cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development and testing of a new instrument to measure fluid intake, output, and urinary symptoms: the questionnaire-based voiding diary.

Objective The purpose of this study was to develop a validated self-administered questionnaire to measure fluid intake, output, behavior, and urinary symptoms. Study Design Factor analysis identified 4 subscales in the new questionnaire. Ninety-two women completed the questionnaire, comprised of a 48-hour voiding diary and the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptom-Scored form. The questionnaire was readministered after a 2-week period with no change in treatment and 2-3 months later after treatment of urinary symptoms. Results Correlation of items of the questionnaire with the 48-hour voiding diary in the 4 subscales was high ( r = 0.55, 0.74. 0.68, and 0.47; P r = 0.68 and=0.87; P Conclusion The new questionnaire is a valid and reliable means to assess fluid intake, output, behavior, and urinary symptoms.
Hardware based encryption for wireless networks

We present an encryption scheme that is based on Error Correcting Codes (ECC). This scheme has the potential for reducing hardware usage due to hardware reuse. In this scheme, instead of having separate unit for encryption and error correction, the two schemes are carried out as a single step thereby using only one unit. The scheme exploits the characteristics of the ECC, and channel for achieving secrecy. The pipelined architecture and the result of its FPGA implementation is presented. We also show that the scheme is secure against conventional attacks and has also passed randomization test.
Donor and acceptor impurity-driven switching of magnetic ordering in MnSb2−xSnxSe4

The ability to manipulate the electronic structure of the low-dimensional magnetic semiconductor MnSb2Se4via isomorphic Sn/Sb substitutions enables independent investigation of the interactions of free carriers with localized magnetic moments and their effects on the predominant magnetic ordering in the p-type MnSb2−xSnxSe4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25) semiconductors. We find a large increase in the electrical resistivity and thermopower with increasing Sn content suggesting a surprising decrease in the overall hole density. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that Sn atoms enter the structure in the 2+ oxidation state, whereas a fraction of the remaining Sb3+ partially oxidizes to Sb5+ to maintain the electroneutrality of the compound. Therefore, we attribute the drop in the hole density to electron–hole compensation processes. Interestingly, magnetic susceptibility data reveal a remarkable switching of the dominant magnetic interaction from antiferromagnetism (AFM) (x = 0) to ferromagnetism (FM) with Tc ∼ 56 K for 0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.15 samples and a reversal to AFM ordering for x > 0.15. The Sn-dependent FM interaction in MnSb2−xSnxSe4 is rationalized within the context of the formation of overlapping bound magnetic polarons (BMPs) through the interactions between the added electrons/holes and localized moments of Mn2+ magnetic ions.
Numerical studies of natural transition in a decelerating boundary layer

The laminar-turbulent transition in a decelerating flat-plate boundary layer is investigated by solving numerically the incompressible time-dependent three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations. In the early stages of the transition, two-dimensional and slightly oblique waves are found to grow because of an inflexional instability. Their subsequent nonlinear interactions trigger the breakdown and determine the pattern of the Lambda vortices. The tips of the Lambda vortices are rarely aligned in the flow direction and appear in local patches, often near the dislocation in the initial wave pattern. The observed features are accounted for by a simple wave-interference model.
Late Glacial and Holocene Glacier and Vegetation Fluctuations at Little Swift Lake, Southwestern Alaska, U.S.A

Abstract Multiproxy data from Little Swift Lake, an alpine lake in southwestern Alaska, provide evidence for pronounced late glacial and Holocene environmental change. An alpine glacier upvalley of Little Swift Lake retreated following the Younger Dryas chronozone, as evidenced by sedimentological changes in the lake record. Glacier retreat was accompanied by local and regional vegetation changes, including the expansion of Betula and contraction of Cyperaceae, in response to climatic amelioration. Warm, moist conditions between ∼9800 and 8000 cal yr B.P. supported abundant Betula shrubs and high lake and watershed productivity. Alnus rapidly expanded near Little Swift Lake while the region cooled between 8000 and 7500 cal yr B.P. Environmental changes at Little Swift Lake appear to have been roughly synchronous with similar changes elsewhere in southwestern Alaska, but late glacial and Holocene changes in other parts of Alaska were different in nature and timing. The complex spatial and temporal patterns...
Immune Correlates of Herpes Zoster in HIV-Infected Children and Youth

To identify immunologic factors that modulate the risk of herpes zoster (HZ), we compared varicella-zoster virus (VZV)-specific and nonspecific T-cell subpopulations of 47 HIV-infected children before they developed HZ with those of 141 VZV-positive HZ-negative matched controls. Compared with controls, HZ cases had lower VZV-specific CD8+ CD107a+ cell percentages independently of CD4+ percentages or HIV loads, suggesting that VZV-specific cytotoxic T cells are protective against HZ. In contrast, high nonspecific regulatory and activated T cells were associated with an increased risk of HZ.
Weight gain in pregnancy: is less truly more for mother and infant?

