cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resource allocation and binding approach for low leakage power

We propose a leakage power minimization approach based on multi-threshold CMOS (MTCMOS) technology. A clique partitioning-based resource allocation and binding algorithm is presented, which maximizes the idle periods of modules in the data-path. Modules with significant idle times are selectively bound to MTCMOS instances. We developed a parameterizable MTCMOS component library, characterized with respect to sleep transistor width. Using this characterization, the leakage power-delay trade-off is analyzed and optimal sleep transistor widths are identified. For three well known HLS benchmarks, we obtain an average leakage power reduction of 22.44%. The main disadvantage of MTCMOS technology is performance degradation. We present a performance recovery technique based on multi-cycling and introduction of slack. With this technique, the performance penalty reduces to as low as 14.28%. We obtain an average leakage power reduction of 17.46% after performance recovery. The average area overhead incurred due to the introduction of MTCMOS modules is 10.21%. Results are presented for 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS technology.
Collaborative Downloading for Multi-homed Wireless Devices

Mobile devices are increasingly equipped with multiple network interfaces: Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) interfaces for local connectivity and Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) interfaces for wide-area connectivity. The WWAN typically provides much wider coverage but much lower speeds than the WLAN. To address this dichotomy, we consider collaborative downloading among mobile devices in close proximity. We demonstrate the potential benefits of such an approach and discuss the many challenges to realizing it in practice: incentivizing cooperation by adequately compensating nodes, effecting such cooperation via an efficient protocol, and facilitating it with a suitable user interface. We present our current thinking on these as we design a collaborative downloading system called COMBINE.
Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy associated with mediastinal amyloidosis

Amyloidosis affecting peripheral nerves causing isolated nerve palsies is uncommon. Localised amyloidosis occurs less frequently than the reactive or immune related systemic forms, and mediastinal localisation is virtually unknown. We present a case of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy associated with mediastinal AL amyloidosis in a middle aged man.
Cellular mechanisms in the development of atherosclerosis

Morphologic and immunocytochemical studies of hypercholesterolemic animal models have now clearly established the chronological patterns of cellular interactions that occur during the initial and transitional phases of the atherogenic process. These include: adherence of leukocytes to the endothelial surface, chemotactic attraction of the leukocytes into the arterial intima, conversion of monocytes to foam cells, stimulation of smooth muscle cell migration, connective tissue synthesis and proliferation, inflammatory and immune activation of macrophages and T lymphocytes, and the necrosis or apoptosis of cells within the developing lesions. Recent studies have begun to provide-mechanistic explanations for these observed cellular events. For example, the adherence of leukocytes to the endothelium appears to be dependent on the increased expression of adherence molecules by endothelial cells. The formation of foam cells is likely dependent on an increase in the expression of modified lipoprotein receptors. An increase in the migration and proliferation of macrophages, T lymphocytes, and smooth muscle cells appears to be in response to the inflammatory activation of cells with a resulting increase in the secretion of cytokines, chemoattractants, and growth regulatory molecules. However, it is still unclear how cells within atherosclerotic lesions initially become activated and whether there are common stimulatory factors. In this regard, immunocytochemical staining of human and rabbit lesions with antibodies recognizing oxidation-specific epitopes suggests that many of the cells involved in these key events in the atherogenic process contain these lipid-protein adducts and that it is these products of oxidation that activate the cells. Furthermore, we have also recently demonstrated that components of oxidized LDL maximally induce the production of IL-1 by macrophage-derived foam cells. These observations suggest that there may be a common intracellular signal transduction pathway that is responsive to oxidative mechanisms and which underlies some of the key cellular events in the atherogenic process.
All-purpose and plug-in power-law detectors for transient signals

A power-law statistic operating on discrete Fourier transform (DFT) data has emerged as a basis for a remarkably robust detector of transient signals having unknown structure, location, and strength. We offer a number of improvements to Nuttall's (1994) original power-law detector. Specifically, the power-law detector requires that its data be prenormalized and spectrally white; a constant false-alarm rate (CFAR) and self-whitening version is developed and analyzed. Further, it is noted that transient signals tend to be contiguous both in the temporal and frequency sense, and consequently, new power-law detectors in the frequency and the wavelet domains are given. The resulting detectors offer exceptional performance and are extremely easy to implement. There are no parameters to tune. They may be considered "plug-in" solutions to the transient detection problem and are "all-purpose" in that they make minimal assumptions on the structure of the transient signal, save of some degree of agglomeration of energy in time and/or frequency.
Applied extreme value statistics

