cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear transient analysis of coupled RLGC lines by the method of characteristics

A computationally efficient numerical technique for the evaluation of the time domain response of coupled lossy uniform and nonuniform transmission lines terminated in general nonlinear elements is presented. The technique is based on the method of characteristics where the original system of coupled transmission line equations is transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations which hold along a family of characteristic curves. An algorithm to solve these equations is presented. The procedure is applicable to both uniform and nonuniform coupled systems and examples of two and three line structures terminated in linear and nonlinear elements are included to demonstrate the versatility and the usefulness of the algorithm.
Vesicular Stomatitis Virus G Protein Acquires pH-Independent Fusion Activity during Transport in a Polarized Endometrial Cell Line

Entry of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), the prototype member of the rhabdovirus family, occurs by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Subsequently, during traversal through the endosomal compartments, the VSV G protein acquires a low-pH-induced fusion-competent form, allowing for fusion of the viral membrane with endosomal and lysosomal membranes. This fusion event releases genomic RNA into the cytoplasm of the cell. Here we provide evidence that the VSV G protein acquires a fusion-competent form during exocytosis in a polarized endometrial cell line, HEC-1A. VSV infection of HEC-1A cells results in high viral yields and giant cell formation. Syncytium formation is blocked in a concentration-dependent manner by treatment with the lysosomotropic weak base ammonium chloride, which raises intravesicular pH. Virus release is somewhat delayed by treatment with ammonium chloride, but virus yields gradually reach those of control cells. In addition, inhibition of vacuolar H(+)-ATPases by treatment with bafilomycin A1 also inhibited cell to cell fusion without altering virus yields. Virions released from infected HEC cells were themselves not fusion competent, since viral entry required an active H(+)-ATPase and a low-pH-induced conformational change in the viral G protein. Thus, the conformation change leading to fusion competence during exocytotic transport is reversible and reverts during or after release of the virion from the infected cell.
The Berimbau: Soul of Brazilian Music

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Eric A. Galm Year: 2010 Pages: 224 Publisher: University Press of Mississippi ISBN: 978-1-60473-405-8 (hard cover).
Sociology of the Prison Classroom: Marginalized Identities and Sociological Imaginations behind Bars

The authors use sociology of the college classroom to analyze their experiences as feminists teaching sociology courses in the “unconventional setting” of prison. Reflective writing was used to chronicle experiences in the classes. They apply the concepts of doing gender, interaction order, and emotion work to the prison classroom. Based on their analysis, the authors examine the challenges and opportunities for critical education in prison. They aimed to use their teaching efforts to reach out to marginalized students and develop students’ sociological imaginations to assist them through the challenges of confinement and reentry. The authors’ analysis has implications for both prison education and higher education more broadly. They conclude that the success of prison education is dependent on establishing democratic classrooms that can enable students to see themselves as something more than inmates.
100‐yr mass‐loss modulations on the asymptotic giant branch

We analyse the differences in infrared circumstellar dust emission between oxygen-rich Mira and non-Mira stars, and find that they are statistically significant. In particular, we find that these stars segregate in the K–[12] versus [12]–[25] colour–colour diagram, and have distinct properties of the IRAS LRS spectra, including the peak position of the silicate emission feature. We show that the infrared emission from the majority of non-Mira stars cannot be explained within the context of standard steady-state outflow models. The models can be altered to fit the data for non-Mira stars by postulating non-standard optical properties for silicate grains, or by assuming that the dust temperature at the inner envelope radius is significantly lower (300–400 K) than typical silicate grain condensation temperatures (800–1000 K). We argue that the latter is more probable and provide detailed model fits to the IRAS LRS spectra for 342 stars. These fits imply that two-thirds of non-Mira stars and one-third of Mira stars do not have hot dust (>500 K) in their envelopes. The absence of hot dust can be interpreted as a recent (∼100 yr) decrease in the mass-loss rate. The distribution of best-fitting model parameters agrees with this interpretation and strongly suggests that the mass loss resumes on similar time-scales. Such a possibility appears to be supported by a number of spatially resolved observations (e.g. recent Hubble Space Telescope images of the multiple shells in the Egg Nebula) and is consistent with new dynamical models for mass loss on the asymptotic giant branch.
Understanding adolescent's sleep patterns and school performance: a critical appraisal

The present paper reviews and critiques studies assessing the relation between sleep patterns, sleep quality, and school performance of adolescents attending middle school, high school, and/or college. The majority of studies relied on self-report, yet the researchers approached the question with different designs and measures. Specifically, studies looked at (1) sleep/wake patterns and usual grades, (2) school start time and phase preference in relation to sleep habits and quality and academic performance, and (3) sleep patterns and classroom performance (e.g., examination grades). The findings strongly indicate that self-reported shortened total sleep time, erratic sleep/wake schedules, late bed and rise times, and poor sleep quality are negatively associated with academic performance for adolescents from middle school through the college years. Limitations of the current published studies are also discussed in detail in this review.
Optimal receiver filter design with applications in IS-2000 CDMA systems

