cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding fit and appropriation effects in group support systems via meta-analysis

Many previous papers have lamented the fact that the findings of past GSS research have been inconsistent. This paper develops a new model for interpreting GSS effects on performance (a Fit-Appropriation Model), which argues that GSS performance is affected by two factors. The first is the fit between the task and the GSS structures selected for use (i.e., communication support and information processing support). The second is the appropriation support the group receives in the form of training, facilitation, and software restrictiveness to help them effectively incorporate the selected GSS structures into their meeting process. A meta-analysis using this model to organize and classify past research found that when used appropriately (i.e., there is a fit between the GSS structures and the task, and the group receives appropriation support), GSS use increased the number of ideas generated, took less time, and led to more satisfied participants than if the group worked without the GSS. Fitting the GSS to the task had the most impact on outcome effectiveness (decision quality and ideas), while appropriation support had the most impact on the process (time required and process satisfaction). We conclude that when using this theoretical lens, the results of GSS research do not appear inconsistent.
Do women and myopes have larger pupils

It is commonly reported that the pupils of women are larger than those of men and the pupils of myopes larger than those of emmetropes. However, these reports are not supported by experimental procedures using objective measurements, controlled conditions, and adequate numbers of subjects. In this report the open-loop pupil size was measured objectively using dynamic infrared pupillometry in a sample of 48 subjects. Subjects were balanced for age and equally divided between emmetropes and myopes, males and females. The results did not support the contention that females have larger pupils than males or that physiologic myopes have larger pupils than emmetropes.
Nonsecreting pituitary tumors.

Approximately 25 to 30 per cent of pituitary tumors are classified as nonfunctioning adenomas. Patients typically present with macroadenomas with symptoms due to chiasmal compression and hypopituitarism. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that most of these tumors produce gonadotropin hormones and subunits. The primary therapy for these tumors is surgical decompression and postoperative radiotherapy for residual tumor.
Microtubule Imaging Reveals Cytoskeletal Deficit Predisposing the Retinal Ganglion Cell Axons to Atrophy in DBA/2J.

Purpose Glaucoma is characterized by progressive loss of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. Here we test an outstanding notion that microtubules (MTs) within RGC axons degrade before the loss of morphology ("MT hypothesis"). Methods The integrity of axonal MTs was interrogated by intrinsic second-harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy. Using DBA/2J mice as a model of glaucoma and DBA/2J-Gpnmb+ as a nonglaucomatous control, the relationship between MT disruption and morphology was quantitatively examined as a function of age and sex in the fresh retinal wholemounts. Results The mean SHG density (i.e., the mean SHG intensity per thickness) was significantly lower in DBA/2J than in DBA/2J-Gpnmb+ and also depended on sex and age. The loss of SHG density, indicating MT disruption within intact RGC axons, occurred in a sectorial manner near the loss of the retinal nerve fiber bundles. The decay rate of SHG density was approximately 97% higher than that of thickness. Conclusions Collectively, the results indicate that the breakdown of MTs is pathology of glaucoma and likely a precursor of morphological atrophy. Based on a new finding that SHG density is highly variable and spatially discrete, a new model of RGC degeneration is proposed. This study validates SHG retinal imaging for elucidating the role and mechanism of MT deficiency in the course of glaucoma pathogenesis.
Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement im Hochschulsetting

Das vorliegende Fallbeispiel des Departements Gesundheit der Zurcher Hochschule fur Angewandte Wissenschaften (ZHAW) beschreibt den Aufbau eines systematischen betrieblichen Gesundheitsmanagements (BGM) an einer Hochschule sowie die mit dem Setting verbundenen spezifischen Herausforderungen. Das Kapitel beschreibt und diskutiert die zentralen Faktoren, welche dabei forderlich bzw. erschwerend waren: das Commitment der obersten Leitung, die Einbettung von BGM in die Organisationsstrategie sowie die Orientierung an den Leitlinien des Labels Friendly Work Space von Gesundheitsforderung Schweiz (2008) erwiesen sich als besonders hilfreich. Die Eingebundenheit in die Gesamthochschule sowie unterschiedliche Auffassungen von Gesundheitsforderung und Pravention gehorten zu den grosten Herausforderungen.
Hadronic decays of eta/sub c/

Hadronic branching fractions for the pseudoscalar psions are predicted on the basis of a simple model for $\ensuremath{\psi}(3095)$ decays. Results are given for hypothetical states at 2830, 3095, and 3455 ${\mathrm{M}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c}}^{2}$. Particular emphasis is placed on modes which may be observed as one-constraint final states in ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ annihilation into hadrons and on channels in which backgrounds are expected to be low.
Hydrodynamics of three-dimensional skyrmions in frustrated magnets

