cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of primary care provider density on detection and diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma.

Introduction Early diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma is critical in preventing melanoma-associated deaths, but the role of primary care providers (PCPs) in diagnosing melanoma is underexplored. We aimed to explore the association of PCP density with melanoma incidence and mortality. Methods All cases of cutaneous melanoma diagnosed in the United States from 2008–2012 and reported in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were analyzed in 2016. County-level primary care physician density was obtained from the Area Health Resources File (AHRF). We conducted multivariate linear regression using 1) average annual melanoma incidence or 2) average annual melanoma mortality by county as primary outcomes, adjusting for demographic confounders and dermatologist density. Cox proportional hazard regression was conducted using individual outcome data from SEER with the same covariates. Results Across 611 counties, 167,305 cases of melanoma were analyzed. Per 100,000 people, an additional 10 PCPs per county was associated with 1.62 additional cases of melanoma per year (95% CI 1.06–2.18, p<0.001). This increased incidence occurred disproportionally in early-stage melanoma (Stage 0: 0.69 cases (0.38–1.00), p<0.001; Stage I: 0.63 cases (0.37–0.89), p<0.001; Stage II: 0.11 cases (0.03–0.19), p = 0.005). There was no statistically significant association between PCP density and incidence of stage III or IV melanoma, or with melanoma-specific mortality. Survival analysis demonstrated elimination of 5-year post-diagnosis mortality risk in medically underserved counties after adjusting for stage. Conclusions Higher densities of PCPs may be linked to increased diagnosis of early-stage melanoma without corresponding decreases in late-stage diagnoses or melanoma-associated mortality.
Detecting Spatial Clusters via a Mixture of Dirichlet Processes

We proposed an approach that has the ability to detect spatial clusters with skewed or irregular distributions. A mixture of Dirichlet processes (DP) was used to describe spatial distribution patterns. The effects of different batches of data collection efforts were also modeled with a Dirichlet process. To cluster spatial foci, a birth-death process was applied due to its advantage of easier jumping between different numbers of clusters. Inferences of parameters including clustering were drawn under a Bayesian framework. Simulations were used to demonstrate and assess the method. We applied the method to an fMRI meta-analysis dataset to identify clusters of foci corresponding to different emotions.
A Practical Sense Amplifier Design for Memristive Crossbar Circuits (PUF)

As CMOS process scaling is nearing to an end, emerging non-volatile devices such as memristors have been explored extensively in circuit design due to their very low footprint, non-volatility and low power application. Memristors, however, display a wide variety of characteristics depending on their inter-lying materials, as is the case for any emerging nano-devices. In this paper, we have designed a sense amplifier which is well-suited to applications of $\mathbf{HfO}_{x}$ memristor based crossbar circuits. Specifically, we have successfully integrated this sense amplifier into our memristive crossbar physical unclonable function (PuF) as a part of our chip that we are fabricating. Our designed sense amplifier is able to operate reliably and reasonably fast at near-to-ground input and low supply voltage and with small voltage differences between the bit-lines. We have performed several Monte Carlo analysis to choose optimal design and device parameters and thus evaluated our proposed design for real hardware applications.
Differential neurodegenerative phenotypes are associated with heterogeneous voiding dysfunction in a coronavirus-induced model of multiple sclerosis

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) develop a variety of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). We previously characterized a murine model of neurogenic bladder dysfunction induced by a neurotropic strain of a coronavirus. In the present study, we further study the role of long-lasting neurodegeneration on the development of neurogenic bladder dysfunction in mice with corona-virus induced encephalitis (CIE). Long-term follow up study revealed three phenotypes of neurodegenerative symptom development: recovery (REC group), chronic progression (C-PRO group) and chronic disease with relapsing-remitting episodes (C-RELAP group). The levels of IL-1β in REC group, IL-10 in C-RELAP group, and IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α in C-PRO group were diminished in the brain. The levels of TNF-α in REC group and INF-γ, IL-2, TGF-β and TNF-α in the C-PRO group were also diminished in the urinary bladder. Mice in C-RELAP group showed a delayed recovery of voiding function. In vitro contractility studies determined a decreased basal detrusor tone and reduced amplitude of nerve-mediated contractions in C-RELAP group, whereas C-PRO group had elevated muscle-mediated contractions. In conclusion, mice with CIE developed three phenotypes of neurologic impairment mimicking different types of MS progression in humans and showed differential mechanisms driving neurogenic bladder dysfunction.
Resolving Blocked Antigen Phenomenon in Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn Due to Anti-K

