cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving gas barrier properties with boron nitride nanosheets in polymer-composites

Abstract Liquid exfoliated, size selected, hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanosheets are dispersed in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) via solution processing and their properties such as CO2 gas barrier and mechanical properties were evaluated. Aspect ratio and filler loading are important parameters for gas permeation of polymer composites. The range of BN volume in the polymer matrix is 0–1.1%. The aspect ratio ∼331 of BN is estimated with transmission electron microscope. With the inclusion of tiny BN, the permeation reduction levels are considerably enhanced for CO2 in BN-TPU composites. At 0.011 vol% BN, permeability is reduced up to ∼55%, further reducing to 82% (0.054 vol% BN). Further increase of BN concentration (0.5–1.1 vol%) in TPU slightly reduces the gas retention maintaining a permeation level of 76–80% as compared to the base polymer. Theoretical models predict well the experimental results at low BN concentrations with both Neilson and Bhardawaj models which differ for orientation of fillers inside the polymer. The reduction in gas retention at maximum BN loading occurs may be due to the aggregation of filler inside polymer. X-ray diffraction and tensile testing also suggest the aggregation phenomena. The enhancement in CO2 barrier properties and the mechanical robustness may pave a way for utilization of these composites in applications like coating in CO2 gas transmission pipelines and food packaging.
Impacts of incremental substitution of soybean meal for canola meal in lactating dairy cow diets containing a constant base level of corn derived dried distillers’ grains with solubles

Abstract Optimal protein nutrition of dairy cattle is important to support efficient production of high producing lactating dairy cows. Canola meal (CM) and corn dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) have been primary protein meals on many dairy farms in the Western USA for over 10 years, but decreases in the relative price of soybean meal (SBM) has created interest in how best to include it in lactation diets containing CM and DDGS. Three pens of ˜310 high producing multiparous Holstein cows were fed diets supplying 0, 35 or 70 g/kg SBM on a dry matter (DM) basis, which largely replaced CM, in a way that held the proximate nutrient content of the diets constant. Diets were rotated through the pens in a Latin square design such that each pen of cows experienced each diet once. Milk and component yields were lowest at the highest SBM level (Quad P
Detection of Bacterial and Viral Pathogens Using Photonic Point-of-Care Devices

Infectious diseases caused by bacteria and viruses are highly contagious and can easily be transmitted via air, water, body fluids, etc. Throughout human civilization, there have been several pandemic outbreaks, such as the Plague, Spanish Flu, Swine-Flu, and, recently, COVID-19, amongst many others. Early diagnosis not only increases the chance of quick recovery but also helps prevent the spread of infections. Conventional diagnostic techniques can provide reliable results but have several drawbacks, including costly devices, lengthy wait time, and requirement of trained professionals to operate the devices, making them inaccessible in low-resource settings. Thus, a significant effort has been directed towards point-of-care (POC) devices that enable rapid diagnosis of bacterial and viral infections. A majority of the POC devices are based on plasmonics and/or microfluidics-based platforms integrated with mobile readers and imaging systems. These techniques have been shown to provide rapid, sensitive detection of pathogens. The advantages of POC devices include low-cost, rapid results, and portability, which enables on-site testing anywhere across the globe. Here we aim to review the recent advances in novel POC technologies in detecting bacteria and viruses that led to a breakthrough in the modern healthcare industry.
EMERGING INFLUENCERS PROMOTING TRAVEL: THE CASE OF LOCAL TOURISM IN LATVIA

The presence of social networks has given a chance for social media influencers to emerge. Social media influencers creating and sharing content, endorsed or not, has become a growing marketing trend used by companies, as well as destinations. This paper focuses on travel influencers who, with the help of social networks, particularly Instagram, are promoting local travel in Latvia. In this study, four emerging travel influencers and their posts were retrieved and analysed. The study results show that emerging travel influencers are trying to attract their followers by mostly sharing posts with landscapes and nature, art objects/statues, and nature activities/facilities. However, traditional artwork/objects, religious buildings/objects, and traditional or historic buildings are the pictures achieving the highest engagement rates. Finally, the study also revealed that influencers with a lower number of followers have a higher level of engagement. It is concluded that authenticity and individuality of account, as well as its organic, rather than paid growth, are the key aspects in creating a travel account that followers would engage (like, share and comment on the content). The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.Keywords:influencers, travel, tourism, local travel.
Management of child after traumatic epidural hematoma with pulmonary edema and arrhythmia