The statistical theory of extreme values is a well established part of theoretical statistics. Unfortunately, it is seldom part of applied statistics and is infrequently a part of statistical curricula except in advanced studies programs. This has resulted in the impression that it is difficult to understand and not of practical value. In recent environmental and pollution literature, several short articles have appeared with the purpose of documenting all that is necessary for the practical application of extreme value theory to field problems (for example, Roberts, 1979). These articles are so concise that only a statistician can recognise all the subtleties and assumptions necessary for the correct use of the material presented. The intent of this text is to expand upon several recent articles, and to provide the necessary statistical background so that the non-statistician scientist can recognize and extreme value problem when it occurs in his work, be confident in handling simple extreme value problems himself, and know when the problem is statistically beyond his capabilities and requires consultation.
Biosynthetic production of [14C]aflatoxins

A method for producing large amounts of ring-labeled [14C] aflatoxins using Aspergillus parasiticus cultures is reported. Conditions were optimized as to mold incubation medium, time of incubation, and 14C-acetate: glucose ratio. The yield of labeled aflatoxins was 1.2% of the [1-14C] acetate precursor; 60% of this was aflatoxin B1 having a specific radioactivity of 158.5 μCi/μmole.
Evaluation of Patients' Perceptions of Mesh Usage in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery

Objective To evaluate if new patients presenting to a female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery clinic are aware of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announcement regarding transvaginal mesh placement for pelvic organ prolapse repair and do they believe there is a mesh recall. Methods A voluntary anonymous 25-question survey was administered to new-clinic patients. Participants were aged at least 18 years and had either urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. Appropriate statistical tests were performed for continuous and categorical variables. Logistic regression was used for univariate and multivariable analysis. Significance was considered for P values Results Two hundred fourteen surveys were included for final analysis. Of the 214 patients, 157 (73.4%) had urinary incontinence as their sole presentation. Of 204 patients, 126 (61.8%) were aware the FDA-released information regarding mesh use in transvaginal surgery, and 88 of 169 (52%) believed there is a “recall” on mesh being used for transvaginal surgery. Of 156 patients, 108 (69.2%) listed television as a source of information. On multivariable analysis, television as a source was significantly associated with awareness of the FDA announcement (odds ratio, 7.12; 95% confidence interval, 2.69-18.84; P = .0001) and belief in a “recall” (odds ratio, 3.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-7.06; P = .01). Conclusion Although almost 2 of 3 participants were aware of the FDA announcement, more than half falsely believed there was a recall. Television was significantly associated with both awareness of the FDA announcement and belief in a recall suggesting patients derive most of their perceptions from the television.
Dobzhansky–Muller model of hybrid dysfunction supported by poor burst‐speed performance in hybrid tiger salamanders

Speciation may result from ‘complementary’ genetic differences that cause dysfunction when brought together in hybrids despite having no deleterious effects within pure species genomes. The theory of complementary genes, independently proposed by Dobzhansky and Muller, yields specific predictions about the genetics of hybrid fitness. Here, I show how alternative models of hybrid dysfunction can be compared using a simple multivariate analysis of hybrid indices calculated from molecular markers. I use the approach to fit models of hybrid dysfunction to swimming performance in hybrid tiger salamander larvae. Poor burst-speed performance is a dysfunction suggesting low vigour and could translate directly into low survival. My analyses show that the Dobzhansky–Muller model fits these data better than heterozygote disadvantage. The approach demonstrated here can be applied to a broad array of nonmodel species, potentially leading to important generalizations about the genetics of hybrid dysfunction.
Effects of insulin and phosphatase on a Ca2(+)-dependent Cl- channel in a distal nephron cell line (A6).

A Cl- channel with a small single-channel conductance (3 pS) was observed in cell-attached patches formed on the apical membrane of cells from the distal nephron cell line (A6) cultured on permeable supports. The current-voltage (I-V) relationship from cell-attached patches or inside-out patches with 1 microM cytosolic Ca2+ strongly rectified with no inward current at potentials more negative than ECl. However, the rectification decreased (i.e., inward current increased) when the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was increased above 1 microM. If [Ca2+]i is increased to 800 microM, the I-V relationship became linear. Besides the change in the I-V relationship, an increase in [Ca2+]i also increases the open probability of the channel. Regardless of the recording condition, the channel has one open and one closed state. Both closing and opening rates were dependent on [Ca2+]i; an increase of [Ca2+]i decreased the closing rate and increased the opening rate. The Ca2+ dependence of transition rates at positive membrane potentials (cell interior with respect to external surface) were much larger than the dependence at negative intracellular potentials. The I-V relationship of chloride channels in inside-out patches from cells pretreated with insulin was linear even with 1 microM [Ca2+]i, while channel currents from cells under similar conditions but without insulin still strongly rectified. Alkaline phosphatase applied to the intracellular surface of inside-out patches altered the outward rectification of single channels in a manner qualitatively similar to that of insulin pretreatment. These observations suggest that phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of the channel modulates the sensitivity of the Cl- channel to cytosolic Ca2+ and that insulin produces its effect by promoting dephosphorylation of the channel.
Performance analysis of opportunistic spectrum access in heterogeneous wireless networks