High-titer antibodies are a cause of false-negative reactions in red blood cell antigen phenotyping, an event referred to as blocked antigen phenomenon (BAP). In hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn, BAP complicates laboratory workups as fetal phenotype is helpful in confirming the responsible antibody. Acid elution techniques, techniques using ethylenediaminetetraacetic glycine acid, as well as those using chloroquine diphosphate have been used to resolve BAP; however, ethylenediaminetetraacetic glycine acid destroys K-antigen expression and chloroquine diphosphate is not always effective. We report a case of severe hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn from anti-K where a modified gentle heat elution resolved BAP. Although infrequently considered with isolated reports in the literature, heat elution is simple, is effective, and involves readily available materials in most blood banks.
TMD-based metasurfaces (Conference Presentation)

In this talk, we present and discuss our recent advances on meta-gratings, in particular their tunability and nonlinearity enabled by their implementation with TMD materials. We have recently shown that gradient metasurfaces suffer from fundamental limits on the overall efficiency of wavefront manipulation. To overcome this issue, we have introduced the concept of meta-gratings, formed by periodic arrays of carefully tailored bianisotropic inclusions. This concept enables wavefront engineering with unitary efficiency and significantly lower fabrication demands both in transmission and reflection. Beyond beam-steering, we have also shown metagratings for focusing and lensing. In this work, we extend these concepts to tunable, highly non-linear and/or non-reciprocal metasurfaces based on TMD materials, exploiting the unusual light-matter interactions enabled by exciton-photon coupling in these materials. We discuss the broad opportunities of this material platform for metasurfaces.
Abstract WP213: Association Between Thoracic Aorta Surgery and Long Term Risk of Stroke in Adults

Introduction: Thoracic aorta surgery carries a risk of perioperative stroke, but the long-term incidence of stroke after the perioperative period in these patients remains unclear. We therefore ass...
Exploring Youth Participatory Action Research in Urban Schools: Advancing Social Justice and Equity-Based Counseling Practices

Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) is emerging as a group counseling practice that focuses on topics that are of personal interest to youth and aims to promote social change. Although YPAR has been found to facilitate critical consciousness, assist with youth self-identity development, and promote social change, few researchers have examined its application in counseling. The present study explored six school counselor trainees’ perceptions of YPAR as a therapeutic intervention and its impact on counseling skill development and how it relates to multicultural and social justice counseling competencies. The themes that resulted from the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis for YPAR as a counseling practice were: (1) fun, interactive, youth-centered approach, not like counseling or therapy, (2) implementation of challenges requiring planning, time, and commitment, (3) collaborative supports to step out of comfort zone, overcome initial hesitancy, and welcome new learning experience, (4) development of counseling skills and confidence as a counselor, and (5) understanding differences and increasing self-awareness and advocacy skills. Discussion and implications for school counseling practice are provided.
Abstract IA11: AYA lymphomas: Bridging the divide

Lymphomas account for approximately 20-25% of annual cancer diagnoses in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population, defined as ages 15–39 years. Despite continued improvements in lymphoma outcomes, AYAs have not exhibited survival gains to the same extent as other age groups. At present, this survival gap is a manifestation of many compounding factors including a lack of sufficient understanding of the tumor biology or the optimal therapeutic approaches, as well as delays in diagnosis, the supportive care needs, long‐term toxicity risk, developmental stage of the AYA, and socioeconomic factors. There is no established standard of care for AYA lymphomas, and there is significant divergence in treatment approaches between medical and pediatric oncology. Data on the heterogeneity of lymphoid malignancies in the AYA population as compared with younger pediatric and older adult groups will be reviewed. The highest proportion (35-70%) of lymphoid malignancies are due to Hodgkin lymphoma and lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma, followed by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (10%-20%). Sex, race, and ethnic differences in the AYA lymphomas are also observed. These findings suggest that AYA lymphomas are biologically distinct from those present in the pediatric and adult populations. Factors that may contribute to the observed age-based variation in disease include evolution of the immune system with age, changes in the impact of genetic susceptibility, and viral and/or environmental exposures. There is a marked difference between the pediatric and adult approaches for AYA lymphomas. The example of AYA Hodgkin lymphoma will be reviewed. The pediatric backbone chemotherapy regimen has been doxorubicin, bleomycin, vincristine, etoposide, prednisone, and cyclophosphamide (ABVE-PC), whereas the adult regimen has been doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD). Radiation therapy is incorporated more often in pediatric high-risk regimens and adult low-risk approaches. Because disease biology does not conform to an 18-year-old cutoff, which of these approaches is most appropriate for AYAs has not been established. Treatment approach is not standard and is often driven by the experience of the physician. Recent progress in developing collaborative clinical trials through the North American National Clinical Trials Network will be reviewed. Citation Format: Kara Kelly. AYA lymphomas: Bridging the divide [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: Advances in Malignant Lymphoma; 2020 Aug 17-19. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Blood Cancer Discov 2020;1(3_Suppl):Abstract nr IA11.
Generalized sum-free sets and cycle saturated regular graphs

Gerbner, Patkos, Tuza, and Vizer recently initiated the study of $F$-saturated regular graphs. One of the essential problems in this line of research is determining when such a graph exists. Using generalized sum-free sets we prove that for any odd integer $k \geq 5$, there is an $n$-vertex regular $C_k$-saturated graph for all $n \geq n_k$. Our proof is based on constructing a special type of sum-free set in $\mathbb{Z}_n$. We prove that for all even $\ell \geq 4$ and integers $n > 12 \ell^2 + 36 \ell + 24$, there is a symmetric complete $( \ell , 1)$-sum-free set in $\mathbb{Z}_n$. We pose the problem of finding the minimum size of such a set, and present some examples found by a computer search.
Predictors of 30-day readmission after mastectomy: A multi-institutional analysis of 21,271 patients.

