cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Radar Rainfall Products: Lessons Learned from the NASA TRMM Validation Program in Florida

Abstract Evaluation of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite observations is conducted through a comprehensive ground validation (GV) program. Since the launch of TRMM in late 1997, standardized instantaneous and monthly rainfall products are routinely generated using quality-controlled ground-based radar data adjusted to the gauge accumulations from four primary sites. As part of the NASA TRMM GV program, effort is being made to evaluate these GV products. This paper describes the product evaluation effort for the Melbourne, Florida, site. This effort allows us to evaluate the radar rainfall estimates, to improve the algorithms in order to develop better GV products for comparison with the satellite products, and to recognize the major limiting factors in evaluating the estimates that reflect current limitations in radar rainfall estimation. Lessons learned and suggested improvements from this 8-yr mission are summarized in the context of improving planning for future precipitation mis...
From the aether to the ethernet: attacking the internet using broadcast digital television

In the attempt to bring modern broadband Internet features to traditional broadcast television, the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) consortium introduced a specification called Hybrid Broadcast-Broadband Television (HbbTV), which allows broadcast streams to include embedded HTML content which is rendered by the television. This system is already in very wide deployment in Europe, and has recently been adopted as part of the American digital television standard. Our analyses of the specifications, and of real systems implementing them, show that the broadband and broadcast systems are combined insecurely. This enables a large-scale exploitation technique with a localized geographical footprint based on radio frequency (RF) injection, which requires a minimal budget and infrastructure and is remarkably difficult to detect. Despite our responsible disclosure to the standards body, our attack was viewed as too expensive and with limited pay-off to the attackers. In this paper, we present the attack methodology and a number of follow-on exploitation techniques that provide significant flexibility to attackers. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the technical complexity and required budget are low, making this attack practical and realistic, especially in areas with high population density - in a dense urban area, an attacker with a budget of about $450 can target more than 20,000 devices in a single attack. A unique aspect of this attack is that, in contrast to most Internet of Things/Cyber-Physical System threat scenarios where the attack comes from the data network side and affects the physical world, our attack uses the physical broadcast network to attack the data network.
Child effects and child care: Implications for risk and adjustment

Evocative effects of child characteristics on the quality and quantity of child care were assessed in two studies using longitudinal data from the NICHD Study of Early Child Care. We focus on the influence of child characteristics on two important aspects of the child care experience: language stimulation provided by caregivers and quantity of care. In Study 1, associations between the developmental status of children aged 15 to 54 months and the language stimulation provided by their caregivers were examined using path models, and longitudinal child effects were detected across the earliest time points of the study. In Study 2, the associations among child behavior, temperament, development, and time in care were examined. Little evidence was found for such child effects on time in care. The results are discussed in terms of the effects of child care on child development and implications for developmental processes, particularly for children at greatest risk for developmental delay or psychopathology.
Book Review: The Problem Body, Projecting Disability on Film

Title: The Problem Body, Projecting Disability on Film Reviewer: Raphael Raphael, PhD Editors : Sally Chivers and Nicole Markotic Publisher : Columbus, OH: Ohio State University Press, 2010. Hardcover: ISBN: 13978-0-8142-1124-3 Cost: $69.95 ; 239 pages (inclusive of index)(may find less expensive copy at online booksellers):(Also available in electronic form as PDF file): $9.95 The electronic version also makes it accessible to readers with disabilities who may use their own text-to-speech technologies or require large font size for viewing.
The elimination of carbon monoxide and a method of acceleration

Carbon monoxide combines with hemoglobin with an affinity about 300 times as great as that of oxygen for hemoglobin. Blood is deprived of its oxygen-carrying power by combining with CO and the organism suffers from a corresponding degree of anoxemia. The severity of the damage done to the victim is dependent upon the degree of anoxemia and especially upon the duration. Evidently the rate of elimination is extremely important.A study has been made of the normal rate of elimination in dogs gassed to 60 to 80 per cent. saturation of the hemoglobin with CO. If the animals survived, the blood was practically free of CO in from two to three hours.The curve so obtained was relatively flat for the first half of the period of elimination. A dog with 80 per cent. of the hemoglobin combined with CO, at the end of an hour still showed 60 to 70 per cent. During the remainder of the elimination period the drop in the curve was rapid.It is evident that considerable damage may be wrought even after the inhalation of CO h...
Effect of metabolic acidosis and alkalosis on human platelet aggregation induced by epinephrine and ADP.

SummaryPlatelet-rich plasma undergoes pH drift in the alkaline direction when exposed to air. A technique for maintaining pH in vitro using 5% CO2 from a constant source is described. This technique is used further to elucidate the effect of metabolic (exogenous) pH change on in vitro platelet aggregation. It is seen that platelet aggregation in response to epinephrine or ADP challenge is inhibited by acidosis and enhanced by alkalosis produced by pH changes while maintaining a constant pCO2.
Hormone effects on NaCl permeability of rat inner medullary collecting duct.

