cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mesoscale modeling in electrochemical devices—A critical perspective

Abstract Electrochemical energy systems, such as batteries and fuel cells, are being developed for applications ranging from portable devices and electric vehicles to large-scale grid storage. These advanced energy conversion and storage technologies will be a critical aspect of a sustainable energy future and promise to provide cleaner, more efficient energy. Computational modeling at various scales from nanoscale ab initio modeling to macroscale system and controls level modeling, has been a central part of the electrochemical energy research. Much of the complex interactions due to the electrochemistry coupled transport phenomena occur at the interfaces and within the porous electrode microstructures. This is often referred to as the mesoscale and plays a critical role in the operation and efficiency of electrochemical devices. In this critical perspective, we discuss the state-of-the-art, challenges and path forward in mesoscale modeling of electrochemical energy systems and their application to various design and operational issues in solid oxide fuel cells, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, lithium ion batteries and metal-air batteries. Particular focus is given to particle-based methods and fine-scale computational fluid dynamics based direct numerical simulation techniques, along with the challenges and advantages of these methods. Notable results from mesoscale modeling are presented along with discussions of the advantages, disadvantages and challenges facing mesoscale model development. This in-depth perspective is envisioned to serve as a primer to the critical role mesoscale modeling is poised to play in advancing the science and engineering of electrochemical energy systems.
Fenomenologías de la vergüenza

This essay proposes a history of the concept of shame as it was articulated in the field of queer theory and more recently in Latin American trans theory. I propose phenomenological readings of texts in these traditions in light of classic phenomenologies of shame which found in this affective disposition an ontological structure: the subject’s openness to the other and to the social as such. If the conditions of possibility of the social as such depend on the ability of feeling ashamed, and if shame points sometimes though not always at an ethical or political norm, then this history of fenomenologies of shame could help us imagine the conditions of possibility of political change, through the works of Lawrence La Fountain-Stokes, Ruben Rios Avila, Marlene Wayar, Susy Shock y Clarice Lispector.
Das Sexualverhalten der Schläfenlappenepileptiker vor und nach chirurgischer Behandlung

The following findings were reached in a study of sexual activity in a series of 50 temporal lobe epileptics who had been referred for surgical treatment of the epilepsy and 42 of whom underwent unilateral temporal lobectomy. 1. The presence of seizure discharges in the limbic portions of the temporal lobes leads to a global hyposexuality in the majority of cases. The disappearance of these epileptic potentials—either postoperatively, after fits, or during control with anticonvulsant therapy—sometimes leads to normalization of the sexual drive and sometimes to hypersexual episodes. 2. Temporal lobe epilepsy is characterized by a severe disturbance of paroxysmal behaviour: a disordered sexuality with inability to experience an orgasm, and an increase in impulsive irritability with a tendency towards outbursts of anger and rage. 3. One can oppose the limbic “excitatory syndrome” with its hyposexuality and episodic hyperaggressiveness to the limbic “depression syndrome” with its tendency towards hypersexuality and “tame” behaviour. The latter corresponds to the Kluver-Bucy syndrome. At the level of the limbic system there may be a “reciprocal inhibition” of the bias towards sex and towards aggression. 4. Attempts at treating the limbic “excitatory syndrome”—i.e. the excessive irritability of some temporal lobe epileptics—with a progesterone compound appear promising.
Maximizing the ovarian reserve in mice by evading LINE-1 genotoxicity

Female reproductive success critically depends on the size and quality of a finite ovarian reserve. Paradoxically, mammals eliminate up to 80% of the initial oocyte pool through the enigmatic process of fetal oocyte attrition (FOA). Here, we interrogate the striking correlation of FOA with retrotransposon LINE-1 (L1) expression in mice to understand how L1 activity influences FOA and its biological relevance. We report that L1 activity triggers FOA through DNA damage-driven apoptosis and the complement system of immunity. We demonstrate this by combined inhibition of L1 reverse transcriptase activity and the Chk2-dependent DNA damage checkpoint to prevent FOA. Remarkably, reverse transcriptase inhibitor AZT-treated Chk2 mutant oocytes that evade FOA initially accumulate, but subsequently resolve, L1-instigated genotoxic threats independent of piRNAs and differentiate, resulting in an increased functional ovarian reserve. We conclude that FOA serves as quality control for oocyte genome integrity, and is not obligatory for oogenesis nor fertility.
Insights into Kinesin-1 Stepping Dynamics from Brownian Dynamics Simulations and High-Resolution Tracking of Gold Nanoparticle-Labeled Motors

