cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relation between biomass and body weight of plankton in a steady state oceanic ecosystem1

In the size range from lO-4 to 10’ pg (carbon) body weight, the biomass of plankton in the euphotic layer of the North Pacific Central Gyre decreases as an allometric function of body weight. Even in a steady state ecosystem such as that analyzed here, there is variability in space and time; this suggests that one must be careful in extrapolating the relation to less predictable marine areas. In obtaining dynamic information from biomass spectra, one must distinguish changes due to the flow of energy within the spectrum (growth, predation, reproduction) from changes due to emigration from or immigration into the spectrum of the particular area sampled, such as those due to the diel vertical migration of macrozooplankton in the largest size classes. As a basis for a “particle-size” approach to the description of pelagic ecosystems, it is important to establish whether there is a simple relation between the biomass (material per unit environmental volume or area) of organisms in any size category and the individual body size of those organisms. Although this approach has been applied mainly in aquatic ecology (in part because of the tendency for pelagic predators to swallow their prey whole but to be otherwise rather nonselective), Platt (1985) traced its origin to Elton (1927) and analyzed the reasons for the long hiatus until the 197Os, when this dormant approach began to develop with Odum’s (197 1, fig. 3.6) comparison between aquatic and terrestrial size distributions of biomass.
Variable Frequency Conductivity of Layered Polypyrrole / V2O5 Composites

The frequency dependent electrical properties of the intercalated polypyrrole/V2O5 system have been measured. This study continues the investigation into the charge transport mechanisms that have been identified in these layered polymer/inorganic composites. The polypyrrole/V2O5 material is prepared by in-situ oxidative polymerization of pyrrole in the intralamellar space of the V2O5 xerogel. This process produces a layered, two-dimensional structure in which the charge transport properties result from two parallel conduction paths: the polypyrrole chains and the V2O5 layers. Impedance spectroscopy data have been collected from free-standing film samples of the layered polypyrrole/V2O5. The experiments were conducted over the frequency range of 10 Hz to 0.5 GHz and a temperature range of 77 to 310 K. The polypyrrole/V2O5 impedance results are presented in various equivalent forms and compared to data collected from pristine V2O5·nH2O, and reduced Cs0.14V2O5·nH2O.
Effect of Immune Deficiency on Lipoproteins and Atherosclerosis in Male Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice

To determine whether T cells and B cells influence lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis, we crossed apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE degrees ) mice with recombination activating gene 2-deficient (RAG2 degrees ) mice. Total plasma cholesterol levels were approximately 20% higher in male apoE degrees mice compared with the apoE degrees RAG2 degrees mice at 8 weeks of age, and plasma triglyceride levels were 2.5-fold higher in the apoE degrees mice even when plasma cholesterol levels were similar. Male mice with plasma cholesterol levels between 400 and 600 mg/dL at 8 weeks of age were euthanized at 27 and 40 weeks of age. The aortic root lesion area in the apoE degrees RAG2 degrees mice, compared with that in the immune-competent apoE degrees mice, was 81% and 57% smaller at 27 and 40 weeks of age, respectively. In contrast, there was no difference in the size of the brachiocephalic trunk lesions. Similar results were obtained with mice euthanized at 40 weeks of age that had 8-week cholesterol levels between 300 and 399 mg/dL. In apoE degrees RAG2 degrees mice, aortic root atherosclerosis was more profoundly suppressed at lower cholesterol levels. Thus, T and B cells and their products differentially influence the development of atherosclerosis at different sites. We also demonstrate a profound effect of the immune system on plasma lipid homeostasis.
Depression among older adults with diabetes mellitus

Older adults with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) experience greater risk for comorbid depression compared to those who do not have DM. Undetected, untreated or under-treated depression impinges an individual's ability to manage their DM successfully, hinders their adherence to treatment regime, and undermines provider-patient relationships. Thus, in the context of caring for older adults with DM, comorbid depression presents special challenges and opportunities for clinicians. In this article, we summarize the clinical presentation of late-life depression, potential mechanisms of comorbidity of depression and DM, importance of depression in the successful management of DM, and available best practice models for depression treatment.
A simplified finite element method for large deformation, post‐buckling analyses of large frame structures, using explicitly derived tangent stiffness matrices

In this paper, a simplified, economical and highly accurate method for large deformation, post-buckling, analyses of frame-type structures is presented. Using the concepts of polar-decomposition of deformation, an explicit expression for the tangent stiffness matrix of a member/element of the frame, that accounts for the nonlinear bending-stretching coupling, is derived in closed form, at any point in the load-deformation path. The ranges of validity of the present simplified approach are discussed. Several example problems to demonstrate the feasibility of the present approach, over ranges of deformation that are well beyond those likely to occur in practical large frame structures, are included.
Adult Versus Juvenile Sanctions: Voices of Incarcerated Youths

