cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and development of a force sensing skin adapted to a child surrogate to identify potential bruising locations

Bruising is an early sign of child abuse. Bruising locations on the body can be an effective delineator of abusive vs. accidental trauma. However, the ability to predict potential bruising locations associated with falsely reported events (e.g. bed falls, stair falls) in child abuse does not exist. In our study we adapted an existing pediatric anthropomorphic test device (ATD) with custom developed force sensors integrated into a conformable skin. The sensors were coupled to a data acquisition system through which recorded force data was displayed on a computerized body mapping image system. A simulated abdominal blow demonstrated the modified ATD's capability to predict potential bruising location and impact force.
Evaluation of reproducibility for paired functional data

Evaluation of reproducibility is important in assessing whether a new method or instrument can reproduce the results from a traditional gold standard approach. In this paper, we propose a measure to assess measurement agreement for functional data which are frequently encountered in medical research and many other research fields. Formulae to compute the standard error of the proposed estimator and confidence intervals for the proposed measure are derived. The estimators and the coverage probabilities of the confidence intervals are empirically tested for small-to-moderate sample sizes via Monte Carlo simulations. A real data example in physiology study is used to illustrate the proposed statistical inference procedures.
Testing the Efficacy of INSIGHTS on Student Disruptive Behavior, Classroom Management, and Student Competence in Inner City Primary Grades

A prevention trial tested the efficacy of INSIGHTS into Children’s Temperament as compared to a Read Aloud attention control condition in reducing student disruptive behavior and enhancing student competence and teacher classroom management. Participants included 116 first and second grade students, their parents, and their 42 teachers in six inner city schools. Teachers completed the Sutter-Eyberg Student Behavior Inventory (SESBI) and the Teacher’s Rating Scale of Child’s Actual Competence and Social Acceptance (TRS) at baseline and again upon completion of the intervention. Boys participating in INSIGHTS, compared with those in the Read Aloud program, showed a significant decline in attentional difficulties and overt aggression toward others. Teachers in INSIGHTS, compared to those in the attention control condition, reported significantly fewer problems managing the emotional-oppositional behavior, attentional difficulties, and covert disruptive behavior of their male students. They also perceived the boys as significantly more cognitively and physically competent.
Delphi, political philosophy and the future

Abstract Based on the Delphi technique, the project described in this article seeks to integrate the teaching of classical political science with the analysis of problems facing contemporary and future society. Experts on particular political philosophers of the past were asked to imagine how those men would have viewed and solved present political problems, and thus to use their knowledge to develop a new approach to policy analysis.
Microgeographic Variation and Sharing of the Gargle Vocalization and Its Component Syllables in Black-Capped Chickadee (Aves, Paridae, Poecile atricapillus) Populations

Throughout the year during agonistic encounters, black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) emit a vocal signal known as the gargle call. Each bird has a repertoire of structurally differing gargle calls; some are shared with others in the local area. As a basis for understanding the cultural evolution of this social signal, we initiated a study of gargle call repertoires of birds living in a narrow belt of continuous riparian habitat occupied throughout by a resident population of chickadees. During two consecutive winter seasons, we sampled repertoires at three locations over a distance of 8.4 km to quantify micro-geographical variation. Analyses of vocal sharing and population differentiation were carried out on whole gargle calls and on the individual acoustic units (syllables) from which the whole calls are constructed. We analysed 28 380 calls of 46 subjects in the two seasons of study. Birds averaged 7.6 different calls in their gargle repertoires. Calls were composed of about 10 syllables on average. Fifty-six different syllables were used to construct the calls of all birds. Each study site had some gargle calls unique to the local birds and some that were shared with one or both of the other two sites. There was significantly greater sharing of both calls and syllables among birds within sample sites than between sample sites. The frequencies of the different kinds of gargles and syllables were significantly correlated across the 2 yr of the study, but the correlation was stronger (r 2 = 0.93) for syllables than for whole gargle calls (r 2 = 0.61).
Real time spectroellipsometry study of the evolution of bonding in diamond thin films during nucleation and growth.

Real time spectroellipsometry (RTSE) has been performed during the nucleation and growth of nanocrystalline thins films prepared by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition onto Si substrates. RTSE shows that a significant volume fraction of nondiamond (or ${\mathrm{sp}}^{2}$-bonded) carbon forms during thin film coalescence and is trapped near the substrate interface between $\ensuremath{\sim}300\AA{}$ diamond nuclei. Although this behavior is observed over a range of C${\mathrm{H}}_{4}$/${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$/${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ gas compositions, the interfacial ${\mathrm{sp}}^{2}$-bonded carbon volume can be minimized by operating just within the growth-etch boundary of the diamond growth phase diagram.
Optoelectronic properties of (001) and (111) lattice-matched and strained quantum wire lasers—comparison with quantum well lasers

