cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parallel I/O prefetching using MPI file caching and I/O signatures

Parallel I/O prefetching is considered to be effective in improving I/O performance. However, the effectiveness depends on determining patterns among future I/O accesses swiftly and fetching data in time, which is difficult to achieve in general. In this study, we propose an I/O signature-based prefetching strategy. The idea is to use a predetermined I/O signature of an application to guide prefetching. To put this idea to work, we first derived a classification of patterns and introduced a simple and effective signature notation to represent patterns. We then developed a toolkit to trace and generate I/O signatures automatically. Finally, we designed and implemented a thread-based client-side collective prefetching cache layer for MPI-IO library to support prefetching. A prefetching thread reads I/O signatures of an application and adjusts them by observing I/O accesses at runtime. Experimental results show that the proposed prefetching method improves I/O performance significantly for applications with complex patterns.
Social Capital, Acculturation, and Breastfeeding Initiation Among Puerto Rican Women in the United States

To examine reasons for not breastfeeding, and to identify factors associated with ever breastfeeding among Puerto Rican women, a retrospective study was done using a convenience sample of 161 low-income Latino women with children younger than 6 years. Women were recruited from the Hispanic Health Council (43.5%), the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (29.8%), and other places (26.7%). Participants were interviewed using a pretested questionnaire specific to the target community. Most (73%) of the respondents chose to be interviewed in Spanish. Chi-square analyses were used to examine the bivariate association between ever breastfeeding and the independent variables. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to estimate the independent association between acculturation, social capital, and breastfeeding. Women with more social capital were more likely (odds ratio = 2.25, 95% confidence interval, 1.02-4.95) to have breastfed the index child, suggesting that social capital is an important predictor of breastfeeding initiation in this community.
Serum luteinizing hormone rises within minutes after depot leuprolide injection: implications for monitoring therapy.

Objective. To find the time of the serum gonadotropin peak after depot leuprolide injection in children and to show that depot leuprolide therapy can be monitored by measuring serum luteinizing hormone (LH) immediately after injections. Study Design. We measured concentrations of leuprolide, LH, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) at multiple time points before and after the first dose of depot leuprolide in 14 pubertal children beginning therapy. Gonadotropins and sex steroids were measured again after the fourth dose. Results. Serum leuprolide, LH, and FSH levels rose rapidly after initial injection, reaching sustained elevations at 30 to 120 minutes. The median LH level increased from 2.1 mIU/mL at baseline to a peak of 27.5 mIU/mL at 45 minutes, and FSH increased from 5.2 to 16.5 mIU/mL. After 3 months on therapy, median serum LH after depot leuprolide injection was only 0.83 mIU/mL, similar to levels observed after intravenous or subcutaneous gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation in comparable subjects on depot leuprolide. Conclusion. Our pharmacokinetic data demonstrate that free leuprolide present in a depot leuprolide injection is equivalent to gonadotropin-releasing hormone in stimulating a rapid rise in serum gonadotropin concentrations. We propose that a single serum sample for LH obtained 30 to 60 minutes after depot leuprolide injection in children provides a convenient and accurate assessment of treatment efficacy.
CO Adsorption on Noble Metal Clusters: Local Environment Effects

We have used ab initio density functional theory calculations to study the adsorption of CO on clusters of 13 noble metal atoms. The cluster composition ranges from 100% Pt to 100% Au. Because our goal is to study the effect of local environment on CO adsorption, adsorption is only studied on the top atom site. This atom can be either Pt or Au, depending on the cluster considered. Results are analyzed in terms of CO adsorption energy, CO bond stretching frequency, geometry of the CO + cluster system, and HOMO−LUMO gaps. It is found that, as expected, the CO adsorption energy on Pt is >1 eV more favorable than that on Au and that the cluster composition affects both adsorption energy and stretching frequency. Specifically, when CO adsorbs on Pt, increasing Au content decreases the adsorption energy. In contrast, when CO adsorbs on Au, increasing Pt content increases the adsorption energy. In general, higher adsorption energies lead to lower C−O stretching frequencies. Electronic-structure details (i.e., de...
Regional-scale relationship among biological soil crusts, invasive annual grasses, and disturbance

Sagebrush ecosystems in western North America are being replaced by the invasion of annual grasses, particularly Bromus tectorum. In experimental situations and in localized landscapes, prior studies have documented that biological soil crusts (biocrusts) can reduce annual grass presence and that biocrusts are highly vulnerable to physical disturbance. Practical conservation would benefit from verification of these patterns at scales that matter to local economies. This study tests if these patterns appear at a regional scale. A previously collected data set of vegetation provided sampling of biocrust cover across the Great Basin within the state of Nevada, USA. Data were analyzed with non-parametric methods including odds ratios and generalized additive models (GAM). From a data set of 608 vegetation plots within the Great Basin ecoregion, proportion of plots with high annual grass cover differed between sites with high versus low biocrust cover (p = 0.0015). A negative relationship between annual grass cover and biocrust cover was confirmed with GAM (p = 0.009). For a model of biocrust cover, cattle disturbance was found to be an explanatory variable (p < 0.00001). The patterns do appear at the regional scale, with high levels of cattle activity corresponding to low cover of biocrusts, and low cover of biocrusts corresponding to high cover of annual grasses.
The effects of edge defects on the switching characteristics of bit patterned media

