cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of clay charge on swelling; a clay-modified electrode study

The uniformity of clay films affects the transport of an anionic electroactive probe through the film. When cations other than Na+ are present in the initial swelling of the film (such as native K+ and Ca 2§ ), or when the native clay is highly charged, internal dislocations of the film, caused by variable stacking domains, enhance the diffusive transport of Fe(CN)6 3- across the film. This effect is investigated using clay-modified electrodes in which the clays are of variable exchange forms (Na+, Ca 2+, or K+) and variable charge. The charge on the clay is determined both by the native form of the clay and by reduction of structural Fe 3§ The results suggest that swelling of clays increases in a linear fashion with CEC, at least for minimally charged clays.
Akamai's Edge (A)

In 2009, Paul Sagan, COE of Akamai, the leading online content delivery network with a 60% market share, needs to decide how to respond to aggressive entry in its market, whether and how to pursue the explosive growth in online video, and whether to stay with its distributed network model or move towards its competitors' more centralized design.Learning Objective: To explore sources of competitive advantage, their implications for how to respond to entry, and the interaction with beliefs, vision, and mental models. To explore how the effectiveness of network effects as a competitive advantage may be reduced by market growth and by alternative business models.
Effects of Direct Instruction in Spanish Phonology on the Native-Language Skills and Foreign-Language Aptitude of At-Risk Foreign-Language Learners

This study examined the effect of an academic year of direct instruction in the phonology/orthography of Spanish on the native-language skills and foreign-language aptitude of high school women identified as at risk (n = 14) and not at risk (n = 19) for experiencing problems with learning a foreign language. At-risk students received a specialized teaching approach; not-at-risk students received traditional foreign-language instruction. Pre- and posttest results showed that both groups improved significantly on a foreign-language aptitude test, and the at-risk group made significant gains on native-language phonology/orthography measures. Pretest comparisons showed significant between-group differences on several phonological/orthographic measures and the foreign-language aptitude test. Posttest comparisons showed that the not-at-risk subjects still scored significantly higher than at-risk subjects on the foreign-language aptitude measure; no differences were noted on two native-language phonological/orthographic measures. Pre- and posttest comparisons between groups showed that the at-risk group made significantly greater gains than the not-at-risk group on phonological/orthographic measures. Implications for instruction are presented.
Relations Between Colorblind Socialization and Children’s Racial Bias: Evidence From European American Mothers and Their Preschool Children

To examine European American parents’ racial socialization, mothers (n = 84) were videotaped while reading 2 race-themed books to their 4- to 5-year-old children and completed surveys concerning their racial attitudes and behaviors. Children completed measures of their racial attitudes and both groups (mothers and preschoolers) predicted the others’ racial attitudes. Results indicated that nearly all mothers adopted “colormute” and “colorblind” approaches to socialization. Furthermore, neither children nor mothers accurately predicted the others’ views. Children’s racial attitudes were unrelated to their mothers’ attitudes but were predicted by their mothers’ cross-race friendships; those children whose mothers had a higher percentage of non-European American friends showed lower levels of racial biases than those children whose mothers had a lower percentage of non-European American friends.
International Events and Mass Evictions: A Longer View

Mass evictions have been increasingly linked to large international events, often called mega-events, around the world. This article looks back at the residential redevelopment in Seoul that surged just prior to the 1988 Olympic Games there to better understand how large events bring about change in cities. When existing documentation of the new housing construction boom and a corresponding large-scale dislocation of urban poor residents via aggressive evictions in the mid-1980s are correlated with data from primary and secondary historical sources, there is incontrovertible evidence of a causal link between event hosting and forced evictions. However, the data goes on to reveal that large-scale clearance, evictions and demolitions occurred in Seoul over an extended period before the Olympics as well as long afterwards, which suggests that the Olympics was in fact part of a broader process and practice of urban transformation in Seoul. Without discounting the effect of event hosting in this case, this raises the question of what motivates both event hosting and residential redevelopment, and whether the event offers an opportunity to refine and further institutionalize certain practices. The article proposes taking a longer historical view of the practice of clearance, evictions and demolitions in order to foresee the dynamics of event hosting in a specific city and to inform event-related planning.
Myocardial function and geometry in hypertensive subjects with low levels of afterload.

