cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Visualization of Human Telomerase Localization by Fluorescence Microscopy Techniques

Human telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) that synthesizes DNA repeats at the ends of chromosomes and maintains telomere length and genome stability. The enzyme comprises telomerase RNA (hTR) (which provides the template for telomere addition) and several protein subunits, including telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) (the catalytic component). Intracellular trafficking of the enzyme has emerged as an important factor in the regulation of telomerase activity. Telomerase trafficking between nuclear Cajal bodies (proposed sites of telomerase biogenesis and regulation) and telomeres (sites of action) is regulated by the cell cycle in concordance with telomere synthesis during S phase. Here, we describe fluorescence microscopy approaches to visualize the subcellular localization of the essential RNA component of hTR relative to Cajal bodies and telomeres in cultured human cells. These methods include fluorescence in situ hybridization (to detect hTR and telomeric DNA) and immunofluorescence (IF) (to detect Cajal bodies and telomere-binding proteins). Because telomerase localization to telomeres is normally restricted to S phase, we also describe methods to synchronize and analyze cells within this phase of the cell cycle.
Preparation of Hazardous and Complex Samples for Ecological Testing

Releases of complex mixtures into the environment can result in significant adverse ecological effects. These mixtures are often gaseous, liquid, or solid wastes from energy and industrial processes such as coal combustion and the manufacture of textiles. They may be the result of a single chemical or combustion process or a mixture of two or more waste streams generated by a facility. Some effluents may have undergone various levels of waste treatment before release. Of concern are those which are released into the environment in sufficient quantities to have a potential for adverse ecological effects.
Evaluation of a transitional care pharmacist intervention in a high-risk cardiovascular patient population

Purpose The utility of a transitions-of-care (TOC) pharmacist intervention focused on improving the quality and safety of the medication process for high-risk cardiovascular patients was evaluated. Methods A quality-improvement initiative was developed for patients with heart failure or acute coronary syndrome followed longitudinally at a hospital’s outpatient cardiovascular clinic. The TOC pharmacist intervention occurred either before a patient’s outpatient cardiovascular clinic appointment or during a hospitalization. The major outcome analyzed was the number of unplanned hospital readmissions within 30 days. Additional endpoints evaluated included the time to healthcare utilization, number of medication discrepancies identified, percentage of therapeutic recommendations accepted by a provider, number of medication access issues resolved, patient cost savings, patient satisfaction, and mean time spent on an intervention by the pharmacist per patient encounter. Results A total of 118 patients received the TOC pharmacist intervention. A total of 516 medication discrepancies were identified and corrected, with 55.6% of discrepancies involving cardiovascular medications. A total of 244 recommendations for therapeutic optimization were provided, with an 81% provider acceptance rate and a 100% patient satisfaction rate. Fifty-five patients were provided with medication cost savings, and medication-access issues were resolved for 8 patients. A TOC pharmacist spent means of 98 and 73 minutes on patient education and coordination of care during inpatient and ambulatory encounters, respectively. The 30-day hospital readmission rate for patients with heart failure was reduced by 20%. Conclusion A TOC pharmacist intervention improved the quality and safety of care across both inpatient and ambulatory settings for high-risk cardiovascular patients at our institution.
Neuropsychological aspects of epilepsy.

Carefully planned neuropsychological assessment in epilepsy often results in the identification of impairment in brain functions. This impairment impacts both emotional adjustment and everyday functioning. Measures of abilities and adjustment are shown to be relevant in various degrees to variables pertaining to seizure history. The barbiturates have limited but important negative effects on neuropsychological abilities; however, convincing cognitive differences among other medications have not been demonstrated.
Preliminary Assessment of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles on Wind Energy Markets

This report examines a measure that may potentially reduce oil use and also more than proportionately reduce carbon emissions from vehicles. The authors present a very preliminary analysis of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that can be charged from or discharged to the grid. These vehicles have the potential to reduce gasoline consumption and carbon emissions from vehicles, as well as improve the viability of renewable energy technologies with variable resource availability. This paper is an assessment of the synergisms between plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and wind energy. The authors examine two bounding cases that illuminate this potential synergism.
The association between fracture rates and neighborhood characteristics in Washington, DC, children