We present the results of micromagnetic studies on realistic patterning defects in perpendicularly oriented magnetic thin films. Both undercut and line edge roughness are investigated systematically with simulations using simple test structures to see the effect of the side wall angle, the roughness amplitude on a nanostructureiquests switching field, and the roughness period on mathematically tractable figures. We then run simulations of hysteresis loops of actual 200 nm diameter nanostructures using AFM images to define the structure boundary and compare the results to MFM images of DC demagnetized dots.
A novel RING finger protein interacts with the cytoplasmic domain of CD40.

CD40 is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family and, like other members, it appears to possess no intrinsic signaling capacity (e.g. kinase activity), suggesting that signal transduction is likely mediated by associating molecules. To identify such molecules, we have utilized the yeast two-hybrid system to clone cDNAs encoding proteins that bind the CD40 cytoplasmic domain. One such interacting protein, designated CD40-binding protein, has a N-terminal RING finger motif that is found in a number of DNA-binding proteins, including the V(D)J recombination activating gene RAG1. In addition, it contains a prominent central coiled-coil segment that may allow homo- or hetero-oligomerization. The C terminus possesses substantial homology to the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF) domain that is found in two proteins (TRAF1 and TRAF2) that associate with the cytoplasmic domain of the related 75-kDa tumor necrosis factor receptor. This is the first identification of a molecule that interacts with CD40 and whose sequence suggests a potential role in signaling.
A GAUGE THEORY OF RELAXING ELASTIC MATERIALS CONTAINING DISLOCATIONS

Abstract We attempt to develop a gauge theory for elastic materials that exhibit the relaxation phenomenon in the sense that the strain induced by applied loads is less than that given by the classical theory. It is accomplished by generalizing the Lagrangian to include linear terms associated with dislocation currents and relaxing the minimal coupling part of the standard Yang-Mills gauge theory.
Hemofiltration treatment of psoriasis

Eleven patients with severe psoriasis were treated with hemofiltration once weekly for 4 consecutive weeks. Hemofiltration is a method of extracorporeal dialysis that uses a pressure gradient, rather than passive diffusion, to remove small and medium molecular weight substances from the blood. Six of the patients had very substantial clearing of their psoriatic lesions. Five patients had little or no apparent benefit during the course of hemofiltration treatments. They subsequently had dramatic clearing, however, when previously ineffective topical therapy was resumed. No patient had worsening of his condition during the hemofiltration series, and there were no perceived adverse effects.
Simulation and analysis of pulse compression for weather radars

Wideband waveform techniques, such as pulse compression, allow for accurate weather measurements in a short data acquisition time. However, for extended targets such as precipitation systems, range sidelobes mask and corrupt observations of weak phenomena occurring near areas of strong echoes. Therefore, sidelobe suppression is extremely important in precisely determining the echo scattering region. A simulation procedure is developed to describe the signal returns from distributed targets with pulse compression. The simulation procedure is capable of generating signals from test targets with sharp gradients with different velocities and spectral widths at each range location. The results from the simulation are used to evaluate the performance of range sidelobe suppression techniques for distributed targets. The evaluation shows the effect of Doppler velocity estimates in the presence of reflectivity gradients. Comparative analysis of the sidelobe suppression procedures with Doppler tolerant procedures is presented in the context of fluctuating weather targets.
Cardioprotective and Survival Benefits of Long-Term Combined Therapy with β2 Adrenoreceptor (AR) Agonist and β1 AR Blocker in Dilated Cardiomyopathy Postmyocardial Infarction

We have reported therapeutic effectiveness of pharmacological stimulation of beta2 adrenoreceptors (ARs) to attenuate the cardiac remodeling and myocardial infarction (MI) expansion in a rat model of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) post-MI. Furthermore, the combination of beta2 AR stimulation with beta1 AR blockade exceeded the therapeutic effectiveness of beta1 AR blockade. However, these studies were relatively short (6 weeks). In this study, in the same experimental model, we compared different effects, including survival benefit, of combined therapy with the beta1 AR blocker, metoprolol, plus the beta2 AR agonist, fenoterol (beta1-beta2+), and either therapy alone (beta1- or beta2+) during the 1-year study. Therapy was started 2 weeks after permanent ligation of the left coronary artery. Cardiac remodeling, MI expansion, and left ventricular function were assessed by serial echocardiography and compared with untreated animals (nT). Sixty-seven percent mortality in nT was reduced to 33% in the beta1-beta2+ (p < 0.01). Progressive cardiac remodeling observed in nT and beta1- was significantly attenuated in beta1-beta2+ during the first 6 months of treatment. In beta1-beta2+, MI expansion was completely prevented, and functional decline was significantly attenuated during the entire year. Myocardial apoptosis was significantly reduced in both beta1-beta2+ and beta1-. A reduction of cardiac beta1 AR density and decreases in chronotropic and contractile responses to beta2 AR-specific stimulation in the absence of a reduction of beta2 AR density in nT were precluded in rats receiving combined therapy. The results demonstrate the cardioprotective and survival benefit of long-term combination therapy of beta2 AR agonists and beta1 AR blockers in a model of DCM.
Syndromatic paucity of interlobular bile ducts: hepatic histopathology of the early and endstage liver.

