cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Research on Method of Mechanical State Characteristics Diagnosis Based on STFT and RVM for Transformer Winding

During grid operation, as the transformer winding operates frequently, the failure rate increases accordingly, and then the life of the transformer is threatened. In the past, regular maintenance and fault repair, which possess heavy workload, inefficiency and low measurement accuracy, are adopted for the transformer winding. With smart grid developing, the resulting drawbacks have become increasingly prominent. One mechanical state characteristics diagnosis method based on STFT and RVM for the transformer winding is proposed, monitoring transformer winding in the case of the transformer operating, and achieving automatic fault diagnosis. In the method, the vibration probes are arranged in three-dimensional space of the X, Y, and Z to realize monitoring of vibration signals generated from the operation of transformer winding. By de-noise processing, background noise in transformer winding is effectively removed. Short-time energy method and Short-time Fourier Transform based on Black-man window ensures the eigenvalue extraction of transformer winding accurately. One fault diagnosis model based on the RVM which employ FCM clustering and cross-validation method is built. The results show that model can effectively identify the normal state and the fault state, and the identification accuracy of each fault state is above 80%, which lays solid foundation for monitoring technology of transformer winding's mechanical condition in the power grid.
Changes in academic instructional experiences in Head Start classrooms from 2001–2015

Abstract As funding and support for early childhood education (ECE) increases, so too have questions about how to best structure ECE classrooms to support our nation’s youngest learners. There has been an ongoing debate as to whether children are best served in classrooms that focus on the development of specific academic skills or in classrooms that spend more time in child-directed play. This issue is of particular concern for publicly funded settings, as evidenced by recent Head Start reauthorizations which have prioritized the promotion of school readiness skills. This study uses five waves of nationally representative Head Start data to inform this debate by providing descriptive evidence about children’s experiences in Head Start classrooms from 2001 to 2015 across two key areas: Time spent on academic content and classroom instructional format. We find that the amount of time children spend on language and literacy content has increased, though time spent on mathematics lags behind. Children in full-day classrooms are also increasingly exposed to more teacher-directed instruction. Future work should consider how to continue to promote academic content while continuing to provide children the opportunity to direct their own activities and practice nonacademic skills.
“Harmony in the Hills”: Peaks and Valleys in the Berea, KY, Rural BCJI Program

The Berea, KY, Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation (BCJI) program, funded in FY 2015, was one of BCJI’s few completely rural sites. The program was intended to empower and mobilize local communities to develop evidence-informed approaches to reducing youth crime in three counties in Appalachian Kentucky. The program was grounded in criminological theories of crime and place, as well as extensive qualitative cultural research and storytelling with local communities to uncover their perceptions of crime and safety, youth development, and ideas for change. However, despite substantial community buy-in and a robust planning phase, implementation could not be completed due to a “course correction” in the goals of the BCJI program, which was at odds with the strategies our communities proposed. Nonetheless, we learned a number of valuable lessons throughout the process about how to apply community-led, data-driven, place-based crime prevention strategies in rural settings, which have been largely neglected in traditional criminological research. In this chapter we describe the unique challenges of applying BCJI principles to a rural community and the successes and pitfalls of our program. We conclude with recommendations for rural community- and place-based research and practice.
Clinical trial registry searches are under-utilized in systematic reviews from critical care journals: A bibliometric analysis.

Abstract Purpose Publication bias has a significant impact on the results of systematic reviews. Clinical trial registry searches, which include unpublished research, should be conducted when performing systematic reviews to reduce publication bias. We aimed to analyze the use of clinical trial registry searches in critical care systematic reviews. Methods Systematic reviews published between 01/01/2010–02/18/2020 from the top 5 critical care journals were extracted from PubMed and screened for trial registry use. Additionally, of the studies not performing registry searches, we assessed ClinicalTrials.gov for potentially relevant trials that were missed by not performing a registry search. Results Three hundred and twenty six systematic reviews were analyzed, of which 37 (11.3%) performed trial registry searches. Of the studies not performing clinical trial registry searches, 56% had at least 1 potentially relevant trial that was missed. Conclusions The omission of relevant, unpublished clinical trial results may be negatively impacting the accuracy of critical care systematic reviews. We recommend all systematic reviewers conduct clinical trial registry searches to reduce publication bias.
A semblance measure for model comparison