This article reports findings from face-to-face interviews with youthful offenders in Florida, about half of whom had been transferred to the adult system and half of whom were retained in the juvenile system. The focus is on the youths’global assessments of the impact of their correctional experiences relevant to subsequent offending. The overall impact of each recalled correctional disposition was rated (ranging from beneficial impact to negative impact). For respondents who had experienced multiple correctional dispositions, comparisons were made about the relative impact of low-end versus deepend juvenile commitments and juvenile versus adult sanctions. Youths believed deep-end juvenile placements were most beneficial. Those programs were viewed as having provided education or life skills. When youths viewed adult sanctions as being beneficial, the benefit was linked to the time and pain of prison confinement. Those youths who attributed positive impact to prison had “skipped” deep-end juvenile placem...
Reccurent Unilateral Lung Collapse in an Asthmatic Child

Abnomalities in the production and transport of airway secretions play an important role in the pathophysiology of asthma. Segmental atelectasis as a complication of asthma, is relatively common in children. On the other hand, massive atelectasis such as the collapse of one lung is a very rare occurence. We report a seven-year-old male asthmatic patient with right lung collapse caused by mucoid impaction. Fourteen months before admission, the patient experiened bronchopneumonia with left unilateral lung collapse due to mucus plugging and recovered by bronchoscopic removal. The clinical findings, chest X-ray and chest CT suggested the collapse of the right lung was caused by mucus plugging. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed the obstruction of the right main bronchus due to thick mucoid impaction. The histologic finding of mucoid material removed by brochoscopy showed only eosinophil clusters. In addition to fibroptic broncoscopic removal of mucoid secretions, hydration, chest physiotherapy, brochodilators and steroids, the patient received tracheostomy because of difficulty in sputum expectoration, poor improvement of clinical symptoms and chest X-ray findings, with rapid improvements. This case showed that early aspiration of bronchial mucoid secretions by bronchoscopy and tracheostomy was very critical, without waiting for a further deterioration of respiratory function. (J Korean Pediatr Soc 1998;41:850-854)
Synthesis and Characterization of Large Single Crystals of Silicon and Germanium Clathrate-II Compounds and a New Tin Compound with Clathrate Layers

We have synthesized large single crystals of clathrate-II compounds with frameworks of silicon and germanium by employing mixed alkali metal countercations. The combinations of alkali metals are rationally selected in order to fit the different cages of the clathrate-II structure. This approach leads to the following stoichiometric and fully “stuffed” compounds: Cs8Na16Si136, Cs8Na16Ge136, Rb8Na16Si136 and Rb8Na16Ge136. The structures and the corresponding Si-Si and Ge-Ge distances are elucidated and established with high accuracy from extensive single crystal X-ray diffraction work. The compounds are stoichiometric, metallic, and are very stable at a variety of extreme conditions such as heat, concentrated acids, hydrothermal treatment etc. No evidence was found for vacancies in the silicon and germanium networks or partial occupancies of the alkali metal sites. The stoichiometry of these fully “stuffed” clathrates is consistent with the measured temperature independent Pauli paramagnetism, supported also by the conductivity measurements on single crystals and thermopower measurements on pellets. A new compound with novel clathrate-like structure forms when small and large cations are combined with tin. The new materials, A6Na18Sn46 (A = K, Rb, Cs), are made of clathrate layers and the interlayer space filled with Sn4-tetrahedra and alkali-metal cations. Its formula can be rationalized as A6Na6Sn34 + 3·Na4Sn4 (one clathrate layer and three tin tetrahedra). The compound is stable in air and is being currently tested at other conditions. Detailed measurements of its transport properties are under way.
Mechanistic exploration of a bi-directional PDT-based combination in pancreatic cancer(Conference Presentation)

It is increasingly evident that the most effective cancer treatments will involve interactive regimens that target multiple non-overlapping pathways, preferably such that each component enhances the others to improve outcomes while minimizing systemic toxicities. Toward this goal, we developed a combination of photodynamic therapy and irinotecan, which mechanistically cooperate with each other, beyond their individual tumor destruction pathways, to cause synergistic reduction in orthotopic pancreatic tumor burden. A three-way mechanistic basis of the observed the synergism will be discussed: (i) PDT downregulates drug efflux transporters to increase intracellular irinotecan levels. (ii) Irinotecan reduces the expression of hypoxia-induced marker, which is upregulated by PDT. (iii) PDT downregulates irinotecan-induced survivin expression to amplify the apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects. The clinical translation potential of the combination will also be highlighted.
QoS Issues in Converged Networks

Creating a converged network requires a complete QoS solution. The introduction of an IMS QoS architecture which controls resource allocation is one way to resolve the QoS issues in converged networks. This paper believes that the IMS QoS architecture which integrates services, QoS assurance, resource control with charging are what converged networks, especially fixed networks, urgently require. It addresses problems currently facing fixed carriers; enables them to deliver more QoS-guaranteed multimedia services such as 3D gaming, and help them to make a transition from bandwidth providers to genuine telecom services providers.
Deep Vadose Zone Respiration Contributions to Carbon Dioxide Fluxes from a Semiarid Floodplain