Abstract We investigate the optoelectronic properties of GaAs wires along the [001] and [111] directions for a range of cross sections and compare these with the corresponding parameters for optimized quantum wells. The relative benefits of built-in strain in quantum wire and quantum well systems are also studied. We find that the threshold current density in the 100 × 50 A wire is 80 A/cm2 compared with 560 A/cm2 in a 50 A GaAs well. The differential gain in quantum wires is increased by an order of magnitude in comparison with quantum wells, and can be as high as 10−13 cm2. A narrow gain spectrum is calculated for quantum wire lasers ensuring high mode selectivity and strong damping of relaxation oscillations. We also consider the issue of carrier relaxation in quantum-confined structures, which may impose an upper limit on the laser modulation frequency. Performing a Monte Carlo simulation of the relaxation process, we find that the electron relaxation time in quantum wires is increased to above 100 ps in comparison with ≈ 10 ps in quantum wells. Within our model, this unusually slow relaxation process may limit the small-signal modulation frequency of quantum wires to several GHz. Since modulation frequencies of over 30 GHz have been achieved in quantum wells, we conclude that although quantum wires posses superior optoelectronic properties as compared with quantum wells, the degraded small-signal response can make use of quantum wire lasers for high speed applications undesirable.
Using the concept of physiological age to predict the efficiency of growth in beef animals

Abstract A conceptual model has been developed that relates physiological weight and age in such a way that the composition and efficiency of growth may be determined. The approach is based on dividing the components of the body into categories. Each category is further divided into physiological and excess material. The maximum levels of excess material vary from zero to an unlimited percentage of physiological weight depending on the particular category. This method has been demonstrated in other studies to work well in simulating beef cattle growth but should perform equally well with other types of animals.
Frost Density Measurement for Evaporator Defrosting Control

In frost growth control on finned surfaces, the most important frost properties are thickness and density. As shown in previous work, the frost thickness can be related to the temperature difference between frost surface and the fin or tube. The frost temperature can be obtained by using an infrared thermometer. A frost density sensor is designed. A set of strain gages are installed in a flexible beam element (HDPE), which deflection caused by frost accretion is related to the change in frost density. A prototype of the sensor is tested for distributed frost weight and for artificial probe tip-loads. The relation between the sensor signal and frost weight is obtained for the cases studied. The combination of frost top temperature and weight variation signals can be used to control the defrost process.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Vascular glycosaminoglycans in periventricular leukoencephalopathy

Three cases of adult dementia with periventricular leukoencephalopathy demonstrated staining with alcian blue dye (alcianophilia) in thickened cerebral arteries and arterioles of the abnormal white matter. The property of alcianophilia identifies glycosaminoglycans (GAGs); retention of alcian blue staining at high MgCl2 concentrations (0.7 M) in these cases indicates that the GAGs are highly sulfated and are likely to represent heparan sulfate. Arteriosclerotic risk factors (including hypertension) were absent in all cases, suggesting that GAG deposition occurred as part of a separate cerebral vasculopathic process. These findings suggest that cerebral white matter changes associated with dementia do not always represent Binswanger's disease.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in a Quarter Horse Gelding: A Case Report of PPIB-Independent Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia

Abstract A Quarter Horse gelding presented with pathology consistent with hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA) but without the familial association typically present with this disease. Grossly, lesions exhibited either a firm, scar-like appearance or a potential space between the superficial and deep dermis. Both lesioned and non-lesioned skin showed evidence of edema and collagen fragmentation, whereas lesions were also characterized by hemorrhage and inflammation. Genetic testing was performed by three independent laboratories, each using different methods to detect the mutation described in the PPIB gene, previously shown to be associated with HERDA. No mutations in the PPIB gene were revealed by genetic testing, either at the known location of the point mutation or at any other location in the coding sequence. These findings are suggestive of a diagnosis of HERDA or hyperelastosis cutis in the absence of the well-described, putatively causative mutation in the PPIB gene. We propose that, whereas HERDA refers specifically to a familial disease caused by a mutation in the PPIB gene, similar symptoms may in fact be caused by a syndrome resulting from either inherited or spontaneous mutations in any of a number of collagen-processing genes. We conclude that Ehlers-Danlos syndrome be diagnosed in horses of any breed with HERDA-like pathology without the causative mutation.
Implementing ecosystem management: a framework for remotely sensed information at multiple scales

Abstract Many of the common `tools' for developing information and implementing activities for ecosystem management are based on a multi-scale framework. This paper highlights the major elements of scale and level associated with an ecosystem management approach from two differing perspectives. The first summarizes a general framework for concepts recognizing multiple scales in four specific dimensions: biological, temporal, social and spatial. The second summarizes a current partnership among several US Government agencies to utilize remote sensing technologies as a common basis for the development of certain types of scale-dependent information for ecosystem management. Scale and level in ecological contexts are recognized as continuous variables, highly related to the landscapes, features and relationships of a particular situation, as well as the specific interests of the observer. An initial simplification of scale, as related to remotely sensed data, to support the continuing evolution of ecosystem management is a necessary step in developing common understanding and information across large areas.
Detection and analysis of DNA damage in mouse skeletal muscle in situ using the TUNEL method.

Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling (TUNEL) is the method of using the TdT enzyme to covalently attach a tagged form of dUTP to 3’ ends of double- and single-stranded DNA breaks in cells. It is a reliable and useful method to detect DNA damage and cell death in situ. This video describes dissection, tissue processing, sectioning, and fluorescence-based TUNEL labeling of mouse skeletal muscle. It also describes a method of semi-automated TUNEL signal quantitation. Inherent normal tissue features and tissue processing conditions affect the ability of the TdT enzyme to efficiently label DNA. Tissue processing may also add undesirable autofluorescence that will interfere with TUNEL signal detection. Therefore, it is important to empirically determine tissue processing and TUNEL labeling methods that will yield the optimal signal-to-noise ratio for subsequent quantitation. The fluorescence-based assay described here provides a way to exclude autofluorescent signal by digital channel subtraction. The TUNEL assay, used with appropriate tissue processing techniques and controls, is a relatively fast, reproducible, quantitative method for detecting apoptosis in tissue. It can be used to confirm DNA damage and apoptosis as pathological mechanisms, to identify affected cell types, and to assess the efficacy of therapeutic treatments in vivo.
Reliability Modeling and Analysis of IEC 61850 Based Substation Protection Systems

This paper proposes a novel reliability modeling and analysis methodology for modern substation protection systems. A typical IEC 61850 based substation protection system is designed and analyzed using this methodology as an example. This system includes cyber components such as Merging Units (MUs), Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs), and process bus, as well as physical components such as transformers, circuit breakers, and transmission lines. A general technique for cyber-physical system reliability analysis and the concept of cyber-physical interface matrix are presented. The failure modes of individual components and their impacts on the overall system are modeled and numerically analyzed. The utility of the cyber-physical interface matrix in the reliability analysis of a composite power system is also illustrated. The cyber-physical interface matrix is the critical idea that helps making the analysis tractable. The results of our study provide important and precise information for substation reliability evaluation and pave the way for the reliability analysis of complex and large scale cyber-physical systems.
Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate Functions as a Second Messenger that Regulates Cytoskeleton–Plasma Membrane Adhesion

Abstract Binding interactions between the plasma membrane and the cytoskeleton define cell functions such as cell shape, formation of cell processes, cell movement, and endocytosis. Here we use optical tweezers tether force measurements and show that plasma membrane phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) acts as a second messenger that regulates the adhesion energy between the cytoskeleton and the plasma membrane. Receptor stimuli that hydrolyze PIP2 lowered adhesion energy, a process that could be mimicked by expressing PH domains that sequester PIP2 or by targeting a 5′-PIP2-phosphatase to the plasma membrane to selectively lower plasma membrane PIP2 concentration. Our study suggests that plasma membrane PIP2 controls dynamic membrane functions and cell shape by locally increasing and decreasing the adhesion between the actin-based cortical cytoskeleton and the plasma membrane.
Hyperspectral resolution enhancement using high-resolution multispectral imagery with arbitrary response functions

A maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation method for improving the spatial resolution of a hyperspectral image using a higher resolution auxiliary image is extended to address several practical remote sensing situations. These include cases where: 1) the spectral response of the auxiliary image is unknown and does not match that of the hyperspectral image; 2) the auxiliary image is multispectral; and 3) the spatial point spread function for the hyperspectral sensor is arbitrary and extends beyond the span of the detector elements. The research presented follows a previously reported MAP approach that makes use of a stochastic mixing model (SMM) of the underlying spectral scene content to achieve resolution enhancement beyond the intensity component of the hyperspectral image. The mathematical formulation of a generalized form of the MAP/SMM estimate is described, and the enhancement algorithm is demonstrated using various image datasets.
Omission Bias and Pertussis Vaccination

Background: Several laboratory studies have suggested that many people favor potentially harmful omissions over less harmful acts. The authors studied the role of this omission bias in parents' decisions whether to vaccinate their children against pertussis. Methods: Two hundred mail surveys were sent to subscribers to a magazine that had published articles favoring and opposing pertussis vaccination. Subjects were asked about their beliefs about the vaccine and the disease, and whether they had vaccinated their own children or planned to, and they were given test items to identify omission bias in their reasoning. Results: One hundred and three subjects (52%) responded to the survey. Respondents who reported they did not or would not allow their children to be vaccinated (n = 43; 41 %) were more likely to believe that vaccinating was more dangerous than not vaccinating (p < 0.001 ). They were also more likely to exhibit omission bias (p = 0.004), holding constant their stated beliefs about the danger of ...
Morphological Uniformity and the Null Subject Parameter in Adult SLA.

