cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Partial neutron cross sections for 47Ti and 48Ti between 14.3 and 19.1 MeV

Abstract Activation techniques have been used to measure cross sections for the 47Ti(n, p)47Sc, 48Ti(n, p)48Sc and 48Ti(n, np)47Sc+ 48Ti(n, d)47Sc reactions between 14.3 and 19.1 MeV. Gamma rays from the decay of the residual nuclei were detected using a Ge(Li) detector with an energy resolution of 2.0 keV FWHM at 1.33 MeV. The mixed powder method was employed at all neutron energies to determine the neutron flux, and the associated particle method was used to check the mixed powder flux measurements at 14.3 Mev. Good agreement with the results of previous measurements was obtained for the average cross sections of the 48T(n, p)48Sc and 48T(n, np)47Sc+48Ti(n, d)47Sc reactions. However, the measured cross sections for the 47T(n, p)47Sc reaction were consistently 20% above previously reported data. Measured cross sections for the 47Ti(n, p)47Sc reaction are 158±9, 142±12, 131±7, 103±6, 125±10 and 122±9 mb at 14.3±0.3, 14.9±0.6, 16.2±0.2, 17.1 ±0.1, 18.2 ±0.1 and 19.1 ±0.1 MeV, respectively. Over this same range of neutron energies, measured cross sections for the 48Ti(n, p)48Sc reaction are 72± 3, 69± 6, 60± 4, 50± 2 and 48± 4 mb, and measured cross sections for the 48Ti(n, np)4Sc+48Ti(n, d)47Sc reactions are 9.5±0.6, 14.8±1.5, 24.6±1.6, 52.5±2.7 and 97.8±8.8mb, respectively.
Pharmacodynamics-Mediated Drug Disposition (PDMDD) and Precursor Pool Lifespan Model for Single Dose of Romiplostim in Healthy Subjects

The objective of this study was to characterize the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK-PD) of romiplostim after single-dose administration in healthy subjects. The mean serum romiplostim concentrations (PK data) and mean platelet counts (PD data) collected from 32 subjects receiving a single intravenous (0.3, 1 and 10 μg/kg) or subcutaneous (0.1, 0.3, 1, and 2 μg/kg) dose were fitted simultaneously to a mechanistic PK-PD model based on pharmacodynamics-mediated drug disposition (PDMDD) and a precursor pool lifespan concept. The two-compartment PK model incorporated receptor-mediated endocytosis and linear mechanisms as parallel elimination pathways. The maximal concentration of receptors (assumed to be proportional to the platelet count), the equilibrium dissociation constant, and the first-order internalization rate constant for endocytosis of the drug-receptor complex were 0.022 fg/platelet, 0.131 ng/mL, and 0.173 h−1, respectively. Romiplostim concentration stimulates the production of platelet precursors via the Hill function, where the SC50 was 0.052 ng/mL and Smax was 11.2. The estimated precursor cell and platelet lifespans were 5.9 and 10.5 days, respectively. Model-based simulations revealed that the romiplostim exposure and the platelet response are both dependent on the dose administered and the baseline platelet counts. Also, weekly dosing produced a sustained PD response while dosing intervals ≥2 weeks resulted in fluctuating platelet counts. Thus, the mechanistic PK-PD model was suitable for describing the romiplostim PK-PD interplay (PDMDD), the dose-dependent platelet stimulation, and the lifespans of thrombopoietic cell populations.
Environmental accounting and auditing

From a management viewpoint, identifies the quantitative information relative to environmental activities the management should have. Describes the types of auditing that should be conducted to protect the organization. Cost and liabilities must be established on an objective and realistic basis. Auditing by external and internal auditors must be the safety valve – the control that helps to ensure that there will be a minimum exposure to serious problems and then, when the problems occur, that the requirements of the government agencies are met.
Dynamic Response Of Molecular Orientation In Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals

We present numerical solutions of the equation of motion that governs the dynamics of molecular orientation in ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs). The obtained solutions illustrate novel electro-optic effects in FLCs. Specifically, we treat the switching by an applied electrical pulse between two optically distinct stable states, and calculate the requisite pulse width for switching as a function of pulse amplitude. We also show that with appropriate liquid crystal cell preparation, switching between four distinct states is feasible.
An investigation into the significance of the non-linear terms in the equations of motion for a cantilevered beam

Abstract Non-linear beam models can provide accurate and efficient results and are therefore used frequently in the structural dynamic analysis of large-aspect-ratio cantilevered structures. Using a beam model is especially beneficial in aeroelastic applications, which are computationally expensive. This paper investigates the significance of each of the non-linear terms in a third-order non-linear beam model and shows the importance of retaining terms up to the third order. The approach presented in this paper provides an effective method to simplify the non-linear equations of motion by including the most significant non-linear terms. The resulting equations preserve the fidelity of the original equations and are easier to manipulate.
Syntrophin γ2 Regulates SCN5A Gating by a PDZ Domain-mediated Interaction

