compared in control and experimental animals. It was found that sodium iodide had no effect. D-Thyroxine, 3,3′,5′- triiodo-DL-thyronine, 3,3′,5′-triiodothyropropionic acid and 3,5-diiodothyroacetic acid lengthened the biological half-life of radiothyroxine, increased the radioactivity recovered in feces, and decreased the radioactivity recovered in urine. Carrier L-thyroxine showed similar effects in much smaller doses. The results suggest that the manner in which these thyroxine analogues antagonize the calorigenic action of thyroxine in vivo is related to competition for mechanisms by which thyroxine is degraded. (Endocrinology 74: 611, 1964)
The oversampling phasing method.

Sampling the diffraction pattern of a finite specimen more finely than the Nyquist frequency (the inverse of the size of the diffracting specimen) corresponds to surrounding the electron density of the specimen with a no-density region. When the no-density region is bigger than the electron-density region, sufficient information is recorded so that the phase information can be retrieved from the oversampled diffraction pattern, at least in principle. By employing an iterative algorithm, the phase information from the oversampled diffraction pattern of a micrometre-sized test specimen has been successfully retrieved. This method is believed to be able to open a door for high-resolution three-dimensional structure determination of complex and non-crystalline biological specimens, i.e. whole cells and sub-micrometre molecular clusters and micrometre-sized protein crystals. With the possible appearance in the future of X-ray free-electron lasers, it may become possible to image single molecules by recording diffraction patterns before radiation damage manifests itself.
Future directions for agricultural phosphorus research

A workshop was held in 1990 in Muscle Shoals, Alabama to discuss current and future research on phosphorus in agriculture. Twenty four presentations were given in areas ranging from basic to applied research. For five of the research areas presented at the workshop, this paper presents a literature review, a review of presentations at the workshop, and a discussion of future research ideas.
El acceso de los ciudadanos a las noticias de la televisión: la construcción de un tercero discursivo

El siguiente trabajo aborda, desde la perspectiva del Analisis del Discurso, la representacion que se realiza de los ciudadanos sin poder social en las noticias de television chilenas. En ese marco, se analiza como ellos acceden linguisticamente al discurso informativo. A diferencia de lo que otros estudios sostienen, se afirma que el acceso de los ciudadanos a la television es frecuente, sin embargo, suele estar asociado a situaciones conflictivas y tragicas; ademas, linguisticamente predominan estrategias que los convierten en fuentes informativas de segunda clase: no se habla con ellos, sino de ellos
Reducing multiclass to binary by coupling probability estimates

This paper presents a method for obtaining class membership probability estimates for multiclass classification problems by coupling the probability estimates produced by binary classifiers. This is an extension for arbitrary code matrices of a method due to Hastie and Tibshirani for pairwise coupling of probability estimates. Experimental results with Boosted Naive Bayes show that our method produces calibrated class membership probability estimates, while having similar classification accuracy as loss-based decoding, a method for obtaining the most likely class that does not generate probability estimates.
SUMMER FEEDING HABITS OF DALL'S PORPOISE, PHOCOENOIDES DALLI, IN THE SOUTHERN SEA OF OKHOTSK

Stomach contents were analyzed from 85 Dall's porpoises, Phocoenoides dalli, taken in the southern Sea of Okhotsk during the summer of 1988. Thirteen species of fish and five species of cephalopods were identified. Fishes comprising 9 families were predominant and made up 79.9% of the total number of prey, with an overall occurrence in the stomachs of 100%. Three families of cephalopods made up 20.1% of the total number of prey ingested, with an overall occurrence of 74%. The Japanese pilchard, Sardinops sagax melanostictus, was the primary prey and represented 72.0% of the total prey in 97.3% of the stomachs examined. The gonatid squid, Berryteuthis magister, ranked second and made up 16.9% of the total prey in 61.6% of the stomachs. Walleye pollock, Theragra chalcogramma, was the third most abundant prey item consumed and represented 6.0% of the total, with an occurrence of 53.4%. Composition of the sample by the calculated total mass and caloric intake supports the numeric findings on the relative importance of the three major prey species to the DaIl's porpoise diet. The Japanese pilchard was clearly dominant using these indices and constituted 65.4% of the total mass and 80.7% of the caloric intake. Berryteuthis magister made up 26.8% of the mass and 15.5% of the caloric intake. Walleye pollock contributed the least to the diet with 7.9% of the total mass and 3.8% of the caloric intake. Volumetric data indicate that porpoises are feeding heavily on Japanese pilchard throughout the daylight hours. Berryteuthis magister was probably fed upon in the late night or early morning hours. Occurrence of both Dall's porpoise and Japanese pilchard in the coastal waters of the southern Sea of Okhotsk is seasonal. The summer movements of Dall's porpoise into this region may be related to the seasonal migration and abundance of the Japanese pilchard.
A Mathematical Model for the Role of Cell Signal Transduction in the Initiation and Inhibition of Angiogenesis