Summary: Although more than 50% of women gain weight above the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines for weight gain in pregnancy and excessive weight gain is an independent risk factor for significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and offspring obesity, there is little consensus over the ideal weight gain during pregnancy. Surprisingly, the 2009 IOM guidelines varied minimally from the 1990 IOM guidelines, and many critics advocate lower weight gain recommendations. This review explores the energy costs of pregnancy, the relationship between gestational weight gain and birth weight, and considers what gestational weight gain minimizes both large-for-gestational age as well as small-for-gestational age infants. An extensive examination of the current data leads this author to question whether the current weight gain recommendations are too liberal, especially for obese pregnant women.
Identification and Characterization of a Second Retinoic Acid Response Element in the Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase Gene Promoter (

A previously characterized retinoic acid response element (RARE1) in the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) gene promoter confers approximately 50% of the response of this gene to retinoic acid (RA). Transient transfection experiments were performed using constructs containing progressive 5′ deletions of the PEPCK promoter to locate other elements that contribute to the RA response. A second RARE (RARE2) was located between −402 and −306. Methylation interference and mobility gel shift assays indicated that RAR/RXR bound specifically to a segment of DNA located between −337 and −321. This region contains consensus and degenerate half-sites for receptor binding separated by 5 bp. Mutations in either half-site selectively decreased the RA response and diminished RAR/RXR binding in mobility gel shift assays. When both RARE1 and RARE2 were mutated, 80% of the RA response was lost. Finally, RARE2 conferred a RA response in a heterologous promoter context. We conclude that RAR/RXR binds to RARE2, and that this DR5-type element is a major contributor to the response of the PEPCK gene to RA.
Phased-Array Design for Biological Clutter Rejection: Simulation and Experimental Validation

Abstract This paper highlights recent results obtained with the Turbulent Eddy Profiler (TEP), which was developed by the University of Massachusetts. This unique 915-MHz radar has up to 64 spatially separated receiving elements, each with an independent receiver. The calibrated raw data provided by this array could be processed using sophisticated imaging algorithms to resolve the horizontal structures within each range gate. After collecting all of the closely spaced horizontal slices, the TEP radar can produce three-dimensional images of echo power, radial velocity, and spectral width. From the radial velocity measurements, it is possible to estimate the three-dimensional wind with high horizontal and vertical resolution. Given the flexibility of the TEP system, various array configurations are possible. In the present work exploitation of the flexibility of TEP is attempted to enhance the rejection of clutter from unwanted biological targets. From statistical studies, most biological clutter results f...
Thyroxine Distribution and Metabolism in Familial Dysalbuminemic Hyperthyroxinemia

We studied two families with familial dysalbuminemic hyperthyroxinemia (FDH), a recently described entity characterized by marked elevation of serum T4 due to increased binding of T4 to albumin. The seven affected subjects had elevated serum total T4 levels (range, 15.3-25.2 micrograms/dl; normal, 4.5-11.0 micrograms/dl), but normal serum free T4 levels, as measured by equilibrium dialysis. Their serum T3 levels ranged from 1.40-2.46 ng/ml (normal, 0.9-2.0 ng/ml). The proportion of T4 associated with serum albumin was increased approximately 4-fold in the affected subjects, as shown both by reverse flow paper electrophoresis and immunoprecipitation of albumin-bound T4 with antihuman serum albumin. In vivo T4 kinetic studies were performed in the two index subjects to assess the effects of the increased binding of T4 to albumin on the in vivo transport, distribution, and disposal of T4. Compared to values in normal subjects, the MCR of T4 was decreased by about 50%, and its total body (extrathyroidal) pool size was increased by approximately 50%; the T4 production rate was normal. The extracellular T4 pool size was increased by about 100% in the FDH subjects, but the rapidly exchangeable intracellular T4 pool size was normal. The unidirectional T4 clearance rate from plasma into the rapidly exchangeable cellular compartment was reduced by approximately 50%, but the absolute rate of T4 flux from plasma into the cellular compartment was normal. Thus, the in vivo kinetic data indicate that the increased plasma binding of T4 in FDH alters the distribution of T4 in favor of the extracellular compartment, retards the fractional rate of transfer of T4 into cells, and slows the metabolic clearance of T4. However, the absolute rate of T4 flux into the rapidly exchangeable cellular compartment, the intracellular T4 pool size, and the T4 disposal rate are all normal in FDH, consistent with the normal serum concentrations of free T4 and the eumetabolic state of these individuals.
Isolation from estuarine sediments of a Desulfovibrio strain which can grow on lactate coupled to the reductive dehalogenation of 2,4,6-tribromophenol