In this paper, we propose two approaches to design optimized receiver filters that maximize the signal to interference plus noise ratio of the received signal. The first approach is based on optimizing an MMSE criterion, and provides a closed form analytic solution for the filter coefficients; the second approach is based on the numerical solution of a convex optimization. We introduce the new design methods by their application in IS-2000 CDMA systems. The transmitter plus shaping filter of the CDMA systems (IS-95, IS -2000) is a 48-tap FIR filter (known as IS-95 filter) defined in the standards. The received signal using the matched IS-95 filter has a signal to inter chip interference ratio (SIR) around 16 dB. In 3G and beyond 3G CDMA systems (1XEV-DO, 1XEV-DV), higher SIR of the received signal is required so that high order modulation schemes can be applied to achieve high data transmission throughput. Simulations and lab experiments demonstrate that the receiver filters designed using our methods can significantly improve the system performance by reducing the inter chip interference in comparison to the matched IS-95 filter. The new methods can also be applied in designing short tap length receiver filters in order to reduce the power consumption at the mobile units.
CEP290 tethers flagellar transition zone microtubules to the membrane and regulates flagellar protein content

Mutations in human CEP290 cause cilia-related disorders that range in severity from isolated blindness to perinatal lethality. Here, we describe a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii mutant in which most of the CEP290 gene is deleted. Immunoelectron microscopy indicated that CEP290 is located in the flagellar transition zone in close association with the prominent microtubule–membrane links there. Ultrastructural analysis revealed defects in these microtubule–membrane connectors, resulting in loss of attachment of the flagellar membrane to the transition zone microtubules. Biochemical analysis of isolated flagella revealed that the mutant flagella have abnormal protein content, including abnormal levels of intraflagellar transport proteins and proteins associated with ciliopathies. Experiments with dikaryons showed that CEP290 at the transition zone is dynamic and undergoes rapid turnover. The results indicate that CEP290 is required to form microtubule–membrane linkers that tether the flagellar membrane to the transition zone microtubules, and is essential for controlling flagellar protein composition.
Data merging for shared-memory multiprocessors

An efficient software cache consistency mechanism for shared-memory multiprocessors that supports multiple writers and works for cache lines of any size is described. The mechanism relies on the fact that for a correct program only the global memory needs a consistent view of the shared data between synchronization points. The delayed consistency mechanism allows arbitrary use of data blocks between synchronizations. In contrast to other mechanisms, the mechanism needs no modification to the processor hardware or any assistance from the programmer or compiler. The processors can use normal cache management policies. Since no special action is needed to use the shared data, the processors are free to act almost as if they are all running out of a single cache. The global memory units are nearly identical to those on currently available machines. Only a small amount of hardware and/or software is needed to implement the mechanism. The mechanism can even be implemented using network-connected workstations. >
Management of partially obstructing airway foreign bodies

Abstract A case series of spherical, hollow-bore foreign body inhalation in pediatric patients is described. The pertinent history, physical exam findings, and radiography are reviewed. Diagnosis was confirmed in all cases through direct laryngoscopy or rigid bronchoscopy and successful foreign body removal was performed through various methods. The unique presentation, diagnostic challenges, and surgical management of spherical, hollow-bore airway foreign bodies are discussed.
ON GANDHI'S CRITIQUE OF THE STATE: SOURCES, CONTEXTS, CONJUNCTURES

Gandhi's critique of the modern state was central to his political thinking. It served as a pivotal hinge between Gandhi's anticolonialism and his theory of politics and was given striking institutional form in his vision of decentralized peasant democracy. This essay explores the origins and implications of Gandhian antistatism by situating it within a genealogy of early twentieth-century political pluralism, specifically British and Indian pluralist criticism of state sovereignty and centralization. This essay traces that critique from the imperial sociology of Henry Sumner Maine, through the political theory of Harold Laski and G. D. H. Cole, to Radhakamal Mukerjee's reworking of these strands into a normative–universal model of Eastern pluralism. The essay concludes with a consideration of Gandhi's ideal of a stateless, nonviolent polity as a culmination and overturning of the pluralist tradition and as integral to his distinctive understanding of political freedom, rule, and action.
The Influence of Geologic Structures on Deformation due to Ground Water Withdrawal

A 62 day controlled aquifer test was conducted in thick alluvial deposits at Mesquite, Nevada, for the purpose of monitoring horizontal and vertical surface deformations using a high-precision global positioning system (GPS) network. Initial analysis of the data indicated an anisotropic aquifer system on the basis of the observed radial and tangential deformations. However, new InSAR data seem to indicate that the site may be bounded by an oblique normal fault as the subsidence bowl is both truncated to the northwest and offset from the pumping well to the south. A finite-element numerical model was developed using ABAQUS to evaluate the potential location and hydromechanical properties of the fault based on the observed horizontal deformations. Simulation results indicate that for the magnitude and direction of motion at the pumping well and at other GPS stations, which is toward the southeast (away from the inferred fault), the fault zone (5 m wide) must possess a very high permeability and storage coefficient and cross the study area in a northeast-southwest direction. Simulated horizontal and vertical displacements that include the fault zone closely match observed displacements and indicate the likelihood of the presence of the inferred fault. This analysis shows how monitoring horizontal displacements can provide valuable information about faults, and boundary conditions in general, in evaluating aquifer systems during an aquifer test.
The adventitia: The outs and ins of vascular disease