SCN5A encodes the α subunit of the cardiac muscle and intestinal smooth muscle mechanosensitive Na+ channel. Mechanosensitivity in the intestine requires an intact cytoskeleton. We report, using laser capture microdissection, single cell PCR, and immunohistochemistry, that syntrophins, scaffolding proteins, were expressed in human intestinal smooth muscle cells. The distribution of syntrophin γ2 was similar to that of SCN5A. Yeast two-hybrid and glutathione S-transferase pull-down experiments show that SCN5A and syntrophin γ2 co-express and that the PDZ domain of syntrophin γ2 directly interacts with the C terminus of SCN5A. In native cells, disruption of the C terminus-syntrophin γ2 PDZ domain interaction using peptides directed against either region result in loss of mechanosensitivity. Co-transfection of syntrophin γ2 with SCN5A in HEK293 cells markedly shifts the activation kinetics of SCN5A and reduces the availability of Na+ current. We propose that syntrophin γ2 is an essential Na+ channel-interacting protein required for the full expression of the Na+ current and that the SCN5A-syntrophin γ2 interaction determines mechanosensitivity and current availability.
On Optimal Evaluation of Preference Queries

Preference queries, in general, retrieve most preferred tuple(s) in a given relation r(R) for a user-specified preference formula in either relational algebra or SQL. Due to the huge volume of data in today's databases and world-wide-Web information systems and peculiar characteristics of preference formula defined in terms of r(R) times r(R), processing preference queries could be time-consuming, and some techniques for improving the process of evaluating preference queries are needed. This paper will address some semantic techniques and heuristics to improve the processing of preference queries. The technique will explore semantic relationship among a set of attributes in a preference formula and utilize this kind of semantic information to evaluate preference queries better.
Will Paid Home Care Erode Informal Support

One of the main barriers to the expansion of paid home care for the chronically disabled is the fear that policymakers have that it will cause friends and relatives to curtail their informal caregiving efforts. Using the first wave of the National Long-Term Care Survey, we examine whether the amount of paid home care used by disabled elderly persons had a significant influence on the amount of informal support they were receiving. Results from a two-stage least squares regression analysis suggest that the amount of informal home care received was not significantly affected by the level of formal care. This conclusion held for subgroups of formal care users most likely to exhibit substitution: those without cognitive problems, the disabled elderly with above average income, and persons who lived alone. Even the more severely disabled elderly, who are the target of most proposals to expand paid home care, did not substitute paid care for unpaid. Thus, our study suggests that an increase in paid home care will not erode informal support.
The structure of high polymer spherulites

The spherulitic structures in very thin films of linear plolyethylene and poly-oxa-1,4-bis(dimethylsilylene) benzene have been examined by a variety of optical techniques. These techniques included bright field electron microscopy and bright and dark field light microscopy. Polarization effects in these polymers were also examined using the light microscope. The polarization phenomena were most marked in the poly-oxa-1,4-bis(dimethylsilylene) benzene, presumably as a result of the benzene ring. The negative polyethylene spherulites showed a banded structure in all types of illumination. It was shown that the banded structure exhibited between crossed Nicols is due to low positive birefringence while the black cross was due to zero amplitude effects. All the optical phenomena could be interpreted in terms of a model which proposes that a given spherulite radius is coposed of a stack of crystallites whose refractive index ellipsoids (a) have centers along the radius, (b) have optic axes which make a fixed angle with the spherulite radius, and (c) are twisted as they go out along the radius so that the displacement is proportional to the twist. The model also emphasizes the presence of interstitial amorphous polymer. On the basis of this model the crystallites in polyethylene spherulites were shown to have a twist length of about 4 μ and to have their major refractive index axes (chain directions) inclined at an angle of 75° to the spherulite radius.
A Coordinating Algorithm for Dispatching Regulation Services Between Slow and Fast Power Regulating Resources

This paper presents a novel coordinating algorithm for dispatching regulation services between slow and fast power regulating resources using a conventional power generator and a flywheel energy storage system as an example. The goal is to let the flywheel storage device follow the fast changes in the regulation signal and let the conventional generator compensate for the energy imbalance when the flywheel storage is nearly fully charged or discharged. A state-of-charge (SOC) band control algorithm is developed to maintain the storage device SOC within a desired range. Real system regulation signals were used to test the performance of the coordinating algorithm. The simulation results show that: 1) the HRR achieves the same fast response rate as that of the storage device, 2) the up and down movements of the generator are minimized, and 3) the SOC of the storage device is maintained within the desired range most of the time. Therefore, the proposed coordinating algorithm can provide the high quality regulation service while reducing maintenance-inducing strain on conventional generators.
Optical Nanoscopy: From Acquisition to Analysis

