cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laboratory studies of the aqueous-phase oxidation of polyols: submicron particles vs. bulk aqueous solution

Abstract. Oxidation in the atmospheric aqueous phase (cloud droplets and deliquesced particles) has received recent attention as a potential pathway for the formation of highly oxidized organic aerosol. Most laboratory studies of aqueous-phase oxidation, however, are carried out in bulk solutions rather than aqueous droplets. Here we describe experiments in which aqueous oxidation of polyols (water-soluble species with chemical formula CnH2n+2On) is carried out within submicron particles in an environmental chamber, allowing for significant gas–particle partitioning of reactants, intermediates, and products. Dark Fenton chemistry is used as a source of hydroxyl radicals, and oxidation is monitored using a high-resolution aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS). Aqueous oxidation is rapid, and results in the formation of particulate oxalate; this is accompanied by substantial loss of carbon to the gas phase, indicating the formation of volatile products. Results are compared to those from analogous oxidation reactions carried out in bulk solution. The bulk-phase chemistry is similar to that in the particles, but with substantially less carbon loss. This is likely due to differences in partitioning of early-generation products, which evaporate out of the aqueous phase under chamber conditions (in which liquid water content is low), but remain in solution for further aqueous processing in the bulk phase. This work suggests that the product distributions from oxidation in aqueous aerosol may be substantially different from those in bulk oxidation experiments. This highlights the need for aqueous oxidation studies to be carried out under atmospherically relevant partitioning conditions, with liquid water contents mimicking those of cloud droplets or aqueous aerosol.
Rethinking the Scope of Advance Care Planning for Older Adults

With the rapid growth of the older population globally, improving health care during the final period of life has become a key challenge for both palliative care and for geriatrics . The medical literature has focused on relieving suffering of elderly patients who are facing serious and life limiting illness near the end of life. The Patient Self- Determination Act in the US took affect in 1991 and has called for enhancing patient involvement in end-of-life decision making through completion of advance directives that can limit invasive medical care at the end of life. However, older patients who are still in reasonably good health show little interest and not likely to follow recommendations for completing advance directives. Furthermore, even when directives have been completed, there is frequent disregard for patients’ wishes.
Vulnerability of riparian ecosystems to elevated CO2 and climate change in arid and semiarid western North America.

Riparian ecosystems, already greatly altered by water management, land development, and biological invasion, are being further altered by increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations ([CO2]) and climate change, particularly in arid and semiarid (dryland) regions. In this literature review, we (1) summarize expected changes in [CO2], climate, hydrology, and water management in dryland western North America, (2) consider likely effects of those changes on riparian ecosystems, and (3) identify critical knowledge gaps. Temperatures in the region are rising and droughts are becoming more frequent and intense. Warmer temperatures in turn are altering river hydrology: advancing the timing of spring snow melt floods, altering flood magnitudes, and reducing summer and base flows. Direct effects of increased [CO2] and climate change on riparian ecosystems may be similar to effects in uplands, including increased heat and water stress, altered phenology and species geographic distributions, and disrupted trophic and symbiotic interactions. Indirect effects due to climate-driven changes in streamflow, however, may exacerbate the direct effects of warming and increase the relative importance of moisture and fluvial disturbance as drivers of riparian ecosystem response to global change. Together, climate change and climate-driven changes in streamflow are likely to reduce abundance of dominant, native, early-successional tree species, favor herbaceous species and both drought-tolerant and late-successional woody species (including many introduced species), reduce habitat quality for many riparian animals, and slow litter decomposition and nutrient cycling. Climate-driven changes in human water demand and associated water management may intensify these effects. On some regulated rivers, however, reservoir releases could be managed to protect riparian ecosystem. Immediate research priorities include determining riparian species’ environmental requirements and monitoring riparian ecosystems to allow rapid detection and response to undesirable ecological change.
An Efficient Algorithm for Concurrent Priority Queue Heaps

We present a new algorithm for concurrent access to array-based priority queue heaps. Deletions proceed top-down as they do in a previous algorithm due to Rao and Kumar [1988 (IEEE Trans. Computers 37(12))], but insertions proceed bottom-up, and consecutive insertions use a bit-reversal technique to scatter accesses across the fringe of the tree, to reduce contention. Because insertions do not have to traverse the entire height of the tree (as they do in previous work), as many as O(M) operations can proceed in parallel, rather than O(log M) on a heap of size M. Experimental results on a Silicon Graphics Challenge multiprocessor demonstrate good overall performance for the new algorithm on small heaps, and significant performance improvements over known alternatives on large heaps with mixed insertion/deletion workloads.
Endocrine manifestations and management of Prader-Willi syndrome