We study the nucleation and collective dynamics of Shankar skyrmions [Shankar, J. Phys. 38, 1405 (1977)] in the class of frustrated magnetic systems described by a SO(3) order parameter, including multilattice antiferromagnets and amorphous magnets. We infer the expression for the spin-transfer torque that injects skyrmion charge into the system and the Onsager-reciprocal pumping force that enables its detection by electrical means. The thermally assisted flow of topological charge gives rise to an algebraically decaying drag signal in nonlocal transport measurements. We contrast our findings to analogous effects mediated by spin supercurrents.
Exploring Learner Engagement Patterns in Teach-Outs Using Topic, Sentiment and On-topicness to Reflect on Pedagogy

MOOCs have developed into multiple learning design models with a wide range of objectives. Teach-Outs are one such example, aiming to drive meaningful discussions around topics of pressing social urgency without the use of formal assessments. Given this approach, it is crucial to evaluate learners' engagement in the discussion forum to understand their experiences. This paper presents a pilot study that applied unsupervised natural language processing techniques to understand what and how students engage in dialogue in a Teach-Out. We used topic modeling to discover the emerging topics in the discussion forums and evaluated the on-topicness of the discussions (i.e. the degree to which discussions were relevant to the Teach-Out content). We also applied content analysis to investigate the sentiments associated with the discussions. We have taken a step toward extracting structure from students' discussions to understand learning behaviors happen in the discussion forum. This is the first study to analyze discussion forums in a Teach-Out.
A Reliable OFDM-Based MMW Mobile Fronthaul With DSP-Aided Sub-Band Spreading and Time-Confined Windowing

Performance of digital signal processing (DSP) aided sub-band spreading orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (S-OFDM) implemented with the well-defined, time-located window is evaluated and compared with the cyclic prefix (CP) OFDM signal under severe interference circumstances. A four-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) mobile fronthaul over 20 km fiber link and 1 m millimeter wave 60-GHz wireless channel is demonstrated experimentally. The bit-error rate performance of applying time windowing on OFDM and S-OFDM are measured in the single channel scenario. In such simplified system, CP-OFDM is found to be a widely adopted waveform. While, as it suffers from the unexpected external interference, the received error vector magnitude (EVM) would be degraded dramatically for typical OFDM signals. By applying the Hanning window, the impact on the EVM performance can be alleviated as the interference is at the edge of the desired signal band and resulting a 2.5% EVM enhancement. However, an irrecoverable 20% data loss is obtained if the interference is totally immersed in the victim signal. In contrast, S-OFDM exhibits a frequency diversity property by grouping OFDM subcarriers into several sub-bands and spreading them into whole available bandwidth. Thus, as S-OFDM suffers from strong interference inside the signal band, about 12.61% and 43.53% EVM improvements of the average and the worst subcarrier performance with respect to the ordinary OFDM can be achieved via applying the spreading codes orthogonality restoring equalizer. All subcarriers in the S-OFDM are generated to meet the forward error correction threshold with reasonably flat performance. Therefore, the S-OFDM shows its superiority in an MMW mobile fronthaul for better reliability in data transmission.
Does Parental Intervention Matter to Diminish Drinking Behaviors among American Adolescents

Background: Drinking problem among American adolescents is one of the major concerns to generate various issues, such as violent crime, sexual assault, family deprivation, and physical and mental h...
Thromboembolic Disorders in the PICU

The burden of thromboembolic disease in hospitalized children appears to be increasing. This is likely a reflection of increased survival of children with complex medical problems with increased utilization of invasive procedures and central venous catheters. Infants and teenagers appear to be at the highest risk for thromboembolic disease due to age-associated changes in the hemostatic system. Venous thromboembolism in the PICU usually presents as deep vein thrombosis and requires a high index of suspicion for diagnosis; pulmonary embolism may occur as a consequence. Numerous inherited and acquired risk factors are associated with venous thrombosis in children, notably the use of central venous catheters and the presence of underlying diseases such as trauma, malignancy, congenital heart disease and congenital thrombophilic disorders. Radiologic studies are needed to make the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism, and evaluation for underlying thrombophilia should be considered. Anticoagulation is the mainstay of treatment for venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in children, while systemic or site-directed thrombolysis is reserved for life or limb threatening thrombosis. Management strategies and duration of anticoagulation therapy are extrapolated from adult data. While the role of thromboprophylaxis remains unclear in critically ill children, its use in high risk patients should be considered. Long term outcomes are not known, however recurrent thromboembolism and post thrombotic syndrome are known complications of venous thrombosis in children.
Roman Pottery in the Archaeological Record

This book examines how Romans used their pottery and the implications of these practices on the archaeological record. It is organized around a flow model for the life cycle of Roman pottery that includes a set of eight distinct practices: manufacture, distribution, prime use, reuse, maintenance, recycling, discard, reclamation. J. Theodore Pena evaluates how these practices operated, how they have shaped the archaeological record, and the implications of these processes on archaeological research through the examination of a wide array of archaeological, textual, representational and comparative ethnographic evidence. The result is a rich portrayal of the dynamic that shaped the archaeological record of the ancient Romans that will be of interest to archaeologists, ceramicists, and students of material culture.
Alternating dynamics of oriC, SMC and MksBEF in segregation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa chromosome