Recent advances in far-field microscopy have demonstrated that fluorescence imaging is possible at resolutions well below the long-standing diffraction limit. By exploiting photophysical properties of fluorescent probe molecules, this new class of methods yields a resolving power that is fundamentally diffraction unlimited. Although these methods are becoming more widely used in biological imaging, they must be complemented by suitable data analysis approaches if their potential is to be fully realized. Here we review the basic principles of diffraction-unlimited microscopy and how these principles influence the selection of available algorithms for data analysis. Furthermore, we provide an overview of existing analysis strategies and discuss their application.
A Comparison of Learning Disabled and Normal Children on the Boehm Test of Basic Concepts

The performance of learning disabled children was compared with that of normal children on the Boehm Test of Basic Concepts, a 50-item instrument designed to assess comprehension of concepts considered important for achievement in the first years of school. The LD were found to have a lower level as well as greater variability in their understanding of basic concepts. The greatest discrepancy of the LD group was found on concepts of quantity, space, and miscellaneous, respectively. It was concluded that LD children do not possess the same degree of understanding of basic concepts as normal children.
A Polymer-Based Microfluidic Platform Featuring On-Chip Actuated Hydrogel Valves for Disposable Applications

present a highly functional polymer-based microfluidic device for disposable applications. This device is plastic injection molded and exhibits three levels of functionality: 1) fluidic interconnects are monolithically integrated with the device, enabling robust manufacturing and high-pressure operation (> 3.5 MPa); 2) a metal layer is lithographically patterned in the form of microheaters; and 3) a thermally sensitive hydrogel valve is integrated into the channel. The valve is normally closed at room temperature. Upon heating to above the lower critical solution temperature of 32°C, the polymer valve becomes hydrophobic, shrinks while forming large pores, and permits flow. The device has been actuated reliably over 100 times with no apparent degradation. The valve closing response using the integrated on-chip heaters is 5 s, as opposed to 20 s when using off-chip heat sources. On average, a completed device can be fabricated in less than 2 h and only requires an external pressure source and electrical controller for operation.
Catalytic Activity and Performance of Copper-Based Complexes Mediating Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

The factors affecting the performance of the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) catalyst, i.e., its activity, ability to control the polymerization, and its propensity to participate in side complexation or redox reactions are summarized in this brief review. The effect of the ligand, transferable halogen atom, and the reaction solvent can be understood and quantified by formally splitting the overall atom transfer equilibrium into contributing reactions, including the homolysis of a carbonhalogen bond, reduction of the halogen atom to a halide ion (electron affinity), oxidation of the lower oxidation state metal complex (activator), and formation of the radical deactivator via coordination of a halide anion to the higher oxidation state metal complex (halidophilicity).
Temporal factors influencing performance in the missing scan paradigm

Sixty Ss were each presented 120 random sequences of 9 of the 10 digits (0–9); their task on each trial was to supply the missing digit. Two stimulus input rates and two response time limits were combined factorially to yield four experimental conditions. Contrary to expectation, evidence seeming to support the use of a strategy based on the ordinal properties of the stimuli was found only when rapid (1-sec) responses were required, regardless of input rate. It is suggested that this result is most reasonably attributed to the operation of a guessing bias for numbers in the middle of the ordinal sequence. Differences in the constitution of the stimulus series may account for the failure to confirm previous findings of an ordinal strategy.
Source reconstruction via mobile agents in sensor networks: throughput-distortion characteristics

We consider the problem of reconstructing a signal field measured by a large scale sensor network with mobile agents. Sensors transmit packets containing measurement data to mobile agents using either random or deterministic medium access control (MAC) schemes, and the signal field is reconstructed by mobile agents that minimize the mean square error of the reconstruction. For the one-dimensional Gauss-Markov field, we investigate the relation between the system throughput and reconstruction distortion, for different types of MAC schemes. We show that at low throughput level, increasing system throughput decreases the reconstruction distortion considerably. But the improvement is much less when the throughput is relatively high. We also show that the choice of MAC schemes can affect the reconstruction performance significantly, especially when the measurement noise is low.
Gender Issues within the Population-Environment Nexus in Philippine Coastal Areas

Sixty percent of Philippine’s population resides in the coastal zone. Women and men in coastal communities depend chiefly on the sea for subsistence. Over fifty percent of the dietary protein requirements of coastal communities are derived from municipal fisheries and shallow coastal habitats (reef fishes, marine plants and mangroves). Coastal populations are young and expanding at rates that exceed regional and national averages. Expanding human pressures and man-made disturbances (over harvesting, destructive fishing, siltation etc.) that offset natural processes are destroying habitats and creating protein food security crises and increasing malnutrition. At the same time conflicts among users of coastal resources are escalating. Access constraints, gender inequities and cultural barriers stymie options for women and men to plan their families and create alternative livelihoods. National and local government agencies are addressing food security concerns through vertical policies and programs (e.g., fisheries management, integrated coastal management). The IPOPCORM project uses a cross-sectoral approach and quasi-experimental evaluation design to test the hypothesis that food security will be achieved more quickly when coastal resources management (CRM) and reproductive health (RH) management are implemented together. The purpose of this paper is to review the project’s experience and highlight the trends observed in program monitoring and evaluation during 2001-2004, which suggest better impact on RH, CRM and gender indicators in the sites where the synergistic approach is being applied.
The Effects of School Climate on School Disorder