Neovascular formation can be divided into three main stages (which may be overlapping): (1) changes within the existing vessel, (2) formation of a new channel, (3) maturation of the new vessel. In two previous papers, [Levine, H.A. and Sleeman, B.D. (1997) "A system of reaction diffusion equations arising in the theory of reinforced random walks" SIAM J. Appl. Math. 683-730; Levine, H.A., Sleeman, B.D. and Nilsen-Hamilton, M. (2001b) "Mathematical modelling of the onset of capillary formation initiating angiogenesis." J. Math. Biol. 195-238] the authors introduced a new approach to angiogenesis, based on the theory of reinforced random walks, coupled with a Michaelis-Menten type mechanism which views the endothelial vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) receptors as the catalyst for transforming into a proteolytic enzyme in order to model the first stage. It is the purpose of this paper to present a more descriptive yet not overly complicated mathematical model of the biochemical events that are ...
New formulations of bupivacaine for the treatment of postoperative pain: liposomal bupivacaine and SABER-Bupivacaine

Introduction: Although generally considered both safe and effective, local anesthetics are often used in conjunction with opioids postoperatively in part because of the limited duration of drug action of local anesthetics. Much interest exists in extending the duration of local anesthetics’ effects, which may reduce the requirement for opioid pain medications that are frequently associated with side effects, including nausea and vomiting, pruritus and respiratory depression.Areas covered: This article introduces liposomal bupivacaine and SABER®-Bupivacaine, two new formulations of bupivacaine that increase the duration of analgesia postoperatively through two novel slow-release technologies. The pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of both preparations of bupivacaine are reviewed. An electronic database search conducted using the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and MEDLINE/PubMed with the following search terms: ‘bupivacaine,’ ‘liposomal bupivacaine’, ‘liposome bupivacain...
Gene fusions with β-lactamase show that subunit I of the cytochrome bd quinol oxidase from E. coli has nine transmembrane helices with the O2 reactive site near the periplasmic surface

The cytochrome bd quinol oxidase is a component of the respiratory chain of many prokaryotes. The enzyme contains two subunits, CydA and CydB, which were initially predicted based on the sequence of the Escherichia coli oxidase to have seven and eight transmembrane spans, respectively. More recently, the topological model of CydA was revised to predict nine transmembrane helices, based on additional sequence information from other organisms. In the current work, the topology of the E. coli oxidase was experimentally examined using β-lactamase gene fusions. The results confirm the revised topology, which places the oxygen reactive site near the periplasmic surface.
Ripening Physiology of Fruit from Transgenic Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) Plants with Reduced Ethylene Synthesis

The physiological effects of reduced ethylene synthesis in a transgenic tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) line expressing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase enzyme have been examined. Fruit from the transgenic line 5673 ripen significantly slower than control fruit when removed from the vine early in ripening. In contrast, fruit that remain attached to the plants ripen much more rapidly, exhibiting little delay relative to the control. Ethylene determinations on attached fruit revealed that there was significantly more internal ethylene in attached than detached fruit. The higher ethylene content can fully account for the observed faster on-the-vine ripening. All of the data are consistent with a catalytic role for ethylene in promoting many, although not all, aspects of fruit ripening. Biochemical analyses of transgenic fruit indicated no significant differences from controls in the levels of ACC oxidase or polygalacturonase. Because transgenic fruit are significantly firmer than controls, this last result indicates that other enzymes may have a significant role in fruit softening.
Efficacy of Catheter Ablation for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Evidence From Randomized and Nonrandomized Controlled Trials

Background Catheter ablation (CA) is commonly performed for persistent atrial fibrillation, but few high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exist, leading to funding restrictions being proposed in several countries. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis of RCTs and non-RCTs to assess the efficacy of CA for persistent atrial fibrillation. Methods and results We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, OpenGrey, and clinicaltrials.gov for RCTs and non-RCTs reporting clinical outcomes after CA for persistent atrial fibrillation. Forty-six eligible studies were identified containing 3819 patients. After a single procedure, CA significantly reduced the risk of recurrent atrial fibrillation compared with medical therapy (odds ratio [OR], 0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20-0.53; P Conclusions For patients with persistent atrial fibrillation, CA achieves significantly greater freedom from recurrent atrial fibrillation compared with medical therapy. The most efficacious strategy is likely to combine isolation of the pulmonary veins with limited linear ablation within the left atrium.
JAK kinase inhibition abrogates STAT3 activation and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tumor growth.

