cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alteration of [beta]-Tubulin Gene Expression during Low-Temperature Exposure in Leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana

Responses of [beta]-tubulin gene expression to low-temperature exposure (4[deg]C) have been investigated in leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana. During low-temperature exposure, the patterns of both [alpha]- and [beta]-tubulin isoforms are altered; the effect is smaller for the [alpha]-tubulins than for the [beta]-tubulins, however. An examination of [beta]-tubulin gene expression revealed that during low-temperature exposure, transcript levels of TUB2, TUB3, TUB6, and TUB8 decrease, whereas those of TUB4, TUB5, and TUB7 remain constant, and the TUB9 transcript level increases. The changes in transcript levels of TUB6, TUB8, and TUB9 were detectable after 6 h of low-temperature treatment. As shown by transcription-blocking experiments, the in vivo decay rates at 25[deg]C are comparable to those at 4[deg]C for TUB5, TUB6, and TUB8 mRNAs, whereas TUB9 mRNA appears to be more stable at 4[deg]C than at 25[deg]C. Thus, decreases in transcript levels of TUB6 and TUB8 in response to low temperature appear to be regulated at the transcriptional level, and the increase in TUB9 transcript level that results from lowering the temperature from 25[deg]C to 4[deg]C may be due in part to its slower rate of decay at 4[deg]C. When a chimeric gene containing 1061 base pairs of TUB8 5[prime] flanking DNA fused to the [beta]-glucuronidase coding region was used to produce transgenic Arabidopsis plants, the chimeric gene expression was down-regulated in response to low temperature as assayed by histochemical localization and RNA gel blots. These results confirm that the alteration of transcript levels of TUB8 in response to low temperature is regulated at the transcriptional level.
Production of conditional simulations via the LU triangular decomposition of the covariance matrix

This paper reviews the turning band method and fast Fourier transform method of producing a nonconditional simulation of a multinormal random function with a given covariance structure. A review of the two common methods of conditioning the simulation to honor the data shows that they are formally equivalent. Another method for directly pondering a conditional simulation based on the LU triangular decomposition of the covariance matrix is presented. Computational and implementation difficulties are discussed.
A Heterarchical Approach to Lowland Maya Socioeconomies

Study of Maya economy has traditionally been dominated by hierarchical or vertical models, in which societal elites were thought to have had significant impact in the organization of production and exchange. We propose that evidence for strong elite regulation of lowland economy is lacking. Both inter-site and intra-site patterns better support the likelihood that many aspects of lowland economy were probably self-organized and not regulated by a centralized controlling group or groups. It is proposed that the spatial structure of important lowland resources played a significant role in Maya socioeconomic systems. While at one time tropical forests were viewed as homogenous and spatially redundant, more recent perspectives emphasize local mosaic or patchy zonation of important biotic and abiotic resources. Intensive craft production and non-centralized regional exchange of large quantities of economic goods were elements within a self-organizing system influenced more by resource structure than hierarchical elite regulation. In our view, the concept of heterarchy represents a better way of understanding Maya economy, as it avoids the a priori assumption that complexity must take a tiered hierarchical form. Throughout this chapter, the heterarchical perspective is used to view the character of lowland Maya centers, the hubs of elite control, from an economic standpoint.
Curriculum development in information systems

Information Systems is one of the most dynamic and important professions of the 80's. There are a number of colleges and universities that offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. However, because of Information Systems' dynamic nature, many of these programs are now out of date. In this paper a modern, comprehensive curriculum leading to a baccalaureate degree in Information Systems is presented. This curriculum was developed in response to the needs of the student population and the requirements of industry. The curriculum was designed by first identifying career paths followed by students that graduate with an Information Systems degree from San Diego State University and then analyzing the areas of knowledge required. In addition, an effort was made to anticipate the future directions of the field of information systems in terms of need and technology. Relying on this study, plus feedback from graduates and employers, five major paths were determined. They were Applications Programming, Systems Analysis, Information Systems Management, Automated Administrative Systems, and Graduate Bound (students who would directly pursue further graduate study). To serve these related, but varied, areas, a common core of courses, as well as specific courses for each track, were developed. These core and specialty area courses are described.
Zolpidem Ingestion, Automatisms, and Sleep Driving: A Clinical and Legal Case Series

