cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RSSDs Thickness Impact on Storage System and Assessment by Pseudo Curve

Ruler Solid State Drivers (RSSDs) form factor is newly designed by Intel to support high density data center storage needs. This paper is focused on 1U rack server populated with 32pcs RSSDs in front end. With each RSSDs TDP going up to 25W, RSSDs front end leads to 800W preheats to downstream. High density for RSSDs front end also brings high impedance to system. RSSDs thickness is a key parameter to system air flow and thermal solution. Wind tunnel test shows system air flow decreased by 3.8% with only 0.13mm RSSDs thickness increasing. This paper is mainly focused on the RSSDs thickness impact on 1U storage system. Pseudo Curve of “Virtual Fan” is introduced for quick analysis on system air flow and RSSDs Boundary conditions in 1U storage system to improve the simulation efficiency. Air flow provided by Pseudo Curve matches with wind tunnel test data.
Buddies, Comrades, Couples, and Exes: Men’s Friendships with Women:

Although popular culture contrasts men and women as opposites, cross-gender friendships between the sexes are thriving. I agree with other scholars that men’s friendships with women are increasing ...
Revealing Nanoscale Solid–Solid Interfacial Phenomena for Long-Life and High-Energy All-Solid-State Batteries

Enabling long cyclability of high-voltage oxide cathodes is a persistent challenge for all-solid-state batteries, largely because of their poor interfacial stabilities against sulfide solid electrolytes. While protective oxide coating layers such as LiNbO3 (LNO) have been proposed, its precise working mechanisms are still not fully understood. Existing literature attributes reductions in interfacial impedance growth to the coating's ability to prevent interfacial reactions. However, its true nature is more complex, with cathode interfacial reactions and electrolyte electrochemical decomposition occurring simultaneously, making it difficult to decouple each effect. Herein, we utilized various advanced characterization tools and first-principles calculations to probe the interfacial phenomenon between solid electrolyte Li6PS5Cl (LPSCl) and high-voltage cathode LiNi0.85Co0.1Al0.05O2 (NCA). We segregated the effects of spontaneous reaction between LPSCl and NCA at the interface and quantified the intrinsic electrochemical decomposition of LPSCl during cell cycling. Both experimental and computational results demonstrated improved thermodynamic stability between NCA and LPSCl after incorporation of the LNO coating. Additionally, we revealed the in situ passivation effect of LPSCl electrochemical decomposition. When combined, both these phenomena occurring at the first charge cycle result in a stabilized interface, enabling long cyclability of all-solid-state batteries.
Parent-Adolescent Communication as a Protective Factor Against Adolescent Alcohol and Tobacco Use: Reported Narratives From Youth From Latinx Farmworker Families:

Due to high stressors and inequities, youth from Latinx migrant farmworker (LMFW) families may experience an elevated risk of early drinking and smoking. Parent-adolescent communication can protect...
Borderline epithelial ovarian tumors: what the radiologist should know

Ovarian borderline tumors are neoplasms of epithelial origin that are typically present in young patients and tend to have a less aggressive clinical course than malignant tumors. Accurate diagnosis and staging of borderline tumors has important prognostic and management implications (like fertility-sparing procedures) for women of child-bearing age. This article will review the sonographic, CT, and MRI features of borderline epithelial ovarian tumors with histopathologic correlation. Borderline tumors have less soft tissue and thinner walls/septations than malignant tumors. Serous borderline tumors more commonly have papillary projections, which can simulate the appearance of a sea anemone. Mucinous borderline tumors often are larger, multi-cystic, and more commonly unilateral. The borderline mucinous tumors may also present with pseudomyxoma peritonei, which can make it difficult to distinguish from malignant mucinous carcinoma. Ultrasound is usually the first-line modality for imaging these tumors with MRI reserved for further characterizing indeterminate cases. CT is best used to stage tumors for both locoregional and distant metastatic disease. Overall, however, the imaging features overlap with both benign and malignant ovarian tumors. Despite this, it is important for the radiologist to be familiar with the imaging appearances of borderline tumors because they can present in younger patients and may benefit from different clinical/surgical management.
Overexpression of an ethylene-forming ACC oxidase (ACO) gene precedes the Minute Hilum seed coat phenotype in Glycine max

