cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microcurrent technology for rapid relief of sinus pain: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial.

Background Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation has proven to be effective in alleviating chronic pain from facial myalgias. We evaluated the efficacy of a novel handheld microcurrent-emitting device in short-term, office-based treatment of patients with sinus pain. This device, which is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared, detects and treats regions corresponding to nerve fibers. Methods Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Seventy-one participants with facial pain attributed to self-reported nasal/sinus disease were recruited from a tertiary rhinologic practice and the surrounding community and randomly assigned to either office-based use of an active (n = 38) or placebo (n = 33) microcurrent emitter. The study device was repetitively applied by each patient to the bilateral periorbital areas for 5 minutes. A visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain severity was administered before, and 10 minutes after, treatment. Results Active microcurrent-treated patients had a reduction in mean pain score from 5.63 pretreatment to 3.97 posttreatment (mean difference, 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20 to 2.12). Patients using the sham device also reported sinus pain reductions (mean difference, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.61 to 1.21). However, the active device demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in pain compared to sham (0.75-point difference, p = 0.007). Notably, 23.7% of patients using the active device had a reduction of 3 or more points by VAS compared to 0% of sham device patients (p = 0.003). One minor occurrence of transient facial skin erythema was noted. Conclusion This trial suggests that treatment of rhinologic facial pain using this noninvasive microcurrent device is safe and effective in providing rapid relief of nasal/sinus pain. Additional studies with longer term follow-up are warranted.
PAR-1 Antagonists

Abstract Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are the main receptors mediating thrombin-induced platelet activation. PAR-1 is the main thrombin receptor in human platelets. Vorapaxar is currently the only PAR-1 antagonist approved for clinical use. It is indicated for secondary prevention of recurrent ischemic events in patients with previous myocardial infarction or peripheral artery disease. This chapter reviews the clinical data on vorapaxar.
Interactions of Waves, Tidal Currents and Riverine Outflow and their Effects on Sediment Transport (RIVET II)

Abstract : Developing a robust coastal modeling system to study the dynamics of tidally-pulsed river plume and the resulting trapping, storage and resuspension of sediments in a wavedominated environment. The model can be further used to interpret water column and seabed dynamics using the observed surface features through remote-sensing.
Rooting of American chestnut microcuttings.

Abstract A procedure for micropropagation of American chestnut (Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Borkh.) seedlings was devised and three factors affecting in vitro rooting were investigated. A two-step ro...
The Violence of Political Empowerment: Electoral Success and the Facilitation of Terrorism in the Republic of India

Ideological violence, according to previous research, tends to spike following what may be perceived as an electoral success of an ideologically-affiliated political camp. Despite a growing number ...
Highly conductive wet-spun PEDOT:PSS fibers for applications in electronic textiles

The emerging field of electronic textiles is currently hindered by a lack of mechanically robust fibers and yarns that efficiently conduct electricity. Conjugated polymer fibers are promising candidates to meet those requirements. In this work, a wet-spinning process is described to fabricate PEDOT:PSS fibers with electrical conductivities up to 3663 ± 326 S cm−1, Young's moduli up to 22 GPa and tensile strength of 550 MPa, through inclusion of a sulfuric acid drawing step. The mechanism by which the sulfuric acid drawing step enhances the electrical and mechanical properties of the fibers is investigated. Moreover, the electrical conductivity of these fibers was further increased to 4039 ± 215 S cm−1 by immersing the fibers in sulfuric acid for additional time, at the expense, however, of lowering their Young's modulus and tensile strength. Additionally, we demonstrate the use of the fibers in various electronic textile applications such as: (a) flexible textile interconnections in an LED circuit, (b) a proof of concept thermochromic fiber bundle that changes color on demand, (c) a thermoelectric textile device using the fibers as the p-type legs, and (d) using the fibers as the channel in an organic electrochemical transistor to build an LED dimmer. This work presents a unique type of material with the potential of becoming a cornerstone in the emerging field of electronic textiles.
Older Latinx Immigrants and Covid-19: A Call to Action.