Abstract Aberrant activation of the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 has been implicated in cell proliferation and survival of many cancers including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). AZD1480, an orally active pharmacologic inhibitor of JAK1/JAK2, has been tested in several cancer models. In the present study, the in vitro and in vivo effects of AZD1480 were evaluated in HNSCC preclinical models to test the potential use of JAK kinase inhibition for HNSCC therapy. AZD1480 treatment decreased HNSCC proliferation in HNSCC cell lines with half maximal effective concentration (EC 50 ) values ranging from 0.9 to 4 μM in conjunction with reduction of pSTAT3 Tyr705 expression. In vivo antitumor efficacy of AZD1480 was demonstrated in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models derived from two independent HNSCC tumors. Oral administration of AZD1480 reduced tumor growth in conjunction with decreased pSTAT3 Tyr705 expression that was observed in both PDX models. These findings suggest that the JAK1/2 inhibitors abrogate STAT3 signaling and may be effective in HNSCC treatment approaches.
Naturalism: Friends and Foes

The goal of this paper is to sketch a distinctive version of naturalism in the philosophy of science, both by tracing historical antecedents and by addressing contemporary objections.
Selective versus nonselective thoracic fusion in Lenke 1C curves: a meta-analysis of baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes

OBJECT Lenke 1C curves are challenging to manage surgically due to the structural thoracic deformity and nonstructural lumbar curve. Selective thoracic fusion (STF) is considered the standard of care because it preserves motion of the lumbar segment, yet nonselective STF (NSTF) remains prevalent. This study aims to identify baseline patient characteristics that drive treatment and to compare postoperative outcomes for both procedures. METHODS Studies that compared baseline and postoperative demographic data, health-related quality of life (HRQL) questionnaires, and radiographic parameters of patients with Lenke 1C curves undergoing STF or NSTF were identified for meta-analysis. The effect measure is expressed as a mean difference (MD) with 95% CI. A positive MD signifies a greater STF value, or a mean increase within the group. RESULTS One prospective and 6 retrospective case-control studies with sample size of 488 patients (344 STF and 144 NSTF) were identified. Baseline age, sex, and HRQLs were equivale...
Enhancing versus Suppressive Effects of Stress on Immune Function: Implications for Immunoprotection versus Immunopathology.

It is widely believed that stress suppresses immune function and increases susceptibility to infections and cancer. Paradoxically, stress is also known to exacerbate allergic, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases. These observations suggest that stress may have bidirectional effects on immune function, being immunosuppressive in some instances and immunoenhancing in others. It has recently been shown that in contrast to chronic stress that suppresses or dysregulates immune function, acute stress can be immunoenhancing. Acute stress enhances dendritic cell, neutrophil, macrophage, and lymphocyte trafficking, maturation, and function and has been shown to augment innate and adaptive immune responses. Acute stress experienced prior to novel antigen exposure enhances innate immunity and memory T-cell formation and results in a significant and long-lasting immunoenhancement. Acute stress experienced during antigen reexposure enhances secondary/adaptive immune responses. Therefore, depending on the conditions of immune activation and the immunizing antigen, acute stress may enhance the acquisition and expression of immunoprotection or immunopathology. In contrast, chronic stress dysregulates innate and adaptive immune responses by changing the type 1-type 2 cytokine balance and suppresses immunity by decreasing leukocyte numbers, trafficking, and function. Chronic stress also increases susceptibility to skin cancer by suppressing type 1 cytokines and protective T cells while increasing suppressor T-cell function. We have suggested that the adaptive purpose of a physiologic stress response may be to promote survival, with stress hormones and neurotransmitters serving as beacons that prepare the immune system for potential challenges (eg, wounding or infection) perceived by the brain (eg, detection of an attacker). However, this system may exacerbate immunopathology if the enhanced immune response is directed against innocuous or self-antigens or dysregulated following prolonged activation, as seen during chronic stress. In view of the ubiquitous nature of stress and its significant effects on immunoprotection and immunopathology, it is important to further elucidate the mechanisms mediating stress-immune interactions and to meaningfully translate findings from bench to bedside.
The effects of aminotriazole and acetaldehyde on an ethanol drug discrimination with a conditioned taste aversion procedure.