To elucidate features of seed development, we investigated the transcriptome of a soybean isoline from the germplasm collection that contained an introgressed allele known as minute hilum (mi) which confers a smaller hilum region where the seed attaches to the pod and also results in seed coat cracking surrounding the hilum region. RNAs were extracted from immature seed from an extended hilum region (i.e., the hilum and a small ring of tissue surrounding the hilum in which the cracks form) at three different developmental stages:10–25, 25–50 and 50–100 mg seed fresh weight in two independent replicates for each stage. The transcriptomes of these samples from both the Clark isoline containing the mi allele (PI 547628, UC413, ii R t mi G), and its recurrent Clark 63 parent isoline (PI 548532, UC7, ii R T Mi g), which was used for six generations of backcrossing, were compared for differential expression of 88,648 Glyma models of the soybean genome Wm82.a2. The RNA sequence data obtained from the 12 cDNA libraries were subjected to padj value < 0.05 and at least two-fold expression differences to select with confidence genes differentially expressed in the hilum-containing tissue of the seed coat between the two lines. Glyma.09G008400 annotated as encoding an ethylene forming enzyme, ACC oxidase (ACO), was found to be highly overexpressed in the mi hilum region at 165 RPKMs (reads per kilobase per million mapped reads) compared to the standard line at just 0.03 RPKMs. Evidence of changes in expression of genes downstream of the ethylene pathway included those involved in auxin and gibberellin hormone action and extensive differences in expression of cell wall protein genes. These changes are postulated to determine the restricted hilum size and cracking phenotypes. We present transcriptome and phenotypic evidence that substantially higher expression of an ethylene-forming ACO gene likely shifts hormone balance and sets in motion downstream changes resulting in a smaller hilum phenotype and the cracks observed in the minute hilum (mi) isoline as compared to its recurrent parent.
Public implementation of a web-based program for veterans with risky alcohol use and PTSD: A RE-AIM evaluation of VetChange.

Abstract Background Evidence-based web and mobile interventions are available for a range of mental health concerns. Little is known about how self-administered web interventions are used outside of controlled research trials, and there is a critical need to empirically examine real-world public implementation of such programs. To this end, the aim of the current study was to evaluate and describe outcomes of a nationwide public implementation of VetChange, a self-administered web intervention for veterans with problematic alcohol use and symptoms of PTSD. Method The study used the RE-AIM framework to organize outcomes along five key dimensions: reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance. This naturalistic observation study included program use information for all who registered an account with VetChange during the 2-year study period and who self-identified as a returning veteran. We collected program use data automatically via normal website operation; a subset of program users provided additional self-report outcome data. The study used linear multilevel mixed modeling to evaluate changes in alcohol use and PTSD symptoms over a six-month postregistration period. Results VetChange successfully reached a large, geographically diverse sample of returning veterans with risky drinking and PTSD symptoms. Despite variable, overall modest, rates of intervention use over time, registered users demonstrated significant improvements in drinking, PTSD, and quality of life, and participants maintained these outcomes at a six-month follow-up. Conclusions Given the observed low cost per acquisition, positive clinical outcomes, and the potential to produce long-term cost savings through reduced health care burden associated with chronic alcohol use disorder and PTSD, this study demonstrates how web-based interventions can provide public health benefits and reduce long-term health care costs.
Technological Innovation and Quality Improvement in U.S. Broadband

The availability and quality of broadband service in the United States has been elevated as a salient policy issue by the migration of both households and firms to online activities in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This paper investigates the effects of entry by non-incumbent broadband internet service providers (ISPs) making use of innovative, new non-legacy technologies (i.e., fiber and wireless) on residential broadband service quality offered by incumbent legacy (i.e., cable and DSL) ISPs. In 2019, the Federal Communications Commission released major corrections to its previously released Form 477 data on U.S. broadband deployment over the 2014-18 period that greatly reduces estimates of entry by new broadband ISPs into urban census blocks. Overall, entry into U.S. urban broadband markets falls by about half, compared to previously released, uncorrected data. Using data from this and multiple other sources, we build a rich panel data set covering all residential broadband services available, by ISP, technology and maximum advertised download speed for each of approximately six million populated U.S. census blocks between December 2014 and December 2018. In contrast with the previous literature, we utilize highly disaggregated data, control for evolving government subsidies to underserved census blocks, and relax strong statistical and economic assumptions maintained in prior work. This paper explores causal effects by estimating variants of a difference-in-differences model with a rich set of control variables. Our model controls for time-invariant unobservable heterogeneity using census block fixed effects. These allow us to identify the effects of entry of new ISPs on service quality in legacy networks serving urban residential customers in spatially disaggregated local markets. We also study reduced form models explaining ISP entry and assess the strength of candidate instruments to mitigate potential endogeneity caused by measurement error in counts of fixed wireless competitors, as well as possible unobserved time-varying census block heterogeneity relevant to ISP entry and exit. Our results suggest that entry into a 2014 “legacy duopoly” census block (about 40 percent of US census blocks were legacy—cable and DSL—terrestrial broadband duopolies in 2014) by other legacy ISPs had a large and statistically significant impact on improvements to maximum broadband quality offered to consumers by legacy ISPs serving a given block. Increased competition in local broadband markets from such “overbuilding” by established broadband providers seemed to result in significant quality improvements within a block. These results are consistent with a previous empirical literature that shows mixed, but generally positive effects of increased competition on product quality. More striking is the relatively small impact of increased competition on legacy ISP service quality in comparison to the apparent impacts of underlying time trends on legacy broadband speeds, trends that we believe primarily reflect dramatic technological changes over the 2014-18 period.
Physical activity and screen time among youth with autism: A longitudinal analysis from 9 to 18 years.