It has been proposed that regulation of NaCl excretion occurs in part by hormonal effects on NaCl permeability in the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). We carried out experiments in isolated perfused terminal IMCDs to determine whether atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), vasopressin, or deoxycorticosterone (DOC) affects NaCl permeability. Apparent Cl- or Na+ permeabilities (PCl and PNa) were determined by measuring ion fluxes resulting from imposed electrochemical gradients. Transepithelial resistance (RT) was calculated from voltage deflections at the perfusion and collection ends of the tubule, which resulted from perfusion end current injection (cable analysis). ANF [rat ANF-(1–28), 100 nM in the peritubular bath] significantly decreased PCl from 2.20 to 1.84 x 10(-5) cm/s and did not alter PNa (1.11 to 1.18 x 10(-5) cm/s). ANF also decreased PCl in IMCDs from DOC-treated rats (1.14 to 0.98 x 10(-5) cm/s). Vasopressin (10 nM in the peritubular bath) did not affect PCl. RT averaged 39.3 omega.cm2 in IMCDs from control rats and was significantly increased to 62.3 omega.cm2 in tubules from DOC-treated rats. Neither ANF nor vasopressin significantly affected RT in either group. We conclude the following: 1) the results do not support the hypothesis that ANF causes natriuresis by increasing the NaCl permeability of the terminal IMCD. Instead, ANF significantly decreases the chloride permeability. 2) Vasopressin does not affect NaCl permeability. 3) Mineralocorticoid-induced antinatriuresis may be due in part to reduced NaCl permeability in the terminal IMCD.
COMPUTER DEPTH PROFILING ANALYSIS METHOD FOR X-RAY DIFFRACTION POLYCRYSTALLINE PATTERNS

A new method to extract X-ray polycrystalline diffraction patterns diffracted from different depth in real scale is pnesented. In this method the X-ray polycrystalline diffraction data of surface layer are collected at different incident angles, and then the X-ray diffraction patters diffracted from thin sheets at different depth are extracted directly by some special mathematical method. So the depth profiles of peak intensity, peak position and line profile can be obtained quantitatively and nondestrnctively. The algorithm was deduced in theory, and the feasibility of this method was primarily tested with a Ni/Mo film sample with prefered orientation. This method has the prospective application in the area of the thin films and its reactions, interface and surface processing studies.
Description of a species of Culicoides and a male Culicoides ruiliensis Lee newly found from China (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

A species of Culicoides and a male Culicoides ruiliensis were newly found during the identification of specimens of the genus Culicoide collected from Tibet and Yunnan: the new species, Culicoides yigongensis sp.nov., and new male C. ruiliensis. The new species is somewhat allied to Cuicoides chengduensis Zhuo et Lee, 1984 and Culicoides liubaensis Liu et Wu, 2005 in the wing spots, but they are distinctly different in the shapes of aedeagus and parameres of male genitalia. The type specimens are deposited in the Shenyang Command Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 1. C. yigongensis sp. nov., (Fig. 1) The new species is somewhat allied to C. chengduensis Zhuo et Lee, 1984 and C. liubaensis Liu et Wu 2005 in the wing spots, but they are distinctly different in the shapes of aedeagus and parameres of male genitalia. Male: Wing length 0.95 mm. Eyes without interfacetal hairs; third segment of palpus with sensory pit, palpal ratio(PR)1.80. Wing with 12 pale spots. Ninth stermun with wide and shallow concave, vetral membrane with a few microscopic spicules; back-margin of ninth tergites with apicolateral process, and mid-part with "V" concave; distal portion of aedeagus with a triangular corona, arch height of aedeagus to about 1/3 of total length; parameres separate. Female: Unknown. Holotype ♂, Collected on 1991-09-06, from yigong, Bomi county Tibet, China. 2. C. ruiliensis Lee, 1980 (Fig. 2) Male: Wing lenght 0.90 mm. Eyes with interfacetal hairs; sensilla coeloconica of antenna on 3. 13-15 segments, antennal ratio (AR) 1.04; third segment of palpus with sensory pit, palpal ratio (PR) 2.00. Wing with 9 pale spots. Ninth sternum with wide and deep concave, ventral membrane with a few microscopic spicules; back-margin of ninth tergites with wide "V" concave;aedeagus with mid-part wide, and distal portion columnar, arch height of aedeagus to about 1/3 of total length; parameres separate. Specimens: 3♂, 2♂ collected on 1985-10-05, from Malipo county, and 1♂ collectedon 1995-09-23, from mengla county Yunnan province, China
Tracing our roots: the beginnings of a profession.