Long before it was established that the adventitia is a major source of vasoactive factors and a pivotal participant in vascular remodeling, it was noted that the changes occurring in the adventitia could be a signal of impending vascular disease, among them marked hypercellularity, increased connective tissue production, and clear signs of inflammation. Various forms of hypertension, atherosclerosis, and vascular injury are characterized by adventitial cell proliferation and increased leukocyte levels in the perivascular space. In 1915, Albutt [1] reported finding inflammatory cells in the perivascular adventitia of atherosclerotic arteries. Almost half a century later, Schwartz and Mitchell [2] showed a positive correlation between the magnitude of adventitial inflammation and the severity of atherosclerosis. However, for more than 30 years, these observations remained a curious, yet peculiar phenomenon that was largely ignored and generally considered irrelevant to homeostasis of the vessel wall. Until recently, doubts persisted that this outer segment of the blood vessel could have far-reaching effects on the vascular wall, including profound changes affecting medial smooth muscle and endothelial cell biology. Over the past decade, however, a few landmark studies illustrated a highly important role for the adventitia in dysfunction, ranging from interference in endothelium-dependent responses to a direct contribution of adventitial myofibroblasts to restenosis. It is our expectation and hope that the reviews and original publications in this issue will shed important new light on an important role for the adventitia in vascular physiology and pathophysiology. Maiellaro and Taylor [3] highlight the emerging new paradigm of vascular inflammation, describing an inward progression of inflammation from the adventitia toward the intima. Major strides have been made in revealing the identity of the adventitial cell population, which we now know includes monocytes, macrophages and T-cells together with increased differentiation of resident fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Moreover, these changes were shown …
Impact of elevated atmospheric CO2 on forest floor respiration in a temperate pine forest

[1] The effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 (CO2e) on soil respiration were evaluated using inverse models and static chamber measurements collected over 4.5 years in a maturing loblolly pine forest. The chamber measurements of forest floor CO2 efflux showed that the flux enhancement increased progressively, reaching 1.4 after 3 years, but declined thereafter to 1.10 at the end of the study. The subsurface CO2 concentration measurements show that the difference in mean annual concentration gradient between ambient and enriched plots initially increased, and then stabilized after 2 years of enrichment. However, concomitant soil moisture increases in the enriched plots reduced the soil diffusivity, especially over the last 2 years. These two observations, in combination with inverse model calculations, suggest a decline in subsurface CO2 production over the last 2 years. Enhancement in photosynthesis has declined after 4.5 years of enrichment (remaining ∼40% higher than ambient photosynthesis), and the increase in production and respiration alone cannot account for the excess carbon uptake. Thus this modeling approach would suggest that non-gaseous carbon is accumulating belowground. However, we have not been able to measure significant changes in soil organic carbon or fine root biomass. These results, in the context of other forest floor flux studies and the carbon budget at the site, suggest a lack of closure in the carbon budget under elevated atmospheric CO2.
Freud, Breuer y Aristóteles: catarsis y el descubrimiento del Edipo

El psicoanalisis nacio a partir del metodo catartico practicado primero por Breuer y luego por Freud. No se tienen datos para saber porque Freud demoro tanto tiempo en utilizarlo y tambien se desconoce porque lo asocio regularmente a la hipnosis en lugar de aplicarlo como psicoterapia unica. Se plantea que su creacion estuvo estrechamente vinculada al concepto de catarsis desarrollada por Aristoteles, es decir, la descarga de emociones que los espectadores experimentan cuando acuden a presenciar una tragedia. La amistad y el trabajo conjunto entre Breuer y Freud terminaron en una aspera ruptura, la que retraso el desarrollo intelectual de Freud. Se postula que el quiebre fue producto de un complejo de Edipo no resuelto de Freud en relacion a una figura de padre escindida entre un objeto interno persecutorio, tiranico, rabioso que proyecto en Breuer, y otro bueno, sublimado, idealizado que desplazo en la persona de su amigo intimo Wilhelm Flieβ.
The Function of Microorganisms in Marine Wood-Boring Processes

Microorganisms are of central importance in the biodeterioration of wood by wood-boring organisms in marine habitats. We have demonstrated that shipworms attack wood that has been pre-conditioned by microbial degradation. Apparently the microorganisms function by either triggering metamorphosis or releasing an essential nutrient from the wood. We have shown that the crustacean wood-borer, Limnoria, lacks a digestive tract microflora, while the borer exoskeleton is densely colonized by bacteria. It is probable that these organisms, living in a nitrogen deficient environment on wood, use bacteria in wood and on their exoskeletons as a nitrogen source. We are currently studying the role of bacteria in the development and survival of other wood-boring organisms. Our efforts are directed at development of effective targeted chemicals for control of wood-borers.
Polyene synthesis: A comparative study

