cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A New England bonesetter dynasty: the Porters of Farmington, Connecticut--Part I of II.

Daniel Porter (d. 1690), a bonesetter/ chirurgeon, one of the early settlers of the Connecticut Colony, was the first and only doctor serving the Farmington valley during much of the second half of the 17th century. More than forty of his descendants, spanning eight generations and almost three centuries, practiced medicine and surgery, moving with the migration of the expanding population to towns throughout New England, New York State, and ultimately the midwest and west coast. Their notable accomplishments, apart from their consistent reputation for exceptional skill and endurance, include the training and independent practice as bonesetters of two of their wives. In 1796, Samuel Lee, Jr., (1773-1814), a fifth-generation descendant, received the first U.S. patent for a medication, "Samuel Lee's Genuine Windham Bilious Pills." The last Porter doctor to be identified, Charles Allen Porter (1866-1931), a pioneer Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School, was among the first to recognize the carcinogenic effects of radiation. In the absence of a comprehensive published genealogy of the Daniel Porter family, this essay identifies the relationships among his many descendants.
MPC-based power management system for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle for relaxing battery cycling

Power management strategies affect fuel economy, emission as well as other key parameters such as durability of power-train components. Different off-line and real time optimal control approaches are applied for developing power management strategies while the real-time control seems more attractive in the sense that it can be implemented and directly applied for controlling power flow in a real vehicle. One promising example of this type is the Model Predictive Control (MPC)-based algorithm where a utility function is optimized while system constraints are validated all in real time. MPC-based algorithms have been applied by developing simulation and test bench-based experimental works, but the authors have not seen a report of implementing a MPC-based algorithm in a real vehicle in the literature. In this manuscript, a real-time MPC-based algorithm is developed for implementation in a reference sport class series plug-in hybrid electric vehicle under construction and performance results are compared with engine duty ratio (thermostat) control algorithm. The results show almost identical fuel consumptions in both cases while the relaxed battery cycling is observed with MPC-based strategy which shows the possibility of extended battery life time.
The Nature of Work — The Near East

Throughout the campaigns in the Near East, the units of the Australian Light Horse primarily fulfilled the role of mounted riflemen, while the units of the Imperial Camel Corps (ICC) fulfilled the role of mounted infantry.1 Both typically fought as regular infantry on foot during pitched battles with the enemy, but they used their mounts in different ways. The primary difference between the two was based upon the speed of their mounts: the men of the ICC used their camels as a slow form of transport to move from location to location, whereas the men of the light horse used their horses as a means of rapidly moving into a tactical situation to catch the enemy by surprise.
High Frequency CMOS Transconductors

The primary goal of this chapter is to highlight the important aspects of transconductor design in the framework of current mode signal processing systems. Emphasis will be placed on large signal performance, with secondary consideration given to frequency response and noise. The chapter begins with an introduction to the mathematical techniques needed to characterize transconductor performance. Using these techniques, the large signal and small signal properties of the differential pair are analyzed. It will be shown that while offering excellent high frequency performance and low noise, its large signal characteristics are nonlinear. Therefore, the dynamic range and efficiency of the differential pair are limited.
Pharmacogenomics: Promise and limits of personalized drug therapy

P plays an increasing role in disease prevention, and therapy. While substantial adverse reactions and insufficient efficacy continue to limit significantly the benefits of drug therapy, an understanding of the underlying causes of varying drug response has the potential to improve outcomes substantially. Much evidence supports the hypothesis that genetic factors play a critical role in determining treatment outcomes. Numerous pharmacogenetic studies have revealed genetic variants that can serve as clinical biomarkers guiding therapy; yet predictive value often remains uncertain, and implementation in clinical practice is slow in part because the genetics of drug response, or of any complex phenotype, remains poorly understood. Likely, multiple genes and their interactions contribute to any complex phenotype, but most current pharmacogenetic markers fail to consider the combined actions of more than 1 or 2 genes. To develop genetic markers with compelling clinical utility, broad genomics approaches are needed. Stunning advances in biomedical technologies, ultra-rapid DNA sequencing among them, reveal ever more details of human genomics, including the epigenome the latter reflecting dynamic influence exerted by the environment. This presentation will assess strategies for developing clinically useful biomarker panels that require an understanding of dynamic gene-gene-environment interactions.
Comparative analysis of INLIGHT™-labeled enzymatically depolymerized heparin by reverse-phase chromatography and high-performance mass spectrometry