Background Effects of neighborhood contextual features have been found for many diseases, including bone fractures in adults. Our study objective was to evaluate the association between neighborhood characteristics and pediatric bone fracture rates. We hypothesized that neighborhood indices of deprivation would be associated with higher fracture rates. Materials and Methods Pediatric bone fracture cases treated at a tertiary, academic, urban pediatric emergency department between 2003 and 2006 were mapped to census block groups using geographical information systems software. Fracture rates were calculated as fractures per 1000 children in each census block. Exploratory factor analysis of socioeconomic indicators was performed using 2000 census block data. Factor scores were used to predict odds of bone fracture at the individual level while adjusting for mean age, sex composition, and race/ethnicity composition at census block level using our sample data. Results We analyzed 3764 fracture visits in 3557 patients representing 349 distinct census blocks groups. Fracture rates among census blocks ranged from 0 to 207 per 1000 children/study period. Logistic regression modeling identified 2 factors (race/education and large families) associated with increased fracture risk. Census variables reflecting African American race, laborer/service industry employment, long-term block group residence, and lower education levels strongly loaded on the race/education factor. The large families factor indicated the children-to-families ratio within the block group. The poverty factor was not independently associated with fracture risk. Conclusions Thus, neighborhood characteristics are associated with risk for fractures in children. These results can help inform translational efforts to develop targeted strategies for bone fracture prevention in children.
Utilization and Perceptions of Drop-in Center Services Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness.

Drop-in centers offer a range of services to assist unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness, but little is known about their perceptions of drop-in centers or use of different services. A random sample of 273 youth experiencing homelessness in the Los Angeles area who had ever used a drop-in center was surveyed. Most youth heard about local drop-in centers from peers (65.1%). They generally reported positive perceptions of the drop-in center environment, staff, and clients; overall, 57.8% were “very” or “extremely” satisfied with the services they had received. Nearly all youth cited basic services (e.g., food, showers, clothes) as a reason they went to drop-in centers; far fewer reported going to obtain higher-level services (e.g., case management). Perceptions and utilization did not differ by sexual orientation; however, non-white youth were more likely than Whites to use drop-in centers for certain higher-level services. Strategies for engaging youth in drop-in center services are discussed.
Synthesis and characterization of the novel antiferromagnet LaNiB3O7

Abstract We present the synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of the novel borate LaNiB3O7 – the first magnetically ordered compound reported in the CaAlB3O7 structure type. This material is made of alternating sheets of corner-sharing borate tetrahedra and planes of La and Ni ions, with distorted nickel oxide [NiO6] octahedra and lanthanum oxide [LaO10] polyhedra. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility data reveal dominantly antiferromagnetic interactions and an antiferromagnetic transition with a Neel temperature of 19 K, confirmed by specific heat data. The magnetic moment per nickel ion is 3.06 μB. This compound uncovers a new family of rare-earth transition-metal borates to probe for magnetic interactions.
The politics of quality reforms and the challenges for SDGs in education

Abstract Understanding the politics of education reform is crucial to assess the challenges facing the SDG of quality education. This article surveys the small academic literature on the politics of reform as well as a wide range of empirical research on reform experiences across the world, with an emphasis on recent reforms in Latin America. We focus on teacher policy reforms, which play a central role in raising learning in primary and secondary schools, but pose three special challenges. First, they are contentious, often threatening the institutional interests of well-organized and politically powerful teacher unions. Second, implementation is opaque, as impact depends on classroom-level change that is difficult for reformers to monitor. And, third, benefits are long-term, usually well beyond the political tenure of reform champions. A close review of all major stakeholders – teacher unions, business, NGOs, religious authorities, international development agencies, and others – is a crucial first step to understanding potential sources of opposition and support. Strategic issues in policy design and implementation include: consultation, sequencing, compensation, negotiation, communication, and sustaining reforms.
Transient Stability Assessment of Multi-Machine Multi-Converter Power Systems

Transmission faults caused by recent wildfires in California have induced the disconnection of utility-scale converters in photovoltaic (PV) power plants. Postmortem investigations reported that tripping commands were caused by phase-locked loops (PLLs) and dc-side dynamics, which are typically unmodeled in classical transient stability studies. Since existing simulation packages rely on simplified models that neglect these dynamics, they have a limited capability to predict converter behavior during faults. To address this shortcoming, we set forth a positive-sequence model for PV power plants that is derived from physics and controls first principles. As seen on utility-scale three-phase converters, the model includes PLLs, dc-side dynamics, and closed-loop controllers. Instances of the developed model are integrated into illustrative power systems containing conventional generators. Numerical simulations of the obtained multi-machine multi-converter power systems are assessed via a suitable set of stability and performance metrics.
Risk awareness and the user experience

Although technology vendors prefer customers use their products according to pre-planned use cases, incorporating misleading user interfaces and crafting questionable decision points for users can induce them to make low-information decisions that may adversely impact their cybersecurity or operational postures. This Insight and accompanying presentation briefly offer industry-informed analysis and guidance on the professional and operational elements necessary to help overcome such issues to help users make more informed decisions about their digital well-being.
Inorganic Fluorescent Nanomaterials