Abstract As part of an effort to synthesize the polyene macrolide antibiotics, a comparison of several methods of polyene synthesis has been carried out with the finding that superior results were obtained using the Wollenberg vinyl ether method.
Preprocessing media to facilitate later insertion of a watermark

There are several watermarking applications that require the deployment of a very large number of watermark embedders. These consumer applications have severe budgetary constraints that limit the computation resources that are available. Under these circumstances, only simple embedding algorithms can be deployed, which have limited performance. In order to improve performance, we propose preprocessing the original media during content creation. A simple example of this procedure is described and experimental results confirm our assertions.
TWENTY-TWO YEARS OF CANCER CLUSTER INVESTIGATIONS AT THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL

Beginning in 1961, the Centers for Disease Control investigated 108 cancer clusters and reported the findings in Epidemic Aid Reports. The clusters studied were of leukemia (38%), leukemia and lymphoma (30%), leukemia and other cancer combinations (13%), and all other cancer or combinations (19%). These clusters occurred in 29 states and five foreign countries, with the largest numbers from Connecticut (11), California (eight), Illinois (eight), New York (eight), Georgia (seven), Pennsylvania (six), and Iowa (five). All other states reported less than five. Eight different data collection methods were used, often in combinations, and four types of laboratory methods on four different specimen types. Although 14 different categories of associations were reported, no clear cause was found for any cluster. Nonetheless, concern about clusters by the public and media, and the need to investigate them, warrants the development of a uniform approach for use by local health departments.
Synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid by isolated liver nuclei.

Abstract The incorporation of 3H-TTP into the DNA of intact nuclei isolated from the livers of normal and partially hepatectomized rats has been studied. The regenerating nuclei incorporate 3H-TTP at about 10 times the rate of normal nuclei. The requirements for a maximal rate of incorporation include the three unlabeled deoxynucleoside triphosphates, ATP, and Mg++. Three pieces of evidence are presented to show that the replication of DNA by the isolated regenerating nuclei is a continuation of the process that was going on in vivo. First, with one exception, a constant relationship exists between the abilities of the nuclei to form DNA in vivo and in vitro after various manipulations of the partially hepatectomized rat. The exception is in the responses of the nuclei after treatment of the rat with cycloheximide. Second, only nuclei that were forming DNA in vivo are able to incorporate 3H-TTP in vitro. Finally, the isolated nuclei use few or no improper sites of initiation of synthesis. Most or all of the DNA formed is added to polydeoxynucleotide strands that were growing in vivo. The possibility is considered that one of the differences between normal and regenerating nuclei is that the nonreplicating nuclei lack sites of initiation for DNA synthesis. Treatment of normal nuclei with pancreatic DNase causes a marked stimulation in 3H-TTP incorporation.
Botulinum toxin type B for gait freezing in Parkinson’s disease

Background Freezing of Gait (FOG) can be a serious problem in Parkinson's disease (PD) and is usually refractory to medical treatment. Botulinum toxin (BTX) type A has been reported to relieve FOG in small open label studies. Material/methods We performed a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study using BTX-B injections on the soleus-gastrocnemius muscle complex of the predominantly affected leg in freezing. Patients were evaluated at baseline and monthly thereafter until endpoint was reached. UPDRS parts II and III, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGIS) and Modified Webster Step-Seconds test were the used to measure efficacy. Results 14 out of 17 patients screened with idiopathic PD and FOG refractory to medical treatment met inclusion criteria for the study. 9 patients were randomized to 5,000 U of BTX-B treatment and 5 patients to placebo. Our cohort had a mean age of 74 years, and average PD duration of 10 years. Based on the CGIS, 1 patient was much improved, 2 patients had minimal improvement, 9 were unchanged from baseline and 2 were minimally worse. There was no significant difference between the treatment and placebo arms in the number of patients improved versus unchanged. There were no significant differences between the treatment and placebo arms in the UPDRS II and III, VAS, or Modified Webster Step-Seconds scores between the treatment and placebo arms, at baseline and after treatment. Conclusions 5,000 U of BTX-B injected in one leg did not significantly improve FOG. However, since the power of the study was low, a small beneficial effect may have been missed.
Cumulative Advantage, Cumulative Disadvantage, and Evolving Patterns of Late-Life Inequality