Structural characterization of the microheterogeneity of heparin, heparan sulfate, and other glycosaminoglycans is a major analytical challenge. We present the use of a stable isotope-labeled hydrazide tag (INLIGHT™) with high-resolution/accurate mass (HRAM) reverse-phase LC-MS/MS, which was recently introduced for detailed study of N-glycan heterogeneity, to characterize heparinase-digested heparin (digHep) products without the use of semi-volatile ion pairing reagents. Using both full scan LC-MS and data-dependent LC-MS/MS, we identified 116 unique digHep species, a feat possible because of INLIGHT™ labeling. Of these, 83 digHep products were structurally identified, including the 12 standard disaccharides as well as 34 tetra- (DP4), 26 hexa- (DP6), 21 octa- (DP8), and 2 decasaccharides (DP10). Each of the 116 digHep species co-eluted with both light and heavy INLIGHT™ tags (L/Havg = 1.039 ± 0.163); thus enhancing confidence in their identification via MS and MS/MS. This work sets the foundation for INLIGHT™-based comparative analyses of different forms of heparin, heparan sulfate, and other GAGs with high quantitative precision using mainstay reverse-phase HRAM LC-MS/MS. Graphical Abstract Reducing end labeling strategy for mapping depolymerized heparin/heparan sulfate products by reverse-phase LC-MS/MS.
Trends in hospitalization for congestive heart failure, 1996-2009.

Background Although heart failure (HF) is a common cause of hospital admissions, few data describe temporal trends in HF hospitalization. We present data on number of HF admissions, length of stay (LOS), and inpatient mortality in the United States, 1996–2009. Hypothesis To assess HF hospitalizations in a national sample of United States population. Methods Data were obtained from the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS), a national probability sample survey of discharges conducted annually by the National Center for Health Statistics. Sampling weights are applied to raw NHDS data to produce national estimates. Hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of HF were identified using ICD-9-CM codes. We excluded hospitalizations where HF was a secondary diagnosis. Weighted least squares regression was used to test for linear trends in HF hospitalizations. Results Approximately 15.5 million weighted primary HF hospitalizations were included. The number of total primary HF hospitalizations increased from 1 000 766 in 1996 to about 1 173 832 in 2009 (β = 7371 hospitalizations per year; 95% confidence interval (CI): 552 to 14 190, P = 0.036). Mean LOS per hospitalization decreased from 6.07 days in 1996 to about 5.26 days in 2009 (β = −0.059 days per year; 95% CI: −0.079 to −0.039, P < 0.001). Inpatient mortality rates declined from 4.92% in 1996 to 3.41% in 2009 (β = −0.17% per year; 95% CI: −0.23 to −0.10, P < 0.001). Conclusions In a nationally representative sample of HF hospitalizations, mean LOS and inpatient mortality rates declined over the past 2 decades. HF management cost is most likely to be reduced by decreasing the number of HF admissions.
Enhanced xylose fermentation by engineered yeast expressing NADH oxidase through high cell density inoculums

Accumulation of reduced byproducts such as glycerol and xylitol during xylose fermentation by engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae hampers the economic production of biofuels and chemicals from cellulosic hydrolysates. In particular, engineered S. cerevisiae expressing NADPH-linked xylose reductase (XR) and NAD+-linked xylitol dehydrogenase (XDH) produces substantial amounts of the reduced byproducts under anaerobic conditions due to the cofactor difference of XR and XDH. While the additional expression of a water-forming NADH oxidase (NoxE) from Lactococcus lactis in engineered S. cerevisiae with the XR/XDH pathway led to reduced glycerol and xylitol production and increased ethanol yields from xylose, volumetric ethanol productivities by the engineered yeast decreased because of growth defects from the overexpression of noxE. In this study, we introduced noxE into an engineered yeast strain (SR8) exhibiting near-optimal xylose fermentation capacity. To overcome the growth defect caused by the overexpression of noxE, we used a high cell density inoculum for xylose fermentation by the SR8 expressing noxE. The resulting strain, SR8N, not only showed a higher ethanol yield and lower byproduct yields, but also exhibited a high ethanol productivity during xylose fermentation. As noxE overexpression elicits a negligible growth defect on glucose conditions, the beneficial effects of noxE overexpression were substantial when a mixture of glucose and xylose was used. Consumption of glucose led to rapid cell growth and therefore enhanced the subsequent xylose fermentation. As a result, the SR8N strain produced more ethanol and fewer byproducts from a mixture of glucose and xylose than the parental SR8 strain without noxE overexpression. Our results suggest that the growth defects from noxE overexpression can be overcome in the case of fermenting lignocellulose-derived sugars such as glucose and xylose.
Biofilm three-dimensional architecture influences in situ pH distribution pattern on the human enamel surface