Author(s): Commer, M | Abstract: Algorithmic and computational advances have made it possible that geophysical survey and earth model design can be aided by many systematic trial inverse-modelling runs with synthetic data. Such may, for example, come up in machine-learning approaches. Automated image appraisal pertaining to such applications will involve common statistical tests for goodness-of-data fit as a primary evaluation method. However, solution non-uniqueness may render multiple images equivalent in terms of their data fit, requiring secondary categorizers. A logical choice for classifying synthetic-imaging results quantifies the goodness of model fit where a known reference model replaces the observational input. The task of model intercomparison in terms of measuring the resemblance to the reference model poses challenges to common distance-based metrics like root mean square error and mean absolute error. First, distance-based metrics can introduce spurious contributions when smooth models with fuzzy target contours are to be compared against a sharp reference. Second, large differences due to parameter-estimation overshoots can dominate distance metrics. The remedy proposed here is referred to as semblance and is based on the idea of logistic functions, where a binary-dependent variable adds non-zero or zero accumulation terms for the, respectively, passing or failing of preset target thresholds. This classifying approach is amenable to an objective where model feature recognition is primary. Numerical comparisons to distance-based metrics provide evidence for the advantages of the semblance in view of this objective. Geophysical imaging in conjunction with machine-learning is seen as a benefitting upcoming application area.
Molecular determinants of protein-based coacervates

Abstract Protein–polyelectrolyte coacervates have gained interest for their potential to stabilize proteins or function as adhesives and their biological implications in the formation of membraneless organelles. To effectively design these materials or predict their biological formation, knowledge of the macromolecular properties that dictate phase separation is required. This review highlights recent advances in the understanding of molecular determinants of protein–polyelectrolyte phase behavior. Properties that promote the phase separation of protein–polyelectrolyte pairs are covered from the perspective of synthetic systems and simplified biological condensates. Prominent factors that determine coacervate formation and material properties include nonspecific intermolecular interactions, as well as specific biological interactions and structures. Here, we summarize the essential roles of electrostatics, including charge magnitude and distribution, (bio)polymer chemistry and structure, and post-translational modifications to protein phase separation in both a synthetic and cellular context.
Brief breath awareness training yields poorer working memory performance in the context of acute stress.

Mindfulness-based interventions that span multiple sessions over time appear to confer psychological benefits. However, the effects of brief periods of mindfulness meditation training are less clea...
Force, metric, or mass: Disambiguating causes of uniform gravity

In addition to nonzero forces and nontrivial metrics, here I show that a nonconstant Higgs expectation value, which endows elementary particles with their masses, also leads to apparent universal particle accelerations and photon frequency shifts. When effects of the Higgs is attributed to spacetime curvatures, a spurious stress-energy tensor is required in Einstein's equation. On cosmological scales, the spurious density coincides with the observed dark energy density. On smaller scales, effects of the Standard Model Higgs gradients are unlikely observable except near compact astrophysical bodies. To estimate the experimental precision required to disambiguate causes of apparent accelerations, I compare distinct effects of the force, metric, and Higgs profiles that cause uniform acceleration of a test particle. When the acceleration is caused by a force, the motion of all particles are hyperbolic with the same acceleration. However, when the cause is a metric, only a one-parameter family of particles undergo hyperbolic motion. In comparison, when the cause is a Higgs gradient, the trajectory of all particles are hyperbolic, but the acceleration is larger when the particle's energy is higher. The discrepancies among the three causes are minuscule on laboratory scales, which makes experimental tests very challenging.
Primary Enteropathy-Associated T-Cell Lymphoma Type 2: An Emerging Entity?

Intestinal T-cell lymphoma is a rare hematological malignancy that can present as primary intestinal lymphoma or as a manifestation of systemic disease. Primary involvement accounts for approximate...
Significant determinants of successful reversion of fibrillation by a new DC defibrillator. An experimental study.

Abstract A new DC defibrillator with a unique discharge wave form emanating from a two-stage delay line was used to delineate internal and external delivered threshold defibrillation energies and tissue resistances in anesthetized dogs. These parameters were calculated from interelectrode potentials and currents simultaneously photographed from a dual-beam oscilloscope. It is important to detemine delivered energy thresholds and not to rely on capacitor stored energy thresholds because of several potential avenues for energy losses in experimental and clinical situations. Threshold energies ranged from 10 to 100 wattseconds (W-S) externally and from 1–28 W-S internally. Defibrillation threshold is closely correlated with body size for external routes. When electrode size and character are held constant, it is correlated with heart size for internal routes. Transthoracic resistance in the dog is of the order of 75 ohms and cannot be correlated with body size or weight. Transcardiac resistance is in the neighborhood of 30 to 35 ohms. Internal interelectrode resistance is determined principally by electrode size; increased resistances and energy thresholds are encountered for hearts of a given size if the electrodes are grossly undersized.
Adoptive parents' suspicion of preadoption abuse of their adopted children and the use of support services.