Background Recent healthcare legislation has made unplanned hospital readmission an important metric of health care quality, and current efforts center on reducing this complication in order to avoid fiduciary penalties. Objective There is currently a paucity of data delineating risk factors for readmission following mastectomy. To this end, we sought to develop a predictive model of unplanned readmissions following mastectomy. Methods The 2011 and 2012 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) datasets were retrospectively queried to identify patients who underwent mastectomy. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to identify risk factors for readmission. Results Of 21,271 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 1,190 (5.59%) were readmitted. The most commonly cited reasons for readmission included surgical site complications (32.85%), infection not localized to the surgical site (2.72%), and venous thromboembolism (4.39%). Independent predictors of readmission included BMI, active smoking status, and skin-sparing mastectomy. Significantly, concurrent breast reconstruction and bilateral mastectomy were not independent predictors of readmission. Conclusions This is the first study of readmission rates after mastectomy. Awareness of specific risk factors for readmission, particularly those that are modifiable, may serve to identify and manage high risk patients, aid in the development of pre- and postoperative clinical care guidelines, and ultimately improve patient care.
Optical Properties of Black Silicon: An Analysis

Silicon (Si) continues to be the dominant semiconducting material used in photovoltaic technology for the manufacture of solar cells. Si, an indirect band gap semiconducting material, has a reflectance of about 30% in the visible range of wavelengths. Standard Si solar cells are not entirely useful in the infrared spectrum region. In order to enhance the performance of silicon solar cells, reflectance losses must be minimized and absorption must be maximized. In the solar cell industry, anti-reflection (AR) coating is used to suppress reflection losses. AR coatings are limited in use because they only reduce the reflectance for a narrow range of wavelengths and incident angle since their functionality is based on a quarter-wavelength coating. Surface texturing is a technique, by which the reflectivity is reduced in a wide range of wavelengths. Black silicon (B-Si) is a material with surface roughness in the micron scale. B-Si, when used instead of crystalline Si (c-Si), offers the possibility to increase the absorption of light in the visible and infrared range of wavelengths. B-Si has a very low reflectivity in the visible range of wavelengths. It exhibits high absorptance in the visible and infrared region. The main objective of this paper is to study the optical properties of B-Si by simulation and compare them with the simulated and experimental optical properties of B-Si and c-Si.
Electric machine vs mechanical brakes for traction control with real time extremum seeking control

Performance of an extremum seeking electric machine based antilock braking (ABS) scheme is compared to mechanical braking based ABS. The advantage of the fast time constant (torque response) of an electric machine in an ABS application is quantified. A vehicle initiating a braking maneuver at a starting speed of 125kmph is considered. The vehicle stopping distance is reduced by 30% compared to mechanical braking system based ABS. The improved real-time slip optimization (RT-ESSO) algorithm guarantees reaching optimal slip under varying road conditions without any high frequency switching/chattering of the actuator found in variable structure controls schemes. Dynamic behavior of the ABS systems under varying road conditions is discussed. A permanent magnet synchronous machine with cross axis decoupling is considered for the electric machine.
Sulfate Separation from Hanford Waste Simulants by Selective Crystallization of Urea-Functionalized Capsules

Crystallization of urea-functionalized capsules self-assembled from a tripodal anion receptor (L1) was evaluated as a means to selectively separate sulfate from aqueous alkaline solutions simulating Hanford waste compositions. The crystallizing solids consist of anionic capsules, and or hydrated cations, alternating in three-dimensional frameworks with NaCl-type topology. While both frameworks encapsulate sulfate selectively upon crystallization through the formation of complementary hydrogen bonds from the urea groups, the separation efficacy depends strongly on the nature of the cation, the pH, and the nature and concentration of competing anions in the solution. Crystallization of the Mg-based capsules provides an efficient sulfate separation from mildly alkaline solutions (pH < 9.5), with more basic conditions leading instead to Mg(OH)2 and L1 precipitation. On the other hand, crystallization of the Na-based capsules proved efficient from highly alkaline solutions (pH = 14) with compositions similar t...
Two Approaches for advanced presence services in SIP communications