Abstract The present study was designed to investigate whether acetaldehyde shares stimulus properties with ethanol using the conditioned taste aversion (CTA) baseline of drug discrimination learning. Animals were trained to discriminate ethanol (0.8 g/kg, i.p.) from saline using 11 consecutive cycles consisting of a pairing day and three nonpairing days. On pairing days, all animals were injected with ethanol 30 min prior to a 20-min limited access to a saccharin solution (0.1% w/v) and then immediately injected with either LiCl (0.15 M, 1.8 meq) or distilled water. On the three following nonpairing days, animals were injected with saline and 30 min later presented with the same saccharin solution for 20 min. No injections followed on these nonpairing days. Results showed that animals acquired discriminative stimulus control for ethanol after seven pairings. Pretreatment with the catalase inhibitor did not alter the discriminative control for ethanol. Generalization tests revealed that acetaldehyde substituted for ethanol at a dose of 0.3 g/kg. The results of the present study suggest that catalase inhibition did not reverse or alter the discriminative stimulus effects of ethanol. However, generalization tests showed that acetaldehyde (0.3 g/kg) will substitute for ethanol suggesting that these two drugs share some similar properties.
Multimedia data model for video-detection research

Traffic monitoring and detection systems are important for constructing closed-loop traffic-signal control, freeway-control, and congestion-management systems. Most detection and monitoring systems depend on inductive loops. Recently, many agencies have been investigating video-image–based detection systems because cameras can collect data on several traffic lanes and can be installed quite rapidly on an adjacent pole or bridge. User consensus is that the basic hardware architecture of these systems is well defined. However, there is room for significant improvements in performance and capability of video-detection algorithms. Several researchers are currently working to develop new algorithms. However, due to technology limitations these algorithms have traditionally been evaluated at a macroscopic level by comparing counts obtained by loop detectors with the image-based detection system. This paper discusses the development of a multimedia database-management system for investigating the microscopic performance of video-detection algorithms. The paper describes the process of acquiring the proper data, a definition for a suitable database schema, and the peripheral database clients required to evaluate detection algorithms.
Column Chromatography of Bile, Serum, Urine After Intravenous Administration of Sulfobromophthalein

Summary The chromatographic fractionation of sulf obromophthalein (Bromsulphalein) exereted in rat bile, reported by Krebs and Brauer, together with alterations in the excretion pattern in experimental liver injury are confirmed. The dye when injected intravenously was excreted in the bile as at least three compounds, of which two (compounds II and III) are chromatographically distinct from Bromsulphalein. The chromatographic fractionation of Bromsulphalein excreted in the bile of Gunnstrain rats is closely similar to that occurring in normal animals. This is indirect supporting evidence against a glucuronide structure for compounds II and III. Distinctive chromatographic patterns of Bromsulphalein may be observed in the serums of normal rats, rats with bile ducts ligated, rats with livers damaged by breathing of carbon tetrachloride. Little metabolic transformation of Bromsulphalein is found in the serum of hepatectomized rats. Three principal components of Bromsulphalein, which may be shown by chromatographic fractionation and which have independent rates of excretion, are present in human bile. In the bile of a patient with severe liver cell failure, the modification of the excreted Bromsulphalein was less than in the others. Chromatography of dye extracted from the serum and urine of jaundiced patients has yielded suggestive results which warrant further investigation.
Many Mansions: Conceptualizing Translingual Curriculum

ABSTRACTThis article presents a vision for fostering multilingualism in schools that extends the notion of translanguaging to include the realm of multilingual curriculum theorizing. We locate our analysis at the intersection of multicultural education, multilingual education, and curriculum studies in order to conceptualize language, culture, and curriculum that are responsive to students’ language practices and cultural locations, as well as reflexive of the dynamics of power and privilege within the classroom. By placing “languaging” practices at the heart of curriculum development, the article takes up Spivak’s postcolonial discursive work, which eloquently articulates the distinctions between translation and transcoding and suggests that the former is a necessary, ethical obligation within the global moment. The article concludes with a review of successful examples of multilingual curriculum development and offers suggestions for future work in this area.
Self-Referencing Measurement in Persuasive Communications

Scaled measures were developed through a two-stage data-collection procedure to assess the extent to which 158 undergraduate respondents engaged in self-referencing in response to advertising. Self-referent cognitive responses were used as a basis for devising scales that were both generalizable and directed at the executional elements of some advertisements.
Urogenital aspects of actinomycosis.