A critical shortage of spectrum resources and the underutilization of the licensed spectrum urge people to discover new approaches to efficiently utilize the spectrum resources. Opportunistic spectrum access (OSA) has been considered to be a good approach to exploit spectral resources and improve licensed spectral utilization. In this paper, based on this idea, we model and analyze one type of network (i.e., main network) overlaid by another type of network. The main network is defined as primary network while the other type of network is called secondary network. A centralized network access protocol is adopted in primary network and secondary network uses a distributed network access protocol. The system performance is investigated through extensive simulations. The obtained results show that channel utilization can be improved by about 50% compared with traditional sharing spectrum model in a single network. We also observe that there is tradeoff between the blocking probability of calls in primary network and the throughput of OSA network. Therefore, the system performance can be dynamically controlled.
The influence of mixing on the rheology of fresh cement paste

Abstract The influence of mixing shear rate on the rheological properties of cement paste was investigated. Cement pastes were mixed, sheared at a constant rate in a rheometer, and then subjected to increasing and decreasing shear rates, producing a hysteresis loop when plotted against shear stress. The extent of structural breakdown within the paste was evaluated as a function of mixer type and speed, based on hysteresis loop area. Plastic viscosity was measured using the linear portion of the hysteresis loop down curve. Well-mixed pastes exhibited a decreased propensity for further structural breakdown and a low plastic viscosity. Paste removed from a no-fines concrete had rheological properties similar to paste mixed at moderate speeds in a high shear blender
Africa and Globalization: Marginalization and Resistance

This chapter is a contribution to the ongoing debate about Africa and globalization and the interrelated issues of capitalism, marginalization, representation, and political leadership. Problematizing the discourse of Africa as “diseased” and “hapless,” the World Bank's structural adjustment “cure-all” is presented as being much worse than the “disease” that preceded it. Proposing a critical ethics of globalization—which highlights the gap between globalizations's miraculous, self-reflective images and the miserable conditions it creates—there is an attempt to uncover agents of change on the African continent. Social movements such as those fighting for water and electricity in Soweto, for land in Kenya, or against environmental destruction by oil companies in the Niger delta raise questions about the viability of globalization. Often led by women, these movements not only challenge the “male deal” that defines national governments and multinational corporations, but also call for a revaluation of subsist...
The effect of pharmaceuticals on the nanoscale structure of PEO-PPO-PEO micelles.

Abstract We present results on the effects of various hydrophobic drugs and additives on the micellar structure of Pluronic F127 solutions. Small-angle neutron scattering experiments on 5 wt% F127 solutions were used to measure micelle core size (R1), micelle corona size (R2), intermicellar interaction distance (Rint), polydispersity (σ), and aggregation number (Nagg); dynamic light scattering was used to measure critical micelle concentration (CMC); and ultraviolet spectroscopy was used to measure drug solubility and apparent micelle–water partition coefficient (Kmw). The core and corona size were found to generally increase in the presence of the drugs, as did Rint. Both σ and Nagg were found to decrease in the presence of most of the drugs, and the CMC was found to vary considerably with no clear correlation. A design of experiments (DOE) approach was used to analyze the results and build empirical correlations. All of the parameters from the SANS experiments were found to depend strongly on drug solubility, with a weak dependence on Kmw in most cases. The aggregation number, however, was found to depend strongly on both Kmw and solubility. The correlations can be used to roughly predict the structural parameters of F127 micelles for other hydrophobic drugs.
Fast Alkene Functionalization In Vivo by Photoclick Chemistry: HOMO Lifting of Nitrile Imine Dipoles

Extremely fast fluorescence labeling (<1 min) of a recombinant alkene-encoded protein in living Escherichia coli cells was observed with tetrazole 1. The electron-donating methoxy substituent raises the energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital of the nitrile-imine intermediate derived from 1. This strategy greatly accelerates the functionalization of alkenes by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition in living systems.
Distribution of radioelements and heat production in continental crust: Testing hypotheses with the drill