Background Adopted children have a higher risk of developmental, mental, behavioural and social problems compared with non-adopted children, and their use of postadoption support services is of interest. Little attention has been given to the impact of preadoption abuse on the use of these services, and therefore this study examines whether or not adoptive parents' suspicion of preadoption abuse has a significant impact on the use of support services by adopted children. Methods Data from the National Survey of Adoptive Parents, a US nationally representative survey of adopted children, were used to examine parents' suspicion of preadoption abuse and its effects on the use of postadoption support services by children aged 6–17 years (n= 1411). Statistical analyses were used to examine the relationship between suspected abuse and the use of support services while controlling for characteristics of the adopted child and adoptive parents/household. Results Seven out of 10 adopted children have used some form of support service, and a larger percentage of 6- to 12-year-old children suspected of experiencing preadoption abuse used a support service compared with children not suspected of experiencing abuse. Significant relationships existed between various types of suspected preadoption abuse and the use of different types of postadoption support services. These relationships may go unaccounted for when only examining if any preadoption abuse occurred, or if any support service was used. Conclusions The type of preadoption abuse suspected appears to play a modest role in predicting the type of postadoption support services used by an adopted child. Giving further attention to understanding the relationship between different types of preadoption abuse and types of postadoption support services may help better understand the problems and difficulties experienced by adopted children.
An open source tool for teaching concepts for building distributed isometric 3D games

For some time now, our department has recognized that incorporating media and gaming into the classroom helps to enhance the learning experience for the student. We also have a subculture that is involved in researching and teaching distributed computing. It was a natural step for us to combine the two areas of focus. To that end, we built a tool that is a small, powerful, and highly portable game engine (di3d) that can be used either to develop 2D or isometric 3D games or to understand the intricacies of game engines. The engine supports a client/server model for interaction among distributed players including movement among scenes via portals. The size of the engine is modest enough that we were able to cover the internals in approximately three class periods.
Multi-scale topo-morphometric opening of arteries and veins: an evaluative study via pulmonary CT imaging

Distinguishing pulmonary arterial and venous (A/V) trees via in vivo imaging is essential for quantification of vascular geometry useful to diagnose several pulmonary diseases. A multi-scale topomorphologic opening algorithm has recently been introduced separating A/V trees via non-contrast CT imaging. The method starts with two sets of seeds -- one for each of A/V trees and combines fuzzy distance transform, fuzzy connectivity, and morphologic reconstruction leading to locally-adaptive multi-scale opening of two mutually fused structures. Here, we present results of a comprehensive validation study assessing both reproducibility and accuracy of the method. Accuracy of the method is examined using both mathematical phantoms and CT images of contrast-separated pulmonary A/V casting of a pig's lung. Reproducibility of the method is evaluated using multi-user A/V separations of patients's CT pulmonary data and contrast-enhanced CT data of a pig's lung at different volumes. The qualitative and quantitative results are very promising.
Preferences and Choice Constraints in Marital Sorting: Evidence From Korea

Marital sorting along education, income and other salient dimensions is well-documented for many countries. Understanding the mechanisms behind such sorting is important because the degree of marital sorting may influence income inequality, intergenerational mobility, and household labor supply, as well as other economic outcomes. Marital sorting is often thought to arise from some combination of people’s preferences and constraints on their choice sets. However, separating these two causes of marital sorting is dicult because typical data sets provide information on either a person’s spouse or a person’s dating partners, but not both. This paper circumvents this diculty by using a novel data set from a major Korean matchmaking company which contains both types of information. The paper analyzes gender-specific marital preferences by estimating a marriage model. Using the estimated model, I find that constraints on people’s choice sets may account for a substantial fraction of observed sorting along education and industry in the general population. The recent development of new search technologies, such as online dating services, alleviates these constraints and thus may reduce marital sorting along these dimensions. I also find evidence that changing individual-level income inequality has a very limited impact on marital sorting, implying that such changes are unlikely to be amplified at the household-level by endogenous marital sorting.
Scrutiny, Norms, and Selective Disclosure: A Global Study of Greenwashing

Under increased pressure to report environmental impacts, some firms selectively disclose relatively benign impacts, creating an impression of transparency while masking their true performance. We identify key company- and country-level factors that limit firms’ use of selective disclosure by intensifying scrutiny on them and by diffusing global norms to their headquarters countries. We test our hypotheses using a novel panel dataset of 4,750 public companies across many industries and headquartered in 45 countries during 2004-2007. Results show that firms that are more environmentally damaging, particularly those in countries where they are more exposed to scrutiny and global norms, are less likely to engage in selective disclosure. We discuss contributions to the literature that spans institutional theory and strategic management and to the literature on information disclosure.
Philosophical Concepts in Physics: 1 Ways of knowing

Since we hope to learn something about science and its operation and since science concerns itself with a certain type of knowledge and its attainment, let us begin with a brief consideration of how we arrive at knowledge. A common type of knowledge is that based on opinion or on the acceptance of another's authority. Most of our everyday knowledge used for dealing with the practicalities and necessities of life is gained in either of these fashions. Much of what one learns in the course of reading a book is taken as true simply because it has been presented on the printed page, although hopefully you will be more critical than that. Thus, we can merely have an opinion about a proposition and then decide to accept it as true or we can appeal to the authority of another, as ‘Einstein says’ or ‘Aristotle says,’ or to the authority of a text, as ‘The Bible says,’ or we can assert a fact to be ‘obvious’. Consider the following example: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that, whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.
Automethodology: Tracing a Home for Praxis-Oriented Ethnography