Condensins are essential for global chromosome organization in diverse bacteria. Atypically, Pseudomonas aeruginosa encodes condensins from two superfamilies, SMC-ScpAB and MksBEF. We report that the two proteins play specialized roles in chromosome packing and segregation and are synthetically lethal with ParB. Inactivation of SMC or MksB asymmetrically affected global chromosome layout, its timing of segregation and sometimes triggered a chromosomal inversion. Localization pattern was also unique to each protein. SMC clusters colocalized with oriC throughout cell cycle except shortly after origin duplication, whereas MksB clusters emerged at cell quarters shortly prior to oriC duplication and stayed there even after cell division. Relocation of the proteins was abrupt and coordinated with oriC dynamic. These data reveal that the two condensins asymmetrically play dual roles in chromosome maintenance by organizing it and mediating its segregation. Furthermore, the choreography of condensins and oriC relocations suggest an elegant mechanism for the birth and maturation of chromosomes.
Delirium assessment in critically ill older adults: considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic

Older adults are particularly vulnerable during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, because higher age increases risk for both delirium and COVID-19-related death. Despite the health care system limitations and the clinical challenges of the pandemic, delirium screening and management remains an evidence-based cornerstone of critical care. This article discusses practical recommendations for delirium screening in the COVID-19 pandemic era, tips for training health care workers in delirium screening, validated tools for detecting delirium in critically ill older adults, and approaches to special populations of older adults (eg, sensory impairment, dementia, acute neurologic injury).
Patient Satisfaction with In-Person, Video, and Telephone Allergy/Immunology Evaluations During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background The SarsCoV2, novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated a rapid transition from in-person evaluations to remote delivery of care, including both video and telephone visits, in allergy/immunology practices. Objective To evaluate patient satisfaction, patient and physician impression of encounter completeness, and reimbursement between in-person, video, and telephone encounters. This study also assessed factors influencing patient satisfaction, perception of completeness, and choice of future evaluation type. Methods This was a prospective study of all encounters at a health care–system owned practice. Encounter type, encounter modality, patient demographics, primary diagnoses, reimbursement data, and physician assessment of encounter completeness were tracked. Patient satisfaction was assessed via standardized questions. Results There were 447 encounters, with 303 in-person (67.8%), 98 video (21.9%), and 46 telephone (10.3%). Patient satisfaction data was obtained from 251 patients. There was similar patient satisfaction among all encounter modalities. Both patients and physicians were more likely to deem an in-person encounter as complete. Physicians were more likely to report an in-person encounter to be complete for food allergy (P Conclusions There was similar patient satisfaction with in-person, video, and telephone encounters in an allergy/immunology practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chronic rhinitis and food allergy are more likely to call for an in-person evaluation. New patient visits are likely to be the highest yield to focus on for in-person evaluations.
A rapid charging station with an ultracapacitor energy storage system for plug-in electrical vehicles

Plug-in electrical vehicles (PEVs) are considered to be one of the solutions to the challenges of rising energy costs and global warming. As the number of PEVs sold steadily increases in the automobile market, public charging stations will become increasingly important. One of the major challenges for public charging stations is to reduce charging time, which can be addressed by increasing the rate of power transfer. However, when a large number of PEVs are charged simultaneously, problems may arise from a substantial increase in peak power. Addressing this peak power requirement may increase the generation cost of the energy as well as the cost of the distribution and public charging infrastructure. This paper discusses a charging station with an energy storage system that not only can reduce the charging time, but also reduces the stress on the grid. The paper compares various energy storage methods and suggests the use of ultracapacitors because of their durability, high power density, and likely further improvements in energy density.
AN ALTERNATE ROUTE TO THE REIFICATION OF FUNCTION

This paper presents an alternate perspective for utilizing the action/process/object framework when discussing student development of conceptions of function. After a review of related theories, a property-oriented view of function is described which is based on visual aspects of functional growth. The theory is supported with data on student learning. The property-oriented view of function incorporates and extends previously described frameworks used in analyzing functional understandings, including the covariance and correspondence views (Confrey & Smith, 1991; Thompson, 1994). The property-oriented view differs from the covariance view in that less emphasis is placed on the manner in which the variables are changing and more emphasis is placed on the properties that result from these changes. The property-oriented view differs from a correspondence view in that functional properties such as invertibility and domain give rise to a different kind of thinking about functions than do properties such as symmetry, linearity, continuity, etc. Implications for further research and curriculum development are also provided.
Simulation of an Expert on the Principles of Genetics