Abstract Background It has been hypothesized that the level of end-systolic wall stress (σ m ) is a feedback signal that regulates the level of hypertrophy. Thus, low levels of σ m may signify inappropriate hypertrophy. Methods To characterize left ventricular (LV) structure and systolic function in hypertensive subjects with low levels of σ m , we studied 763 patients. LV function was studied by midwall stress-shortening analysis. Partition values for σ m were derived from a separate group of normal subjects, and the study population was divided into low stress (group I, n=136), high stress (group III, n=157), and intermediate stress group II (n = 470). LV chamber and myocardial function were characterized by relating shortening at the endocardium and at the midwall, respectively, to stress. Results As expected, group III patients had the highest values for systolic blood pressure and LV cavity size but the lowest values for wall thickness and relative wall thickness. Surprisingly, however, there were no significant differences among stress groups with regard to age or body mass index. Contrary to the hypothesis that low levels of stress are indicative of excessive hypertrophy, there were no significant differences among the 3 groups with regard to LV mass or any form of LV mass index. Furthermore, despite lower mean values for afterload, group I patients had significantly lower values for midwall shortening, and this finding was indicative of reduced myocardial function; stress-shortening plots demonstrated that 28% of group I patients fell below 95% CI compared with 10% of group II and only 5% of group III patients. Conclusions Hypertensive subjects with low values for σ m have more concentric LV geometry (higher relative wall thickness) and, on average, reduced myocardial function. (Am Heart J 2002;143:546-51.)
Transscaphoid perilunate dislocation

A 24-year-old male presented to the ED after a fall of approximately 25 feet from a rooftop. As he landed, he attempted to break his fall with an outstretched hand. His injuries were limited to right-sided acetabular and pubic rami fractures, and the wrist fracture-dislocation shown here (Figs. ​(Figs.1,1, ​,2,2, ​,3,3, ​,44). Fig. 1 On a normal AP wrist the lunate (L) has a nice rhomboid shape Fig. 2 Here the lunate (L) is pie-shaped and dislocated. The schaphoid (S) is fractured as indicated by the arrow Fig. 3 On a normal lateral wrist, the capitate (C) sits within the convexity of the lunate (L) Fig. 4 Here the lunate (L) remains in the normal position while the capitate (C) is dislocated posteriorly. In our patient, the triquetral bone is also fractured, as indicated by the arrow Perilunate dislocations are often accompanied by scaphoid fractures due to the stresses from the high-energy impact to the wrist. Most patients present after a fall from a height onto an outstretched hand, with the wrist in a hyperextended and ulnar-deviated position [1]. Mayfield et al. described the mechanism of perilunate dislocations as a four-stage process. In the first stage, the radioscaphocapitate ligament and the scapholunate interosseous ligament rupture. Then dislocation of the capitolunate joint occurs as the injury advances through the space of Poirier. The lunotriquetral interosseous ligament breaks before finally the lunate becomes dislocated [2]. The incidence of perilunate dislocations is unknown as they often go undiagnosed. Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral wrist radiographs are required for the diagnosis. In a perilunate dislocation, the lunate remains aligned with the distal radius; however, the capitate is dislocated dorsally. It is best seen on a lateral view of the wrist [3]. Our patient also sustained a triquetral fracture, indicated by the arrow on the lateral view. The arrow on the AP view shows the commonly associated scaphoid fracture. In addition to visible deformity of the wrist, there can be decreased two-point sensation present in the median nerve distribution [4]. Management consists of reduction and immobilizing the wrist in a volar splint. Our patient was reduced at the bedside, stabilized and underwent successful ORIF the following day.
An inference engine for function free logic programs

The evaluation of function free logic programs by the PROTOS-L system is presented. PROTOS-L is a logic programming language which embeds a module concept, provides read access to external databases and combines order-sorted types with polymorphism. From this viewpoint, PROTOS-L is similar to DATALOG embedded in a typed logic programming language. A small fragment of a travel information system is used to illustrate the evaluation of queries to function free PROTOS-L logic programs. >
Testing the Strictness Thesis and Competing Theories of Congregational Growth

Building off of Dean Kelley’s and Laurence Iannaccone’s earlier work, we develop a path model of the strictness thesis that investigates and compares how congregational strictness, evangelical theology, demographic characteristics, and denominational identity variously contribute to congregational growth and decline. Using the U.S. Congregational Life Survey (2001), we test this model at the congregational level and find significant support for the mechanisms at the core of both Kelley’s and Iannaccone’s versions of the strictness thesis, particularly that even after controlling for the other dynamics mentioned, congregational strictness has both an indirect and a direct positive effect on congregational growth. We also find, however, that evangelical theology, fertility, and denominational identity all play important roles in the prediction of growth, leading us to assert our integrated model as a new and more fully robust understanding of congregational growth and decline.
Palliative care and hematologic malignancies: old dog, new tricks?

Palliative care is state-of-the-art, specialized medical care for patients who are facing a serious illness. It can be provided alongside even curative-intent cancer care and is increasingly known to yield significant benefits for patients, caregivers, and the health care system alike. Evidence-based benefits include improvements in quality of life, symptom management, and prognostic understanding, along with decreased use of low-value chemotherapy at the end of life (EOL), less use of intensive care at the EOL, and possibly even increased survival. Yet we also know that patients with hematologic malignancies are much less likely to use specialist palliative care services, hospice or otherwise, and that they are far more likely to receive aggressive care at the EOL. Amid compelling evidence of palliative care’s many benefits, why does this disconnect persist? In this issue of Journal of Oncology Practice, Odejide et al present three key findings that provide important context about this ongoing disconnect between research and practice.
Amplitude and phase data inversions for phase velocity anomalies in the Pacific Ocean basin