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic disorder, caused by lack of expression of genes on the paternally inherited chromosome 15q11.2-q13. In infancy it is characterized by hypotonia with poor suck resulting in failure to thrive. As the child ages, other manifestations such as developmental delay, cognitive disability, and behavior problems become evident. Hypothalamic dysfunction has been implicated in many manifestations of this syndrome including hyperphagia, temperature instability, high pain threshold, sleep disordered breathing, and multiple endocrine abnormalities. These include growth hormone deficiency, central adrenal insufficiency, hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, and complications of obesity such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. This review summarizes the recent literature investigating optimal screening and treatment of endocrine abnormalities associated with PWS, and provides an update on nutrition and food-related behavioral intervention. The standard of care regarding growth hormone therapy and surveillance for potential side effects, the potential for central adrenal insufficiency, evaluation for and treatment of hypogonadism in males and females, and the prevalence and screening recommendations for hypothyroidism and diabetes are covered in detail. PWS is a genetic syndrome in which early diagnosis and careful attention to detail regarding all the potential endocrine and behavioral manifestations can lead to a significant improvement in health and developmental outcomes. Thus, the important role of the provider caring for the child with PWS cannot be overstated.
A Comparison of Symbols for Preferred Behaviors

The number of persons traveling to and working in locations where their native language is not used has increased significantly. Thus, communication via symbols has become important for many reasons, including safety. Previous research has shown that a symbol indicating that something is to be done may significantly increase understanding of symbols indicating behavior to be avoided (Leonard, 2000). The symbol indicating that an activity was permitted or to be done was the enclosure of the symbol for the activity in a pentagon. One of the present studies expanded on this result by examining the ability of individuals to learn the meaning of the symbol from a small number of presentations. The second study compared the usefulness of the pentagon symbol with another approach to presenting to do information. The pentagon was superior in drawing attention to the behavior to be performed, especially when no negative symbol was involved. Taken together the two studies provide further support for the usefulness ...
Ethics, Gaming, and Industrial training

This article provides a snapshot of games currently used for ethics training in engineering-related U.S. businesses, including a summary of legislative guidelines, types of games available, efficacy of the games, and appropriateness for educational institutions.
BIDIRECTIONAL FACILITATION AND INTERFERENCE BETWEEN SHRUBS AND ANNUALS IN THE MOJAVE DESERT

Composition and structure of plant communities can be strongly influenced by plant interactions. Interactions among plants commonly comprise positive and negative effects operating simultaneously and bidirectionally. Thus, a thorough understanding of plant interactions requires experimental separation and quantitative assessment of the bidirectional positive and negative effects that add up to the net effects of plant interactions. Using the close spatial association of annual plants with a desert shrub (Ambrosia dumosa) in a sandy area of the Mojave Desert of California as a test system, we separated and quantified negative and positive effects of annuals on shrubs and of shrubs on annuals. We achieved the separation of negative and positive effects with an experimental design that included reciprocal removals of neighbors and simulations of physical effects of neighbors using artificial structures. All experimental manipulations were conducted on space originally occupied by Ambrosia shrubs to focus on immediate effects of neighbors on water availability rather than on long-term microenvironmental effects (e.g., nutrient accumulation). We quantified positive effects by calculating the difference between performance parameters of neighbors growing with artificial structures (thatch to mimic the physical effects of the presence of annuals and artificial canopies to mimic the physical effects of shrubs) and those of neighbors growing alone (removals). We estimated negative effects by calculating the difference between plant performance on control plots (shrubs and annuals growing together) and performances of plants growing with the artificial structures. Annuals had simultaneously strong negative and weak positive effects on shrub water status, growth, and reproductive output. Annuals also had an impact on the sex expression of shrubs by inducing shifts toward a higher male proportion in inflorescences of monoecious Ambrosia. In contrast, we found strong positive and weak or no negative effects of the shrubs on survival, biomass production, and seed production of the entire annual community and of selected annual species (the abundant native Chaenactis fremontii and the two dominant introduced annual species Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens and Schismus barbatus). Overall, in net effect, the interaction between shrubs and annuals can be described as facilitation or positive net effects of shrubs on annuals, and interference or negative net effects of annuals on shrubs. However, during the growing season, the ratios between positive and negative effects shifted. Annual plants benefited from the presence of shrubs to the greatest extent early in the growing season, and initial negative effects of annuals on shrubs declined as annuals senesced later in the season. Results of this study support the view that an experimental resolution of bidirectional positive and negative effects is necessary to achieve an accurate, mechanistic understanding of species interactions.
Heterotopic ossification after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion without bone morphogenetic protein use