An area of keen interest in applying Chomsky's UG parameter-setting model to SLA has been the Pro-Drop or Null Subject Parameter (Cyrino, 1986; Hilles, 1986; Phinney, 1987; White, 1985, 1986). However, the nature of this parameter changes dramatically from the Jaeggli (1982) and Rizzi (1982) conception with Jaeggli and Safir's (1989) proposal linking uniform morphological agreement paradigms with null subjects. Data reported here show a number of L2 learners exhibit knowledge that English is morphologically nonuniform yet still accept English null subject sentences. This is inconsistent with the predictions of the Morphological Uniformity Hypothesis and renders uncertain its applicability to SLA. The results are considered in light of a number of possible positions that can be adopted when faced with data that disconfirm a hypothesis within the UG SLA research program; it is concluded that the Morphological Uniformity Hypothesis is disconfirmed and that any reformulation of the Null Subject Parameter must take these results into consideration.
Evaluating the necessity for universal screening of prospective oocyte donors using enhanced genetic and psychological testing

BACKGROUND: To minimize the potential for harmful inheritable conditions, donors are rigorously screened according to standard guidelines, yet such guidelines may not be sufficient to exclude egg donors with certain known inheritable conditions. We compared universal screening of oocyte donors with Tay-Sachs, Fragile X, karyotype and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) versus standard American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines that do not include such testing. METHODS: In this 12 year retrospective cohort study, results of enhanced universal screening of all anonymous oocyte donor candidates from 1997 to 2008 at a university hospital oocyte donation program were reviewed. Primary outcomes were the frequency of oocyte donor candidates excluded as a result of enhanced universal screening (Tay-Sachs, Fragile X, karyotypic analysis and MMPI-2) versus basic screening according to ASRM guidelines. RESULTS: Of 1303 candidates who underwent on-site evaluation, 47% passed the screening process, 23% were lost to follow-up and 31% were excluded. Genetic and psychological factors accounted for the most common reasons for candidate exclusion. Enhanced genetic screening excluded an additional 25 candidates (19% of all genetic exclusions) and enhanced psychological screening excluded an additional 15 candidates (12% of all psychological exclusions). Altogether enhanced screening accounted for 40 candidates (10%) of the total pool of excluded candidates. CONCLUSIONS: Although our study is limited by its retrospective nature and center-specific conclusions, we show that enhanced comprehensive screening can exclude a significant number of candidates from an oocyte donor program and should be encouraged to assure optimal short-term and long-term outcomes for pregnancies achieved through oocyte donation.
Oral and rectal nalbuphine bioavailability: first-pass metabolism in rats and dogs.

The disposition of the narcotic antagonist/analgesic nalbuphine after i.v., oral, and rectal dosing was evaluated in rats and dogs. In both species nalbuphine had high systemic clearance and low oral bioavailability as a result of extensive first-pass metabolism. Administration to a closed 2 cm length of rectum in rats resulted in complete bioavailability; first-pass metabolism was circumvented. However, the extent of first-pass metabolism increased when the dose was not restricted to the lower rectum. Rectal nalbuphine bioavailability in dogs from a solution or three suppository formulations was low and equivalent to oral bioavailability. This was probably because of upward spreading of the dose and subsequent first-pass metabolism. Sodium salicylate, which has been shown to improve rectal absorption of other drugs, did not affect nalbuphine bioavailability rectally.
''Good Girls'': Gender, Social Class, and Slut Discourse on Campus

Women’s participation in slut shaming is often viewed as internalized oppression: they apply disadvantageous sexual double standards established by men. This perspective grants women little agency and neglects their simultaneous location in other social structures. In this article we synthesize insights from social psychology, gender, and culture to argue that undergraduate women use slut stigma to draw boundaries around status groups linked to social class—while also regulating sexual behavior and gender performance. High-status women employ slut discourse to assert class advantage, defining themselves as classy rather than trashy, while low-status women express class resentment—deriding rich, bitchy sluts for their exclusivity. Slut discourse enables, rather than constrains, sexual experimentation for the high-status women whose definitions prevail in the dominant social scene. This is a form of sexual privilege. In contrast, low-status women risk public shaming when they attempt to enter dominant social worlds.
A genetic algorithm and an indifference-zone ranking and selection framework for simulation optimization

A methodology for optimization of simulation models is presented. The methodology is based on a genetic algorithm in conjunction with an indifference-zone ranking and selection procedure under common random numbers. An application of this optimization algorithm to a stochastic mathematical model is provided in this paper.
Adrenocortical Carcinoma: Current Therapeutic State-of-the-Art