We present a case of severe neurogenic pulmonary edema and arrhythmia complicating management of a 7-year-old child with acute epidural hematoma and impending cerebral herniation. The underlying mechanisms for this are discussed as well as management of severe neurogenic pulmonary edema. We emphasize the need to recognize this rare complication early and institute prompt aggressive management.
Recent Advances in FAR Infrared Detectors for Astronomy in the 1–1000/μm Range

The increasing interest in the application of bolometers and photoconductors in infrared astronomy has stimulated considerable research effort during the past few years in improving the sensitivities of these detectors under low and high background conditions. A review of these detectors will be given and their applications in photometry and spectroscopy with ground based and airborne infrared astronomical systems will be discussed.
mTOR Signaling in Pulmonary Vascular Disease: Pathogenic Role and Therapeutic Target

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive and fatal disease without a cure. The exact pathogenic mechanisms of PAH are complex and poorly understood, yet a number of abnormally expressed genes and regulatory pathways contribute to sustained vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling of the distal pulmonary arteries. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is one of the major signaling pathways implicated in regulating cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and protein synthesis. Here we will describe the canonical mTOR pathway, structural and functional differences between mTOR complexes 1 and 2, as well as the crosstalk with other important signaling cascades in the development of PAH. The pathogenic role of mTOR in pulmonary vascular remodeling and sustained vasoconstriction due to its contribution to proliferation, migration, phenotypic transition, and gene regulation in pulmonary artery smooth muscle and endothelial cells will be discussed. Despite the progress in our elucidation of the etiology and pathogenesis of PAH over the two last decades, there is a lack of effective therapeutic agents to treat PAH patients representing a significant unmet clinical need. In this review, we will explore the possibility and therapeutic potential to use inhibitors of mTOR signaling cascade to treat PAH.
Culinary Medicine for Family Medicine Residents.

Physicians are inadequately trained to effectively provide lifestyle counseling to manage the obesity epidemic. Family and community medicine residents participated in a culinary medicine course taught by two Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in University Park, PA, in March 2020. All residents (n = 13) reported increased knowledge, 92% (n = 12) reported increased confidence, and 84.6% (n = 11) reported they intended to make changes to their practice based on the class. Most participating residents (85%, n = 11) would attend follow-up classes. Residents recognized the importance of nutrition in clinical care and found the information to be applicable to practice.
Challenges and Opportunities for Touring Industry and New Energy Automobile Industry

During pandemic, people’s lives are affected dramatically—more than 20 million people have been affected, and most companies have been affected by such virus. However, people may always consider that some industries with inelastic demands such as touring industries and new energy vehicles industries will not be affected by such crisis. By analyzing the data from specific companies, I found the difficulties and opportunities for these industries. For example, touring industry related companies can use several strategies such as promotional strategy and corporate with high-tech companies to tackle with the catastrophe. Besides, electric car industry related companies may set up their technical barriers to boost their sales. From my research, there is no real-inelastic demands for any industries, and the only method for them to survive at any time is always researching new technology and meet customers’ demands.
Doors P300 moderates the relationship between reward positivity and current depression status in adults.

Abstract Background: Previous research has found deficits in both the reward positivity (RewP) and P300 components of the event-related potential (ERP) in relation to depression. The current study examined whether the P300, elicited from imperative stimuli in a gambling task, relates to depression – and can be utilized in tandem with the RewP to better account for individual differences in depression. Methods: In the current study, 80 adults with current depression (Mage = 39.65, 79% female) and 43 healthy controls (Mage = 37.02, 81% female) completed clinical interviews, self-report questionnaires, and the doors gambling task while EEG was recorded. Results: Results indicated a reduced P300 to doors stimuli (i.e., doors P300) in depression, especially among depressed individuals reporting heightened anhedonia. Gain and loss feedback P300s did not differ between groups. Moreover, the doors P300 moderated the association between RewP and depression status: individuals with relatively intact reward processing (i.e., larger RewP) were more likely to be currently depressed if they exhibited a reduced P300. Limitations: The majority of the sample identified as Caucasian which reduces generalizability of current results. Additionally, the current study is cross sectional design which limits insight into how these ERPs coincide with changes in the disorder. Conclusions: The current study demonstrates that a novel P300 component to the doors stimulus appears to be blunted in currently depressed individuals, and that using the doors P300 in combination with the RewP accounts for significantly more variance in depression.
Abstract 187: Constitutively Active Notch4 Elicits Brain Arteriovenous Malformations through Capillary Enlargement