Dear Editor,As the U.S. ages it will also become more ethnoracially diverse. While the share of non-Latinx white elders is expected to drop from 78% to 54% in the next few decades, the share of old...
Evaluation of Respiratory, Radiography and Nursing Student Responses to iCATS (Interprofessional Collaboration and Team Skills)

Background: The University of Kentucky (UK) Medical School at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) campus invited students from College of Health and Human Services (CHHS), (Respiratory Care, Radiography and Nursing) to participate in their IPE core curriculum, iCATS, (Interprofessional Collaboration and Team Skills), approved by UK Office of Research Integrity. Students were placed in interprofessional teams, participated in discussions on simulated patient scenarios and were introduced to the communication PEEER2 model (Conigliaro R, Kuperstein J, Dupuis J, et al, 2013). The purpose of this review is to evaluate CHHS students’ iCATS experiences and perceptions. Methods: Quantitative and qualitative data was collected via pre and post surveys using a Likert Scale and student comments. The results of the surveys were evaluated by Respiratory, Radiography and Nursing faculty. Quantitative data included general experience, PEEER model, specific activities, knowledge of scope of practice, and Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) core competencies of values/ethics, roles/responsibilities, interprofessional communication and interprofessional teams/teamwork. Qualitative data was collected via students’ feedback regarding most valuable component and suggestions for improvement of iCATS. Results: CHHS students reported high satisfaction to the iCATS experience on a 5 point Likert scale: Respiratory Care (n=11, M=4.27), Radiography (n=19, M=4.56), Nursing (n=65, M=4.35). Students believed the PEEER model improved communication skills: Respiratory Care (n=11, M=4.18), Radiography (n=19, M=4.35), Nursing (n=65, M=4.29). Overall students indicated an increase in knowledge of scope of practice for most professions represented. For all three disciplines students reported a deeper understanding of the IPEC core competencies. Conclusions: Students reported significant positive responses (P-value
Trabecular bone in domestic dogs and wolves: Implications for understanding human self-domestication

The process of domestication is complex and results in significant morphological, cognitive, and physiological changes. In canids, some of the traits indicative of domestication of domestic dogs compared to their wild counterparts the wolves are prosociality toward humans, reduced stress hormone levels, and reduced cranial capacity. Research suggests that selection for prosociality among dogs resulted in morphological changes such as reduction in cranial capacity, juvenilization of the face, and overall gracile morphology. Interestingly, similar features have been described in modern humans compared to extinct species of Homo, for example, Neanderthals. Therefore, the human self-domestication hypothesis has been proposed to partially explain the gracile modern human skeleton. Specifically, that as modern humans settled in communities, there was increased selection for prosociality (intergroup cooperation); and one of the by-products of this selection was the evolution of a gracile skeleton, including a slight reduction in cranial capacity, reduced brow ridge and tooth size, and low trabecular bone fraction (TBF). However, TBF variation has not been tested between domestic dogs and wolves, who underwent self-domestication. Thus, this study tests the hypothesis that dogs have low TBF as a consequence of domestication compared to their wild counterparts, the wolves, by comparing TBF in the hindlimbs-proximal femur and distal tibia- of the two species. Wilcoxon rank sum tests show that dogs have lower TBF values than wolves in both elements. These preliminary results add to the literature documenting changes in self-domesticated species and provide a potential analog to further the understanding of self-domestication.
Hybridgen: A Model for the Study of QCD Hybrid States

We study the mixing of excited states of a Hydrogen atom in a cavity with de-excited states plus a confined photon as a model for the coupling of quark-antiquark and quark-antiquark-gluon hybrid states in QCD. For an interesting range of parameters, the results are analytic. We find a case for which wavefunctions (and hence decay patterns) may be at odds with mass with respect to identification of a state as hybrid or not.
Examining proximity exposure in a social network as a mechanism driving peer influence of adolescent smoking.

Abstract Background Adolescent peers’ influence on tobacco smoking is a dynamic process affected by close friends and other network peers. Although research has examined the influence of immediate friends on smoking behavior (i.e., by cohesion exposure), the influence of all peers according to closeness (i.e., proximity exposure) remains unknown. This study introduces proximity exposure as a potential driver of peer influence. Methods Using the Teenage Friends and Lifestyle Study dataset, we examined 160 adolescents followed for 3 years and assessed their friendship ties and health behavior. Proximity exposure was calculated as the proportion of an individual’s network peers who smoked, considering their distance from the individual. Path analysis was conducted with cross-lagged models testing the effect of proximity exposure on smoking frequency over time. Results Among nonsmokers without cohesion exposure (n = 80), proximity exposure at year 1 was significantly associated with smoking initiation by year 3. Path analysis (n = 160) indicated that smoking at year 1 predicted cohesion exposure by year 3. When proximity exposure was included, the effect of smoking on cohesion exposure was lost. Early smoking predicted future proximity exposure. However, the predictive value of early proximity toward future smoking was stronger. Conclusion These results suggest that proximity exposure can predict smoking even among nonsmokers without direct ties to friends who smoke. In support of a peer selection hypothesis, early smoking predicted friendship formation with smokers through cohesion. Conversely, in support of a peer influence hypothesis, proximity exposure predicted smoking. Researchers may consider developing interventions that decrease proximity exposure among adolescents.
Automatic Acute Stroke Symptom Detection and Emergency Medical Systems Alerting by Mobile Health Technologies: A Review.