Abstract High-resolution tracking of gold nanoparticle-labeled proteins has emerged as a powerful technique for measuring the structural kinetics of processive enzymes and other biomacromolecules. These techniques use point-spread-function fitting methods borrowed from single-molecule fluorescence imaging to determine molecular positions below the diffraction limit. However, compared to fluorescence, gold nanoparticle tracking experiments are performed at significantly higher frame rates and utilize much larger probes. In the current work, we use Brownian dynamics simulations of nanoparticle-labeled proteins to investigate the regimes in which the fundamental assumptions of point-spread-function fitting hold and where they begin to break down. We find that because gold nanoparticles undergo tethered diffusion around their anchor point, point spread function fitting cannot be extended to arbitrarily fast frame rates. Instead, camera exposure times that allow the nanoparticle to fully populate its stationary positional distribution achieve a spatial averaging that increases fitting precision. We furthermore find that changes in the rotational freedom of the tagged protein can lead to artifactual translations in fitted particle position. Finally, we apply these lessons to dissect a standing controversy in the kinesin field over the structure of a dimer in the ATP waiting state. Combining new experiments with simulations, we determine that the rear kinesin head in the ATP waiting state is unbound but not displaced from its previous microtubule binding site, and that apparent differences in separately published reports were simply due to differences in the gold nanoparticle attachment position. Our results highlight the importance of gold conjugation decisions and imaging parameters to high-resolution tracking results, and will serve as a useful guide for the design of future gold nanoparticle tracking experiments.
Designing Large-Scale Constellations for the Internet of Space Things With CubeSats

The emergence of CubeSats as a viable means for realizing satellite networks at low costs has given rise to ubiquitous cyber–physical systems spanning air, ground, and space, in what is being recognized as the Internet of Space Things (IoST). IoST is expected to serve a wide variety of applications ranging from monitoring and reconnaissance to in-space backhauling. The pervasiveness of cyber–physical systems of this kind necessitates a robust constellation design, characterized by optimized coverage and consistent connectivity. Thus, optimal constellation design is of great importance to system architects. However, the constellation design frameworks prevalent today do not scale well beyond a few dozen satellites, adversely impacting the system’s operational abilities. To this end, the objective of this article is two fold. The primary objective is the development of a modular and highly customizable large-scale constellation design framework, with the secondary objective involving the use of the proposed framework for designing robust constellations for IoST, serving a wide variety of use cases ranging from global coverage to region-specific coverage scenarios. More specifically, the framework presented herein has been developed to optimize constellation design based on CubeSat density, as well as a rigorous mathematical characterization of coverage and connectivity parameters. Furthermore, an extensive set of performance comparisons with existing state-of-the-art constellations has been presented to validate the efficacy of the IoST constellations designed using the proposed framework. Finally, the impact of design parameter variations on the developed constellations has also been examined in great detail.
Extreme wind shear events in US offshore wind energy areas and the role of induced stratification

Abstract. As the offshore wind industry emerges on the US East Coast, a comprehensive understanding of the wind resource – particularly extreme events – is vital to the industry's success. Such understanding has been hindered by a lack of publicly available wind profile observations in offshore wind energy areas. However, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority recently funded the deployment of two floating lidars within two current lease areas off the coast of New Jersey. These floating lidars provide publicly available wind speed data from 20 to 200 m height with a 20 m vertical resolution. In this study, we leverage a year of these lidar data to quantify and characterize the frequent occurrence of high-wind-shear and low-level-jet events, both of which will have a considerable impact on turbine operation. In designing a detection algorithm for these events, we find that the typical, non-dimensional power-law-based wind shear exponent is insufficient to identify many of these extreme, high-wind-speed events. Rather, we find that the simple vertical gradient of wind speed better captures the events. Based on this detection method, we find that almost 100 independent events occur throughout the year with mean wind speed at 100 m height and wind speed gradient of 16 m s −1 and 0.05 s −1 , respectively. The events have strong seasonal variability, with the highest number of events in summer and the lowest in winter. A detailed analysis reveals that these events are enabled by an induced stable stratification when warmer air from the south flows over the colder mid-Atlantic waters, leading to a positive air–sea temperature difference.
The Influence of Film Personae on the Enculturation of Masculine Identity Performance

Dramaturgical theory suggests that our ability to successfully perform social roles could be linked to socialization. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible influence of perceived masculine film icons on criteria used to judge successful masculine identity performance in society. Using a netnographic approach, data retrieved from online threads were analyzed using the constant comparison method. Three prominent themes were identified: 1) Identifying masculine icons, 2) Defining masculinity, and 3) Seeking a new masculinity. Results indicate that masculine film icons have the potential to continually impact learning of social criteria for successful masculine identity performance.
A compressive sensing method for processing and improving vision-based target-tracking signals for structural health monitoring

Abstract Monitoring large structures using a vision‐based target‐tracking (TT) system while maintaining the full resolution of high‐speed cameras may limit the data size or the sampling rate select...
Reduced radiation fluoroscopy technique for implantation of sacral neuromodulation

Introduction:Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a Food and Drug Administration–approved treatment option for urinary urgency and fecal incontinence. Fluoroscopic imaging is used at various steps durin...
Investigating infant development through an interprofessional research collaboration: case report

Background/aims From a dynamic systems perspective of infant development, several systems (eg sensorimotor, perceptual, and reasoning, among others, may self-organise and change behavioural respons...
Misclassification of Aggressive Basal Cell Carcinoma Subtypes and Implications for Management.