The authors trace the development of ethnographic practices according to the methodological assumptions of ethnographers within different historical periods. As communication scholars, the authors find Calvin O. Schrag’s conceptualization of the self to be informative and advantageous for navigating an ethnographic sense of ‘self’ in the current status of the methodological contestation. Borrowing from Schrag’s work, which focuses on communicative praxis in understanding the self, this article explores an innovative methodological framework called automethodology. By examining the deployment and emplotment of the self within the automethods of autobiography, autoethnography, narrative co-construction, community autoethnography, critical complete-member ethnography, reflexive ethnography, autoperformance, and layered account, the authors develop epistemological foundations for praxis-oriented ethnographers. Throughout this journey, the authors end up situating themselves in a place they consider home—in the practices of automethodology.
Characterization of an extemporaneous liquid formulation of lisinopril

The stability of lisinopril in an extemporaneously prepared suspension stored at or below 25 degrees C for 28 days under ambient light exposure was studied. A formulation of 1-mg/mL oral suspension was prepared from commercially available 20-mg lisinopril tablets, using Bicitra and Ora-Sweet SF as the compounding vehicles to make a final volume of 200 mL. Individual samples, stored in 8-oz amber polyethylene terephthalate bottles, were used for each test performed. All samples were stored at 25 degrees C. Appropriateness of the extemporaneous preparation method was performed by shaking three lots of each suspension for 30, 60, and 90 seconds. To test the robustness and reproducibility of the method, two chemists prepared the suspensions from the same three lots of lisinopril tablets. Chemical and physical stability were established by analyzing duplicate samples at time zero and after one, two, four, and six weeks. The solubility of lisinopril was tested from suspensions stored for four weeks. In-use stability was also examined over four weeks. Photochemical stability was examined by exposing three batches of the suspension to maximum light stress in accordance with the International Conference on Harmonization. Antimicrobial-effectiveness testing was also conducted with freshly prepared suspensions and suspensions stored for six weeks. The preparation method used was appropriate and effective. Lisinopril is fully dissolved in the suspension matrix. Satisfactory chemical, physical, and microbiological results were obtained after the suspensions were stored for six weeks at 25 degrees C and 35% relative humidity. Lisinopril suspensions extemporaneously prepared from tablets are stable for at least four weeks when stored at or below 25 degrees C under ambient light exposure.
Targeting Treg Cells In Situ: Emerging Expansion Strategies for (CD4+CD25+) Regulatory T Cells

Recognition of the ability of CD4+FoxP3+ T cells (Treg) to influence the generation of peripheral immune responses has engendered enthusiasm for the development of strategies utilizing these cells to regulate immune responses in clinically important settings including transplantation, autoimmunity and cancer. A number of studies have reported effective regulation utilizing ex-vivo expansion approaches and subsequent transfer of Treg populations in experimental models. This commentary discusses recently emerging strategies to activate and expand Treg cells in situ which include antibodies, antigen presenting cells and the use of IL2 / anti-IL2 antibody complex. The development of reagents which can stimulate and / or remove Treg cells in situ would represent an important advance towards facilitating new opportunities to harness this compartment for the augmentation of ‘wanted' or suppression of ‘unwanted' immune responses. Simultaneous targeting of multiple molecules on Treg cells may ultimately enable more effective control of this regulatory sector.
Triphenyl phosphite: in vivo and in vitro inhibition of rat neurotoxic esterase

Abstract Organophosphorus compounds which, after acute administration, inhibit neurotoxic esterase (NTE) by ≥65% and undergo a subsequent “aging” reaction, produce a delayed neuropathy characterized by degeneration of large and long nerve fibers (OPIDN). The present studies examine in detail the NTE-inhibiting properties of triphenyl phosphite (TPP), a plasticizer which produces ataxia and degenaration of the spinal cord in animals. A neurotoxic dosing regimen (1184 mg/kg/week, sc, for 2 weeks) inhibited both brain and spinal cord NTE (≤40%) only marginally 4 and 48 hr postdosing. By contrast, TPP was shown in vitro to be a potent (I50 = 0.98 μ m ) inhibitor of rat brain NTE relative to Mipafox or diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate. Compounds structurally related to TPP (i.e., triphenyl phosphate, triphenyl phosphine, trimethyl phosphite, and phenol) failed to inhibit NTE in vitro at m concentrations. Close examination of the TPP inhibition of NTE showed a nonlinear relationship between the duration of incubation time and loss of log(NTE activity). Preincubation of 10 μ m TPP in buffer (37°C) resulted in a time-dependent loss of TPP's ability to inhibit NTE. In summary, TPP is a powerful NTE inhibitor in vitro , but only a marginal NTE inhibitor after in vivo administration. These results raise questions as to the causal events mediating TPP-induced neuropathy in the rat.
The Stream of Consciousness: XIX. James's Concept of Appropriation