Abstract Objectives To survey recent advances in acute stroke symptom automatic detection and Emergency Medical Systems (EMS) alerting by mobile health technologies. Materials and methods Narrative review Results Delayed activation of EMS for stroke symptoms by patients and witnesses deprives patients of rapid access to brain-saving therapies and occurs due to public unawareness of stroke features, cognitive and motor deficits produced by the stroke itself, and sleep onset. A promising emerging approach to overcoming the inherent biologic constraints of patient capacity to self-detect and respond to stroke symptoms is continuous monitoring by mobile health technologies with wireless sensors and artificial intelligence recognition systems. This review surveys 11 sensing technologies - accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, pressure sensors, touch screen and keyboard input detectors, artificial vision, and artificial hearing; and 10 consumer device form factors in which they are increasingly implemented: smartphones, smart speakers, smart watches and fitness bands, smart speakers/voice assistants, home health robots, smart clothing, smart beds, closed circuit television, smart rings, and desktop/laptop/tablet computers. Conclusions The increase in computing power, wearable sensors, and mobile connectivity have ushered in an array of mobile health technologies that can transform stroke detection and EMS activation. By continuously monitoring a diverse range of biometric parameters, commercially available devices provide the technologic capability to detect cardinal language, motor, gait, and sensory signs of stroke onset. Intensified translational research to convert the promise of these technologies to validated, accurate real-world deployments are an important next priority for stroke investigation.
Production and characterization of super activated carbon poly(vinyl alcohol) microcapsules

Abstract Super activated carbon (SAC) is one of the most effective adsorbents for organic compounds because of its high surface area, adsorption capacity, and nano/microporosity. It can be loaded into a polymer matrix (or textiles) for potential use in industrial toxic vapor removal; however, its adsorptive activity must be protected during processing until its time of use. In the present work, a novel approach is presented where SAC is microencapsulated in a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) shell to prevent unwanted gas/vapor/liquid adsorption into its pores during this stage. Once the production is complete, the PVOH shell can be removed by water extraction leaving the SAC activity intact. A lab scale spray drier was used and the effects of PVOH:SAC ratios on microcapsule yield, area, and BET surface adsorptive capacity were studied. Encapsulation reduced the exposed SAC surface area from ~3530 m2/g to 21–520 m2/g; washing away the microcapsules’ shell wall restored the available surface area to 2412 m2/g. Representative samples were exposed to 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) to assess the chemical protection of the polymer shell. Formulations with lower specific surface area (indicating better encapsulation) showed less vapor adsorption (better protection) against CEES than formulations with higher surface area. Washed microcapsules showed excellent adsorption of CEES vapor, showing that encapsulating SAC using this method did not harm SAC’s adsorptive capacity. This novel approach can be used in any application where highly effective barriers to toxic industrial/military chemicals, aerosols, and vapors are needed.
Smart Digital Image Correlation Patterns via 3D Printing

Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is a popular experimental technique for measuring full-field deformations in materials. Accurate motion and displacement field reconstruction in DIC depend heavily on the intrinsic material texture or speckle patterns painted on the material prior to deformation. Many traditional techniques such as spray painting, ink stamping, or manual texturizing have provided adequate performance but are often challenging to apply on highly compliant, porous or non-planar surfaces. To address this challenge we present a new, robust and efficient technique to print DIC speckle dot patterns on both planar and non-planar sample surfaces using a custom-modified 3D printer in an automated fashion. In this new technique, a 3D printer is modified by replacing the conventional extrusion head with a syringe filled with ink. The motion of the 3D printer is controlled via customizable G-code scripts, precisely controlling both the extrusion volume and spatial positioning of the print head in a well-controlled and predictable fashion. The printed speckle dots have radii on the order of O( $$10^2$$ ) $$\upmu$$ m, and the subsequent DIC reconstructed deformations have an accuracy on the order of O( $$10^{-2}$$ ) pixels and O( $$10^{-4}$$ ) in measuring displacements and strains, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this technique has the capability to print suitable patterns for tracking large and heterogeneous deformations in highly compliant and porous materials, as well as materials with significant 3D topographies.
Randomized Study of Bedside vs Hallway Rounding: Neurology Rounding Study.