A logical basis for an expert on principles of genetics is presented in this paper. Genetics is the study of processes by which properties are inherited by the offsprings from their ancestors. The smallest unit of life which can sustain itself, and which inherits its proper- ties from its parents is the cell. Cells reproduce by two important processes, mitosis and meiosis. Each of these processes can be characterized by a set of states. Thus, reproduction may be viewed as a change in state. Sub- cellular units are related to each other before and after the change. Structural models are presented to represent the state of the sub- cellular units and the relations between them. These structures are presented in a form suitable for computing. The structures after-a change in state can be obtained from structures before the change by certain operations, or traversals. Algorithms for these operations,or traversals are presented and analyzed. It is also shown that expert answers to questionain genetics can be obtained by these aglorithms.
A SINGLE COMMON STABILITY INDICATING ULTRA-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHOD FOR ESTIMATION OF IMPURITIES IN FOUR ANGIOTENSIN II RECEPTOR BLOCKERS

A novel single common stability-indicating gradient reverse phase ultra-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-UPLC) method was developed for the determination of purity of four angiotensin II receptor blockers namely valsartan, losartan potassium, irbesartan, and telmisartan from respective finished dosage forms in the presence of their impurities and forced degradation products. The method was developed using Waters Aquity BEH C18 column with mobile phase containing a gradient mixture of solvent A and B. The eluted compounds were monitored at 230 nm. The run time was 8.2 min within which each four actives and their impurities were well-separated. Valsartan, losartan potassium, irbesartan, and telmisartan were subjected to the stress conditions of oxidative, acid, base, hydrolytic, thermal, and photolytic degradation. For each drug the degradation products were well-resolved from main peak and its impurities, thus proving the stability indicating power of the method. The developed method was validated as...
Managing clean technology research, development, and commercialization: Success stories and lessons learned from Washington State University

Demand for renewable energy, the threat of global warming and climate change and the question of how to make the transition to an economy based on fossil-fuel alternatives are concerns for everyone. Washington State University (WSU) has joined the ‘green innovation’ race to help transform to a global economy based on safer, more diverse energy alternatives; and to develop innovative ideas and technologies that balance climate change mitigation and increased global energy needs. This paper highlights WSU's experience in using interdisciplinary and innovative approaches to accelerate research, development, and commercialization of clean technologies. WSU's experience shows how creative efforts can generate valuable ‘public goods’ via: 1) prioritization and implementation of transformational research linked to learning and scholarship; 2) formation of innovation partnerships and stakeholder engagement; 3) innovation sharing, intellectual property rights protection, and new modes of technology transfer; and 4) development and implementation of progressive policies. The paper's reflection on WSU's successes and future challenges in managing and delivering new and innovative clean technologies to bring economic value can serve as important reference for other public research institutes, policymakers, and businesses wanting to help contribute to the further establishment of a bio-economy and spur sustainable growth, nationally and globally.
A novel model of early development in the brine shrimp, Artemia franciscana, and its use in assessing the effects of environmental variables on development, emergence, and hatching.

The brine shrimp, Artemia (Crustacea, Anostraca), is a zooplankton that is commonly used in both basic and applied research. Unfortunately, Artemia embryos are often cultured under conditions that alter early development, and reports based on these cultures oversimplify or fail to describe morphological phenotypes. This is due in part to the lack of a comprehensive developmental model that is applicable to observations of live specimens. The objective of this study was to build and test a descriptive model of post-diapause development in Artemia franciscana using observations made with a standard dissecting microscope. The working model presented is the first to comprehensively place all known “abnormal” embryonic and naupliar phenotypes within the context of a classic hatching profile. Contrary to previous reports, embryos and nauplii with aberrant phenotypes often recover and develop normally. Oval prenauplii may emerge as normal prenauplii (E2 stage). A delay of this transition leads to incomplete hatching or direct hatching of first instar larvae with a curved thoracoabdomen. When hatching is incomplete, retained cuticular remnants are shed during the next molt, and a “normal” second instar larva is produced. By differentiating between molting events and gross embryonic patterning in live embryos, this new model facilitates fine time-scale analyses of chemical and environmental impacts on early development. A small increase in salinity within what is commonly believed to be a permissive range (20‰–35‰) produced aberrant morphology by delaying emergence without slowing development. A similar effect was observed by decreasing culture density within a range commonly applied in toxicological studies. These findings clearly demonstrate that morphological data from end-point studies are highly dependent on the time points chosen. An alternate assessment method is proposed, and the potential impact of heavy metals, hexachlorobenzene, Mirex, and cis-nonachlor detected in commercial embryos is discussed. J. Morphol. 276:342–360, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simplifying in-system programming: evolving standards for ISP

Traditional single-chip programming techniques for Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs) have rapidly been replaced by the in-system programming (ISP) of chains of devices. Handling chains consisting of devices from multiple chip vendors can be a significant challenge, whether for the designer debugging a board or for production managers. The introduction of standards into the ISP arena will make possible the practical development of automation tools in all areas of ISP.
On the nature of insight solutions: evidence from skill differences in anagram solution.