Summary. Rayleigh wave phase velocities at periods 30-80 s in the Pacific Ocean are calculated by inverting phase and amplitude anomaly data using the paraxial ray approximation and the Gaussian beam method. The region is divided into 5"x 5" blocks, and approximately 200 source-receiver pairs from 18 well-studied events around the Pacific Ocean are used. First, we assume phase anomalies for the lithospheric age-dependent model. Next, conventional phase data inversions are conducted assuming great circle paths so that the phase discrepancies are reduced to less than T. This procedure is essential for later inversions using amplitude data. We then determine the residuals of both amplitude and phase terms by calculating ray-synthetic seismograms. Using the Born approximation for a 2-D wave equation, a nonlinear iterative inversion for phase velocities is performed with both residuals. FrBchet derivatives for the inversion consist primarily of two wavefields: (1) the wavefield at the model point from the source, and (2) the Green's function from the model point to the receiver. These wavefields are also calculated by the paraxial ray approximation and Gaussian beam methods. In the inverse formulations, the simple use of the conventional Backus-Gilbert approach yields undesirable results in the non-linear iterative case and an extra term is necessary to control the model perturbations in order to minimize departures from the a priori model. The use of this additional term guarantees that we are able to obtain a fairly reliable phase velocity model even in the present non-linear problem. In most cases residual variances are significantly reduced after two or three iterations as far as the starting model is fairly correct. Compared with the phase data inversions, this inverse scheme gives more reliable resolution and most of the inverted features in phase velocities are significantly larger than the uncertainty level while some features obtained by the great circle phase data
A comparison of the degradation mechanisms in ZnS and Y2O2S:Eu powder FED phosphors

The degradation of Y 2 O 2 S:Eu phosphor powders was studied using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and cathodoluminescence (CL). The phosphors were exposed to electron bombardment (2 keV, 2 mA/cm 2 ) at residual background gas pressures from 2x10 -8 to 10 x 10 -8 Torr. The results indicate that the degradation is due to electron-stimulated surface reactions caused by electron-beam dissociation of molecular species at the phosphor surface. AES data show that the surface was initially contaminated by C-containing impurities, and that both C and S were depleted during electron bombardment. Increased rates of depletion of C and S were observed for higher pressures, suggesting that the concentration of molecular species on the phosphor surface was limiting the rate of reaction and removal of C and S. Quantification of the AES results and inspection of CL spectrum suggest that the surface was converted to a non-activated Y 2 O 3 . Comparison of the degradation of Y 2 O 2 S:Eu and ZnS:X (X = Ag,Cl or X = Al, Au, Cu) showed that ZnS phosphors were more susceptible to degradation caused by surface changes induced by electron-beam bombardment. The degradation rate of the ZnS phosphors was approximately 3 times faster than the Y 2 O 2 S:Eu.
Exchange transfusion in Reye's syndrome with saline-washed red blood cells.

Reye's syndrome (RS) consists of encephalopathy, fatty degeneration of viscera, and elevation of ammonia, certain amino acids, and liver enzymes in the blood. It is most characteristically a disease of children and has been considered to have a poor prognosis despite the use of various treatment regimens. Exchange transfusion (ET) with fresh blood (less than 24 hours old) for the removal of toxic metabolic byproducts in RS is a relatively recent development which appears to have improved the survival rates. However, because RS may occur in epidemic proportions at any time the demand for fresh blood can place an excessive stress on blood resources. We have, therefore, utilized saline-washed (to remove potentially toxic metabolites) red blood cells (RBC's) less than six days old, and fresh frozen citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD) plasma in treating this disorder. Nine patients in the Milwaukee community with severe encephalopathy secondary to RS were treated with ET. These patients collectively required 151 units of washed RBC's for 21 ET. Eight of nine patients survived without sequelae. Age of blood used did not correlate with the number of exchanges required or the eventual outcome. A continual computerized EEC in five patients provided objective evidence of the effectiveness of ET. We conclude that ET with saline-washed RBC's reconstituted with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is a fast, safe, and effective means of treating patients with RS.
Determination of the gram-positive bacterial content of soils and sediments by analysis of teichoic acid components

Many gram-positive bacteria form substituted polymers of glycerol and ribitol phosphate esters known as teichoic acids. Utilizing the relative specificity of cold concentrated hydrofluoric acid in the hydrolysis of polyphosphate esters it proved possible to quantitatively assay the teichoic acid-derived glycerol and ribitol from gram-positive bacteria added to various soils and sediments. The lipids are first removed from the soils or sediments with a one phase chloroform-methanol extraction and the lipid extracted residue is hydrolyzed with cold concentrated hydrofluoric acid. To achieve maximum recovery of the teichoic acid ribitol, a second acid hydrolysis of the aqueous extract is required. The glycerol and ribitol are then acetylated after neutralization and analyzed by capillary gas-liquid chromatography. This technique together with measures of the total phospholipid, the phospholipid fatty acid, the muramic acid and the hydroxy fatty acids of the lipopolysaccharide lipid A of the gram-negative bacteria makes it possible to describe the community structure environmental samples. The proportion of gram-positive bacteria measured as the teichoic acid glycerol and ribitol is higher in soils than in sediments and increases with depth in both.
Evaluation of color kinesis, a new echocardiographic method for analyzing regional wall motion in patients with dilated left ventricles