Over the last century, attending rounds have shifted away from the bedside. Despite evidence for greater patient satisfaction rates and improved nursing perception of teamwork with bedside presentations, residents and attending physicians are apprehensive of the bedside approach. There is lack of data to guide rounding practices within neurology, and therefore, optimal rounding methods remain unclear. The objective of this study was to compare bedside rounding with hallway rounding on an academic neurology inpatient service and assess efficiency, trainee education, and satisfaction among patients and staff. We conducted a single-center prospective randomized study of bedside vs hallway rounding on new inpatient neurology admissions over 1-week blocks. The bedside team presented patients at the bedside, whereas the hallway team presented patients outside of the patient9s room. We evaluated the 2 approaches with time-motion analysis, which investigated the rounding style9s effect on composition and timing of rounds (primary outcome) and surveys of patients, nurses, residents, and attending physicians on both teams (secondary outcomes). The mean rounding time per newly admitted patient in the bedside group (n = 38 patients) and hallway group (n = 41 patients) was 23 minutes and 23.2 minutes, respectively (p = 0.93). The bedside group spent on average 56.4% of patient rounding time in the patient9s room, whereas the hallway group spent 39.5% of rounding time in the patient9s room (p = 0.036). Residents perceived hallway rounding to be more efficient and associated it with a superior educational experience and more effective data review. Nurses had improved perception of their participation in bedside rounds. Although patients9 views of bedside and hallway rounds were similar, patients who had experienced bedside rounds preferred it. In conclusion, bedside rounding was perceived less favorably by most residents but was as efficient as hallway rounding. Although bedside rounding limited the use of technology for data review, it promoted nursing participation and resulted in more time spent with the patient. Clinical Trial Registration Number Registered retrospectively per the editors9 suggestion (NCT04754828).
Cannabis Use and Increased Nonaneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in the Past Decade.

Objective Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage is often due to rupture of an intracranial aneurysm, but some patients present with no identifiable source. Increased incidence of nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (naSAH) has been reported over time. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of naSAH from 2008−2017 to determine the rate of naSAH change over time and its association with cannabis use. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to study the trend over time, radiographic patterns of hemorrhage, and clinical outcome at the time of discharge. In addition, we compared the rate of naSAH with the rate of aneurysmal SAH (aSAH) to adjust for changes in hospital volume and prevalence/reporting of cannabis use in the population over time. Results A total of 86 naSAH and 328 aSAH patients were identified, with an increase in naSAH over time compared with aSAH (P = 0.0034). Increased cannabis use was associated with naSAH (odds ratio [OR] 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.1, 4.1, P = 0.035) but not aSAH over time. Cannabis use was also associated with different subarachnoid hemorrhage patterns (P = 0.0065) in naSAH. Multivariable analysis demonstrated good neurologic outcome after naSAH to be inversely associated with cocaine use (OR 0.008 [0.002−0.4]), ventriculostomy placement (OR 0.004 [0.03−0.50]), and anticoagulant use (OR 0.016 [0.003−0.54]) but not with cannabis use. Conclusions As cannabis use becomes more prevalent with legalization, it is important to further investigate this association with spontaneous SAH.
A system design perspective on neuromorphic computer processors

Neuromorphic computing has become an attractive candidate for emerging computing platforms. It requires an architectural perspective, meaning the topology or hyperparameters of a neural network is key to realizing sound accuracy and performance in neural networks. However, these network architectures must be executed on some form of computer processor. For machine learning, this is often done with conventional computer processing units, graphics processor units, or some combination thereof. A neuromorphic computer processor or neuroprocessor, in the context of this paper, is a hardware system that has been designed and optimized for executing neural networks of one ﬂavor or another. Here, we review the history of neuromorphic computing and consider various spiking neuroprocessor designs that have emerged over the years. The aim of this paper is to identify emerging trends and techniques in the design of such brain-inspired neuroprocessor computer systems.
The case for permanent foster care