BACKGROUND Management of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) varies by histopathologic subtype; however, biopsies may inadequately characterize them as nonaggressive, risking potential suboptimal treatment. OBJECTIVE To characterize the rate of undetected aggressive BCC subtypes by size, location, and histopathology type. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective cohort study of 928 BCCs treated with Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) at a tertiary academic institution from 2015 to 2017, comparing patient and tumor characteristics and histopathologic subtype on biopsy versus Mohs. RESULTS Among the 825 BCCs with known subtypes on biopsy, 68% (561/825) were classified as nonaggressive, 28% (159/561) of which were subsequently found to have aggressive subtypes on MMS. Aggressive features were more often underrepresented in biopsy samples taken from Area H compared with Area M/L (odd ratio [OR] 2.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.73-4.08, p < .001) or those with nodular subtypes (OR 2.19, CI 1.08-4.45, p = .03). Of concern, these unsuspected aggressive BCCs required more Mohs stages for clearance (mean 2.37, SD 0.72, p < .001) compared with BCCs that remained nonaggressive on both biopsy and Mohs (mean 1.50, SD 0.75). CONCLUSION Given the high percentage of BCCs with unsuspected aggressive subtypes, higher clinical suspicion for undiagnosed high-risk BCCs should be given to nodular BCCs and to BCCs on Area H.
Selective Receiver Charging using Acoustic Vibration Modes

Unlike other wireless power transfer methods that use electromagnetic waves, acoustic vibrational waves can be used to transfer power through metal structures without being shielded, which is useful for applications such as pipeline structural health monitoring, wireless sensor networks, and UAV recharging platforms. In this paper, we demonstrate, for the first time, the unique ability of acoustic power transfer to selectively charge receivers attached at different locations on a metal structure by exciting different Lamb wave vibration modes using a transmitter array. Efficiency ratios (efficiency of the targeted receiver divided by the efficiency of the untargeted receiver) as high as 55000 could be achieved, with 33% efficiency achieved at 28 kHz when transferred along a 30 inch steel tube. Finite element modeling was also used to visualize the standing wave vibration modes.
Opportunities and Problems of International Meat and Milk Production

My discussion with you is not going to be nearly as scholarly as Dr. Mehren's. I just want to share with you some of the impressions I have gleaned from overseas, mostly in short visits, in mostly less-developed countries. There are no great conclusions that I want to draw from this but I just merely would like to share with you some of the impressions I have. Possibly out of this we'll have some indications of the opportunities there are for people in the veterinary field for doing something to enhance world food production, particularly in the lesser developed countries.
A strong equivariant deformation retraction from the homeomorphism group of the projective plane to the special orthogonal group

This is the third paper in a series on oriented matroids and Grassmannians. We construct a $(\mathrm{O}_3\times\mathbb{Z}_2)$-equivariant strong deformation retraction from the homeomorphism group of the 2-sphere to $\mathrm{O}_3$, where the action of $\mathbb{Z}_2$ is generated by antipodal reflection acting on the right, and $\mathrm{O}_3$ acts on the left by isometry. Quotienting by the antipodal map induces a $\mathrm{SO}_3$-equivariant strong deformation retraction from the homeomorphism group of the projective plane to $\mathrm{SO}_3$. The same holds for subgroups of homeomorphisms that preserve the system of null sets. This confirms a conjecture of Mary-Elizabeth Hamstrom.
The value of space during a pandemic

Abstract To encourage social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Delta Air Lines did not sell the middle seat on its flights that had them. In the second half of 2020 its principal rivals, American Airlines and United Airlines, continued to sell the middle seat. Analysis of U.S. Department of Transportation airline ticket data on 1358 domestic routes finds that Delta raised its fares by 15%. Therefore, passengers paid $23 to prevent a stranger from sitting next to them.
Virtual reality (VR) as a simulation modality for technical skills acquisition.

Abstract Efforts continue to facilitate surgical skills training and provide accessible and safe training opportunities. Educational technology has played an essential role in minimizing the challenges facing traditional surgical training and providing feasible training opportunities. Simulation and virtual reality (VR) offer an important innovative training approach to enhance and supplement both technical and non-technical skills acquisition and overcome the many training challenges facing surgical training programs. To maximize the effectiveness of simulation modalities, an in-depth understanding of the cognitive learning theory is necessary. Knowing the stages and mental processes of skills acquisition when integrated with simulation applications can help trainees achieve maximal learning outcomes. This article aims to review important literature related to VR effectiveness and discuss the leading theories of technical skills acquisition related to VR simulation technologies.
Infections, Cancer and Natural Killer Cells