To investigate how the biofilm three-dimensional (3D) architecture influences in situ pH distribution patterns on the enamel surface. Biofilms were formed on human tooth enamel in the presence of 1% sucrose or 0.5% glucose plus 0.5% fructose. At specific time points, biofilms were exposed to a neutral pH buffer to mimic the buffering of saliva and subsequently pulsed with 1% glucose to induce re-acidification. Simultaneous 3D pH mapping and architecture of intact biofilms was performed using two-photon confocal microscopy. The enamel surface and mineral content characteristics were examined successively via optical profilometry and microradiography analyses. Sucrose-mediated biofilm formation created spatial heterogeneities manifested by complex networks of bacterial clusters (microcolonies). Acidic regions (pH<5.5) were found only in the interior of microcolonies, which impedes rapid neutralization (taking more than 120 min for neutralization). Glucose exposure rapidly re-created the acidic niches, indicating formation of diffusion barriers associated with microcolonies structure. Enamel demineralization (white spots), rougher surface, deeper lesion and more mineral loss appeared to be associated with the localization of these bacterial clusters at the biofilm-enamel interface. Similar 3D architecture was observed in plaque-biofilms formed in vivo in the presence of sucrose. The formation of complex 3D architectures creates spatially heterogeneous acidic microenvironments in close proximity of enamel surface, which might correlate with the localized pattern of the onset of carious lesions (white spot like) on teeth. Acidic microenvironments created by bacterial clusters thriving in a polysaccharide matrix could be behind localized tooth decay. Jin Xiao of the University of Rochester Medical Center and Geelsu Hwang of the University of Pennsylvania with colleagues in the US mapped acidity changes across tooth enamel caused by the microstructure of dental plaque: a film of bacteria and the polysaccharide matrix they secrete. Using fluorescence microscopy, they studied the 3D architecture of plaque that formed on human enamel specimens exposed to sugar solutions. They also measured acidity levels and surface roughness on the enamel. Enamel exposed to sucrose revealed densely packed bacterial clusters surrounded by polysaccharide matrix, creating localized acidic environments and deep lesions on the enamel surface. Biofilms on enamel exposed to glucose or fructose did not form organized bacterial clusters.
Consensus Report by the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators and Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Consortium Joint Working Committees on Supportive Care Guidelines for Management of Veno-Occlusive Disease in Children and Adolescents, Part 3: Focus on Cardiorespiratory Dysfunction, Infections, Liver Dysfunction, and Delirium

Abstract Some patients with veno-occlusive disease (VOD) have multiorgan dysfunction, and multiple teams are involved in their daily care in the pediatric intensive care unit. Cardiorespiratory dysfunction is critical in these patients, requiring immediate action. The decision of whether to use a noninvasive or an invasive ventilation strategy may be difficult in the setting of mucositis or other comorbidities in patients with VOD. Similarly, monitoring of organ functions may be very challenging in these patients, who may have fulminant hepatic failure with or without hepatic encephalopathy complicated by delirium and/or infections. In this final guideline of our series on supportive care in patients with VOD, we address some of these questions and provide evidence-based recommendations on behalf of the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators and Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Consortium Joint Working Committees.
The limits of earthquake early warning: Timeliness of ground motion estimates

The basic physics of earthquakes is such that strong ground motion cannot be expected from an earthquake unless the earthquake itself is very close or has grown to be very large. We use simple seismological relationships to calculate the minimum time that must elapse before such ground motion can be expected at a distance from the earthquake, assuming that the earthquake magnitude is not predictable. Earthquake early warning (EEW) systems are in operation or development for many regions around the world, with the goal of providing enough warning of incoming ground shaking to allow people and automated systems to take protective actions to mitigate losses. However, the question of how much warning time is physically possible for specified levels of ground motion has not been addressed. We consider a zero-latency EEW system to determine possible warning times a user could receive in an ideal case. In this case, the only limitation on warning time is the time required for the earthquake to evolve and the time for strong ground motion to arrive at a user’s location. We find that users who wish to be alerted at lower ground motion thresholds will receive more robust warnings with longer average warning times than users who receive warnings for higher ground motion thresholds. EEW systems have the greatest potential benefit for users willing to take action at relatively low ground motion thresholds, whereas users who set relatively high thresholds for taking action are less likely to receive timely and actionable information.
Directional of arrival tag response for reverse RFID localization

A positioning system implemented with RFID technology is explored for a GPS-denied environment such as an underground mine or tunnel. A new method of two-dimensional localization is developed based on the angles of arrival of three tag's responses that are located at known positions. This method reduces the error when the localization process is based on the received signal strength from an RFID tag signal. Passive tags are placed in predefined locations with known information about their coordinates. An RFID reader attached to a robot with a directive antenna is used to get the AOA of the signals received from the tags. The AOA information is then used for triangulating the position of a reader's location (reverse localization).
Low-coherence interferometry for phase-sensitive measurement of optical rotation

We present phase-sensitive measurement of optical rotation using spectral-domain and time-domain low-coherence interferometry. The method utilizes two decorrelated polarization states and simultaneous dual-channel detection provided by polarization-maintaining fiber-based implementation. The sample is placed between polarization optics to control and switch left- and right-handed circular states that experience the sample in forward and backward directions. Phase difference between two interferometric signals yields the optical rotation. Results from glucose and fructose samples are presented for validation.
La química del siglo XX y lo que nos depara el siglo XXI. On the nature of chemistry

The very nature of chemistry presents us with a tension. A tension between the exhilaration of diversity of substances and forms on the one hand and the safety of fundamental unity on the other. Even just the recent history of chemistry has been al1 about this tension, from the debates about Prout's hypothesis as to whether there is a primary matter in the 19th century to the more recent speculations as to whether computers will enable us to virtually dispense with experimental chemistry.
Soluble Markers of Immune Activation Differentially Normalize and Selectively Associate with Improvement in AST, ALT, Albumin, and Transient Elastography During IFN-Free HCV Therapy.