The recently developed echocardiographic technology of color kinesis (CK) displays endocardial motion in color layers on a single end-systolic 2-dimensional echocardiographic frame. Previous work using this method is promising for quantitation of regional function, but there is limited experience in patients with severely reduced left ventricular function. Twenty patients (age 59 +/- 10 years) with dilated cardiomyopathy (left ventricular ejection fraction 22 +/- 8%) underwent CK imaging. Endocardial motion was quantitated by measuring the distance of endocardial motion during the systolic interval and also by calculating the endocardial velocity. CK measurements were compared among 4 wall motion grades (i.e., normal, hypokinetic, akinetic, and dyskinetic) assessed by qualitative wall motion scoring. There was a significant overall difference (p < 0.0001) in the mean systolic endocardial inward motion (i.e., contraction) and outward motion (i.e., expansion) among wall motion grades. The mean endocardial outward distance was significantly greater for the dyskinetic segments than for the other grades (p < 0.001). There were also differences in the mean velocity of endocardial motion among the wall motion grades. In the presence of left bundle branch block, there was no difference in the mean endocardial inward distance of the hypokinetic, akinetic, and dyskinetic septal segments. We conclude that in the absence of left bundle branch block, normal, hypokinetic, akinetic, and dyskinetic ventricular wall segments may be distinguished in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy on the basis of endocardial motion measured with CK.
Delta-operator formulated discrete-time approximations of continuous-time systems

Given a continuous-time system, a technique to directly obtain an approximate delta-operator formulated discrete-time system (/spl delta/-system) is presented. For this purpose, the analog of the well known Boxer-Thaler integrators (q-forms) applicable to shift-operator formulated discrete-time systems (q-systems) are derived for /spl delta/-systems. Next, using these /spl delta/-forms, a method to obtain an approximate /spl delta/-system of a given continuous-time system is derived. This algorithm is easily implementable in a computer with little computational burden. It is shown that, as sampling time decreases, the /spl delta/-system thus obtained yields the given continuous-time system further verifying the close equivalence between this formulation and continuous-time systems. Two examples illustrating advantages that may be gained by utilizing these /spl delta/-forms in digitizing analog systems are also included. >
HSP101: a key component for the acquisition of thermotolerance in plants.

A sudden elevation in temperature triggers a stress response found in all organisms that brings about a global transition in gene expression. Typically, the expression of most genes is either shut down or greatly attenuated, and a specific group of genes, called heat shock (HS) genes, is rapidly
Intracardiac electrophysiologic study of intravenous diltiazem and combined diltiazem-digoxin in patients

Abstract Fifteen patients without sinoatrial (SA) or atrioventricular (AV) node dysfunction underwent electrophysiologic study (EPS) before and after intravenous diltiazem: 0.20 mg/kg bolus followed by 0.0007 mg/kg/min infusion (seven patients) or 0.25 mg/kg bolus followed by 0.0012 mg/kg/min infusion (eight patients). In six patients intravenous digoxin (0.018 mg/kg) was given and 45 minutes later EPS was repeated while the diltiazem infusion continued. Diltiazem prolonged sinus cycle length (+7%, p p p p p p p p p p p p p p
Abstract P5-01-08: Single dose acute toxicity and long-term biodistribution of perfluoropentane loaded iron doped silica nanoshells

Background: Our lab has been focusing on developing a better method of localizing non-palpable breast cancers without wire or seed localization. Perfluoropentane (PFP) loaded Fe-SiO2 nanoshells have been developed as a color Doppler ultrasound contrast imaging agent which can act as small volume (100 ul) injectable stationary guide-marker for breast tumor resection. Preliminary experiments have demonstrated that the nanoshells can provide robust contrast for periods extending past 10 days in vivo in Py8119 epithelial breast tumor bearing mice with no adverse affect to the mice. Short-term biodistribution over 72 hours of nanoshells using In111 labeled nanoshells demonstrated with gamma scintigraphy that intravenously dosed particles primarily accumulate in the liver but some radioactive signal can be seen in the bladder. The long imaging lifetime of these nanoshells necessitates the need to study long-term toxicity and biodistribution. Materials and Methods: Fe-SiO2 nanoshells and Pure SiO2 nanoshells where synthesized via sol-gel method on polystyrene templates and then calcined to yield 500 nm hollow rigid nanoshells which were then filled with vaporized perfluoropentane. 100 ul of nanoshells at 4 mg/ml of the Fe-SiO2 nanoshells and at a dose of 2 mg/ml of pure SiO2 nanoshells were injected IV into healthy 8-week old Swiss white mice. The difference in mass dose was due to make the particle count between the two doses equivalent. Blood was collected weekly for serum chemistry and hematology. After 10 weeks mice were sacrificed, HE San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-01-08.
Optical Control of Magnetic Feshbach Resonances by Closed-Channel Electromagnetically Induced Transparency