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To describe zolpidem-associated complex behaviors, including both daytime automatisms and sleep-related parasomnias. METHODS: A case series of eight clinical patients and six legal defendants is presented. Patients presented to the author after an episode of confusion, amnesia, or somnambulism. Legal defendants were being prosecuted for driving under the influence, and the author reviewed the cases as expert witness for the defense. Potential predisposing factors including comorbidities, social situation, physician instruction, concomitant medications, and patterns of medication management were considered. RESULTS: Patients and defendants exhibited abnormal behavior characterized by poor motor control and confusion. Although remaining apparently interactive with the environment, all reported amnesia for 3 to 5 hours. In some cases, the episodes began during daytime wakefulness because of accidental or purposeful ingestion of the zolpidem and are considered automatisms. Other cases began after ingestion of zolpidem at the time of going to bed and are considered parasomnias. Risk factors for both wake and sleep-related automatic complex behaviors include the concomitant ingestion of other sedating drugs, a higher dose of zolpidem, a history of parasomnia, ingestion at times other than bedtime or when sleep is unlikely, poor management of pill bottles, and living alone. In addition, similar size and shape of two medications contributed to accidental ingestion in at least one case. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep driving and other complex behaviors can occur after zolpidem ingestion. Physicians should assess patients for potential risk factors and inquire about parasomnias. Serious legal and medical complications can occur as a result of these forms of automatic complex behaviors. CITATION: Poceta JS. Zolpidem ingestion, automatisms, and sleep driving: a clinical and legal case series. J Clin Sleep Med 2011;7(6):632-638. Language: en
Fighting cancer with nanoparticle medicines - The nanoscale matters

Papyrus writings from 1600–1500 BC describe cancer and the attempts at treatment. Centuries later, cancer remains a devastating disease. Given the long history of difficulties in developing cancer therapies, why is there excitement about nanoparticle medicine (nanomedicines) for fighting cancer? This article describes the current understanding of why these engineered, nano-sized medicines, which are highly multifunctional chemical systems, have the potential to provide revolutionary ways to treat cancer. This point is illustrated by physical insights at the nanoscale that allow for the development of nanoparticles that can function in both animals and humans. The human data show how we have translated two independent nanoparticle cancer therapeutics from laboratory curiosities to experimental therapeutics in human clinical trials.
Dynamic capacitance effects in DRAM word lines

Examination of the total effective word line capacitance loading a DRAM word line driver reveals a dynamic effect which changes the capacitance relative to static computations. The magnitude of the ‘dynamic’ capacitance can be significant when the rates of change of the storage node and word line voltage waveforms are comparable. The source of this effect is shown to be charge transfer between storage nodes and bit lines during the activation of the word line. Implications of the dynamic effect for word line design and boosting in the 1/2 VDD sensing scheme are discussed. The effect occurs for any sensing scheme; it represents another variable affecting overall sensing performance in dynamic RAM.
Archaeological and geological evidence for protohistoric water management in Northeast Louisiana

Native North American Indians built and maintained water control and irrigation facilities, especially in the southwestern United States. However, the use of human-made structures to manage water for agriculture and personal use is rarely documented in the Southeast. Excavations at the protohistoric period Jordan site in Louisiana demonstrate the use of earthworks, ponds, and ditches to channel and direct surface water for drainage and irrigation. The Jordan site is remarkable for its preservation, as well as for having evidence for sophisticated hydraulic engineering, but it is unlikely that it is unique in the Southeast in regard to the degree and kind of earthmoving related to water management. Archaeological and geological contexts provide the background for understanding the Jordan site features. Results of geoarchaeological subsurface investigations demonstrate the scale and nature of the site's aboriginal constructions and provide evidence that they were part of a deliberate plan to make the site area habitable during the immediate post-contact era in the Mississippi Valley.
Preliminary evaluation of a mobile robotic device for navigation and intervention on the beating heart

This article describes the development and preliminary testing of a mobile robotic device to facilitate minimally invasive beating-heart intrapericardial intervention. The HeartLander robot will be introduced beneath the pericardium via subxiphoid incision, adhere to the epicardium, navigate to any location, and administer therapy under the control of the physician. As compared to current robotic cardiac surgical techniques, this novel paradigm obviates immobilization of the heart and eliminates access limitations. Furthermore, it does not require lung deflation and differential ventilation and thus could enable outpatient cardiac surgery. The current HeartLander prototypes use suction to maintain prehension of the epicardium and wire actuation to perform locomotion. A fiber optic videoscope displays visual feedback to the physician, who controls the device through a joystick interface. The initial prototype demonstrated successful prehension, turning, and locomotion on open-chest, beating-heart porcine models where the pericardium was removed (N ¼ 3). A smaller second-generation prototype with an injection system demonstrated locomotion and myocardial injection of dye, both performed with the pericardium intact (N ¼ 3). These trials illustrate the feasibility of using a miniature mobile robot to navigate upon the beating heart and perform intrapericardial therapy.
Why is demand homogeneity so often rejected

Several statistical tests have indicated that homogeneity of consumer demand must be rejected [see, e.g., Barten (1969), Byron (1970), Lluch (1971), and Deaton (1974)]. A simulation experiment shows that the standard test is seriously biased toward rejecting this hypothesis. For the case presented, a small sample interpretation of the test statistic explains this bias.
SNAC convergence and use in adaptive autopilot design