Optical imaging is a noninvasive imaging technology to visualize the specific biological processes by detecting the emissive photons under external energy excitation. In particular, inorganic nanomaterials have attracted great attention as exogenous fluorescent probes for optical imaging due to their superiority in imaging sensitivity, systemic circulation, target specificity, and versatility in chemical design for theranostic purposes. This book chapter comprehensively summarizes the recent advances in inorganic fluorescent nanomaterials, including quantum dots, upconversion, metal nanoclusters, and carbon-based and silicon-based nanomaterials. It will be reviewed in detail the fluorescence mechanism of the nanomaterials based on their optical excitations, the current utility in high-resolution (preclinical) in vivo imaging, and the underlying issues for future clinical translations.
Water insecurity potentially undermines dietary diversity of children aged 6–23 months: Evidence from India

Dietary diversity is a crucial pathway to child nutrition; lack of diversity may deprive children of critical macro and micronutrients. Though water along with hygiene and sanitation is a known driver of child undernutrition, a more direct role of household water in shaping dietary diversity remains unexplored. Existing literature provides a sound theoretical basis to expect that water could affect dietary diversity among young children. Here, we test the proposition that suboptimal household access to water and low regional water availability associate with lower dietary diversity among young children. Using the nationally representative 2015-2016 India Demographic and Health Survey data, we conducted a probit analysis on the sample of 69,841 children aged 6-23 months to predict the probability that a child achieves minimum standards of dietary diversity (MDD). After controlling for relevant socioeconomic and gender-related covariates, we found that children in household with suboptimal household water access were two percentage points less likely to achieve MDD, when compared with those from households with optimal water access. Children in high water availability regions had nine percentage points greater probability of achieving MDD compared with children from low water availability regions, accounting for household water access. As dietary diversity is central to nutrition, establishing the role of water access in shaping early childhood dietary diversity broadens the framework on how household material poverty shapes child malnutrition-independent of sanitation and hygiene pathways. This provides additional window for nutrition planning and intervention wherein water-based strategies can be leveraged in multiple ways.
Targeting E. coli invasion of the blood–brain barrier for investigating the pathogenesis and therapeutic development of E. coli meningitis

Escherichia coli is the most common Gram-negative bacillary organism causing neonatal meningitis. Escherichia coli meningitis remains an important cause of mortality and morbidity, but the pathogenesis of E. coli penetration of the blood-brain barrier remains incompletely understood. Escherichia coli entry into the brain occurs in the meningeal and cortex capillaries, not in the choroid plexus, and exploits epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) for invasion of the blood-brain barrier. The present study examined whether EGFR and CysLTs are inter-related in their contribution to E. coli invasion of the blood-brain barrier and whether counteracting EGFR and CysLTs is a beneficial adjunct to antibiotic therapy of E. coli meningitis. We showed that (a) meningitis isolates of E. coli exploit EGFR and CysLTs for invasion of the blood-brain barrier, (b) the contribution of EGFR is upstream of that of CysLTs, and (c) counteracting EGFR and CysLTs as an adjunctive therapy improved the outcome (survival, neuronal injury and memory impairment) of animals with E. coli meningitis. These findings suggest that investigation of host factors contributing to E. coli invasion of the blood-brain barrier will help in enhancing the pathogenesis and development of new therapeutic targets for E. coli meningitis in the era of increasing resistance to conventional antibiotics.
CIRN Quantitative Coastal Imaging Toolbox

Abstract The Coastal Imaging Research Network (CIRN)’s Quantitative Coastal Imaging Toolbox is a collection of MATLAB scripts to produce georectified images specifically tailored for quantitative analysis of coastal environments. The repository contains scripts that perform end-to-end georectification of oblique imagery from land-based multi/single-camera stations or stationary Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The toolbox produces georectified frames, ensemble statistical products, and subsampled pixel collections for optical wave, current and bathymetric inversion analyses. While experts have employed similar scripts operationally for years, this toolbox is for photogrammetry novices. Illustrative example scripts with demonstrative data teach fundamentals and can be easily transitioned to operational processing.
Phase-driven interaction of widely separated nonlinear Schrödinger solitons

We show that, for the one-dimensional cubic NLS equation, widely separated equal amplitude in-phase solitons attract and opposite-phase solitons repel. Our result gives an exact description of the evolution of the two solitons valid until the solitons have moved a distance comparable to the logarithm of the initial separation. Our method does not use the inverse scattering theory and should be applicable to nonintegrable equations with local nonlinearities that support solitons with exponentially decaying tails. The result is presented as a special case of a general framework which also addresses, for example, the dynamics of single solitons subject to external forces.
The Evolutionary Conserved SWI/SNF Subunits ARID1A and ARID1B Are Key Modulators of Pluripotency and Cell-Fate Determination