Although CO2 fluxes from soils are often assumed to originate within shallow soil horizons (<1-m depth), relatively little is known about respiration rates at greater depths. We compared measured and calculated CO2 fluxes at the Rifle floodplain along the Colorado River and measured CO2 production rates of floodplain sediments to determine the relative importance of deeper vadose zone respiration. Calculations based on measured CO2 gradients and estimated effective diffusion coefficients yielded fluxes that are generally consistent with measurements obtained at the soil surface (326 g C m−2 yr−1). Carbon dioxide production from the 2.0- to 3.5-m depth interval was calculated to contribute 17% of the total floodplain respiration, with rates that were larger than some parts of the shallower vadose zone and underlying aquifer. Microbial respiration rates determined from laboratory incubation tests of the sediments support this conclusion. The deeper unsaturated zone typically maintains intermediate water and air saturations, lacks extreme temperatures and salinities, and is annually resupplied with organic carbon from snowmelt-driven recharge and by water table decline. This combination of favorable conditions supports deeper unsaturated zone microbial respiration throughout the year.
Patient and clinician perspectives on the outpatient after-visit summary: a qualitative study to inform improvements in visit summary design.

Objective. We explored patients’ and clinicians’ perspectives on electronic health record (EHR)–generated outpatient after-visit summaries (AVSs) to inform efforts to maximize the document’s utility. Materials and Methods. This qualitative study involved focus groups and semistructured interviews with patients ( n = 39) and clinicians ( n = 56) in adult primary care practices serving socioeconomically diverse communities in New York City; Long Island, New York; and Chicago, Illinois. Focus group and interview transcripts were coded and analyzed following standard qualitative methods. Results. Core themes included the use and purpose of the AVS, content modification and prioritization, formatting improvements, customization, privacy and accuracy concerns, and clinician workflow concerns. While most patients valued the document as a visit summary, others considered it a general summary of their health and health care issues, useful for sharing with family or clinicians even if they had access to their health records via web portals. Patients expressed a preference for the order of content items, and many wanted the reasons for medications and referrals stated. Additionally, some patients were confused by multiple medication lists indicating started, stopped, and modified medications, and a single “current” medication list was preferred by both patients and doctors. Concerns were raised about the risk of violating patient privacy and challenges to clinician workflow. Discussion. The AVS is valued by patients and clinicians. Both groups have identified numerous ways it can be improved, but also several obstacles to improvement and effective use. Conclusion. EHR vendors should work with stakeholder groups to improve the AVS to ensure that this important communication device achieves its patient-centered potential.
Concordium 2015: Strategic Uses of Evidence to Transform Delivery Systems.

In September 2015 the EDM Forum hosted AcademyHealth’s newest national conference, Concordium. The 11 papers featured in the eGEMs “Concordium 2015” special issue successfully reflect the major themes and issues discussed at the meeting. Many of the papers address informatics or methodological approaches to natural language processing (NLP) or text analysis, which is indicative of the importance of analyzing text data to gain insights into care coordination and patient-centered outcomes. Perspectives on the tools and infrastructure requirements that are needed to build learning health systems were also recurrent themes.
Association Between Maximal Bench Press Strength and Isometric Handgrip Strength Among Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract Objective To characterize the relationship between 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press strength and isometric handgrip strength among breast cancer survivors. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Laboratory. Participants Community-dwelling breast cancer survivors (N=295). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure 1-RM bench press strength was measured with a barbell and exercise bench. Isometric handgrip strength was measured using an isometric dynamometer, with 3 maximal contractions of the left and right hands. All measures were conducted by staff with training in clinical exercise testing. Results Among 295 breast cancer survivors, 1-RM bench press strength was 18.2±6.1kg (range, 2.2–43.0kg), and isometric handgrip strength was 23.5±5.8kg (range, 9.0–43.0kg). The strongest correlate of 1-RM bench press strength was the average isometric handgrip strength of both hands ( r =.399; P P P R 2 =.23). Conclusions Isometric handgrip strength is a poor surrogate for 1-RM bench press strength among breast cancer survivors. 1-RM bench press strength and isometric handgrip strength quantify distinct components of muscular strength.
A Child with Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension

In this case study, a 14-year-old girl presents with two types of headache. The first type of headache is infrequent and is in keeping with the diagnosis of migraine without aura. The second type of headache occurred after a trauma from falling off during gymnastics and is characterized by frequent (daily) and short-lasting (minutes) attacks. Headache is worse on upright position and is relieved by lying down. Investigations of this patient’s headache are necessary to establish a possible diagnosis of intracranial hypotension. Treatment will be discussed.
Experimental/Numerical Investigation of Crossover Jet Impingement in a Rib-Roughened Trailing-Edge Cooling Channel