In this paper, approximate dynamic programming (ADP)based design tools are developed for adaptive control of aircraft control under nominal and damaged conditions. Nominal control of the system is computed with a Single Network Adaptive Critic(SNAC) derived through principles of ADP. Convergence of SNAC training is shown by reducing it to solving a set of nonlinear algebraic equations in weights. Unlike many adaptive control approaches, we develop approximate optimal control expressions to handle uncertainties. Uncertainties are calculated with an online neural network with guaranteed convergence. Longitudinal dynamics of an aircraft is used to illustrate the working of the developed algorithms.
Integrated emissions management for automotive painting operations

An integrated scheme has been studied to reduce gaseous (volatile organic com- pounds (VOCs)), liquid (scrubber water), and solid (paint sludge) emissions from automotive painting operations by converting an existing spray-booth scrubber system to a bioreactor to capture and degrade VOCs and pyrolyzing paint sludge to produce an adsorbent. This paper describes the experimental results of 1) a pilot-scale study conducted at an assembly plant to evaluate the biological VOC removal using activated-sludge bioreactors and 2) a bench-scale study on VOC adsorption on paint-sludge adsorbents. The results indicate that the biological VOC removal is technically feasible (comparable VOC removal and less energy usage as compared to the widely used, vapor phase-activated carbon adsorption/thermal oxidation process) and economically feasible (one order of magnitude cheaper) and that paint-sludge adsorbents exhibited appreciable adsorption capacity. Implementation of the scheme requires more than technical and economical feasibility. The issues to be overcome include the iner- tia of past practices, overall systemic thinking, and moving targets (processes and regula- tions).
Board level reliability study on three-dimensional thin stacked package

This paper discusses the optimal design for PS-etCSP to achieve reliable thermal fatigue life of solder joint. For this purpose design analysis was performed using both simulation and experimental approaches. Since reduction of warpage is most critical issue to ensure good solder joint connection for thin packages, parametric study was performed to find the optimal set of package outline dimensions using finite element method. Next to find the optimal design far solder joint reliability, 3D FEA fatigue model was established with non linear material properties of solder joint. Various factors such as ball land size, motherboard thickness and surface mounting type were studied. As a result, it is found that thin die with small size and small CTE molding compound is better for minimizing package warpage and larger opening size, thinner board and single mounting on board are good for solder joint reliability. The stack of package however has little effect on solder joint reliability. The effects of board thickness and surface mounting type (single/double) were investigated in terms of assembly stiffness and solder joint reliability. Simulation results showed good correspondence with experiment. The fatigue life and failure location predicted by simulation agreed well with experimental data. The fatigue life of optimal design was 1225 cycles for single PS-etCSP and 990 cycles for stacked PS-etCSP with single side mounting on board under the thermal cycling loading of temperature of -40/spl deg/C/spl sim/125/spl deg/C. Subsequently it can be concluded that optimal design of PS-etCSP can meet the requirement for most portable product applications.
Live multicellular tumor spheroid models for high-content imaging and screening in cancer drug discovery.

The multi cellular tumor spheroid (MCTS) model has been used for decades with proven superiority over monolayer cell culture models at recapitulating in vivo tumor growth. Yet its use in high-throughput drug discovery has been limited, particularly with image based screening, due to practical and technical hurdles. Here we report a significant advance in utilizing live MCTS models for high-content image based drug discovery. Using a validated GFP reporter (CK5Pro-GFP) of luminal breast cancer stem cells (CSC), we developed an algorithm to quantify changes in CK5Pro-GFP expression levels for individual Z-stack planes (local) or as maximal projections of the summed Z-stacks (global) of MCTS. From these image sets, we can quantify the cross-sectional area of GFP positive cells, the fluorescence intensity of the GFP positive cells, and the percent of spheroid cross-sectional area that expresses CK5Pro-GFP.We demonstrate that acquiring data in this manner can be done in real time and is statistically robust (Z’=0.85) for use in primary high-content screening cancer drug discovery.
Morphological, immunophenotypical and electrophysiological properties of resting microglia in vitro

Morphological, immunophenotypical and electrophysiological properties were investigated in isolated cultured murine microglia before and after exposure to astrocyte-conditioned medium (ACM). Following application of ACM, microglial cells underwent a dramatic shape transformation from an amoeboid appearance to a ramified morphology. In parallel to morphological changes, a downregulation of macrophage surface antigens was observed in microglia exposed to ACM. Staining intensities for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and for the adhesion molecules leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were significantly decreased in ramified microglia 5 days after exposure to ACM. In microglial cells treated daily with ACM over a period of 5 days, the smallest staining intensities for all surface antigens as well as the smallest ramification index as a measure for the highest degree of ramification were determined. In addition, upregulation of delayed rectifier K + currents was observed in microglia exposed to ACM for 1 day or treated daily with ACM for 5 days. In contrast, untreated amoeboid microglia or ramified microglia analysed 5 days after exposure to ACM did not express delayed rectifier K + currents. Analyses of the resting membrane potential and expression levels and properties of inward rectifier K + currents did not reveal any differences between untreated and ACM-treated microglia. It is suggested that electrophysiological properties of microglia do not strongly correlate with the morphology or the immunophenotype of microglial cells.
Multiple access schemes over multipath fading channels