Strain TBP-1, an anaerobic bacterium capable of reductively dehalogenating 2,4,6-tribromophenol to phenol, was isolated from estuarine sediments of the Arthur Kill in the New York/New Jersey harbor. It is a gram-negative, motile, vibrio-shaped, obligate anaerobe which grows on lactate, pyruvate, hydrogen, and fumarate when provided sulfate as an electron acceptor. The organism accumulates acetate when grown on lactate and sulfate, contains desulfoviridin, and will not grow in the absence of NaCl. It will not utilize acetate, succinate, propionate, or butyrate for growth via sulfate reduction. When supplied with lactate as an electron donor, strain TBP-1 will utilize sulfate, sulfite, sulfur, and thiosulfate for growth but not nitrate, fumarate, or acrylate. This organism debrominates 2-, 4-, 2,4-, 2,6-, and 2,4,6-bromophenol but not 3- or 2,3-bromophenol or monobrominated benzoates. It will not dehalogenate monochlorinated, fluorinated, or iodinated phenols or chlorinated benzoates. Together with its physiological characteristics, its 16S rRNA gene sequence places it in the genus Desulfovibrio. The average growth yield of strain TBP-1 grown on a defined medium supplemented with lactate and 2,4,6-bromophenol is 3.71 mg of protein/mmol of phenol produced, and the yield was 1.42 mg of protein/mmol of phenol produced when 4-bromophenol was the electron acceptor. Average growth yields (milligrams of protein per millimole of electrons utilized) for Desulfovibrio sp. strain TBP-1 grown with 2,4,6-bromophenol, 4-bromophenol, or sulfate are 0.62, 0.71, and 1.07, respectively. Growth did not occur when either lactate or 2,4,6-bromophenol was omitted from the growth medium. These results indicate that Desulfovibrio sp. strain TBP-1 is capable of growth via halorespiration.
Models of Glucagon Secretion, Their Application to the Analysis of the Defects in Glucagon Counterregulation and Potential Extension to Approximate Glucagon Action

This review analyzes an interdisciplinary approach to the pancreatic endocrine network-like relationships that control glucagon secretion and glucagon counterregulation (GCR). Using in silico studies, we show that a pancreatic feedback network that brings together several explicit interactions between islet peptides and blood glucose reproduces the normal GCR axis and explains its impairment in diabetes. An α-cell auto-feedback loop drives glucagon pulsatility and mediates triggering of GCR by hypoglycemia by a rapid switch-off of β-cell signals. The auto-feedback explains the enhancement of defective GCR in β-cell deficiency by a switch-off of signals in the pancreas that suppress α cells. Our models also predict that reduced β-cell activity decreases and delays the GCR. A key application of our models is the in silico simulation and testing of possible scenarios to repair defective GCR in β-cell deficiency. In particular, we predict that partial suppression of hyperglucagonemia may repair the impaired GCR. We also outline how the models can be extended and tested using human data to become a part of a larger construct including the regulation of the hepatic glucose output by the pancreas, circulating glucose, and incretins. In conclusion, a model of the normal GCR control mechanisms and their dysregulation in insulin-deficient diabetes is proposed and partially validated. The model components are clinically measurable, which permits its application to the study of the abnormalities of the human endocrine pancreas and their role in the progression of many diseases, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, and others. It may also be used to examine therapeutic responses.
Audio/video databases: an object-oriented approach

The notion of an audio/video (AV) database is introduced. An AV database is a collection of AV values such as digital audio and video data and AV activities such as interconnectable components used to process AV values. Two abstraction mechanisms, temporal composition and flow composition, allow the aggregation of AV values and AV activities respectively. An object-oriented framework, incorporating an AV data model and prescribing AV database/application interaction, is described. >
A wavelength retuning scheme with no service interruption in survivable optical networks

This paper proposes a new wavelength retuning scheme in a survivable all optical WDM network. Compared with the existing wavelength retuning schemes developed for all-optical networks, which can alleviate the wavelength continuity constraint but may not avoid service interruption or data loss, the proposed scheme is able to alleviate the wavelength continuity constraint and reduce the connection blocking probability with no service interruption to the on-going traffic. This is achieved by allocating two link-disjoint routes, one for active path and one for backup path, to each incoming connection request and conducting wavelength retuning only on the backup path. An optimal backup path wavelength retuning scheme and a heuristic algorithm are developed and the performance evaluation on the proposed schemes is presented.
1-Aminocyclopropane Carboxylic Acid Shows Promise as a Chemical Thinner for Apple

The objective of these studies was to evaluate the efficacy of several con- centrations of 1-aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid (ACC) for thinning apple at the standard growth stage for chemical thinning timing and a late thinning growth stage. ACC was applied at concentrations of 0, 100, 300, or 500 mg·L L1 to 'Golden Delicious'/ Bud.9 apple trees at 10 mm or 20 mm fruit diameter. Treatments were applied to the point of drip to individual whole trees in a completely randomized design with five (2010) and six (2011) replications. When ACC was applied at 20 mm, there was a linear dose relationship between concentration and fruit thinning in both years. ACC was ineffective at 10 mm. The naturally occurring compound ACC shows potential for use as a reliable late chemical thinner for apple.
Saturation of the magnetorotational instability in the unstratified shearing box with zero net flux: convergence in taller boxes