We report a case of severe, intracanal heterotopic ossification in a 54-year-old man following L5‐S1 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). The patient presented to our clinic with recurrent low back pain, radiating left lower extremity pain and left L5 motor weakness (four of five strength) after previous left L5‐S1 decompression (7 years prior), and left L4‐L5 decompression and revision left L5‐S1 decompression (1 year prior). Imaging studies demonstrated L5‐S1 degenerative disc disease, spondylosis, and left L4‐L5/L5‐S1 foraminal stenosis. He underwent revision decompression from L4 to L5 and L5 to S1, and L5 to S1 TLIF with bilateral pedicle screw instrumentation and local autograft. Immediately postoperative, the patient had significant improvement in his lower extremity symptoms, and at 3 months postoperatively, he was able to return to work and was very satisfied, with complete relief of symptoms. The patient was subsequently readmitted for pain management 6 months postoperative for acute worsening of his low back pain and recurrence of his left leg pain. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an acute left paracentral disc herniation at L4‐L5 (Fig. 1), and computed tomography scan demonstrated heterotopic ossification (HO) along the medial border of the L5‐S1 TLIF decompression/cage insertion track with encroachment on the canal (Fig. 2, A‐D). The formation of such severe intracanal HO without the use of bone morphogenetic protein or other adjuncts is unusual after TLIF. The patient had gradual improvement of his symptoms after analgesic medications and transforaminal corticosteroid injection. Given the patient’s clinical improvement, we will continue to observe him for any progression of the HO or development of new symptoms.
The (Re)negotiation of Illness Diagnoses and Responsibility for Child Death in Rural Mali

Kin and community power relationships in rural Mali shape the process of diagnosing a child with a fatal illness. This analysis draws on participant observation and interviews with 298 women in four Fulani and Humbese communities in the Mopti region. Two folk illnesses regarded as supernaturally caused, foondu (“the bird”) and heendu (“the wind”) were important final diagnoses of the cause of death. The illnesses are regarded as fatal but tend to be diagnosed only after a child has died; thus they are not associated with resignation on the part of kin. The diagnoses tend to exonerate the child's caretakers, and because they are conferred by senior women in a patrilineage, they also reinforce hierarchical power relationships among women. The diagnoses also encourage social support from affines for the woman whose child has died.
Black Political Participation in the 1984 and 1988 Presidential Elections.

Using data from a longitudinal telephone study of voting-eligible black Americans I explore the political context of black voter turnout in the 1984 and 1988 presidential elections and reexamine the attitudinal and demographic variables associated with black electoral participation. Jesse Jackson supporters were more likely to vote in the 1984 presidential election, while black opposition to Reagan was also linked to black voter turnout in 1984. Nonetheless, blacks who preferred Jackson to other primary contenders in the 1988 nominating contest were less likely to vote in the presidential election. Finally, while education, political interest, partisanship, and age were generally associated with black voter participation, race identification had a less consistent effect. Instead, church membership and involvement in black political organizations serve as alternative, community-based resources that promote black participation. This research underscores the importance of both political context and group-based political resources in stimulating the black vote.
The Use of Vivid Stimuli to Enhance Comprehension of the Content of Product Warning Messages

Thousands of consumers are injured annually using consumer products. It is intuitively plausible that vivid product warnings may improve communication of the hazards associated with product use, yet vividness effects have been difficult to demonstrate empirically. Vivid product warnings are shown to increase accurate memory of the hazards associated with product use by enhancing cognitive elaboration on the content of a product warning message. Moreover, vivid product warnings may not, in and of themselves, generate negative elaborations regarding the safety of the product in question.
Geographic differences in the body sizes of adult Romalea microptera

Abstract We compared adult body size among six populations of the flightless lubber grasshopper Romalea microptera from south Florida, USA. The most distant populations were 113 km apart. We tested whether size differences among populations are correlated with local mean precipitation or temperature, and specifically investigated whether smaller average size is correlated with climate-related short-growth season, as has been shown for other grasshoppers. We found significant size differences among the populations for both males and females. Mean body size of R. microptera was greatest for a central population at Shark Valley South, declined toward the northwest, and less strikingly, toward the south. R. microptera females had a greater mean size at sites with high precipitation in May and low precipitation in November, suggesting that earlier onset of the wet season is positively associated with mean size. Further, mean size increased with increasing mean minimum temperature in January. These differences ...
Mass storage system advances at Los Alamos

A new packet-switching network being developed as a testbed to evaluate new technologies, including the ANSI standard high-performance parallel interface (HPPI), crossbar switches, and packet buffering and protocol-processing distribution is described. The methods by which mass-storage systems would use and benefit from the new network are being investigated. The testbed includes an IBM 3090-600E running a test version of the Los Alamos common file system (CFS) with a HPPI implementation and a disk-stripping system. >
FOREST PRODUCTIVITY PREDICTS INVERTEBRATE BIOMASS AND OVENBIRD (SEIURUS AUROCAPILLUS) REPRODUCTION IN APPALACHIAN LANDSCAPES