Purpose of the Study Earlier studies have identified a pattern of cumulative advantage leading to increased within-cohort economic inequality over the life course, but there is a need to better understand how levels of inequality by age have changed in the evolving economic environment of recent decades. We utilized Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) data to compare economic inequality across age groups for 2010 versus 1983-1984. Design and Methods We examined changing age profiles of inequality using a summary measure of economic resources taking into account income, annuitized value of wealth, and household size. We adjusted for survey underreporting of some income and asset types, based on National Income Accounts and other independent estimates of national aggregates. We examined inequality by age with Gini coefficients. Results Late-life (65+) inequality increased between the 2 periods, with Gini coefficients remaining higher than during the working years, but with a less steep age difference in inequality in 2010 than in 1983-1984. Inequality increased sharply within each cohort, particularly steeply in Depression-era, war-baby, and leading-edge baby boom cohorts. The top quintile of elderly received increasing shares of most income sources. Implications Increasing inequality among older people, and especially in cohorts approaching late life, presages upcoming financial challenges for elderly persons in the lower part of the income distribution. Implications of this increasingly high-inequality late-life environment need to be carefully evaluated as changes are considered in Social Security and other safety-net institutions, which moderate impacts of economic forces that drive increasingly disparate late-life economic outcomes.
Of love and age: A commentary on Scott Pytluk's “The Case of John”

Ageism, like sexism, influences even the most progressive psychotherapists, young and old. The author points to a parapraxis in Dr. Pytluk's text that reveals a complex knot of attraction–repulsion to his older, HIV-positive patient. Suggestions are made to help the therapist move beyond pity and guilt. Freud's negative Oedipus complex might be useful in helping the patient understand his sexual trajectory.
Abstract A61: Mechanisms of resveratrol‐mediated chemoprevention of hepatocellular carcinogenesis: Suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most common and deadliest malignancies in the world, has been increasing steadily in Japan, Europe as well as the United States. HCC develops most frequently in the background of oxidative stress and chronic unresolved hepatic inflammation due to viral infection, alcoholic cirrhosis as well as exposure to several environmental carcinogens. In the absence of proven effective systemic therapy for HCC, novel chemopreventive strategies are urgently needed to lower the current morbidity and mortality associated with HCC. Previously, we have reported that the phytoalexin resveratrol, present in grapes, berries, peanuts and red wine, significantly prevents diethylnitrosamine (DENA)‐initiated liver tumorigenesis in rats though the chemopreventive mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. In the present study, we have investigated the underlying mechanisms of resveratrol chemoprevention of hepatocarcinogenesis by examining the effects of resveratrol on oxidative damage and inflammatory response during DENA‐mediated rat liver carcinogenesis. Rats were exposed to dietary resveratrol (equivalent to 50, 100 or 300 mg/kg body weight/day), starting the treatment 4 weeks before initiation with DENA and continued 16 weeks thereafter. At the end of the study (20 weeks), there was an 11‐fold increase in hepatic lipid peroxidation (P Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):A61.
29Si NMR Chemical Shifts of Silicate Species: Ab Initio Study of Environment and Structure Effects

The structure of the silicate species is determined using the Hartree−Fock method, and the 29Si NMR magnetic shielding constants are subsequently calculated using the coupled perturbed Hartree−Fock method with gauge including atomic orbitals. The silicate monomer is modeled as a neutral fully protonated species, H4SiO4 and as a monoanion−potassium cation pair, H3SiO4-K+. Hydration by up to four and two water molecules, respectively, is also considered. For both types of environment the 29Si NMR chemical shift is within −71.0 ± 0.5 ppm. The effect of symmetry and degree of condensation is studied for silicate oligomers forming chains (dimer, trimer), rings (trimer, tetramer, pentamer, hexamer), and cages (prismatic hexamer, cubic octamer, hexagonal dodecamer). Lowering the symmetry lowers the shielding. The shift of a Qn-unit depends on the adjacent bond angles: δTMS(Qn) = −61.23n〈ρ(SiOSi)〉 − 60.45 (4 − n)〈ρ(SiOH)〉 + 6.58, with ρ(α) = cos α/(cos α − 1). In addition the tetrahedral tetramer is studied. Prev...
Clinical Characteristics and Long-Term Outcomes of Movement Disorders in Childhood Thalamic Tumors

Abstract Background We studied the outcomes of movement disorders that were associated with childhood thalamic tumors. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 83 children with thalamic tumors treated at our institution from 1996 to 2013 to document the incidence and outcome of movement disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to analyze the involvement of thalamic nuclei, and three instruments were used to rate the severity of the disorders. Results Nine (11%) patients had one or more of the following movement disorders: postural tremor, resting tremor, ballism, dystonia, myoclonus, and athetosis. Median age at tumor diagnosis was seven years (range, 0.25 to 11 years), and the average age at movement disorder onset was eight years (range, 1.5 to 11 years). Movement disorders developed at a median of 1.5 months (range, 0 to 4 months) after surgical resection. The severity of the disorders was either unchanged or slightly improved during follow-up. The red nuclei were the only thalamic structures that showed tumor involvement in all nine patients. Conclusions No specific injury of the thalamic nuclei was associated with movement disorders in children with thalamic tumors, and the severity of these disorders did not change over time.
Reading Matters: Framing a Critical Conversation About Reading Across the Curriculum

A Review of Critical Reading in Higher Education by Karen Manarin, Miriam Carey, Melanie Rathburn, and Glen Ryland
“I Try Not to Think About It”: College-Bound without Citizenship

Seven respondents in the sample reported they were not US citizens at their first interview, meaning they were not eligible for federal or state financial aid to help pay for college. Even so, non-citizen respondents justified their college aspirations as the rational next step for success in US society. They explained their college aspirations using two primary frames of reference: an immigrant frame, which forefronted education as the primary reason their parents chose to migrate with or without “papers”; and a deserving DREAMer frame, which sought to leverage higher education as a means of demonstrating legitimacy and belonging in mainstream US culture.
Adult Weight Gain and Risk of Developing Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): Results from a Large Prospective Cohort Study of Older Women.