This article reviews historical developments in the social institution of foster care, leading up to the permanent planning revolution and current family preservation policies in the United States. Success rates of adoption, family preservation and family reunification programs are examined and a rationale for the inclusion of permanent foster care as an option for children is presented. Permanent foster care has several advantages: (1) it is federally and automatically funded; (2) it can lead to increased supervision of foster parents; (3) it creates more permanence for more children; (4) it promotes attachment through ensuring both child and foster parent stability. Models for permanent foster care already exist, in long-term foster care arrangements for special-needs children and in subsidized adoption
Evidence for the existence of a fully reduced state of molybdoferredoxin during the functioning of nitrogenase, and the order of electron transfer from reduced ferredoxin.

Abstract Molybdoferredoxin from Clostridium pasteurianum W5 was studied under conditions where the nitrogenase system was turning over and molybdoferredoxin was known to be ∼90% in the EPR-silent state. Optical spectroscopy showed that the EPR-silent molybdoferredoxin species thus formed was not the same as the EPR-silent species formed by dye oxidation. The steady state (EPR-silent) molybdoferredoxin and the EPR-positive form of molybdoferredoxin isolated from cells in the presence of dithionite were oxidized with a 1.3-fold excess thionin and the numbers of electrons transferred to thionin were calculated. It was found that the EPR-silent molybdoferredoxin species formed by incubation with azoferredoxin, MgATP, and dithionite held 4 more transferable electrons per tetramer (2 more per dimer) than EPR-positive molybdoferredoxin. Oxidized azoferredoxin could be reduced by reduced ferredoxin, whereas oxidized molybdoferredoxin could not be reduced by reduced ferredoxin unless both azoferredoxin and MgATP were present. A reduction scheme for N2 fixation is proposed.
Radiation damage calculations for compound materials

Displacement damage calculations can be performed for 40 elements in the energy range up to 20 MeV with the SPECTER computer code. A recent addition to the code, called SPECOMP, can intermix atomic recoil energy distributions for any four elements to calculate the proper displacement damage for compound materials. The calculations take advantage of the atomic recoil data in the SPECTER libraries, which were determined by the DISCS computer code, using evaluated neutron cross section and angular distribution data in ENDF/B-V. Resultant damage cross sections for any compound can be added to the SPECTER libraries for the routine calculation of displacements in any given neutron field. Users do not require access to neutron cross section files. Results are presented for a variety of fusion materials and a new ceramic superconductor material. Future plans and nuclear data needs are discussed. 11 refs., 6 figs., 1 tab.
Earthlike Planets: Surfaces of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Moon, Mars

The surfaces of the earth and the other terrestrial planets of the inner solar system are reviewed in light of the results of recent planetary explorations. Past and current views of the origin of the earth, moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars are discussed, and the surface features characteristic of the moon, Mercury, Mars and Venus are outlined. Mechanisms for the modification of planetary surfaces by external factors and from within the planet are examined, including surface cycles, meteoritic impact, gravity, wind, plate tectonics, volcanism and crustal deformation. The origin and evolution of the moon are discussed on the basis of the Apollo results, and current knowledge of Mercury and Mars is examined in detail. Finally, the middle periods in the history of the terrestrial planets are compared, and future prospects for the exploration of the inner planets as well as other rocky bodies in the solar system are discussed.
Developing a "next generation" PV inverter

The most serious reliability issue for photovoltaics (PV) is the inverter. Mean time to first failure (MTFF) is estimated to be about five years. Recent efforts to rapidly expand the production of grid-tied inverters have not resulted in improved reliability. At this time the inverter industry is uniquely positioned to develop a 'next generation' inverter that has ten-year MTFF, better performance and lower cost. The recent advents of new technologies such as DSP (digital signal processing), the growth in sales to a few hundred thousand inverters per year and the emergence of larger companies with interest in PV inverters make this possible today. At this time the Department of Energy is considering the development of a new inverter for use in distributed energy applications. This report summarizes the status of power electronics today, identifies technology issues, and identifies inverter manufacturer attributes thought to be essential for the production of a ten-year lifetime inverter.
Optical contamination: its prevention in the XUV spectrographs flown by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in the Apollo Telescope Mount.