Forest-floor detrital food webs are sustained by annual inputs of leaf fall. However, it is unknown whether this bottom-up effect extends to vertebrates feeding on the detrital food web. We hypothesized that reproductive success of Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapillus L.) is a function of acroinvertebrate biomass within the detrital food web, and that both macroinvertebrate biomass and Ovenbird reproduction can be predicted from forest productivity (measured by site index). We found that across diverse topography within two physiographic provinces of the central Appalachian Mountains macroinvertebrate biomass is correlated with forest site index. Furthermore, Ovenbird reproduction is a significant, positive function of both site index and macroinvertebrate biomass. We conclude that bottom-up effects of forest productivity propagate though the detrital food web to secondary/tertiary vertebrate predators. Thus site productivity is an effective tool for predicting landscape-scale variation in avian productivity and the strength of bottom-up effects within the forest food web.
Genetic Algorithm for Constrained Optimization Models and Its Application in Groundwater Resources Management

Genetic algorithms (GAs) have been shown to be an efficient tool for the solution of unconstrained optimization problems. In their standard form, GA formulations are “blind” to the constraints of an optimization model when the model involves these constraints. Thus, in GA applications alternative procedures are used to satisfy the constraints of the optimization model. In this study, the method that is utilized in the Complex Algorithm to solve constrained optimization problems is abstracted to develop a repairing procedure for GAs. The proposed procedure, which handles infeasible solutions that may be generated in a standard GA process, is embedded into the conventional GA to yield an improved GA process (IGA) for the solution of optimization problems with equality and inequality constrains. Two numerical examples are included to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method for the solution of constrained optimization applications. Finally the IGA is successfully used to develop an...
Exacerbation of systemic inflammation and increased cerebral infarct volume with cardiopulmonary bypass after focal cerebral ischemia in the rat

Objective Stroke remains a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. Cardiopulmonary bypass is known to induce a significant inflammatory response, which could adversely influence outcomes. We hypothesized that cardiopulmonary bypass, through an enhanced systemic inflammatory response, might affect outcomes after focal cerebral ischemia. Methods Wistar rats (275–300 g) were anesthetized, surgically prepared for cardiopulmonary bypass and right middle cerebral artery occlusion, and randomly allocated to 2 groups: focal cerebral ischemia alone (n = 9) and focal cerebral ischemia combined with normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (n = 8). Serum cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α and interleukins 1β, 6, and 10) were measured at baseline, at end of bypass, and at 2, 6, and 24 hours after bypass. On postoperative day 3, animals underwent neurologic testing, after which the brains were prepared for assessment of cerebral infarct volume. Data were compared between groups by Mann–Whitney U test. Results Compared with the ischemia-alone group, the ischemia plus bypass group had significantly higher levels of circulating tumor necrosis factor α and interleukins 1β and 10 at the end of bypass and 2 hours after bypass. In addition, the ischemia plus bypass animals had larger total cerebral infarct volumes (286 ± 125 mm 3 ) than did those with ischemia alone (144 ± 85 mm 3 , P = .0124). Conclusions Cardiopulmonary bypass increased cerebral infarct size after focal cerebral ischemia in rats. This worsening of outcome may in part be related to an augmented inflammatory response that accompanies cardiopulmonary bypass.
Oscillator far-from-carrier phase noise reduction via nano-scale gap tuning of micromechanical resonators

Substantial improvements in the far-from-carrier phase noise of oscillators referenced to stand-alone (as opposed to arrayed) capacitively transduced microme-chanical disk resonators have been attained via the use of atomic layer deposition (ALD) to tune the electrode-to-resonator capacitive gaps. Specifically, ALD of about 30nm of hafnia (HfO 2 ) onto the surface of a released 60-MHz micromechanical disk resonator to reduce its effective resonator-to electrode gap size from 92nm to 32nm provides an increase in power handling leading to more than 15–20dB reduction in the far-from-carrier phase noise of an oscillator referenced to this resonator. This ALD-enabled nano-scale gap tuning provides a simple and effective method to satisfy increasing demands for higher short-term stability in frequency references for electronic applications.
Ferrite-superconductor microwave phase shifters

Experimental ferrite phase shifters that utilize superconductor circuits with very low conduction losses are described. Magnetic flux is confined to a closed path, thereby avoiding deterioration of the superconducting properties that occurs when magnetic fields enter the superconductor. X-band differential phase shifters with meanderline circuits fabricated from niobium superconductors operated at 4 K have produced figures of merit exceeding 1000 deg/dB. The designs are adaptable to high-T/sub c/ superconductors. >
How Certain Insects Take the Bitter with the Sweet

The terms “bitter” and “sweet” each instantly convey distinct messages to us. Yet, if we think about them for a few more moments each also may convey an array of sensations or acquired chemosensory meanings. Even more interesting, 2 substances, 1 of which is expertly classified in each of these 2 major taste modalities, i.e. bitter or sweet, can elicit subtle chemosensory sensations which are amazingly similar. My intended beginning points thus are that chemoreception, as associated with taste and smell, really involves a continuum of energy distribution changes between messenger and receiver; and that the resultant sensations elicited are equally diverse.
Charged Defect State Distributions Obtained from the Analysis of Photoconductivities in Intrinsic a-Si:H Films