I continue to pursue an understanding of the state-appropriative acts, which are introduced in the immediately preceding article of the present series. I inquire here into James's concept of approp...
Acupuncture Is Underutilized in Hospice and Palliative Medicine

Acupuncture is a complementary and alternative medical modality. A considerable body of acupuncture research has accumulated since 1998. Acupuncture has been integrated into palliative care settings in the United Kingdom but is yet to be widely offered in the United States. The literature was searched to identify clinical trials involving acupuncture, palliative care, hospice, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bone marrow, and cancer. Twenty-seven randomized controlled clinical trials of acupuncture were found that reported on conditions common to the hospice and palliative care setting, including dyspnea, nausea and vomiting, pain, and xerostomia, and 23 reported statistically significant results favoring acupuncture use for the conditions investigated. Acupuncture is safe and clinically cost-effective for management of common symptoms in palliative care and hospice patients. Acupuncture has potential as adjunctive care in palliative and end-of-life care, and the evidence warrants its inclusion in reimbursed palliative and end-of-life care in the United States.
Image correction algorithm for functional three-dimensional diffuse optical tomography brain imaging

We outline a computationally efficient image correction algorithm, which we have applied to diffuse optical tomography (DOT) image time series derived from a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based brain model. Results show that the algorithm increases spatial resolution, decreases spatial bias, and only modestly reduces temporal accuracy for noise levels typically seen in experiment, and produces results comparable to image reconstructions that incorporate information from MRI priors. We demonstrate that this algorithm has robust performance in the presence of noise, background heterogeneity, irregular external and internal boundaries, and error in the initial guess. However, the algorithm introduces artifacts when the absorption and scattering coefficients of the reference medium are overestimated--a situation that is easily avoided in practice. The considered algorithm offers a practical approach to improving the quality of images from time-series DOT, even without the use of MRI priors.
UTILIZATION OF RESPONSE SURFACE MODELING TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTS OF NONMEAT ADJUNCTS AND COMBINATIONS OF PSE AND RFN PORK ON THE TEXTURE OF BONELESS CURED PORK

Combinations of pale, sop, and exudative (PSE) and red, firm. and nonexudative (RFN) semimembranosus muscle were utilized to manufacture chunked and formed, cured pork. Response Surface Methodology was utilized to investigate the effects of soy protein concentrate (SPC), sodium caseinate (SC), and modified food starch (MFS) on bind and texture profile analysis. Fifteen adjunct formulations for five PSE and RFN combinations provided 75 treatments for each of three replications. As CIE L* values of raw muscle increased, protein-protein bind decreased (P<0.05). MFS, SC, and SPC decreased (P<0.05) cohesiveness. MFS and SC decreased (P<0.05) chewiness, and MFS decreased (P<0.05) hardness. Utilizing these adjuncts demonstrated that MFS improved texture in PSE and RFN pork. This research demonstrated that diluting RFN pork with no more than 25% PSE pork permits the formation of a high quality boneless deli ham roll.
6-Methyl-1,3,8-trichlorodibenzofuran (MCDF) as a 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin antagonist in C57BL/6 mice.

6-Methyl-1,3,8-trichlorodibenzofuran (MCDF), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and TCDD plus MCDF were administered to C57BL/6 mice and their effects on several aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor-mediated responses including hepatic microsomal aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) induction, immunotoxicity and teratogenicity were determined. MCDF did not induce hepatic microsomal AHH and EROD at doses up to 500 mumol/kg, however, co-administration of MCDF (50 mumol/kg) with a dose of TCDD which elicited a submaximal induction response (i.e. ED80-100, 15 nmol/kg) resulted in some small but significant inhibition of the induction of hepatic microsomal AHH and EROD (14 and 17%, respectively) compared to that observed with TCDD alone. Co-administration of TCDD and other doses of MCDF (10, 100, 200 or 500 mumol/kg) did not effect the induction response. These results were in contrast to the effectiveness of MCDF as an antagonist of the induction of AHH and EROD by TCDD in the rat (up to 50% inhibition of monooxygenase induction). Administration of MCDF (4, 20 and 40 mumol/kg) to C57BL/6 mice caused some inhibition of the splenic plaque-forming cell response to sheep erythrocytes only at the highest dose (26% decrease); the interaction of MCDF (4, 20 and 40 mumol/kg) and an immunotoxic dose of TCDD (3.7 nmol/kg) resulted in significant protection from the immunotoxic effects of TCDD at the 2 higher dose levels of MCDF. Similarly, MCDF (400 mumol/kg) did not cause cleft palate in mice but at this dose level MCDF afforded some protection from TCDD (20 micrograms/kg)-mediated cleft palate in mice. However, studies utilizing [3H]TCDD suggested that the protective effects may be due to modulation of TCDD reaching the palate in the co-treated animals (MCDF plus TCDD). Although both MCDF and Aroclor 1254 were both weak Ah receptor agonists in C57BL/6 mice, the former compound was much less effective as a TCDD antagonist. The observed species-specific effects for these 2 TCDD antagonists may be related species-dependent differences in receptor structure and receptor-ligand (i.e. agonist or antagonist) interactions.
Legal and Extra-Legal Factors Related to the Imposition of Blended Sentences:

This study sought to determine whether legal and extra-legal factors such as type and severity of offense, prior criminal history, age, gender, and race influence decision making in juvenile court. Specifically, the study focused on the imposition of a blended, “determinate” sentence rather than a traditional indeterminate sentence, controlling for adult court transfers. Data for this study were obtained from the largest county in the state of Texas. The results indicated that juveniles sentenced to a blended sentence had committed more serious offenses than those sentenced to traditional indeterminate sentences. Unlike with transfers to adult court, however, minority juveniles (Black and Hispanic) were no more likely than non-Hispanic White youth to receive a blended sentence. Although findings from the current study generally support the imposition of blended sentences, the true test of their utility lies further downstream in the implementation process.
Patterns of substance use in term pregnancy and effect on birthweight (BW) and head circumference (HC). |[dagger]| 1048

Cocaine use during pregnancy has been related to physical growth, however effect on BW and HC when controlled for alcohol and smoking has not been reported. A study objective was to quantify history of drug use by a maternal inventory of substance use (MISU) and to assess relationships between use and BW and HC in women with term pregnancies. Women with a history of cocaine/opiate (C/O) use or C/O metabolites in meconium (exposed (EXP) group) were matched to a non-exposed to C/O comparison (COMP) group by race, GA, and infant sex. History of C/O, alcohol and tobacco was assessed on the MISU by 4 time periods; 3 mos prior to, and during each of 3 trimesters of pregnancy. Based on frequency, use was categorized as continuously high, moderate or low, decreasing, increasing, or no use per each time period. Effect on BW and HC was assessed by patterns of use with adjustment for substance use by multivariate analysis.
TBI Research: Reviewing the Past, Planning the Future

Rehabilitation for Traumatic Brain Injury . Walter M. High, Jr., Angelle M. Sander, Margaret A. Struchen, and Karen A. Hart (Eds.). 2005. New York: Oxford University Press. 368 pp., $69.50 (HB). Rehabilitation for Traumatic Brain Injury , the final product of a 2003 conference that assembled national experts on traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation, was written to “bring into one volume a concise and authoritative account of what is currently known in the field of TBI rehabilitation.” It is intended for TBI clinicians and researchers including neuropsychologists, physiatrists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, psychiatrists, and rehabilitation therapists. The volume is impressive for the number of chapter authors who are nationally recognized experts on various aspects of TBI rehabilitation (e.g., Drs. Prigatano, Malec, Corrigan, Levin, Boake, Diller, Sohlberg, and Cicerone), as well as the broad and inclusive range of topics covered.
Effects of lead on Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase and hemolymph ion concentrations in the freshwater mussel Elliptio complanata.

Freshwater mussels are an imperiled fauna exposed to a variety of environmental toxicants such as lead (Pb) and studies are urgently needed to assess their health and condition to guide conservation efforts. A 28-day laboratory toxicity test with Pb and adult Eastern elliptio mussels (Elliptio complanata) was conducted to determine uptake kinetics and to assess the toxicological effects of Pb exposure. Test mussels were collected from a relatively uncontaminated reference site and exposed to a water-only control and five concentrations of Pb (as lead nitrate) ranging from 1 to 245 μg/L in a static renewal test with a water hardness of 42 mg/L. Endpoints included tissue Pb concentrations, hemolymph Pb and ion (Na+, K+, Cl−, Ca2+) concentrations, and Na+, K+-ATPase enzyme activity in gill tissue. Mussels accumulated Pb rapidly, with tissue concentrations increasing at an exposure-dependent rate for the first 2 weeks, but with no significant increase from 2 to 4 weeks. Mussel tissue Pb concentrations ranged from 0.34 to 898 μg/g dry weight, were strongly related to Pb in test water at every time interval (7, 14, 21, and 28 days), and did not significantly increase after day 14. Hemolymph Pb concentration was variable, dependent on exposure concentration, and showed no appreciable change with time beyond day 7, except for mussels in the greatest exposure concentration (245 μg/L), which showed a significant reduction in Pb by 28 days, suggesting a threshold for Pb binding or elimination in hemolymph at concentrations near 1000 μg/g. The Na+, K+-ATPase activity in the gill tissue of mussels was significantly reduced by Pb on day 28 and was highly correlated with tissue Pb concentration (R2 = 0.92; P = 0.013). The Na+, K+-ATPase activity was correlated with reduced hemolymph Na+ concentration at the greatest Pb exposure when enzyme activity was at 30% of controls. Hemolymph Ca2+ concentration increased significantly in mussels from the greatest Pb exposure and may be due to remobilization from the shell in an attempt to buffer the hemolymph against Pb uptake and toxicity. We conclude that Na+, K+-ATPase activity in mussels was adversely affected by Pb exposure, however, because the effects on activity were variable at the lower test concentrations, additional research is warranted over this range of exposures. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
Dietary strontium increases bone mineral density in intact zebrafish (Danio rerio): a potential model system for bone research