Background: During chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) levels mark active liver inflammation and tissue damage, while albumin reflects synthetic liver function and nutritional status. Transient Elastography (TE) is a clinical measure of liver stiffness that facilitates evaluation of liver damage stage. While a portion of the TE score is attributable to liver fibrosis and relatively irreversible damage, another component of the TE score is attributable to liver inflammation or edema. Markers of inflammation during chronic HCV infection include soluble markers of immune activation, which are also associated with morbid outcome (including cardiovascular disease and liver-disease progression). Whether soluble markers of immune activation or changes in their level during HCV therapy relate to normalization of AST, ALT, Albumin, or TE score, is not clear. Methods: We evaluated soluble markers of immune activation (plasma sCD14, IL-6, sCD163, autotaxin [ATX], and Mac2BP) and TE score, and their relationship in 20 HCV-infected patients before, during, and after HCV-directed IFN-free direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. We evaluated normalization of parameters and the relationship between each over a 6-month window. Results: Before therapy, serum AST levels positively correlated with plasma levels of sCD14, sCD163, and Mac2BP, while ALT levels positively correlated with Mac2BP. Serum albumin level negatively correlated with plasma IL-6 and ATX levels. IFN-free therapy uniformly resulted in sustained virological response at 12 and 24 weeks after therapy completion. After initiation of therapy AST and ALT normalized, while levels of ATX, Mac2BP, sCD163, and TE score partially normalized over 6 months. Additionally, change in AST level and APRI score correlated with change in sCD163, IL-6, and Mac2BP levels, and change in ALT correlated with change in IL-6 and Mac2BP levels. Improvement in TE score correlated with a decrease in the level of sCD14 at week 4, and almost statistically significant with decrease in sCD14 at weeks 20-24 after initiation of IFN-free HCV therapy. Conclusions: Soluble markers of immune activation normalize or partially normalize at different rates after initiation of curative HCV DAA therapy, and TE scores improve, with wide variability in the degree of absolute improvement in liver stiffness from patient to patient. Decline magnitude of sCD14 was associated with improvement in TE score, while magnitude of improvement in AST correlated with reduction in sCD163 levels. These data provide support for a model where monocyte/Kupffer cell activation may account for a portion of the liver inflammation and edema, which is at least partially reversible following initiation of HCV DAA therapy.
Cascade random-quasi-phase-matched harmonic generation in polycrystalline ZnSe

We experimentally and numerically investigated the cascade random-quasi-phase-matched harmonic generation in polycrystalline zinc selenide with tightly focused mid-infrared nanosecond laser pulses. We observed a sharp transition between two distinct intensity scaling regimes as a function of pump energy from sub IN to super IN, where I is the pump intensity and N is the harmonic order. To gain an understanding of the observations of this complex nonlinear process, we carried out simulations of the coupled three-wave mixing equations with random grain sizes and orientations. We found a grain size dependence of the effective phase-matching condition, suggesting that manipulation of grain size can be an effective pathway to phase-matching optimization. This approach may provide a framework for effectively enhancing high harmonic generation and other wave mixing effects in polycrystalline materials.We experimentally and numerically investigated the cascade random-quasi-phase-matched harmonic generation in polycrystalline zinc selenide with tightly focused mid-infrared nanosecond laser pulses. We observed a sharp transition between two distinct intensity scaling regimes as a function of pump energy from sub IN to super IN, where I is the pump intensity and N is the harmonic order. To gain an understanding of the observations of this complex nonlinear process, we carried out simulations of the coupled three-wave mixing equations with random grain sizes and orientations. We found a grain size dependence of the effective phase-matching condition, suggesting that manipulation of grain size can be an effective pathway to phase-matching optimization. This approach may provide a framework for effectively enhancing high harmonic generation and other wave mixing effects in polycrystalline materials.
Proceedings of the first ACM asia-pacific workshop on Workshop on systems