A fundamental problem in geoscience research concerns the thermal regime of the earth, including temperature distributions with depth, sources and sinks of heat, and processes of heat transport. Measurements of heat flow at the surface of the earth, as well as those of heat production in surface and near-surface rocks, provide some useful insights to the thermal structure of the interior. Perhaps the most significant of these is that radioactive heat-producing elements (HPE) are not distributed homogeneously in the earth but, rather, are concentrated in continental crust, apparently by the same geochemical processes that govern crustal differentiation.
Amphiphilic layered silicate clay for the efficient removal of organic pollutants from water

An amphiphilic smectite clay, interlayered by regularly alternating galleries of organic [C16H33N(C4H9)3 +] and inorganic (Li+ ) exchange cations, is shown to be especially efficient for the removal of a chlorinated aromatic pollutant (2,4-dichlorophenol) from water in comparison to the fully-exchanged hydrophobic form of the same clay.
V-NET: A versatile network architecture for flexible delay guarantees in real-time networks

This paper proposes a Versatile Network Architecture (V-NET) to support flexible delay guarantees for applications in real-time networks. Applications communicate over the V-NET by using end-to-end network connections which support real-time and reliability characteristics tailored to meet the application's specified requirements. V-NET differs from other proposed architectures in that, in addition to addressing the issue of quality of service (QoS) feasibility for a wide spectrum of real-time applications, it also provides a mechanism to determine a network state dependent range of feasible delay values at each switching node along the routing path. These delay ranges can be used to assign per-node delays that reflect the resource availability of the node, thereby reducing the likelihood of bottlenecks along the routing path. The V-NET delay guarantees are provided for a variety of packet scheduling algorithms and traffic policing mechanisms. This flexibility is an important design consideration as a real-time network architecture must accommodate existing and future multimedia applications, with hard-, soft-, and non-real-time traffic. The performance evaluation results demonstrate the efficiency of this scheme in handling different traffic scenarios and QoS requirements. We have shown that it is possible, and indeed efficient, to determine an upper-bound on the delay of real-time traffic, when using our per-node delay assignment policies.
Improving asthma severity and control screening in a primary care pediatric practice

Asthma is the most commonly encountered chronic disease in children. Periodic assessment of asthma severity and control is an integral part of asthma management, but patients with uncontrolled asthma don't always schedule routine asthma care visits. The aim of this project was to improve asthma control and severity screening in a primary care setting by using a validated tool for all visits for patients with a diagnosis of asthma aged 4-21 years. Our QI team developed a protocol to administer the Asthma Control Test (TM), a validated questionnaire to assess asthma control. The stakeholders involved were the physicians, nursing staff, and the Health Information Team (HIT). All patients who had a prior diagnosis of asthma or with an asthma medication in their chart, who presented for any clinical visit including asthma were administered ACT. The staff scored the ACT and included the form in the encounter sheet so that the physicians can review the scores, address the asthma control, severity, and document in the chart. The number of patients whose asthma control was assessed improved from 10% per year to 85% after the three PDSA cycles. Administration of the tool did not impact the flow of the patients in a busy primary care practice. Screening asthma severity and control for patients diagnosed with asthma with a validated questionnaire when presenting for any chief complaint including asthma will help the provider address the severity and control of asthma symptoms in a timely manner and would potentially help prevent unwanted emergency department or urgent care usage.
Stroke Literacy, Stroke Behavior and Stroke Proficiency in a South Florida Population (P01.007)

Objective: To assess stroke literacy, behavior and proficiency in a South Florida population. Background Although human factors explain why most stroke patients arrive too late for thrombolytic therapy, specific deficiencies are not well described. Design/Methods: Data were obtained from the 2006-2010 Cleveland Clinic Florida annual 9stroke prevention screening9 questionnaires. 9Stroke risk factor awareness9 was attributed to participants correctly identifying at least 5 out of the 7 stroke risk factors presented. 9Stroke symptom awareness9 was assigned if one correctly selected all 5 listed stroke/TIA symptoms and not any of the 3 inappropriate responses. Participants had 9stroke literacy9 if they demonstrated: (1) stroke risk factor awareness (2) stroke symptom awareness; and (3) they correctly identified the brain as where stroke occurs. To assess appropriate 9stroke behavior9, respondents had to choose "call 911 immediately" if one were to experience stroke symptoms. 9Stroke proficiency9 was attributed to individuals showing both stroke literacy and appropriate stroke behavior. Results: There were 298 participants with a mean age of 63yrs. 59% had at least a college-level education. 67% correctly identified the brain as where stroke occurs. Those who obtained their stroke information from a physician/healthcare personnel were more likely to choose the right anatomic site for stroke (p= Conclusions: 9Stroke behavior9 and 9stroke proficiency9 are useful novel concepts in stroke epidemiology. Although our South Florida community is relatively well-educated and affluent, there are tangible gaps in knowledge, attitudes and behavior as it pertains to stroke, similar to that seen in less advantaged populations. We recommend intensified usage of the media with information provided by qualified health professionals in a variety of formats and languages appropriate to the ethnic and cultural diversity that defines this population. Disclosure: Dr. Morren has nothing to disclose. Dr. Salgado has nothing to disclose.
Assessment of students' ability to incorporate a computer into increasingly complex simulated patient encounters.