Previous studies of the nonlinear regime of the magnetorotational instability in one particular type of shearing box model -- unstratified with no net magnetic flux -- find that without explicit dissipation (viscosity and resistivity) the saturation amplitude decreases with increasing numerical resolution. We show that this result is strongly dependent on the vertical aspect ratio of the computational domain $L_z/L_x$. When $L_z/L_x\lesssim 1$, we recover previous results. However, when the vertical domain is extended $L_z/L_x \gtrsim 2.5$, we find the saturation level of the stress is greatly increased (giving a ratio of stress to pressure $\alpha \gtrsim 0.1$), and moreover the results are independent of numerical resolution. Consistent with previous results, we find that saturation of the MRI in this regime is controlled by a cyclic dynamo which generates patches of strong toroidal field that switches sign on scales of $L_x$ in the vertical direction. We speculate that when $L_z/L_x\lesssim 1$, the dynamo is inhibited by the small size of the vertical domain, leading to the puzzling dependence of saturation amplitude on resolution. We show that previous toy models developed to explain the MRI dynamo are consistent with our results, and that the cyclic pattern of toroidal fields observed in stratified shearing box simulations (leading to the so-called butterfly diagram) may also be related. In tall boxes the saturation amplitude is insensitive to whether or not explicit dissipation is included in the calculations, at least for large magnetic Reynolds and Prandtl number. Finally, we show MRI turbulence in tall domains has a smaller critical $\rm{Pm}_c$, and an extended lifetime compared to $L_z/L_x\lesssim 1$ boxes.
Electron excitation cross sections for the 1s/sub 2/ and 1s/sub 4/ levels in Ne

The apparent and direct electron excitation cross sections of both the $1{s}_{2}$ and $1{s}_{4}$ levels of Ne are measured using laser-induced fluorescence. The experiment utilizes radiation trapping to maintain appreciable level populations. The direct excitation cross section for the $1{s}_{2}$ level has a peak value of 1.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}17}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ at 65 eV; the direct excitation cross section for the $1{s}_{4}$ level has a peak value of 8.8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}19}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ at 65 eV.
Treatment of Childhood Tic Disorders with Comorbid OCD

Within tic disorders (TD), comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is common and this co-occurrence poses a challenge in the treatment of both disorders. The present chapter compares the phenomenology of TD and OCD, followed by a discussion on the available treatment plans, both pharmacological and psychological. Finally, the chapter concludes with a case study that demonstrates the complexity and treatment of TD with comorbid OCD.
Photo Effects in Doping Modulated Amorphous Semiconductors

The persistent photoconductivity (PPC) observed between 200 and 400K in npnp doping modulated hydrogenated silicon (a-Si:H) having individual layer thicknesses between 200 and 600A iS compared with similar effects in compensated a-Si:H and in amorphous silicon/silicon nitride multilayers. The thermal activation barrier against creation of PPC in these materials, the low quantum efficiency, and the very slow recombination at 300K and higher temperatures suggest the presence of special traps that are spatially or energetically removed from the excess majority carriers. The PPC is accompanied by strongly nonohmic effects which exhibit similar metastabilities and long decay times.
Adhesion and Thermal Deformation of Ceramic/ Polymer Heterostructures

The adhesion and thermal properties of optical ceramic structures bonded by a polymer interlayer are explored. The mechanical, adhesion and optical properties of the heterostructure are dependent on the thickness of the bond and on the residual thermal stresses developed during the bonding process. The thermomechanical properties of a bonded structure over a range of temperatures are investigated, focusing on the thermal expansion and operating temperature limits of the polymer bond. The temperature and stress histories during manufacturing are determined through both numerical modeling and experimental analysis. The effect of stress relaxation and initial stresses on the behavior of the bonding material are examined for different processing conditions. The bond material relaxation time constant, activation energy, viscosity, and shear modulus are approximated from observation of the temperature-dependent behavior of the structure.
On the measurement of turbulence spectra from non-Poisson sampled laser velocimetry data

Spectral analysis of laser velocimetry (LV) d a t a plays a n important role in determining the f r equency characteristics of many turbulent flows and t h e t ime and length scales associated wi th the turbulence s t ructure . Proper estimation of turbulence spectra rcquires large data sets, high da ta rates, and the Poisson arrival of samples a t t h c mcasuremcnt volume. The Poisson arrival process is of ten not met in L V measurements . d u e to particle dynamics, measurement locations and other influences on the flow. This paper addresscs the effect of non-Poisson arrival of samples on spectral estimates. Studies havc been conducted on a simulated firstorder spec t rum, a sine signal, and da ta from L V experiments t ha t exhibit n o m Poisson arr ival of samples. It is found that t hc non-Poisson samples cause the ’Asst. Professor, Tuskegee l lnivers i ly . Member A l A A ‘Aerospace Engineer. Experimental Methods Branch. Membrr A l A A Copyright ~ l 9 9 1 by t h e American Insti tute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. No copyright is a s s r r l ed in t h e United States under Title 17. US. Code The U.S. Government has a royal ty-free license to exrrcise all r ights under t h e copyright claimed herein Tor Governmental purposes . A l l other rights are reserved b y t h e copyright owner . spectrum to deviate significantly from the t rue spectrum and such samples a r e not amenable to pre-filtering techniques that are normally applied to extend the frequency range of the est imates b y reducing the high frequency variabil i ty of the original set. I t w a s also found that the detection of low frequency periodic signal is not affectcd b y non-Poisson samples.
Pain relief and functional improvement in patients with neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury: an exploratory analysis of pregabalin clinical trials.