We compare the performance of different accessing schemes for communication over an additive white Gaussian noise multiple access channel with multipath fading. We assume that only the receiver can track the channel variations. We investigate time division, frequency division and code division multiple access schemes and consider the Shannon capacity as well as the probability of outage. Although orthogonal code division multiple access has the same total capacity with frequency and time division, it has better probability of outage. We also provide an extension of our comparison to a CDMA system employing non-orthogonal codes and multiuser detection.
Food Volatiles as Attractants for Yellowjackets (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Abstract Assays with a captive Vespula germanica (F.) colony indicated that foragers were more strongly attracted to pear aged 24 h than to 0- or 48-h-aged pear. Sixteen chemicals found in 24-h pear and other foods were tested for their attractiveness to social wasps in a series of four trapping trials in rural and urban settings in Wisconsin. Workers of V. germanica, V. maculifrons, Dolichovespula maculata (L.), and Polistes fuscatus (F.) were most strongly attracted to isobutanol with 0.5% acetic acid added to the drowning solution, confirming previous work. We report for the first time that males of V. maculifrons were trapped in significant numbers by the isobutanol + acetic acid combination. None of the tested compounds found in ripe pear was shown to be especially attractive to V. germanica or V. maculifrons workers or males. However, 2-methyl butanol, a compound similar in structure to isobutanol, was found to attract V. germanica and V. maculifrons workers as well as V. maculifrons males. Furtherm...
Nebulette mutations in cardiac remodeling: big effects from a small mechanosensor.

Within the cytoskeletal framework of the heart, sarcomeres form the contractile machinery of cardiac muscle. Proteins associated with the thick and thin filaments and the Z-disk participate in maintenance of the sarcomere structure. The Z-disks connect with integrins and dystroglycan of the
Behavior of Diaphragm-Braced Columns and Beams

A compression member that is supported continuously or at frequent intervals along its length fails at a load which can be somewhere between its maximum capacity when unbraced and its failure load when fully braced. A diaphragm can be used to provide such bracing and, if attached to two identical parallel members and constrained to deform as the members deflect laterally, may be assumed to be in a state of pure shear. A theory predicting the failure load of elastic I-section members laterally restrained by shear-resistant diaphragms is developed. The shear rigidity, which can vary substantially because of the connector and other details, is the principal characteristic of the diaphragm considered. This rigidity was determined experimentally. A test series of double-column-diaphragm assemblies gave good agreement between the theoretically predicted values and the test failure loads.
Two-Dimensional Flow Field of Multiport Diffuser

The objective of this note is to derive, primarily through simple dimensional arguments, the gross characteristics of the two-dimensional flow field induced in the center of a long, multiport ocean sewage outfall. This overall flow field must be considered for diffusers operating in shallow waters, as it can affect the dilution achieved by the diffuser. The receiving water is otherwise stagnant and unstratified, and it is assumed that the diffuser can be approximated as a line plume. The results of two-dimensional experiments which were obtained in conjunction with a study of the three-dimensional flow field created by a line plume of finite length in a moving current are presented.
Cross-country evidence on the link between IQ and financial development

Abstract Research finds that individuals with higher levels of intelligence are likely to save relatively more than others. Evidence from macro-level studies shows that countries with higher than average IQs also are characterized by greater levels of saving. These two outcomes suggest the testable hypothesis: Do countries with higher national average IQs, on average, have more developed financial markets to accommodate this increased savings activity? Using three popular measures of financial development and the Lynn-Vanhanen national IQ measure, I test that hypothesis for a large sample of countries. The evidence indicates that, all else the same, IQ is a significant predictor of financial development.
Two New Species of Antaeotricha Zeller from Southeastern Arizona (Gelechioidea: Elachistidae: Stenomatinae)

Two new species, Antaeotricha baboquivariensis and Antaeotricha duckworthi, are described from southeastern Arizona. Photographs are included of the type imagoes and their associated genitalia. Habitat images and a distribution map for the two new taxa are provided.
ANTITOXIN RESPONSES IN THE ELDERLY TO TETANUS-DIPHTHERIA (TD) IMMUNIZATION