OBJECTIVE To examine the role of the American Society of Clinical Pathology and the Board of Registry in shaping the field of clinical laboratory science during its formative years. DESIGN A survey of literature on the history of clinical laboratory science was conducted. References consulted include various books and professional journals. CONCLUSION The Board of Registry played a significant role in the early development of clinical laboratory science. The Board established standards of competence for entry-level practitioners and a mechanism for assessing competence and developed an accreditation process for educational programs.
ATNT-24KETOGENIC DIETS IN CANCER THERAPIES: ARE WE SPEAKING THE SAME LANGUAGE?

BACKGROUND: The definition and parameters of the ketogenic diet are not universal. Consistency of terms, type of diet and measurement of ketones need to be defined. These therapies and the parameters have been well established in the nutrition and neurology literature, but require standardization if ketosis is going to be evaluated as an oncologic therapy. METHODS: Comparison of ketogenic diets to other modified diets that are commonly thought of as ketogenic diets includes the following: Classic Ketogenic Diet (KD), Medium Chain Triglyceride oil diet (MCT), Low Glycemic Index Therapy (LGIT), Modified Atkins (MAD and Atkins (AD) diets and the biological parameters for monitoring ketosis (labs, including blood and or urine ketones). RESULTS: Comparison graphics for the KD, MCT, LGIT, MAD and AD will be presented and will include the following: Proportions of fat, protein and carbohydrate in each type of diet; how foods are measured, whether calories are controlled; presence of blood and urine ketones reported for each diet; and one sample day of each diet. CONCLUSIONS: Ketogenic diet therapies (KD, MCT, LGIT, MAD, and AD) are complicated and different from the public's thinking of a healthy diet for cancer. Individual patient's response and compliance with different diets vary. Without consensus about what constitutes a ketogenic diet and twice daily measurements of blood ketones to ensure the state of ketosis is maintained, metabolic changes cannot be documented. Since the purpose of this therapy is to induce the state of ketosis, the type of ketogenic diet used must actually promote ketone formation and be monitored. Without those key elements, comparisons between trials cannot be achieved and the value of the ketogenic diet as an anticancer treatment will remain an unanswered question.
Illite polytype quantification for accurate K-Ar age determination

PolyQuant, a new method to quantify illite polytypes in physical mixtures, has been coupled with Illite Age Analysis (IAA, Pevear 1992) to determine accurate K-Ar ages of the individual polytypes. K-Ar radioisotope dates from illite in shales and sandstones are typically meaningless because these rocks are mixtures of diagenetic and detrital components in unknown proportions. IAA uses linear extrapolation to unmix measured K-Ar ages and establish the end-member ages. This procedure requires samples to have a diagenetic Illite-Smectite (I-S) component mixed with a detrital discrete illite component because they are separable and quantifiable using X-ray diffraction (XRD) of oriented aggregate samples. We extend IAA for use in mixtures of diagenetic and detrital illite with no I-S component by coupling a genetic algorithm (GA) with the Wildfire programs (1993) of Reynolds in a new computer program, PolyQuant, which quantifies illite polytypes in a natural sample. Based on first principles of XRD, Wildfire is a forward model that calculates hkl reflections by varying parameters such as rotational disorder, octahedral cation occupancy (i.e., cis- and trans- vacancies), chemical substitutions (K and Fe), orientation, and crystallite thickness. PolyQuant executes several forward models, using the GA to vary the parameters and weight percents of each polytype to automatically achieve a “best fit” with an experimental XRD pattern. Sensitivity tests reveal that changes in the weight percent of an illite polytype, disorder ( P 0 , P cv ), and the orientation function affect the pattern more than other parameters. In addition, PolyQuant successfully quantified illite components in prepared mixtures of 1 M illite and 2 M 1 muscovite and 1 M d illite and 2 M 1 muscovite. We show examples to validate IAA from prepared mixtures of end-members with known ages and also to obtain end-member ages of highly illitic clay fault gouge. Using K-Ar ages and PolyQuant to quantify the 1 M and 2 M 1 components from mixtures of RM-30 (25 ± 1 Ma) and a 2 M 1 muscovite from Wards (428 ± 9 Ma), IAA determined end-member ages of 19.9 Ma (0–44 Ma) and 429 Ma (408–459 Ma)—in reasonable agreement with the measured results. In addition, we use clay gouge from the Canadian Rockies to date movement along thrust faults. Regional geologic data indicate movement along these faults occurred between 73 and 48 Ma. IAA determined the ages of faulting to be from 79.2 to 53.5 Ma, in good agreement with the known range of fault dates. Our results indicate that neoformation of illite in the fault zone must have modified the ages to younger dates.
A note on a generalized Ehrenfest urn model: another look at the mean transition times

This note is motivated by Blom's work in 1989. We consider a generalized Ehrenfest urn model in which a randomly-chosen ball has a positive probability of moving from one urn to the other urn. We use recursion relations between the mean transition times to derive formulas in terms of finite sums, which are shown to be equivalent to the definite integrals obtained by Blom.
A Look-Ahead Strategy for Non-directed Donors in Kidney Paired Donation