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, aggressive malignancy that generally conveys a poor prognosis. Currently, surgical resection is considered the lone curative treatment modality. In addition, the low prevalence of ACC has limited effective clinical trial design to develop evidence-based approaches to ACC therapy. The proper role of radio- and chemotherapy treatment for ACC is still being defined. Similarly, the molecular pathogenesis of ACC remains to be fully characterized. Despite these challenges, progress has been made in several areas. After years of refinement, an internationally accepted staging system has been defined. International collaborations have facilitated increasingly robust clinical trials, especially regarding agent choice and patient selection for chemotherapeutics. Genetic array data and molecular profiling have identified new potential targets for rational drug design as well as potential tumor markers and predictors of therapeutic response. However, these advances have not yet been translated into a large outcomes benefit for ACC patients. In this paper, we summarize established therapy for ACC and highlight recent findings in the field that are impacting clinical practice.
A compact DD neutron generator-based NAA system to quantify manganese (Mn) in bone in vivo.

A deuterium-deuterium (DD) neutron generator–based neutron activation analysis (NAA) system has been developed to quantify metals, including manganese (Mn), in bone in vivo. A DD neutron generator with a flux of up to 3*109 neutrons s−1 was set up in our lab for this purpose. Optimized settings, including moderator, reflector, and shielding material and thickness, were selected based on Monte Carlo (MC) simulations conducted in our previous work. Hand phantoms doped with different Mn concentrations were irradiated using the optimized DD neutron generator irradiation system. The Mn characteristic γ-rays were collected by an HPGe detector system with 100% relative efficiency. The calibration line of the Mn/calcium (Ca) count ratio versus bone Mn concentration was obtained (R2 = 0.99) using the hand phantoms. The detection limit (DL) was calculated to be about 1.05 μg g−1 dry bone (ppm) with an equivalent dose of 85.4 mSv to the hand. The DL can be reduced to 0.74 ppm by using two 100% HPGe detectors. The whole body effective dose delivered to the irradiated subject was calculated to be about 17 μSv. Given the average normal bone Mn concentration of 1 ppm in the general population, this system is promising for in vivo bone Mn quantification in humans.
Increases in sucrose consumption, but not ethanol consumption, following ICV NPY administration.

Abstract Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a centrally acting neuromodulator that influences both consummatory behaviors and anxiety. NPY's effects on feeding are primarily regulated through Y5 receptors in hypothalamic sites, whereas NPY-induced anxiolysis appears to be mediated by Y1 receptors in the amygdala. Recently, NPY has been postulated to play a role in the regulation of ethanol consumption. The present study assessed the influence of intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of NPY on the consumption of 10% ethanol or 2% sucrose in rats. Male Wistar rats were trained to self-administer 10% ethanol using the sucrose-substitution procedure and then implanted with an intracerebroventricular (ICV) cannula. The effects of NPY (0–15 μg) on ethanol consumption and sucrose consumption were then examined. ICV NPY infusion had no significant effects on the consumption of 10% ethanol, however, NPY significantly increased the consumption of 2% sucrose, [ F (1, 11) = 6.18, p = 0.03]. These data suggest that ethanol intake and sucrose intake are differentially regulated by NPY. It is hypothesized that ICV infusion of NPY may be affecting both Y1 and Y5 receptors producing increased consummatory drive and anxiolysis, two factors that have opposing effects on subsequent ethanol consumption. Therefore, additional studies including site specific injection of NPY will be necessary to provide further insight into the role of NPY on ethanol consumption.
A meat and potato war: implications for cancer etiology

Cooking foods clearly has a beneficial impact for humans; the microbial content can be decreased, proteins made more digestible and the flavor and texture improved. But at the same time, amino acids, creatine and sugars, which occur naturally in meats, may be involved in reactions that generate heterocyclic amine (HA) carcinogens during cooking. Recently, another amine carcinogen, acrylamide, was found at relatively high levels in cooked carbohydrate-rich foods, especially potatoes. In this commentary acrylamide will be compared with the meat carcinogens (HAs) with respect to formation, human intake and health consequences--it's a meat and potato war. What conclusion about risks from these dietary carcinogens can we make from the available scientific data?
Combined Partial Motion Clips

We present a motion editing method for articulated figures using Combined Partial Motion Clips (CPMCs). CPMCs contain detailed motion information for some parts of the articulated figure. They can be used to edit base motions in such a way that the parts that are not defined in detail will still be affected thereby emulating the correlation that exists naturally between joint movements. This is achieved through the inclusion of equations in the CPMC that capture the effects of the detailed motion on other degrees of freedom of the articulated figure.
Rhythm Responses in Emotionally Disturbed Children with Differing Needs for External Structure