Background Characterizing relationships between pain relief and function can inform patient management decisions. This analysis explored graphically the relationship between pain relief and functional improvement in patients with neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury in two clinical trials of pregabalin.
KScons: a Bayesian approach for protein residue contact prediction using the knob-socket model of protein tertiary structure.

Motivation By simplifying the many-bodied complexity of residue packing into patterns of simple pairwise secondary structure interactions between a single knob residue with a three-residue socket, the knob-socket construct allows a more direct incorporation of structural information into the prediction of residue contacts. By modeling the preferences between the amino acid composition of a socket and knob, we undertake an investigation of the knob-socket construct's ability to improve the prediction of residue contacts. The statistical model considers three priors and two posterior estimations to better understand how the input data affects predictions. This produces six implementations of KScons that are tested on three sets: PSICOV, CASP10 and CASP11. We compare against the current leading contact prediction methods. Results The results demonstrate the usefulness as well as the limits of knob-socket based structural modeling of protein contacts. The construct is able to extract good predictions from known structural homologs, while its performance degrades when no homologs exist. Among our six implementations, KScons MST-MP (which uses the multiple structure alignment prior and marginal posterior incorporating structural homolog information) performs the best in all three prediction sets. An analysis of recall and precision finds that KScons MST-MP improves accuracy not only by improving identification of true positives, but also by decreasing the number of false positives. Over the CASP10 and CASP11 sets, KScons MST-MP performs better than the leading methods using only evolutionary coupling data, but not quite as well as the supervised learning methods of MetaPSICOV and CoinDCA-NN that incorporate a large set of structural features. Contact qiwei.li@rice.eduSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Development of a coupled wave-flow-vegetation interaction model

Emergent and submerged vegetation can significantly affect coastal hydrodynamics. However, most deterministic numerical models do not take into account their influence on currents, waves, and turbulence. In this paper, we describe the implementation of a wave-flow-vegetation module into a Coupled-Ocean-Atmosphere-Wave-Sediment Transport (COAWST) modeling system that includes a flow model (ROMS) and a wave model (SWAN), and illustrate various interacting processes using an idealized shallow basin application. The flow model has been modified to include plant posture-dependent three-dimensional drag, in-canopy wave-induced streaming, and production of turbulent kinetic energy and enstrophy to parameterize vertical mixing. The coupling framework has been updated to exchange vegetation-related variables between the flow model and the wave model to account for wave energy dissipation due to vegetation. This study i) demonstrates the validity of the plant posture-dependent drag parameterization against field measurements, ii) shows that the model is capable of reproducing the mean and turbulent flow field in the presence of vegetation as compared to various laboratory experiments, iii) provides insight into the flow-vegetation interaction through an analysis of the terms in the momentum balance, iv) describes the influence of a submerged vegetation patch on tidal currents and waves separately and combined, and v) proposes future directions for research and development. We describe a 3D modeling framework that simulates the interactions between waves, flow, and flexible vegetation.We evaluate a plant posture-dependent drag model against field measurements in eelgrass canopies.We investigate the hydrodynamics of an idealized shallow-water, vegetated basin.
The Role of Civility and Anonymity on Perceptions of Online Comments

An experiment was conducted (N = 170) to determine the role of civility and anonymity in online comments received for a news story. Dependent variables were (a) interest in the discussion, (b) favorability toward the comments, (c) favorability toward the commenter, and (d) trust in the information. Participants exposed to uncivil comments viewed the commenter less favorably and reported less trust in the information in the comment. Anonymity had no effect on the dependent variables, in contrast to expectations derived from social presence theory. Findings revealed that politeness of comments affected participants’ overall perceptions of the content of the online discussion.
Performance Monitoring of Chilled-Water Distribution Systems Using HVAC-Cx

In this research we develop, test, and demonstrate the newest extension of the software HVAC-Cx (NIST and CSTB 2014), an automated commissioning tool for detecting common mechanical faults and control errors in chilled-water distribution systems (loops). The commissioning process can improve occupant comfort, ensure the persistence of correct system operation, and reduce energy consumption. Automated tools support the process by decreasing the time and the skill level required to carry out necessary quality assurance measures, and as a result they enable more thorough testing of building heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. This paper describes the algorithm, developed by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to analyze chilled-water loops and presents the results of a passive monitoring investigation using field data obtained from BACnet® (ASHRAE 2016) controllers and presents field validation of the findings. The tool was successful in detecting faults in system operation in its first field implementation supporting the investigation phase through performance monitoring. Its findings led to a full energy retrocommissioning of the field site.
Accelerating Gold Nanorod Synthesis with Nanomolar Concentrations of Poly(vinylpyrrolidone)