Welcome to the 1st ACM Asia-Pacific Workshop on Systems-APSys'10, held at New Delhi, India. The main motivation of this workshop is to catalyze computer systems research in the Asia-Pacific region by bringing innovative practitioners and researchers around the world to this region to present their work and exchange ideas on all aspects of systems practice. We are excited to have a strong program with position papers spanning wide range of system topics from security to file systems, from low level operating systems issues to designing robust networked systems, from optimizing resource allocation in the cloud to optimizing performance for mobile settings. We received 21 papers and all papers were reviewed by at least three program committee members and selected external reviewers. The program committee finally accepted 10 papers after carefully discussing all the papers. These papers represent the international character of systems research with papers from Australia, India, Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, and USA.
Agreement Among Stepfamily Members: A Critique of the Available Modeling Approaches

Abstract Despite a paucity of empirical evidence, theorists have continued to emphasize the importance of agreement among members of a stepfamily. It is argued here that methodological considerations, particularly regarding approaches to the statistical modeling of agreement, have interfered with an accumulation of empirical evidence which supports or refutes this assumption. A critique of a number of commonly used modeling approaches is presented and several new approaches that are accessible to researchers through recently developed software packages are offered as alternatives.
Survival Trends in Young Patients With Multiple Myeloma: A Focus on Racial-Ethnic Minorities.

Abstract Introduction Outcomes in multiple myeloma (MM) have improved significantly over time. This is true overall for all patients as well as patient subgroups based on age and race/ethnicity. Despite this, disparities are noted in outcomes when looking at racial subgroups. Materials and Methods We performed an analysis from the population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to evaluate improvement in relative survival rates (RSRs) for young (≤ 40 years at the time of MM diagnosis) and older (> 40 years at the time of MM diagnosis) over time by race/ethnicity, specifically focusing on Hispanic patients with MM. Expected survival was estimated using the age- and gender-specific death rates from the United States population. RSR was provided as the ratio of the observed to expected survival at individual time points. Five-year and 10-year RSRs were calculated for patients based on treatments modalities available in various time periods. Results We identified a total of 89,451 patients with MM in SEER, of which 1460 patients formed the young patients with MM (≤ 40 years) cohort. Five- and 10-year RSR improved significantly over time for all patients and older patients (> 40 years) by race (all P Conclusion We report a lack of significant benefit in long-term outcomes for younger Hispanic patients with MM over time. This could be owing to multifactorial causes that need to be addressed to mitigate outcome disparities.
Language Rights and the Law in Catalonia

This chapter examines the language rights of linguistic minorities (e.g., Catalan, Galician, and Basque) in Spain vis-a-vis the Spanish-speaking majority with special focus on Catalan-speakers in Catalonia. Legal discourses as stated in the Catalonia Statutes of Autonomy of 1979 and 2006 and the Spanish Constitution of 1978 are exhaustively studied. The chapter also analyzes the ruling of the Constitutional Court of Spain of 2010 which annulled or reinterpreted articles of the Statute of Catalonia of 2006, including Article 6.1, which declares Catalan as the “preferential” language of Catalonia. The chapter offers suggestions for improving language rights for speakers of Catalan, both within the Spanish state and the European Union, to help de-escalate language conflict between Catalonia and the Spanish state. For example, the two sides may seek to amend Catalonia’s Statutes of Autonomy, as per Article 148 of the Spanish Constitution, which provides the legal mechanisms for expanding language rights for Speakers of Catalan in Catalonia.
Let’s Clearly Distinguish Evidence-based Practice and Empirically Supported Treatments

ABSTRACTEvidence based practice [EBP] has had a strong influence on social work practice, research, and education. EBP is a multi-step process for health care decision making which includes relevan...
Surface exposure dating of the Pierre Sublobe of the James Lobe, Laurentide Ice Sheet

The Laurentide Ice Sheet of the last glacial period terminated in several lobes along its southern margin. The timing of maximum extent may have varied among the terminal lobes owing to internal ice sheet dynamics and spatially variable external controls. Some terminal ice lobes, such as the westernmost James Lobe, remain poorly dated. To determine the timing of maximum ice extent in this key location, we have mapped glacial deposits left by the Pierre Sublobe in South Dakota and applied 10Be surface exposure age dating on boulders on moraine ridges associated with three distinct late Quaternary glacial drifts. The oldest and most extensive “Tazewell” drift produced variable 10Be surface exposure ages spanning 20–7 ka; the large range is likely attributable to moraine degradation and subsequent boulder exhumation. The oldest ages of about 20 ka are probably limiting minimum ages for the Tazewell moraine surfaces. By contrast, exposure ages of the youngest “Mankato” drift of the easternmost Pierre Sublobe tightly cluster at about 16 ka. This age for the Pierre Sublobe is consistent with the nearby Des Moines Lobe, suggesting both acted together.
Systems of Differential Equations

As physical phenomena increase in complexity, their mathematical models require the use of more than one unknown function. This gives rise to systems of DEs.
Abstract 250: Effect of Coaching on Dispatch-assisted Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Randomized Simulation Study

Introduction: Immediate bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential for the good outcome of sudden cardiac arrest victims. Current guidelines recommend dispatch-assisted CPR (DACPR)....
Encapsulated Peritoneal Sclerosis Masquerading as an Abdominal Catastrophe in Peritoneal Dialysis Therapy