Local and average heat transfer coefficients were measured in a test section simulating a rib-roughened trailing edge cooling cavity of a turbine airfoil. The rig was made up of two adjacent channels, each with a trapezoidal cross sectional area. The first channel supplied the cooling air to the trailing-edge channel through a row of racetrack-shaped slots on the partition wall between the two channels. Eleven cross-over jets, issued from these slots entered the trailing-edge channel, impinged on eleven ribs, made a 90-degree turn and exited from the end of the trailing-edge channel. Tests were run for the baseline case of smooth target wall as well as four angles of attack between the axial flow and the ribs (0°, 45°, 90° and 135°). Cross-over jet axis made a zero-degree angle with the trailing-edge channel center-plane. Jet Reynolds number was varied from 10,000 to 35,000. The numerical models contained the entire trailing-edge and supply channels with all slots and ribs to simulate exactly the tested geometries. They were meshed with all-hexa structured mesh of high near-wall concentration. A pressure-correction based, multi-block, multi-grid, unstructured/adaptive commercial software was used in this investigation. The k–ω with Shear Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model was used for turbulence closure. Boundary conditions identical to those of the experiments were applied and several turbulence model results were compared. The numerical analyses also provided the share of each cross-over hole from the total flow for different rib geometries. The major conclusions of this study were:a) Both measured and numerically-obtained results show that the local Nusselt numbers correlate well with the local jet Reynolds numbers, b) 90° rib arrangement, that is when the cross-over jet axis was parallel to the rib longitudinal axis, produced a higher heat transfer coefficient, and c) Numerical heat transfer results were generally in good agreement with the test results. The overall difference between the CFD and test results was about 10%.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Defect reduction in advanced lithography processes using a new dual functionality filter

Lower defect densities are required for advanced lithography processes. A new photochemical filtration technology using a nonsieving membrane on the upstream side and a sieving membrane on the downstream side of the filter will be shown to effectively reduce bridging defects on the wafer. This “dual-capture” mechanism provides high gel particle retention in photolithography applications.
A preliminary assessment of the impact of SMAP Soil Moisture on numerical weather Forecasts from GFS and NUWRF models

NASA Soil Moisture Active/Passive (SMAP) satellite was launched on January 31st, 2015 and has been providing global soil moisture (SM) data products since April 2015. One of the primary justifications of the mission was to improve numerical weather predictions. With the SMAP SM data becoming available, it is anxiously expected that SMAP SM data could be demonstrated to significantly improve weather forecasts from numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. In this study, the NOAA Global Forecast System (GFS) and NASA Unified Weather Research and Forecast (NUWRF) model coupled with NASA Land Information System are used to carry out the demonstration. A hardwired Ensemble Kalman filter is implemented within GFS to assimilate surface SM observations. For assimilating SM data into NUWRF model, NASA Land Information System (LIS) is coupled with the NUWRF model. In this paper preliminary results of SMAP soil moisture impact on GFS and NUWRF forecasts are presented after the assimilation algorithms and system designs are introduced. Plans for more comprehensive assessment of the satellite soil moisture data impact on NWP models will be discussed.
Impact of irritable bowel syndrome: prevalence and effect on health-related quality of life.

The prevalence of a disease and its effect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are important measures of its burden on society. The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms in the U.S. general population is approximately 10%, with lower estimates of prevalence if IBS is defined according to the more restrictive Rome II criteria. In population-based studies, there are no large differences in the prevalence of IBS symptoms between men and women or among the three major symptom subtypes of IBS (diarrhea- or constipation-predominant or alternating). However, the majority of persons with IBS-like symptoms do not seek care for these symptoms and, in those who do seek care, there is a 2-to-1 female-to-male predominance. HRQOL is an important measure that should be considered in the overall assessment of a largely subjective, nonfatal disease such as IBS. Studies that have measured HRQOL in IBS used generic instruments, mostly the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, and few have used IBS-specific instruments. In a systematic review of the literature, there is strong evidence that persons with moderate to severe IBS who seek care for their symptoms (consulters) show decreased HRQOL. The impact of IBS on HRQOL in nonconsulters is less clear. Finally, a therapeutic response in IBS-related symptoms corresponds with an improvement in HRQOL.
7.4 A 915MHz asymmetric radio using Q-enhanced amplifier for a fully integrated 3×3×3mm 3 wireless sensor node with 20m non-line-of-sight communication