Organismal development is a process that requires a fine-tuned control of cell fate and identity, through timely regulation of lineage-specific genes. These processes are mediated by the concerted action of transcription factors and protein complexes that orchestrate the interaction between cis-regulatory elements (enhancers, promoters) and RNA Polymerase II to elicit transcription. A proper understanding of these dynamics is essential to elucidate the mechanisms underlying developmental diseases. Many developmental disorders, such as Coffin-Siris Syndrome, characterized by growth impairment and intellectual disability are associated with mutations in subunits of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeler complex, which is an essential regulator of transcription. ARID1B and its paralog ARID1A encode for the two largest, mutually exclusive, subunits of the complex. Mutations in ARID1A and, especially, ARID1B are recurrently associated with a very wide array of developmental disorders, suggesting that these two SWI/SNF subunits play an important role in cell fate decision. In this mini-review we therefore discuss the available scientific literature linking ARID1A and ARID1B to cell fate determination, pluripotency maintenance, and organismal development.
Conducting Evaluations Using Multiple Trials

This paper reviews the use of multiple trials in evaluating social programs. We define multiple trials to include both conducting evaluations in multiple sites concurrently and replications, where the intervention is replicated in one or more sites after the initial evaluation. After defining key terms, the paper discusses the rationales for conducting multiple trials, which include increasing sample size to increase statistical power; identifying the most effective program design; increasing external validity; and learning how various factors affect program impact. The paper discusses reasons why program design varies across sites, including adaptations to local environment and participant characteristics and a lack of fidelity to the program design. The issue of program fidelity, or uniformity, is complex, and the paper discusses why programs vary across sites and when it is desirable to maintain consistency and when variation should be permitted. Distinctions are drawn between evaluations of pilots and demonstrations versus ongoing programs, as well as programs where variation is permitted or encouraged versus when a fixed design is desired. The paper then discusses how multiple trials can be used to learn more about the implications of participant and place heterogeneity. The paper includes illustrations drawn from randomized controlled trial evaluations of demonstrations and ongoing programs and explains how decisions about the use of multiple trials should be built into initial evaluation designs and modified as results are obtained.
Féminité hybride, féminité dansée : performances de genres et oralité dans Bande de Filles et Divines

The Parisian banlieue is often represented in cinema (in movies such as La Haine) and considered by academic literature (Austin, Fredette) as a space of hypermasculinity. However, in her analysis o...
Revisions to a patient presentations curricula informed by longitudinal evaluation of student confidence.

Abstract Background and purpose Presentation of patient cases to a preceptor is a complex skill taught throughout the pharmacy curriculum. However, published literature to guide instruction on this skill is lacking. The objective of this project was to inform revisions to a patient presentations curriculum through measurement and evaluation of student confidence to perform skills necessary to effectively present a patient case to a preceptor. Educational activity and setting A patient presentations to pharmacy preceptor curriculum was implemented into a pharmacotherapy skills laboratory course. Students were invited to complete three surveys over the course of the semester to evaluate areas for improvement in the teaching of this skill. Surveys measured student confidence in ability to identify and present relevant components within an electronic health record, identify and resolve drug-related problems, and communicate effectively during a patient presentation (34 items, 7-point Likert type scale). Survey results were analyzed, and instructional interventions were identified and designed. Findings Student confidence to present a patient to a pharmacy preceptor improved over the semester. Four interventions were designed and implemented to address five low self-reported student confidence items. Interventions included creation of large-group discussions, standardization of student feedback, and revision of a lab to limit student preparation time. Survey data revealed students understood the importance of evaluating patient cases and agreed these skills are applicable to multiple practice settings. Summary Based on student confidence data, areas for improvement in a patient presentations curriculum were identified, allowing for implementation of instructional interventions that targeted specific performance items.
Association of antenatal steroids with surfactant administration in moderate preterm infants born to women with diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension.

BACKGROUND Randomized trials of antenatal steroid administration (ANS) for extreme or moderate preterm pregnancies excluded women with diabetes mellitus (DM) and included few with preeclampsia. METHODS Cohort study (n = 1,813) including moderate preterm births [290/7-336/7wks' gestational age GA)] before (Epoch-1) and after (Epoch-2) expansion of ANS administration to women with hypertensive disorders (HTN) and/or DM. We compared surfactant administration in Group-1 (neither HTN nor DM), Group-2a (HTN not DM), Group-2b (DM not HTN) and Group-2c (DM and HTN). RESULTS Surfactant administration was less frequent after ANS in Group-1 [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31, 0.93, P = 0.03], Group-2a (aOR 0.36, CI 0.22, 0.58, P < 0.001) and Group-2c (aOR 0.29, CI 0.12, 0.71, P = 0.007) but not Group-2b (P = 0.64). CONCLUSIONS ANS administration was independently associated with less surfactant administration in moderately preterm neonates whose mothers had neither HTN nor DM, and those with HTN, but not those with DM without HTN.
Halomethyl-metal compounds : LXII. Preparation of diiodomethyl-metal compounds

Abstract The reagents CHI 2 MGCl, CHI 2 Li, Me 3 SiCI 2 Li, CH 3 CI 2 Li and Me 3 SnCI 2 MgCI have been used to prepare Me 3 SnCHI 2 , CH 2 CHCH 2 CHI 2 , Me 3 SiCI 2 CH 3 , (Me 3 Si) 2 CI 2 and (Me 3 Sn) 2 CI 2 .
Family Choice: An Idea Whose Time Has Come and Gone?