Abstract Background: Obesity has been associated with risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in several recent studies. However, the effect of weight gain during adulthood, a potentially modifiable risk factor, on the incidence of NHL is not clear. We therefore examined the association of weight gain since age 18 years with the risk of NHL among older women. Methods: We examined this association in the Iowa Women's Health Study, a prospective study of 37,762 Iowa women aged 55 to 69 years at enrollment in 1986. Lifestyle and other risk factors, including weight at age 18 and at enrollment, were self-reported on a mailed questionnaire. We defined stable weight as no increase in weight or up to a 10% weight loss from age 18 to enrollment, while percent weight gain was divided into tertiles based on the distribution observed in the cohort. NHL incidence through 18 years of follow-up was ascertained by linkage with the Iowa SEER Cancer Registry. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of percent weight gain with NHL incidence, adjusting for age (Age-adjusted model) and age, marital status, farm residence, transfusion history, diabetes, use of hormone replacement therapy, alcohol use, smoking, and intake of red meat and fruits (Multivariate model). Results: The mean age of the women in the cohort in 1986 was 62.1 years. During 593,474 person-years of follow-up, 379 incident cases of NHL were observed. The mean age at diagnosis was 72.6 years (range 58–87 years). The main results are reported in the table. Similar results were found for absolute weight gain. Stratification of these results on body mass index at age 18 (using a cutpoint of 21 kg/m2) showed similar results, with the exception of >10% weight loss for women with a BMI of Conclusions: Weight gain or large weight loss (>10% of body weight) during adulthood were both associated with increased risk of NHL, although the RRs for percent weight gain were not statistically significant and there was no dose-response. This study suggests another potential benefit of avoiding adult weight gain, although further studies are needed to confirm these novel findings. Association of percent weight change during adulthood (age 18 to age 55–69 years) and risk of NHL % Weight Change NHL Cases Person-years Age-Adjusted RR(95% CI) Multivariate RR (95% CI) >10% weight loss 15 17053 2.06 (1.05–4.02) 2.02 (1.03–3.95) Stable 20 45973 1 (reference) 1 (reference) 0–18.2% gain 115 175883 1.50 (0.94–2.42) 1.50 (0.93–2.41) 18.3–34.8% gain 119 176258 1.54 (0.96–2.47) 1.53 (0.95–2.47) >34.8% gain 110 178308 1.40 (0.87–2.25) 1.32 (0.82–2.14).
Ultrafast light-induced symmetry changes in single BaTiO3 nanowires

The coupling of light to nanoscale ferroelectric materials enables novel means of controlling their coupled degrees of freedom and engineering new functionality. Here we present femtosecond time-resolution nonlinear-optical measurements of light-induced dynamics within single ferroelectric barium titanate nanowires. By analyzing the time-dependent and polarization-dependent second harmonic intensity generated by the nanowire, we identify its crystallographic orientation and then make use of this information in order to probe its dynamic structural response and change in symmetry. We show that photo-excitation leads to ultrafast, non-uniform modulations in the second order nonlinear susceptibility tensor, indicative of changes in the local symmetry of the nanostructure occurring on sub-picosecond time-scales.
Does a Flatter General Gradient of Visual Attention Explain Peripheral Advantages and Central Deficits in Deaf Adults