We control magnetic Feshbach resonances in an optically trapped mixture of the two lowest hyperfine states of a ^{6}Li Fermi gas, using two optical fields to create a dark state in the closed molecular channel. In the experiments, the narrow Feshbach resonance is tuned by up to 3 G. For the broad resonance, the spontaneous lifetime is increased to 0.4 s at the dark-state resonance, compared to 0.5 ms for single-field tuning. We present a new model of light-induced loss spectra, employing continuum-dressed basis states, which agrees in shape and magnitude with loss measurements for both broad and narrow resonances. Using this model, we predict the trade-off between tunability and loss for the broad resonance in ^{6}Li, showing that our two-field method substantially reduces the two-body loss rate compared to single-field methods for the same tuning range.
Studies of Linkage in Populations. IX. the Effect of Altitude on X-Chromosomal Arrangement Combinations in DROSOPHILA ROBUSTA

Data are presented concerning the gene arrangements in both arms of the X-chromosome of Drosophila robusta in eight altitudinal transects. The major change appears to be the increase of gene arrangement XL-1 (and decrease in XL, sometimes also XL-2) with increasing altitude. In each transect only one combination of XL-1 with a right arm arrangement seems primarily responsible for the increases with altitudinal change, and only one combination of XL for the decreases. In four of the transects the increasing combination appears to be XL-1.XR, XL-1.XR-2 in the other four. A substantial decrease with elevation in XL-2.XR-2 occurs only in the four areas where XL-1.XR exhibits the major increase. These results indicate that interactions between arrangements play a significant role in the adaptation of this species to altitude. The interactions appear related to the X-chromosomal linkage equilibriums in these regions. The data also suggest that the species employs its inversions in different methods of adaptation in the Appalachian Mountains from those it uses in other parts of the range.
A compact, moveable, microchip-based system for high repetition rate production of Bose-Einstein condensates

We present a compact, moveable system for producing Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) on an integrated microchip. The system occupies 0.4 m3 and operates as fast as 0.3 Hz. Condensates of 1.9 × 104 atoms in 87Rb have been demonstrated.
Pelleting Effects on Lysine Bioavailability in Diets Containing Dried Bakery Product

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to investigate whether the availability of synthetic lysine is reduced in pelleted diets containing dried bakery product (DBP). Free sugars in DBP might promote lysine destruction through the Mailard Reaction. However, neither in a chick growth study nor by chemical analysis was there any indication of reduced lysine availability under such conditions. The hypothesis that pelleting may lead to lysine destruction in diets with dried bakery product is not supported by these data.
Renal clearance of polythiazide.

SummaryThe renal clearance of C14 labeled polythiazide, a new and highly potent diuretic agent, was studied in anesthetized dogs. The ratio for polythiazide was found to be considerably lower than for other benzthiadiazines. The low clearance of polythiazide appears to be determined by the high degree of drug binding by plasma proteins, and by extensive reabsorption in the distal segment. The experimental data indicate that polythiazide is also secreted by the renal tubule.
Effects of metalloproteinases-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase on airway remodeling and the intervention effect of anti-RANTES antibody in rats with asthma

AIM: To observe the effects of anti-RANTES antibody on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-9(MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase(TIMP-1) in the lung tissue of asthma model,and study the intervention mechanism.METHODS: 36 male rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group,asthma group,and anti-RANTES antibody treated group.The immunohistochemistry method was used for marking the MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the lung histological section and the mean optical densities of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were measured by multifunction color patho-image analysator.The level of RANTES was detected by ELISA.RESULTS: The expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in asthma group were increased significantly than those in control group(P0.05),and the ratio of MMP-9/TIMP-1 was decreased.The expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the anti-RANTES antibody treated group were decreased significantly than those of control group(P0.05),and the ratio of MMP-9/TIMP-1 was revived gradually,and there were no statistical significance compare with that of control group(P0.05).The pathology changes of airway inflammation,epithelial hyperplasia and collogen deposit were decreased significantly than those of asthma group.CONCLUSION: The anti-RANTES antibody leads to decreasing the expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the lung tissue of asthma rats and adjusts the balance of the MMP-9 and TIMP-1,interferes in matrix remodeling,and plays an important role in delaying development of asthma airway remodeling.
Symbolic representation and the components of a group-as-a-whole model.