This paper presents the comparison and analysis of two approaches for providing advanced presence services in session initiation protocol (SIP) standard. One approach is investigated by the strategy group at Mitel networks, which allows a watcher to know the availability of a presentity whose subscription policies and notification policies are written in presence and availability policy language (PAPL). The other approach is proposed by our group at University of Ottawa, which delivers a presentity's status with rich information to its watchers. The extended call processing language (CPL) is used to describe presence-processing policies. Besides the well-known "online" and "offline" presence indicators, the two approaches use a much broader presence information, which includes "location" "time" and "role" etc., to provide much advanced presence services and personalized services. Personalized services are provided based on a person's role, address, time, location, or any of their combinations.
Regulating Social Enterprise

The challenge for regulators considering how to approach social enterprises lies in their dual purposes of pursuing profit for owners and good for society. This challenge exists on multiple levels. Conceptually, it is unclear how much involvement by public regulators will be needed to monitor market entities with investors, employees and customers. Like in the purely for-profit sector, perhaps regulators are better limited to engaging in consumer protection, anti-discrimination, and garden variety anti-fraud activities. Yet, social enterprises dedicate some of their energies and resources to pursuing benefits for society. Attorneys general charged with protecting charitable assets and enforcing the accountability charity fiduciaries rightly see social enterprises as potentially within their mandates and possess relevant expertise. Practically, though, how can a regulator (or any enforcement mechanism) police the operations of an enterprise committed to two goals that will often conflict? Where social enterprise enthusiasts see the value in blending mission, architects of a regulatory framework see a muddle. Furthermore, AGs are already overtaxed and would need an infusion of resources to pursue social enterprises in addition to their very full regulatory plates. This Article identifies the interests and the challenges of the states and their regulators considering their role in the burgeoning social enterprise sector.
Internalization of hyaluronan by chondrocytes occurs via receptor-mediated endocytosis

Several studies have suggested that chondrocytes must have the capacity to internalize and degrade extracellular hyaluronan. In the present study we show direct evidence that hyaluronan is, in fact, endocytosed by chondrocytes and that the endocytosis is mediated via cell surface CD44/hyaluronan receptors. Cultures of bovine articular chondrocytes as well as rat chondrosarcoma chondrocytes were incubated with either fluorescein- or 3H-labeled hyaluronan. Intense binding and accumulation of labeled hyaluronan was visualized by fluorescence microscopy or bright-field/dark-field microscopy following autoradiography. Cell surface hyaluronan was removed with either trypsin or Streptomyces hyaluronidase in order to distinguish and quantify intracellular endocytosed hyaluronan. Labeled hyaluronan was visualized within small discrete intracellular vesicles distributed throughout the cytoplasm. Binding and endocytosis of fluorescein- or 3H-labeled hyaluronan was totally blocked by the addition of excess unlabeled hyaluronan or hyaluronan hexasaccharides, competitive inhibitors of hyaluronan/hyaluronan receptor interactions. Binding and endocytosis was also blocked by the addition of anti-CD44 monoclonal antibodies. Characterization of endocytosed 3H-labeled hyaluronan demonstrated that a significant portion of the hyaluronan was degraded by both the bovine articular and rat chondrosarcoma chondrocytes. Interestingly, a higher proportion of bound hyaluronan was internalized by the bovine chondrocytes. Therefore, hyaluronan receptor-mediated endocytosis and degradation of hyaluronan may provide a critical link to the maintenance and homeostasis of cartilage tissue.
Residents’ perceptions of risk towards residential property in Canterbury NZ subsequent to the earthquakes

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate residents’ perceptions of risk towards owning and living in residential property in Christchurch subsequent to the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes to identify how these perceptions impact on the price residents are willing to pay for affected property. Such market behaviour can motivate homeowners to adopt risk mitigation measures. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was developed and the Web link distributed to Canterbury residents via the media. This method of distribution was adopted, as a postal survey was not possible due to the number of homes that had been destroyed by the earthquakes and the highly transient nature of the community as a result. Findings – The results indicate that with the recent earthquake experience, residents are demonstrating risk mitigation behaviours through an aversion to investing in properties affected by, or with a risk of, liquefaction. Specifically, the majority of respondents had strong reservations about buying...
Active matrix LCDs: a clear, bright future

Active matrix liquid crystal displays (AMLCDs) dominate the high performance flat panel display market, and over the next few years AMLCDs will begin displacing CRTs as the most common display device. This paper reviews the technologies underlying AMLCDs, and examines the advances likely to occur in the future which will not only improve the image quality and power consumption of these displays, but open up completely new areas of application and markets.
Reorganization of cerebellorubral terminal fields following hemispherectomy in adult cats.