Abstract Background and purpose Pharmacy students should be exposed to and offered opportunities to practice the skill of incorporating a computer into a patient interview in the didactic setting. Faculty sought to improve retention of student ability to incorporate computers into their patient–pharmacist communication. Educational activity and setting Students were required to utilize a computer to document clinical information gathered during a simulated patient encounter (SPE). Students utilized electronic worksheets and were evaluated by instructors on their ability to effectively incorporate a computer into a SPE using a rubric. Students received specific instruction on effective computer use during patient encounters. Students were then re-evaluated by an instructor during subsequent SPEs of increasing complexity using standardized rubrics blinded from the students. Findings Pre-instruction, 45% of students effectively incorporated a computer into a SPE. After receiving instruction, 67% of students were effective in their use of a computer during a SPE of performing a pharmaceutical care assessment for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ( p p = 0.087 compared to pre-instruction). Discussion Instruction can improve pharmacy students' ability to incorporate a computer into SPEs, a critical skill in building and maintaining rapport with patients and improving efficiency of patient visits. Complex encounters may affect students' ability to utilize a computer appropriately. Students may benefit from repeated practice with this skill, especially with SPEs of increasing complexity.
Paradoxical effects of simulated larviciding on production of adult mosquitoes.

Abstract We determined whether simulated mortality of larval mosquitoes in food-deprived bodies of water increases emergence of adult females as well as their size by releasing the remaining larvae from competition for food. Removal of larval Aedes aegypti from rearing containers with suboptimal amounts of food increased the number of adults that emerged. Thus, larvicidal measures do not inevitably lead to reduced numbers of mosquito vectors of disease. In food-limiting breeding sites, partially effective anti-larvae measures can be counterproductive, perhaps increasing transmission of vector-borne disease.
Mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of chronic lung disease

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a populace of non-haematopoietic multipotent stromal cells, which have the ability to differentiate into tissue derived from a single germ layer. MSCs have been isolated from various sites, including adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, synovium, spleen, thymus, lung and amniotic fluid, but are most often isolated from bone marrow. MSCs have several valuable functions that make them a promising therapeutic option in the field of regenerative medicine, including the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors, the migration of cells to the site of injury when administered and the ability to 'rescue' cells through the transfer of functional mitochondria. They also offer the possibility of autologous cell transplantation, circumventing immune rejection. These properties, among others, make MSCs a promising potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of chronic lung diseases with high rates of morbidity and mortality, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), COPD and obstructive bronchiolitis (OB). Numerous animal models have shown the protective and reparative effects of MSCs in models of experimental lung injury. There are currently several clinical trials underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MSCs in the treatment of IPF, COPD and OB. While early results are encouraging, a considerable amount of research must be done concerning the safety MSCs, as well as their optimal dosage, time and route of administration. In addition, much is still unknown about the pathogenesis of these chronic lung diseases, as well as the mechanisms MSCs utilize to assist in their repair.
Outcomes and complications of excimer laser surgery in patients with collagen vascular and other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases

Purpose To assess refractive and visual outcomes and postoperative complications in a large number of patients with well-controlled collagen vascular and other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Setting Optical Express, Glasgow, United Kingdom. Design Retrospective case series. Methods The files were reviewed of patients who had collagen vascular and other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and who had excimer laser surgery between 2008 and 2015. In all cases, the disease was well controlled with no flare or symptoms for a minimum of 6 months preoperatively. Results The study comprised 622 patients (1224 eyes) with 1 of the following underlying diseases: rheumatoid arthritis (50.6% of patients), systemic lupus erythematosus (19.5%), psoriatic arthritis (10.5%), sarcoidosis (10.0%), ankylosing spondylitis (6.4%), multiple sclerosis (1.9%), or scleroderma (1.1%). Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) was performed in 1114 eyes (91.0%) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in 110 eyes (9.0%). The mean follow-up was 10.9 months. The preoperative spherical equivalent ranged between −10.13 diopters (D) and +4.13 D (LASIK) and −9.50 D and +4.00 D (PRK). Postoperatively, 81.8% LASIK eyes and 82.3% PRK eyes were within ±0.50 D. The uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 76.8% and 73.4%, respectively. Complications were mostly those that would be expected after excimer laser surgery in a population of patients without disease with the exception of 1 peripheral flap melt that responded to treatment with topical steroids. Conclusion Excimer laser surgery can be safely performed in patients with well-controlled collagen vascular or other immune-mediated inflammatory disease. Financial Disclosure Dr. S.C. Schallhorn is a consultant to Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., Acufocus, Inc., and Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, and a global medical director for Optical Express. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
L-Glutamine Therapy Increases Exercise Endurance of Sickle Cell Anemia Patients.