As participants engage in the group psychotherapy process, they often generate figurative forms (i.e., metaphoric images) representative of their experiences together. Metaphors function as symbols when they depict important information about the group-as-a-whole, as well as about the individuals that comprise it. Symbols are cultural phenomena that express, contain, and transform the group process. This article presents a model of how metaphoric and symbolic images arise spontaneously as organizational phenomena and how they might be elaborated therapeutically. A bridge is made between individualistic and group-as-a-whole perspectives on the group process by demonstrating how members come together through the evolution of shaping circumstances, bipolar themes, talking points, particularizations of experience, and organizing images.
Spectral keying/spl trade/: a novel modulation scheme for UWB systems

Spectral keying (SK) is a novel UWB modulation scheme that combines properties of both frequency shift keying and pulse position modulation. An SK symbol consists of a number of pulses where each pulse is from a different frequency band. It relies on dividing the available spectrum into multiple bands. The information is encoded by the sequence of the sent bands. It is found that the SK available symbol set scales factorially with the number of frequency bands in use. Theoretical analysis and simulations of a five band SK system are provided. Measurement results from an experimental SK system are also included.
Effects of ethanol on cocaine self-administration in monkeys responding under a second-order schedule of reinforcement.

Abstract Background Concurrent alcohol use among cocaine abusers is common but the behavioral variables that promote co-abuse are not well understood. The present study examined the effects of intragastric (i.g.) ethanol (EtOH) administration in monkeys responding under a schedule of cocaine reinforcement in which extensive drug seeking was maintained by conditioned stimuli. Methods Four adult male cynomolgus monkeys ( Macaca fascicularis ) were trained to respond under a second-order fixed-interval (FI) 600 s (fixed-ratio (FR) 30:S) schedule of cocaine (0.003–0.56 mg/kg/injection) presentation. Sessions ended after 5 injections or 90 min had elapsed. Different EtOH doses (0.5–2.0 g/kg, i.g.) were administered 30 min before the session, typically on Tuesdays and Fridays. Blood ethanol concentrations (BECs) were also assessed. Pattern of FI responding was assessed by determining quarter-life (QL) values. Results Cocaine self-administration was characterized as an inverted U-shaped function of dose; QL values increased monotonically with dose. EtOH pretreatments dose-dependently decreased self-administration at several cocaine doses in 3 of 4 monkeys. In one animal, EtOH increased low-dose cocaine-maintained responding. For all monkeys, QL values were increased by EtOH when low- and high-cocaine doses were self-administered, suggesting additive effects of EtOH and cocaine. Furthermore, BECs were not altered following cocaine self-administration. Conclusions The reductions in cocaine self-administration and the increases in QL values following EtOH, suggest that EtOH was enhancing cocaine-related conditioned reinforcement. A better understanding of the behavioral mechanisms that mediate the co-abuse of alcohol and cocaine will lead to improved treatments for both drugs.
Network indicators of the social ecology of adolescents in relative and non-relative Foster households

Abstract Though the presence, composition, and quality of social relationships—particularly as found in family networks—has an important influence on adolescent well-being, little is known about the social ecology of youth in foster care. This study examined the social networks of foster youth participating in a large RCT of an intervention for siblings in foster care. Youth reported on the people they lived with and the relatives they were in contact with, which provided indicators of network size, composition, and relationship quality. Cluster analysis was used to identify five family network profiles for youth living in foster homes. Two identified subgroups reflected robust family networks where youth were living with relative caregiver(s) and related youth, and also reported multiple family ties outside the household, including with biological parents. The remaining three profiles reflected youth reports of fewer family connections within or beyond the foster household, with distinctions by whether they lived with siblings and/or reported having positive relationships with their mothers and/or fathers. The identified network profiles were validated using youth- and caregiver-reported measures of mental health functioning, with increased caregiver report of post-traumatic stress symptoms indicated for the three subgroups that were not characterized by a robust family network.
Dynamical behavior of systems of two phytoplankton and one zooplankton populations with toxin producing phytoplankton

Three-compartment mathematical models of non-toxic phytoplankton (NTP), toxin producing phytoplankton (TPP), and zooplankton are proposed to explore the role of TPP in algal blooms. The mutual interference between predator zooplankton and avoidance of TPP by zooplankton are incorporated into the model. The NTP and TPP engage in exploit competition and the toxin produced by TPP has no effect on NTP. Using the concept of uniform persistence, we establish coexistence of NTP, TPP, and zooplankton in certain parameter regimes. We study the effects of mutual interference and avoidance by zooplankton upon the population interactions. In addition to the toxin producing mechanism, it is concluded that mutual interference of zooplankton is an important factor for diminishing harmful blooms. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation and concentration of bacteria from blood using microfluidic membraneless dialysis and dielectrophoresis

A microfluidic system that combines membraneless microfluidic dialysis and dielectrophoresis to achieve label-free isolation and concentration of bacteria from whole blood is presented. Target bacteria and undesired blood cells are discriminated on the basis of their differential susceptibility to permeabilizing agents that alter the dielectrophoretic behavior of blood cells but not bacteria. The combined membraneless microdialysis and dielectrophoresis system isolated 79 ± 3% of Escherichia coli and 78 ± 2% of Staphylococcus aureus spiked into whole blood at a processing rate of 0.6 mL h-1. Collection efficiency was independent of the number of target bacteria up to 105 cells. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that bacterial 16S rDNA levels were enriched more than 307-fold over human DNA in the fraction recovered from the isolation system compared with the original specimen. These data demonstrate feasibility for an instrument to accelerate the detection and analysis of bacteria in blood by first isolating and concentrating them in a microchamber.
Using antifibrinolytics in the peripartum period - concern for a hypercoagulable effect?