A high per centage of reported cases of tetanus and diphtheria in the United States occurs in persons over 60 years old. The sera of 69 elderly persons, mean age 80 years, were tested for prevalence of tetanus and diphtheria antibodies, and only 51% and 59%, respectively, had protective levels (greater than or equal to .01 AU/ml). In a prospective study 27 elderly volunteers were given 0.5 ml tetanus-diphtheria (Td) toxoid twice, seven months apart. Before toxoid 26% and 59% of persons had protective antitoxin levels against tetanus and diphtheria. After one dose the per cent protected rose to 42 and 88. After the second dose all persons immunized had protective levels. No subjects had significant side effects after either dose. These data demonstrate that many elderly persons lack protection against tetanus and diphtheria and document that two doses of Td toxoid would confer immunity to virtually all such persons.
Synthesis and assembly of functional high molecular weight adiponectin multimers in an engineered strain of Escherichia coli.

Adiponectin has many beneficial effects on cardiovascular and obesity-related disorders. It is part of a class of proteins that contains short collagenous domains, along with surfactant proteins A and D, and complement protein C1q. This class of biomacromolecules requires post-translational modifications to form biologically active assemblies. By introducing a set of post-translational modifying enzymes into Escherichia coli, we have created a prokaryotic expression system that functionally assembles adiponectin, as assessed by the ability of produced adiponectin multimers to suppress human endothelial cell apoptosis. This study represents the first example of the assembly of functional high order multimers of any member of this class of proteins outside of eukaryotic cells. Furthermore, the results give fundamental insight into the process of assembly such as the necessity and sufficiency of various post-translational steps for functional assembly. We expect that fine-tuning of the expression system will...
Multiresolution Path Planning Via Sector Decompositions Compatible to On-Board Sensor Data

Copyright © 2008 by Panagiotis Tsiotras and Efstathios Bakolas. Published by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc., with permission.
FILIAL CANNIBALISM IN THE CORTEZ DAMSELFISH STEGASTES RECTIFRAENUM.

Male cortez damselfish, Stegastes rectifraenum, in a central Gulf of California popu- lation, ate a large percentage (28.3%) of the clutches they received. This high rate of filial cannibalism permitted the testing of several predictions concerning the types of clutches that should be pref- erentially eaten and the mating tactics females should employ to reduce cannibalism rates. Males ate clutches that were smaller than average and that were at early stages of development. Exper- imentally reduced clutches were consumed at higher rates than controls. When multiple clutches were present, males preferentially ate the younger, smaller clutches. Females were more likely to deposit eggs with males who were caring for other early-stage eggs and to avoid males with late- stage eggs. This pattern was accentuated in females that deposited smaller clutches. These results provide evidence that filial cannibalism represents an adaptive response to clutches that do not provide adequate benefits to warrant the costs of parental care.
A Bacterial Enzyme Which Converts Creatine into its Anhydride Creatinine.

We have previously described the preparation from two bacterial species (NC and HR) of enzymic systems that are highly specific for the decomposition of creatine and creatinine.1, 2 These enzymic systems function only under aerobic conditions and convert creatine and creatinine into urea, ammonia, and other compounds. We have now observed that the washed cells of the NC bacterial species are capable of converting creatine into creatinine under anaerobic conditions; the creatinine so produced can then be decomposed by the same bacterial suspension when the conditions are rendered aerobic.The new enzyme has been obtained in aqueous solution, free of the cellular structure, by killing the cells with cold acetone, or with toluol and chloroform.This enzyme appears to exhibit a high degree of specificity for creatine, since it does not convert the closely related compound glycocyamine into glycocyamidine, nor does it change hydantoic acid into its anhydride, hydantoin. The enzyme does not produce creatine or cr...
Sudden infant death syndrome.

Fifty years ago, health care providers first reported on the entity we now call sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) [1]. Through continued investigation and interventions, significant progress has been made in decreasing the incidence of this tragic, yet not uncommon cause of death in infants. This review of the literature updates the reader on the definition, epidemiologic trends, risk factors, and proposed etiologies of SIDS. It also provides commentary on potential future directions in further reducing the number of SIDS victims in this country and throughout the world.
Supportive Romantic Relationships as Predictors of Resilience Against Early Adolescent Maternal Negativity.