Explanations of school disorder have suffered from at least two deficits: (1) institutional explanations of disorder (that is, school climate) have been largely ignored, and (2) insufficient attention to appropriate measures of disorder has guided research and policy. Like people, schools have their own characteristic personalities, or climates. Using survey responses from students in middle schools in Philadelphia, the author discusses the effects of school climate (such as clarity and fairness of rules) and individual student characteristics (such as age, sex, race, and dimensions of bonding) on different measures of school disorder, including victimization, avoidance, perceptions of safety, misconduct, and offending. The schools varied significantly on all measures of disorder, and school climate provided significant explanatory power for each. Results varied for different measures, though. For example, school climate predicted less serious misconduct more strongly than it predicted serious offending. ...
The effect of extracorporeal life support on the brain: cardiopulmonary bypass.

This article reviews the mechanisms of brain injury associated with cardiopulmonary bypass. These include embolic injury of both a gaseous and particulate nature as well as global hypoxic ischemic injury. Ischemic injury can result from problems associated with venous drainage or with arterial inflow including a steal secondary to systemic to pulmonary collateral vessels. Modifications in the technique of cardiopulmonary bypass have reduced the risk of global hypoxic/ischemic injury. Laboratory and clinical studies have demonstrated that perfusion hematocrit should be maintained above 25% and preferably above 30%. Perfusion pH is also critically important, particularly when hypothermia is employed. An alkaline pH can limit cerebral oxygen delivery by inducing cerebral vasoconstriction as well as shifting oxyhemoglobin dissociation leftwards. If deep hypothermia is employed, it is critically important to add carbon dioxide using the so-called “pH stat” strategy. Oxygen management during cardiopulmonary bypass is also important. Although there is currently enthusiasm for using air rather than pure oxygen, ie, adding nitrogen, this does introduce a greater risk of gaseous nitrogen emboli since nitrogen is much less soluble than oxygen. The use of pure oxygen in conjunction with CO2 to apply the pH stat strategy is recommended. Many of the lessons learned from studies focusing on brain protection during cardiopulmonary bypass can be applied to the patient being supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Overexpressed full-length human BCL2 extends the survival of baculovirus-infected Sf9 insect cells.

Abstract Full-length and truncated human BCL2 lacking the entire C-terminal hydrophobic domain have been overexpressed in Spodoptera frugiperda insect cells with the baculovirus expression system. Immunoblot analysis with BCL2-specific antibodies revealed that both full-length and truncated BCL2 are expressed as multiple immunoreactive species, suggesting posttranslational modifications. The expression of the full-length but not the truncated BCL2 extended the survival of baculovirus-infected cells by preventing virus-induced DNA cleavage. This result is consistent with the reported protective effect of BCL2 against apoptosis in mammalian lymphocytes and suggests a conserved function in evolution. Subcellular fractionation and indirect immunofluorescence studies in intact cells demonstrated that the recombinant full-length and truncated BCL2 proteins were expressed predominantly as nuclear membrane-associated proteins. These results imply that BCL2 must utilize hydrophobic domains other than the deleted domain for its association with the subcellular membranes. Metabolic labeling of insect cells expressing the full-length and the truncated form of BCL2 with 32P(i) demonstrated that BCL2 is a phosphoprotein.
Partitioning whole‐lake denitrification using in situ dinitrogen gas accumulation and intact sediment core experiments

We measured in situ hypolimnion and metalimnion dinitrogen (N 2 ) accumulation rates and N 2 production from sediments in contact with the reservoir epilimnia for 3 small (< 1 km 2 ) and shallow reservoirs with inherently low stratification stability. Hypolimnion areal denitrification rates ranged from 98.6 to 168 μmol N 2 -N m ―2 h ―1 , while metalimnion rates were up to two times greater. A laboratory experiment simulating the temporary breakdown and reestablishment of the oxycline confirmed that short-term metalimnetic denitrification could be important in reactive nitrogen (N) loss in these reservoirs. Net denitrification occurred in sediments in contact with reservoir epilimnia during seasonal mixing, but net N 2 fixation occurred in these sediments during stratification. The observed shift between net denitrification and net N 2 fixation in epilimnetic sediments corresponded with an annual cycle of nitrate availability in the epilimnia. Annual whole-reservoir denitrification rates ranged from 12 to 23 g N m ―2 yr ―1 . The hypolimnion contribution to annual denitrification was 16―25%. Sediments in contact with epilimnia were the greatest N 2 source in all of the reservoirs. However, denitrification in the anoxic metalimnion was of similar magnitude to denitrification in epilimnetic sediments at one reservoir, and variability in metalimnetic denitrification rates was related to the strength of stratification stability. Integrating habitat-specific measurements into whole-lake denitrification rates showed that hydrologically dynamic habitats represent important denitrification hotspots, and that periodic disturbances fuel hot moments for denitrification.
Failure of College Students to Complete an Online Alcohol Education Course as a Predictor of High-Risk Drinking That Requires Medical Attention