A novel modification for the seedless synthesis of gold nanorods (AuNRs) has been developed. Nanomolar concentrations of 10 kDa poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) can be introduced to a growth solution containing 25, 50, or 100 mM cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to significantly reduce the dimensions of AuNRs. We found that PVP accelerates the growth rate of AuNRs by more than two times that of nanorods grown in 50 and 100 mM CTAB solutions. Additionally, there is a time-dependent effect of adding PVP to the nanorod growth solution that can be utilized to tune their aspect ratio. Because the concentration of PVP is far below the concentration of HAuCl4 in the reaction mixture, PVP primarily functions not as a reducing agent, but as a capping or templating ligand to stabilize the growing nanorods. Our reproducible protocol enables the synthesis of AuNRs in high yield with tunable sizes: 45 × 6.7, 28 × 5.5, and 12 × 4.5 nm for 100, 50, and 25 mM CTAB, respectively. We estimated the number of PVP chains per ...
Effect of osteoporosis treatment agents on the cortical bone osteocyte microenvironment in adult estrogen-deficient, osteopenic rats

Though osteoporosis is a significant cause of disability worldwide, treatment with pharmacologic agents decreases risk of fragility fracture. Though these treatments act through the bone remodeling system to improve bone mass, it is unclear if they alter the response of bone to mechanical loading at the level of the osteocyte. This pre-clinical study determined the relationship between microstructural bone tissue properties and osteocyte lacunar size and density to strain around osteocytes with standard osteoporosis treatment or sequential therapies. Six-month-old female ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague-Dawley rats were cycled through various sequences of pharmacological treatments [alendronate (Aln), raloxifene (Ral) and human parathyroid hormone-1,34 (PTH)] for three month intervals, over nine months. Linear nanoindentation mapping was used to determine Young's modulus in perilacunar and bone matrix regions around cortical bone osteocyte lacunae. Measurements of lacunar diameter and density were completed. Treatment-related differences in Young's modulus in the perilacunar and bone matrix regions were not observed. We confirmed previous data that showed that the bone matrix region was stiffer than the perilacunar matrix region. Whole bone material properties were correlated to perilacunar matrix stiffness. Finite element models predicted a range of mechanical strain amplification factors estimated at the osteocyte across treatment groups. In summary, though the perilacunar matrix near cortical osteocyte lacuna is not as stiff as bone matrix further away, osteoporosis treatment agents do not affect the stiffness of bone tissue near osteocyte lacunae.
Proteomic approaches for novel systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) drug discovery.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with a high risk of morbidity and mortality; however, there is no cure and the current medications are far f...
Instabilities, Turbulence, and the Physics of Fixed Points

By solving the recursion relation of a reaction-diffusion equation on a lattice, we find two distinct routes to turbulence, both of which reproduce commonly observed phenomena: the Feigeribaum route, with period-doubling frequencies; and a much more general route with noncommensurate frequencies and frequency entrainment, and locking. Intermittency and large-scale aperiodic spatial patterns, also observed in physical systems, are reproduced in this new route. The fractal dimension has been estimated to be about 2.6 in the oscillatory instability and about 6.0 in the turbulent regime.
The Association Between Personality and Loneliness: Findings From a Community-Dwelling Chinese Aging Population:

The experience of loneliness is prevalent and detrimental. Personality may influence individual perceptions of loneliness, but the relationship has not been adequately examined among minority aging...
The Effect of Dry Needling on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Critically Appraised Topic

Clinical Scenario:Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) and its associated recurrent sprains, feelings of instability and decreased function occur in approximately 40% of individuals that suffer an ankle...
Cryptosporidium ryanae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) in cattle (Bos taurus).

A new species, Cryptosporidium ryanae, is described from cattle. Oocysts of C. ryanae, previously identified as the Cryptosporidium deer-like genotype and recorded as such in GenBank (AY587166, EU203216, DQ182597, AY741309, and DQ871345), are similar to those of Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium bovis but smaller. This genotype has been reported to be prevalent in cattle worldwide. Oocysts obtained from a calf for the present study are the smallest Cryptosporidium oocysts reported in mammals, measuring 2.94-4.41micromx2.94-3.68microm (mean=3.16micromx3.73microm) with a length/width shape index of 1.18 (n=40). The pre-patent period for two Cryptosporidium-naive calves fed C. ryanae oocysts was 11 days and the patent period was 15-17 days. Oocysts were not infectious for BALB/c mice or lambs. Fragments of the SSU-rDNA, HSP-70, and actin genes amplified by PCR were purified and PCR products were sequenced. Multi-locus analysis of the three unlinked loci demonstrated the new species to be distinct from all other species and also demonstrated a lack of recombination, providing further evidence of species status. Based on morphological, molecular and biological data, this geographically widespread parasite found only in Bos taurus calves is recognized as a new species and is named C. ryanae.
Through a Glass Darkly: The Dimensionality and Inadequacy of Political Fear in Stephen King’s The Stand