Enabling long range (>10m) wireless communication in non-line-of sight (NLOS) scenarios would dramatically expand the application space and usability of mm-scale wireless sensor nodes. The major technical challenges posed by a mm-scale form-factor are poor antenna efficiency and the small instantaneous current limit (∼10s of μA) of thin-film batteries. We address these challenges in several ways: 1) We found that a magnetic dipole antenna achieves better efficiency at an electrically-small size than an electric dipole, when the antennas are resonated with off-chip lumped components. In addition, the high impedance of electrically-small electric dipoles (∼4kΩ compared to 10Ω for the magnetic antenna) requires an impractically large off-chip inductor to resonate. 2) By simultaneously considering the magnetic dipole efficiency, frequency-dependent path-loss, and wall penetration loss, we found that a 915MHz carrier frequency is optimal for a 3×3×3mm3 sensor node in NLOS asymmetric communication with a gateway. This is despite the resulting low antenna efficiency (0.21%) which typically drives mm-scale radios to operate at ≫1GHz frequency [1]. 3) In transmit (TX) mode, instead of using a PA and PLL, we utilize a cross-coupled driver to resonate the magnetic antenna at 915MHz with a quality factor (Q) of 110 in order to reduce overall power consumption. 4) In receive (RX) mode, we propose an approach of reusing the cross-coupled driver in a non-oscillating mode to raise the Q of the resonant tank to 300, resulting in 49dB voltage gain at 43µW, thereby replacing a power-hungry LNA and bulky off-chip filter. 5) A sparse pulse-position modulation (PPM) combined with a sensor-initiation communication protocol [2] shifts the power-hungry calibration of frequency offset to the gateway, enabling crystal-free radio design. The complete radio, including the transceiver IC, a 3D antenna, off-chip capacitors, a processor, a power management unit (PMU) and memory, is integrated within a 3×3×3mm3 sensor node, demonstrating stand-alone bi-directional 20m NLOS wireless communication with variable data rates of 30b/s to 30.3kb/s for TX and 7.8kb/s to 62.5kb/s for RX. The transmitter generates −26.9 dBm equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) consuming 2mW power and the receiver has a sensitivity of −93dBm consuming 1.85mW.
Introducing a New Assessment Tool for Measuring Ethnic-Racial Identity: The Cross Ethnic-Racial Identity Scale–Adult (CERIS-A):

In this article, we examined the psychometric properties of scores on a new instrument, the Cross Ethnic-Racial Identity Scale-Adult (CERIS-A) for use across different ethnic and racial groups. The CERIS-A measures seven ethnic-racial identity attitudes-assimilation, miseducation, self-hatred, anti-dominant, ethnocentricity, multiculturalist inclusive, and ethnic-racial salience. Participants consisted of 803 adults aged 18 to 76, including African Americans (19.3%), Asian Americans (17.6%), European Americans (37.0%), and Latino/as (17.8%). Analyses indicated that CERIS-A scores were reliable, and configural, metric, and scalar invariance were supported for the seven factors across gender; however, Miseducation, Ethnic-Racial Salience, and Ethnocentricity scores achieved only metric invariance across ethnic-racial groups. Self-Hatred, Ethnic-Racial Salience, Anti-Dominant, and Ethnocentricity scores were significantly and meaningfully related to race-based rejection sensitivity scores, providing evidence of convergent validity. We concluded that the CERIS-A is a potentially useful instrument for examining ethnic-racial identity attitudes across multiple racial/ethnic subgroups in the United States.
Second-Personal Desire

This paper concerns desires with a distinctive interpersonal structure. ‘Second-personal desire’ seeks something of or from a particular person who is the irreplaceable, intrinsic object of the desire by virtue of his or her significance to the desirer as a participant in an interpersonal relationship in which what is desired carries interpersonal significance. Such desires involve a wish that the other person will experience one's desire as a reason in a way that involves positive interpersonally directed emotional responsiveness to one's desire. Second-personal desire thus renders one vulnerable to distinctive forms of disappointment and to the possibility that the other person is neither positively motivated by, nor positively emotionally responsive to, the possibility of such disappointment. A distinctive form of positive emotional regard is thus always at issue in second-personal desire. This form of regard is not always owed, despite our craving for it—a fact that considerably complicates interpersonal interaction. The paper concludes with an argument that the participant reactive attitudes cannot be understood without the notion of second-personal desire and that second-personal desire is consequently crucial for an adequate understanding of the normative structure of interpersonal interaction.
Affordances and constraints in the online identity work of LGBTQ+ individuals

This research examines how social networking sites (SNS) and search engines (SE) afford and constrain practices related to the development of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) identities. Semi-structured interviews were performed with 30 LGBTQ+ individuals from the United States between the ages of 18 and 38. Data analysis identified these key affordances: a) identity expression, b) connecting to similar others, c) information access, and d) information control. Key constraints are: a) identity expression, b) information control, c) curation, and d) information access. Whether SNS and SE provide affordances or constraints is influenced by how participants ascribe meaning to these technologies within their everyday lives. Therefore, SNS and SE do not yield deterministically good or bad outcomes. Instead outcomes are shaped by sociocultural context and material properties of the technologies. Findings reveal implications of everyday technology use for LGBTQ+ individuals and suggest how they can leverage affordances and mitigate constraints of SNS and SE to manage identity work.
Uniqueness Point Effects during Speech Planning in Adults Who Do and Do Not Stutter.