During construction and testing of the XUV spectrographs flown in the ATM by the Naval Research Laboratory, many problems associated with optical contamination were encountered. Solving these problems required setting up a contamination prevention program to select the materials used in constructing the instruments and to delineate procedures in assembling, testing, and storing the instruments. A brief description is given of methods of assessing the effects of contamination and of the procedures used to prevent contamination.
Rethinking Refugee Aid: A Path to Middle East Peace

This essay asserts that the structure of international aid to the Palestinian refugees, perpetuated since the origin of the refugee problem, should be reconceived and a new formulation created, and it argues that a new approach the refugee problem can have positive significance for the broader problem of peace in the Middle East. The essay identifies UNRWA (The United Nations Relief and Works Agency) as a contributor to the permanency of the refugee problem and its exacerbation, in that its presence has allowed host state governmental authorities to minimize their duty to address the needs of Palestinian refugees, while enabling these authorities to exercise full control over the life of the refugees and to erect the specific and debilitating constraints under which UNRWA struggles to operate. The essay proposes a restructuring (to be promoted by the United States and its allies, and administered under a new international trustee) that would convert refugee camps to self-sustaining communities. Political constraints imposed by official and unofficial opposition to any change suggesting integration or resettlement could be overcome by creating a community development program that would be attractive enough for refugees to adopt as their own (thus enlisting the individual refugee's motivation to improve his family's standard of living), and that would not require as a precondition that refugees abandon their political claims. By reducing the distress, frustration, and sense of injustice of the people at the heart of the conflict, the new program could reduce the level of tension, reduce insecurities, and improve the atmosphere and conditions for political resolution. It could also serve to resurrect the alternative of compensation - the relatively unexplored and only viable alternative presented by U.N. General Assembly Resolution 194.
Precision Rotation Sensing and Interferometry Using Slow Lght

We show how a combination of pulsed and CW excitation enhance the sensitivity of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer and a Sagnac rotation sensor by the group index, which can be as high as ten million
Implementation of an Integrative Medicine Curriculum for Preventive Medicine Residents

The University of Maryland Department of Epidemiology and Public Health collaborated with the Center for Integrative Medicine at the same institution to develop and implement a unique integrative medicine curriculum within a preventive medicine residency program. Between October 2012 and July 2014, Center for Integrative Medicine faculty provided preventive medicine residents and faculty, and occasionally other Department of Epidemiology and Public Health faculty, with comprehensive exposure to the field of integrative medicine, including topics such as mind-body medicine, nutrition and nutritional supplements, Traditional Chinese Medicine, massage, biofield therapies, manual medicine, stress management, creative arts, and the use of integrative medicine in the inpatient setting. Preventive medicine residents, under the supervision of Department of Epidemiology and Public Health faculty, led integrative medicine-themed journal clubs. Resident assessments included a case-based knowledge evaluation, the Integrative Medicine Attitudes Questionnaire, and a qualitative evaluation of the program. Residents received more than 60 hours of integrative medicine instruction, including didactic sessions, experiential workshops, and wellness retreats in addition to clinical experiences and individual wellness mentoring. Residents rated the program positively and recommended that integrative medicine be included in preventive medicine residency curricula. The inclusion of a wellness-focused didactic, experiential, and skill-based integrative medicine program within a preventive medicine residency was feasible and well received by all six preventive medicine residents.
Haseman and Elston revisited.

Haseman and Elston (H-E) [1972] proposed a method to detect quantitative trait loci by linkage to a marker. The squared sib-pair trait difference is regressed on the proportion of marker alleles the pair is estimated to share identical by descent: a significantly negative regression coefficient suggests linkage. It has been shown that a maximum likelihood method that directly models the sib-pair covariance has more power. This increase in power can also be obtained using the H-E regression procedure by changing the dependent variable from the squared difference to the mean-corrected product of the sibs' trait values. Multiple sibs in a sibship can be accommodated by allowing for the correlations between pairs of products in a generalized least squares procedure. Multiple trait loci, including epistatic interactions, involve only multiple linear regression. Multivariate traits can use the method of Amos et al. [1990] to find the linear function of the traits that maximizes the evidence for linkage, which now leads more simply to a test of significance. Multiple markers can be the basis of a multipoint analysis. Results of simulation studies for a continuous trait are presented that investigate Type I error and power. A similar general scheme can be used to study affected sib pairs, testing whether their identity by descent sharing probabilities are greater than would be expected in the absence of linkage, and to study other types of relative pairs.
Tire tread deformation sensor and energy harvester development for smart-tire applications