Morphologic findings of the liver in syndromatic paucity of intrahepatic bile ducts (SPIHBD) during infancy include paucity of interlobular bile ducts, features of “giant cell hepatitis,” dilated lymphatics and veins in the portal tract, perisinusoidal fibrosis, and bile duct epithelial changes with a concentric layering of mesenchymal cells around bile ducts reminiscent of renal dysplasia. The latter change is characteristic of SPIHBD. Although the disease is characterized by paucity of bile ducts, morphometric studies show paucity of interlobular bile ducts in less than half of the patients during infancy. Reduced numbers of portal tracts and increased percentage of portal tracts devoid of bile ducts are more constant findings. It was impossible to predict from the early biopsy which patients would develop more severe portal fibrosis. Later in the disease portal fibrosis is variable and unevenly distributed, being more severe near the hilum regardless of the prior performance of a Kasai-type operation o...
Bayesian bounds for matched-field parameter estimation

Matched-field methods concern estimation of source locations and/or ocean environmental parameters by exploiting full wave modeling of acoustic waveguide propagation. Because of the nonlinear parameter-dependence of the signal field, the estimate is subject to ambiguities and the sidelobe contribution often dominates the estimation error below a threshold signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). To study the matched-field performance, three Bayesian lower bounds on mean-square error are developed: the Bayesian Crame/spl acute/r-Rao bound (BCRB), the Weiss-Weinstein bound (WWB), and the Ziv-Zakai bound (ZZB). Particularly, for a multiple-frequency, multiple-snapshot random signal model, a closed-form minimum probability of error associated with the likelihood ratio test is derived, which facilitates error analysis in a wide scope of applications. Analysis and example simulations demonstrate that 1) unlike the local CRB, the BCRB is not achieved by the maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) even at high SNR if the local performance is not uniform across the prior parameter space; 2) the ZZB gives the closest MLE performance prediction at most SNR levels of practical interest; 3) the ZZB can also be used to determine the necessary number of independent snapshots achieving the asymptotic performance of the MLE at a given SNR; 4) incoherent frequency averaging, which is a popular multitone processing approach, reduces the peak sidelobe error but may not improve the overall performance due to the increased ambiguity baseline; and finally, 5) effects of adding additional parameters (e.g., environmental uncertainty) can be well predicted from the parameter coupling.
Control of Hemorrhage in Emergency Pulmonary Resection for Massive Hemoptysis

Emergency pulmonary resection for hemoptysis daring an episode of massive intrabronchial bleeding requires protection of the contralateral lung from aspiration of blood. We describe a method of selective unilateral ventilation applied to 15 patients, without mortality attributable to this factor.
Infants' knowledge of objects: beyond object files and object tracking

Two independent research communities have produced large bodies of data concerning object representations: the community concerned with the infant's object concept and the community concerned with adult object-based attention. We marshal evidence in support of the hypothesis that both communities have been studying the same natural kind. The discovery that the object representations of young infants are the same as the object files of mid-level visual cognition has implications for both fields.
A Case Study of Atmospheric Blocking Using Isentropic Analysis

Abstract A particular episode of blocking that occurred in the North Atlantic during December 1978 is analyzed from NMC gridpoint data using isentropic analysis. The advantages of this analysis technique are outlined, specifically with regard to isentropic potential vorticity. Analysis of the Montgomery streamfunction on the 315 K isentropic surface is preferable to the more traditional analysis of geopotential height on the 300 mb surface for describing the evolution of the block. The sea level pressure pattern shows several intense cyclonic storms upstream of the block prior to its development. During its mature stage, the block exhibits little tilt with height, has a warm core throughout most of the troposphere and a high tropopause. The block also significantly affected the passage of fronts through the blocking region. The potential vorticity analysis is shown to be a useful framework for understanding several characteristics of the block. The blocking region is characterized by a broad, uniform area...
Structural Basis for Interaction of O-Acetylserine Sulfhydrylase and Serine Acetyltransferase in the Arabidopsis Cysteine Synthase Complex