Natural killer (NK) cells have been recognized initially by functional criteria, most prominent of which are the destruction of cancer cells and virally infected targets (Herberman 1980; Lotzova and Herberman 1986; Welsh 1986) . These functional activities are executed by NK cells in a major histocompatibility complex non-restricted (MHC-NR) manner, without previous sensitization and independently of accessory cells or antibody. Recently, NK cells have been also clearly defined phenotypically. Based on prevailing consensus, NK cells are large granular lymphocytes (LGL) expressing CD56 and CD16 antigens (although CD16− subset has been also identified), but not expressing CD3 antigen and T cell antigen receptor heterodimers (α, s or δ) (Lotzovâ and Ades 1989; Lanier and Phillips 1986; Lanier et al. 1986; Fuchshuber et al. 1989).
Effects of Silica on Lung Collagen

A single intratracheal injection of 50 mg crystalline silica (quartz) into rats produces silicosis. This animal model may be used to study collagen metabolism during the early, middle, and late phases of lung injury, corresponding respectively to the stages of lung injury, development of discrete granulomas, and development of mature silicotic nodules. The early phase is characterized by a rapid increase in the rate of synthesis of lung collagen (within one week of instillation) and increased deposition of excess lung collagen (significant increases within two weeks of instillation). Later phases are characterized by a continuing increase in deposition of excess lung collagen for at least one year after instillation. Silica-induced fibrosis is unique among all the animal models (and in most human fibrotic diseases) thus far examined, in that the excess collagen deposited in the lung contains normal ratios of the two major collagen types of the lung: types I and III. This collagen is nonetheless biochemically different from normal lung collagen. There are reproducible and characteristic differences in the intermolecular cross-links of the collagen in lungs from rats injected with silica. Within one month of silica instillation (the earliest time point examined thus far), an increased hydroxylysine content of collagen can be appreciated. The reducible dysfunctional cross-links are also more likely to be derived from hydroxylysine (i.e. the ratio of dihydroxylated to monohydroxylated cross-links increases). Within four months of silica instillation (and increasingly thereafter), increased amounts of the mature trifunctional cross-link hydroxypyridinium (derived from three residues of hydroxylysine) can also be appreciated, seemingly paralleling the evolution of mature silicotic nodules in these lungs. These changes in cross-linking of lung collagen seem to be common to all the animal models of pulmonary fibrosis examined, and are also consistent with changes occurring in human fibrotic lungs. Preliminary observations suggest that the locus of cross-linking remains the same: hydroxylysine replaces lysine in the primary structure of a specific collagen alpha chain to form the altered cross-links. Thus, there may be molecular markers for the collagen of fibrosis in diseased lungs.
5'-Adenosine Monophosphate Aminohydrolase EVIDENCE FOR ANOMALOUS SUBSTRATE SATURATION KINETICS AT LOW ENZYME CONCENTRATIONS

Abstract Rabbit muscle 5'-AMP aminohydrolase was shown to be susceptible to a protein concentration-dependent, dilution-induced inactivation at protein concentrations used in normal spectrophotometric assays; i.e. 0.5 µg per ml. Inactivation was less evident at saturating concentrations of substrate and at pH 6.3. These properties accounted for the AMP concentration versus initial velocity profiles which at pH 7.0 and 0.5 µg of enzyme per ml were sigmoidal but hyperbolic at 50 µg per ml; at pH 6.3 substrate saturation versus initial velocity profiles were hyperbolic at both protein concentrations. Kinetic parameters for deamination of AMP determined by stopped flow spectrophotometry at 50 µg per ml where dilution inactivation was not observed are reported as a function of pH. The potassium-activated enzyme exhibits normal Michaelis-Menten kinetics in the pH range 6.15 to 7.2; Vmax = 1730 ± 260 µmoles min-1 mg-1 at 30° and is invariant over the same pH range; Km increases slightly at the higher pH.
Racial/ethnic inequities in continuity and site of care: location, location, location.

OBJECTIVE: To examine how continuity of care with the same provider varies by race/ethnicity and by site of care. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING: Secondary data analyses of the 1996-97 Community Tracking Study household survey, a representative cross-sectional sample of 34,858 U.S. adults (aged 18 to 64 years), were employed. STUDY DESIGN: Logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore relationships between respondents' race/ethnicity and having a regular site of care, type of site, and continuity with the same provider at this site. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Racial/ethnic minority group members were less likely than whites to identify a regular site of care. Among respondents who identified a regular site, minorities, particularly Spanish-speaking Hispanics, reported less continuity of care with the same provider. However, these disparities in continuity were largely explained by racial/ethnic differences in the types of places where care was obtained. Compared to those who were seen in physicians' offices, continuity with the same provider was much lower among respondents who were seen in hospital out patient departments or health centers or other clinics. CONCLUSIONS: Racial and ethnic minority group members receive less continuity of care for reasons including lack of a regular site of care and less continuity with the same provider. Greater use of hospital clinics and community health centers by minorities also contributes to this discontinuity.
Puerperal ovarian vein thrombophlebitis: a syndrome.