Steady-state photoconductivity, sub-bandgap absorption and electron spin resonance (ESR) Measurements were carried out on annealed and light soaked intrinsic hydrogenated Amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) films. The experimental results were modeled using detailed numerical Model. The defect densities derived from the sub-bandgap absorption in the light soaked films were correlated with the ESR spin densities. Selfconsistent fitting of the data was obtained using a gap state distribution which consists of positively charged defect states above, negatively charged defect states below and neutral defect states at about Midgap. Both the annealed and the light degraded states are modeled using the same distribution of gap states whose densities increase upon light soaking with a slight increase in the ratio of the neutral to charged defect densities. These results on intrinsic a-Si:H are consistent with those of charged defect Models.
Topoclimate and the Depth of Cirque Erosion

An analysis of 320 cirques with similar lithology indicates that the depth of cirque erosion varies systematically in relation to the topoclimatic factors, altitude and aspect. Altitude and aspect ...
The Application of Solid Phase Epitaxy for the Incorporation of Substitutional Carbon in Silicon

Carbon was substitutionally incorporated into silicon using ion implantation and solid phase epitaxy (SPE) to regenerate a high quality crystalline substrate. Carbon was implanted into Si(100) substrates using a single implant of 25 keV at doses ranging from 1.75 × 1015 to 1.05 × 1016/cm2. After carbon implantation half of the substrates were amorphized using a silicon implant. All of the wafers were subjected to a 700°C anneal in N2 ambient for 30 minutes to induce SPE regrowth of the implanted regions. FTIR, SIMS, RBS, and TEM were used to characterize the samples. Results indicate that carbon was substitutionally incorporated into the silicon lattice, but that some carbon did precipitate to form silicon carbide. Post-amorphization improved regrowth of implanted regions in lower dose implanted wafers. Electrical measurements on diode structures indicate that the band gap was reduced for carbon incorporation at these concentrations.
Preventative Effects of Probiotics for Infantile Eczema and Atopic Eczema:A Systematic Review

Objective To systematically evaluate the preventative effect of probiotics for infantile eczema and atopic eczema.Methods Databases including PubMed,EMbase,MEDLINE(Ovid),CENTRAL,CBM and CNKI were searched from inception to February 2012,so as to collect the randomized controlled trials(RCTs) on probiotics in preventing infantile eczema and atopic eczema.Two reviewers independently screened literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,extracted data,evaluated quality and cross-checked.Then the meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.0 software.Result A total of 15 RCTs involving 3 179 infants were included.The results of meta-analyses on 8 high quality RCTs showed that: the incidence of infantile eczema was lower in the probiotics group than the placebo group,with a significant difference(RD=-0.06,95%CI -0.10 to -0.03,P0.05).Probiotics had no preventative effect on infantile atopic eczema(RD=-0.02,95%CI -0.08 to 0.03,P0.05),and had preventative effects on both high risk population(RD=-0.09,95%CI -0.15 to -0.03,P0.05) and general population(RD=-0.05,95%CI -0.10 to 0.00,P0.05) of infantile eczema.Conclusion Probiotics have certain preventative effects on infantile eczema.Due to the differences of probiotics in the aspects such as probiotic strain,dosage,treatment course,etc.,its specific effects on infantile eczema and atopic eczema should be further tested.
The Looting Machine : Warlords, Oligarchs, Corporations, Smugglers, and the Theft of Africa's Wealth, Tom Burgis (Ed.) : book review

In the Looting Machine, Financial Times reporter Tom Burgis attempts to trace the transactions, linkages and individuals that have played a significant role in the persistent and chronic underdevelopment of African states. The author aims at defining, naming, and shaming the beast called corruption as it marauds through Africa leaving in its wake thousands of corpses and malnourished innocents. In many ways the book reads like a modern day thriller with accounts of espionage, corporate maneuverings, wiretaps, assassinations, and hypocrisy, made all the more repugnant because these are true accounts backed by eyewitness statements, and copious other evidence.
Challenging the Accuracy of a Single-test Lactate Threshold Protocol in Collegiate Rowers.

Elite rowers use lactate threshold (LT) estimates as a basis for training intensity in order to achieve the greatest training volume. For convenience, LT is usually determined in a maximal LT/VO2max test. This simultaneous test is problematic because it requires a large power increment, which may not give the most accurate LT. PURPOSE To challenge the validity of a simultaneous LT/VO2max test to estimate LT in rowers. METHODS Collegiate rowers (n=20, 16F and 4M, age 19.3±1.3 years, height 171.5±7.1 cm, weight 70±14 kg, VO2max 44.6±5.5 ml•kg-1•min-1) performed two LT tests. Participants completed an incremental VO2max test with 3-minute intervals increasing by 30W and 40W for women and men respectively. The second test consisted of five 6-minute stages of 10W increments starting from 20W below the estimated LT. For both tests, blood lactate was measured at the end of each stage and LT was determined by the lactate deflection point. The difference in intensity between the first deflection point and the LT was then calculated. RESULTS Average difference between LT1 and LT2 was 1.15 ± 13.4W, and were not statistically different (p=0.204). Average absolute difference was 9.95 ± 8.80W, and was different from the average (p=0.022). CONCLUSION A second incremental test should be performed for the most precise determination of LT. This is particularly important to rowers who rely on LT to determine training intensities.
Robust watermarking on the joint spatial-spectral domain [image watermarking]