Negativity in parent–child relationships during adolescence has been viewed as a risk factor for teens’ future personal and interpersonal adjustment. This study examined support from romantic partners and close friends during late adolescence as protective against maternal negativity experienced during early adolescence. A combination of observational, self-report, and peer-report measures were obtained from a community sample of 97 youth (58 % female), their mothers, closest friends, and romantic partners assessed at ages 13, 18, and 20. Moderating effects suggested a protective effect of romantic support against maternal negativity across a variety of psychosocial outcomes, including depressive symptoms, self-worth, social withdrawal, and externalizing behavior. Protective effects were found even after controlling for initial levels of outcome behavior and observed support from close friends throughout adolescence. Receiving support from a romantic partner may provide teens with new, positive ways of coping with adversity and help them avoid more serious distress that may be predicted from maternal negativity when such support is not available.
Toward trust: Recalibrating accreditation practices for postsecondary arts education

ABSTRACTThis article charts the influence of American accreditation policies on postsecondary arts education practices. Some commentators suggest that accreditation is a standards- and evidence-based process. I argue that trust is at the center of concerns about assessment in higher education, especially in the arts. The purpose of this article is to provide to policy makers and arts administrators some recommendations for ways trust might be engendered between and within educational units responsible for collecting data for institutional accreditation.
A study of CR-39 plastic charged-particle detector replacement by consumer imaging sensors

Consumer imaging sensors (CIS) are examined for real-time charged-particle detection and CR-39 plastic detector replacement. Removing cover glass from CIS is hard if not impossible, in particular for the latest inexpensive webcam models. We show that $10-class CIS are sensitive to MeV and higher energy protons and α-particles by using a 90Sr β-source with its cover glass in place. Indirect, real-time, high-resolution detection is also feasible when combining CIS with a ZnS:Ag phosphor screen and optics. Noise reduction in CIS is nevertheless important for the indirect approach.
Distributed interference pricing with MISO channels

We study a distributed algorithm for adapting transmit beamforming vectors in a multi-antenna peer-to-peer wireless network. The algorithm attempts to maximize a sum of per-user utility functions, where each user's utility is a function of his transmission rate, or equivalently the received signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR). This is accomplished by exchanging interference prices, each of which represents the marginal cost of interference to a particular user. Given the interference prices, users update their beamforming vectors to maximize their utility minus the cost of interference. For a two-user system, we show that this algorithm converges for a suitable class of utility functions. Convergence of the algorithm with more than two users is illustrated numerically.
Feasibility in the development of a multi-marker detection platform.

Abstract A feasibility study for a label-free, multi-marker single sensor using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), imaginary impedance, and a signal decoupling technique is reported. To our knowledge, this is the first reported attempt of using imaginary impedance for biomarker detection and multi-marker detection. The electrochemical responses of purified low and high density lipoproteins (LDL and HDL, respectively) were first individually characterized through the immobilization of their molecular recognition elements (MREs) onto gold disk electrodes (GDEs). The co-immobilization was performed by immobilizing the MREs of both LDL and HDL on the same GDE, which was then used to detect LDL and HDL simultaneously in mixed solution. Previous individual purified responses were then used to de-convolute the mixed response, when the two biomarkers were detected in mixed solutions. The optimal frequencies of LDL and HDL were found to be 81.38 Hz and 5.49 Hz, respectively, which shifted to 175.8 Hz and 3.74 Hz under co-immobilized conditions. After comparing the electrochemical signal in complex and imaginary impedance, imaginary impedance was found to be more suitable for multi-marker detection purposes. Since imaginary impedance is related to capacitance, electric displacement, relative permittivity, and effective capacitance were derived to elucidate the theory of optimal frequency. This work shows that EIS has the potential for multi-marker detection and can be extended to monitor other complex diseases such as diabetes mellitus for better management and diagnostic purposes.
Gravity’s Reverb: Listening to Space-Time, or Articulating the Sounds of Gravitational-Wave Detection

In February 2016, U.S.-based astronomers announced that they had detected gravitational waves, vibrations in the substance of space-time. When they made the detection public, they translated the signal into sound, a “chirp,” a sound wave swooping up in frequency, indexing, scientists said, the collision of two black holes 1.3 billion years ago. Drawing on interviews with gravitational-wave scientists at MIT and interpreting popular representations of this cosmic audio, I ask after these scientists’ acoustemology—that is, what the anthropologist of sound Steven Feld would call their “sonic way of knowing and being.” Some scientists suggest that interpreting gravitational-wave sounds requires them to develop a “vocabulary,” a trained judgment about how to listen to the impress of interstellar vibration on the medium of the detector. Gravitational-wave detection sounds, I argue, are thus articulations of theories with models and of models with instrumental captures of the cosmically nonhuman. Such articulations, based on mathematical and technological formalisms—Einstein's equations, interferometric observatories, and sound files—operate alongside less fully disciplined collections of acoustic, auditory, and even musical metaphors, which I call informalisms. Those informalisms then bounce back on the original articulations, leading to rhetorical reverb, in which articulations—amplified through analogies, similes, and metaphors—become difficult to fully isolate from the rhetorical reflections they generate. Filtering analysis through a number of accompanying sound files, this article contributes to the anthropology of listening, positing that scientific audition often operates by listening through technologies that have been tuned to render theories and their accompanying formalisms both materially explicit and interpretively resonant.
Synaptic Differentiation on Type Identified Motoneurones