Encapsulated peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare but known complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It commonly manifests insidiously with recurrent intestinal obstruction and malnutrition, worsening over time. We report an ESRD patient on PD therapy for six years presenting with an acute intestinal obstruction, bowel hernia, bowel ischemia, and hemodynamic instability. CT abdomen revealed thickening of walls of colon and ileum in the right lower quadrant, with signs of small bowel obstruction. Patient underwent emergency laparotomy for the repair of hernia and resection of ischemic bowel, and intraoperatively, was found to have dusky, edematous, thickened, inflamed, and distended distal bowels with adhesions in the right lower quadrant. The pathological examination revealed a thin membrane encasing the ileum, colon and the mesenteric tissue diffusely. Microscopic examination of resected bowel showed marked submucosal edema with myxoid and inflammatory changes. Based on these clinical, radiological and pathological findings, a diagnosis of EPS was established. Her postoperative course was complicated by recurrent intraabdominal bleeding with hemoperitoneum, leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation, multiorgan failure, and death, two weeks after the surgery. EPS can present as an acute abdominal catastrophe. Although there are recommendations for ascertainment of EPS diagnosis, there are no clear guidelines for safe and effective surgical strategies and these warrant further research.
Patterns of Antemortem Tooth Loss in Late Prehistoric West-central Tennessee

The later prehistoric subsistence-settlement pattern in the Kentucky Lake Reservoir (KLR) of northern west-central Tennessee is of interest as human occupation inexplicably terminates by AD 1450 as part of a larger regional depopulation. Antemortem tooth loss (ATL) collectively and by tooth type was identified in four site samples from the KLR. These are a Late Woodland (AD 600-900) sample (Hobbs) and three Middle Mississippian period (AD 1100- 1400) hierarchically organized and presumptively maize agriculturalist samples (Link/Slayden, Gray Farm , Thompson Village). ATL prevalence in the Hobbs sample is consistent with a native crop and seasonal foraging economy. The ATL in the Link sample is more congruent with the pre-maize Late Woodland sample than the essentially contemporaneous Gray Farm site sample. Thompson Village, a later-dated satellite community of the Gray Farm polity, exhibits significantly fewer ATL than the Gray Farm sample. This may flag climate-influenced agricultural shortfall of dietary carbohydrates later in the occupation sequence. Additionally, males in the Gray Farm site sample have significantly more ATL than males in the other two Mississippian samples. The patterns suggest regional, possibly shortfall mitigated, differences in maize intensification with a polity-specific male-focused maize consumption in the Gray Site.
Disrupting narratives of racial progress: Two preservice elementary teachers’ practices

Abstract This study examined the approaches used by two preservice elementary school teachers as they designed and taught antiracist social studies lessons about civil rights history during a community-based field experience. Using a theoretical framework of racial pedagogical content knowledge (RPCK), we identified three domains of RPCK needed to enact antiracist elementary social studies teaching and analyzed how these domains surfaced during lessons and interviews. Our cross-case analysis revealed that both preservice teachers struggled to balance presenting civil rights events as historically significant while also calling their legacy into question. However, the preservice teacher who fostered dialogic and student-centered discussions was ultimately more successful with antiracist teaching. We provide implications for supporting elementary school teachers in developing social studies lessons that embody antiracism and teach the long civil rights movement.
Thermo-Mechanical Evaluation of High-Temperature Refractory Foams Used in Thermal Management Systems

Refractory metallic foams can increase heat transfer efficiency in gas-to-gas and liquid metal-to-gas heat exchangers by providing an extended surface area for better convection, i.e. conduction in...
How Should Standards Be Set and Met?: On the Allocation of Regulatory Power in a Federal System

Regulation often takes the form of a standard that can be met through the implementation of any of a number of different policies. This paper examines how the authority to set the standard and the authority to choose the combination of policies to meet the standard should be allocated between a central government and local governments. In the context of the United States, for example, should standards regarding such public goods as the environment or education be set and implemented by the federal government, by individual state governments, or by both? Because decisions about setting and/or meeting the standard can be non-contractible, an incomplete contracting approach is used. A central finding is that "conjoint federalism" (the central government sets the standard while the local governments meet the standard), which is the regulatory structure often used in federations such as the United States and the European Union, can be the least efficient form, while a reverse form of delegation, in which local governments choose their own individual standards which the central government then decides how to collectively meet, can be the most efficient.
Return path inductance in measurements of package inductance matrices

Circuit theory is applied to show that the effects of the return path on measured inductance matrices can be negligible. Measured inductance matrices using three distinctly different return paths are shown to be very different but equivalent.
In-Use Fuel Economy of 1980 Passenger Cars

An owner survey was conducted to determine the owner-measured in-use fuel economy of 1980 model passenger cars for a number of manufacturers. The in-use fuel economy is compared to the laboratory tested fuel economy ratings as established by the Environmental Protection Agency. An analysis of how this comparison has changed between 1975, 1976, 1978, and 1980 models is presented. Finally, an analysis was done on the influence of vehicle design parameters on the differences between EPA laboratory ratings and in-use fuel economy. The design parameters studied include front wheel drive, diesel engines, and manual transmissions.
Snake lower jaw skin: extension and recovery of a hyperextensible keratinized integument.