We have demonstrated previously that oral L-glutamine administration can improve NAD redox potential in sickle red blood cells (RBC) and decrease the endothelial adhesion rate of sickle RBC. Clinically, there was subjective reporting of increased energy level. To confirm the reporting of increased energy level objectively, a study incorporating exercise tolerance testing was designed. After proper consent, 7 homozygous sickle cell anemia volunteers participated in the study, which was composed of two parts. The first is incremental work rate test where the work rate increased incrementally. The second part is the constant work rate test. In this test the 80% maximum work rate for the incremental test is utilized and the patients are tested for duration of exercise. These tests were conducted at baseline and after 8 to 12 weeks of therapy with oral L-glutamine at 30 grams a day. Two of the patients withdrew prior to completion of the follow up testing. There were 6 patients who completed the incremental work rate test and 4 patients who completed constant work rate test, respectively, at baseline and after treatment. Two of the 6 patients who completed the incremental work rate test at baseline declined to have the constant work rate test, resulting in 4 patients completing the constant work rate test. The results were as following: The work rates were 88 watts at baseline and 91.5 watts after treatment, with p = 0.18, for the incremental work protocol and 5.87 minutes at baseline and 7.27 minutes after treatment, with p = 0.02, for constant work protocol. For the incremental work rate, the data show a trend for increase with L-glutamine treatment. For the constant work protocol, there was a significant improvement in the work rate after treatment with L-glutamine. The data are consistent with the subjective reporting from a previous study suggesting that L-glutamine therapy improved the exercise endurance of sickle cell anemia patients
Nervous Tissue and Nervous System

Nervous tissue the most complex of the four basic tissues, is composed of nerve cells, the neurons and supporting cells, the neuroglia. Unlike other basic tissues, the nervous tissue almost lacks intercellular substance. Anatomically, the nervous system can be divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS consists of the nervous tissue of the brain and spinal cord; the PNS is composed of all other nervous tissue outside the CNS. The PNS collects information from the body surface, viscera, and special sense organs such as eyes and ears, and transmits signals to the CNS where this information is integrated and analyzed to produce appropriate responses in various effector tissues or organs. All these activities are carried out by the neurons, which form an integrated communication network by way of specialized contacts, the synapses.
Identifying spatial clustering in change points of streamflow across the contiguous U.S. between 1945 and 2009

Much of the work investigating sudden changes in streamflow in the U.S. has used only a small subset of all available gage data and has identified only a single change point in each gage's period of record. In this paper, we apply a change point detection and clustering algorithm that uses all U.S. Geological Survey flow gages with near-continuous records, detects multiple change points in annual streamflow, and groups change points into geographic clusters which are not predefined by any political or hydrologic boundaries. We identify 17 spatially distinct change point clusters, 13 of which are related to concurrent changes in precipitation. Several geographic regions display multiple clusters, indicating multiple change points in time. The presence of abrupt changes in streamflow suggests that natural variability in the climate signal may be dominating observed streamflow variations in the last 60 years in many locations in the contiguous U.S.
CRQA: Crowd-Powered Real-Time Automatic Question Answering System

Modern search engines have made dramatic progress in answering questions about facts, such as those that might be retrieved or directly inferred from a knowledge base. However, many other real user questions are more complex, such as requests for opinions, explanations, instructions or advice for a particular situation, and are still largely beyond the competence of the computer systems. As conversational agents become more popular, QA systems are increasingly expected to handle such complex questions, and to do so in (nearly) real-time, as the searcher is unlikely to wait longer than a minute or two for an answer. One way to overcome some of the challenges in complex question answering is crowdsourcing. We explore two ways crowdsourcing can assist a question answering system that operates in (near) real time: by providing answer validation, which could be used to filter or re-rank the candidate answers, and by creating the answer candidates directly. In this paper we present CRQA, a crowd-powered, near real-time automatic question answering system for complex informational tasks, that incorporates a crowdsourcing module for augmenting and validating the candidate answers. The crowd input, obtained in real-time, is integrated into CRQA via a learning-to-rank model, to select the final system answer. Our large-scale experiments, performed on a live stream of real users questions, show that even within a one minute time limit, CRQA can produce answers of high quality. The returned answers are judged to be significantly better compared to the automatic system alone, and even are often preferred to answers posted days later in the original community question answering site. Our findings can be useful for developing hybrid human-computer systems for automatic question answering and conversational agents.
Intracellular Oxygenation and Redox Status in Muscle