Background/aims Previous studies employing a variety of tasks have demonstrated that adults who stutter (AWS) pre-sent with phonological encoding differences compared to adults who do not stutter (AWNS). The present study examined whether atypical preverbal monitoring also influenced AWS performance during one such paradigm - the silent phoneme monitoring task. Specifically, we investigated whether monitoring latencies for AWS were accelerated after the word's uniqueness point - the phoneme that isolates the word from all lexical competitors - as observed for AWNS when monitoring internal and external speech. Methods Twenty adults (10 AWS, 10 AWNS) completed a silent phoneme monitoring task using stimuli which contained either (a) early uniqueness points (EUP), (b) late uniqueness points, or (c) no uniqueness point (NUP). Response latency when identifying word-final phonemes was measured. Results AWNS exhibited the expected uniqueness point effect when monitoring internal speech; word-final phonemes were accessed more rapidly for words with EUP than NUP. In contrast, AWS did not differ in the phoneme monitoring speed. That is, AWS did not exhibit the expected uniqueness point effects. Conclusion Findings suggest that inefficient or atypical preverbal monitoring may be present in AWS and support theories that implicate the internal speech monitor as an area of deficit.
A Low-Power Radiation Detection System for Portable, Long-Duration Monitoring

This paper presents the design and test results of a low-power radiation detection system. When paired with a scintillation-based detector, the design forms a compact, portable unit suitable for use in long-duration radiation monitoring applications. The system consists of two distinct modules. The first is a low-power detector power supply (DPS) used to generate multiple high voltages necessary to bias a photomultiplier tube (PMT), which is controlled and regulated by a 0.35 μm controller chip. The second is a 0.13 μm low-power multichannel analyzer (MCA) chip with an integrated microcontroller and event-driven charge-sensitive front-ends with 10-bit ADCs used to acquire and analyze the energy spectrum of the radiation. The MCA interfaces with the DPS through a digital interface, allowing it to tune the PMT voltage to compensate for temperature and time variations in the detector. Both modules were fabricated and tested to verify low-power functionality, consuming 2.4 mW when sensing radiation events at 1000 counts/sec (cps).
Preferential and Increased Uptake of Hydroxyl-Terminated PAMAM Dendrimers by Activated Microglia in Rabbit Brain Mixed Glial Culture

Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers are multifunctional nanoparticles with tunable physicochemical features, making them promising candidates for targeted drug delivery in the central nervous system (CNS). Systemically administered dendrimers have been shown to localize in activated glial cells, which mediate neuroinflammation in the CNS. These dendrimers delivered drugs specifically to activated microglia, producing significant neurological improvements in multiple brain injury models, including in a neonatal rabbit model of cerebral palsy. To gain further insight into the mechanism of dendrimer cell uptake, we utilized an in vitro model of primary glial cells isolated from newborn rabbits to assess the differences in hydroxyl-terminated generation 4 PAMAM dendrimer (D4-OH) uptake by activated and non-activated glial cells. We used fluorescently-labelled D4-OH (D-Cy5) as a tool for investigating the mechanism of dendrimer uptake. D4-OH PAMAM dendrimer uptake was determined by fluorescence quantification using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Our results indicate that although microglial cells in the mixed cell population demonstrate early uptake of dendrimers in this in vitro system, activated microglia take up more dendrimer compared to resting microglia. Astrocytes showed delayed and limited uptake. We also illustrated the differences in mechanism of uptake between resting and activated microglia using different pathway inhibitors. Both resting and activated microglia primarily employed endocytotic pathways, which are enhanced in activated microglial cells. Additionally, we demonstrated that hydroxyl terminated dendrimers are taken up by primary microglia using other mechanisms including pinocytosis, caveolae, and aquaporin channels for dendrimer uptake.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Treatment for Recurrent, Previously Irradiated Head and Neck Cancer.

Purpose:Locally recurrent, previously irradiated primary head and neck tumors have historically been associated with poor outcomes. Stereotactic body radiation therapy has emerged as a feasible and...
Iconographers and the Fresco Technique

The term fresco typically describes the buon fresco process in which painting is done upon a wet lime-plaster wall with pigments ground either in water or a water-based solution only. When the wall dries, the painting (the fresco) becomes an integral part of the surface, which makes it more durable than superimposed decorations. It also has a matte (dead flat) finish which allows it to be viewed from all angles without undue glare or reflections. Another type of fresco technique, secco, has the painted layer applied on a dry surface. It is basically a surface coating and therefore less permanent than true fresco, the mechanical resistance of the product being lower. The means to paint frescoes are and have been through history as many as there are schools of art.
Acting with Creative Confidence: Developing a Creative Agency Assessment Tool

Universities around the world are quickly introducing new learning models aimed at developing creativity and innovation in students. A leading model is the experiential teaching of design thinking as a creative problem solving process aimed at enhancing students’ creative confidence. Although these programs exist, little is known about student outcomes. Furthermore, the criteria by which we evaluate student “success” is not well defined because these programs almost uniformly have ambiguously stated learning objectives. This research uses qualitative and quantitative data to capture and categorizes successful outcomes by examining alumni of these programs. Based on these data is a scale that measures creative agency, a fundamental outcome of teaching design thinking.
Feedforward Neural Networks for Spatial Interaction: Are They Trustworthy Forecasting Tools?