To date, studies using cross-sectional methodologies make up a majority of the literature surrounding children with autism spectrum disorders and participation in physical activity and screen time....
Provably Correct Training of Neural Network Controllers Using Reachability Analysis.

In this paper, we consider the problem of training neural network (NN) controllers for cyber-physical systems (CPS) that are guaranteed to satisfy safety and liveness properties. Our approach is to combine model-based design methodologies for dynamical systems with data-driven approaches to achieve this target. Given a mathematical model of the dynamical system, we compute a finite-state abstract model that captures the closed-loop behavior under all possible neural network controllers. Using this finite-state abstract model, our framework identifies the subset of NN weights that are guaranteed to satisfy the safety requirements. During training, we augment the learning algorithm with a NN weight projection operator that enforces the resulting NN to be provably safe. To account for the liveness properties, the proposed framework uses the finite-state abstract model to identify candidate NN weights that may satisfy the liveness properties. Using such candidate NN weights, the proposed framework biases the NN training to achieve the liveness specification. Achieving the guarantees above, can not be ensured without correctness guarantees on the NN architecture, which controls the NN's expressiveness. Therefore, and as a corner step in the proposed framework is the ability to select provably correct NN architectures automatically.
Views on health activation and support services among formerly homeless adults living in Permanent Supportive Housing in the United States

Individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness often have unmet physical and mental health needs and experiences of trauma and stigma. This study aimed to measure, for the first time, health activation (self-advocacy and empowerment) levels among formerly homeless adults living in Permanent Supportive Housing or PSH (referred to hereafter as residents). In addition, residents' experiences accessing health services, and their sense of health activation and efforts to manage their health within PSH settings, were explored. A mixed-methods study was conducted in Southern California (October 2018-June 2019) using a validated survey and interviews with a randomly selected group of residents (n = 61) from three PSH agencies. Activation levels were measured using the Patient Activation Measure. Descriptive and univariate survey analyses were conducted. Interview data was analysed using NVivo. Two coders coded all transcripts, and team meetings were held to reach consensus. Results showed most residents were female (64%), racial and ethnic minorities (66%), on average 54-year-olds, with 37 months of PSH residency, and 43% were taking some action to manage their health (intermediate activation level). Challenges accessing care were due to breakdowns in care, unpleasant experiences with providers, low health literacy and feeling overwhelmed by co-occurring chronic conditions. Health activation related to knowing when to take care of their health on their own and when to seek care. Unique challenges emerged related to PSH, such as lack of resident control within the housing setting and limited personnel responding to health emergencies. These challenges were magnified because residents live alone, per PSH requirements.
Predictors of Surgery and Cost of Care Associated with Patellar Instability in the Pediatric and Young Adult Population.

Purpose To determine how patient demographics, socioeconomic status, history of recurrence, and initial point of presentation for health care influenced the decision for surgical treatment following a patellar instability episode. Methods The New York SPARCS database from 2016 to 2018 was queried for patients aged 21 and younger who were diagnosed with a patellar instability episode. These were linked to later surgeries with Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes 27405 (MPFL repair), 27418 (tibial tubercle osteotomy), 27420 (dislocating patella reconstruction), 27422 (Campbell/Roux-Goldthwait procedure), and 27427 (extra-articular knee ligamentous reconstruction). χ2-analysis and binary logistic regression were used to assess demographic and injury-specific variables for association with operative management. A generalized linear model was used to estimate charges associated with patellar instability. Results There were 2,557 patients with patellar instability, 134 (5.2%) of whom underwent surgery. Patients with recurrent instability had 1.875 times higher odds of undergoing surgery (P = .017). Compared to white patients, black patients had 0.428 times the odds of surgery (P = .004). None of the patients without insurance had surgery. In the cost model, an initial visit to an outpatient office was associated with $1,994 lower charges compared to an emergency department (ED) visit (P < .001). Black patients had $566 more in charges than White patients (P = .009). Compared with nonoperative treatment, surgeries with CPT 27405 added $13,124, CPT 27418 added $10,749, CPT 27422 added $18,981, CPT 27420 added $23,700, and CPT 27427 added $25,032 (all P < .001). Conclusions Patients with recurrent instability had higher odds of surgery, while Black and uninsured patients had lower odds of surgery. ED visits were associated with significantly higher charges compared to office visits, and Black patients had higher charges than white patients. Minority and uninsured patients may face barriers in access to orthopedic care. Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective cohort study.
If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fixate on It: Gadamer, Gedicks, and Original Public Meaning