According to the Gestalt psychologists, problem solutions that pop into mind suddenly with no awareness of the process by which they were generated are objectively as well as subjectively sudden. Thus, such pop-out solutions are qualitatively different from search solutions, which are constructed incrementally. The authors tested this claim in the domain of anagram solution. Experiment 1 documented that anagrams yield pop-out solutions, especially among highly skilled solvers. The results of Experiment 2 indicated that both pop-out and search solutions depended on the gradual accumulation of partial information, contrary to the Gestalt view of problem solving. Nevertheless, some aspects of the Experiment 2 results, as well as new analyses of an anagram study reported elsewhere, suggest that there may in fact be a qualitative difference between pop-out and search solutions. In particular, pop-out solutions may result from parallel processing of the constraints on the rearranged order of the anagram letters...
Stress and law enforcers: testing the relationship between law enforcement work stressors and health-related issues

This study examines the relationship between law enforcement work-related stressors and health issues. Specifically, this study attempts to determine the effects of stress-producing factors (e.g. vigorous activities at work, shift change, perceived danger associated with police work, etc.) on physiological health-related issues (e.g. the number of reported health issues, high blood pressure, back pain, and headaches) and psychosocial behavior problems (e.g. alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking) among police officers. The analyses are based on a total 1632 law enforcement officers, who represent 51 police agencies in the three major cities, New York City, Dallas Texas, and Minneapolis, USA. The research findings that emerged from this study show that the number of days in vigorous activities and perceived physiological demands have the strongest influence on the number of health-related issues. Working without a partner and frequent shift changes had the strongest influence on alcohol consumption by police officers.
Depression, anemia and health-related quality of life in chronic hepatitis C.

Background/Aims Hepatitis C (HCV) infected patients have significant health-related quality of life (HRQL) impairment which worsens during anti-viral therapy. Our aim was to examine the association of HRQL with treatment-induced depression and anemia. Methods Two hundred and seventy-one HCV patients who received pegylated interferon alfa 2b and ribavirin were included. Data on HRQL, depressive symptoms, laboratory values and socio-demographic characteristics were collected. Results Mean age was 47.1±6.5, 69% were male, and 73% were White. HCV patients' HRQL declined during anti-viral therapy but returned to or exceeded baseline levels within 24 weeks of completion. Anemia and depression were both associated with HRQL impairment. The effects of depression on HRQL were strong; once depression scores were included other factors were no longer significant. Patients' depressive symptoms tended to increase during the initial half of treatment regimen. Those with higher body mass index (BMI), cirrhosis, and women reported more HRQL impairments. HRQL scales were generally not associated with alcohol abuse, age, race, ALT and HCV RNA levels. Conclusions Anti-viral therapy for HCV is associated with diminished HRQL. Although anemia and depression were associated with this impairment, depression was the most consistent predictor. Future studies are needed to see whether proactive management of these side effects can improve patients' HRQL and the efficacy of antiviral therapy for hepatitis C.
Maize ROP7 GTPase contains a unique, CaaX box‐independent plasma membrane targeting signal

Signals in the carboxy-terminal hypervariable region (HVR) of Rho and Ras GTPases target these proteins to specific membrane compartments, where they function in signal transduction. ROP6 and ROP7 are closely related maize Rops (a plant-specific Rho subgroup) that share HVR sequences divergent from other Rho HVRs. Both ROPs terminate in CAA, instead of the consensus C-terminal CaaX motif required for membrane association of all characterized Ras and Rho GTPases. The ROP6/7 HVR contains two additional cysteines, potential sites for post-translational modification that leads to membrane association; one is in an internal CaaX motif, which would be at the C-terminus if the final intron in both genes were not removed. Transient expression of a GFP-ROP7 fusion revealed its near-total association with the plasma membrane (PM). Furthermore, the ROP7 HVR is sufficient to target GFP to the PM. Surprisingly, the cysteine in the terminal CAA is not required for PM targeting of GFP-ROP7. In contrast, an internal HVR cysteine is essential for proper targeting of the fusion, and the cysteine in the internal CaaX is required for complete membrane association. Interestingly, this CaaX motif can also direct PM association when placed at the fusion C-terminus by addition of an internal stop codon. Fractionation experiments confirm that maize ROPs associate with membranes in maize seedlings. Our analysis suggests that the ROP7 HVR directs PM localization by a mechanism independent of a C-terminal CaaX motif; this mechanism may have evolved through addition of 3' intron/exon sequences to a rop progenitor.
Rapid acquisition of NOE difference spectra. The relative merits of transient versus driven experimental protocols