Though it has often been criticized for providing too crude a rendition of processes underpinning revealed patterns of interaction between geo-referenced entities, spatial interaction modelling has persisted as one of the methodological pillars of several spatial sciences, including regional science, geography and transportation (Fotheringham and O’Kelly 1989; Ortuzar and Willumsen 1994; Sen and Smith 1995; Isard et al. 1998). Traditionally, the spatial interaction model is calibrated by one of several well known fitting and optimization techniques, including leastsquares regression, maximum likelihood, or by numerical heuristics.
The CMS Proposal to Reform Office-Visit Payments

The CMS Proposal to Reform Office-Visit Payments The proposal to collapse Medicare fees for levels 2 through 5 office visits into a single price embodies CMS’s commitment to reducing administrative burden, but it poses risks for beneficiaries with the most complex needs and may exacerbate workforce deficiencies.
Robust control barrier functions for constrained stabilization of nonlinear systems

Abstract Quadratic Programming (QP) has been used to combine Control Lyapunov and Control Barrier Functions (CLF and CBF) to design controllers for nonlinear systems with constraints. It has been successfully applied to robotic and automotive systems. The approach could be considered an extension of the CLF-based point-wise minimum norm controller. In this paper we modify the original QP problem in a way that guarantees that V 0 , if the barrier constraint is inactive, as well as local asymptotic stability under the standard (minimal) assumptions on the CLF and CBF. We also remove the assumption that the CBF has uniform relative degree one. The two design parameters of the new QP setup allow us to control how aggressive the resulting control law is when trying to satisfy the two control objectives. The paper presents the controller in a closed form making it unnecessary to solve the QP problem on line and facilitating the analysis. Next, we introduce the concept of Robust-CBF that, when combined with existing ISS-CLFs, produces controllers for constrained nonlinear systems with disturbances. In an example, a nonlinear system is used to illustrate the ease with which the proposed design method handles non-convex constraints and disturbances and to illuminate some tradeoffs.
In Limbo: The Effect of Gradual Visual Transition Between Real and Virtual on Virtual Body Ownership Illusion and Presence

We present a study of the relative effects of gradual versus instantaneous transition between one's own body and a virtual surrogate body, and between one's real-world environment and a virtual environment. The approach uses a stereo camera attached to an HMD to provide the illusions of virtual body ownership and spatial presence in VR. We conducted the study in a static environment which is similar to the traditional rubber hand experiment platform. Since our transition method is a blending scheme between real and virtual contexts, our study investigates the direct use of real-world information during the transition to increase the dominant visual illusion in a virtual space. We also investigate the use of a conceptual stage, called Limbo, which is a transition phase that evokes anticipation of the virtual world, providing a psychological link between the real and virtual before we enter a totally virtual space. Our study of the transition effect shows that the Limbo state has a significant influence in one's illusions of virtual body ownership (VBOI) and presence.
A study on QoE-QoS relationship for multimedia services in satellite networks

The quality of experience (QoE) of users has become an important factor concerned by service providers to keep users for their services. The measurable quality of service (QoS) refers to technical performance, not the satisfaction of users, but it is closely related to user's QoE. Most existing researches mainly focus on studying the QoE-QoS relationship for services in terrestrial network with rare attention on satellite networks. Multimedia services delivery over satellite networks is a promising service in emerging future Internet, thus it is appealing to analyze how service QoE depend on QoS in satellite networks. In this paper, we build a simulated satellite network based on OPENT software to measure the QoS parameters and obtain the distorted videos/voices. Then, based on the original and distorted video/voice sequences, we perform a subjective test to obtain the subjective opinion scores representing user's QoE. Finally, on the basis of the collected data, the influence of single QoS parameter on QoE is analyzed and the QoS parameter thresholds to different QoE levels are provided.
Marketing Self-Improvement Programs for Self-Signaling Consumers

Modeling how consumers manage self-control perceptions, this article derives equilibrium pricing policies for self-improvement programs.
Schizoanalytical Theology: Deleuze and Guattari’s Ecological Spirituality and Glissant’s Postcolonial Critique

Abstract Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari, writing together from 1972 to 1992, developed a robust body of theoretical work exemplar of the French poststructuralist tradition. Through their magnum opus, a two-part series entitled “Capitalism and Schizophrenia,” they interrogated the nature of desire, the organizational schemas of society, and the metaphysical structure of the world. Yet, despite claiming to have produced a thoroughly egalitarian project, their work is subject to a variety of exclusionary developments and cultural limitations. This paper attempts to traverse these deficiencies through speculative ecological and theological engagements with the work of Deleuze and Guattari. These engagements begin with the development of “schizoanalytical theology,” an application of their theory of schizoanalysis which disrupts transcendental views of divinity to ground spirituality in the creativity of desire and variability of ecological processes. This is followed by an exploration of the theories of Edouard Glissant, a Francophone theorist from Martinique whose work, heavily influenced by Deleuze and Guattari, is centered around the development of an ontology consistent with the cultural experiences of the colonized. Glissant’s interpretation of, and departure from, Deleuze and Guattari is explored for insights into how their theory may corrected and refigured to be responsive to the nuances of both minority perspectives and the ecological crisis. The paper is closed with a dialogue between Guattari’s theory of “ecosophy” and Glissant’s socio-cultural views on ecology, showing the application, and flexibility, of schizoanalytical theology to a variety of modern crises which find their culmination in ecological degradation.
The Impact of Ethologically Relevant Stressors on Adult Mammalian Neurogenesis.