Abstract Tritiated amino acids were injected into the right nucleus interpositus of the cerebellum and the projections to the red nucleus were mapped autoradiographically in adult cats with ablation of the left cerebral hemisphere and in intact controls. In intact animals cerebellorubral terminalis were found along the entire rostrocaudal extent of only the left red nucleus. The fields occupied a larger area and were apparently more dense toward the middle third of the nucleus. An outstanding change in hemispherectomized cats was a significantexpansion of the terminal fields into the dorsal quadrants. Possibilities for morphological reorganization are discussed.
Synthesis of Pd(II) coordination complexes of (S)-4-isobutyl-2-methyl-2-oxazoline and (S)-2-(2,2-dimethylpropyl)-4-isopropyl-2-oxazoline

Abstract ( S )-4-Isobutyl-2-methyl-2-oxazoline ( 1 ) was obtained from ethyl acetimidate hydrochloride and l -leucinol in 81% yield. ( S )-2-(2,2-Dimethylpropyl)-4-isopropyl-2-oxazoline ( 2 ) was synthesized from 3,3-dimethylbutyryl chloride and l -valinol in two steps in a total yield of 44%. Reactions of oxazolines 1 and 2 with Pd(OAc) 2 in AcOH or MeCN at different temperatures followed by treatment with LiCl resulted in the formation of the corresponding coordination complexes PdCl 2 ( 1 ) 2 and PdCl 2 ( 2 ) 2 with no traces of cyclopalladated complexes.
Activation of nuclear factor-κB correlates with MCP-1 expression by human mesangial cells

Activation of nuclear factor-κB correlates with MCP-1 expression by human mesangial cells. Emerging evidence suggests that mesangial cell-derived monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a potentially important mediator of glomerular monocyte infiltration. Interleukin-1β (IL-1) has been found in glomeruli during inflammation, and is a potent inducer of MCP-1 expression by mesangial cells. Analysis of the promoter region of the human MCP-1 gene demonstrates several putative binding sites for transcription activating factors, including recognition elements for the IL-1-inducible transcription factor, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). This study investigated the role of NF-κB in IL-1-induced MCP-1 expression by human mesangial cells. We found that treating mesangial cells with IL-1 resulted in the rapid activation (within 30 min) and nuclear translocation of NF-κB. NF-κB activation could be blocked by preventing the proteolytic degradation of IκB, the cytoplasmic inhibitor of NF-κB, with the protease inhibitor tosyl-phe-chloromethylketone (TPCK). Inhibition of NF-κB with TPCK correlated with a dose-dependent reduction in IL-1-induced MCP-1 mRNA levels. Conversely, raising intracellular cyclic-AMP levels, or exposing mesangial cells to herbimycin A, treatments that block IL-1-induced MCP-1 mRNA expression, significantly attenuated NF-κB activation. Finally, blocking the synthesis of one of the protein subunits of NF-κB with an antisense oligonucleotide decreased MCP-1 mRNA levels in response to IL-1. These data suggest that MCP-1 gene transcription may be mediated, in part, by the transcription factor NF-κB.
The Effect of Political Affiliation on Taxpayers' Attitudes Toward Alternative Tax Systems

There is a great deal of dissatisfaction with the existing tax system. Prior research has found that self‐interest, perceived equity, persuasive messages, tax knowledge, and demographic factors affect taxpayer attitudes. This study contributes to that body of research by examining the effects of another factor that is associated with taxpayer attitudes: their political affiliation. Data obtained from a national telephone survey of homeowners' attitudes toward alternative tax systems are used. Results indicate that political affiliation plays a significant role in taxpayers' attitudes toward both alternative tax systems in general and the proposed flat tax in particular. Specifically, when faced with the choice of alternative tax systems, respondents who identified themselves as having Republican (Democratic, Independent) political af‐filiations were more (less) likely to prefer both the flat tax and the sales tax systems over the current system.
Neural organization and plasticity of language

Powerful advances in neuroimaging techniques have added to and refined classical descriptions of the neurobiology of language in adults. Recent studies have employed these methodologies to study the nature and extent of plasticity of language-relevant aspects of cerebral organization in adults, in early and late bilinguals and in people who have acquired language through different modalities. Studies of children have documented dynamic shifts in cerebral organization over the course of language acquisition. Each of these different approaches has revealed constraints on the identity of the neural systems that mediate language; these studies have also described the marked and specific effects of language experience on the organization of these systems.
Ethnic (Black-White) Contrasts in 24-Hour Heart Rate Variability in Male Adolescents with High and Low Blood Pressure: The Bogalusa Heart Study