Abstract The effect of substantial reduction in the preparatory waiting period employed in the collection of nuclear Overhauser effect spectra has been examined experimentally for systems near the extreme narrowing limit with particular emphasis on the truncated driven and selective inversion-recovery techniques which do not require a long evolution period. Over short evolution periods the NOE buildup rate should be directly proportional to the cross-relaxation rate by either method. The transient NOE experiment still provides accurate ratios of cross-relaxation rates even when the waiting time is less than T 1 . Comparisons of fractional enhancement data for prostaglandin F 2 α and four other prostanoids obtained by standard (long waiting time) and rapid acquisition protocols indicate that the rapid acquisition method can, with the proper choice of integration standards, be used for quantitative studies.
Flexural — torsional buckling analysis of arches with warping using DQM

The differential quadrature method (DQM) is applied to computation of the eigenvalues of flexural-torsional buckling of arches including a warping contribution. Critical loads are calculated for a single-span wide-flange arch subjected to equal and opposite inplane bending moments or uniformly distributed radial loads with various end conditions and opening angles. Results are compared with existing exact and numerical solutions by other methods where available. The differential quadrature method gives good accuracy even when only a limited number of grid points is used. New results are given for two sets of boundary conditions not previously considered for this problem: clamped-clamped and clamped-simply supported ends.
Cluttering: Assessment, treatment planning, and case study illustration

Successful treatment of clients who present with a multitude of interrelated impairments is frequently dependent upon thorough and accurate diagnosis of the problems. Individuals who clutter often demonstrate a variety of speech and language deficits that make diagnosis difficult. Two clinical tools believed to be useful for obtaining and organizing diagnostic data and for planning treatment with clients who show symptoms of cluttering are discussed. The case study report illustrates the utility of these tools for collecting and organizing all pertinent data.
Detection performance of multibranch and multichannel compressive receivers

Some proposed architectures for compressive sampling of time-domain signals involve splitting the signal into multiple branches. This approach is not unlike the idea of splitting a signal into in-phase and quadrature branches for a coherent receiver implementation, but in the case of a compressive receiver the idea is to modulate the signal in each branch against a different measurement kernel. Therefore, multiple projections can be captured in parallel over the same time interval of the signal. In this paper, we evaluate the detection performance of multibranch compressive receiver implementations. The noise statistics over receiver branches are derived and shown to depend on the quality of the low-noise amplifier (LNA). A high-gain, low-noise-figure amplifier causes correlated noise across the receiver branches, but avoids SNR loss due to the power divider. We discuss whether a multibranch approach can provide equal or better detection performance than a single-branch compressive receiver, and include comparisons for varying LNA quality. A comparison to a true multichannel implementation is also provided.
Classify cellular phenotype in high-throughput fluorescence microcopy images for RNAi genome-wide screening

As we know, the genes could cause the cell phenotypes to change dramatically. Currently, biologists attempt to perform the genome-wide RNAi screening to identify various image phenotypes. It is a challenging task to recognize the phenotypes automatically because of the noisy background and low contrast of fluorescence images. In this work, we applied two cellular segmentation techniques, deformable model and Cellprofiler software, for the preprocess of cellular segmentation. Then five kinds of features including wavelet feature, moments feature, haralick co-occurrence feature, region property feature, and problem-specific shape descriptor are extracted from the cellular patches. The genetic algorithm (GA) is applied to select a subset of the most discriminate features to remove the irrelevance and redundancy. We use linear discriminant analysis (LDA) as the tool for training the statistical classification model. Experimental results show the proposed approach works well in RNAi screening
Unusual association of ‘chloride cells’ with another cell type in the skin of the glass catfish, Kryptopterus bicirrhis

A previously undescribed association of typical 'chloride cells' and a second distinct cell type are observed in the skin of the freshwater glass catfish, Kryptopterus bicirrhis. The second cell type is similar to the chloride cell in that it contains abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. However, its small size and greater electron density suggest it is a 'resting' or non-functional chloride cell. Together these two cells form a crypt which leads to the skin surface. They may constitute a specialized structure involved in the passage of ions across the skin of these fish.
In the Name of the Nation: Blood Symbolism and the Political Habitus of Violence in Haiti

ABSTRACT Analysis of cultural categories such as personhood, family, and community, and the class of relations they imply, highlights how blood symbolism is paradigmatic in the production of social and political boundaries among Haitians. The principle that endows an individual or an individual's family with a social identity also functions as an exclusionary principle, allowing one to ritually, morally, and physically destroy rivals in the name of family, community, or nation. Drawing from research conducted in rural and urban Haiti as well as in the Haitian diaspora, this article explores how blood constitutes an organizing principle of the Haitian sociocultural universe. [blood symbolism, ritual of violence, Haiti and political habitus, anthropology of power and politics, witchcraft] RESUME L’analyse des categories culturelles comme le sang, la personne, la famille, la communaute, et les relations qu’elles impliquent, souligne a quel point le symbolisme du sang est paradigmatique dans la production de frontieres sociales et politiques entre les Haitiens. Le principe qui confere une identite sociale a un individu ou sa famille fonctionne egalement comme principe d’exclusion, permettant rituellement, moralement, et physiquement de detruire les rivaux, au nom de la famille, communaute ou nation. Puisant des recherches menees en Haiti et la diaspora haitienne, cet article explore comment le sang constitue un principe organisateur de l’univers socioculturel haitien.
Use of multifunctional nanoporous TiO(OH)2 for catalytic NaHCO3 decomposition-eventually for Na2CO3/NaHCO3 based CO2 separation technology