While there is a growing need for kidney transplants to treat end stage kidney disease, the supply of transplantable kidneys is in serious shortage. Kidney paired donation (KPD) programs serve as platforms for candidates with willing but incompatible donors to assess the possibility of exchanging donors, thus opening up new transplant opportunities for these candidates. In recent years, non-directed (or altruistic) donors (NDDs) have been incorporated into KPD programs beginning chains of transplants that benefit many candidates. In such programs, making optimal decisions in transplant exchange selection is of critical importance. With the aim of improving the selection of chains beginning with an NDD, this paper introduces a look-ahead multiple decision strategy to select chains, that are easy to extend in the future. Simulation studies are adopted to assess performance of this strategy. Taking into account the extensibility of chains increases the number of realized transplants.
MOS Network Partitioning and Ordering

In this chapter an MOS network model that can be used to perform switch-level simulation is presented. The entire MOS network is first partitioned into several subnetworks, or blocks. The transistors within a block may be further partitioned into driver and pass transistors if so desired. The set of blocks is then partitioned into its strongly connected components (SCC). The SCCs in the network are then ordered for simulation.
Mechanosensitive Piezo Channels in the Gastrointestinal Tract.

Sensation of mechanical forces is critical for normal function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and abnormalities in mechanosensation are linked to GI pathologies. In the GI tract there are several mechanosensitive cell types-epithelial enterochromaffin cells, intrinsic and extrinsic enteric neurons, smooth muscle cells and interstitial cells of Cajal. These cells use mechanosensitive ion channels that respond to mechanical forces by altering transmembrane ionic currents in a process called mechanoelectrical coupling. Several mechanosensitive ionic conductances have been identified in the mechanosensory GI cells, ranging from mechanosensitive voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels to the mechanogated ion channels, such as the two-pore domain potassium channels K2P (TREK-1) and nonselective cation channels from the transient receptor potential family. The recently discovered Piezo channels are increasingly recognized as significant contributors to cellular mechanosensitivity. Piezo1 and Piezo2 are nonselective cationic ion channels that are directly activated by mechanical forces and have well-defined biophysical and pharmacologic properties. The role of Piezo channels in the GI epithelium is currently under investigation and their role in the smooth muscle syncytium and enteric neurons is still not known. In this review, we outline the current state of knowledge on mechanosensitive ion channels in the GI tract, with a focus on the known and potential functions of the Piezo channels.
Low stomatal sensitivity to vapor pressure deficit in irrigated common, lima and tepary beans

Abstract A limited transpiration rate under high vapor pressure deficit (VPD) could be used to conserve soil water for later use under drought conditions. Many crops show this behavior either as limited transpiration or decreases in stomatal conductance. However, little work has been done in Phaseolus . Four experiments evaluated stomatal closure across a range of VPD for well-watered plants, each experiment using varying combinations of genotypes of common (15), lima (6) and tepary beans (7 genotypes). A two-year experiment found genotypic variation in average stomatal conductance, but genotypes only had 14% stomatal closure between a VPD of 1–4 kPa. In comparison, soybean, which is known to close stomata, had a 40% decrease for similar conditions in Davis, CA, USA. In a second field experiment and outdoor pot experiments, genotypes from the three species displayed, on average, a 34, 50–45% increase in stomatal conductance with increasing VPD. Six genotypes were statistically indistinguishable from a 40% decrease, but all had low probability ( p Phaseolus beans are not expected to have appreciable stomatal closure under well-watered conditions. Thus, there is limited evidence that Phaseolus has somegenetic diversity in stomatal responses to VPD, relative to that shown in other species. However, there was constitutive genetic variation in species and genotypic stomatal conductance under low VPD conditions.
Applications of an emulation model towards the preservation of modern computing systems

In today's modern computing environment we are surrounded by a vast sea of electronic computing systems and devices. These systems are now closely integrated into our everyday lives and provide us with a wealth of computing power. While these systems provide us with great computational values, these very systems we have come to rely upon now also face issues regarding their own long term longevity and the issue of how to preserve such systems for future generations. At present in the current computing environment, if we examine the longevity aspect of computing systems, we will notice that there currently exists no good constructed model or framework for preserving computing systems in their original state. We present in this paper a method for developing a requirements based model for emulation of systems that support the modeling and preservation of a given system through the use of emulation in the following application areas: video game consoles, personal computer systems, and smartphones. For each of these application areas we present an emulation preservation model, using a set of requirements that can be used to describe the original system. These models can be used for modeling both the properties and requirements of each respective system, as well as to allow for the testing of these system requirements areas. From the testing of these system model requirement areas, we will be able to measure and evaluate how well they are able to emulate and perform the properties and requirements of the original system. We lastly present a set of test methods along with preliminary results that can be used for evaluating emulation as a means for the preservation of systems, and how this model can be further extended into a general emulation model.
Fibroblasts: Diverse Cells Critical to Biomaterials Integration