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) skeletal bone possesses properties similar to human bone, which suggests that they may be used as a model to study mineralization characteristics of the human Haversian system, as well as human bone diseases. One prerequisite for the use of zebrafish as an alternative osteoporotic bone model is to determine whether their bone displays functional plasticity similar to that observed in other bone models. Strontium citrate was supplemented into a laboratory-prepared diet (45% crude protein) to produce dietary strontium levels of 0%, 0.63%, 1.26%, 1.89%, and 2.43% and fed ad libitum twice daily for 12 weeks to 28-day-old intact zebrafish. Length was determined at 4-week intervals, and both weight and length were recorded at 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, seven zebrafish from each dietary level were analyzed for total bone mineral density by microcomputed tomography. Dietary strontium citrate supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) increased zebrafish whole-body and spinal column bone mineral density. In addition, trace amounts of strontium were incorporated into the scale matrix in those zebrafish that consumed strontium-supplemented diets. These findings suggest that zebrafish bone displays plasticity similar to that reported for other bone models (i.e., rat, mouse, and monkey) that received supplements of strontium compounds and zebrafish should be viewed as an increasingly valuable bone model.
Efficient Synthesis of a C-Analogue of the Immunogenic Bacterial Glycolipid BbGL2

Synthesis of a C-analogue of bacterial glycolipid BbGL2 is reported using Grignard reaction of in situ generated β-galactosyl iodide and subsequent olefin cross metathesis reaction of C-vinyl galactoside as key steps.
Enhancing two-color absorption, self-phase modulation, and Raman microscopy signatures in tissue with femtosecond laser pulse shaping

Nonlinear microscopies (most commonly, two-photon fluorescence, second harmonic generation, and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS)) have had notable successes in imaging a variety of endogenous and exogenous targets in recent years. These methods generate light at a color different from any of the exciting laser pulses, which makes the signal relatively easy to detect. Our work has focused on developing microscopy techniques using a wider range of nonlinear signatures (two-photon absorption of nonfluorescent species, self phase modulation) which have some specific advantages - for example, in recent papers we have shown that we can differentiate between different types of melanin in pigmented lesions, image hemoglobin and its oxygenation, and measure neuronal activity. In general, these signatures do not generate light at a different color and we rely on the advantages of femtosecond laser pulse shaping methods to amplify the signals and make them visible (for example, using heterodyne detection of the induced signal with one of the co-propagating laser pulses). Here we extend this work to stimulated Raman and CARS geometries. In the simplest experiments, both colors arise from filtering a single fs laser pulse, then modulating afterwards; in other cases, we demonstrate that spectral reshaping can retain high frequency resolution in Raman and CARS geometries with femtosecond laser pulses.
H2LIFT Global navigation simulation Ship tracking and WMD detection in the maritime domain

This paper presents initial results for a tracking simulation of multiple maritime vehicles for use in a data fusion program detecting Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). This simulation supports a fusion algorithm (H 2 LIFT) for collecting and analyzing data providing a heuristic analysis tool for detecting weapons of mass destruction in the maritime domain. Tools required to develop a navigational simulation fitting a set of project objectives are introduced for integration into the H 2 LIFT algorithm. Emphasis is placed on the specific requirements of the H 2 LIFT project, however the basic equations, algorithms, and methodologies can be used as tools in a variety of scenario simulations. Discussion will be focused on track modeling (e.g. position tracking of ships), navigational techniques, WMD detection, and simulation of these models using Matlab and Simulink. Initial results provide absolute ship position data for a given multi-ship maritime scenario with random generation of a given ship containing a WMD. Required coordinate systems, conversions between coordinate systems, Earth modeling techniques, and navigational conventions and techniques are introduced for development of the simulations.
Products of fuzzy finite state machines

Abstract We introduce the concepts of fuzzy transformation semigroups, coverings, cascade and wreath products for fuzzy finite state machines. In order to overcome some of the difficulties which arise from the fuzzification of these concepts, we also introduce the notions of polysemigroups and weak coverings.
Counter-rotating propellant analysis using a frequency domain panel method