In plants, association of O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase (OASS) and Ser acetyltransferase (SAT) into the Cys synthase complex plays a regulatory role in sulfur assimilation and Cys biosynthesis. We determined the crystal structure of Arabidopsis thaliana OASS (At-OASS) bound with a peptide corresponding to the C-terminal 10 residues of Arabidopsis SAT (C10 peptide) at 2.9-A resolution. Hydrogen bonding interactions with key active site residues (Thr-74, Ser-75, and Gln-147) lock the C10 peptide in the binding site. C10 peptide binding blocks access to OASS catalytic residues, explaining how complex formation downregulates OASS activity. Comparison with bacterial OASS suggests that structural plasticity in the active site allows binding of SAT C termini with dissimilar sequences at structurally similar OASS active sites. Calorimetric analysis of the effect of active site mutations (T74S, S75A, S75T, and Q147A) demonstrates that these residues are important for C10 peptide binding and that changes at these positions disrupt communication between active sites in the homodimeric enzyme. We also demonstrate that the C-terminal Ile of the C10 peptide is required for molecular recognition by At-OASS. These results provide new insights into the molecular mechanism underlying formation of the Cys synthase complex and provide a structural basis for the biochemical regulation of Cys biosynthesis in plants.
Failure Site Isolation: Photon Emission Microscopy Optical/Electron Beam Techniques

Global failure analysis techniques are critical to keep pace with the increasing complexity of ICs. Global techniques provide methodologies for the isolation of failures without a detailed understanding of IC operation. Ideally, global analysis techniques should be easy to use, non-destructive, sensitive, and should provide high spatial resolution. In addition to the thermal methods described in the last chapter, other techniques generally fall into two categories: photon based and electron beam based. Photon probing of ICs has been and should continue to be a powerful approach to failure analysis. Because of silicon’s relative transparency to infrared light, photon probing is particularly useful in cases where backside analysis provides the easiest access.
Periprocedural Risk of Stroke Is Elevated in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease on Hemodialysis

Objective: To describe the most common clinical factors and stroke etiologies in a case series of patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis (ESRD/HD) with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ischemic stroke (IS). Background: Prior studies have shown that patients on HD are at an elevated risk of stroke, but these studies have focused on the overall stroke risk. This case series sought to determine the percentage of acute ischemic events that occur during or immediately after HD. Methods: ICD-9 codes were used to identify IS and TIA patients with ESRD/HD admitted to the stroke service from August 22, 2011, to June 21, 2014. Charts were reviewed to determine the age, sex, and race/ethnicity of the cohort. TIA/IS diagnosis was confirmed by a vascular neurologist. Clinical factors were assessed, including: onset during or shortly after HD, defined as occurring within 12 h of HD; the presence of a lesion on diffusion-weighted MRI; hypotension, hyponatremia, or hypoglycemia at symptom onset; the stroke etiology; the presence of focal neurologic deficits; whether the patient was in the window period for intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IVtPA) upon presentation, and whether the patient received IVtPA. Results: We identified 34 ESRD/HD patients with a diagnosis of TIA/stroke in the specified time period. A majority of patients (70.6%) were African American. Patient age ranged from 32 to 84 years, with a median age of 67 years. Twenty-seven patients (79.4%) had confirmed ischemic infarcts on diffusion-weighted MRI. Seven patients (20.6%) were diagnosed with TIA. In 13 patients (38.2%), symptom onset occurred during or shortly after HD. Of these 13 patients, 8 (61.5%) had symptom onset during HD. Three patients (8.8%) had documented hypotension near the time of symptom onset, and 2 (5.9%) were hyponatremic on presentation to the emergency department. The distribution of stroke etiologies was as follows: 4 (11.8%) watershed distribution, 1 (2.9%) large artery atherosclerosis, 2 (20.6%) small vessel disease, 10 (29.4%) cardioembolic, and 9 (26.5%) cryptogenic. In 28 patients (82.4%), focal neurologic deficits were observed on presentation. Nine patients (26.5%) arrived within the window period for IVtPA, and 4 (11.8%) were eligible and received IVtPA. Conclusions: Of all patients with ESRD on HD admitted to the stroke service over the study period, over one third (38.3%) had the onset of their ischemic event during or shortly after HD, and nearly one quarter (23.5%) had the onset during HD. While clinicians may be tempted to attribute neurologic changes after HD to metabolic etiologies, they should also be aware that HD represents a period of elevated risk for acute ischemia.
The Social Psychology of Police Interrogation: The Theory and Classification of True and False Confessions

This article (1) develops a social psychological decision-making model that describes the methods of influence through which interrogation proceeds and identifies the factors leading the guilty and the innocent to decide to confess; (2) Specifies the sequence and effects of the tactical moves through which interrogators influence suspects decisions; (3) Describes the variety of types of confessions and their differentiating characteristics; and (4) Develops and illustrates through case materials of a classification system for categorizing types of statements made in response to interrogation. Together, the decision-making model and the expanded classification system provide a framework for explaining the process of police interrogation as it is practiced in the United States.
A comparison of self-reported seat belt usage among the Appalachian and non-Appalachian United States