This study was designed to determine whether 24 emotionally dis­ turbed children with varying needs for external structure to control behavior had differing success rates on a rhythmic imitation task. Data were collected over five weekly testing sessions for individual subjects, who ranged in age from 11 to 15 years. Judges viewed video­ tapes to determine whether subjects correctly imitated congo drum rhythm patterns which had been presented on audiotape. Results showed subjects in the various structure need groups did not signifi­ cantly differ in their motor coordination scores and their Musical Aptitude Profile Tempo Subtest scores (Gordon, 1965). In addition, subjects’ rhythmic imitation responses did not significantly differ according to age and gender. Subjects in the mild need for structure group performed significantly better than subjects in the moderate and severe need for structure groups. The preliminary implication is, therefore, that rhythm may he an important and useful element to consider in assessment, evaluation, and subsequent music therapy plans for emotionally disturbed children in this age range. Addi­ tional research is necessary due to the restricted subject sample used in this study and the need to develop adequate instrumentation and methodology.
The Intensive Care Unit: The Next-Generation Operating Room

A 39-year-old man is in his seventh day in the intensive care unit on ventilatory support (transoral-translaryngeal endotracheal intubation) after having acute care surgery for a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Although the patient has brain stem function and is hemodynamically stable, he is unresponsive to voice.The current ventilator settings are as follows: Open image in new window
Effects of Several Commonly Used Insecticides on Cornfield Carabids in Iowa

Adult carabids Scarites substriatus (Haldeman), Harpalus Pensylvanicus (De Geer), Pterostichus chalcites (Say), Bembidion rapidum (LeConte), and, B. quadrimaculatum (L.) were field-collected and exposed to several commonly used cornfield insecticides. The beetles were directly exposed to recommended field rates of carbofuran, phorate, terbufos, aldrin, carbaryl, leptophos, trichorfon, methomyl, and toxaphene. Beetles were also fed dead larva of the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel), poisoned by carbofuran, carbaryl, trichlorfon, methomyl, and toxaphene. There were significant differences in mortality among beetles species and chemical treatments. Phorate and terbufos granules, carbofuran, methomyl, and carbaryl sprays produced high mortalities, and carbofuran granules, carbaryl, and leptophos baits caused low beetle mortalities.
Interpersonal Callousness from Childhood to Adolescence: Developmental Trajectories and Early Risk Factors

Youth with a callous interpersonal style, consistent with features of adult psychopathy (e.g., lack of guilt, deceitful), are at risk for exhibiting severe and protracted antisocial behaviors. However, no studies have examined changes that occur in interpersonal callousness (IC) from childhood to adolescence, and little is known about the influence of early child, social, and contextual factors on trajectories of IC. The current study examined distinct patterns of IC across childhood and adolescence and associations with early risk factors. Participants were an at-risk sample of 503 boys (56% African American) assessed annually from around ages 7-15. Analyses examined child (anger dysregulation, fearfulness), social (peer, family, maltreatment), and contextual (psychosocial adversity) factors associated with teacher-reported IC trajectories across childhood and adolescence. Using latent class growth analysis, five trajectories of IC were identified (early-onset chronic, childhood-limited, adolescent-onset, moderate, low). Approximately 10% of boys followed an early-onset chronic trajectory, and a roughly equal percent of youth followed childhood-limited trajectory (10%) or an adolescent-onset trajectory (12%) of IC across development. Specifically, half of the boys with high IC in childhood did not continue to exhibit significant levels of these features into adolescence, whereas an equal proportion of youth with low IC in childhood demonstrated increasing levels during the transition to adolescence. Boys in the early-onset chronic group were characterized by the most risk factors and were differentiated from those with childhood-limited and adolescent-onset IC only by higher conduct problems, fearlessness, and emotional abuse/neglect. Findings are discussed in terms of developmental models of IC and several avenues for early targeted interventions.
Membrane Cholesterol Modulates Superwarfarin Toxicity.

Superwarfarins are modified analogs of warfarin with additional lipophilic aromatic rings, up to 100-fold greater potency, and longer biological half-lives. We hypothesized that increased hydrophobicity allowed interactions with amphiphilic membranes and modulation of biological responses. We find that superwarfarins brodifacoum and difenacoum increase lactate production and cell death in neuroblastoma cells. In contrast, neither causes changes in glioma cells that have higher cholesterol content. After choleterol depletion, lactate production was increased and cell viability was reduced. Drug-membrane interactions were examined by surface X-ray scattering using Langmuir monolayers of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and/or cholesterol. Specular X-ray reflectivity data revealed that superwarfarins, but not warfarin, intercalate between dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine molecules, whereas grazing incidence X-ray diffraction demonstrated changes in lateral crystalline order of the film. Neither agent showed significant interactions with monolayers containing >20% cholesterol. These findings demonstrate an affinity of superwarfarins to biomembranes and suggest that cellular responses to these agents are regulated by cholesterol content.
Unilateral erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli

Clinical features and histopathologic findings are described in this case of erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli in a 30-year-old man of Chinese descent. This is the fourteenth case in the world literature and the first which is unilateral. Electron microscopic examination revealed abnormalities consisting of a homogeneous mass of pigment in the center of the melanosome and a stippled appearance to the periphery of the organelle. In addition, many of the melanosomes appeared to be abnormally large.
Thermal Diffusivity Characterization of Bi2Te3 Nanowires Array Inside Amorphous Alumina Template

In the recent years there has been an increasing interest in low-dimensional thermoelectric materials such as superlattices, quantum dots and nanowires [1,2,3]. An enhancement in thermoelectric figure-of-merit, Z=σα2 /k, where α is the Seebeck coefficient, σ is electrical conductivity, and k is the thermal conductivity, is predicted due to increased density of states near Fermi level [4]. A large contribution to the enhancement of thermoelectric figure-of-merit in low-dimensional systems may come from thermal conductivity reduction due to increased scattering of heat carriers from interfaces. In this light, we are interested in thermal properties of Bi2 Te3 nanowires and carried out thermal diffusivity characterization of these nanowires embedded in an amorphous alumina template.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Solving a Supply-Delivery Scheduling Problem with Constraint Programming

We describe a constraint programming approach for a supply-delivery problem in the petrochemical industry, in which barges transport liquid material from supplier locations to downstream processing plants. The problem is to design a pickup-and-delivery route for each barge such that given minimum and maximum inventory levels at each location are met for a given fleet size. This optimization problem is part of a larger planning system to determine the fleet size, negotiate pickup windows and quantities, and design operational schedules. We evaluate our model on representative supply networks provided by BP North America, and contrast our results with those obtained by a mixed-integer programming approach.
Making Israel Education Happen

The subject of Israel education is not Israel but the fostering of a personal relationship with Israel. The contents of Israel education are narratives created over the ages that reflect an overall commitment to the Land of Israel as a core Jewish value. The meanings of these narratives changed over time, and there is no one core narrative. The special case of teaching contemporary Israel is discussed, and a new paradigm for teaching this topic is presented. The existence of non-Jewish narratives of Israel must also be presented within the context of Israel education.
A Characteristic Averaging Property of the Catenary

It is well-known that the catenary is characterized by an extremal centroidal condition: It is the shape of the curve whose centroid is the lowest among all curves having a prescribed length and sp...
The Substantia Nigra Pars Reticulata

The GABAergic projection neurons are the main neuron type in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr). A striking feature of these SNr GABA neurons is that they fire sustained, spontaneous high frequency spikes and thus tonically inhibit their targets. Compared with their neighboring slow-spiking dopamine neurons, these GABA neurons have a stronger transient voltage-gated sodium current with a faster activation and a faster recovery from inactivation. SNr GABA neurons also express a robust Kv3-like potassium current that activates rapidly and inactivate slowly. Together, these intrinsic ion channels provide SNr GABA neurons with the ability to fire sustain high frequency spikes. Additionally, robust GABA inputs from the striatum and the globus pallidus pause SNr GABA neuron firing, whereas glutamate inputs from the subthalamic nucleus stimulate SNr GABA neuron activity, sculpting the tonic high frequency firing into effective control signals that are further fine-tuned by neuromodulators including dopamine, serotonin, and endocannabinoids.
Severe respiratory changes at end stage in a FUS-induced disease state in adult rats

Fused in sarcoma (FUS) is an RNA-binding protein associated with the neurodegenerative diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. ALS manifests in patients as a progressive paralysis which leads to respiratory dysfunction and failure, the primary cause of death in ALS. We expressed human FUS in rats to determine if FUS would induce ALS relevant respiratory changes to serve as an early stage disease indicator. The FUS expression was initiated in adult rats by way of an intravenously administered adeno-associated virus vector serotype 9 (AAV9) providing an adult onset model. The rats developed progressive motor impairments observed as early as 2–3 weeks post gene transfer. Respiratory abnormalities manifested 4–7 weeks post gene transfer including increased respiratory frequency and decreased tidal volume. Rats with breathing abnormalities also had arterial blood acidosis. Similar detailed plethysmographic changes were found in adult rats injected with AAV9 TDP-43. FUS gene transfer to adult rats yielded a consistent pre-clinical model with relevant motor paralysis in the early to middle stages and respiratory dysfunction at the end stage. Both FUS and TDP-43 yielded a similar consistent disease state. This modeling method yields disease relevant motor and respiratory changes in adult rats. The reproducibility of the data supports the use of this method to study other disease related genes and their combinations as well as a platform for disease modifying interventional strategies.
A Latent Class Analysis of Behavioral and Psychosocial Dimensions of Adolescent Sexuality: Exploring Race Differences.