The unsteady aerodynamic coupling between the front and rear rotors in a counter-rotating propeller system is analyzed using a frequency-domain panel method based on linear compressible aerodynamic theory. The periodic loads are decomposed into harmonics, and the harmonic amplitudes are found iteratively. Each stage of the interation involves the solution of an isolated propeller problem, the interaction being done through the Fourier transform of the induced velocity field. The method was validated by comparing mean performance parameters with measured data and by comparing the predicted velocity field with detailed laser Doppler velocimeter measurements. Comparisons have also been made between the fluctuating loads predicted by the present method and a time-domain panel method.
Three-Dimensional Coaxial Through-Silicon-Via (TSV) Design

Being one of the most attractive 3-D integration solutions, through-silicon-vias (TSVs) electrically connect multiple strata of integrated circuits and/or devices in a vertical fashion. This paper examines the electrical performance of coaxial TSV, which is a new configuration that offers better signal integrity than other TSV structures. Various processing materials and physical geometries are considered for coaxial TSV designs. The full-wave extraction and empirical calculations show good agreement in TSV passive elements (RLGC). Latency, power, and crosstalk are evaluated and compared between coaxial TSVs and common signal-ground (S-G) paired TSVs. Furthermore, a wideband SPICE model is established to well fit the coaxial TSV fullwave solution, facilitating 3-D system design and evaluation.
Early Use Of A Seven Day Course Of Dexamethasone Is More Likely To Require Additional Courses Of Steroid Therapy 992

The use of a seven day course of dexamethasone for the treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) has become common in many neonatal intensive care nurseries. Although studies have shown the early use of seven days of dexamethasone to improve pulmonary mechanics and reduce chronic lung disease, there remains a number of infants who require additional courses of steroid therapy. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively compare infants who were treated successfully with a single seven day course of dexamethasone to infants who required additional courses of therapy. Methods: A chart review of twenty-three patients who received a seven day course of dexamethasone from 6.95 to 11/96 was performed. Student's t-test was used to compare gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), day of life dexamethasone was started and ventilator parameters before and after dexamethasone therapy. Treatment was considered successful if additional courses of dexamethasone were not required after the initial seven day course. Results: Thirteen of twenty-three patients (56%) were treated successfully with a single seven day course of dexamethasone. There were no differences in BW and GA between infants who required additional courses of dexamethasone (756±137g and 26±2.0 wks) and infants successfully treated (818±228g and 25.6±2.2 wks, p=0.4). Infants requiring additional courses of therapy were started on dexamethasone significantly earlier than infants who were treated successfully(11.3±6.5 vs. 21.5±14.4 days of life, p=0.05). A higher FiO_(2) and PIP was required at the time therapy was restarted compared to those same parameters at the completion of the 7 day course (p<0.03 and p<0.04, respectively). Conclusion: Although the early use of seven days of dexamethasone has been advocated for the treatment of BPD, these data suggest that infants treated earlier are more likely to require additional courses of therapy. We speculate that the infants receiving early dexamethasone may have been sicker which was not reflected by ventilator settings at the time of starting steroids.
Paroxysmal Pulmonary Edema and the Acute Cardiac Lung

Abstract Paroxysmal pulmonary edema is defined, both in its pathologic and its clinical aspects. The various causes of pulmonary edema are listed, including medical, pediatric, surgical, neurologic, toxic and accidental conditions. The clinical episode and the possible variants of the attack are described. Various methods for inducing pulmonary edema in animals are mentioned. The mechanism of pulmonary edema is discussed. Osmotic changes and possible direct permeability changes are mentioned, but it is concluded that high pressure in the pulmonary capillaries is the most important factor. The various causes of increased left atrial and pulmonary venous pressure are discussed. The possible vascular and cardiac mechanisms of such increases are listed, and it is concluded that a “cardiovascular storm” involving both the peripheral vasculature and the left ventricle under the action of sympatho-adrenal stimulation is the most common occurrence. This may or may not be associated with left ventricular failure. Therapy of pulmonary edema is briefly discussed.
Examining the basis for illusory recollection: The role of remember/know instructions

Curiously, studies using the remember/know paradigm to measure recollective experience show that people often vividly remember events that never occurred, a phenomenon referred to asillusory recollection. Two experiments tested the hypothesis that false remember responses in the converging associates, or Deese/Roediger-McDermott (DRM) paradigm, reflect accurate memory for the study episode, rather than false recollection of critical lures. To test this hypothesis, we used standard remember instructions that emphasized recollection of the study context by allowing participants to use memory of surrounding list items as evidence for recollection, or we used modified instructions that did not include memory for surrounding list items as a basis for recollection. Results showed that, as compared with the standard instruction condition, the modified instructions selectively reduced reports of false remember responses to critical lures, but did not affect remember responses to studied items. By contrast, remember responses to critical lures were unaffected by an instruction condition that excluded the use of voice information as evidence for remembering. These results suggest that remember responses to falsely recognized items are driven partly by retrieval of studied items, rather than illusory recollection of the critical lures themselves. They further point to the importance of instructions in influencing subjective reports.