With the advance of the Internet, the transmission, distribution and access to digital data have become easier than before. This advance brings with it the challenge of protecting the content of digital data. This problem has generated the need for research in digital watermarking. Traditionally, the problem of digital image watermarking has been approached in the spatial and spectral domains. In this paper, a new approach that combines the two domains through a joint time-frequency representation is considered. This new approach provides flexibility in determining the pixels to be watermarked and increases the data hiding capacity. An easy to implement watermark embedding algorithm and the corresponding detection algorithm are presented. The watermarking algorithm is tested under different attacks and is shown to be robust.
Elemental allelopathy by an arsenic hyperaccumulating fern, Pteris vittata L.

The functional advantages of arsenic (As) hyperaccumulation by plants are poorly understood. One proposed benefit, termed elemental allelopathy, occurs when hyperaccumulated As is cycled from the plant back into the top layer of soil, allowing As hyperaccumulators to gain an advantage over intolerant species by increasing soil As concentrations ([As]) underneath their canopy. To date, there are no studies that detail the presence of increased soil [As] associated with As hyperaccumulators. In this study, we documented variation in the soil [As] associated with the Chinese brake fern, Pteris vittata L. and also compared the effects of environmentally relevant soil and solution [As] on competitor plant growth. Four populations of P. vittata were identified in central Florida, USA. P. vittata tissue samples and soil samples were collected at the base of and at 3 m away from ferns in each population (n = 36). Five sample locations were randomly selected from each site, and soils from the base and 3 m away from each fern were collected to examine the effects of naturally occurring soil [As] on the germination and growth of a potential competitor plant (Oxalis stricta). Solutions with increasing [As] were also used to examine the threshold for negative effects of [As] on O. stricta growth. [As] were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Overall, soil [As] from the base of ferns was nearly twice that of soil 3 m away indicating that ferns hyperaccumulate As. However, ferns and their associated soil, contained different [As] depending on their collection site, indicating that these populations accumulate and use [As] differently. O. stricta growth decreased and germination was delayed as solution and soil [As] increased. However, the relative distance from the fern that the soil was collected from did not affect growth, which would be expected with elemental allelopathy. Our results show that P. vittata is associated with higher soil [As] and these concentrations are sufficient to inhibit growth of competitors. However, the absence of a strong inhibitory relationship associated with proximity to the fern across all locations suggests that the possible functional advantages of elemental allelopathy may depend on site specific characteristics.
Kinetics of the two-sited enzyme: I. Activation and inhibition by substrate

Abstract Equations have been derived and plotted to describe apparent modifier effects of a single substrate which is randomly bound, in rapid binding equilibria, at two sites of an enzyme. Three special cases have been considered: independent, non-equivalent catalytic sites; equivalent, interacting catalytic sites; one catalytic site and one modifier site. In each case, the curvature of Lineweaver-Burk plots has been determined by evaluating the limits of the derivatives, d(1/υ 0 )/d(1/S) and d(S/υ 0 )/dS. The direction of curvature has been correlated with modifier effects by distinguishing between activating and inhibiting effects on maximal velocities ( V ), or on dissociation constants of enzyme-substrate complexes ( K ). Upward curvature, with a minimum in the plot, corresponds to V -inhibition. Upward curvature without a minimum corresponds to various combinations of activating effects. Downward curvature represents either K -inhibition, with or without simultaneous V -activation, or no interaction at all.
Empirical Mode Decomposition and Hilbert Spectral Analysis

The difficult facing data analysis is the lack of method to handle nonlinear and nonstationary time series. Traditional Fourier-based analyses simply could not be applied here. A new method for analyzing nonlinear and nonstationary data has been developed. The key part is the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) method with which any complicated data set can be decomposed into a finite and often small number of Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMF) that serve as the basis of the representation of the data. This decomposition method is adaptive, and, therefore, highly efficient. The IMFs admit well-behaved Hilbert transforms, and yield instantaneous energy and frequency as functions of time that give sharp identifications of imbedded structures. The final presentation of the results is an energy-frequency-time distribution, designated as the Hilbert Spectrum. Among the main conceptual innovations is the introduction of the instantaneous frequencies for complicated data sets, which eliminate the need of spurious harmonics to represent nonlinear and nonstationary signals. Examples from the numerical results of the classical nonlinear equation systems and data representing natural phenomena are given to demonstrate the power of this new method. The classical nonlinear system data are especially interesting, for they serve to illustrate the roles played by the nonlinear and nonstationary effects in the energy-frequency-time distribution.
Multi-Kinase Inhibitor with Anti-p38γ Activity in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