Abstract Puerperal ovarian vein thrombophlebitis is a condition which usually presents as a syndrome consisting of lower abdominal pain, fever, and a characteristic abdominal mass. This syndrome occurs in about 0.18 per cent of puerperas, usually has its onset in the first week postpartum, and is usually best treated with anticoagulants and antibiotics. It occurs more often on the right than on the left. We offer a theory to explain the etiology of this condition and its dextropreponderance.
An adaptive control of the batch reactor—IV: A more sophisticated controller

Abstract In this concluding paper several refinements of the control system are made and a number of important ancillary questions considered. The failures of the control system previously encountered are virtually eliminated by a test for closeness to equilibrium. The model of the system is made more realistic by introducing partial differential equations for the dynamics of the cooling coil. A control scheme based solely on temperature measurements is shown to be workable. The questions of control lags, stability of the optimal path, improved parameter estimation, the determination of reaction order and its effect on the controller performance are also discussed.
Waveform Disturbance Minimization for Nonlinear Systiems with Disturbance Models Having Unknown Parameters

In previous works [1]-[6] methods of reducing the effects of known external waveform type disturbances on linear and nonlinear systems are given. These methods do not require that the exact magnitude or the arrival time of the deterministic disturbance be known. However, in some cases, certain disturbance model parameters need to be known. For example, the angular frequency for sinusoidal disturbances and the exponent for exponential disturbances are needed for the application of disturbance reduction techniques. In this paper, we give conditions under which disturbance models with unknown parameters can be handled.
Effect of Gibberellin and Heat Shock on the Lipid Composition of Endoplasmic Reticulum in Barley Aleurone Layers

The heat-shock responses of barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv Hi- malaya) aleurone layers incubated with or without gibberellic acid (GA3) were compared. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that heat shock blocked the synthesis and secretion of secretory proteins from GA3-treated layers but not untreated layers. This suppression of secretory protein synthesis has been correlated with changes in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes (F.C. Belanger, M. R. Brodl, T.-h.D. Ho [1986] Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 83: 1354-1358; L. Sticher, A.K. Biswas, D.S. Bush, R.L. Jones [1990] Plant Physiol 92: 506-513). Our secretion data suggested that the ER membranes of aleurone layers incubated without GA3 may be more heat shock tolerant. To investigate this, the lipid profiles of membrane extracts in aleurone layers labeled with [14C]glycerol were examined. Heat shock markedly increased [14C]glycerol incorporation into phosphatidylcholine (PC), and gas chromatography revealed an increase in the amount of saturated fatty acids associated with thin layer chromatography-purified PC in GA3-treated layers. In contrast, aleurone layers incubated without GA3 at normal temperature contained PC-associated fatty acids with a greater degree of saturation than GA3-treated layers. Heat shock modestly increased the degree of fatty acid saturation in untreated aleurone layers. This same trend was noted in fatty acids isolated from ER membranes purified by continuous sucrose density centrifugation. We propose that increased fatty acid saturation may help sustain ER membrane function in heat-shocked aleurone layers incubated in the absence of GA3.
High-spin levels and band structure in /sup 78/Kr

The high-spin states of /sup 78/Kr have been studied through observation of ..gamma.. rays emitted from the /sup 68/Zn(/sup 12/C,2n) reaction produced with projectile energies of 33--38 MeV. The energies, relative intensities, angular distributions, and linear polarizations of the ..gamma.. rays were measured. Lifetimes of states were obtained from the Doppler broadening of the ..gamma..-ray peaks. Many of the levels appear to belong to one of three bands: (1) the ground-state band with energy spacing between that given by the pure rotational and vibrational models, (2) a band built on a 5/sup -/ state which is ascribed to rotational alignment of two quasiparticles, one of which is in a g/sub 9/2/ orbital, and (3) a ..delta..J=1 band which has characteristics of a ..gamma..-vibrational band in a deformed nucleus. There is evidence for the beginning of a fourth band built on a J=6 level.
Usefulness of Atrial Septostomy as a Treatment for Primary Pulmonary Hypertension and Guidelines for its Application

We review our experience and that for 2 large series of atrial septostomy as a treatment for advanced pulmonary hypertension to better understand the hemodynamic changes that result. Atrial septostomy may be a useful procedure in patients with severe refractory pulmonary hypertension, but should not be used in patients who are critically ill.
Decomposition of Hudson Estuary Macrophytes: Photosynthetic Pigment Transformations and Decay Constants

Plant pigment decay constants were determined for four macrophytes collected from the Hudson Estuary.Typha angustifolia andScirpus fluviatilis were used as representatives of emergent aquatic vegetation (EAV), andPotamogeton sp. andVallisneria americana were used to represent submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV). Litter bags were maintained in an environmental chamber in the dark for 104 d. The fastest rate of total mass loss was in the SAVV. americana and slowest in the EAVT. angustifolia. Changes in carotenoid and chloropigment concentration resulting from microbial and meiofaunal heterotrophy in each of the macrophytes were quantified using reverse-phase, high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) techniques. Chlorophyllc and the carotenoid, fucoxanthin, provided useful biomarkers in determining the presence of epiphytic diatom growth, which only occurred on the SAV. The highest concentrations of phaeophorbidea, commonly used as an indication of metazoan grazing, were found in the SAVV. americana. Low concentrations of phaeophorbidea in the SAVPotamogeton sp. indicate inefficient use of this SAV by meiofaunal grazers. Lutein decayed slower than all other carotenoids in both EAV and SAV. Microcosm studies such as this are necessary to further understand the mechanisms and kinetics of photosynthetic pigment transformations in natural systems.
Hepatitis C Virus Infection in African Americans