Adolescent sexuality is a multidimensional concept involving sexual behavior as well as aspects of youth’s sexual self-concept and sexual socialization. The current study used latent class analysis (LCA) to examine patterns of adolescent sexuality, with data from a nationally representative sample of youth (Add Health; n = 13,447), incorporating information on behavioral and psychosocial dimensions of adolescent sexual experiences. LCA results highlighted that youth may exhibit similar sexual behaviors but vary on psychosocial dimensions, including sexual self-efficacy, knowledge, and views about sex. Sociodemographic characteristics, family factors, mental health, and substance use emerged as predictors of membership into different latent classes of sexuality. Given persistent racial differences in sexual outcomes and sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates, the current study also examined how adolescent patterns of sexuality may help mediate racial differences in sexual outcomes by young adulthood. R...
Quantitative Data Analysis—In the Graduate Curriculum:

A quantitative research study collects numerical data that must be analyzed to help draw the study’s conclusions. Teaching quantitative data analysis is not teaching number crunching, but teaching a way of critical thinking for how to analyze the data. The goal of data analysis is to reveal the underlying patterns, trends, and relationships of a study’s contextual situation. Learning data analysis is not learning how to use statistical tests to crunch numbers but is, instead, how to use those statistical tests as a tool to draw valid conclusions from the data. Three major pedagogical goals that must be taught as part of learning quantitative data analysis are the following: (a) determining what questions to ask during all phases of a data analysis, (b) recognizing how to judge the relevance of potential questions, and (c) deciding how to understand the deep-level relationships within the data.
The Impacts of Autonomous Vehicles and E-Commerce: On Local Government Budgeting and Finance

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are already being used and their proliferation is inevitable. AVs have the potential to fundamentally alter transportation systems by averting deadly crashes, providing critical mobility to the elderly and disabled, increasing road capacity, saving fuel, and lowering emissions (Fagnant and Kockelman 2015). Eighteen states and the District of Columbia have enacted legislation regarding AVs1, and the governors of four other states have signed executive orders about AVs2 (National Conference of State Legislatures 2017). In 2017 there were 33 states that had introduced AV legislation, up from 20 in 2016 (National Conference of State Legislatures 2017). As of June 2, 2017, there were 31 companies that had received permits from the California DMV to test autonomous vehicles, and the list is getting longer each month (California Department of Motor Vehicles 2017). In Berlin, Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s largest train and bus operator, is testing a driverless twelve-passenger shuttle bus (Scott 2017). Over 20 pilot or existing AV public transport programs have taken place in Europe. And the most recent AV testing permit recipient in California is a private shuttle bus operator — Bauer’s Intelligent Transportation (California Department of Motor Vehicles 2017). Much has been written about the technical challenges of integrating autonomous vehicles into traffic patterns, but to date, there has been little consideration of the significant secondary impacts that AVs present. This project aims to fill that gap. AVs have the potential to transform cities — but whether the impact is positive or not depends on how the AVs are used. If AVs use clean fuels, are used for shared rides, and become an on-demand service rather than an owned product, cities and society may benefit. Consumer-owned cars are inefficient and underused assets — most are used for less than one hour per day (OECD 2015), sitting idle for about 95 of their life, and about 10 percent of the average American’s budget goes to the cost of purchasing and fueling private vehicles (Bureau of Labor Statistics 2016). AVs will impact land use planning, transit use, government revenues, and may exacerbate societal inequality by reducing the viability of existing public transportation services. The goal of this white paper is to consider the impact of AVs on municipal budgets. AVs create a “potential rat’s nest of a budgeting challenge” (Fung 2016). This paper seeks to begin the process of untangling that rat’s nest, and provide the foundation for future phases of the project that will consider potential additional revenue sources to fund the infrastructure changes that may come from the integration of AVs as well as land use planning implications.
A New Approach to Online, Multivariate Network Traffic Analysis

Network traffic analysis has long been a core element for effective network operations and management. While online monitoring has been studied for a while, it is still intensively challenging due to several reasons. One of the primary challenges is the heavy volume of traffic to analyze within a finite amount of time. Another important challenge to enable online monitoring is to support multivariate analysis of traffic variables to help administrators identify unexpected network events intuitively. To this end, we propose a new approach that offers a high- level summary of the network traffic with the multivariate analysis. With this approach, the current state of the network will display an abstract pattern compiled from a set of traffic variables, and the detection problems in traffic analysis (e.g., change detection and anomaly detection) can be reduced to a straightforward pattern identification problem. In this paper, we introduce our preliminary work with clustered patterns for online, multivariate traffic analysis with the challenges and limitations. We then present a grid-based model that is designed to overcome the limitations of the clustered pattern- based technique. We will discuss the potential of the new model with respect to streaming-based computation and robustness to outliers.