In The “Fixation Thesis” and Other Falsehoods, Professor Frederick Mark Gedicks argues that public meaning originalists are mistaken in their claim that the Constitution today means just what it meant when it was adopted. Unlike living constitutionalists who say that the document’s meaning has changed to keep up with the times, Gedicks denies that we have unmediated access to an original public meaning relative to which we could even identify or measure departure. Leaning on a theory of hermeneutics developed by philosopher Hans-Georg Gadamer, Gedicks takes aim at the fixation thesis—Professor Lawrence Solum’s term for the proposition that the meaning of any constitutional text was fixed at the time of its adoption.
Multinational Enterprise Expansion from an Institutionalist Perspective

As World War II was coming to an end and institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) were being organized, a theory of multinational enterprise (MNE) expansion was indistinguishable from the general theory of international capital flows. The neoclassical paradigm, which held that differential interest and profit rates were the sole determinants of FDI flows, reigned supreme. Differential profit rates remained the orthodox explanation for foreign direct investment flows at least as late as 1958, as evidenced by Wendell C. Gordon’s description of the prevailing theory as he evaluated FDI’s contribution to economic development [Gordon 1958, 514-32]. As Gordon succinctly put it in 1962, “the generally accepted proposition has been that investments flow from the more developed countries, where the rate of return is relatively low to the less developed countries where the rate of return is higher” [Gordon 1962, 7]. A theory of foreign direct investment (FDI), a theory emphasizing the parent firm’s actual equity in its foreign affiliates plus any liabilities that the foreign affiliates have to the parent through which the parent firm controls its affiliates, was in its infancy in the early 1960s.
Experimental measurement and analysis of wavelength-dependent properties of the BRDF

The microfacet BRDF model is preferred to describe reflectance in many applications due to its closed-form approximation to the BRDF which is relatively easy to use; however, it almost entirely excludes wavelength-dependent scaling of the reflectance distribution. To rectify this, the BRDF was measured at multiple incident angles and for multiple materials at several wavelengths between 3.39 μm and 10.6 μm. Results quantify the dramatic change in the specular BRDF of a variety of materials even after accounting for overall reflectance, and suggests it is necessary to modify the wavelength dependence in the microfacet model.
End-systolic dimension-wall thickness relations during myocardial ischemia in conscious dogs. A new approach for defining regional function.

Abstract Overall and regional left ventricular (LV) function was studied during progressive coronary stenosis in conscious dogs by determining the relations at end-systole between LV pressure, chamber dimensions, and regional LV wall thickness. An index of regional wall stress was also analyzed. Using ultrasonic dimension gauges, measurements were made of LV wall thickness in control and ischemic regions, and the external long- and short-axis LV diameters were determined; an implanted micromanometer measured LV pressure. Internal LV diameters were obtained from the external diameters by subtraction of wall thickness, and the index of regional wall stress employed a thick-walled ellipsoidal model. During regional ischemia, the LV long axis at end-systole did not change, whereas the short-axis diameter progressively increased (from 24 ± 7 mm [standard deviation] to 30 ± 9 mm, p
Deriving by Doing: A New Approach to Teaching Finance

This document describes how interactive market simulations are used to teach finance in the Dynamic Markets course at Harvard Business School. The course is organized around hands-on application in a wide variety of capital market settings with the goal of producing experts in financial decision-making. The essential aspects of this pedagogy are dynamic decision settings, a strong reliance on competitive markets, and derivation of core concepts through active student decision-making.
MECHANICAL TUNING OF THE ACOUSTIC RECEPTOR OF PRODENIA ERIDANIA (CRAMER) (NOCTUIDAE)

1. Mechanical stimulation of the tympanic membrane with vibrating probes eliminates the acoustic tuning of the receptor and allows the mechanical tuning to be determined. 2. Using neural firing rates as a measure of the response magnitude, three separate regions of high sensitivity are found. They are centred at approximately 2, 14 and 60 kHz. Displacements of 0.1 to 1.0 A suffice for excitation at 60 kHz. 3. The regions of high sensitivity appear to correspond to the first, third and fifth order mechanical resonances of the scoloparium. 4. Comparison with the results of acoustic stimulation experiments indicates that low-frequency acoustic stimuli are filtered out by the acoustic system of the receptor.
Optical recording for investigating electrical defibrillation

Optical recording uses a voltage-sensitive dye to transduce transmembrane cellular potential into a fluorescence, absorption or birefringence signal. Optical recording is useful for studying cardiac electrophysiology because it (1) is a non-contact method which spares fragile preparations mechanical damage, (2) can achieve sub-cellular spatial resolution, (3) allows acquisition of large numbers of simultaneous readings, and (4) is immune to artifacts produced by electrical shocks.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sensor Integration By System And Operator

Maintenance of proper functioning of the Space Station will require monitoring of a large number of sensors. This task will include not only state monitoring, but also the need to recognize trends which might lead to fault states. Both types of monitoring would be aided if groups of sensor values could be reduced to a single value which preserved their important characteristics. Multi-dimensional scaling is proposed as a technique to achieve such a goal. This approach, in addition to being useful in the creation of aids to a human operator, would also have characteristics which would make it a useful sensor integration approach for automated systems.
On orthogonal systems of rational functions on the unit circle and polynomials orthogonal with respect to varying measures