Educational vouchers are written or authorized certificates issued by a unit of government. They provide parents with the authorization to pay for their child's education at the school of their choice. Under a voucher system, parents choose schools according to their beliefs about the type of education they desire for their child and their perception of an individual school's quality. The school redeems the voucher by sending or returning it to the government unit in return for a predetermined dollar amount. Under this system, government support of education flows only to those schools to which parents have decided to send their children. The heart of the criticism of the existing educational system is the feeling that public schools no longer meet the needs of society, educational bureaucracies account to no one, parents have little say or choice in the educational options for their children, there is little diversity in public schools, and the public school establishment has resisted any attempts at reform or distributing data that could be used to challenge the present system.
Bacteriophage P2 late promoters: II. Comparison of the four late promoter sequences

The late genes of bacteriophage P2 are clustered into four transcription units. We have reported the transcription initiation sites for two of the late messenger RNAs, encoding genes QP and ONMLKRS. We have now located the 5' ends of the two remaining late mRNAs. The first gene in the VJHG transcription unit has been located by DNA sequence determination of the single nucleotide change in a V amber mutant. Location of the first gene in the FETUD transcription unit has been inferred from the DNA sequence. The 5' ends of the mRNAs for these two transcription units were located by protection of end-labeled restriction fragments in RNA-DNA hybrids from digestion with nuclease S1. Similar protection of hybrids using RNA that had been 5' end-labeled with [alpha-32P]GTP and guanylyl transferase confirmed that these 5' termini resulted from initiation of transcription. The DNA sequences preceding the P2 late transcription starts are different from the Escherichia coli promoter consensus sequences at -10 and -35, consistent with the apparent requirement for phage-encoded proteins in the regulation of P2 late gene expression. The four P2 late promoters do share sequence homologies in the -10 and -35 regions, however, and several additional homologies further upstream. P2 late gene expression also appears to involve negative regulation by a product of the ONMLKRS gene cluster. When cells are infected with P2 polar O amber mutants, a marked increase in the levels of proteins encoded by the other three gene clusters is observed. This increase is reflected in the amounts of late mRNAs, suggesting that RNA synthesis is normally repressed or that late mRNAs are more labile in the presence of a gene product from the ONMLKRS transcription unit. Satellite phage P4 induced P2 late gene expression without the usual requirement for P2 DNA replication. The 5' ends of the P2 late mRNAs are the same during P4 transactivation as during normal P2 late gene expression. Thus, the regulation of P2 late gene expression by P4 does not involve altered promoter selection.
Genistein reverses diminished T-cell signal transduction, induced by post-menopausal estrogen levels.

PROBLEM This study addressed the ability of genistein to reverse the loss of T-cell signaling components, induced by estrogen deficiency associated with aging. METHOD OF STUDY Using Jurkat 6.1 T cells, genistein regulation of CD3zeta, JAK3, and NFkappaB was analysed by Western immunoblotting at 4 or 40 pg/mL (post- and pre-menopausal levels, respectively) estradiol (E(2)). Corresponding gene expressions were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). For functionality, levels of IL-2 were correlated with its transcription by RT-PCR. RESULTS At 4 pg/mL E(2), signaling proteins were decreased compared with 40 pg/mL: CD3zeta, 1.58-fold; JAK3, 1.75-fold; and NFkappaB, 1.73-fold (P < 0.001). Genistein, at 0.5 and 5.0 microm, added to 4 pg/mL E(2) induced their expression to 40 pg/mL levels. While significantly diminished IL-2 mRNA levels were observed at 4 pg/mL E(2), genistein induced IL-2 mRNA to 40 pg/mL levels. CONCLUSION Genistein restores CD3zeta, NFkappaB and JAK3 proteins and mRNAs at post-meonopausal estrogen levels, in vitro, with no significant effect at pre-menopausal estrogen levels.
Propeller modulation effects on a scanning beam microwave landing system

An investigation to assess the modulation effects on microwave signals transmitted through rotating propeller blades. Interruption of the antenna line-of-sight signal by the rotating propeller causes a variation of path loss, which produces essentially an amplitude modulation of the received signal. This interruption or blockage effect is generally only partial because of edge diffraction around the particular interfering propeller blade. Signals reflected from the rotating propeller will also cause Doppler frequency shifts to be present in the received signals. A scanning beam microwave landing system (MLS) known as MODILS (modular instrument landing system) was used to process the received signals for display. The effects of propeller modulation were studied by varying the following parameters: (1) spacing between propeller and receiving antenna, (2) propeller dimensions, (3) propeller speed (rpm), (4) number of propeller blades, (5) system data rate, (6) receiver response time, and (7) receiver antenna aperture.
A Novel Touchscreen-Based Authentication Scheme Using Static and Dynamic Hand Biometrics