Brain arteriovenous (AV) malformation (BAVM) is characterized by focal lesions of enlarged, tangled vessels that shunt blood from arteries to veins. BAVMs can rupture and cause life-threatening stroke. The origin of BAVM is currently unknown. We have developed a transgenic mouse model of BAVM via endothelial expression of constitutively-active Notch4 (Notch4*). Here, using two-photon excited fluorescence microscopy through chronically-implanted cranial windows, we obtained 4D data on the formation of BAVMs in live animals. We found that BAVMs arose from enlargement of pre-existing capillaries - judged as vessels with capillary diameter and blood flow as well as the absence of smooth muscle coverage. Capillary enlargement began promptly following the start of Notch4* expression and often occurred before increases in blood flow. Supporting the capillary origin of BAVMs, alterations in Notch signaling in endothelial cells of capillaries and veins, but not arteries, affected BAVM formation. Although the initi...
Local Anesthesia: Evidence, Strategies, and Safety

The number of office-based procedures performed utilizing local anesthesia continues to rise, particularly in dermatologic settings. As more emphasis is placed on cost effectiveness in medicine, it is important to understand the role that office-based procedures can play in providing excellent dermatologic care. In addition, it is essential to continually demonstrate that local anesthesia administered in office-based settings is safe and effective in order to maintain a high standard of care within the specialty. Achieving adequate local anesthesia is imperative to ensure patient comfort, reduce anxiety, and promote optimal outcomes. The clinician should have a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology, mechanism of action, practical applications and techniques, and potential adverse events of various topical and injectable anesthetics in order to enhance patient satisfaction and safety. Lidocaine, which is the most commonly used local anesthetic, has a rapid onset, moderate duration, and excellent safety profile, making it a staple in office-based procedures.
Europort: Parallel CFD for industrial applications

Publisher Summary During the past decade, computer scientists have largely demonstrated the high potential of parallel computing technology. Computer scientists were convinced of the importance of parallel technology for the future development of high-performance computing. For the general purpose CFD code PHOENICS, each time step requires updates of velocity components as well as updates of the pressure. The first is accomplished by Gauss-Seidel-like iterations of the velocity components and the second by solving the so-called pressure-correction equation, which is, roughly, a Poisson equation for the pressure. The major emphasis in benchmarking was on comparing the performance of the parallel codes run on standard parallel platforms, with that of their sequential analogs run on traditional systems. Europort has shown that an essential benefit is obtainable even under these constraints some of which, clearly, are in conflict with the goal of obtaining the highest parallel efficiency. In addition, this is achievable in a reasonable time frame and with a reasonable amount of work. It is not necessary to develop new codes to be able to exploit the power of parallel architectures.
Role of the Mu Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain Transmembrane and Cytoplasmic Domains in B Cell Antigen Receptor Expression and Signal Transduction

Membrane immunoglobulins (mIg) serve as the recognition components of B lymphocyte antigen receptors. Binding of antigen to these receptors leads to dramatic effects on B cell growth and viability. We have examined the structural elements of mIgM that are involved in antigen receptor assembly and function. Expression of transfected wild-type mIgM in a B cell line led to assembly with the other two known components of the antigen receptor, Ig-alpha and Ig-beta, expression on the cell surface, and when cross-linked by anti-IgM antibodies, stimulation of signal transductin reactions, including tyrosine protein phosphorylation, inositol phosphate production, and increases in cytoplasmic calcium concentration. Replacement of the highly conserved COOH-terminal 41 amino acids of mIgM heavy chain (mu m) with the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of human CD8 alpha resulted in a molecule which was expressed on the B cell surface at levels comparable to wild-type mIgM, but which did not form a complex with Ig-alpha or Ig-beta and did not stimulate any of the signaling reactions mentioned above. Replacement of the basic three-amino-acid cytoplasmic domain of mu m with a different but similarly charged sequence had no effect on cell-surface expression or signaling function. On the other hand, removal of the entire cytoplasmic domain resulted in a molecule which did not bind Ig-alpha and Ig-beta and which did not transduce signals. This effect is probably due to altered post-translational processing of this mutant molecule. Finally, a series of eight single-amino-acid substitutions in the transmembrane domain was constructed. Most of these resulted in the removal of hydroxyl groups from conserved residues postulated to be important for interactions with other components. Each of these mutant molecules was capable of transducing signals when cross-linked by anti-IgM, but one was partially defective. Since alteration of any single residue was not sufficient to disrupt signaling completely, the interactions required for signaling are likely to involve multiple residues, so that elimination of one hydroxyl group does not prevent the interaction. We propose that the cytoplasmic domain of mu m does not play a critical role in receptor function but that the transmembrane domain specifies interactions with other components, probably Ig-alpha and Ig-beta, required for proper antigen receptor signal transduction.
Interdependence and Psychological Orientation

This chapter present a theoretical analysis of the relations between types of social relations and types of psychological orientations. Social relations are characterized in terms of five dimensions: cooperation-competition, power distribution, task-oriented versus social-emotional, formal versus informal, and importance. Psychological orientations are composed of the following component orientations: cognitive, motivational, moral, and action. It is hypothesized that there is a strong tendency for a fit between the type of social relation and type of psychological orientation. The lack of fit produced a drive to change so that fit occurs.
Pneumonia due to Streptococcus viridans; review of literature and case report of an infant.