The skin of squamates consists of a keratinized epidermis divided into thick scale and thinner, folded interscale regions underlain by a dermis containing a complex array of fibrous connective tissues. We examined the skin of the lower jaw of watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon) to determine how skin morphology changes when highly stretched during ingestion of large prey. Video records of skin behavior in the lower jaws of watersnakes feeding on fish or anesthetized watersnakes being stretched on an Instron machine showed that most skin extension involves the interscale skin. The largest intermandibular separation recorded during feeding was 7.7× resting distance, but intermandibular separation reached 10× without tissue failure during mechanical testing. Histological and anatomical analyses of lower jaws fixed in resting, moderately or highly stretched conditions showed that stretching had little effect on scale regions of the epidermis. However, stretching flattened folds of interscale regions at both gross and cellular levels and imposed changes in epidermal cell shape. Stretching of the dermis is primarily limited to realignment of collagen and stretching of elastin in the deep dermis. The configuration of dermal elastin suggests a model for passive recovery of epidermal folding following release of tension. J. Exp. Zool. 321A: 78–97, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hyaluronate-cell interactions and growth factor regulation of hyaluronate synthesis during limb development.

Abstract Hyaluronate is a major component of the intercellular matrix surrounding proliferating and migrating cells in embryonic tissues. When placed in culture, mesodermal cells from the early, proliferative stages of limb development produce high levels of hyaluronate and exhibit prominent hyaluronate-dependent pericellular coats. Cells from the subsequent stages of mesodermal condensation that precede differentiation to cartilage and muscle produce less hyaluronate and do not exhibit these coats. Also at this time, binding sites specific for hyaluronate appear on the surface of the mesodermal cells. These binding sites may participate in the mechanism of condensation by mediating cell aggregation and the endocytosis of hyaluronate. Further changes in hyaluronate-cell interaction occur during differentiation of the condensed mesoderm to cartilage and muscle. Hyaluronate synthesis and pericellular coat formation in the mesoderm are stimulated by a factor, related to transforming growth factor-beta, that is produced by the surrounding ectoderm. The early limb also contains high levels of basic fibroblast growth factor. Its concentration is highest at the earliest stages, when cell proliferation and hyaluronate synthesis are prominent activities, and this factor has been shown to stimulate both these activities in cultures of limb mesodermal cells. Thus fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta may be important in the regulation of early growth and morphogenesis of the limb.
Neural Constraints on Attention

Attention is constrained by processing capacity and resource limitations that differ across people and vary within the individual over time. As discussed previously, the idea that people have a limited attentional capacity had its origins in information theory that became prominent in the early 1950s and was a key assumption of early theories of selective attention. A mechanism whereby information reduction was considered to be enabling selective attention to occur in the context of prevailing capacity limitations. Support for these capacity limitations came from a large number of studies showing that for certain types of selective attention, performance decreased dramatically when information load became excessive.
Effect of Functionally Significant Deiodinase Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms on Drinking Behavior in Alcohol Dependence: An Exploratory Investigation

Background Abnormalities of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis have been reported in alcoholism; however, there is no definitive agreement on the specific thyroid abnormalities and their underlying mechanisms in alcohol dependence. The biological activity of thyroid hormones or the availability of T3 is regulated by the three deiodinase enzymes: D1, D2, and D3. In the context of alcohol use, functionally significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of these deiodinase genes may play a role in HPT dysfunction. Methods This study explored the effect of three functionally significant SNPs (D1: rs2235544, D2: rs225014, and rs12885300) of deiodinase genes on drinking behavior and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in alcohol-dependent (N = 521) and control subjects (N = 288). Results Rs225014 was associated with significant differences in the amount of naturalistic alcohol drinking assessed by Timeline Follow Back. Alcohol-dependent subjects had significantly higher TSH levels compared to controls; however, there was no effect of genotype on TSH levels for either group. Conclusions These findings extend previous studies on thyroid dysfunction in alcoholism and provide novel, albeit preliminary, information by linking functionally significant genetic polymorphisms of the deiodinase enzymes with alcohol-drinking behavior.
Triggering of microearthquakes by earth tides, and other features of the Truckee, California, earthquake sequence of September, 1966