Abstract In general, CO2 capture from flue gas is a costly procedure, usually due to the energy required for regeneration of the capture medium. One potential medium which could reduce such an energy consumption, however, is Na2CO3. It has been well studied as a sorbent, and it is understood that the theoretical energy penalty of use of Na2CO3 for CO2 separation is low, due to the relatively low heat of reaction and low heat capacity of the material. While it offers some advantages over other methods, its primary downfall is the slow reaction with CO2 during adsorption and the slow Na2CO3 regeneration process. In an effort to reduce the energy penalty of post-combustion CO2 capture, the catalytic decomposition of NaHCO3 is studied. Nanoporous TiO(OH)2 is examined as a potential catalytic support for a cyclic Na2CO3/NaHCO3 based CO2 capture process. FT-IR, SEM, and XRD characterization of NaHCO3 supported on nanoporous TiO(OH)2 treated with different processes indicate that TiO(OH)2 is stable within the temperature range necessary for such a process, up to about 200 °C. More importantly, the TiO(OH)2 has a catalytic effect on the decomposition of NaHCO3, reducing the activation energy from about 80 to 36 kJ/mol. This significant drop in activation energy could translate into a much lower operating cost for regenerating Na2CO3. The reaction rate of NaHCO3 decomposition, or CO2 desorption, is observed to increase by as much as a factor of ten due to this decrease in activation energy.
Characterization of Fibrillar Collagens and Extracellular Matrix of Glandular Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Nodules

Objective Recent studies have associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with prostatic fibrosis, but a definitive link between collagen deposition and LUTS has yet to be demonstrated. The objective of this study was to evaluate ECM and collagen content within normal glandular prostate tissue and glandular BPH, and to evaluate the association of clinical parameters of LUTS with collagen content. Methods Fibrillar collagen and ECM content was assessed in normal prostate (48 patients) and glandular BPH nodules (24 patients) using Masson's trichrome stain and Picrosirius red stain. Second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging was used to evaluate collagen content. Additional BPH tissues (n = 47) were stained with Picrosirius red and the association between clinical parameters of BPH/LUTS and collagen content was assessed. Results ECM was similar in normal prostate and BPH (p = 0.44). Total collagen content between normal prostate and glandular BPH was similar (p = 0.27), but a significant increase in thicker collagen bundles was observed in BPH (p = 0.045). Using SHG imaging, collagen content in BPH (mean intensity = 62.52; SEM = 2.74) was significantly higher than in normal prostate (51.77±3.49; p = 0.02). Total collagen content was not associated with treatment with finasteride (p = 0.47) or α-blockers (p = 0.52), pre-TURP AUA symptom index (p = 0.90), prostate-specific antigen (p = 0.86), post-void residual (PVR; p = 0.32), prostate size (p = 0.21), or post-TURP PVR (p = 0.51). Collagen content was not associated with patient age in patients with BPH, however as men aged normal prostatic tissue had a decreased proportion of thick collagen bundles. Conclusions The proportion of larger bundles of collagen, but not total collagen, is increased in BPH nodules, suggesting that these large fibers may play a role in BPH/LUTS. Total collagen content is independent of clinical parameters of BPH and LUTS. If fibrosis and overall ECM deposition are associated with BPH/LUTS, this relationship likely exists in regions of the prostate other than glandular hyperplasia.
Flocculation of suspended sediment in rivers of Southeastern Canada

Abstract Flocculation has been studied extensively within marine science and sanitary engineering and the controlling processes are generally well known. Less research, however, has focused on flocculation within the freshwater river environment. Consequently the occurrence, importance and controlling mechanisms are poorly understood. We examine the suspended sediment characteristics of six rivers in southeastern Canada in order to determine the nature and significance of flocculation in finegrained suspended sediment transport and the factors that may influence it. While flocs may not always comprise the majority of particles in transport, they always represent more than 90% of the total volume of sediment transported. Independent variables that may influence flocculation, such as temperature, pH, major ions, dissolved and particulate organic carbon, suspended solids concentration and bacteria were measured in conjunction with floc size for one of the rivers. Particulate organic carbon concentration, suspended solids concentration and attached bacteria may be important controlling factors of riverine flocculation.
Intestinal sterols. V. Reduction of sterols by intestinal microorganisms.