Summary A review of the literature reveals few cases of pneumonia, proved or suspected,to be due to Str. viridans. Clinically, pneumonia due to an alpha streptococcus resembles closely socalled primary or atypical pneumonia and is to be suspected in all cases, especially if the organism predominates on sputum culture. Sulfonamide therapy has no effect on the course of the disease and penicillinin this case was of questionable effect. A case of alpha streptococcus pneumonia in a 7-month-old female is presented.This is, we believe, the youngest patient reported with this disease.
Wheat breeding in the Great Plains of North America - past, present and future

ABSTRACT Serious efforts at breeding of winter wheat cultivars in the central Great Plains of North America began in the 1930's. Before that time, growers produced either introductions directly from Eurasia, or farmer-selections from such lines. In 1931, the precursor organization of the USDA-ARS initiated regional performance nurseries. Such trials were conducted in collaboration with state agricultural experimental stations affiliated with land-grant universities. The program allows the free exchange of germplasm throughout the region, and provided testing of advanced breeding lines in a host of environments. The program has continued uninterrupted to the present, now involves more than 30 cooperating institutions in 19 states and in Canada, and forms the backbone of breeding efforts in the hard winter wheat zone. Until the 1980's, breeding in the region focused on one market class, hard red winter wheat. Recently, efforts have diversified to include hard white wheats. This shift has been driven by both domestic and export demands, either real or perceived. With this diversified emphasis has come the need to expand the number of quality traits used in selection schemes. The number of required traits, and the diverse methods needed to assess them, suggests that DNA-based methods would be a more efficient tool for selection. This paper will describe the spectrum of traits currently being assessed, and our progress toward devising an objective, genetics-based system to supplant the plethora of assays currently being conducted.
Results of levator-advancement blepharoptosis repair using a standard protocol: effect of epinephrine-induced eyelid position change.

PURPOSE: Blepharoptosis repair by levator advancement is successful in most instances, but the postoperative eyelid level is not uniformly predictable. This study was undertaken to evaluate the possible effect of epinephrine (from local anesthetic) on eyelid position. METHODS: Seventeen adults with acquired unilateral ptosis as a result of levator aponeurosis dehiscence underwent levator aponeurosis advancement. The distance between the upper eyelid margin and the central corneal light reflex was measured preoperatively with the patient in both the upright and the supine position, 10 minutes after injection of 1.0 mL of anesthetic solution (2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine and 12 U hyaluronidase per mL) in the supine position, intraoperatively after skin closure in the supine position, and 1 week or more postoperatively in the upright position. The ptotic lid was positioned intraoperatively in relation to the contralateral unoperated lid according to the change (presumably) induced by epinephrine stimulation of Muller's muscle. RESULTS: Eleven (65%) of the 17 patients had final postoperative lid positions within 1 mm between eyes. Two patients (12%) had undercorrection. Four patients (24%) had overcorrection by > 1 mm. The overcorrected lids were satisfactorily positioned, however, and none required further surgery; in 3 of these 4 patients, the unoperated lid had become ptotic, probably as a result of Hering's law. Differences between operated and unoperated lids and between the different times of measurement were analyzed. Significant changes in lid position occurred in the ptotic lids after injection (mean, +1.1 +/- 1.5 mm; median, +1.0 mm; P = .004) and in the final intraoperative difference between operated and unoperated lids (mean, +0.8 +/- 0.9 mm; median, +1.0 mm; P = .003). The change in the unoperated lid from preoperative upright to preoperative supine was significantly greater in the 6 failures (mean, -0.8 +/- 0.6 mm; median, -1.0 mm) than in the 11 successful outcomes (mean, +0.1 +/- 0.8 mm; median, 0.0 mm; P = .03). The change in unoperated lid position after injection of the ptotic lid was significantly greater in the failures (mean, +0.4 +/- 0.5 mm; median, +0.3 mm) than in the successful cases (mean, -0.2 +/- 0.4 mm; median, 0.0 mm; P = .02). CONCLUSION: Although it seems intuitively reasonable and clinically appropriate to account for the stimulatory effect of epinephrine during ptosis surgery, such intraoperative compensation alone did not yield a universally successful outcome in this study.
Legal Issues in the Private Operation of Prisons