Abstract Purpose Seat belts are known to effectively prevent death and serious injury among motorists involved in vehicular collisions. Limited research exists regarding seat belt usage in Appalachia. This study compares self-reported seat belt use in the Appalachian and non-Appalachian counties of the United States. Methods Data from 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were used to calculate nationally representative estimates of consistent seat belt usage in each region. These estimates were stratified by age, sex, and rurality. Total and potential lives saved by seat belts were calculated for each region using 2012 Fatality Analysis Reporting System data. Results Of the 345,513 respondents (unweighted), Appalachians were 6% less likely than non-Appalachians to always wear a seat belt (relative risk = 0.94, 95% confidence interval, 0.93–0.95). Seat belt usage was consistently lower among Appalachians regardless of sex, age, or rurality. Only 68.1% of rural, Appalachian youth reported always wearing a seat belt. Seat belt usage was highest among non-Appalachian females residing in urban areas (92.5%). With 100% belt compliance, an additional 360 and 1712 potential lives could have been saved in Appalachia and non-Appalachia, respectively. Conclusions Regional differences possibly influence seat belt usage. Therefore, public health interventions to increase seat belt usage in Appalachia are likely warranted.
Characterizing caregiver responses to restricted and repetitive behaviors in toddlers with autism spectrum disorder

Restricted and repetitive behaviors are a core feature of autism spectrum disorder. This descriptive study documented the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors in 85 toddlers with autism spectrum disorder as they interacted with their caregiver in a play interaction. For each child restricted and repetitive behavior, a caregiver response/non-response was coded. Caregiver responses were rated as successful or unsuccessful. In all, 83 toddlers demonstrated at least one restricted and repetitive behavior in 10 min. The most common child restricted and repetitive behavior was repetitive object use with 72 children displaying at least one instance of this category of restricted and repetitive behavior. Overall, caregivers responded to fewer than half of their child's restricted and repetitive behaviors, and caregiver response varied by child restricted and repetitive behavior type. The most common response was redirection. Success varied by child restricted and repetitive behavior type and caregiver response--redirections were most successful for child verbal and motor restricted and repetitive behaviors, whereas physical or verbal responses were rated more successful for repetitive object use and visual restricted and repetitive behaviors. This study represents the first attempt to characterize how caregivers respond to restricted and repetitive behaviors. Toddlers with autism spectrum disorder are already demonstrating a variety of restricted and repetitive behaviors within the context of a free play sessions, and caregivers differentially and naturally respond to them.
Plasmonic crystal gas sensor incorporating graphene oxide for detection of volatile organic compounds

This paper reports a gas sensor consisting of a thin layer of graphene oxide (GO) assembled on the top surface of mushroom plasmonic nanostructures. The plasmonic crystal structure is formed by an array of polymeric nanoposts with gold disks at the top and perforated nanoholes in a gold film at the bottom. The optical response of the plasmonic nanostructure is altered due to absorbing different concentrations of gas in presence of GO coating. The refractive index change of the GO layer with different thicknesses allows for selective detection of different gas species with the help of the principal component analysis-based pattern recognition algorithm. The present plasmonic nanostructure offers a promising approach to detect various volatile organic compounds.
Teaching Technology Integration to K-12 Educators: A ‘Gamified’ Approach

The purpose of this paper is to present the course design and evaluative data associated with the learning experiences of practicing teachers engaged in a gamified approach to a graduate level course on technology integration. Twenty-two teachers across three offerings of the course completed a survey examining their experience with the gamified course and course elements. Survey mean scores were positive overall. Participants reported they were motivated by the gaming principles incorporated into the course, including the use of badges and awards and the opportunity to tailor course experience to their own interests. Participant responses to open-ended items similarly revealed that recognition and autonomy were important aspects of their learning experience. Implications for the theory and design of a gamified course within teacher education are discussed.
The Ability of Branded Online Games to Build Brand Equity: An Exploratory Study

In light of the relative failures of the early forms of online advertising, many marketers are experimenting with advergames as a method of reaching the growing crowds that are turning to the Internet for entertainment. While this new advertising media offers much promise, its efficacy has yet to be thoroughly proven. Past research into interactivity, long exposure times, and positive attitudes towards an advertisement, things that are typically garnered by advergames, has shown that these attributes generate increases in brand equity for the advertised product. This study tested the relative abilities of advergames and banner advertisements to generate ad recall, a common measure of brand equity. Advergames were found to generate significantly higher rates of recall, a finding that supports the notion of their advertising effectiveness, and the need for further research into this phenomenon.
31P magic angle spinning NMR study of flux-grown rare-earth element orthophosphate (monazite/xenotime) solid solutions: evidence of random cation distribution from paramagnetically shifted NMR resonances.