Abstract We study the recurrence relations of rational functions that are orthonormal on the unit circle and have all their poles in a given sequence of points outside the unit disk. These relations enable us to find the recurrence relations and the ratio asymptotic behaviors for the orthonormal polynomials with respect to varying weights dμn and dμn+1. At the end of this paper, we also consider the convergence theorem for multipoint Pade approximations of Markov type functions.
Eyes-free yoga: an exergame using depth cameras for blind & low vision exercise

People who are blind or low vision may have a harder time participating in exercise classes due to inaccessibility, travel difficulties, or lack of experience. Exergames can encourage exercise at home and help lower the barrier to trying new activities, but there are often accessibility issues since they rely on visual feedback to help align body positions. To address this, we developed Eyes-Free Yoga, an exergame using the Microsoft Kinect that acts as a yoga instructor, teaches six yoga poses, and has customized auditory-only feedback based on skeletal tracking. We ran a controlled study with 16 people who are blind or low vision to evaluate the feasibility and feedback of Eyes-Free Yoga. We found participants enjoyed the game, and the extra auditory feedback helped their understanding of each pose. The findings of this work have implications for improving auditory-only feedback and on the design of exergames using depth cameras.
Treatment of acute leukemia in children with and without folic acid antagonists.

Summary The natural history of eighty-six cases of acute leukemia in children has been described. Only two of these have been Negroes. Preschool age children are primarily affected and the average life expectancy is 5.5 months. The folic acid antagonists, Aminopterin and A-methopterin, have provided clinical improvement and prolonged life in the majority of cases. Bone marrow remissions have been obtained for as long as thirty months. The role of Aminopterin as a folic acid and citrovorum factor antagonist has been discussed in respect to the enzymes concerned in protein metabolism associated with cellular maturation.
Subdermal contraceptive implant (Norplant) continuation rates among adolescents and adults in a family planning clinic.

Abstract Study Objective The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the continuation rate of subdermal contraceptive implants (Norplant) among adolescent ( Design Adolescents and adults desiring contraception for greater than a 6-month period were eligible for Norplant insertion. Prior to insertion, personal counseling and extensive education were provided. Following insertion, rapid access, personal counseling, and prompt treatment were provided for complications that occurred. Device removal was available to all individuals at any time upon patient request or if side effects could not be ameliorated. Patient demographic, historical, physical, and follow-up data were entered into a computer data base. Results Since February 1991, 1800 subdermal contraceptive implants were inserted. Of these 1688 patients were prospectively followed, providing 45,576 women-months of data for analysis. Adolescents comprised 40% of the study population. Over a 50-month period, the cumulative continuation rate for adolescents was 93.6%, and for adults it was 91.1%. The mean duration of use among adolescents was 26.5 months and for adults was 27.6 months. Conclusions There was no significant difference between adolescent and adult subdermal contraceptive implant continuation rates for up to 50 months of use. In this patient population, high continuation rates may result from a combination of extensive patient education and intensive surveillance by a well-trained and dedicated multidisciplinary staff. When all patients are enrolled in a program that provides aggressive education and supportive follow-up, age is not a significant factor in continuation rates.
Further studies on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-induced gonadotropin release: comparison with the effect of 15-methyl PGE2, PGAs, PGBs and prostaglandin endoperoxide analogs.

It is known that PGE2 is a potent stimulus of LH release. To determine if the effect of PGE2 could be enhanced and/or prolonged by retarding its metabolic degradation, a derivative, 15-methyl PGE2 (15-E2) which is more slowly degraded than the natural compound was injected intravenously (i.v.) at various dose levels or into the third ventricle (3rd V) of ether-anesthetized, ovariectomized, estrogen (OVX, Eb)-treated rats and its effect on gonadotropin release was compared with that of PGE2. Both PGs injected i.v. were equally effective in increasing plasma LH and maintaining the elevated levels, although 15-E2 induced a larger and more sustained increase in plasma FSH than PGE2. By contrast, 3rd V PGE2 was clearly more effective than 3rd V 15-E2 in releasing LH and to a lesser extent, FSH. The effect of 15-E2 on LH was similar to that produced by 3rd V PGE1 injected at a similar dose. However, its effect on FSH was greater than that of PGE1. To evaluate the effect(s) of prostaglandins of the A and B series on gonadotropin release, PGA1, PGA2, PGB1 or PGB2 were injected intraventricularly in OVX, Eb-treated rats. PGBs were injected into conscious, free-moving rats. PGA2 or PGB2 increased plasma LH concnetrations although much less effectively than PGE2. Third V PGA1 or PGB1 were ineffective. The 3rd V injection of two cyclic esters (U-44069 and U-46619), stable analogs of the PG endoperoxide PGG2 and PGH2, induced a small, transient increase in LH levels and did not alter plasma FSH in conscious, free-moving animals. PGE2 injected intraventricularly at a similar dose was demonstrated to be much more potent than the analogs in stimulating LH and FSH release. The results indicate that: 1) 15-E2, in spite of its described long-lasting activity, does not appear to be more potent than the natural compound in releasing LH, although when injected i.v., it appeared to induce a more sustained increase in plasma FSH; 2) although PGA2 and PGB2 can also act centrally to stimulate LH release, their low potency suggests that this is a pharmacological effect; and 3) the two analogs of PG endoperoxides tested proved to be poor stimuli for gonadotropin release. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Intervention programs for young children with learning problems