Background: AlcoholEdu® for College and other computer-based education programs have been developed to reduce alcohol use and related problems among students. Objectives: This study investigated whether the failure of incoming first-year students to complete AlcoholEdu predicts future high-risk drinking that requires medical attention. Methods: A review of clinical records kept by a single university’s health service identified 684 undergraduates (classes of 2007–2011) who had presented for an alcohol event (September 2003 through June 2008). We used survival analysis to determine whether students who partially completed the course or failed to take it were disproportionately represented among student patients who presented with elevated blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Results: Students who failed to take the online course were 4.64 times more likely than those who completed it to experience an alcohol event (p < .0001), while those students who had partially completed the course were 1.52 times more l...
Analog floating-point BiCMOS sampling chip and architecture of the BaBar CsI calorimeter front-end electronics system at the SLAC B-factory

The design and implementation of an analog floating-point sampling integrated circuit for the BaBar detector at the SLAC B-Factory is described. The CARE (Custom Auto-Range Encoding) circuit is part of an 18-bit dynamic range sampling system with a 4-MHz waveform digitization rate for the CsI calorimeter. The architecture and methodology of the system are described. The CARE integrated circuit receives dual-range (gain of 1 and 32) 13-bit signals from the 18-bit range preamplifiers mounted directly on the CsI crystals and converts the input at a rate of 4 MHz to an auto-range floating-point format with a 10-bit analog mantissa and 2 digital range bits (for 4 ranges). Additional functions integrated on the chip are averaging and selection circuitry for signals originating from two independent diodes per crystal and range-selection overwrite circuitry. The circuit will be mounted within the detector structure and thus low power dissipation is essential. The circuit has been fabricated in a 1.2-/spl mu/m BiCMOS process with polysilicon-to-polysilicon capacitors and polysilicon resistors. Measurement results are presented. One complete CARE channel dissipates 25 mW.
Modeling of photobleaching for the photoinitiation of thick polymerization systems

We present a mathematical description of the spatial and temporal evolution of the light intensity gradient, initiator concentration gradient, and initiation rate profiles for photobleaching initiator systems. This article builds on the foundation provided by previous researchers' contributions by generalizing the governing differential equations to include the effects of absorption by the initiator fragments, absorption by the monomer, and diffusion of the initiator. Simulation results have confirmed that, at any given time, the initiation rate profile resembles a wave front that propagates through the sample. The simulation results suggest that there is an optimum initiator concentration for efficient photopolymerization of thick samples. As either the initiator concentration or molar absorptivity is increased, the initiation rate at the peak of the wave front increases, the breadth of the propagating front decreases, and the rate of spatial propagation through the sample decreases. In contrast, the maximum photoinitiation rate and rate of spatial propagation of the initiation front can be simultaneously increased with an increasing initiator quantum yield or a decreasing absorptivity of the monomer or photolysis products. Finally, on the basis of these studies, diffusion is expected to have negligible effects in most photobleaching systems.
Temperature dependence of the noise amplitude in graphene and graphene oxide

Graphene and related materials such as carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide are promising materials for future applications in chemical sensing and electronics. Electronic noise in these materials is typically very high due to the low number of carriers and the inverse dependence of 1/f noise on the number of carriers. We have investigated the changes in 1/f noise amplitude with temperature in exfoliated graphene and reduced graphene oxide devices. We show that using reduced graphene oxide results in an intriguing environmental coupling to noise amplitude. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Protocol for CFD prediction of cooling-tower drift in an urban environment

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code including Lagrangian prediction of the gravity driven but stochastic trajectory descent of droplets is considered to predict plume rise and surface drift deposition from mechanical draft cooling towers. CFD drift deposition calculations are performed for a specific urban cooling-tower situation with and without the urban buildings surrounding the cooling-tower complex present to produce a set of multiplicative factors that could be used to correct seasonal or annual predictions for the presence of large urban structures.
The Science of Design: A Multidisciplinary Research Experience for Undergraduates at Humboldt State University

Humboldt State University hosted an NSF-sponsored Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) during the summer of 2005 with a focus on "The Science of Design". This REU was a joint venture between the Computer Science, Mathematics and Environmental Resources Engineering Departments. Eight students from diverse backgrounds participated in the eight-week program that included an independent research project as well as group activities where students investigated design aspects of engineering, computer science and math modeling. The REU students also attended sessions aimed at building their leadership and teamwork skills. The over-arching concept of the science of design was an effective way to think about design in a multidisciplinary group.
Signaling traffic in the pan European digital cellular radio (GSM) system