With the booming of smart phone and high-speed wireless networks in recent years, applications and data have been shifting from desktop to mobile devices at a vigorous pace. Although mobile computing provides great convenience in daily life, it becomes vulnerable to various types of emerging attacks. User authentication plays an indispensable role in protecting computer systems and applications, but the development of touch screen hardware and user habit change post requirements for new authentication methods for mobile and tablets devices. In this paper, we present a robust user authentication scheme using both static and dynamic features of touch gestures. We take advantage of the pressure sensitivity of multi-touch screens to obtain irreproducible biometric patterns. Discriminative features such as distance, angle, and pressure are extracted from the touch-point data, and used in statistical analysis for verification. We tested our scheme in a variety of experiments that involved multiple volunteers to perform various gestures. The analysis of experimental results and user feedback indicate the proposed scheme delivers comprehensive measurements and accurate pattern classification for touch gestures. Based on these results, we conclude that the proposed scheme overcomes the limitations of the existing user authentication methods, and shows great potential to provide robust protection against unauthorized access.
X10: concurrent programming for modern architectures

Two major trends are converging to reshape the landscape of concurrent object-oriented programming languages. First, trends in modern architectures (multi-core, accelerators, high performance clusters such as Blue Gene) are making concurrency and distribution inescapable for large classes of OO programmers. Second, experience with first-generation concurrent OO languages (e.g. Java threads and synchronization) have revealed several drawbacks of unstructured threads with lock-based synchronization. X10 is a second generation OO language designed to address both programmer productivity and parallel performance for modern architectures. It extends the sequential Java programming language with a handful of constructs for concurrency and distribution: a clustered address space (with global data-structures) to deal with distribution; lightweight asynchrony to deal with massive parallelism; recursive fork-join parallelism for structured concurrency; termination detection for sequencing, and atomic blocks for mutual exclusion. Additionally, it introduces a rich framework for constraint-based dependent types (and annotations) in OO languages. Specifically, the framework is useful for statically specifying the shape of various data-structures (e.g. multidimensional arrays) and the location of objects and distribution of arrays in the clustered address space. X10 is being developed jointly with several colleagues (at IBM and elsewhere) as part of the DARPA-IBM high performance computing project, PERCS. X10 is being developed under the Eclipse open-source licence. A first implementation of the language is available at http://x10. sf.net. It compiles X10 source programs to Java class files and calls to a runtime. A distributed implementation suitable for clusters is currently under development. This material is based upon work supported by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency under its Agreement No. HR0011-07-9-0002.
Natural disasters and the economy: some recent experiences from Southeast Asia

type="main"> This paper uses recent examples of natural disasters from Southeast Asia to illustrate some important arguments discussed in the literature on natural disasters and the economy. First, the severity of the consequences of disasters depends not only on the natural hazards, but also on societal factors. Second, the effects of the disasters on physical and human capital could go far beyond the directly observable loss of properties and lives. Third, disasters could have positive long-term consequences if they lead to a change in the total factor productivity of the economy. Fourth, the effects of disasters could spread beyond the country of origin, naturally and economically. Finally, assistance from the government provides implicit insurance that could crowd out private insurance, but the failures of the government in dealing with recent catastrophic disasters may help reduce the extent of this effect.
Vadose zone infiltration rate at Hanford, Washington, inferred from Sr isotope measurements

[i] Sr isotope ratios were measured in the pore water, acid extracts, and sediments of a 70-m vadose zone core to obtain estimates of the long-term infiltration flux for a site in the Hanford/DOE complex in eastern Washington State. The 8 7 Sr/ 8 6 Sr values for the pore waters decrease systematically with depth, from a high value of 0.721 near the surface toward the bulk sediment average value of 0.711. Estimates of the bulk weathering rate combined with Sr isotopic data were used to constrain the long-term (century to millenial scale) natural diffuse infiltration flux for the site given both steady state and nonsteady state conditions. The models suggest that the infiltration flux for the site is 7 ′ 3 mm/yr. The method shows potential for providing long-term in situ estimates of infiltration rates for deep heterogeneous vadose zones.
Irradiance co-spectrum analysis: Tools for decision support and technological planning