Many different approaches to help young children with learning difficulties have been advocated over the years. This article focuses on some of the more promising intervention programs as well as major issues in interpretation of the effectiveness of such programs. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Evaluation of the Biological Significance of Leukocyte Infiltration of the Thyroid in Graves’ Disease

Graves’ goiter size and gland function may be affected by interferon-γ influencing actions of the thyroid-stimulating antibody. Goiter weight (n = 20), lymphocytic infiltration and class II antigen ex
Reciprocal infectivity of nuclear polyhedrosis viruses of the cabbage looper and alfalfa looper

Abstract The cross-infectivity of two distinct nuclear polyhedrosis viruses, one isolated from the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni, which has the virions embedded singly in the polyhedral matrix; and one isolated from the alfalfa looper, Autographa californica, in which the virions are embedded multiply, was investigated. The multiply embedded virus was at least four times more pathogenic than the singly embedded virus to the cabbage looper and was also highly infective to the alfalfa looper. In contrast, the singly embedded cabbage looper virus was less infective to both the original and the alternate hosts. Cross-infectivity of the viruses was confirmed with both light and electron microscopes.
Hypogonadism in a male‐to‐female transsexual with super obesity

Summary The global obesity epidemic is having a profound impact on the health of populations. From a reproductive standpoint, obesity has been associated with infertility and hypogonadism. We present the case of a 29-year-old male-to-female transsexual with super obesity (body mass index >50) who was found to have profound hypogonadism with total and free testosterone levels in the normal female reference range. There is virtually no literature on the hormonal sequelae of obesity in transsexual people. The patient was prescribed an aromatase inhibitor, letrozole 2.5 mg twice daily for 2 weeks, to determine the role of oestrogen in the hypogonadism. The aromatase inhibitor reduced the serum oestradiol concentration from 125 to 6.9 pm. There were dramatic corresponding rises in total testosterone (2.8 to 10.7 nm), luteinising hormone (4.1 to 20.5 mIU ml−1) and follicle stimulating hormone (1.8 to 15.3 mIU ml−1). This diagnostic test demonstrated the important role of oestrogen in mediating the hypogonadism. After the testing, the patient was started on oestrogen therapy after a careful discussion of the benefits versus risks of oestrogen therapy. We anticipate that similar cases of hypogonadism in male-to-female transsexuals will likely become more common in an era of increased obesity rates.
Adsorption statistics for immobile, diatomic molecules

Abstract This paper is concerned with a statistical treatment of the kinetics of adsorption for immobile, diatomic molecules which may adsorb in one of two states, the α-state (single bond to a single surface site) and the β-state (double bond to a site and one of its nearest neighbor sites). Utilizing results from a branch dependent counting technique, analytic expressions are derived which describe the adsorption kinetics of both the α and β states of diatomic molecules on one dimensional arrays of sites. This counting technique is generalized and applied to adsorption on small rectangular two dimensional arrays. Computer generated adsorption curves are also presented for 2 × 5 and 2 × 6 arrays.
WAIS-IV Verbal Comprehension Index and Perceptual Reasoning Index Performance is Unaffected by Cold-Pressor Pain Induction

Cognitive complaints are frequently reported by patients with chronic pain, but studies of the effects of pain on different forms of cognition have been inconsistent. In two studies, cold-pressor pain was induced in nonclinical undergraduate volunteers who, under normal conditions, took Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) subtests (Study 1, n=57) or Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI) subtests (Study 2, n=59) followed by a different VCI or PRI subtest taken during either cold-pressor pain induction or a nonpainful control condition. Pain was not associated with significant reduction in subtest scaled score performance. Results indicate that cold-pressor pain in nonclinical volunteers does not impair Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) VCI or PRI performance and suggest that pain per se should not be expected to substantially influence these cognitive abilities. Viewed together with previous Processing Speed Index and Working Memory Index studies, no cognitive or intellectual functions measured by the WAIS-IV are affected by induced pain. Generalizability of these findings may be limited by the fact that patients with chronic pain may differ in their pain experience from nonclinical volunteers with induced pain.
Estimation of Bandwidth in Bridged Home Networks