The results of several network modeling and analysis studies of the signaling architecture for GSM are reported. The simulated total distribution of signaling traffic for a system designed to handle 150 K busy hour call attempts is presented. Traffic loads and message size distributions are presented for various network entities. The correct signaling link dimensioning required to accommodate such a system is shown. >
The Acquisition of Exogenous Algal Symbionts by an Octocoral After Bleaching

Episodes of coral bleaching (loss of the symbiotic dinoflagellates) and coral mortality have occurred with increasing frequency over the past two decades. Although some corals recover from bleaching events, the source of the repopulating symbionts is unknown. Here we show that after bleaching, the adult octocoral Briareum sp. acquire dinoflagellate symbionts (Symbiodinium sp.) from the environment. Uptake of exogenous symbionts provides a mechanism for response to changes in the environment and resilience in the symbiosis.
Secured ECG signal transmission for human emotional stress classification in wireless body area networks

Information security is key important when we are trying to interconnect the wireless body sensor network with the healthcare social network via mobile facilities. In this paper, we specially work on a secured electrocardiogram (ECG) signal transmission scheme to prevent further injuries for patients with heart diseases from human emotional stress. We proposed a dynamic encryption method via biometric information among frequency spectrums of ECG signals, which can guarantee both high classification rate (>90 %) and system energy efficiency. At the same time, cooperative relays are applied for an additional spatial diversity gains. Simulation results show that the improved transmission rate and signal power capacity can lower the probability of data intercept (LPI) and detection (LPD) by taking the advantages of both temporal and spatial diversities. The network security thereby can be further improved.
Moving On Up: H+-PPase Mediated Crop Improvement

Upregulation of H(+)-PPase in diverse crop systems triggers agriculturally beneficial phenotypes including augmented stress tolerance, improved water and nutrient use efficiencies, and increased biomass and yield. We argue that further research is warranted to maximize the full potential of this simple and successful biotechnology.
Method of Influence Coefficients for Kinematic and Dynamic Modeling of Robotic Systems

In this paper, a summary of the method of influence coefficients for kinematic and dynamic modeling is presented and extended to kinematic trees. This method allows the decoupling of the parameters defining the system's geometry and mass properties from the time states of the generalized coordinates used to define the system, which further allows for the kinematic and dynamic models to be transformed from one set of coordinates to another in a purely algebraic manner. For a multi-input–multi-output system such as a planar or spatial robotic system, the first-order influence coefficients are matrices, while the second-order influence coefficients are arrays of matrices. This paper starts by describing the structure of these coefficients followed by a description of the algebraic operations involving these. Next, an approach to compute the kinematic influence coefficients for kinematic trees of general geometry is presented followed by a description of the computations involved in determining the inertial influence coefficients used to compute the inertial forces acting on the system. The transformation of the influence coefficients from one set of generalized coordinates to another is also shown. Finally, a planar mechanism with seven joints and two end-effectors is used to illustrate the use of the method and to convert an open-loop mechanism into a closed-loop one.
Effects of a Resistant Maize Genotype and Cytoplasmic Polyhedrosis Virus on Growth and Development of the Corn Earworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The effects of a maize, Zea mays L., genotype, ‘Zapalote Chico’ 2451#(P)(C3), resistant to the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), alone and in combination with cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus (CPV) on the growth and development of corn earworm were investigated. Corn earworm fed ‘Zapalote Chico’ silks incorporated into a laboratory diet were significantly smaller, had higher mortality, and required longer to complete each developmental stage when compared to those on control diet. CPV significantly reduced corn earworm larval and adult weights, prolonged larval developmental period, and adversely affected percentages of pupation and adult emergence. ‘Zapalote Chico’ and CPV interacted synergistically with respect to pupal and adult weights and antagonistically with respect to larval weight. Nevertheless, adults from treatment combinations of CPV and silk weighed up to 41% less than those of control diet. ‘Zapalote Chico’ and CPV were independent in action with respect to percent larval survival, percent pupation and percent adult emergence of corn earworm. The effects of silk and CPV on developmental times were most severe for the larval stage. Larval period was prolonged 5.3 d when larvae were fed ‘Zapalote Chico’ alone; but, in combination with CPV (which increased larval period by 1.6 d), duration of larval stage was synergistically prolonged 10.8 d (mean larval period, 23.8 d) when compared to that of the control diet. Pupal period in the treatment with combined silk and CPV was 13.2 d, which was significantly longer than the 11.8 d on control diet. The mean developmental period from neonate to adult for corn earworm fed silk was 30.3 d; but it synergistically increased to 37.4 d when CPV was given together with ‘Zapalote Chico’, as compared to 24.8 d in the control. The potential use of maize resistance and CPV in the integrated pest management of corn earworm is discussed.
Semen quality before and after processing by a swim-up method: relationship to outcome of intrauterine insemination