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) has been used to study autonomic effects on the heart. The time-domain measure RMSSD (root mean square of successive differences) represents high frequency (HF) changes in HRV reflecting parasympathetic nervous system activity (PS). The frequency-domain ratio of low to high power (LF/HF) represents sympathetic (SYMP) to PS balance. In adults, increased SYMP tone has been found in hypertensive as compared to normals. The present study was performed to look for differences in HRV by race and between young subjects with high and low levels of diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Methods: Subjects included 34 healthy males age 13–17 years (53% white). Half were selected with K4 DBP < 85th% for height (HT) measured twice, 3–5 years apart. Half had DBP < 15th% for HT. Subjects underwent a physical examination including BP, HT, WT, and ECG prior to Holter monitor application. HRV data was analyzed from 24-hour Holter recordings obtained during normal activity. Results: The RMSSD was lower in whites compared to blacks for day, night, and 24-hour average (P ≥ 0.05) with day-time measurements showing the largest racial difference. This suggests increased PS tone in blacks especially with activity. The LF/HF ratio was higher in whites for all times, reaching significance during the day (all P ≥ 0.05) suggesting SYMP predominance in whites during activity. Subjects with higher levels of DBP had lower RMSSD and higher LF/HF ratio for all times, but these did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: There is a trend towards SYMP predominance in children with higher DBP. Healthy white adolescents exhibit increased SYMP tone compared to blacks when measured during normal daytime activity.
The Topology of Autonomy: Markets, States, Soil and Self-determination in Totonacapan

Policy debates are still too polarized between those who expect too much of ‘indigenous autonomy’ and those who expect too little. This article examines the local meaning of, and proposals toward, self-determination in a Totonac coffee-growing population in the Sierra Norte de Puebla, Mexico. The article argues for the complexity and context-dependency of ‘autonomy’. Several factors shape visions of autonomy/self-determination in the Sierra. First, the Zapatistas in Chiapas have inspired Totonac organizations toward antiglobalization discourses and new approaches to relations among culture, cosmology and agriculture. But, second, the inertia built up over three decades of state-assisted coffee production keeps development thinking trained on a major, if crisis-ridden, global market. Third, resource deterioration renders doubtful any full conversion to the ‘traditional’ subsistence farming called for by some Totonac rights organizations. Autonomy initiatives emerging in the Sierra are uneasy combinations o...
Particle Effects on Gas-Liquid-Solid Flows

A numerical simulation is carried out to study the role of particles in gas-liquid-solid flows in bubble columns. An Eulerian-Lagrangian model is used and the liquid flow is modeled using a volume-averaged system of governing equations, while motions of bubbles and particles are evaluated using Lagrangian trajectory analysis. It is assumed that the bubbles remain spherical. The interactions between bubble-liquid and particle-liquid are included in the study. The discrete phase equations include drag, lift, buoyancy, and virtual mass forces. Particle-particle interactions and bubble-bubble interactions are accounted for by the hard sphere model approach. The bubble coalescence is also included in the model. Neutrally buoyant particles are used in the study. A parcel approach is used and a parcel represents a certain number of particles of same size, velocity, and other properties. Variation of particle loading is modeled by changing the corresponding number of particles in every parcel. In a previous work, the predicted results were compared with the experimental data, and good agreement was obtained. The transient flow characteristics of the three-phase flow are studied and the effects of particle loading on flow characteristics are discussed. The simulations show that the transient characteristics of the three-phase flow in a column are dominated by time-dependent vortices. The particle loading can affect the characteristics of the three-phase flows and flows with high particle loading evolve faster.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
“Thiol–ene” click chemistry: a facile and versatile route for the functionalization of porous polymer monoliths

The preparation of porous polymer monoliths with dodecyl and zwitterionic functionalities via the “thiol–ene” click chemistry of thiol-containing monoliths with both hydrophobic and polar methacrylate “ene” monomers has been demonstrated. Selected separations confirmed the excellent potential of these monoliths in chromatography.
A method for combining sample survey data and symptomatic indicators to obtain population estimates for local areas.

Past efforts of statistical demographers to compute postcensal population estimates for local units have been hampered by the fact that they have had to rely completely on symptomatic information. In this paper, a new method of postcensal estimation is presented in which the symptomatic information is combined with sample data by means of a regression format. Combining symptomatic information on births, deaths, and school enrollment with sample data from the Current Population Survey, county estimates of population growth were computed by means of the new method for the postcensal period after 1960. These estimates were tested for accuracy by comparison with a set of special censuses which were conducted between 1964 and 1967 in 75 counties. The results of this test are promising, but not conclusive. A more conclusive test is currently underway using 1970 data. While the method has been tested as a means for estimating population growth, it is to be emphasized that it can be used to compute postcensal estimates for any variable for which the necessary symptomatic information and sample data are available.
Reduction of plasma cortisol levels in childhood obesity.