Knowledge of end-to-end available bandwidth can significantly improve the performance of multimedia applications in a home network. A number of heterogeneous link technologies are predicted to coexist in future home networks. In this paper, we compare the performance of a few existing bandwidth estimation tools in a home network testbed constructed with multiple link technologies, namely Ethernet, 802.11 and HPAV. Through empirical results we show limitations of existing tools and emphasize the need for further research of network measurement techniques in such home networks.
The Fluorosome™ technique for investigating membrane on- and off-loading of drugs by β-CD and sonicated SUV

The application of the Fluorosome technique to test drug delivery systems is described. Fluorosomes, egg phosphatidylcholine liposomes with bilayer embedded fluorophores, were employed to investigate the ability of sonicated small unilamellar vesicles (sSUV) and β-cyclodextrins (β-CD) to deliver drugs into or extract drugs from the fluorosome's phospholipid bilayer. The addition of phloretin to a fluorosome suspension resulted in fluorescence reduction reflecting phloretin entering the bilayer and quenching fluorophore fluorescence. Subsequent addition of sSUV to phloretin pretreated fluorosomes showed an increase in fluorescence reflecting phloretin extraction from the fluorosome membrane. Sequential additions of β-estradiol loaded β-CD to fluorosomes as well as the addition of β-estradiol alone resulted in fluorescence reduction due to β-estradiol insertion into the membrane. Further addition of pure β-CD resulted in a fluorescence increase indicating β-estradiol extraction from the fluorosome membrane.
Mott–Schottky analysis of aluminium oxide formed in the presence of different mediators on the surface of aluminium alloy 2024-T3

Abstract Corrosion protection of aluminium (Al) alloys is an important industrial problem. In the past it was solved with hexavalent chromium (Cr 6+ ) coatings. However, these coatings are hazardous, and have to be replaced. One of the most promising alternatives to Cr 6+ corrosion protection technology is the protection with intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs). In order to advance this type of protection, this is necessary to understand properties of Al oxide formed in the presence of the electron transfer mediators, compounds that allow ICPs deposition on Al alloy surface. Due to low thicknesses of oxide layers on Al (of the order of a few nanometers) only a limited number of methods can be used to study its properties. In this paper we report the research of the properties of Al oxide by Mott–Schottky analysis, electrochemical technique that allows determining a variety of oxide parameters treating it as a semiconductor, ultra-thin layer with non-stoichiometric defects or substitutions. Electrochemically determined flat band potential and concentration of charge carriers in the oxide are discussed in correlation with the structure of electron transfer mediator that was applied during the oxide formation.
Development of measurement techniques

In the past few years we have witnessed an unexpected and unprecedented increase in the number of therapeutic trials in ALS, and it is reasonable to anticipate that this activity will continue, if not accelerate, in the future. Almost every major neurologic center in the United States and Europe is participating in an ALS trial. The evaluation of one drug alone involved over 60 centers and more than 1,500 patients. ALS conferences to review progress and plan for the future, which typically convened every 4 years, now occur every few months. At a recent American Academy of Neurology annual meeting, attendees to the sessions on ALS overflowed into the hallway. Several interrelated events appear responsible for this intensified activity: 1. The revolution in molecular biology has led to a number of promising new drugs produced by recombinant methodology that have potential major commercial value. 2. Molecular genetic research has provided new insight into the pathogenesis, if not the etiology, of some familial forms of this enigmatic disease. 3. There have been promising new data about the possible role of glutamate neurotoxicity in the sporadic forms. 4. The natural history of ALS has been defined in quantitative and reproducible terms. 5. There have been significant improvements in the construction of therapeutic trials, resulting in trials that are more reproducible and theoretically more efficient. 6. Although ALS is a relatively uncommon disease, there is reason to suspect that any therapeutic efficacy demonstrated in ALS might lead to the treatment of other late-life degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. 7. Patients and their families, as well as the voluntary health organizations representing them, have become increasingly active in promoting and supporting efforts to find effective treatment. Over the past decade, the Neuromuscular Research Unit at Tufts-New England Medical Center has had …
Marlin: making it harder to fish for gadgets

Code-reuse attacks, including return-oriented programming (ROP) and jump-oriented programming, bypass defenses against code injection by repurposing existing executable code in application binaries and shared libraries toward a malicious end. A common feature of these attacks is the reliance on the knowledge of the layout of the executable code. We propose a fine grained randomization based approach that modifies the layout of executable code and hinders code-reuse attack. Our solution consists solely of a modified dynamic loader that randomizes the internal structure of the executable code, thereby denying the attacker the necessary apriori knowledge for constructing the desired sequence of gadgets. Our approach has the advantage that it can be applied to any ELF binary and every execution of this binary uses a different randomization. We describe the initial implementation of Marlin, a customized loader for randomization of executable code. Our work shows that such an approach is feasible and significantly increases the level of security against code-reuse attacks.
Evidence for an inverted metamorphic gradient associated with a Precambrian suture, southern Wyoming