Abstract Understanding fluctuations of irradiance across spatio-temporal scales is crucial for improving solar resource forecasting and evaluating co-production strategies for solar-fossil power technologies. We show that irradiance can be coupled across spatial and temporal coordinates, for regional analyses of short-term (less than 12 h) and long-term (intra-seasonal) variability as well as inter-site regional coherency and phase behavior. Downwelling shortwave solar irradiance data (DWS; 3-min averaging) is used for a three-year period from 2007 to 2009. Six USA sites are selected from the Integrated Surface Irradiance Study (ISIS) and Surface Radiation (SURFRAD) budget network. Power spectral density is used to analyze the short term and long term variations in DWS. To assess the long-term variations, the data is analyzed in seasonal periods: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Additionally, the cospectra are evaluated to compare the regional variation between sites. The inter-site coherency and phase analysis allows geographic correlation of the solar resource variability to be evaluated. The three pairs of locations include a mid-continent region: Fort Peck, MT with Bismarck, ND; a mid-Atlantic region: Rock Springs, PA with Sterling, VA; and a southwest region: Desert Rock, NV with Hanford, CA. Results indicate that understanding long-term aperiodic oscillations are useful to optimize the co-production of solar/fossil power technologies via slow ramping solutions. Seasonal analysis of short term variations (
The cellular ionic basis of hypertension and allied clinical conditions

Abstract Two central concepts of human hypertensive disease remain poorly understood: (1) elevated blood pressure as merely one component of an underlying systemic condition, characterized by multiple defects in diverse tissues (eg, "Syndrome X"), and (2) the heterogeneity of hypertension, in which different and even opposite clinical responses to different dietary and drug therapies are routinely observed among equally hypertensive subjects. To help explain these clinical phenomena, a unifying "ionic hypothesis" is proposed, in which steady-state elevations of cytosolic free calcium and suppressed intracellular free magnesium levels, characteristic features of all hypertension, concomitantly alter the function of many tissues. In blood vessels this causes vasoconstriction, arterial stiffness, and/or hypertension; in the heart, cardiac hypertrophy; in platelets, increased aggregation and thrombosis; in fat and skeletal muscle, insulin resistance; in pancreatic beta cells, other endocrine tissues, and sympathetic neurons, potentiated stimulus-secretion coupling resulting in hyperinsulinemia, increased sympathetic nerve activity, and so on. Furthermore, an analysis of cellular biochemical, dietary-nutrient, and hormonal factors that normally regulate steady-state levels of these intracellular ions suggests an ionic equivalent to Laragh's volume-vasoconstriction analysis of hypertension. This provides a cellular-based explanation for the heterogeneity of hypertension and a rational basis for individualizing dietary and drug recommendations among different hypertensive subjects. Copyright © 1999 by W.B. Saunders Company Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases , Vol. 42, No. 1 (July/August), 1999: pp 1-22
A nondenatured, noncrosslinked collagen matrix to deliver stem cells to the heart

Aims: Stem cell transplantation holds promise as a therapeutic approach for the repair of damaged myocardial tissue. One challenge of this approach is efficient delivery and long-term retention of the stem cells. Although several synthetic and natural biomaterials have been developed for this purpose, the ideal formulation has yet to be identified. Materials & methods: Here we investigate the utility of a nondenatured, noncrosslinked, commercially available natural biomaterial (TissueMend® [TEI Biosciences, Boston, MA, USA]) for delivery of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to the murine heart. Results: We found that MSCs attached, proliferated and migrated within and out of the TissueMend matrix in vitro. Human MSCs delivered to damaged murine myocardium via the matrix (2.3 × 104 ± 0.8 × 104 CD73+ cells/matrix) were maintained in vivo for 3 weeks and underwent at least three population doublings during that period (21.9 × 104 ± 14.4 × 104 CD73+ cells/matrix). In addition, collagen within the TissueMend...
Nonoptimal high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels are highly prevalent in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes and well-controlled low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

Background Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease. For this study, nonoptimal HDL-C is defined as less than 40 mg/dL for male patients and less than 50 mg/dL for female patients. Even when low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-HDL-C goals are met, significant risk for subsequent cardiovascular events remains in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Objective This study is a prospective, observational study to determine the prevalence of low HDL-C levels in 250 consecutive patients presenting with ACS who have well-controlled LDL-C levels. Methods This was an institutional review board-approved, prospective, observational study in which we evaluated consecutive patients admitted to the adult general cardiology service with a diagnosis of ACS. Results One hundred nine (44%) patients had LDL-C levels less than 100 mg/dL on admission. Of those patients, 90 (83%) had a nonoptimal HDL-C. Interestingly, a majority of patients, 94 (86%), had non-HDL-C levels at target. At discharge, approximately one half of eligible patients were started on therapy to increase their HDL-C levels. Conclusion In conclusion, nonoptimal HDL-C levels are highly prevalent in patients presenting with ACS and reasonably controlled LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels.
Effects of the mosquito larvicide GB-1111 on bird eggs