Hepatitis C is more prevalent among African Americans than among persons of any other racial group in the United States. However, comparatively little data are available on the natural history and treatment of hepatitis C in this population. Compared with white persons, African American persons have a lower rate of viral clearance and, consequently, a higher rate of chronic hepatitis C. Nonetheless, African American persons may have a lower rate of fibrosis progression than do white persons. African American persons with hepatitis C-related cirrhosis have higher rates of both hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cancer-related mortality than do white persons with hepatitis C-related cirrhosis. In nearly all treatment trials that enrolled a significant proportion of African American subjects, such patients had inferior treatment responses, compared with those of white subjects. The prevalence of infection with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 is higher among African American patients than white patients, although this difference does not account for a greatly dissimilar response to therapy. Some of the postulated mechanisms for these disparate treatment responses and natural histories of infection are also reviewed.
Will the Real/ Reel Los Angeles Please Stand Up?

This paper gathers potent visual images of one city, Los Angeles (L.A.), by examining three contemporary films— L.A. Story (1991), Boyz N the Hood (1991), and Grand Canyon (1991). It argues that popular culture, and in particular popular film, is an integral part of the portrayal of the cultural landscape. This paper primarily uses the assorted visual images of the urban landscape in considering how this one city has been recently depicted. The three films reveal a city shaped by rapid changes in urban America, depicting Los Angeles as an urban area composed of a fragmented landscape divided into many geographies: L.A. as a realm of simulations and void of consequences; L.A. as a city under siege, a place of epidemic violence and fear; L.A. as a place obsessed with security and control; L.A. as an increasingly ambiguous and chaotic place. Far from concluding that cities have become so fragmented that they are ageographic, these films reveal various geographies that are rooted in economic, political, and c...
A probabilistic theory on the time to fracture of amorphous crosslinked polymers

The energy probability theory of fracture proposed by Valanis has been extended to apply to the global fracture of a large material region and has been generalized to take into account the probabilistic distribution among bonds of the free energy of the region. In contrast to the theory of fracture initiation of the first author, it is assumed, in the present paper, that global fracture is brought about by the fracture of a critical number Ncr of primary bonds. Whereas this condition alleviates some of the problems encountered in the application of the theory to fracture initiation and propagation—such as determination of the local energy field at the root of a developed crack—it introduces the difficulty that Ncr may, in general, depend on the geometry of the specimen and the directionality of the stress field, though it was found to be relatively insensitive to the rate of deformation, as corroborated in this paper. The theory is used in this work to predict the time of global fracture, under conditions of constant load, constant strain, and constant strain rate.
Text line detection based on cost optimized local text line direction estimation

Text line detection is a critical step for applications in document image processing. In this paper, we propose a novel text line detection method. First, the connected components are extracted from the image as symbols. Then, we estimate the direction of the text line in multiple local regions. This estimation is, for the first time, to our knowledge, formulated in a cost optimization framework. We also propose an efficient way to solve this optimization problem. Afterwards, we consider symbols as nodes in a graph, and connect symbols based on the local text line direction estimation results. Last, we detect the text lines by separating the graph into subgraphs according to the nodes’ connectivities. Preliminary experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method is very robust to non-uniform skew within text lines, variability of font sizes, and complex structures of layout. Our new method works well for documents captured with flat-bed and sheet-fed scanners, mobile phone cameras, and with other general imaging assets.
Mini-review: The role of redox in Dopa-mediated marine adhesion

3, 4-Dihydroxyphenylanine (Dopa)-containing proteins are key to wet adhesion in mussels and possibly other sessile organisms also. However, Dopa-mediated adhesive bonding is a hard act to follow in that, at least in mussels, bonding depends on Dopa in both reduced and oxidized forms, for adhesion and cohesion, respectively. Given the vulnerability of Dopa to spontaneous oxidation, the most significant challenge to using it in practical adhesion is controlling Dopa redox in a temporally- and spatially defined manner. Mussels appear to achieve such control in their byssal attachment plaques, and factors involved in redox control can be measured with precision using redox probes such as the diphenylpicryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical. Understanding the specifics of natural redox control may provide fundamentally important insights for adhesive polymer engineering and antifouling strategies.
Bayesian Inference of the Regression Model with Error Terms Following the Exponential Power Distribution and Unbiasedness of the LAD Estimator