Fibroblasts are key participants in wound healing and inflammation, and are capable of driving the progression of tissue repair to fully functional tissue or pathologic scar, or fibrosis, depending on the specific mechanical and biochemical cues with which they are presented. Thus, understanding and modulating the fibroblastic response to implanted materials is paramount to achieving desirable outcomes, such as long-term implant function or tissue regeneration. However, fibroblasts are remarkably heterogeneous and can differ vastly in their contributions to regeneration and fibrosis. This heterogeneity exists between tissues and within tissues, down to the level of individual cells. This review will discuss the role of fibroblasts, the pitfalls of describing them as a collective, the specifics of their function, and potential future directions to better understand and organize their highly variable biology.
Factors Impacting School Closure and Configuration

Newly implemented state policy dealing with school finance created several consequences in a school district to include school configuration and restructuring of educational programs. This case describes how a new school finance law changes the entire dynamic of a school district and its newly appointed superintendent. The superintendent considered changes across the district such as school closure, to meet the necessary budgetary reductions and continue serving the students by meeting their educational and social needs. The district leadership is forced to promote changes while dealing with local politics, the district internal culture, and the state educational system.
BIOMECHANICAL CHANGES WITH FIFA11+ UTILIZATION OVER MULTIPLE SOCCER SEASONS

Background The FIFA11+ is a dynamic warm-up injury prevention program. Previous studies have examined its efficacy in reducing injuries, however no information is available on whether it changes targeted movement patterns. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in peak knee abduction moment (PKAM) over two soccer seasons using the FIFA11+. We hypothesized that athletes will have decreased PKAM over the first season, no changes in the off-season, and further decreases over the second season. Design Prospective non-randomized intervention study (control team data currently being collected). Setting Elite collegiate women9s soccer. Patients (or Participants) First season N=83, off-season N=68, second season N=59. Interventions The FIFA11+ program was initiated during the preseason and completed throughout two consecutive soccer seasons as a warm-up prior to training sessions and games at least 3x/week. Researchers did not influence the training during the off-season. Main Outcome Measurements PKAM measured during motion analysis of a drop jump at pre- and postseason of two consecutive seasons. Repeated measures ANCOVAs were used to analyse the change over each season and the off-season, with baseline PKAM included in each model as a covariate. Results There was a significant main effect of time over the first season (preseason 0.24±0.01, postseason 0.23±0.01, p=0.02). PKAM was a significant covariate (p Conclusions The FIFA11+ is effective in preventing injuries, however its mechanism is unknown. The preliminary results of this study indicate this injury reduction may not be occurring as a result of a decrease in PKAM in all athletes.
Do African Lives Matter to Black Lives Matter? Youth Uprisings and the Borders of Solidarity:

Despite experiencing a proliferation of youth-led mobilizations in recent years, Africa remains peripheral to the analysis of the U.S.-centered Movement for Black Lives (M4BL). This article explore...
Comparative psychology and the great apes: their competence in learning, language, and numbers.

An overview of comparative studies conducted for the past three decades is presented. These studies have led to the establishment of the Language Research Center that provides facilities for research into questions of primate behavior and cognition. Several experiments conducted among chimpanzees are discussed and comparative analyses with the lesser apes, monkeys, and humans are offered. Among the primates, brain complexity varies widely and the evidence is strong that encephalization and enhanced brain complexity facilitate the learning of concepts, the transfer of learning to an advantage, and mediational and observational learning.
Photolithography-Based Nanopatterning Using Re-entrant Photoresist Profile

Photolithography based on optical mask is widely used in academic research laboratories due to its low cost, simple mechanism, and ability to pattern in micron-sized features on a wafer-scale area. Because the resolution is bound by diffraction limits of the light source, nanoscale patterning using photolithography requires short-wavelength light source combined with sophisticated optical elements, adding complexity and cost. In this paper, a novel method of subwavelength patterning process using conventional i-line mercury lamp is introduced, without the use of such advanced optical tools. The method utilizes the re-entrant geometry of image reversal photoresist produced from the developing process, where a secondary mask is generated by isotropically depositing a metal layer to cover the re-entrant profile of the photoresist. Removing the photoresist by applying ultrasonic vibrations in acetone bath uniformly cracks the metal layer at the sidewalls of the re-entrant profile, exposing the substrate with ...
Chiropractic Management of a Patient With Chronic Pain in a Federally Qualified Health Center: A Case Report