Pneumatic tires are critical components in mobile systems that are widely used in our lives for passenger and goods transportation. Wheel/ground interactions in these systems play an extremely important role for not only system design and efficiency but also safe operation. However, fully understanding wheel/ground interactions is challenging because of high complexity of such interactions and the lack of in situ sensors. In this paper, we present the development of a tire tread deformation sensor and energy harvester for real-time tire monitoring and control. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) based micro-sensor is designed and fabricated to embed inside the tire tread and to measure the tread deformation. We also present a cantilever array based energy harvester that takes advantages of the mechanical bandpass filter concept. The harvester design is able to have a natural frequency band that can be used to harvest energy from varying-frequency vibrational sources. The energy harvester is also built using with new single crystal relaxor ferroelectric material (1 - V)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-VPbTiO3 (PMN-PT) and interdigited (IDT) electrodes that can perform the energy conversion more efficiently. Some preliminary experiment results show that the performance of the sensor and the energy harvester is promising.
Quantitative analysis of spatial distribution of nucleation sites: microstructural implications

Abstract Various computational schemes for the determination of nucleation conditions from fully coalesced product microstructures are examined. In particular, a variety of types of nucleation sites, including those on the edges and corners of an underlying structure, are considered. The analysis is facilitated by simulating idealized cases wherein the nucleation conditions are known. In cases where only one type of site is active, the spatial distribution of nucleation sites is quantified in terms of neighbor distributions and correlation functions. In cases of multiple types of site potency, maps revealing important microstructural behavior and trends are constructed. It is found that the dimensionality of the subspace of sites on which nucleation occurs can be described and thereby the unique signatures of bulk, edge and corner nucleation in the calculated quantities can be identified. The results of the simulations allow possible nucleation conditions to be identified which give rise to a given experimental microstructure.
A second-order variational method for discrete-time optimal control problems

Abstract The solution to an optimum control problem is often determined by fulfilling necessary conditions for the optimality. It usually amounts to solving a two-point-boundary-value problem. Most computational schemes used for the solution are based on the first-order variation of performance index (PI). In order to obtain a more accurate improvement, and hence a quicker convergence to the optimal solution, the second-order variation of the PI can be introduced in the algorithm. This leads to computing the solution of a set of linear difference-equations. The equations result from the perturbation of the system equations, which may be nonlinear. In this paper recurrence relations for determining the solution to the perturbation equations are developed. An algorithm for improving the control sequence from one iteration to the next is constructed. The optimal solution is obtained fast, although the number of mathematical operations is large. The advantages and drawbacks of this second-order variational scheme are discussed. An example demonstrates the applicability of the algorithm.
Discrimination of fetal bovine serum from other sera by silver staining or lectin blotting of SDS/PAGE‐separated serum proteins

In order to develop a methodology to discriminate fetal bovine serum from other sera with which it might be contaminated, proteins from fetal bovine, newborn calf, colostrum-free newborn, and calf sera were separated by SDS/PAGE and analyzed by silver staining of the gels or lectin blotting, using concanavalin A (Con A), following transfer of the proteins to nitrocellulose. A high molecular weight Con A-reactive glycoprotein of an apparent molecular mass greater than 200,000 daltons was present in newborn, colostrum-free, and calf sera, but absent or at a significantly lower concentration in fetal serum. These two methods accurately and reliably identified contamination of fetal serum with other sera in a series of blind studies on unknown, coded samples. As little as 1% colostrum-free serum in a batch of fetal serum can be detected by either procedure.
A turbojet simulator for Mach numbers up to 2.0.

A turbojet simulator was designed and fabricated for use in wind tunnel models. The simulator contains a six-stage, axial-flow compressor powered by a three-stage, axial-flow turbine. High pressure heated air was used to drive the turbine. At design conditions, compressor axial flow, turbine exit flow, and a third supplementary flow all entered the exhaust nozzle at equal values of pressure and termperature. Overall aerodynamic design, compressor operating conditions, automatic controls, turbine aerodynamic design, instrumentation, and calibration procedure is presented. Performance of the device when used to simulate a J-85 turbojet engine at transonic speeds is reported. The installed nozzle performance obtained with the simulator is also discussed and compared with flight data.
Improving medium-sized media clip distribution through transparent tail synchronization