Privatization is one of today’s important issues in corrections. Private entrepreneurs have the resources to move into the construction and management of prison systems and believe that they can run prisons more efficiently and less costly than the government can.There are major political and policy questions that must be answered before this country accepts the privatization of prisons. There are also significant legal issues involved – issues of labor law, delegation, control over use of force and discipline, and liability. This article examines these issues and provides a legal blueprint for the private operation of prisons.
Physical and mental health status of survivors of multiple cancer diagnoses

BACKGROUND: Little research has identified the physical and mental health status of survivors of multiple primary cancer diagnoses. METHODS: By using data from the population-based 2009 National Health Information Survey, 154 survivors of multiple primary cancer diagnoses, 1427 survivors of a single cancer diagnosis, and 25,004 individuals without a history of cancer diagnosis were identified. The multiple cancer group was compared with the single cancer and no cancer groups with regard to physical and mental health status using analysis of covariance and binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Relative to the no cancer group, the multiple cancer group reported significantly poorer mental health status, greater lifetime, recent, and current prevalence of a variety of medical conditions and comorbidities, and more health-related disability. Although observed group differences between the multiple cancer and single cancer groups were less pronounced than those between the multiple cancer and no cancer groups, a consistent pattern was also evident; the multiple cancer group reported significantly poorer status relative to the single cancer group across a range of mental and physical health and illness-related disability indices. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of 2 or more primary cancers (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers) is associated with increased risk for poorer physical and mental health status over and above that associated with diagnosis of a single primary cancer. Survivors of multiple and single primary cancer diagnoses should be considered as distinct subgroups, and increased attention should be devoted to the unique status and needs of survivors of multiple primary cancer diagnoses. Cancer 2012;3645–3653. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Hematopoiesis and Serum Iron Changes Following Vincristine Sulfate

The hematopoietic effects of both single and repeated intravenous injections of moderate concentrations of Vincristine Sulfate on rabbit erythropoiesis have been presented. A prompt depopulation of erythroid elements results and is almost completed by 48 hours. Following this depression a rapid rebound of erythropoietic activity occurs. Serum iron values reflect these changes in iron utilization. The reproducibility of these extremes in marrow erythropoietic activity allows one to use the Vincristine Sulfate treated rabbit as an experimental model. It will allow us to study the factors which regulate the balance between erythropoiesis and iron kinetics.
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome

Perhaps more noteworthy than the emergence of Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (StrepTSS) is its persistence for a period of more than 15 years in most geographical areas and an actual increase in incidence in some regions. Early diagnosis remains a problem, and aggressive surgery often cannot be avoided. The continuing rates of mortality and morbidity indicate the need for novel approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
Refining multivariate disease phenotypes for high chip heritability

Statistical genetics shows that the success of both genetic association studies and genomic prediction methods is positively associated with the heritability of the trait used in the analysis. Identifying highly heritable components of a complex disease can thus enhance genetic studies of the disease. Existing heritable component analysis methods use data from related individuals to compute linearly-combined traits to maximize heritability. Recent advances in acquiring genome-wide markers have enhanced heritability estimation using genotypic data from apparently unrelated individuals, which is referred to as the chip heritability. Novel statistical models are thus needed to identify disease components (subtypes) with high chip heritability. We propose an optimization approach to identify highly heritable components of a complex disease as a function of multiple clinical variables. The heritability of the components is estimated directly from unrelated individuals using their genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms. The proposed approach can also model the fixed effects due to covariates, such as age and race, so that the derived traits have high chip heritability after correcting for fixed effects. A new sequential quadratic programming algorithm is developed to efficiently solve the proposed optimization problem. The proposed algorithm was validated both in simulations and the analysis of a real-world dataset that was aggregated from genetic studies of cocaine, opoid, and alcohol dependence. Simulation studies demonstrated that the proposed approach could identify the hypothesized component from multiple synthesized features. A case study on cocaine dependence (CD) identified a quantitative trait that achieved chip heritability of 0.86 estimated using a cross-validation process. This quantitative trait corresponded to the likelihood of an individual's membership in a CD subtype. Clinical analysis showed that the subtype enclosed individuals who reported heavy use of cocaine but few withdrawal symptoms. Extensive experiments on both synthetic and real-world data demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach as a means to find meaningful disease components with high chip heritability.
Sub-lethal exposure of cockroaches to boric acid pesticide contributes to increased Bla g 2 excretion.