Abstract Objective The aim of this case report is to describe the response of a patient with chronic pain who received chiropractic care in a federally qualified health center. Clinical Features A 61-year-old female patient with neck and back pain after a traumatic motor vehicle accident 3 years prior was referred for chiropractic care. She had neck pain, low back pain, knee pain, and pain associated with over 20 surgeries, as well as depression, opioid dependence, and low quality of life. Interventions and Outcomes The patient was treated with chiropractic manipulation for her low back and neck pain and was counseled on nutrition and exercise. After 6 months, she reported improvements in pain, improved quality of life, and discontinuation of opioid pain medication. Conclusion This patient improved after a course of chiropractic care that was integrated into a federally qualified health center.
IMPACT OF BART ON HIGHWAY PLANNING AND POLICY

The construction and operation of BART resulted in no dramatic changes in State highway facilities and planning, However, the State of California and BART did enter into policy agreements to develop existing highway rights-of-way for joint transit and highway use. The policy decision-making process and BART-State interactions were traced through the period of BART planning and construction to assess changes in highway planning and policy that might have resulted from BART. The policy outcome—joint use of facilities for transit and highways—appeared to be a cost effective development strategy in terms of broad public constituencies. An assessment of this policy outcome also provides some lessons learned for other communities considering rapid rail transit development such as the need for an independent third party to make trade-offs during negotiations and the need for clarity and formality in policy agreements.
Molecular studies of shoot meristem activity during the vegetative-to-floral transition.

Angiosperm morphogenesis is regulated largely by the processes of cell division, cell elongation, cell differentiation, and cell senescence. During shoot development the regions of primary cell division, elongation, and differentiation are in the shoot tip. The meristem proper is the site of active cell division, and is associated with an adjacent zone of cell elongation and differentiation. Thus, an understanding of the mechanisms that control shoot meristem activity is essential if we are to learn how basic cellular processes regulate plant development.
The range of PaO2 variation determines the severity of oxygen-induced retinopathy in newborn rats

Purpose. This study was conducted to determine the potential influence of PaO 2 fluctuation on the retinal neovascular response known to occur in newborn rats exposed to hyperoxic conditions. As an inherent corollary, the authors also defined the relationship between the fraction of inspired oxygen (Fio 2 ) and the arterial blood oxygen tension (Pao 2 ) in newborn rats. Methods. Experiment 1 was composed of several oxygen-exposure protocols in which atmospheres of 10% oxygen concentration were alternated with different higher levels of ambient oxygen (50%, 40%, 30%, and room air). In experiment 2, two alternating oxygen concentrations were made to converge toward room air (20.9% oxygen) with each successive group of four treatment groups. These included another group exposed to alternating 50% and 10% oxygen, a group exposed to alternating 45% and 12.5% oxygen concentrations, one exposed to alternating concentrations of 40% and 15% oxygen, and a final group exposed to 35% and room air oxygen concentrations. In each case, oxygen was alternated between the two exposure concentrations every 24 hours. The term ΔFio 2 is used to designate the difference in the two oxygen concentrations to which a treatment group was subjected, applying the units of fraction of inspired oxygen (i.e., ΔFio 2 = 0.4 for the exposure to alternating 50% and 10% oxygen). At birth, litters of albino rats were placed in each of these environments for 13 or 14 days, after which Pao 2 and retinal vascular development were assessed in some rats. The remainder were removed to room air for 4 days before the incidence and severity of abnormal neovascularization were measured. Results. Pao 2 and Fio 2 were directly and linearly correlated (r 2 0.998). In experiment 1, the extent of retinal vascular development on removal from oxygen was a linear function of ΔFiO 2 . Retinal neovascularization subsequently occurred in all rats exposed to alternating 50% and 10% or 40% and 10% oxygen concentrations, but only a third of the 30% and 10% exposure group, indicating a minimum threshold for proliferative disease at ΔFio 2 = 0.2. In experiment 2, retinal avascularity also increased linearly with increasing ΔFio 2 . There was a threshold for neovascularization between the exposure to alternating 45% and 12.5% oxygen and the 40% and 15% oxygen exposure (100% versus 4.8% incidence of neovascularization), indicating a requirement of ≤12.5% oxygen episodes to stimulate a consistent proliferative response. Conclusions. These results suggest that Pao 2 fluctuation and degree of hypoxia may have more influence on proliferative retinal disease in newborn rats than the extended hyperoxia that has historically received greater attention. Experimental designs that address the inherent differences in pulmonary iunction between intrinsically healthy animals and compromised premature infants are of substantial value to our understanding of the pathogenesis of retinopathy of prematurity. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1995 ;36 :2063-2070.
EBV‐positive, HHV8‐negative large B‐cell lymphoma with an unusual germinotropic growth pattern in an immunocompetent patient

Clinicopathologic and cytogenetic findings of an unusual EBV+ve, HHV8-ve germinotropic lymphoma, with a nongerminal center immunophenotype occurring in an immunocompetent individual, are presented. A comprehensive literature search revealed a single report of three similar cases. These may represent a unique subset of EBV-positive large B-cell lymphomas in immunocompetent individuals.
Alpha Hemoglobin in Blood Pressure Regulation