The connection between Ia afferents and motoneurones is characterised by considerable divergence from individual afferents to the homonymous and heteronymous motoneurone pools and a consequent convergence from afferents onto individual motoneurones (reviewed in Henneman and Mendell, 1981). The profuse connectivity has made this a very convenient model system to study synaptic function in the central nervous system. The ability to activate the afferents either individually (single fibre EPSPs) or in combination with all the other afferents (composite EPSPs), along with the relative simplicity implied by a monosynaptic connection, has facilitated these studies.
Advantages of using high-pressure short-arc xenon lamps for display systems

Xenon produces a brilliant white flash of light when it is excited electrically. The characteristics Xenon brings to short arc, high-pressure xenon lamps are substantial, particularly in display systems. The broadband and relatively flat profile of the xenon emission in the visible spectrum generates superior metameric matching to life-like colors, whereby the visible spectrums of other lamps generally contain spikes requiring additional adjustment. Xenon-powered lamps generate a native color point of 5900K to 6200K - very near the optimal D65 point - increasing efficiency and minimizing the need for filtering. Filtering often results in an undesirable loss of luminous efficacy. Instant turn-on/turn-off is possible since the xenon is in its gaseous state at the operating pressures of the lamp. This is an improvement over most ultra-high pressure mercury lamps requiring warm-up times. The DC drive of the lamp provides a compact arc near one of the electrodes that produces a very small volume of light that is ideal for coupling to elliptical reflectors. The light output can be dimmed by controlling the applied electrical power. Xenon-powered short arc, high-pressure lamps operate safely within the specified parameters, and incorporating a reflector within the lamp body provides alignment-free replacement. The xenon lamps also eliminate the use of mercury, an important benefit in today's environmentally-conscious industry.
Introduction to Global Health Promotion

Global health education is becoming increasingly prominent in universities throughout the country especially in programs focused on health and behavioral sciences, law, economics, and political science. Introduction to Global Health Promotion is a book that can be used by both instructors and students in the field of global health. The book provides theories and models, human rights, and technology relevant to the field. In addition the book is designed to share best evidence for promoting health and reducing morbidity and mortality in a variety of areas. The book can be used by health educators, public health practitioners, professors, and students as a resource for research and practice in the field of health promotion and disease prevention.
Wading into Border Pedagogy: Teacher Preparation through Service Learning

In our increasingly interconnected global society, learning to think differently about ourselves in a border context, making crossings and connections, reflecting on our own position and power, and articulating a vision of social justice, have become necessary civic skills. In the southwest border region, an anti-immigrant, pro-assimilation social and educational environment clouds the practices and understanding of border pedagogy. This article examines teacher education coursework in a small liberal arts university in the border region. Teacher education border pedagogy combined with community service learning offers an effective way of developing border crossers who have moved beyond stereotyping and the touristâ€™s gaze to have a sensibility for social justice through K-12 teaching. The study offers practical frameworks with which to understand the studentsâ€™ developmental process and practical applications for policy makers and teacher educators.
Cardiovascular outcomes of pregnancy in Marfan's syndrome patients: A literature review.

Aims Pregnancy in patients with Marfan's syndrome (MFS) carries an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, resulting in increased maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Literature on MFS pregnant patients is relatively sparse, and there has yet to be a concrete consensus on the management of this unique patient population. The purpose of our paper is to provide a literature review of case reports and studies on MFS during pregnancy (published between 2005 and 2015) and to explore cardiovascular outcomes of patients with MFS. Methods and Results Of the 852 women in our review, there were 1112 pregnancies, with an aortic dissection rate of 7.9% and mortality of 1.2%. Data demonstrated a trend that patients whose aortic diameter ≥40 mm had a greater rate of dissection than MFS patients whose aortic diameter <40 mm (Fisher's exact test, P = .0504). Fetal outcome included a 5.6% mortality rate and 41% of births were cesarean deliveries and of those reported, 75% secondary to cardiac emergencies. Conclusions Patients with MFS, especially those whose initial aortic diameters ≥40 mm, planning a pregnancy or currently pregnant should be carefully counseled about the maternal and fetal risks throughout pregnancy. MFS patients whose aortic diameters ≥40 mm should be advised to ideally await pregnancy until prophylactic aortic surgery. As MFS varies in its phenotypic expression, each patient's risk of adverse cardiac events should be assessed individually through a joint Maternal Fetal Medicine and Cardiology Center.
High-current-density electrodeposition using pulsed and constant currents to produce thick CoPt magnetic films on silicon substrates