Current cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) therapies are marked by an abbreviated response, subsequent drug resistance, and poor prognosis for patients with advanced disease. An understanding of molecular regulators involved in CTCL is needed to develop effective targeted therapies. One candidate regulator is p38γ, a mitogen-activated protein kinase crucial for malignant T-cell activity and growth. p38γ gene expression is selectively increased in CTCL patient samples and cell lines but not in healthy T cells. In addition, gene silencing of p38γ reduced CTCL cell viability, showing a key role in CTCL pathogenesis. Screening p38γ inhibitors is critical for understanding the mechanism of CTCL tumorigenesis and developing therapeutic applications. We prioritized a potent p38γ inhibitor (F7, also known as PIK75) through a high-throughput kinase inhibitor screen. At nanomolar concentrations, PIK75, a multiple kinase inhibitor, selectively killed CD4+ malignant CTCL cells but spared healthy CD4+ cells; induced significant reduction of tumor size in mouse xenografts; and effectively inhibited p38γ enzymatic activity and phosphorylation of its substrate, DLGH1, in CTCL cells and mouse xenografts. Here, we report that PIK75 has a potential clinical application to serve as a scaffold molecule for the development of a more selective p38γ inhibitor.
Neurasthenia, depression and somatoform disorder in a Chinese-Vietnamese woman migrant.

Ms J.’s symptoms started about two years prior to her presentation to our study while she was in the process of leaving Hong Kong. At that time, she apparently was under tremendous pressure from various sources, and began to experience both tiredness and soreness in her eyes. Concurrently,she also developed persistent headaches, a heaviness sensation in the head, general tiredness and fatigue, loss of concentration, inability to think, and sleeping difficulties. She became progressively withdrawn, practically stopping any social interactions with her friends, and began seeking treatment from a variety of general practitioners, specialists as well as herbalists. Although the mounting medical expenses became yet another source of pressure for her, she continued to search for medical cures despite repeated disappointments. Eventually, however, overwhelmed and immobilized by the tenacity of her ailments as well as pressure at work, she resigned from her job and became progressively more depressed and hopeless. As her depression mounted, she developed symptoms of social withdrawal, loss of interest, and irritability, as well as worsened sleep, concentration, and memory. She also continued to complain of overall bodily weakness, lack of energy, mental fatigue, muscle pain, inability to relax, headaches, and soreness in her eyes. She claimed that she didn’t have the strength to do anything; even simple household chores such as washing
Late Paleolithic Egypt

ABSOLUTE TIME PERIOD: 45,000–7000 B.P. These dates stretch the established range of the Late Paleolithic Egypt tradition for the purposes of the encyclopedia’s organization. Radiometric dates place the period more accurately between 21,000–10,000 B.P.
Encouraging Participation And Transparency In Biobank Research.

Medical biobanks often struggle to obtain sustainable funding. Commercialization of specimens is one solution, but disclosure of commercial interests to potential contributors can be dissuasive. Re...
Time and the Metrics of Aging

The study of aging relates to changes in physical and functional dimensions that occur over time in living organisms. Yet, a model that establishes the hierarchical relationship and interlaced time courses of molecular, phenotypic, and functional hierarchical domains of aging in humans has not been established. We propose that studying the mechanisms and consequences of aging through the lens of these hierarchical domains and their connections will provide clarity in semantics and enhance a translational perspective. The study of human aging would be most informative from a life course, longitudinal perspective, given that manifestations of aging are already detectable early in life at the molecular level, yet the phenotypic responses remain masked by compensatory/resiliency mechanisms. Understanding the nature of these mechanisms is paramount for developing interventions that reduce the burden of disease and disability in older persons.
Tonality Without Structure: Using Drones to Induce Modes and Convey Moods

In most Western music, notes in a melody relate not only to each other, but also to a “key”—a tonal center combined with an associated scale. Music is often classified as in a major or minor key, but within a scale that defines a major key, emphasizing different notes as the tonic yields different “modes.” Thus, within a set of notes, changing the tonal center changes the putative role of any given note. In this experiment, we eliminated all structural cues to the tonic within a melody by presenting notes randomly selected from the C major scale. A “mode” was established by a continuous drone note lower than the melody. Subjects rated mood (happy versus sad) and tension of each pseudo-melody. Consistent with Temperley and Tan (2013)—in which multiple structural cues were present—different modes produced reliable differences in judged mood and tension. Notably, modes with a major 3rd from the tonic (Ionian, Lydian, Mixolydian) were perceived as happier and less tense than modes with a minor 3rd (Dorian, Aeolian, Phrygian, Locrian). The results confirm that the perception of notes in a melody, and their consequent emotional connotation, depend at least in part to their relationship to a tonal center.
Polymer‐mediated gene therapy: Recent advances and merging of delivery techniques