We present 31P magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of flux-grown solid solutions of La1–xCexPO4 (x between 0.027 and 0.32) having the monoclinic monazite structure, and of Y1–xMxPO4 (M = Vn+, Ce3+, Nd3+, x between 0.001 and 0.014) having the tetragonal zircon structure. Paramagnetically shifted NMR resonances are observed in all samples due to the presence of paramagnetic Vn+, Ce3+, and Nd3+ in the diamagnetic LaPO4 or YPO4. As a first-order observation, the number and relative intensities of these peaks are related to the symmetry and structure of the diamagnetic host phase. The presence of paramagnetic shifts allows for increased resolution between NMR resonances for distinct atomic species which leads to the observation of low intensity peaks related to PO4 species having more than one paramagnetic neighbor two or four atomic bonds away. Through careful analysis of peak areas and comparison with predictions for simple models, it was determined that solid solutions in the systems exa...
PLASMA STRUCTURE IN THE AERODYNAMIC PLASMA ACTUATOR

The aerodynamic plasma actuator is a surface discharge configuration dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma using a highly asymmetric electrode configuration with one electrode exposed to air and the other encapsulated by dielectric material, driven by a high voltage (5-10 kV) AC waveform (2-10 kHz). The discharge appears over the surface of the dielectric above the encapsulated electrode, and is capable of coupling momentum into the surrounding air sufficient to substantially affect the airflow around aerodynamic surfaces. We describe the results of a series of optical measurements that reveal the rich temporal and spatial structure of the plasma. We show that the structure of the plasma is substantially different in both space and time on the negative-going versus the positive-going half-cycles of the applied voltage waveform. We demonstrate that the plasma initiates near the edge of the exposed electrode once each half-cycle, and that subsequent to this sudden initiation event, the discharge sweeps over the dielectric surface at a relatively constant rate. At the extrema of the voltage waveform, the discharge quenches entirely, and we show that the speed of this quenching is related to the plasma chemistry of the ionized air.
NEUROPROTECTIVE AND THROMBOLYTIC AGENTS : ADVANCES IN STROKE TREATMENT

Acute ischemic stroke is a complex, heterogeneous and debilitating disorder, which leads to death or disability. Recent research into the mechanism of stroke has identified a relatively short window of opportunity, during which a population of neurons surrounding the ischemic core remain viable for a number of hours following stroke onset. These penumbral neurons can be salvaged if treatment is begun within 3-6 hours following the onset of ischemia. This understanding of stroke mechanisms has lead to the development of promising new therapies currently under study. To maximize the potential benefits of these new therapies, neurologists, neuroscience nurses and other healthcare professionals need to assume the responsibility of effectively implementing treatment and to educate their peers and the public about the symptoms of stroke and the need to seek immediate medical assistance.
Neuroscience in Organizational Behavior

In this review, we consider the advent of neuroscience in management and organizational research. We organize our review around two general themes pertaining to how areas of the brain may be relevant to management and organizational behavior. First, intrinsic, at-rest activity in the brain provides trait-like information that can be used to better understand individuals in terms of cognition, emotions, and behaviors. Second, reflexive activity involves an understanding of the brain in terms of its state-like responses to stimuli. In our review, we identify several research challenges and opportunities, such as the need to consider the theoretical basis of neural concepts and measures and the use of team-based neuroscience technologies. In addition, although research in organizational neuroscience is relatively new, some interesting practical implications are raised here. We conclude with a consideration of key limitations, specifically the possibility of excessive reductionism, as well as ethical and prof...
Is peacebuilding donor-driven? Inside the dynamics and impacts of funding peace

The field of peacebuilding and development has engaged in vital discussions on ethical reflective practice, critical pedagogy, and ongoing concerns (Lederach 1997; Miall et al. 2011) about what I h...
Comparison of Adenoma Detection Rates in Afro-Caribbeans and Non-Hispanic Whites Undergoing First Screening Colonoscopy.

OBJECTIVES The African American population has a higher prevalence of advanced colon adenomas when compared with non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics, but the risk in other black populations has not been evaluated. Although the Afro-Caribbean population is a significant demographic segment in some regions of the United States, the data are limited on the prevalence of colon adenomas in this group and there is no comparison with a non-Hispanic white population. The objective of our study was to compare the prevalence of adenomas in Afro-Caribbean versus non-Hispanic white populations. METHODS A total of 880 Afro-Caribbean patients and 1828 non-Hispanic white patients undergoing their first screening colonoscopy between January 2008 and August 2014 was included in the study. RESULTS A total of 2708 patients met entry criteria for the study. The adenoma detection rate among Afro-Caribbeans was 29% and 31% among non-Hispanic whites. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of adenomas in the two groups (P = 0.28), and the rate of advanced adenomas also was similar in both groups (8.6% in Afro-Caribbeans, 9.2% in non-Hispanic whites; P = 0.60). A multivariate analysis also found no difference in the occurrence of adenomas (P = 0.60) or advanced adenomas (P = 0.99) between Afro-Caribbeans and non-Hispanic whites. CONCLUSIONS We found a similar adenoma detection rate and advanced adenoma prevalence among Afro-Caribbeans and non-Hispanic whites undergoing their first screening colonoscopy. As such, the Afro-Caribbean population may not have the same risk of colorectal neoplasia as what has been described for African Americans. Based on these results, it is appropriate to initiate colorectal cancer screening for Afro-Caribbeans at age 50 as recommended for non-Hispanic whites.
A Coherent Opposition