Near Infra Red (NIR) spectroscopy can be applied non-invasively to organs and tissues in vivo. Spectra can be taken through organs as thick as the human head for identification of the absorbing components (1). And it is possible to monitor the reactions of the absorbing molecules to physiological manipulations with a multi-wavelength, differential spectrophotometer designed for the purpose, as was shown for the first time at the 1984 ISOTT meeting (2). The primary variable is oxygen delivery to the tissue or organ and the instrument has therefore been called the NIR Oxygen Sufficiency Monitor or NIROSCOPE (c.f. 3 for a brief review).
Nursing Care of the Client with Abdominal Trauma

Nursing care of the patient with blunt abdominal trauma begins with an assessment of the abdomen. The abdominal assessment is often less than effective due to the often subtle signs and symptoms and the other distracting injuries a patient may have. Observe the abdomen for contusions, abrasions and distension or penetrating wounds. Consider that wounds above the umbilicus could have thoracic implications. Auscultate for bowel sounds and bruits. Absent bowels sounds should be considered in conjunction with other assessment data. Bruits may indicate injury to a great vessel, liver or spleen. Assess for guarding or rigidity, keeping in mind the older adult often has more subtle signs of peritoneal irritation than their younger counterparts.
On the Probabilistic Bearing of Testimony

The problem-domain which we will discuss was broached by Condorcet in his classic memoir on the theory of probability during 1781–1784.
Providing Positive Primary Care Experiences for Homeless Veterans Through Tailored Medical Homes: The Veterans Health Administration's Homeless Patient Aligned Care Teams.

Background In 2012, select Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities implemented a homeless-tailored medical home model, called Homeless Patient Aligned Care Teams (H-PACT), to improve care processes and outcomes for homeless Veterans. Objective The main aim of this study was to determine whether H-PACT offers a better patient experience than standard VHA primary care. Research design We used multivariable logistic regressions to estimate differences in the probability of reporting positive primary care experiences on a national survey. Subjects Homeless-experienced survey respondents enrolled in H-PACT (n=251) or standard primary care in facilities with H-PACT available (n=1527) and facilities without H-PACT (n=10,079). Measures Patient experiences in 8 domains from the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Provider and Systems surveys. Domain scores were categorized as positive versus nonpositive. Results H-PACT patients were less likely than standard primary care patients to be female, have 4-year college degrees, or to have served in recent military conflicts; they received more primary care visits and social services. H-PACT patients were more likely than standard primary care patients in the same facilities to report positive experiences with access [adjusted risk difference (RD)=17.4], communication (RD=13.9), office staff (RD=13.1), provider ratings (RD=11.0), and comprehensiveness (RD=9.3). Standard primary care patients in facilities with H-PACT available were more likely than those from facilities without H-PACT to report positive experiences with communication (RD=4.7) and self-management support (RD=4.6). Conclusions Patient-centered medical homes designed to address the social determinants of health offer a better care experience for homeless patients, when compared with standard primary care approaches. The lessons learned from H-PACT can be applied throughout VHA and to other health care settings.
Effective property evaluation and analysis of three-dimensional periodic lattices and composites through Bloch-wave homogenization

Periodic lattices offer enhanced mechanical and dynamic properties per unit mass, and the ability to engineer the material response by optimizing the unit cell. Characterizing the effective properties of these lattice materials through experiments can be a time consuming and costly process, so analytical and numerical methods are crucial. Specifically, the Bloch-wave homogenization approach allows one to characterize the effective static properties of the lattice while simultaneously analyzing wave propagation properties such as band gaps, propagating modes, and wave directionality. While this analysis has been used for some time, a thorough study of this approach on three-dimensional (3D) lattice materials with different symmetries and geometries is presented here. Bloch-wave homogenization is applied to extract the effective stiffness tensor of 3D periodic lattices and confirmed with elastostatic homogenization, both within a finite element framework. Multiple periodic lattices with cubic, transversely isotropic, and tetragonal symmetry, including an auxetic geometry, over a wide range of relative densities are analyzed. Further, this approach is used to analyze 3D periodic composite structures, and a way to tailor their overall anisotropy is demonstrated. This work can serve as the basis for nondestructive evaluation of metamaterials properties using ultrasonic velocity measurements.
190 CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: EDUCATING PATIENTS IN KETTLE FALLS, WASHINGTON.