A modified efficient jump algorithm is proposed for the Markov Chain Monte Carlo draws of the exponential power distribution. Bayesian inference based on the exponential power error term and that on the normal error term are compared. Unbiasedness of the LAD estimator is proven.
Temperature dependence of active K+ transport in cation dimorphic sheep erythrocytes

Abstract Arrhenius diagrams of K+ pump fluxes measured between 15°C and 41°C were discontinuous in high K+ but not in low K+ sheep red cells. Exposure of low K+ cells to anti-L caused a bimodal temperature response of K+ pump flux with a transition temperature, T c , similar to that found in high K+ cells but with comparatively higher activation energies above T c .
Management of ectopic ureters: Experience with the upper tract approach

AbstractPurpose: The necessity of removing the ureteral stump after upper tract surgery for an ectopic ureter has been debated. We reviewed the records of patients initially treated at the kidney level to evaluate indications for later stump removal.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 32 patients with 33 ectopic ureters treated at the kidney level during the last 10 years.Results: Ectopic ureters were associated with duplicated collecting systems in 31 cases and with single systems in 2. Upper pole heminephrectomy and partial ureterectomy were performed in 23 units and upper tract reconstruction was done in 8. Both patients with single systems underwent nephrectomy. Four patients (12%) required repeat surgery at the bladder level, including 1 who underwent ureteral reimplantation for persistent ipsilateral lower pole reflux and simultaneous upper pole stump removal. Preoperative voiding cystourethrography revealed reflux into the ectopic ureter in 1 patient with postoperative reflux ...
Efficacy of fractal features in segmenting images of natural textures

Abstract This paper evaluates three types of fractal-based features according to their ability to segment mosaics of natural textures. Six mosaics constructed from 18 natural textures are segmented by various sets of features including lacunarities and signatures in addition to an estimator of fractal dimension. Fractal dimension alone will not segment all types of natural textures. Fractal features do not always separate natural textures in the same way as would human observer.
The Use of a High-Resolution Standardized Precipitation Index for Drought Monitoring and Assessment

AbstractA high-resolution drought-monitoring tool was developed to assess drought on multiple time scales using the standardized precipitation index (SPI). Daily precipitation data at 4-km resolution are obtained from the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service multisensor precipitation estimates (MPE) and are aggregated on several time scales. Daily station precipitation data available from the Cooperative Observer Program (COOP) provide the historical context for the MPE precipitation data. Pearson type-III distribution parameters were interpolated to the 4-km grid on the basis of a regional frequency analysis of the COOP stations and L-moment ratios of the precipitation data. The resulting high-resolution SPI data can be used as guidance for the U.S. Drought Monitor at the subcounty scale in areas where local precipitation is the primary driver of drought. The temporal flexibility and spatial resolution of the drought-monitoring tool are used to illustrate the onset, intensity, and termination of the 20...
Management of Postsurgical Leaks in the Bariatric Patient

Postsurgical leaks after bariatric procedures are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. They usually arise from anastomotic and staple line failures that are attributed to surgical technique, ischemia, and patient comorbid conditions. Timely diagnosis from subtle clinical clues is the key to appropriate management. Traditional treatment consists of adequate control of the intra-abdominal infection via surgical or percutaneous drainage maneuvers, antibiotics, and nutrition support via parenteral or feeding tube routes. Recently, endoscopically placed covered esophageal stents have been used to exclude the leak site, allowing oral nutrition and speeding healing.
Limitations of monotherapy trials in epilepsy

Monotherapy is considered optimal management for most patients with epilepsy, but designing monotherapy trials in epilepsy has proved to be a complex endeavor. Consideration of the validity of evidence for efficacy, potential risks to patients, clinical applicability of results, and effects of dosing and titration rates on efficacy and tolerability creates unique challenges. This article reviews pertinent aspects of trials of conversion to monotherapy in refractory patients and equivalence trials in newly diagnosed patients to better understand their limitations. Despite the inherent difficulties in designing monotherapy trials in epilepsy, previous monotherapy studies have provided important information for clinical management with new treatments.
An environmental characterization study of a proof-of-concept municipal solid waste digestion plant: Pompano Beach, Florida

Abstract An environmental investigation on a 100 ton/day anaerobic digestion plant has been conducted. All input and output streams were analyzed for physical, chemical and microbiological impact. Some mutagenic studies were also conducted. Numerous samples were analyzed over a period of three years for variables of regulatory concern. A few samples were intensively analyzed for trace and ultratrace compounds in the USEPA priority pollutant list. Some batch leaching tests were conducted to estimate the impact of liquid effluents on local soils.
Extending the simple knowledge organization system for concept management in vocabulary development applications