Individuals deaf from early age often outperform hearing individuals in the visual periphery on attention-dependent dorsal stream tasks (e.g., spatial localization or movement detection), but sometimes show central visual attention deficits, usually on ventral stream object identification tasks. It has been proposed that early deafness adaptively redirects attentional resources from central to peripheral vision to monitor extrapersonal space in the absence of auditory cues, producing a more evenly distributed attention gradient across visual space. However, little direct evidence exists that peripheral advantages are functionally tied to central deficits, rather than determined by independent mechanisms, and previous studies using several attention tasks typically report peripheral advantages or central deficits, not both. To test the general altered attentional gradient proposal, we employed a novel divided attention paradigm that measured target localization performance along a gradient from parafoveal to peripheral locations, independent of concurrent central object identification performance in prelingually deaf and hearing groups who differed in access to auditory input. Deaf participants without cochlear implants (No-CI), with cochlear implants (CI), and hearing participants identified vehicles presented centrally, and concurrently reported the location of parafoveal (1.4o) and peripheral (13.3o) targets among distractors. No-CI participants but not CI participants showed a central identification accuracy deficit. However, all groups displayed equivalent target localization accuracy at peripheral and parafoveal locations and nearly parallel parafoveal-peripheral gradients. Furthermore, the No-CI group’s central identification deficit remained after statistically controlling peripheral performance; conversely, the parafoveal and peripheral group performance equivalencies remained after controlling central identification accuracy. These results suggest that, in the absence of auditory input, reduced central attentional capacity is not necessarily associated with enhanced peripheral attentional capacity or with flattening of a general attention gradient. Our findings converge with earlier studies suggesting that a general graded trade-off of attentional resources across the visual field does not adequately explain the complex task-dependent spatial distribution of deaf-hearing performance differences reported in the literature. Rather, growing evidence suggests that the spatial distribution of attention-mediated performance in deaf people is determined by sophisticated cross-modal plasticity mechanisms that recruit specific sensory and polymodal cortex to achieve specific compensatory processing goals.
A Boundary and Texture Preserving Mesh Simplification Algorithm for Virtual Reality

With the increasing accessibility of the mobile head-mounted displays (HMDs), mobile virtual reality (VR) systems are finding applications in various areas. However, mobile HMDs are highly constrained with limited graphics processing units (GPUs), low processing power and onboard memory. Hence, VR developers must be cognizant of the number of polygons contained within their virtual environments to avoid rendering at low frame rates and inducing simulator sickness. The most robust and rapid approach to keeping the overall number of polygons low is to use mesh simplification algorithms to create low-poly versions of preexisting, high-poly models. Unfortunately, most existing mesh simplification algorithms cannot adequately handle meshes with lots of boundaries or non-manifold meshes, which are common attributes of 3D models made with computer-aided design tools.; AB@In this paper, we present a high-fidelity mesh simplification algorithm specifically designed for VR. This new algorithm, QEM4VR, addresses the deficiencies of prior quadric error metric (QEM) approaches by leveraging the insight that the most relevant boundary edges lie along curvatures while linear boundary edges can be collapsed. Additionally, our QEM4VR algorithm preserves key surface properties, such as normals, texture coordinates, colors, and materials. It pre-processes the 3D models and generate their low-poly approximations offline. We used six publicly available, high-poly models, with and without textures to compare the accuracy and fidelity of our QEM4VR algorithm to previous QEM variations. We also performed a frame rate analysis with original high-poly models and low-poly models obtained using QEM4VR and previous QEM variations. Our results indicate that QEM4VR creates low-poly, high-fidelity virtual environments for VR applications on devices that are constrained by the low number of polygons they can work with.
Decreased Visual Function Scores on a Low Luminance Questionnaire Is Associated with Impaired Dark Adaptation.

Purpose We investigate whether responses on a Low Luminance Questionnaire (LLQ) in patients with a range of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) severity are associated with their performance on focal dark adaptation (DA) testing and with choroidal thickness. Design Cross-sectional, single-center, observational study. Participants A total of 113 participants older than 50 years of age with a range of AMD severity. Methods Participants answered the LLQ on the same day they underwent DA testing using a focal dark adaptometer measuring rod intercept time (RIT). We performed univariable and multivariable analyses of the LLQ scores and age, RIT, AMD severity, subfoveal choroidal thickness [SFCT], phakic status, and best-corrected visual acuity. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome of this study was the score on the 32-question LLQ. Each item in the LLQ is designated to 1 of 6 subscales describing functional problems in low luminance: driving, emotional distress, mobility, extreme lighting, peripheral vision, and general dim lighting. Scores were computed for each subscale, in addition to a weighted total mean score. Results Responses from 113 participants (mean age, 76.2±9.3 years; 58.4% were female) and 113 study eyes were analyzed. Univariable analysis demonstrated that lower scores on all LLQ subscales were correlated with prolonged DA testing (longer RIT) and decreased choroidal thickness. All associations were statistically significant except for the association of choroidal thickness and "peripheral vision." The strongest association was the LLQ subscale of driving with RIT ( r =−0.97, P Conclusions This cross-sectional analysis demonstrates associations of patient-reported functional deficits, as assessed on the LLQ, with both reduced DA and reduced choroidal thickness, in a population of older adults with varying degrees of AMD severity and good visual acuity in at least 1 eye. These analyses suggest that local functional measurements of DA testing (RIT) and choroidal thickness are associated with patient-reported functional deficits.
Report of the ALCTS Continuing Resources Section College and Research Libraries Interest Group Meeting. American Library Association Annual Conference, Orlando, June 2016

The College and Research Libraries Interest Group held a meeting to discuss open access (OA) discovery and metadata workflows. The meeting included a panel of three speakers. Nettie Lagace, Nationa...
Heme Interactions in Pseudomonas Cytochrome Oxidase