INTRODUCTION Although antifibrinolytic agents are used to prevent and treat hemorrhage, there are concerns about a potential increased risk for peripartum venous thromboembolism. We sought to determine the impact of tranexamic acid and ɛ-aminocaproic acid on in vitro clotting properties in pregnancy. METHODS Blood samples were obtained from healthy pregnant, obese, and preeclamptic pregnant women (n = 10 in each group) prior to delivery as well as from healthy non-pregnant controls (n = 10). Maximum clot firmness (MCF) and clotting time (CT) were measured using rotation thromboelastometry in the presence of tranexamic acid (3, 30, or 300 μg/mL) or ɛ-aminocaproic acid (30, 300, or 3000 μg/mL). ANOVA and regression analyses were performed. RESULTS Mean whole blood MCF was significantly higher in healthy pregnant vs. non-pregnant women (66.5 vs. 57.5 mm, p < 0.001). Among healthy pregnant women, there was no significant difference between mean MCF (whole blood alone, and with increasing tranexamic acid doses = 66.5, 66.1, 66.4, 66.3 mm, respectively; p = 0.25) or mean CT (409, 412, 420, 424 sec; p = 0.30) after addition of tranexamic acid. Similar results were found using ɛ-aminocaproic acid. Preeclamptic women had a higher mean MCF after the addition of ɛ-aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid (p = 0.05 and p = 0.04, respectively) compared to whole blood alone. CONCLUSIONS Pregnancy is a hypercoagulable state, as reflected by an increased MCF compared to non-pregnant women. Addition of antifibrinolytic therapy in vitro does not appear to increase MCF or CT for non-pregnant, pregnant, and obese women. Whether antifibrinolytics are safe in preeclampsia may require further study.
Genome-wide association study identifies a major gene for beech bark disease resistance in American beech ( Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.)

The American Beech tree (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.), native to eastern North America, is ecologically important and provides high quality wood products. This species is susceptible to beech bark disease (BBD) and is facing high rates of mortality in North America. The disease occurs from an interaction between the woolly beech scale insect (Cryptococcus fagisuga), one of two species of the fungus Neonectria (N. faginata or N. ditissima), and American Beech trees. In this case-control genome-wide association study (GWAS), we tested 16 K high quality SNPs using the Affymetrix Axiom 1.5 K – 50 K assay to genotype an association population of 514 individuals. We also conducted linkage analysis in a full-sib family of 115 individuals. Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression tests were performed to test associations between SNPs and phenotypes. Association tests revealed four highly significant SNPs on chromosome (Chr) 5 for a single gene (Mt), which encodes a mRNA for metallothionein-like protein (metal ion binding) in Fagus sylvatica. Metallothioneins represent Cys-rich metal chelators able to coordinate metal atoms and may play an important role in the resistance mechanisms against beech scale insect. The GWAS study has identified a single locus of major effect contributing to beech bark disease resistance. Knowledge of this genetic locus contributing to resistance might be used in applied breeding, conservation and restoration programs.
Humeral cemented revision: Techniques for safe extraction

Abstract Removing a well-fixed humeral component in revision shoulder arthroplasty can present a difficult challenge. Intraoperative complications including iatrogenic fracture, humeral perforation, segmental bone loss, nerve and soft tissue injury can occur. These complications can occur with both cemented and press-fitted stems and can lead to increased morbidity and decreased functional outcomes. Complete removal of the cement mantle and cement restrictor, when necessary, can present even further challenges. Several extraction techniques have been described that can help minimize complications and enable safe, complete component extraction.
Water vascular system architecture in an Ordovician ophiuroid

Understanding the water vascular system (WVS) in early fossil echinoderms is critical to elucidating the evolution of this system in extant forms. Here we present the first report of the internal morphology of the water vascular system of a stem ophiuroid. The radial canals are internal to the arm, but protected dorsally by a plate separate to the ambulacrals. The canals zig-zag with no evidence of constrictions, corresponding to sphincters, which control pairs of tube feet in extant ophiuroids. The morphology suggests that the unpaired tube feet must have operated individually, and relied on the elasticity of the radial canals, lateral valves and tube foot musculature alone for extension and retraction. This arrangement differs radically from that in extant ophiuroids, revealing a previously unknown Palaeozoic configuration.
Drugs that target muscarinic cholinergic receptors