The small resistance arteries are where the peripheral resistance component of blood pressure regulation occurs. We have previously discovered in endothelial cells of small arteries that alpha hemoglobin, but not beta hemoglobin, is present. This is potentially important as globins in general, and alpha hemoglobin in particular, are potent scavengers of nitric oxide. In order to test for a functional role of alpha hemoglobin in blood pressure regulation and possible nitric oxide interaction, we have developed a tool kit of reagents and model organisms, including a floxed alpha hemoglobin mouse (Hba1fl/fl) and mice with mutated alpha hemoglobin to lack an eNOS binding domain (Hba1M6-39). Using data derived from these tools, I will demonstrate how alpha hemoglobin is an essential component to development of the arterial structure/function relationship to regulate vasodilation. In addition, using data derived from human biopsies and volunteers, I will also discuss how alpha hemoglobin in endothelium may be a potent pharmacological target in hypertensive states.
Androgen Deprivation Therapy and Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer among men. Advances in early detection and successful treatments have improved cancer-specific survival. With prolonged survival, PCa patients now suffer from the effects of aging and are at increasing risk for the development of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and CV disease. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the mainstay treatment of advanced PCa. There is conflicting evidence about whether or not ADT is associated with increased CV morbidity and mortality. Metabolic abnormalities such as increasing body weight, reduced insulin sensitivity, dyslipidemia, and activation of T cells to the Th1 phenotype, resulting in atherosclerotic plaque destabilization, have been proposed as possible mechanisms by which ADT may increase the risk of CV events. Type of ADT and preexisting CV history also seem to play a major role in the risk of subsequent CV events. Ongoing prospective clinical trials will help define whether there is any difference between gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and antagonists in terms of CV morbidity and mortality.
Chatbot Components and Architectures

In the Introduction, we discussed that chatbot platforms offered by enterprises turned out to be good for simple cases, not really enterprise-level deployments. In this chapter we make a first step towards industrial–strength chatbots. We will outline the main components of chatbots and show various kinds of architectures employing these components. The descriptions of these components will be the reader’s starting points to learning them in-depth in the consecutive chapters.
Toni Morrison’s Experimental Novel, The Bluest Eye: Tempering ‘Disinterested Violence’ Through the ‘Narrative Project’

In “Toni Morrison’s Experimental Novel, The Bluest Eye: Tempering ‘Disinterested Violence’ through the ‘Narrative Project,’” I claim that Morrison critiques the intellectual practice known as modernist purification. This essay complicates earlier studies which simplify The Bluest Eye as a text solely concerned with racism inflicted on African Americans by whites. Rather, modernist purification and mediation shed light on the underlying mechanisms by which characters in the text (blacks and whites) are reduced into ideological abstractions devoid of subjective experiences and worth. This practice allows for the “disinterested violence” to be inflicted on all races seem more permissible. I then assert that the notion of the “narrative project” (coined by Morrison) provides the proper medium by which a critique of purification may be made. However, in order for Morrison to critique purification as afflicted on characters, such as the protagonist, Pecola Breedlove, Morrison must engage in a type of scientific inquiry which necessitates the enactment of purification, echoing Emile Zola’s notion of the “experimental novel.” In Morrison’s “scientific inquiry,” however, there arises a paradox: she must enact and reify that which she also critiques. In a fashion that recalls Robert Musil’s juxtaposed discursive modes in The Man without Qualities , Morrison attempts to alleviate the aforementioned conundrum (her own potential for “disinterested violence” in the writing of her novel) by establishing a pair of paradigmatic shifts in the novel’s narrative structure and its ethical/moral aims.
Indigenous Health Organizing at the Margins: Creating Access to Health by Building Health Infrastructure.

Socio-economic challenges, communicative barriers, and the lack of health infrastructure constitute and reinforce obstacles to health for all, especially for those who live in the underserved space...
Characterization of large-volume Frisch grid detector fabricated from as-grown CdZnTeSe

CdZnTe (CZT) has been under continuous development as a room-temperature radiation detector for the past 2–3 decades. Due to its intrinsic defects, such as a high concentration subgrain boundary network, it has been very challenging to consistently produce high-quality CZT detectors with high yield, particularly for detector volumes exceeding a few cubic centimeters. In this paper, we report characterization of a relatively large-volume Frisch-grid detector (dimensions: 11 × 10.8 × 19.4 mm3) fabricated from a new material Cd0.9Zn0.1Te0.985Se0.015. The detector was fabricated from an as-grown ingot with a 2-in. diameter grown by the Traveling Heater Method. The detector sample was evaluated by infrared transmission microscopy to study the presence of Te inclusions. X-ray topography using a synchrotron light source was deployed to measure the presence of subgrain boundaries and their networks. The detector performance was measured for an optimized Frisch-grid length to extract the best energy resolution at room temperature.
To lead or to herd: optimal strategies for 3D collective migration of cell clusters