Abstract Abstract Urogenital actinomycosis has always been a rare entity, limited to a few cases in any series. Treatment is highly successful but diagnosis remains elusive owing to low incidence, variable clinical picture, and biopsy and culture uncertainties. The general incidence of actinomycosis is believed to be decreasing in recent years but many infections may go undiagnosed while being suppressed or cured by conventional antibiotic therapy given for other reasons. Our incidence of 4 cases of genitourinary and abdominal actinomycosis occurring in a 1-year period is highly unusual but the reasons remain speculative. Prior operation, abortion and induced infection via an intrauterine device were probably contributory. Whatever the case, if our experience is shared by others, genitourinary actinomycosis deserves more prominent diagnostic consideration in the future.
Effect of Insecticides on Celery Insects, 2014

Celery was transplanted in a sandy loam type soil on 4 Sep 2014 at the University of California’s South Coast Research and Extension Center. The plants were drip irrigated (water pH 7.2–7.5). Experimental plots were three beds wide (two rows per bed) on 40 in. centers by 40 ft long and separated by a 3-ft. buffer with four replicates of each treatment in an RCB design. The foliar insecticide spray applications were initiated on 30 Oct and continued through 11 Dec. The low input treatment …
Layered Yb:YAG ceramics produced by two different methods: processing, characterization, and comparison

Yb:YAG ceramic solid-state laser gain media have been of growing interest for high-repetition rate and high-power lasers during the last few years. A great advantage of ceramic technology compared with that of single crystals is the flexibility of shaping methods allowing the production of near-net-shape components with a well-defined internal structure. A favorable dopant distribution can enhance laser efficiency by mitigating thermal effects. The presented work reports on Yb:YAG transparent ceramics composed of layers with different Yb doping produced by two different shaping methods: dry pressing of spray-dried powders and tape casting, all sintered under high vacuum. The selected geometry of materials was based on numerical simulations. Optical quality of produced ceramics was characterized and discussed in connection with the microstructure and laser emission results. Output power of nearly 7 W and slope efficiency of 58.1% were obtained in quasi-continuous wave regime from bilayered 0% to 10% Yb:YAG. In the case of multilayered materials, higher scattering losses were observed. The comparison of the two processing methods highlighted that the tape-cast materials provided higher optical uniformity and the diffusion zone between the single layers with different dopant content was about 150 μ m compared to about 250 μ m in samples produced by pressing of powders.
Overview of the Longitudinal Version of the Second International Mathematics Study

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the longitudinal version of the second international mathematics study. The purpose of the Second International Mathematics Study is to compare, and contrast, in an international context, the varieties of curricula, instructional practices, and student outcomes, both attitudinal, and cognitive. By portraying the mathematics program and outcomes of each participating system against a cross-national backdrop, each system is afforded an opportunity to better understand the relative strengths, and shortcomings of its own endeavors in mathematics education. The study was therefore conceptualized as an examination of mathematics curricula at three levels which includes the intended curriculum as transmitted by national, or system level authorities, the implemented curriculum as interpreted, and translated by teachers according to their experience, and beliefs for particular classes, and the attained curriculumlearnt by students as manifested in their achievements, and attitudes. The curriculum at each of these levels is influenced by the context in which it occurs, and the contexts themselves are determined by a number of antecedent conditions and factors.
Pb-free plating: a process and solder joint reliability study

The lead-free (Pb-free/100% tin) lead finish quality from two plating suppliers was compared to that of standard 90wt%Sn-1 0wt%Pb plating. A characterization study of the properties of the electroplated tin (Sn) showed that the finish exhibited large stable grains, high purity, comparable ionic contamination levels, and solderability. The assembled modules that employed Pb-free paste for the Sn finish showed better temperature cycling (T/C) performance, as those with Sn-Pb paste showed distinguished crack propagation. Sn whisker observation and characterization were performed on the components at time-zero, after module reflow and with the progression of T/C. The Sn whisker growth rates are explained in relation to tensile and compressive stresses on the plated layer
Are life history events of a northern breeding population of Cooper's Hawks influenced by changing climate?