An inverted metamorphic gradient associated with the northern mylonite zone of the Cheyenne belt, a deeply eroded Precambrian suture in southern Wyoming, has been documented within metasedimentary rocks of the Early Proterozoic Snowy Pass Supergroup. Metamorphic grade in the steeply dipping supracrustal sequence increases from the chlorite through the biotite, garnet, and staurolite zones both stratigraphically and structurally upward toward the northern mylonite zone. A minimum temperature increase of approximately 100° C over a km-wide zone is required for this transition. Parallelism of inverted isograds with the trace of the northern mylonite zone implies a genetic relationship between deformation associated with that zone and the inverted metamorphic gradient within the Snowy Pass Supergroup. Field evidence together with microstructural and petrofabric analysis indicate northward thrusting of amphibolite-grade rocks over rocks of the Snowy Pass Supergroup along the northern mylonite zone. Mineral equilibria and garnet-biotite geothermometry on synkinematic mineral assemblages within the Snowy Pass metasedimentary rocks indicate deformation at minimum temperatures of 480° C and pressures of 350–400 MPa (3°5–4°0 kbar). This implies tectonic burial or upper plate thickness of 13–15 km. The narrow character of metamorphic zonation and microtextures within the Snowy Pass Supergroup which indicate late synkine-matic growth of garnet and staurolite, preclude rotation of pre-existing isograds by folding as a mechanism for development of the inverted gradient. Conductive transport of heat from the upper into the lower plate across the originally low-angle thrust is insufficient to produce the necessary temperatures in the lower plate. Shear heating is considered insufficient to produce the observed metamorphic transition unless high shear stresses are postulated. Up-dip advection of metamorphic fluids is a feasible, but unproven, mechanism for heat transport. The possibility that rapid uplift due to stacking of several thrust sheets may have played a role in preserving the inverted metamorphic gradient cannot be evaluated at present.
On the performance of 4G mobile wireless systems with multiple antennas

This paper studies physical layer performance of LTE and WiMAX schemes used in fourth generation (4G) wireless communication systems when multiple antennas are employed in the receiver to provide diversity. Bit Error Rate (BER) plots obtained from simulations are presented to evaluate system performance with and without diversity and to do a side-by-side comparison of the two main 4G wireless technologies.
United States living arrangements of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in 1995

In the United States, data on the number of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (ID/DD) living in institutional and other congregate care settings have been gathered and reported...
Chapel Use on College and University Campuses

AbstractMany institutions of higher education have chapels, but how often are the chapels used? The authors examine use of chapels on two private higher education campuses in the Southeastern United States. While close to 50% of students visited the chapels on both campuses, visits were primarily for secular activities, although use of the chapels for spiritual purposes was also common. The greater use of chapels for spiritual purposes likely reflects the broader societal shift away from religiosity and toward spirituality. The authors recommend that higher education administrators consider chapels as multi-use buildings that can host religious, spiritual, and secular activities.
Acid rain: the data and monitoring needs

The need for environmental monitoring has been recognized in the development of air and water quality management programs for many years. The problems of inadequate monitoring have also been recognized for many years. Yet, the lack of monitoring data is acutely evident in the area of acid rain and has seriously hampered efforts to develop responsible policies. This paper focuses on the types of monitoring data needed to address the question of acid rain, viz. terms of reference for acid rain monitoring, acid rain monitoring programs, recognition of needs and problems in air and water quality monitoring, and concluding comments. Because acid rain involves multiple pollutants with international transboundary effects in air, water, and land, a comprehensive, coordinated, and cooperative system of international monitoring is needed. Coordination must involve not only the international level, but interagency programs in the domestic governments as well. Recent experience with the development of monitoring syst...
Does writing about suicidal thoughts and feelings reduce them

To assess whether writing with cognitive change or exposure instructions reduces depression or suicidality, 121 undergraduates screened for suicidality wrote for 20 minutes on 4 days over 2 weeks. They were randomly assigned to reinterpret or to write and rewrite traumatic events/emotions, or to write about innocuous topics. The three groups (N = 98) who completed pre-, post-, and 6-week follow-up were not different on suicidality or depression. All subjects reported fewer automatic negative thoughts over the 2 weeks; they also reported higher self-regard but more health center visits at follow-up. Suicidal thoughts may be more resistant than physical health to writing interventions.
Effect of solvent upon competitive liquid-liquid extraction of alkali metal cations by isomeric dibenzo-16-crown-5-oxyacetic acids

The selectivity and efficiency of competitive liquid-liquid extraction of alkali metal cations into organic solvents containingsym-(octyl)dibenzo-16-crown-5-oxyacetic acid (2) andsym-bis[4(5)-tert-butylbenzo]-16-crown-5-oxyacetic acid (3) have been determined. Solvents examined include: dichloromethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, benzene, toluene,p-xylene, chlorobenzene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene. The Na+/K+ and Na+/Li+ extraction ratios are highest in chloroform. The extraction selectivity is found to correlate with the diluent parameter (DP) of the organic solvent.