Corey Robin (2004) argues that political fear takes two forms (external and internal) and both allow political actors to pursue and consolidate power. This chapter tests this understanding through an analysis of Stephen King’s The Stand. Analysis of the two cities that emerge from the destruction of the liberal order and the subsequent widespread violence confirms the distinction between the two forms of political fear while at the same time suggesting a limitation. As our analysis of King’s treatment of religion suggests, political fear is more than a tool to be exploited by political elites. Rather, it is an inherent aspect of human life that informs and shapes political reasoning.
Evaluation of Fibrinogen Levels during Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effect of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) on plasma fibrinogen levels (PFLs) in the setting of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and the relationship between PFL and hemorrhagic complications. Materials and Methods A retrospective review of CDT procedures between 2009 and 2019 identified 147 CDT procedures for massive or submassive PE (55.8% males; age, 56.5 ± 14.8 years; 90.5% submassive). All patients received therapeutic anticoagulation during CDT with unfractionated heparin (UFH) (69.4%) or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH, 30.6%) infusion. CDT was performed with ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis (USAT) catheters (n = 98), conventional catheter-directed thrombolysis (CCDT) catheters (n = 34), or a combination of both (n = 15). Results There was a decrease (P = .007) of 15.1 ± 69.4 mg/dl from the initial PFL (376.1 ± 122.7 mg/dl) to the final PFL (361 ± 118.7 mg/dl), which was measured after a mean of 24.1 ± 11.7 hours with a mean tPA dose of 28.3 ± 14.2 mg. The fibrinogen nadir was 327.6 ± 107.1 mg/dl measured 13.4 ± 10.3 hours after initiation of thrombolysis. Of patients with hemorrhagic complications (n = 6), initial, final, and nadir PFL were not significantly lower (P = .053, P = .081, and P = .086, respectively) than the remainder of the cohort. No significant difference was noted in initial and final PFL between the LMWH and UFH groups (P = .2 and P = .1, respectively) or between the CCDT and USAT groups (P = .5 and P = .9, respectively). The UFH group had a lower nadir PFL than the LMWH group (P = .03). Conclusions Despite a significant drop in PFL during CDT for acute PE, this was not associated with hemorrhagic complications. These findings were not affected by the choice of anticoagulant or catheter delivery system.
Impact of Health Literacy on Medication Engagement Among Adults With Diabetes in the United States: A Systematic Review.

PurposeThe purpose of this systematic review is to assess evidence of a relationship between health literacy and medication engagement (formerly referred to as medication adherence) among adults wi...
Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Medical Conditions Among Trauma Patients at a Level 1 Trauma Center.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) are increasing in prevalence in the population. Level 1 trauma facilities are often faced with managing these chronic conditions. Recent studies indica...
Lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flap for breast volume augmentation: Applications for oncoplastic and massive weight loss surgery

SUMMARY Background Lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flap for breast volume augmentation provides the benefits of addressing axillary tissue excess and avoiding intramuscular dissection. Previous experience with the LICAP flap in patients with prior breast conservation therapy (BCT) has led to the development of an extended version for massive weight loss (MWL) patients as well. Methods A retrospective review of all cases of LICAP flaps was performed by a single surgeon. Data were subsequently extracted and analyzed including patient demographics, indication and timing of volume augmentation, complications, and follow-up length. Results From 2016 to 2020, 12 patients underwent 16 LICAP flaps for volume augmentation. Indications for volume augmentation included deficits from prior oncologic surgery (ten patients) and loss of volume due to MWL (two patients). The average BMI was 29.9 kg/m2. Among the oncologic group, eight patients had delayed reconstruction, while two were immediate. Nine patients underwent radiation prior to volume augmentation. Eight of the 14 patients simultaneously received fat grafting. There were 4 cases of delayed wound healing that improved with local wound care. There were no statistically significant differences in complication rates between the oncologic and MWL groups. The average length of follow-up was 11.4 months. Conclusions This study supports that the application of the LICAP flap can be effectively broadened from the oncologic population to the MWL population. If needed, extending the flap provides an option to simultaneously address excess axillary and back tissue.
A Holistic Approach of Extractables and Leachables Assessment of Rubber Stoppered Glass Vial Systems for Biotechnology Products

Rubber stoppered glass vial systems are widely used as primary containers for storing and delivering therapeutic protein products to patients. Addressing concerns and regulatory expectations related to the risk to biologic drug product quality and patient safety from rubber stoppered glass vial systems requires implementation of an extractable and leachable evaluation program based on material understanding, risk assessment, literature review, and a comprehensive scientifically sound analytical testing methodology. The extractable and leachable study design consisted of twelve drug products filled in twelve different size glass vials capped with laminated and nonlaminated rubber stoppers made from three different rubber formulations. Design of the model solvents was successful as they had little to no analytical interference and mimicked the formulation conditions and generated representative extractables capable of predicting leachables. The extraction conditions of time and temperature were appropriate as not to degrade the test materials or the extractable compounds, and yet generated significant quantities for identification of the extractable compounds with confidence. The extractables testing results were capable of predicting the leachable profiles of the twelve drug products. In each case, the leachable profile was a subset of the extractable profile. The organic and elemental impurities of the leachable profiles of drug products were the end-to-end verification of the quality of the glass vials, rubber stoppers and drug product lifecycles. Overall, the holistic approach was fully successful in the qualification of different vial systems as primary containers and delivery systems for different biotherapeutic products to ensure product quality and patient safety.
Supramolecular Chemistry of Folic Acid — Experimental and Computational Investigation