Abstract Cholesterol was reduced to coprostanol by fecal microorganisms grown on a sterol-free brain medium. β-Sitosterol and 7-dehydrocholesterol were reduced to coprositostanol (24-ethylcoprostanol) and Δ 7 -coprostenol, respectively; Δ 7 -cholestenol underwent no change during the incubation. Incubation with CH 3 C 14 OONa demonstrated that no substantial amounts of sterols were synthesized de novo under the conditions of these experiments.
A no-reference metric for evaluating the quality of motion deblurring

Methods to undo the effects of motion blur are the subject of intense research, but evaluating and tuning these algorithms has traditionally required either user input or the availability of ground-truth images. We instead develop a metric for automatically predicting the perceptual quality of images produced by state-of-the-art deblurring algorithms. The metric is learned based on a massive user study, incorporates features that capture common deblurring artifacts, and does not require access to the original images (i.e., is "noreference"). We show that it better matches user-supplied rankings than previous approaches to measuring quality, and that in most cases it outperforms conventional full-reference image-similarity measures. We demonstrate applications of this metric to automatic selection of optimal algorithms and parameters, and to generation of fused images that combine multiple deblurring results.
Energetics in martensites

Martensitic transformations are shape-deforming phase transitions which can be induced in certain alloys as a result of changes in the imposed strains, stresses or temperatures. The interest in these alloys, which undergo a shape-deforming phase transition form a high temperature phase to a low temperature phase, stems in part from their applicability as elements in active structures. In this paper we focus on the energy transfers that accompany the martensitic phase change. We discuss, in three concrete examples, the ways in which temperature, together with the elastic and dissipated energies, determine the equilibria as well as the quasi-static dynamics in martensites. Thus, in (xi) 1 we consider the pseudoelastic hysteresis in shape- memory wires; our treatment draws from (7, 3). In (xi) 2, on the other hand, we follow and discuss equilibrium configurations in polycrystalline martensitic polycrystals. In (xi) 3, finally, we present some new theoretical computations for certain typical microstructural lengthscales, the twin widths, observed in single- crystalline martensite twinning.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The basic defect in cystic fibrosis

Abstract Recent evidence strongly suggests that the cystic fibrosis gene product (CFTR) is a Cl − channel. Its properties, however, differ from those of a 30–50 pS outwardly rectifying channel previously implicated as defective in cystic fibrosis. It is still uncertain whether the pleiotropic effects of the CF defect, such as increased airway Na + absorption and mucus sulfation, are secondary to reduced Cl − conductance, or reflect additional functions of CFTR.
Polymer-Based Cardiovascular Shear Stress Sensors

This paper describes a polymer-based cardiovascular shear stress sensor built on catheter for atherosis diagnosis. This flexible sensor detects small temperature perturbation as fluid past the sensing elements leading to changes in the resistance, from which shear stress is inferred. MicroElectroMechanical System (MEMS) surface manufacture technology is utilized for fabrication of the devices with biocompatible materials, such as parylene C, Titanium (Ti) and Platinum (Pt). The temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of the sensor is 0.11%/°C. When a catheter-based sensor is positioned near the wall of the rabbit aorta, our 3-D computational fluid dynamic model demonstrates that flow disturbance is negligible under steady state in a straight segment. The sensor has been packaged with a catheter and will be deployed into the aorta of NZW rabbits for realtime shear stress measurement.© 2007 ASME
Analysis of co-located MODIS and CALIPSO observations near clouds

Abstract. This paper aims at helping synergistic studies in combining data from different satellites for gaining new insights into two critical yet poorly understood aspects of anthropogenic climate change, aerosol-cloud interactions and aerosol radiative effects. In particular, the paper examines the way cloud information from the MODIS (MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) imager can refine our perceptions based on CALIOP (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization) lidar measurements about the systematic aerosol changes that occur near clouds. The statistical analysis of a yearlong dataset of co-located global maritime observations from the Aqua and CALIPSO (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation) satellites reveals that MODIS's multispectral imaging ability can greatly help the interpretation of CALIOP observations. The results show that imagers on Aqua and CALIPSO yield very similar pictures, and that the discrepancies – due mainly to wind drift and differences in view angle – do not significantly hinder aerosol measurements near clouds. By detecting clouds outside the CALIOP track, MODIS reveals that clouds are usually closer to clear areas than CALIOP data alone would suggest. The paper finds statistical relationships between the distances to clouds in MODIS and CALIOP data, and proposes a rescaling approach to statistically account for the impact of clouds outside the CALIOP track even when MODIS cannot reliably detect low clouds, for example at night or over sea ice. Finally, the results show that the typical distance to clouds depends on both cloud coverage and cloud type, and accordingly varies with location and season. In maritime areas perceived cloud free, the global median distance to clouds below 3 km altitude is in the 4–5 km range.