In this article, we describe the development of an extension to the Simple Knowledge Organization System (SKOS) to accommodate the needs of vocabulary development applications (VDA) managing metadata schemes and requiring close tracking of change to both those schemes and their member concepts. We take a neopragmatic epistemic stance in asserting the need for an entity in SKOS modeling to mediate between the abstract concept and the concrete scheme. While the SKOS model sufficiently describes entities for modeling the current state of a scheme in support of indexing and search on the Semantic Web, it lacks the expressive power to serve the needs of VDA needing to maintain scheme historical continuity. We demonstrate preliminarily that conceptualizations drawn from empirical work in modeling entities in the bibliographic universe, such as works, texts, and exemplars, can provide the basis for SKOS extension in ways that support more rigorous demands of capturing concept evolution in VDA. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Physiological Responses to Events during Training Use of Skin Conductance to Inform Future Adaptive Learning Systems

Understanding the role of physiological responses within the behavioral, cognitive, and affective domains of a training intervention are an important step towards designing augmented adaptive syste...
Camp Golden Treasures: a multidisciplinary weight-loss and a healthy lifestyle camp for adolescent girls

Camp Golden Treasures, (CGT) the first non-profit weight loss camp for overweight adolescent girls in the nation, was held for six weeks from June 24 to August 3, 2007 at the East Carolina University campus in Greenville, NC. The primary goal was to support campers to lose weight, raise self esteem, and to learn the tools necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle while reducing risks for developing chronic disease or mitigating the effects of existing obesity-related conditions (sleep apnea, insulin resistance, hypertension, lower extremity dysfunction, etc.). While at CGT, campers learned about the importance of physical activity and proper nutrition through workshops, discussion groups and hands-on activities. Additionally campers were taught the necessary tools and strategies needed to make concrete, positive lifestyle changes so they can achieve a healthy weight. Due to the nature of a chronic disease such as obesity, multidisciplinary collaborators including physical therapy, nutrition, health education, management, family therapy, risk management, fundraising, public relations, medical, nursing, and physician coverage were involved in designing, planning, and implementing CGT.
Whites and Blacks Have Similar Risk of Metachronous Advanced Colorectal Neoplasia

Current guidelines for surveillance of colonic neoplasia are based on data from predominantly white populations, yet whether these recommendations are applicable to blacks is unknown. To define the prevalence of advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN) among whites and blacks undergoing surveillance colonoscopy. This was a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of asymptomatic, average-risk non-Hispanic white (N = 246) and non-Hispanic black (N = 203) patients with colorectal neoplasia who underwent baseline screening colonoscopy between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2007, and a surveillance colonoscopy before December 31, 2010, at an academic safety-net hospital. The main outcome measure was the prevalence of ACN, defined as a tubular adenoma or sessile serrated adenoma (SSA) ≥10 mm, any adenoma with villous histology or high-grade dysplasia, any serrated lesion with dysplasia, or invasive cancer at surveillance. During a median follow-up of 4.3 years, the overall prevalence of ACN at surveillance was similar among blacks and whites (11.3 vs. 9.8 %; P = 0.59) with an odds ratio of 1.18 (95 % CI 0.65–2.26). Blacks and whites with non-advanced neoplasia had similar rates of ACN at the 1–3, 4–5, and >5 year follow-up intervals. Blacks with ACN or multiplicity at baseline had higher rates of ACN at the 1- to 3-year interval compared with whites, but the difference was non-significant (26.7 vs. 12.5 %; P = 0.32). No interval cancers were observed for either group. The overall prevalence of ACN was similar between non-Hispanic blacks and non-Hispanic whites undergoing surveillance in a safety-net healthcare setting suggesting that current surveillance guidelines are appropriate for both blacks and whites.
Modulation transfer functions of fractal layers

Transmission characteristics of layers that contain fractal aggregates are investigated. In particular, the modulation transfer functions of these layers are studied in comparison with the case of uniformly dispersed particles. The effects of aggregation type (fractal dimension) and aggregate size are discussed.
Derivatives of α-Amino Aldehydes III*: Cyclization Products of Thiosemicarbazones

Removal of the phthaloyl groups from α-phthalimido aldehyde thiosemicarbazones resulted in cyclization to give both 3-thiono- and 3-amino-5-alkyl-2,5-dihydro- as -triazines, as well as material of a polymeric nature. Treatment of the amino-2,5-dihydro- as -triazines with alkali caused aromatization. No appreciable antiviral activity was found with these compounds.
RESPIRATION OF GAMMA-IRRADIATED FRESH FRUITS

SUMMARY —The effects of ionizing irradiation with gamma rays on respiration of fresh fruits of avocado, sour sop, mango, yellow passion fruit and papaya were investigated. Respiratory response of these fruits, irradiated in the preclimacteric stage, is characterized by an initial increase in CO2 liberation followed by a decrease prior to the onset of the climacteric rise associated with ripening. An inverse relationship between the magnitude of the initial increase in respiration and the degree of tolerance to irradiation is indicated, e.g., the avocados, the least tolerant of the fruits investigated, exhibits the greatest initial increase in respiration, and the papayas, the most tolerant, produce the smallest initial increase in respiration. The five fruits studied may thusly be categorized in order of increasing tolerance to irradiation: avocados, sour sop, mangoes, yellow passion fruit and papayas. This category also represents a decreasing order of magnitude of the initial increase in respiration due to irradiation.