This paper investigates methods for electroplating thick (>20 μm), high-coercivity CoPt films using high current densities (up to 1 A/cm2) and elevated bath temperatures (70 °C). Correlations are made tying current-density and temperature process parameters with plating rate, elemental ratio and magnetic properties of the deposited CoPt films. It also investigates how pulsed currents can increase the plating rate and film to substrate adhesion. Using 500 mA/cm2 and constant current, high-quality, dense CoPt films were successfully electroplated up to 20 μm thick in 1 hr on silicon substrates (0.35 μm/min plating rate). After standard thermal treatment (675°C, 30 min) to achieve the ordered L10 crystalline phase, strong magnetic properties were measured: coercivities up 850 kA/m, remanences >0.5 T, and maximum energy products up to 46 kJ/m3.
ATRIAL REMODELING IMPAIRS CARDIAC RESERVE IN PATIENTS WITH HFPEF AND ATRIAL FIBRILLATION BY INCREASING PERICARDIAL RESTRAINT

Permanent Atrial Fibrillation (perAF) is common in HFpEF and is associated with severe biatrial enlargement. As total heart volume increases there may be enhanced pericardial restraint independently leading to increased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP). Consecutive patients with perAF
Patterns of Care for Stage IA Cervical Cancer: Use of Definitive Radiation Therapy Versus Hysterectomy

Objective The standard of care for clinical IA cervical cancer is surgery, but nonoperative cases may receive definitive radiation therapy (RT). Herein, we investigated national practice patterns associated with the administration of definitive RT as compared with hysterectomy-based surgery (HYS) as well as delivery of adjuvant RT after HYS. Methods/Materials The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was queried for clinical IA primary cervical cancer cases (2004–2013) receiving definitive RT or HYS with or without adjuvant RT. Patients with unknown RT or surgery status were excluded, as were benign histologies and receipt of non-HYS such as fertility-sparing surgery. Patient, tumor, and treatment parameters were extracted. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression determined variables associated with receipt of RT and HYS. Results In total, 3816 patients were analyzed (n = 3514 [92.1%] HYS alone, n = 100 [2.6%] RT alone, n = 202 [5.3%] combination). On multivariable analysis of HYS versus definitive RT, RT was more likely to be given to patients who were older (P Conclusions This is the largest analysis to date evaluating definitive RT for IA cervical cancer. Younger age and higher socioeconomic status are associated with receipt of HYS instead of definitive RT, and positive margins are most associated with the addition of adjuvant RT. Although these data must be further validated with better defined patient selection and do not imply causation, several socioeconomic findings discovered herein need to be addressed to ensure the highest quality cancer care to all patients.
Cystic and Vascular Lesions

Since aneurysmal bone cyst has already been covered with other giant cell-containing lesions, the other cystic lesions that will be discussed in this chapter have been limited to simple bone cyst and intraosseus ganglion. Given the rarity of true vascular lesions of the bone only hemangioma, hemangioendothelioma, and angiosarcoma are referenced.
Adsorption of iodine species with ion exchange resins in aqueous solutions

An investigation of iodine absorption on ion exchange resins in aqueous electrolyte solutions has been performed. For I− and I3- ions, the distribution coefficients are inversely proportional to th...
Interacting with Residents

Interacting with residents can be a rewarding experience. Establishing mutual respect is the key to developing an excellent working relationship. Residents work hard to provide the best patient care possible while learning enough to become a successful attending in a very short time. Treating them with respect will help you develop the best working relationship possible, and behaving in a way that commands their respect will ultimately result in optimal care for your patients.
Jeffers’ axe: The instability of nonviolence

This article begins by situating Jessica Benjamin’s idea of the “moral third” in relation to some discourses of ethical nonviolence. It then offers a discussion of Robinson Jeffers’ narrative poem “The Inhumanist” that shows the insightfulness of Benjamin’s concept and demonstrates the worth of poetry in fostering the forms of moral involvement in nonviolence that follow from the experience of the moral third. Finally, it puts Jeffers’ and Benjamin’s ideas about nonviolence into conversation with Steven Pinker’s The Better Angels of Our Nature, highlighting the limitations with understanding reason and altruism as the primary forces against state violence.
Synthetic Forgery Attack against Continuous Keystroke Authentication Systems

Keystroke dynamics is an effective behavioral biometric for user authentication at a computer terminal. While many promising approaches have been proposed to enhance the recognition performance and several applications have been deployed to improve the system security level, the robustness under forgery attacks has not been well studied. In this paper, we propose a new approach to launch synthetic forgery attacks against the existing keystroke authentication systems. We analyze users' typing traits and select certain type of users who are good at imitating others from a large keystroke dataset and use their data to forge a master key. The attacks are launched under both zero effort as well as nonzero effort scenarios. Our initial results indicate that in the wake of the proposed synthetic impostor attack, the recognition rate can be weakened, thus exposing a significant vulnerability of current keystroke authentication systems.