Twenty-five couples with normal semen analyses and postcoital tests of ≤3 motile sperm/high-power field were treated by intrauterine insemination (IUI) with sperm prepared by a swim-up method. Eight women conceived (32%). Influence of semen parameters both before and after swim-up, patient age, and duration of infertility on outcome of IUI was assessed with logistic discriminant analysis. The percent motility of sperm after swim-up allowed significant differentiation of pregnant and nonpregnant patients ( P = 0.0009). For patients with >79% motility after swim-up, discrimination provided by post-swim-up motility ( P = 0.0063) was enhanced by inclusion in the analysis of either total number of motile sperm used for insemination ( P = 0.0021) or sperm concentration after swim-up ( P = 0.0019). Predictions of nonpregnancy and pregnancy were correct at rates of 93.3 and 70%, respectively. There were no significant differences between semen parameters of conception and nonconception cycles of patients who conceived.
Ligand structure and mechanical properties of single-nanoparticle-thick membranes.

The high mechanical stiffness of single-nanoparticle-thick membranes is believed to result from the local structure of ligand coatings that mediate interactions between nanoparticles. These ligand structures are not directly observable experimentally. We use molecular dynamics simulations to observe variations in ligand structure and simultaneously measure variations in membrane mechanical properties. We have shown previously that ligand end group has a large impact on ligand structure and membrane mechanical properties. Here we introduce and apply quantitative molecular structure measures to these membranes and extend analysis to multiple nanoparticle core sizes and ligand lengths. Simulations of nanoparticle membranes with a nanoparticle core diameter of 4 or 6 nm, a ligand length of 11 or 17 methylenes, and either carboxyl (COOH) or methyl $({\mathrm{CH}}_{3})$ ligand end groups are presented. In carboxyl-terminated ligand systems, structure and interactions are dominated by an end-to-end orientation of ligands. In methyl-terminated ligand systems large ordered ligand structures form, but nanoparticle interactions are dominated by disordered, partially interdigitated ligands. Core size and ligand length also affect both ligand arrangement within the membrane and the membrane's macroscopic mechanical response, but are secondary to the role of the ligand end group. Moreover, the particular end group (COOH or ${\mathrm{CH}}_{3}$) alters the nature of how ligand length, in turn, affects the membrane properties. The effect of core size does not depend on the ligand end group, with larger cores always leading to stiffer membranes. Asymmetry in the stress and ligand density is observed in membranes during preparation at a water-vapor interface, with the stress asymmetry persisting in all membranes after drying.
Strategies for successfully managing the anemia of chronic kidney disease in the long-term care setting.

OBJECTIVE To provide an overview of the challenges of and strategies for treating anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in geriatric patients. DATA SOURCES Recent literature (1995-present) STUDY SELECTION Papers that focused on geriatric patients and provided background on erythropoiesis and management of anemia that is associated with CKD disease were reviewed and included. DATA EXTRACTION Data included in the review are relevant to the risks and benefits of treatments for anemia that is associated with CKD. DATA SYNTHESIS A review of the data allowed a relevant discussion of the current knowledge base of anemia that is associated with CKD in geriatric patients with a goal of enhancing the clinician's ability to effectively manage anemia in this population. CONCLUSION The treatment of the anemia of CKD in the long-term care setting requires an understanding of the risks and limitations of the currently available therapies. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are often indicated in combination with iron supplementation. The activity and adverse effect profiles of the available agents are comparable. The decision to treat anemia in the long-term care setting should be based on a consideration of the risks and benefits of treatment.
Cumulative Advantage in Sustainability Communication: Unintended Implications of the Knowledge Deficit Model

The knowledge deficit model proposes that more information increases public knowledge levels about a given topic and thus leads to improved attitudes and practice. However, research critiques the varying and limited ability of the deficit model. We argue that the deficit model can also produce an unintended cumulative advantage system: growing inequality between and within the knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) gap of individuals and groups due to a wide variety of possible moderators. Over time, these effects can exacerbate gaps between individuals’ and groups’ levels of KAP. We discuss the negative effects of increasing inequality in sustainability KAP and provide recommendations for future research.
Optical bound states of 2D high-contrast grating for refractometric sensing

We report the numerical study of optical bound states in the radiation continuum using a silicon-based 2D high-contrast grating. The results show two distinct bound states at 1549.2 nm and 1743.1 nm. The high-Q resonances present near the bound states are exploited as a label-free biosensor.
Evaluation of a novel label-free photonic-crystal biosensor imaging system for the detection of prostate cancer cells