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Experiments on spin-up and spin-down on a β-plane

Here we study the spin-up and spin-down of a homogeneous fluid with a free surface on an experimental ‘β-plane’ and describe the important features for both cases over a range of parameters. Quantitative values are found for the velocity fields using a new image processing technique that analyses a video record of particle motion and stores the results digitally. Streamlines, pressure fields and vorticity values are found by interpolation techniques and result in a complete description of the flow characteristics. We discuss the relationship between the results of these experiments and those observed in large-scale homogeneous models of ocean circulation, e.g. Moore (1963). This study extends the work of van Heijst et al. (1990) to the case of spin-up in a rectangular container but of non-uniform depth and we note the differences to and similarities with their observations. It is related, also, to more recent results of Maas et al. (1992), who considered spin-up on a β-plane but in a tank of very different proportions to the one considered here.
Adaptation of Theory for Alternative Cultural Contexts: Agnew's General Strain Theory in South Korea

To model the relationship between strains and delinquency in a non-Western national context, the present study integrated information on adolescence in South Korea with prior theoretical and empiri...
Compton suppression for neutron activation analysis applications at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Abstract Suppression systems reduce Compton backscattering counts in a gamma ray spectrum. Every system has particular calibration nuances due to differences in electronics, detectors and environment. This study examines several Compton suppression systems at the NIST Center for Neutron Research in an effort to produce a general guide to their setup and use rather than determine specific settings for a certain experiment. Troubleshooting procedures for timing and calibration of these systems were also examined. A central high purity germanium (HPGe) detector is surrounded by guard detectors. Counts picked up by both detectors are Compton or escape events, while those detected only by the HPGe are photopeaks considered useful for analysis. The electronics system accepts counts detected only by the HPGe detector and rejects ones in coincidence with the guard detectors. Analysis of calibrated Cs-137, Na-24 and Co-60 sources demonstrated the effective Compton suppression for the systems. Examination of certified reference materials, activated in the reactor, demonstrated the experimental readiness of the systems.
A Novel N-Terminal Domain Directs Membrane Localization of Mouse Testis-Specific Calpastatin

Multiple isoforms of calpastatin have been identified with unique N-terminal regions followed by identical calpain inhibitory domains (II-IV). In many instances the isoforms are cell-type specific, although the precise functional differences among these N-terminal regions are largely unknown. Here we report a germ cell-specific isoform of calpastatin (tCAST) that consists of a novel N-terminal peptide of 40 amino acids (domain T) followed by domains II to IV of somatic calpastatin (sCAST). Domain T is responsible for membrane association of tCAST through a protein modification by myristylation. Mutation of the myristylation site eliminates membrane targeting. Unlike most of the isoforms of calpastatin that are generated through alternative RNA splicing or post-translational proteolysis, the testis-specific isoform is transcribed from an intronic promoter in haploid germ cells of the testis. The intronic promoter directs specific expression of a reporter transgene in developing germ cells of the mouse testis.
Portal vein velocities measured by ultrasound: usefulness for evaluating shunt functioning following TIPS placement and TIPS revision

Background: To assess the usefulness of following portal vein velocities by Doppler ultrasound in evaluating shunt functioning after transhepatic intrajugular portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement and revision.
Theoretical studies of surface reactions on metals.: I. Ethyl to ethylene conversion on Ni(1 0 0). II. Photodissociation of methane on platinum

Abstract The goal of this research is the development and application of theoretical techniques that will provide a molecular level understanding of surface processes, especially reaction mechanisms and energetics. Electronic structures are described by an ab initio embedding formalism that permits an accurate determination of energies and adsorbate structure. An overview of the theoretical method is presented and applications to catalytic and photochemical reactions on nickel and platinum surfaces are discussed. Preliminary studies of ethylene production from ethyl adsorbed on nickel are reported. A second study concerns the photodissociation of methane physisorbed on platinum. Results are reported for a methane molecule interacting with a Pt ring model of the surface. Configuration interaction theory is used to sort out states resulting from electron attachment to methane from lower energy states that correspond to metal excitations. A mechanism is proposed for the photodissociation process.
Analysis, modeling, emergence & integration in complex systems: A modeling and integration framework & system biology

Analysis and Modeling is the first “phase” of understanding or developing a system. It is also, maybe more importantly, the foundation of understanding a natural science or system. It's abstract and conceptually difficult but, being foundational, contributes the most to the quality of understanding of (designed or natural) systems. Complex Systems have a natural hierarchy of levels and multiple subsystems. The character and functionality of each level or subsystem “emerges” across its boundaries. Both sides of these boundaries must be understood within that side's natural thought patterns. Integrated interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for making sense of complex systems; but collaboration among disciplines is difficult, because of their different ways of thinking. This creates a dilemma, “understanding complex systems” is one horn; “integrated interdisciplinary collaboration” is the other. This dilemma in complex system analysis/modeling and interdiscipline collaboration, is currently addressed by “grabbing the bull by the horns.” This takes on this doubly complex problem, by painstakingly building up abstract “bull wrestling” skills in and across domains and disciplines. There's another wrinkle; complexity requires interdisciplinary collaboration at deeper, more dissimilar, levels. The usual approach, finding a way to “pass between the horns of the dilemma” will not work here, due to this cross coupling. Rather than trying to pass between the horns, by abstracting away the coupling, we overtly organizing this coupling. We weave a semantic unification space of conceptual connections linking each side of a boundary to its appropriate way of thinking. This allows us to abstracting away the dilemma and iron out the wrinkle. The threads of common image schemas, cognitive metaphors and conceptual interfaces, weave a bridge between the semantics foundations and organizations of each problem. These allow addressing the problems synergistically. This paper presents and explores a naturally valid way for discipline specific and discipline integrating addressing complex systems. We start with the methodological insights from analysis and modeling from the perspective of object orientation, with its ontologies, organizing lexical semantics. We advance from there by integrating in imagistic, imaginative semantics and affordance based interaction methodology, as the keys to addressing complex systems analysis, modeling and integration. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2007
Bio-driven cell region detection in human embryonic stem cell assay