The ability to safely and precisely deliver genetic materials to target sites in complex biological environments is vital to the success of gene therapy. Numerous viral and nonviral vectors have been developed and evaluated for their safety and efficacy. This study will feature progress in synthetic polymers as nonviral vectors, which benefit from their chemical versatility, biocompatibility, and ability to carry both therapeutic cargo and targeting moieties. The combination of synthetic gene carrying constructs with advanced delivery techniques promises new therapeutic options for treating and curing genetic disorders. This article is characterized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies.
Improving Introduction to Computing courses at both high school and post secondary levels

This workshop will present activities to engage students in learning computer science concepts. Classroom modules will be presented for teachers to implement in their own classroom. The modules are designed to be used in a computing course or as a segment of a course related to computing such as in an applied mathematics course.
Risk Management for the Family Physician

This chapter focuses on legal, clinical, and risk-management issues that create pitfalls for the family physician. Examples of legal issues are vicarious liability and ostensible agency. Clinical issues include the timely diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as cancer and heart disease. Difficult-to-diagnose conditions such as pulmonary emboli and dissecting aortic aneurysms are also discussed. Risk-management issues that can destroy an otherwise viable defense are also noted. These include record tampering, failure to obtain informed consent or informed refusal, and the practice of treating patients over the telephone. The importance of the contemporaneous medical record is stressed.
Never Too Late? The Role of Visiting Delay in Crowdsourcing Contests

This paper studies the role of visiting delay in crowdsourcing contests – the time elapsed between the start of a contest and a solver’s first visit to the contest. Because crowdsourcing platforms often host multiple contests parallelly, solvers may not be aware of contests when they open for participation. This creates heterogeneity among solvers in terms of their visiting delay and awareness of contest details. We theorize that visiting delay may impact solvers’ submission behavior and performance through two countervailing forces: a deadline effect – an increased intention to participate induced by a tighter deadline, and a time-disadvantage effect – a decreased intention to participate due to the limited time available in the contest. Using a novel dataset from an established crowdsourcing platform, we show the heterogeneous effects of visiting delay on the submission behavior, namely, the time to first submission and the number of submissions, through various empirical analyses. We demonstrate that when solvers have higher levels of visiting delay, the deadline effect dominates the time-disadvantage effect, resulting in a faster submission time initially. However, after the first submission, the time-disadvantage effect dominates the deadline effect, resulting in fewer and slower submissions. Additionally, the deadline (time-disadvantage) effect is amplified (attenuated) by the average contest prize amount in a non-linear manner. Finally, we show that these dynamics affect the solvers’ likelihood of developing an acceptable submission and a winning submission. Our results provide implications for seekers and platform designers in scheduling contests and in designing incentives for managing the effects of visiting delay.
EU-RNA-seq for in vivo labeling and high throughput sequencing of nascent transcripts.

The protocol allows for labeling nascent RNA without isolating nuclei. The cell-permeable uridine analog, 5-ethynyluridine (EU), is added to media to allow in vivo labeling of nascent transcripts. Cells are lysed, total RNA is collected, and biotin is conjugated to EU-labeled RNAs. Custom biotin RNAs are added and biotinylated RNAs are isolated for generation of cDNA libraries. The sequencing data are normalized to controls for quantitative assessment of the nascent transcriptome. The protocol takes 4 days, not including sequencing and analysis. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Palozola et al. (2017).
Designing a programming terminology aid

A problem arising in many types of programming is that of learning the correct terminology and finding the correct API methods needed to accomplish a task. Most programming support tools are inefficient at supporting this type of learning, although Internet resources such as Google have emerged as useful new tools for this task. We propose a new tool that will analyze large repositories of text and code and use this to find the most relevant keywords and code for any given search query.
Synthesis and use of radio cobaltic EDTA as an extracellular marker in rabbit heart

A new gamma-labeled marker for extracellular space is the cobaltic form of 58Co-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (58Co-EDTA). The cobaltic ion has a much higher affinity for EDTA than the cobaltous ion; it is prepared as a potassium salt, K+(58Co3+-EDTA4-), and is apparently biologically inert. Testing by equilibration in intact rabbits and comparing the myocardial content with that of [14C]sucrose give values of the volume of distribution in the myocardium of 0.294 +/- 0.052 ml/g for 58Co-EDTA and 0.303 +/- 0.051 ml/g for [14C]sucrose (SD, n = 130, for two hearts), with the ratios of 58Co-EDTA/sucrose averaging 0.973 +/- 0.043 (n = 130). The average value of the extracellular fluid measured in isolated rabbit interventricular septum using Co-EDTA was 0.51 +/- 0.05 ml/g (SD, n = 16) and 0.46 +/- 0.04 ml/g using [14C]sucrose as an extracellular fluid space (ECF) marker. Flushing with a high concentration of nontracer Co-EDTA does not reveal any release from binding sites. The gamma-energy (811 KeV), long half-life (71.4 days), stability, and lack of binding to tissue components make 58Co-EDTA a useful marker for ECF.