Background: Several epidemiology studies have found an increase in the major cockroach allergen Bla g 2 with reported pesticide use. Aims of the study: Our aim was to investigate the effect on the excretion of Bla g 1 and Bla g 2 allergens by cockroaches exposed to sub-lethal doses of the pesticides, boric acid and hydramethylnon gel. Methods: German cockroaches in separate colonies were fed either boric acid or hydramethylnon gel at concentrations of 0.2, 0.1 and 0.01% in their water supply over a 2 week period. Ten colonies were exposed to each treatment concentration. Bla g 1 and Bla g 2 in fecal pellets were measured by ELISA. Results: Cockroaches exposed to boric acid excreted fecal pellets with significantly higher concentrations of Bla g 2 (35 400 U/g) than did controls (12 700 U/g) (P = 0.001). Bla g 1 concentrations were not significantly different. There was no difference in either Bla g 1 or Bla g 2 concentrations between cockroaches that ingested hydramethylnon gel and those in the controls colonies. Conclusions: The application of boric acid, a common pesticide, appears to paradoxically increase the production of Bla g 2, a major allergen, by the surviving cockroaches. This may have important implications in avoidance strategies.
A kinetic model and steady-state analysis for polysaccharide production by Methylomonas mucosa

Abstract A kinetic model for Methylomonas mucosa includes specific rates of growth and polysaccharide formation vs. methanol concentration, that show a maximum and a minimum, respectively. Because of the nonmonotonicity of the specific growth rate, there are two nontrivial steady states, one stable and the other unstable, for a single continuous stirred tank bioreactor (CSTBR). The cell growth is favored at stable steady states while polysaccharide yields are favored at unstable steady states. These phenomena favor a system of two CSTBRs in series, in which the first bioreactor is operated at a stable steady state to feed a constant supply of cells to the second bioreactor for polysaccharide production. It is shown that such a system can be made naturally stable and that the polysaccharide yield can be maintained high at dilution rates much above the maximum specific growth rate for a single bioreactor.
Spatiotemporal Models for Gaussian Areal Data

We introduce a class of spatiotemporal models for Gaussian areal data. These models assume a latent random field process that evolves through time with random field convolutions; the convolving fields follow proper Gaussian Markov random field (PGMRF) processes. At each time, the latent random field process is linearly related to observations through an observational equation with errors that also follow a PGMRF. The use of PGMRF errors brings modeling and computational advantages. With respect to modeling, it allows more flexible model structures such as different but interacting temporal trends for each region, as well as distinct temporal gradients for each region. Computationally, building upon the fact that PGMRF errors have proper density functions, we have developed an efficient Bayesian estimation procedure based on Markov chain Monte Carlo with an embedded forward information filter backward sampler (FIFBS) algorithm. We show that, when compared with the traditional one-at-a-time Gibbs sampler, o...
General and special education in science

The author, assistant professor of education at North Carolina State College, discusses the changing concepts of general and specialized education in science and identifies some of the elements necessary for each.
Philosophizing about education in a postmodern society: the role of sacred myth and ritual in education

In modern societies, educational philosophy concentrated on concept clarification and the structure of bodies of knowledge, especially science. This modernist project was found wanting, given its connections with ideologies of exploitation, violence and greed. Educational philosophy should, therefore, develop a “new key” for making the role of the aesthetic and ethical in cultural life and education meaningful. In particular, a study of ancient and traditional cultures reveals the centrality of sacred myths and rituals as means for creating coherent cultural patterns which are inspirational and foster well-being. Because of the postmodern aversion to theology-as-ideology and the sensitivity to diverse perspectives and populations, the reclaiming and recreation of appropriate cultural myths and rituals is especially challenging. I present, in outline, what I think are reasonable approaches to that challenge.
Pneumatically-powered robotic exoskeleton to exercise specific lower extremity muscle groups in humans

We propose a control method for exercising specific muscles of a human's lower body. This is accomplished through the use of an exoskeleton that imposes active force feedback control. The proposed method involves a combined dynamic model of the musculoskeletal system of the lower-body with the dynamics of pneumatic actuators. The exoskeleton is designed to allow for individual control of mono-articular or bi-articular muscles to be exercised while not inhibiting the subject's range of motion. The control method has been implemented in a 1-Degree of Freedom (DOF) exoskeleton that is designed to resist the motion of the human knee by applying actuator forces in opposition to a specified muscle force profile. In this paper, we discuss the model of the human's lower body and how muscles are affected as a function of joint positions. We then discuss the forces needed by a pneumatic actuator to oppose the muscles to create the desired muscle force profile at a given joint angles. The proposed exoskeleton could be utilized either for rehabilitation purposes, to prevent muscle atrophy and bone loss of astronauts, or for muscle training in general.
SIGACT news complexity theory column 59: introduction