Pseudomonas cytochrome oxidase (ferrocytochrome c2:O2 oxido-reductase, EC 1.9.3.2) functions as a terminal electron carrier in the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The oxidase can donate electrons either to molecular oxygen or to nitrite although it appears that in situ it is intended to react with nitrite rather than 02 since the enzyme is only synthesized when the organism is grown anaerobically in the presence of nitrate or nitrite. However, since Pseudomonas cytochrome oxidase can catalyze the reduction of O2 to H2O (a four-electron transfer) it bears some similarity functionally to the cytochrome c oxidase of the mitochondrial respiratory chain.
Supported and Customized Employment

This chapter describes positive approaches and outcomes of employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It describes supported and customized employment models and highlights how positive psychology research on happiness, well-being, social capital, and resiliency relates to promoting work outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
A new reduced-switch-count cascaded multicell converter

Topology of the multicell multilevel inverters are one of the most promising power converter topologies being successfully commercialized in the high-power market. This paper proposes a new cascaded multicell multilevel converter with a reduced count of power switches. The proposed reduced-switch-count multilevel is formed by connecting two distinct power conversion stages through two low-frequency high-voltage power switches such as thyristors. The first power conversion stage which is the main converter is realized by stacking the two-level voltage-source inverters. The main converter generates the major voltage levels while the secondary power conversion is based on the auxiliary inverter that generates the intermediate voltage levels. The main advantage of this topology in comparison with conventional structure of the Cascaded H-bridge (CHB) converter is the reduction in the number of the switches. The decrease in the count of the required IGBTs can reduce the converter cost, size and fault occurrence. A comprehensive set of simulation results are provided to validate the proposed multilevel topology.
Outlook for Magnetic Neural Stimulation Techniques

In the previous chapters, I discussed the use of magnetic nanoparticle (MNP)-based technique for acute and chronic neural stimulation, followed by using magnetic ratcheting/magnetic microfluidic platforms for selecting magnetotactic bacteria over-producers for generating high-quality MNPs. Nonetheless, the uniformity of MNP properties is only one of the challenges to overcome to translate magnetic techniques for in vivo animal and clinical use. This chapter addresses the other challenges and proposes strategies to overcome them.
Establishing in vitro in vivo correlations to screen monoclonal antibodies for physicochemical properties related to favorable human pharmacokinetics.

ABSTRACTImplementation of in vitro assays that correlate with in vivo human pharmacokinetics (PK) would provide desirable preclinical tools for the early selection of therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb) candidates with minimal non-target-related PK risk. Use of these tools minimizes the likelihood that mAbs with unfavorable PK would be advanced into costly preclinical and clinical development. In total, 42 mAbs varying in isotype and soluble versus membrane targets were tested in in vitro and in vivo studies. MAb physicochemical properties were assessed by measuring non-specific interactions (DNA- and insulin-binding ELISA), self-association (affinity-capture self-interaction nanoparticle spectroscopy) and binding to matrix-immobilized human FcRn (surface plasmon resonance and column chromatography). The range of scores obtained from each in vitro assay trended well with in vivo clearance (CL) using both human FcRn transgenic (Tg32) mouse allometrically projected human CL and observed human CL, where mA...
Minor stadiums, major effects? Patterns and sources of redevelopment surrounding minor league baseball stadiums:

Minor league baseball stadiums are a popular redevelopment anchor in mid-sized to small American cities seeking to revitalise their downtowns. This paper uses a panel study of 16 minor league baseb...
Strength of the association between antibiotic use and hemolytic uremic syndrome following Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection varies with case definition

Abstract Background The veracity of the association between antibiotic use and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) caused by Escherichia coli O157:H7 has been a topic of debate. We postulated that criteria used to define HUS affect this association. Methods We reviewed 471 hospitalized E. coli O157:H7 cases reported in Washington State, 2005–2014, to determine HUS status by various case definitions and antibiotic treatment. We used age-adjusted logistic regression models to estimate the effect of treatment on HUS status according to four common, but heterogeneous, definitions: the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) definition, hematology-focused and age-focused definitions from the literature, and hospital diagnosis. Results Inter-annual variation in antibiotic use was high, but no meaningful change in antibiotic use was observed over this ten-year period. Thirteen percent of cases Conclusions Each definition yielded an estimate of the association in the direction of increased risk of HUS with antibiotics. While the range of OR point estimates was relatively small, confidence intervals for two HUS definitions crossed the null and two did not, potentially altering the inference an investigator makes. Discrepant reports of the association between antibiotic use and HUS in the literature might be due in part to the choice of HUS definition, and a consistent definition of HUS should be adopted for research and public health purposes.
Gruppe der Paramyxoviren und Rötelnvirus

Zu den Paramyxoviren zahlt man Mumps-, Masern-, Parainfluenza-, „respiratory syncytial“- (RS-), und Newcastle disease- (atypische Geflugelpest) Viren.
CORDIC, Divider, Square Root

This chapter studies iterative algorithms for division, square rooting, trigonometric and hyperbolic functions and their baseline architecture. Iterative approaches are suitable for implementing adaptive signal processing algorithms such as those found in wireless communications.