This paper proposes a bio-driven algorithm that detects cell regions automatically in the human embryonic stem cell (hESC) images obtained using a phase contrast microscope. The algorithm uses both statistical intensity distributions of foreground/hESCs and background/substrate as well as cell property for cell region detection. The intensity distributions of foreground/hESCs and background/substrate are modeled as a mixture of two Gaussians. The cell property is translated into local spatial information. The algorithm is optimized by parameters of the modeled distributions and cell regions evolve with the local cell property. The paper validates the method with various videos acquired using different microscope objectives. In comparison with the state-of-the-art methods, the proposed method is able to detect the entire cell region instead of fragmented cell regions. It also yields high marks on measures such as Jacard similarity, Dice coefficient, sensitivity and specificity. Automated detection by the proposed method has the potential to enable fast quantifiable analysis of hESCs using large data sets which are needed to understand dynamic cell behaviors.
QuikSCAT's sea winds facilitates early identification of tropical depressions in 1999 hurricane season

Far from land and surface ship observations, most tropical depressions are identified by examining images from geostationary satellites for the presence of rotation of the convective cloud masses. During the 1999 hurricane season, surface wind vectors obtained by the SeaWinds scatterometer on the QuikSCAT satellite for the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean Sea were examined to test the hypothesis that developing tropical depressions (TDs) could be observed with this satellite sensor, before identification by the traditional means. QuikSCAT was able to detect the presence of closed circulation in the surface winds before the systems were designated as depressions. The satellite's unprecedented large swath width of 1800 km allows twice a day observation of most of the tropical oceans. SeaWinds data can, therefore, provide valuable guidance that are an important addition to the tools available to the tropical cyclone forecasting community.
Temperature–time paths from phosphate accessory phase paragenesis in the Honey Brook Upland and associated cover sequence, SE Pennsylvania, USA

Abstract Analysis of monazite-bearing lithologies from the Precambrian Honey Brook Upland (HBU) and overlying metasedimentary Paleozoic Chester Valley Sequence (CVS) (SE PA, USA) reveals overprinting of primary major and accessory phase parageneses by texturally and compositionally disparate secondary accessory phase parageneses. Two-pyroxene temperatures of 915–945 °C for reconstituted pyroxene reflect emplacement temperatures of felsic plutonic rocks (opdalite, charnockite) prior to Mesoproterozoic metamorphism. Monazite in metavolcanic felsic gneiss yields three age domains at 1009 ± 4 Ma (2 s.e.), 965 ± 6, and 876 ± 10 Ma. The first two domains record metamorphism of the HBU after anorthosite intrusion; peak monazite–xenotime temperatures for the monazite core domain are ∼700 °C, and high Th/U values in the second (overgrowth) age domain likely reflect a second high-T monazite growth episode. Formation of cummingtonite coronas on orthopyroxene in opdalite constrains maximum ∼1010 Ma metamorphic temperatures in the “granulite-facies” terrane to 730–740 °C. Evidence of increased Cl fluid activity in the ∼965 Ma metamorphism includes higher Cl content of matrix apatite relative to garnet-included apatite (metavolcanics), and Cl-bearing K-hornblende succeeding cummingtonite in coronal overgrowths (opdalite). Extreme monazite Th/U values (75–250) in the rim domain suggest growth during low-T hydrothermal alteration. In the opdalite, secondary singe-grain monazite and monazite + xenotime metasomites in apatite yield ages of 714 ± 24 and 586 ± 88 Ma, temperatures of 325–425 °C, and are interpreted to reflect thermal disturbances associated with late Proterozoic plutonic and volcanic activity in the Upland. This thermal disturbance may be recorded by Rb–Sr age of 567 Ma for biotite from a HBU gneiss. Monazite age domains in metaquartzite (378 ± 28, 272 ± 44 Ma) suggest that low-grade metamorphism (260–320 °C, Mnz–Xno thermometry) of the CVS is not a result of Taconian orogenesis.