Biomarker screening for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is the current clinical standard for detection of prostate cancer. However this method has shown many limitations, mainly in its specificity, which can lead to a high false positive rate. Thus, there is a growing need in developing a more specific detection system for prostate cancer. Using a Photonic- Crystal-based biosensor in a Total-Internal-Reflection (PC-TIR) configuration, we demonstrate the use of refractive index (RI) to accomplish label-free detection of prostate cancer cells against non-cancerous prostate epithelial cells. The PC-TIR biosensor possesses an open microcavity, which in contrast to traditional closed microcavities, allows for easier access of analyte molecules or cells to interact with its sensing surface. In this study, an imaging system was designed using the PC-TIR biosensor to quantify cell RI as the contrast parameter for prostate cancer detection. Non-cancerous BPH-1 prostate epithelial cells and prostate cancer PC-3 cells were placed on a single biosensor and measured concurrently. Recorded image data was then analyzed through a home-built MatLab program. Results demonstrate that RI is a suitable variable for differentiation between prostate cancer cells and non-cancerous prostate epithelial cells. Our study shows clinical potential in utilizing RI test for the detection of prostate cancer.
Quantification in Malayalam

After presenting some basic genetic, historical and typological information about Malayalam, this chapter outlines the quantification patterns it expresses. It illustrates various semantic types of quantifiers, such as generalized existential, generalized universal, proportional, definite and partitive which are defined in the Quantifier Questionnaire in Chap. “The Quantifier Questionnaire”. It partitions the expression of the semantic types into morpho-syntactic classes: Adverbial type quantifiers and Nominal (or Determiner) type quantifiers. For the various semantic and morpho-syntactic types of quantifiers it also distinguishes syntactically simple and syntactically complex quantifiers, as well as issues of distributivity and scope interaction, classifiers and measure expressions, and existential constructions. The chapter describes structural properties of determiners and quantified noun phrases in Malayalam, both in terms of internal structure (morphological or syntactic) and distribution.
Entanglement enabled synthetic aperture in decohering environments

We propose a protocol for synthesizing large apertures in interferometry using imperfectly entangled quantum states shared between remote telescopes. The protocol is feasible in any environment and provides high-resolution images of distant sources.
Abstract WP435: Acute Blood Pressure Reduction and Cerebral Infarction After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background: Radiographic cerebral infarction (RCI) is a prominent cause of disability after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Current guidelines for acute blood pressure (BP) management of ...
Healthcare System Factors in Healthcare Disparities

The fragmentary nature of the US healthcare system is in part responsible for a system ill-equipped to provide high quality care for every citizen. Recently investigators found that only 55% of participants in a large random sample of the US population received recommended health care. Similarly, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found in its 1999 study of the healthcare system that 44,000–98,000 people die in US hospitals each year as a result of medical errors (Kohn, Corrigan, & Donaldson, 2000). In a March 2001 follow-up report, the Committee declared that the US healthcare system is plagued by serious quality problems resulting from an outmoded and inadequate delivery system, which is incapable of consistently providing high-quality care to its population (IOM Committee on Quality of Healthcare in America, 2001). One factor that contributes to fragmentation and reduced quality relates to the multiple coverage options, offered by different health plans, which are accompanied by differing benefit packages. These packages often vary in terms of which providers a patient may choose. They also require patients to obtain varying amounts of preauthorization prior to obtaining care (Smedley et al., 2003). On an average, minority populations tend to have lower cost plans that restrict the use of healthcare services; Whites tend to have less restrictive plans (Smedley et al.). In part, this reality exists because among these plans, lower per capita budgets generally translate into fewer dollars to provide clinical services to patients (Smedley et al.). Institutionally imposed physician financial and cost constraints may also foster disparate clinical practice patterns. This can be seen most graphically in the
A Multilevel DC to Three-Phase AC Architecture for Photovoltaic Power Plants

This paper presents a photovoltaic (PV) inverter architecture composed of stackable dc to three-phase ac converter blocks. Several such blocks, each containing a converter power stage and controls, are connected in series on their ac sides to obtain transformerless medium-voltage ac interfaces for PV power plants. The series-connected structure is made possible by a quadruple active bridge dc–dc converter that provides isolation between the PV input and each of the three ac-side phases within each block. Furthermore, since incoming PV power is transferred as constant balanced three-phase ac power, instantaneous input–output power balance bypasses the need for bulk energy storage. To streamline implementation and maximize system scalability and resilience, decentralized block-level controllers accomplish dc-link voltage regulation, maximum power point tracking, and ac-side power sharing without centralized means. The proposed architecture is validated by simulations of a PV string to medium-voltage ac system consisting of six blocks and on a proof-of-concept hardware prototype that consists of three cascaded converter blocks.
Inconsistent Spectral Evolution in Operational Wave Models due to Inaccurate Specification of Nonlinear Interactions

AbstractThe introduction of third-generation (3G) models was based on the premise that wave spectra could evolve without prior shape restrictions only if the representation for nonlinear interactio...