Numerous studies have demonstrated earlier timing of spring migration and egg-laying in small passerines, but documentation of such responses to recent climate change in the life histories of higher trophic feeding birds such as raptors is relatively scarce. Raptors may be particularly susceptible to possible adverse effects of climate change due to their longer generation turnover times and lower reproductive capacity, which could lead to population declines because of an inability to match reproductive timing with optimal brood rearing conditions. Conversely adaptively favorable outcomes due to the influence of changing climate may occur. In general, birds that seasonally nest earlier typically have higher reproductive output compared to conspecifics that nest later in the season. Given the strong seasonal decline in reproductive output, and the heritability of nesting phenology, it is possible that nesting seasons would (adaptively) advance over time. Recent climate warming may release prior ecological constraints on birds that depend on food availability at the time of egg production, as do various raptors including Cooper's Hawks (Accipiter cooperii). Under this scenario, productivity, especially clutch size, might increase because it is likely that this reproductive demographic may be the most immediate response to the earlier seasonal presence of food resources. We demonstrated a statistically significant shift of about 4-5 days to an earlier timing of egg-hatching in spring across 36 years during 1980-2015 for a partially migratory population of Cooper's Hawks in Wisconsin, United States, which is consistent with a recent study that showed that Cooper's Hawks had advanced their timing of spring migration during 1979-2012. Both studies occurred in the Great Lakes region, an area that compared to global averages is experiencing earlier and increased warming particularly in the spring in Wisconsin. The nesting period did not lengthen. We suggest that the gradual shift of six consecutive generations of hawks was likely in response to recent climate change or warming. We did not detect any long-term temporal change in average clutch or brood sizes. However, such indices of reproduction are among the highest known for the species and thus may be at their physio-ecological maximum for this population. Our study population appears to show resilience to and does not appear to be adversely influenced by the recent rate of changing climate at this time.
Towards automated car repair bays: Geometric solution for kinematics of a two-post car lift system

At present, almost all the car garages and service dealerships have two post lifts in the repair bays. These systems are prone to various problems. There are cases in which automobiles have been irreparably damage like a bent chassis or fallen automotive from the lifts. Moreover, in some cases even human lives were subjected to harm while working in car bays. This paper presents a closed form solution for inverse kinematics of a two post car lift system. The arms of the lift are electro-mechanical manipulators and here the solution to these manipulators are calculated by using geometric approach. Each arm is a prismatic-revolute-prismatic (PRP) manipulator in itself.
Asthma as a Model for Chronic Disease Management Programs

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a relatively new target for disease management programs; however, asthma has long been a focus for such programs, and can provide a template for respiratory disease management. A major difficulty when developing disease management programs in an area that has not previously been targeted is determining the outcomes that need to be monitored. In this area, experience in asthma management may provide direction for the management of other COPDs. Healthcare providers that manage patients with chronic respiratory diseases must use a variety of outcome measures to guide therapy. No single measure provides a complete picture of an individual’s perceived well-being and future risk of pulmonary decline. Therefore, clinicians must consider outcome measures that reflect both the short- and long-term morbidity associated with the disease process. These outcome measures include both objective measures of pulmonary function and quality-of-life assessments. Ideally, objective measures of pulmonary function would allow for direct determination of the rate of pulmonary decline. Inherent limitations mean that these measurements are instead used as a surrogate for disease control. The goal therefore is to reduce the impairment experienced by an individual and potentially slow the rate of decline in pulmonary function. The most commonly used measures of pulmonary function are pulmonary function tests, peak expiratory flows, and airway hyper-responsiveness. To use them effectively, clinicians must be aware of the information provided by these measures and the limitations with their use. Outcome measures related to quality of life provide information about a patient’s subjective experience and ability to function in daily life. It has been recognized that these measures are important to individuals with chronic diseases and that they provide clinicians with information about the disease process that cannot be determined using measures of pulmonary function. Such measures can be broadly grouped into healthcare utilization measures, symptom scores, and measures of activity limitation. These measures are essential components of long-term asthma management, but are subject to their own limitations. Measurements of pulmonary function and quality of life provide complementary information about respiratory disease processes. For example, asthma guidelines incorporate both types of measurements into current classification schemes to assess asthma impairment and risk of future morbidity. Further research is required to better understand the relationship between these outcome measures.
Effective opportunistic dissemination of spatio-temporal contents in mobile environments