During the first quarter-century of their operation critics might disagree with particular policies of the Bretton Woods institutions, but there was no significant popular opposition. Global economic development was seen as highly desirable, and the World Bank, in particular, was seen as playing a positive role, if not a very conspicuous one. Idealists concerned themselves with prodding national governments in the First World to lend and give more generously to Third World Nations, assuming that most of the money was well-spent. They also organized their private relief and development organizations.
Cooked Product Temperature and Curing Ingredients Affect Properties of Irradiated Frankfurters.

Frankfurters (9.07-kg batches) were conventionally made in which three replications of the following treatment combinations were used (a) curing ingredients: 0 or 50 ppm of sodium nitrite, 75 ppm of sodium nitrite-25 ppm of sodium nitrate, or 50 ppm of sodium nitrite-25 ppm of sodium nitrate, (b) seasoning: dry soluble or equivalent ground spice, (c) cooked product temperatures of 65.5 or 76.6 C and (d) radiation processing levels of either 0, 0.8 or 3.2 megarads. Regardless of curing ingredient combinations or levels of irradiation, lowering internal cooked product temperatures (65.5 vs. 76.6 C) improved internal color, off-odor, off-flavor, moistness and overall desirability scores of frankfurters. Use of a dry soluble seasoning in comparison to an equivalent natural ground spice seasoning had no effect on sensory, chemical or palatability traits of irradiated frankfurters. Although not significant, frankfurters made without nitrite (0-NO2) compared to those made with 75 NO2-25 NO3, had greater process ...
Properties of the Lorentz Coordinate Transformation

The addition theorem of velocities is presented both for the collinear and for the general case of two arbitrary velocities; Fresnel drag coefficient of light in moving fluid is shown to be direct consequence of velocity addition theorem. Using addition theorem, speed of light is shown to be maximum observable body speed. The aberration of the line of sight of a focused light-ray emitted by a star for arbitrary relative velocity is obtained. We look again at the addition theorem of velocities from a more general perspective. The invariance of proper time under Lorentz coordinate transformations is demonstrated, using two different methods. This sets the stage for introduction of rapidity. The merits of rapidity are demonstrated by showing the additivity property of rapidity for collinear motion, akin to nonrelativistic velocity addition.
Robust Control of a Manufacturing Facility with Uncertain Processing Rates

Abstract A procedure is presented for designing a real-time controller that, despite imprecise knowledge of the processing rates of a multi-part-type manufacturing facility, will achieve a desired cyclical operation mode and will return the facility to this operating mode in finite time when isolated disturbances occur. To achieve finite-time disturbance correction, while compensating for the uncertainty in processing rates, the controller uses a switching strategy to specify the processing times and idling intervals for each part-type, and to dynamically allocate the raw material input rate.
The National and International Context of El Salvador

This chapter sets the stage such that the dynamics of education reform can be discussed in Chap. 7. That is to say, in this chapter, I characterize the national and international contexts relevant to El Salvador from the late 1970s to 1990. Where appropriate, I also discuss the nexus between these two contexts, for, as will be shown, both actors and structural relationships from beyond El Salvador impinged on Salvadoran politics during this time. Throughout this chapter, the goal is to convey the political-economic context at the end of the 1970s, to show how the features of that context interacted and changed over time, and to explain the genesis of the circumstances with which education reformers would be confronted in the early 1990s.
Nanoscale Dynamics of Amyloid β-42 Oligomers As Revealed by High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy

Amyloid β-protein (Aβ) oligomers are emerging as potent neurotoxic species in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Detailed characterization of oligomer structure and dynamics is necessary to develop oligomer-specific therapeutic agents. However, oligomers exist transiently, which complicates their structural analysis. One approach to mitigate these problems has been photochemical cross-linking of native oligomers. In these states, the oligomers can be isolated and purified for physical and chemical studies. Here we characterized the structure of isolated cross-linked Aβ42 trimers, pentamers, and heptamers with atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging and probed their dynamics in solution using time-lapse high-speed AFM. This technique enables visualization of the structural dynamics of the oligomers at nanometer resolution on a millisecond time scale. Results demonstrate that cross-linked pentamers and heptamers are very dynamic fluctuating between a compact single-globular and multiglobular assemblies. Trimers remain in their single-globular geometry that elongates adopting an ellipsoidal shape. Biological significance of oligomers dynamics is discussed.
Preparing Global Citizens in the United States