Six groups of cholinergic neurons have been identified in the central nervous system (Ch1 –Ch6) [1]. Cholinergic neurons innervating the hippocampus and cerebral cortex arise from basal forebrain nuclei, including the medial septum (MS, Ch1 group), the vertical and horizontal limbs of the diagonal band (Ch2 and Ch3) and the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM, Ch4) [2]. Cholinergic neurons arising from the MS project mainly to the hippocampus, a brain region that plays an important role in learning and memory function. The diagonal band projections innervate the anterior cingulate cortex and the olfactory bulb, while the NBM projects to the amygdala and the cerebral cortex. The cholinergic projection from the NBM is widespread, covering the entire cortical mantle [3]. Basal forebrain cholinergic pathways have been implicated in attention, learning, memory and cognitive function. Moreover, the degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons is a consistent neurochemical hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
Understanding participation in farm to school programs: Results integrating school and supply-side factors

Abstract Despite their status as the largest and most systematic of government programs to promote local foods in the US, few studies identify the factors that are associated with the school district decision to participate in farm to school (FTS) programs. We are the first to leverage the USDA’s Farm to School Census to analyze factors associated with FTS participation, the types of FTS activities implemented, and the challenges faced by participating school districts. Because a school’s participation is circumscribed by access to local foods, we control for the supply of local foods. We use spatially articulate data to estimate the spatial spillover effects of FTS participation. The results demonstrate that both school characteristics and local farm production factors are associated with FTS participation. The estimated spatial spillover effect is positive suggesting that areas with a high penetration of FTS activities have lower barriers associated with implementing FTS programs.
Are Coherence Protocol States Vulnerable to Information Leakage

Most commercial multi-core processors incorporate hardware coherence protocols to support efficient data transfers and updates between their constituent cores. While hardware coherence protocols provide immense benefits for application performance by removing the burden of software-based coherence, we note that understanding the security vulnerabilities posed by such oft-used, widely-adopted processor features is critical for secure processor designs in the future. In this paper, we demonstrate a new vulnerability exposed by cache coherence protocol states. We present novel insights into how adversaries could cleverly manipulate the coherence states on shared cache blocks, and construct covert timing channels to illegitimately communicate secrets to the spy. We demonstrate 6 different practical scenarios for covert timing channel construction. In contrast to prior works, we assume a broader adversary model where the trojan and spy can either exploit explicitly shared read-only physical pages (e.g., shared library code), or use memory deduplication feature to implicitly force create shared physical pages. We demonstrate how adversaries can manipulate combinations of coherence states and data placement in different caches to construct timing channels. We also explore how adversaries could exploit multiple caches and their associated coherence states to improve transmission bandwidth with symbols encoding multiple bits. Our experimental results on commercial systems show that the peak transmission bandwidths of these covert timing channels can vary between 700 to 1100 Kbits/sec. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to highlight the vulnerability of hardware cache coherence protocols to timing channels that can help computer architects to craft effective defenses against exploits on such critical processor features.
Interactive Visualization of New Jersey Gang Data

This article describes the design and functionality of an online visualization software of data from a survey on gang activities in New Jersey municipalities. The visualization enables the user to explore the distribution of numbers of gang sets across different municipalities in New Jersey, and study certain derived information. The purpose of the visualization is to make data from the gang survey easily and universally accessible through some engaging visual display, to facilitate seamless exploration of the data, and to thus foster discourse on the data among experts and the general public. In order to achieve these goals, bubble charts, enhanced by various interactive devices, are proposed as the fundamental visualization technique used in the software design. The resulting interactive visualization software can be accessed on one of Seton Hall University’s WEB servers and runs in the user’s WEB browser.
Patient Satisfaction and Healthcare Utilization Using Telemedicine in Liver Transplant Recipients

Post-liver transplantation care is limited to tertiary care centers. Concentration at expert centers leads to high-volume clinics with long wait times and decreased accessibility. To assess whether telemedicine can be utilized to overcome barriers to care while sustaining strong patient–physician relationships. The Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18, Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire, and Health Utilization Questionnaire were used to assess patient satisfaction and healthcare utilization among patients who received care via video connection (telemedicine group) and in clinic (control group). Propensity matching was performed. Scores for questionnaires were reported as mean and standard deviations (SD) and were compared by one-way multivariate analysis of variance and one-way analysis of variance. There were 21 matched telemedicine patients in our study. Overall mean age (± SD) was 51 (± 5.62) years and 52 (± 6.12) years for telemedicine group and control group, respectively. General patient satisfaction was similar between the two groups (p = 0.89). While telemedicine patients were just as satisfied with communication and interpersonal approach compared to clinic patients, they experienced significantly less commute (p < 0.0001) and waiting (p < 0.0001) times. Given ease of using telemedicine without compromising patient–physician interaction, 90% (19/21) of the telemedicine patients opted to use the service again. Telemedicine appeared to be both a time and cost-saving alternative to clinic follow-up without compromise of the valuable patient–physician relationship. Telemedicine has the potential to improve clinic flow, reduce wait times, and decrease costs for liver transplant recipients.