Abstract Dissemination of spatio-temporally valid content from content providers to consumers is critical in certain application contexts as data items could lose their validity across time and space. Content sharing in challenged opportunistic environments remains a research challenge as existing solutions fail to exploit dissemination patterns across spatio-temporal limits. In this paper, we propose spatio-temporal reachability graphs to depict reachability of time- and space-sensitive content in opportunistic mobile environments. Furthermore, we develop an analytical framework to estimate content distribution in such environments and validate its feasibility over long-term datasets. We perform extensive trace-driven simulation studies to determine content dissemination properties of environments with known mobility patterns. The analytical framework estimates dissemination ratio, optimizes parameter setting, and tests transmission capacities of opportunistic environments. Proposed scheme is useful to content providers as well as receivers.
Local Aggregative Games

Aggregative games provide a rich abstraction to model strategic multi-agent interactions. We focus on learning local aggregative games, where the payoff of each player is a function of its own action and the aggregate behavior of its neighbors in a connected digraph. We show the existence of a pure strategy epsilon-Nash equilibrium in such games when the payoff functions are convex or sub-modular. We prove an information theoretic lower bound, in a value oracle model, on approximating the structure of the digraph with non-negative monotone sub-modular cost functions on the edge set cardinality. We also introduce gamma-aggregative games that generalize local aggregative games, and admit epsilon-Nash equilibrium that are stable with respect to small changes in some specified graph property. Moreover, we provide estimation algorithms for the game theoretic model that can meaningfully recover the underlying structure and payoff functions from real voting data.
Experimental Study of Drag Reduction on Superhydrophobic Surfaces Using Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM)

A durable superhydrophobic coating formulation with epoxy binder thermoset was used to coat on surfaces, which provide high quality for corrosion protection, reduced biofouling and improved hydrodynamic behavior. The single and double layers coating of these nanostructured epoxy were fabricated and coated on a novel quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technique to investigate their hydrophobic properties. Different static and dynamic wettability were obtained and characterized by evaluating the electrical impedance of QCM coated with nanostructured epoxy in air and DI water. It was found that QCM is able to quantitatively characterize the hydrophobicity of these nanostructured polymer surfaces. For double layer coating, the frequency shift in DI water was smaller in comparison to the single layer one. The reduction in mechanical impedance of QCM clearly demonstrates the effect of enhanced hydrophobicity for both single and double layers. The experimental results show that the hydrophobic surface resulted in smaller mechanical impedance loading, while the hydrophilic surface exerted much larger mechanical impedance. The outcome of this research will build a solid foundation for the further improvement of vehicles coated with superhydrophobic surfaces operating in water and increased equipment life.Copyright © 2017 by ASME
Cache Management for 5G Cloud Radio Access Networks

CRAN (Cloud Radio Access Networks) has been proposed for 5G technologies to provide improved scalability, flexibility, and performance for supporting rapid increase of IoT devices. This paper proposes two efficient cache management algorithms for the Baseband Units pool in CRAN. It adopts the Exponential Decay (EXD) scheme to keep recently frequently requested records in cache, and enhances it with Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to support multiple levels of mobility and QoS. Performance evaluation demonstrates that, comparing with existing algorithms, Least Frequently Used and EXD, the two proposed EXD-AHP algorithms successfully increase cache hits while reduce network traffic incurred due to cache misses. They also provide preferential services for high levels of SLA and high mobility users. We believe that this work is significant in 5G networks for supporting IoT services, and is widely applicable to other cache management systems.
Visual Question Answer Diversity

Visual questions (VQs) can lead multiple people to respond with different answers rather than a single, agreed upon response. Moreover, the answers from a crowd can include different numbers of unique answers that arise with different relative frequencies. Such answer diversity arises for a variety of reasons including that VQs are subjective, difficult, or ambiguous. We propose a new problem of predicting the answer distribution that would be observed from a crowd for any given VQ; i.e., the number of unique answers and their relative frequencies. Our experiments confirm that the answer distribution can be predicted accurately for VQs asked by both blind and sighted people. We then propose a novel crowd-powered VQA system that uses the answer distribution predictions to reason about how many answers are needed to capture the diversity of possible human responses. Experiments demonstrate this proposed system accelerates capturing the diversity of answers with considerably less human effort than is required with a state-of-art system.