Cells migrating in clusters play a significant role in a number of biological processes such as embryogenesis, wound healing, and tumor metastasis during cancer progression. A variety of environmental and biochemical factors can influence the collective migration of cells with differing degrees of cell autonomy and inter-cellular coupling strength. For example, weakly coupled cells can move collectively under the influence of contact guidance from neighboring cells or the environment. Alternatively strongly coupled cells might follow one or more leader cells to move as a single cohesive unit. Additionally, chemical and mechanical signaling between these cells may alter the degree of coupling and determine effective cluster sizes. Being able to understand this collective cell migration process is critical in the prediction and manipulation of outcomes of key biological processes. Here we focus on understanding how various environmental and cellular factors influence small clusters of cells migrating collectively within a 3D fibrous matrix. We combine existing knowledge of single-cell migration in 2D and 3D environments, prior experimental observations of cell–cell interactions and collective migration, and a newly developed stochastic model of cell migration in 3D matrices, to simulate the migration of cell clusters in different physiologically relevant environments. Our results show that based on the extracellular environment and the strength of cell–cell mechanical coupling, two distinct optimal approaches to driving collective cell migration emerge. The ability to effectively employ these two distinct migration strategies might be critical for cells to collectively migrate through the heterogeneous tissue environments within the body.
Smart Technologies for Data-Driven Pipeline Risk Assessment

This paper describes the design and integration of platforms, architectures, systems, and geospatial tools for the real-time monitoring and alerts of industrial accidents and incidents, with an emphasis on pipeline monitoring and management. Pipeline incidents are usually caused by structural failures, vandalism, or environmental hazards such as hurricanes, earthquakes, landslides, and floods. A unique geospatial design focuses on oil, gas, and other hazardous incidents that affect pipeline transportation systems. Threats to both the land and aquatic environment are considered. A comprehensive review of the existing GIS systems is considered. A multisensor approach is put forth that includes advanced GIS tools for detecting pipeline fractures and failures. An emphasis is placed on geospatial tools and models for data processing and analysis to provide quality early warning and critical information for real-time emergency response. The proposed system architecture supports real-time geospatial disaster management and decision making and integrates the use of thematic maps and incident reports. A command and control module is designed to provide disaster management response and to coordinate incident management tasks. Through an integrated Internet portal and an event-based system, components of the system seamlessly communicate and clients request and receive necessary information. This new geomatics engineering approach presents an effective solution to the growing problem of pipeline accidents by incorporating both telemetry and Internet-based communication infrastructure. It is shown that the system architecture has the potential to reduce not only emergency response times but also the impacts of pipeline incidents in the context of the broader environmental, regulatory, socioeconomic, and physical context.
Does Fear of Climate Change Alter Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Currently, the global mood is one of anxiety and fear over catastrophes such as climate change. The important implications of these proliferating fears in the broader public notwithstanding, we con...
Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension in a pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) with right-sided congestive heart failure.

Abstract Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension is a rare disease reported in humans and dogs diagnosed as persistent elevation of pulmonary arterial blood pressure without predisposing or associated diseases. A four-month-old pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) was presented for decreased appetite, lethargy, respiratory distress, and occasional syncope. On physical examination, the pig was tachypneic with labored breathing, with a distended abdomen and a bilateral grade 4–5/6 parasternal systolic heart murmur. Systolic pulmonary arterial pressure was estimated at 95 mmHg by Doppler echocardiography, consistent with severe pulmonary hypertension. At autopsy, there was dilation of the main pulmonary artery and right ventricle. The lungs were diffusely rubbery, and there was tricavitary effusion. Microscopically, there was severe widespread pulmonary arterial concentric medial hypertrophy with rare plexiform lesions. The clinical history and gross and microscopic findings supported a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension with subsequent right-sided congestive heart failure. Primary (idiopathic) pulmonary arterial hypertension should be considered as a differential diagnosis in young pigs with right-sided congestive heart failure.
Optical Computing for Image Processing

The application of optical computing to sensor-based robots will be described in terms of processing image information in real-time by the methods of spatial Fourier transform filtering. The basic requirements will be reviewed and advances in optical device technology which have led to real-time operation will be described. In particular, recent results on 2-dimensional correlation by optical matched filtering demonstrate the ability to determine the location and orientation of objects in low contrast scenes. These advances have resulted in a laboratory demonstration of a vision system for robot control.
3-D Hybrid Laser Integration for Silicon Photonics

Silicon photonics is poised to revolutionize information transfer and will profoundly impact a range of industries. Yet integrated laser sources remain a bottleneck for silicon photonics. This year, we demonstrated a 3-D hybrid laser integration approach that is scalable, low cost and reliable, with superior thermal performance.