Adult neurogenesis—the formation and functional integration of adult-generated neurons—remains a hot neuroscience topic. Decades of research have identified numerous endogenous (such as neurotransmitters and hormones) and exogenous (such as environmental enrichment and exercise) factors that regulate the various neurogenic stages. Stress, an exogenous factor, has received a lot of attention. Despite the large number of reviews discussing the impact of stress on adult neurogenesis, no systematic review on ethologically relevant stressors exists to date. The current review details the effects of conspecifically-induced psychosocial stress (specifically looking at the lack or disruption of social interactions and confrontation) as well as non-conspecifically-induced stress on mammalian adult neurogenesis. The underlying mechanisms, as well as the possible functional role of the altered neurogenesis level, are also discussed. The reviewed data suggest that ethologically relevant stressors reduce adult neurogenesis.
An integration-free iPSC line (SDQLCHi013-A) derived from a patient with maple syrup urine disease carrying compound heterozygote mutations in BCKDHA gene.

Abstract The human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line SDQLCHi013-A was generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a 7-day-old infant, who was diagnosed with maple syrup urine disease and carried compound heterozygote mutations (c.1280_1282 delTGG and c.632C>T) in BCKDHA gene. Non-integrating episomal vectors coding OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, BCL-XL and MYC were used for reprogramming. The established iPSC line contained the same mutations found in the patient, possessed a normal karyotype, could differentiate into cells of three germ layers in vitro and expressed pluripotency markers.
The effect of zoledronic acid on attenuation of bone loss at the hip and knee following acute traumatic spinal cord injury: a randomized-controlled study.

Randomized double blind, placebo-controlled trial. To examine the effect of early intravenous zoledronic acid (ZA) on bone markers and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in persons with acute ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) A traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Two inpatient rehabilitation units. Thirteen men, 2 women, aged 19–65, C4-T10 AIS A SCI, received 5 mg intravenous ZA vs. placebo 12–21 days post injury. Markers of bone formation (procollagen N-1 terminal propeptide [P1NP]), bone resorption (serum C-telopeptide [CTX]), and aBMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for hip (femur—proximal, intertrochanteric, neck), and knee (distal femur, proximal tibia) were obtained at baseline, 2 weeks post infusion (P1NP, CTX only), 4 and 12 months post injury. P1NP remained unchanged, while CTX decreased in ZA but increased in controls at 2 weeks (mean difference = −97%, p < 0.01), 4 months (mean difference = −54%, p < 0.05), but not 12 months (mean difference = 3%, p = 0.23). Changes in aBMD at the hip favored ZA at 4 months (mean difference 10.3–14.1%, p < 0.01) and 12 months (mean difference 10.8–13.1%, p < 0.02). At 4 months, changes in aBMD favored ZA at the distal femur (mean difference 6.0%, 95% CI: 0.7–11.2, p < 0.03) but not proximal tibia (mean difference 8.3%, 95% CI: −6.9 to 23.6, p < 0.23). Both groups declined in aBMD at 12 months, with no between group differences. ZA administered ≤21 days of complete traumatic SCI maintains aBMD at the hip and distal femur at 4 months post injury. This effect is partially maintained at 12 months.
Inverse iron oxide/metal catalysts from galvanic replacement

Key chemical transformations require metal and redox sites in proximity at interfaces; however, in traditional oxide-supported materials, this requirement is met only at the perimeters of metal nanoparticles. We report that galvanic replacement can produce inverse FeOx/metal nanostructures in which the concentration of oxide species adjoining metal domains is maximal. The synthesis involves reductive deposition of rhodium or platinum and oxidation of Fe2+ from magnetite (Fe3O4). We discovered a parallel dissolution and adsorption of Fe2+ onto the metal, yielding inverse FeOx-coated metal nanoparticles. This nanostructure exhibits the intrinsic activity in selective CO2 reduction that simple metal nanoparticles have only at interfaces with the support. By enabling a simple way to control the surface functionality of metal particles, our approach is not only scalable but also enables a versatile palette for catalyst design.
Mindset matters in purchasing online food deliveries during the pandemic: The application of construal level and regulatory focus theories

Abstract Online delivery providers (ODPs), representing a growing hospitality industry sector, are playing an unprecedented role in the coronavirus pandemic. Applying construal level theory and regulatory focus theory, this research investigates how the interplay of construal mindsets and message frames affects consumers’ purchase intention regarding online food deliveries during the pandemic. Two 2 × 2 experiments were conducted in severe and mild pandemic regions and revealed different results in consumers’ responses. Specifically, promotion-framed messages are more effective when matching a “how” construal mindset in severe regions. In contrast, promotion-framed messages are more persuasive in conjecture with a “why” construal mindset in mild pandemic areas. Besides, the persuasion process is mediated through self-efficacy in severe regions but through perceived benefit in mild regions. The study also reveals different moderating effects of risk propensity in the two regions. The findings provide guidelines for ODPs in engaging consumers with online food delivery services.