abstract During an earthquake sequence near Truckee, California, in September 1966, several thousand aftershocks were tape-recorded on a small, tripartite seismic array. Using playbacks of these recordings, together with seismograms from three nearby stations, focal coordinates were calculated for 79 of the larger aftershocks, and epicenters were determined for an additional 29 shocks. The focal region in which these earthquakes were located had approximate dimensions 3 × 6 × 10 km, with its long axis trending N22°E and plunging about 45°NE. Focal depths ranged from 0.8 to 10.3 km, and there was a gradual migration of aftershocks from the vicinity of the main shock at the deeper, northeast end of the zone, to the shallower, southwest end. Variations in the hourly rate of occurrence of aftershocks for the period September 13-29 were cross-correlated with an earth-tide record for the same period, and a statistically significant positive correlation was found between these two sets of data. The earthquake frequency trace was also subjected to a power-spectrum calculation, and was found to contain periodic components identical to those of the principal components of the solid-earth tides. A P -wave fault-plane solution for the main shock agreed both with the line of surface breakage and with a plane fitted to the zone of aftershock foci. Of 245 observations of first-motion for well-located aftershocks, all but 11 were explained by a single type of mechanism, with slight variations in orientation. The determination of 494 magnitudes for earthquakes of this sequence provided the basis for a discussion of problems connected with the interpretation of frequency-magnitude curves. The velocities of waves P g and S g were determined for a line extending southeast of Truckee, along the axis of the Sierra Nevada.
Conidial germination and infection by Diplocarpon rosae on susceptible and resistant rose species

Conidial germination and infection by Di- plocarpon rosae, the causal organism of rose black- spot, were examined on two resistant species of roses, Rosa roxburghii and R. wichuraiana, and two suscep- tible hybrid tea roses (R. hybrida cv. Chicago Peace and Garden Party). Fungal conidia germinated and gave rise to subcuticular mycelium that formed haus- toria within epidermal cells of all four roses tested. On the resistant rose species, epidermal cells associ- ated with the infection site became necrotic, indicat- ing that a hypersensitive response is involved in con- ferring their resistance to D. rosae.
Thick ceramic thermal barrier coatings with high durability deposited using solution-precursor plasma spray

Abstract The efficacy of ceramic thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) used to protect and insulate metal components in engines increases with the thickness of the TBCs. However, the durabilities of thick TBCs deposited using conventional ceramics-coating deposition methods have not been adequate. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of depositing highly durable, 4 mm thick TBCs of ZrO 2 –7 wt.% Y 2 O 3 (7YSZ) on bond-coated superalloy substrates using the solution-precursor plasma spray (SPPS) method. It was found that the average thermal cycling life of the 4 mm thick SPPS TBCs is 820 cycles. While most of the conventional air plasma-sprayed (APS) coatings of the same composition and thickness deposited on identical bond-coated superalloy substrates were found to be detached partially from the substrates in the as-sprayed condition, the APS TBC that was intact failed after 40 thermal cycles. The dramatic improvement in the thermal cycling life in the SPPS TBCs can be attributed to: (i) the significantly higher in-plane indentation-fracture toughness (over five-fold) in the SPPS TBCs over APS TBCs and (ii) the presence of the vertical cracks in SPPS TBCs resulting in a high degree of strain tolerance. The large thickness of the SPPS coatings also allowed us to characterize the mechanical properties of the ceramic top-coat in some detail. To that end, we report here the results from indentation-toughness tests and uniaxial-compression tests on the SPPS TBCs and the reference APS TBCs.
Genetically encoded sensors for calcium and zinc

Our lab focuses on developing fluorescent biosensors based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) so that we can monitor signaling ions in living cells. These sensors are comprised of two fluorescent proteins and a sensing domain that undergoes a conformational change upon binding the target ligand. These sensors can be genetically encoded and hence incorporated into cells by transgenic technologies. Here we discuss the latest developments in our efforts to reengineer calcium sensors as well as develop new sensors for zinc. In these efforts we employ a combination of naturally occurring calcium and zinc binding domains, combined with protein engineering. We are also developing new methodologies to screen and sort sensor libraries using optically-integrated microfluidic devices. Thus far, we have targeted sensors to the ER, mitochondria, Golgi, nucleus, and plasma membrane in order to examine the spatial heterogeneity and localization of signaling processes.
An ergot preparation (hydergine) in the treatment of cerebrovascular disorders in the geriatric patient: double-blind study.

In a controlled double blind study, 40 geriatric patients with cerebrovascular disorders were treated with sublingual tablets of Hydergine or placebo for twelve weeks. The inventory of symptoms (32 items) included an array which portrayed their physical status, behavioral traits, and intellectual impairments. Final appraisals based on re-evaluations at three-week intervals during treatment showed that, compared to the placebo, Hydergine produced greater improvements in 19 of the 30 items rated. The most impressive results ascribable to Hydergine pertained to cognition and intellectual function. No untoward effects from this drug were observed during the course of this study. A probable mode of action of this ergot preparation is also discussed.