The most recent graduates of the high school education system in the United States seem to be below the average world standard in cultural and geographic understanding. In fact, young Americans show a lack of preparation for an increasingly global future. Since the 2006 National Geographic Society-Roper Report, ten years have passed and the present conditions are not different. Young people in the country have not gained any evident preparation to function as adequate global citizens who are responsible to conduct and guide social and economic development. A localized study in a Texas high school in 2013 demonstrated some evidence about the way our youngsters vision their futures as citizens of the United State and the world in 2020. The students showed a sense of eagerness and urgency to know about other cultures and what is going on in the world around them, yet their abilities to have geographic understanding depend on spatial thinking skills that they did not have at the time of the survey. Responding to the issue of preparing global citizens, the author analyzes the importance of spatial thinking and geospatial technology in the curriculum. The analysis is based on the Social Studies and Geography Survey in 2015. The results indicate that only 14 states are requiring geography for high school graduation and 13 states do not require geography. Spatial thinking and geospatial technology have a reduced expression and practice in the schools among those states that require geography for graduation.
Malic Acid Carbon Dots: From Super-resolution Live-Cell Imaging to Highly Efficient Separation.

As-synthesized malic acid carbon dots are found to possess photoblinking properties that are outstanding and superior compared to those of conventional dyes. Considering their excellent biocompatibility, malic acid carbon dots are suitable for super-resolution fluorescence localization microscopy under a variety of conditions, as we demonstrate in fixed and live trout gill epithelial cells. In addition, during imaging experiments, the so-called “excitation wavelength-dependent” emission was not observed for individual as-made malic acid carbon dots, which motivated us to develop a time-saving and high-throughput separation technique to isolate malic acid carbon dots into fractions of different particle size distributions using C18 reversed-phase silica gel column chromatography. This post-treatment allowed us to determine how particle size distribution influences the optical properties of malic acid carbon dot fractions, that is, optical band gap energies and photoluminescence behaviors.
Psychopathology of Sensory-Impaired Children

Sensory impairments have been topics of discussion since the Greeks and have been the subject of plays and literature since the inception of written documents on the topic (Rawlinson, 1858). The purpose of this chapter will be to highlight some of the problems these children display and the impact these responses have on their emotional health. In this chapter we have attempted to break down our review into visually impaired and hearing-impaired individuals separately, since the two groups are seen as distinct fields of endeavor to a large degree, although both handicaps may be present in the same individual. This approach follows the course taken by other investigators. As with other disabilities, various professional groups consider themselves to be the primary service provider (e.g., special education or audiology and speech pathology). Such an approach has led to an uneven spread in both the quality and type of research that is available. Because our review reflects all the available publications, the reader will see that this field is grossly underdeveloped when compared to many other areas of childhood psychopathology.
Sintering Kinetics of Supported Metals: Perspectives from a Generalized Power Law Approach

Studies of sintering kinetics of conventional supported metal catalysts are reviewed. Available kinetic data for sintering have been reanalyzed using the new General Power Law Expression (GPLE), which provides the capability of treating these data in a consistent, unifying fashion such that quantitative comparisons regarding effects of reaction conditions and catalyst properties are possible for the first time. It is shown that all available dispersion versus time data can be fitted to second order GPL kinetics. From the analysis of these data new conclusions arise regarding the effects of atmosphere, time, temperature, support, promoters, and metal on the thermal stability of supported metals.
Deep Fundamental Matrix Estimation

We present an approach to robust estimation of fundamental matrices from noisy data contaminated by outliers. The problem is cast as a series of weighted homogeneous least-squares problems, where robust weights are estimated using deep networks. The presented formulation acts directly on putative correspondences and thus fits into standard 3D vision pipelines that perform feature extraction, matching, and model fitting. The approach can be trained end-to-end and yields computationally efficient robust estimators. Our experiments indicate that the presented approach is able to train robust estimators that outperform classic approaches on real data by a significant margin.
Somatostatin Interneurons Facilitate Hippocampal-Prefrontal Synchrony and Prefrontal Spatial Encoding

Summary Decreased hippocampal-prefrontal synchrony may mediate cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, but it remains unclear which cells orchestrate this long-range synchrony. Parvalbumin (PV)- and somatostatin (SOM)-expressing interneurons show histological abnormalities in individuals with schizophrenia and are hypothesized to regulate oscillatory synchrony within the prefrontal cortex. To examine the relationship between interneuron function, long-range hippocampal-prefrontal synchrony, and cognition, we optogenetically inhibited SOM and PV neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of mice performing a spatial working memory task while simultaneously recording neural activity in the mPFC and the hippocampus (HPC). We found that inhibiting SOM, but not PV, interneurons during the encoding phase of the task impaired working memory accuracy. This behavioral impairment was associated with decreased hippocampal-prefrontal synchrony and impaired spatial encoding in mPFC neurons. These findings suggest that interneuron dysfunction may contribute to cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia by disrupting long-range synchrony between the HPC and PFC.