Supramolecular chemistry of folic acid is studied and revealed by exploring its assembly and disassembly process in a liquid–liquid interface. Experimental and computational studies are conducted t...
Distracted Driving among Teens: How can We Educate and Protect Our Youth?

Abstract Texting while driving (TWD) is a growing problem among drivers in the United States. This project utilizes protection motivation theory and general deterrence theory to identify key components of teenager TWD law compliance. We conduct an extensive review of the literature, develop a TWD law compliance survey, administer the survey to teenage drivers, and identify the impact of personality traits on TWD law compliance. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Freeze-etching of bacteria.

Publisher Summary The first electron micrographs of bacterial cells were published about 20 years ago. These early studies suggested the presence of definite intracellular structures. Sectioning techniques, originally developed for eucaryotic cells, were gradually modified so that thin sections of bacteria could be obtained. These first thin sections of procaryotic cells revealed an unsuspected level of intracellular complexity. While electron microscopes have advanced technically, preparative techniques for biological material have not kept pace. The newest models have a potential resolution of 0.2-0.3 nm but less refined preparative techniques have denied biologists the use of this degree of sophistication. Some difficulties encountered in the preparation of biological material for electron microscope examination are intrinsic and unavoidable. Live bacteria cannot be examined in thin section and the process of fixation and dehydration frequently alters or even extracts cellular components, leaving the degree of preservation of structural integrity open to question. About 10 years ago, a new technique permitting the replication of freeze-fractured live biological specimens was developed. This method allowed the internal morphology of cells that had neither been dried nor chemically fixed to be seen, thereby eliminating or minimizing many of the artifacts typically introduced. This chapter discusses the technique of freeze-etching; its application in bacterial cytology, morphology, and related fields; and its possible future development in microbiology.
GNMA pass-through certificates

This paper adds to the literature on the illogical pricing of GNMA pass-through certificates. It is already known that the market incorrectly computes the mean capital gains yield on such a pool of mortgages as the capital gains yield on the mortgage of mean maturity. The present paper shows the strong assumptions about the behavior through time of the mean maturity or duration of the pool inherent in the market's attempt to give identical yields to securities issued at different times in the past. This market behavior implies a very strong assumption about the frequency distribution of prepayment dates of the individual mortgages.
Population biology and growth of Ozark cavefish in Logan Cave National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas

Ozark cavefish, Amblyopsis rosae, is a threatened species endemic to the Springfield Plateau of the Ozark Highlands in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. One of the largest known Ozark cavefish populations, located in Logan Cave, Arkansas, was surveyed 25 times over a two-year period between 1993 and 1995. During the study, 147 Ozark cavefish > 30 mm (TL) were marked with visual implant tags and 140 Ozark cavefish were available for recapture; 68 were recaptured 189 times and the rest (72) were never recaptured. Individual Ozark cavefish persisted in Logan Cave for a relatively short time. Only 14% of 80 fish tagged during a previous study in 1992 were recaptured during this study, and half of all recaptured fish disappeared within three months. However, if a fish persisted for at least seven months in the cave, its probability of being recaptured over an additional year was high. Maximum persistence of a tagged fish was 28 months, suggesting these fish have a maximum life-span of 4–5 years. Growth averaged 0.6 mm per month, with maximum recorded growth of 6 mm per month and a maximum size of 65 mm TL. Smaller fish grew faster than larger fish but growth rates were sporadic, with several mid-sized fish (45–49 mm) showing little growth (0–3 mm year-1) while some fish > 50 mm grew up to 12 mm year-1. Most fish gained in length during April–October, the same period a maternity colony of gray bats occupied the cave. Gross Ozark cavefish movement over the study period ranged up to 1002 m, with a mean movement of 1.2 m day-1; movement was positively correlated with Ozark cavefish total length. Death seemed the most likely explanation for loss of tagged Ozark cavefish, including fish that emigrated out of the cave. Little up-stream movement was recorded between reaches and did not account for loss of tagged fish. Reproduction within the cave and immigration from the aquifer accounted for persistence of Ozark cavefish in Logan Cave.
How Do You Know Your Search Algorithm and Code Are Correct

Algorithm design and implementation are notoriously error-prone. As researchers, it is incumbent upon us to maximize the probability that our algorithms, their implementations, and the results we report are correct. In this position paper, I argue that the main technique for doing this is confirmation of results from multiple independent sources, and provide a number of concrete suggestions for how to achieve this in the context of combinatorial search algorithms.