Background Kettle Falls is a rural community of approximately 1,600 in the northeastern corner of Washington state. There is a high prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in this area, likely related to sedentary lifestyle and a diet high in fats and carbohydrates. Objectives The goals of this project were to inform high-risk individuals about CAD and explore the use of a group format for educating patients in a rural health care practice. Methods A PowerPoint slideshow on the cause, treatment, and prevention of CAD was developed and presented to patients in a group setting. Results The presentation was well received by the six patients and two spouses who attended. All the participants were engaged and inquisitive and two of the patients took advantage of the opportunity for a clinic visit with the doctor. Conclusion Through this project patients were informed about CAD and how to prevent it. This initial trial showed that the group format is a valuable and feasible way to provide health education in this community.
Pyranmycins, a Novel Class of Aminoglycosides with Improved Acid Stability: The SAR of d-Pyranoses on Ring III of Pyranmycin

The synthesis of a novel class of aminoglycosides, pyranmycins, is reported along with the structure activity relationship (SAR) of their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. Two pyranm...
Psychoanalysis: Current Status

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by O.F. Kernberg, volume 18, pp. 12308–12315, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
Property and public policy: An analysis of federal intervention efforts: By Michael Morris and John B. Williamson Wesport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1986, 236 pp., $35.00

(1988). Property and public policy: An analysis of federal intervention efforts. The Social Science Journal: Vol. 25, No. 2, pp. 249-250.
Molecules to Mankind: Bridging Laboratory and Population Training

ABSTRACT Aim/Purpose Today’s biomedical researchers are expected to apply understanding of basic biology to improve human health. Meeting this goal requires mastery of both laboratory and population sciences, each of which has its own knowledge base, techniques, and training paradigms. Background Emory University’s “Molecules-to-Mankind” (M2M) doctoral pathway was established in 2009 to be an evolving model of interdisciplinary PhD education. M2M supplements fellows’ home programs, ensuring they receive training in both population and laboratory sciences. Methodology The present paper describes the M2M program in detail. Surveys of faculty and fellows were also carried out, and the results are presented herein. Contribution The M2M program follows a unique model by which doctoral students receive training in both population and laboratory sciences. The present paper describes this model, such that the information can be disseminated to other educational institutions interested in implementing similar programs. Findings This unique model facilitates engagement of stakeholders including the fellow’s home program, dissertation advisor, and Emory’s professional schools. Recruited across biomedical PhD and MD/PhD programs, fellows have diverse research experiences and represent “spokes” bound together by the M2M “hub.” This hub’s central feature is a weekly seminar class where fellows and faculty members gather for open discussion with interdisciplinary speakers with successful research careers, emphasizing speakers who have tied laboratory and population sciences in their own work. This forum provides an encouraging environment for dialogue on all aspects of biomedical research from the science itself, to the speaker’s career path, and the logistics of garnering institutional support and building transdisciplinary collaborations. A decade since its inception, M2M has a proven track record of shaping early-stage careers for its 49 alumni to date. Recommendations for Practitioners Engaging trainees outside their home doctoral programs can have positive implications on overall quality of education. Recommendation for Researchers As interdisciplinary models grow ever more important in biomedical sciences, it is important to further examine the best teaching methods for training the next generation of scientists. Impact on Society Interdisciplinary training at the doctoral level is important to produce future cohorts of engaged and versatile scientific leaders. Future Research Future research should continue to explore novel methods of training graduate students at the doctoral level.
Implementation of a Transitional Care Program to Educate and Empower Pediatric Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Background: The transfer of care from pediatric to adult providers is challenging and requires special attention to the unique medical and emotional needs of young adult patients, especially those with chronic disease like diabetes. Poor transitions of care lead to poor health outcomes and occur when patients are not knowledgeable about their disease and are unprepared to handle medical care on their own. Thus, the Endocrine Society has developed a Transition Toolkit for children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus to help physicians address this common problem. Aims: Our primary aim was to …
Energy and System Size Dependence of Charged Hadron Transverse Momentum Spectra from Cu+Cu and Au+Au Collisions at √ s NN = 62.4 and 200 GeV

The PHOBOS Collaboration has measured transverse momentum distributions of charged hadrons produced in Cu+Cu collisions at √s NN =200 and 62.4 GeV. The nuclear modification factor R part is calculated relative to p+p data at both collision energies as a function of collision centrality. For the same number of participating nucleons, R part is essentially the same in both systems over the full range of p Tthat is measured. In addition, we observe that within experimental uncertainties, the ratio of 200 GeV to 62.4 GeV Cu+Cu yields has only a moderate centrality dependence and is consistent with the value previously measured in Au+Au collisions for a broad range of p T.