I suspect that both those who have been lucky enough to hear Jin-Yi Cai speak about holographic algorithms and those who have not will find his article to be a great survey and a real treat. Warmest thanks to Jin-Yi, and more generally to all guest column writers, for their tremendous labors of love.
Teach 2D graphics concepts with an OpenGL graphing program

The authors present an OpenGL program that draws a sheet of interactive graph paper on the computer screen. Examples are given illustrating how the program is used to teach 2D concepts in the beginning of a graphics course. The students in this course also code the program over a five week period. The student assignments and the graphing program are available via internet download.
Proton-proton inelastic scattering at 0.5 TeV

Abstract We have measured at 500 GeV the cross section d 2 σ dt dM X 2 for the inclusive reaction p + p → + X. We determine the mass spectrum of the diffractive peak to be 1 M 3.8±0.2 and the scaling part of the cross section to be dσ/dMX2 = (15.7±1.1)/s mb/GeV2.
Pulmonary Agenesis with Congenital Heart Disease

The combined anomalies of pulmonary agenesis and congenital heart disease are exceedingly rare and a highly lethal association. We describe four cardiovascular operations in three patients with this association. Open-heart surgery was performed in two patients, and palliative heart surgery was performed in two patients. One patient died 100 days after the operation because of severe tracheal stenosis and renal failure, but the other two patients are doing well. Surgical access through a thoracotomy, instead of a median approach, was adequate in all patients. Careful evaluation and a precise understanding of the anatomy are necessary for the surgical management of these patients.
AP4 inhibits chloride-dependent binding and uptake of [3H]glutamate in rabbit retina.

Abstract Glutamate is one of the major neurotransmitters used by primary and secondary neurons of the visual pathway in retina 17 . AP4 (2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrica acid) preferentially blocks the activity of one functional subclass of retinal neurons, ON bipolar cells, apparently by acting as an agonist at a hyperpolarizing glutamate receptor. We have used in vitro binding assays to examine different subclasses of presumptive glutamate receptors in retinal membrane fractions. One subclass consists of AP4-sensitive binding sites which require calcium and chloride for maximal binding and which are inhibited by freeze-thaw procedures. In addition, AP4 inhibits chloride-dependent [ 3 H]glutamate uptake into retinal synaptosomes and intact retina. [ 3 H]glutamate which is accumulated via the AP4-sensitive mechanism can be subsequently released by depolarizing levels of potassium. The pharmacological selectivity of AP4-sensitive glutamate receptors on ON bipolar cells measured electrophsiologically is very similar to that of AP4-sensitive, [ 3 H]glutamate binding and uptake, measured biochemically in subcellular fractions. These results raise the possibility that AP4-sensitive glutamate recognition sites in retina may be linked to two separate effectors, one which gates ion channels and leads to hyperpolarization, and another which acts as a glutamate transporter.
Charge Transport in Imperfect Organic Field Effect Transistors: Effects of Explicit Defects and Electrostatics†

The effects of defects and electrostatics on charge transport in realistic organic field effect transistors were studied using a combination of first principles quantum chemistry calculations and Monte Carlo simulations with explicit introduction of defect sites. The results show that electrostatic interactions dramatically affect the field and carrier concentration dependence of charge transport in devices that include a significant number of traps, as well as its “switch-on” characteristics. Our results also show that charge transport decreases linearly as a function of neutral defect concentration as conduction pathways are turned off. For charged defects, mobility of imperfect devices is lower relative to defect-free devices but is surprisingly unaffected by the concentration of charged defects. The exact statistics of electrostatic disorder introduced by charged defects is found to obey a Poisson distribution rather than Gaussian or exponential as previously assumed. We also demonstrate that without ...
Weak ferromagnetism of antiferromagnetic domains in graphene with defects