Golden Bear Oil (GB-1111; legal trade name for GB-1313) is a petroleum distillate used in the United States and other countries as a mosquito larvicide. As part of an evaluation of the potential effects of GB-1111 on birds, fertile eggs of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) were incubated in the laboratory, and treated on day 4 of incubation with external applications equivalent to either 0, 1/3, 1, 3 or 10 times the maximum rate (X) of 47 l/ha (5 gal/A) of field application of GB-1111. Hatching success was significantly reduced in mallards treated at 3 and 10 times the maximum field application, with a calculated approximate LD50 of 1.9 times the maximum field application. Most mortality occurred within a week of treatment. Hepatic P450-associated monooxygenase activity (ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase; EROD) was negatively related to dose. In the 3X group there was a significant increase in the concentration of hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) but a decrease in protein-bound thiols (PBSH). Hatching success of bobwhite was marginally reduced at the highest level of treatment (10X). Other effects at this level in bobwhite included a significant increase in incidence of abnormal embryos or hatchlings, lower body and liver weights, and a two-fold increase in hepatic microsomal EROD activity in hatchlings. The recommended maximum rate of field application of GB-1111 is unlikely to impair the survival or development of bobwhite embryos but is potentially toxic to mallard embryos under conditions of larvicide drift or spray overlap.
The clinical therapeutic implications of the Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Study

This analysis of the Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Study (4S) describes how the design, implementation, and results answer most questions or concerns of practicing physicians regarding practicality and advantages of blood cholesterol-lowering drug intervention in patients who already have coronary artery disease. The results demonstrated that a drug with the safety and efficacy profile of simvastatin, utilized as it would be in a physician's office, can improve mortality and morbidity in patients with existing coronary disease without important side effects, and reduce hospitalizations for patients with coronary heart disease.
Delayed coronary angioplasty after thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction

Abstract The role for and timing of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) after thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains controversial. Three large randomized trials 1–3 have demonstrated no benefit from PTCA performed within 48 hours of thrombolysis. Delayed PTCA performed after 48 hours has not been as carefully studied. Some advocate its use only for patients with evidence of recurrent ischemia. 3 In patients with unstable angina and angiographically evident intracoronary thrombus, delaying PTCA until after a course of anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy has improved PTCA success and reduced thromboembolic coronary occlusion. 4 Whether delaying PTCA after thrombolysis for AMI produces similar benefits is unknown. We report our experience with delayed PTCA performed after thrombolysis for AMI.
Adolescent Civic Engagement and Adult Outcomes: An Examination Among Urban Racial Minorities

Civic engagement in adolescence is encouraged because it is hypothesized to promote better civic, social, and behavioral outcomes. However, few studies have examined the effects of civic engagement on youth development over time. In particular, the long-term association between adolescent civic engagement and development among racial minority youth who are exposed to high levels of risk factors is understudied. Using data from the Chicago Longitudinal Study (CLS; N = 854; 56.6 % were female; 93 % were African Americans and 7 % were Latinos), this study examined the associations between civic engagement in adolescence and outcomes during emerging adulthood among racial minority youth. Regression analyses found that civic engagement in adolescence is related to higher life satisfaction, civic participation, and educational attainment, and is related to lower rates of arrest in emerging adulthood. The findings suggest that adolescent civic engagement is most impactful in affecting civic and educational outcomes in emerging adulthood. The present study contributes to the literature by providing support for the long-term associations between adolescent civic engagement and multiple developmental domains in adulthood among an inner-city minority cohort.
Syntheses of the 47 Electron Clusters [(Cp*Fe)3(μ3-X)2] (X = S, Se) and the First Fe/Sn/Se Heterocubane Cluster [(Cp*Fe)3(SnCl3)(μ3-Se)4]·DME by the Use of Chalcogenostannate Salts

By reacting 1-aminoethylammonium (H2NCH2CH2NH3+ = enH+) salts of [Sn2E6]4- anions (E = S, Se), [enH]4[Sn2S6] (1) and [enH]4[Sn2Se6]·en (2), with FeCl2/LiCp*, three novel (partly) oxidized, Cp* liga...
When everyone goes to college: the causal effect of college expansion on earnings.

Abstract In this study, we estimate the causal effect of college expansion on earnings using the example of South Korea in the 1990s where the college enrollment rate increased from just over thirty percent to over eighty percent over a fifteen years period. We compare the pre-expansion cohort and the post-expansion cohort in order to identify those who would attend college because of the expansion but would not attend otherwise (compliers). We, then, estimate compliers’ earnings gain from the college expansion relative to the earnings changes of two control groups: those who either would or would not go to college regardless of college expansion (always-takers and never-takers). We find a striking gendered pattern; for men, the earnings return to college expansion is moderate and mostly driven by the increasing skill price, whereas, for women, the return is significantly large even net of the skill price change.
Efficient technique for retrieving small polyps from the colon and rectum following snare polypectomy.

The use of a 4-×4-inch gauze pad at the suction port during snare colonoscopic polypectomy facilitates the retrieval of polyps. This technique is a simple, rapid, and cost-effective method of retrieving small polyps for pathologic evaluation.