Magnetic properties of graphene with randomly distributed magnetic defects/localized spin moments are studied in terms of the Kondo Hamiltonian in a mean-field approximation. The developed theoretical model illustrates that antiferromagnetic phases and weak but finite magnetization can coexist in graphene through nucleation of multiple ferrimagnetic domains for temperatures below the critical point. Each domain exhibits a small, partially compensated magnetization associated with the imbalance in different sublattices. But together, they additively contribute to the net magnetic moment in a magnetic field. Calculations clearly demonstrate qualitative agreement with available experimental data.
Coccidioidomycosis in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Purpose The study reviewed the interrelationships of diabetes mellitus and coccidioidomycosis. Subjects and methods We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of immunocompetent patients with coccidioidomycosis who were treated at our academic medical institution between January 1, 1999, and October 31, 2003, to compare those with and without diabetes mellitus and to determine whether glycemia correlates with the course of illness. Results Of 329 immunocompetent patients with coccidioidomycosis, 44 had diabetes (4 type 1 and 40 type 2) and were divided into 2 groups: those with serum glucose concentrations of less than 12.2 mmol/L (220 mg/dL) and those with glucose concentrations of greater than or equal to 12.2 mmol/L (220 mg/dL). Persons with diabetes in either glucose group were more likely than those without diabetes to have cavitary lung disease (relative risk, 2.94; P P =.05) and to require treatment (relative risk, 9.85; P =.005), but their infection was less likely to resolve (relative risk, 0.24; P =.002). Conclusion Because glycemia strongly correlated with clinical characteristics of coccidioidomycosis in this cohort, we recommend routine measurement of serum glucose in persons with coccidioidomycosis to identify patients with an increased risk of complicated infection. Future studies should evaluate the efficacy of tight glycemic control on the outcome of coccidioidal infection.
SOME METAL COMPLEXES OF CITRATE. II ANION EXCHANGE STUDIES

Abstract The anion-exchange behaviour of Co(II), Zn(II), uranyl and Th(IV) was studied in citrate solutions with a strong base anion-exchanger. The highest order complex of Co, Zn and Th with citrate is of the 1 : 2 type. An anionic thorium-citrate complex is formulated to be Th(Cit′ Cit) 3− . Uranyl forms only a 1 : 1 complex with citrate.
Simultaneous multi-site EPR spectroscopy in vivo

A gradient technique to measure electron paramagnetic resonance spectra simultaneously at several different locations is described. The technique is based on the use of point probes containing paramagnetic centers. The value of the magnetic field gradient is chosen to be sufficient to separate the EPR signals from the different paramagnetic probes yet at the same time small enough to change only minimally the shape of individual signals. The conditions to apply this technique are considered in detail. When experimental data have a high signal-to-noise ratio, the lineshape distortion induced by the gradient can be corrected with the aid of a known distribution function of paramagnetic centers within the probe. The maximum entropy deconvolution algorithm is successfully applied for the correction of significantly distorted lines. The technique is experimentally tested and applied to measure the concentration of oxygen in hypertrophied rat myocardium and normal rat kidney in vivo by low frequency EPR (L-band, 1.2 GHz). Two types of EPR oxygen-sensitive probes--lithium phthalocyanine crystals and synthetic carbohydrate chars--were used.
A case of a deeply fissured tongue.

A case of a deeply fissured tongue Nada Binmadi;Bruno Jham;Timothy Meiller;Mark Scheper; Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics
The entrainment flow adjacent to an isothermal vertical surface

Abstract Results of numerical calculations of the buoyancy-induced flow adjacent to a vertical isothermal surface with a leading edge are presented. Coordinate transformations have been used to allow efficient calculation of both the boundary layer flow and the extensive ambient entrainment in-flow. A motion pressure field, which develops owing to the motion pressure deficit at the surface, drives this entrainment. Increased boundary layer mass flow results, compared with classical boundary layer theory. Conduction into the upstream entrainment region is appreciable, ahead of the leading edge. This flow, below the surface, arises as a mass sink for the distant entraining flow. Motion pressure effects determine the flow in this leading edge entrainment region and in the entrainment flow arising along such a heated surface. Modeling of both these regions is of increasing importance in many technologically important applications, such as electronics packaging.
Prevention of Meningococcal Disease

A previously healthy 18-year-old college freshman presented at an emergency department with acute onset of fever and headache. He was listless, febrile, and hypotensive. Petechiae were noted over his thorax. Meningococcemia was suspected (and subsequently confirmed by blood cultures positive for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C). Despite prompt administration of antibiotics and other support, the patient's illness was fulminant and he died 12 hours after the onset of symptoms. Should he have previously received meningococcal vaccine, and what measures should be taken to protect his close contacts and his community?
Measuring the Efficacy of Code Clone Information in a Bug Localization Task: An Empirical Study

Much recent research effort has been devoted to designing efficient code clone detection techniques and tools. However, there has been little human-based empirical study of developers as they use the outputs of those tools while performing maintenance tasks. This paper describes a study that investigates the usefulness of code clone information for performing a bug localization task. In this study 43 graduate students were observed while identifying defects in both cloned and non-cloned portions of code. The goal of the study was to understand how those developers used clone information to perform this task. The results of this study showed that participants who first identified a defect then used it to look for clones of the defect were more effective than participants who used the clone information before finding any defects. The results also show a relationship between the perceived efficacy of the clone information and effectiveness in finding defects. Finally, the results show that participants who had industrial experience were more effective in identifying defects than those without industrial experience.