The emergence of popular video sharing sites such as YouTube has created a tremendous content shift towards timely, medium-sized media together with placing significant demands on the network. While techniques such as Application Layer Multicast and P2P streaming offer the potential to reduce the impact of general streaming content, the difficulty in imposing synchronization and the heavy asymmetry of clients nullify the majority of the respective benefits of the techniques. In this paper, we propose a method, transparent tail synchronization, that discovers latent opportunities for synchronization from the tail of the content to take advantage of efficient distribution techniques. Our approach maximizes savings at the content provider while operating in a straightforward and easily deployable manner. We describe how tail synchronized media distribution can offer savings across a wide range of asymmetry at the end clients.
Noise-Resistant Unsupervised Feature Selection via Multi-perspective Correlations

Unsupervised feature selection is an important issue for high dimensional dataset analysis. However popular methods are susceptible to noisy instances (observations) or noisy features. We propose a noise-resistant feature selection algorithm by capturing multi-perspective correlations. Our proposed approach, called Noise-Resistant Unsupervised Feature Selection (NRFS), is based on multi-perspective correlation that reflects the importance of feature with respect to noise-resistant representative instances and various global trends from spectral decomposition. In this way, the model concisely captures a wide variety of local patterns. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm.
C3-symmetric tripodal thio/diglycolamide-based ligands for trivalent f-element separations

Abstract Three new C 3‐symmetric ligands bearing diglycolamide and thiodiglycolamide units on a triphenoxymethane platform have been synthesized and evaluated as trivalent f‐element extractants from nitric acid media. Liquid‐liquid extraction studies of eleven different lanthanides from 1 M nitric acid into dichloromethane revealed a strong influence of the amidic substituents on the extraction efficiency. A comparison of the 1H NMR spectrum of the Lu(III) complex formed with the tris‐DGA ligand and the organic solution after the extraction experiment confirms that all three arms bind the metal during the extraction experiment and form a C 3‐symmetric complex. The newly synthesized lipophilic di‐n‐butyl tris‐diglycolamide was found to be a significantly weaker extractant in comparison to the di‐isopropyl analogs. The distance separating the metal binding groups from the triphenoxymethane platform had little influence on the selectivity or binding efficiency of the ligands. Experiments with the tris‐thiodi...
Cell calcium levels of normal and cystic fibrosis nasal epithelium.

ABSTRACT: To determine whether epithelial ion transport abnormalities in cystic fibrosis (CF) might reflect abnormal regulation of intracellular Ca2+ levels, cytosolic free calcium (Cai2+) was measured using fura-2 or quin2 in suspensions of normal or CF nasal epithelial cells derived from primary cell culture. The basal Cai2+ level measured with fura-2 in CF nasal epithelia was 155 ± 9 nM (n = 5), a value not significantly different from normal nasal epithelia (143 ± 16 nM, n = 5). Total cell calcium was measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy and no differences were observed between CF (6.3 ± 0.5 nmol/mg protein; n = 3) and normal (6.2 ±1.2 nmol/mg protein; n = 3) nasal epithelial cells. Placing Na+ loaded cells in a low (10 mM) extracellular Na+ solution resulted in a rapid increase in Cai2+ consistent with Ca2+ uptake via a plasmalemmal Na+-Ca2+ exchanger. The level of Cai2+ achieved by this low Na+ maneuver was not significantly different in CF cells compared to normal cells. Neither isoproterenol (10-5 M) nor forskolin (10-6 M) had any effect on Cai2+ in normal or CF nasal epithelial cells. Thus, it appears that differences in cell Cai2+, as measured by fluorescent chelators in suspensions of cultured cells, do not account for the abnormalities in basal or isoproterenol stimulated ion transport in CF tissues.
Explaining Intercity Home Price Differences

This paper develops and tests an equilibrium model seeking to explain intercity variation in owner-occupied housing prices. Empirical tests with a reduced form equation using aggregated 1980 data on 94 SMSAs suggest explanation for 84% of this intercity home price variation. Intercity housing demand, based upon homeowner “quality of life” equilibrium, is successfully represented by the “non-monetary income” determinant of climate mildness in addition to several monetary income determinants that reflect household residual after-tax real income. Intercity housing supply was found to be influenced by intercity variation in construction costs and limitations upon the available supply of undeveloped urban land.
Polymorphic Packing Arrangements in a Class of Engineered Organic Crystals

Polymorphism occurs in the family of engineered cocrystals that form from N,N ‘-bis(p-X-phenyl)melamines (X = H, F, Cl, Br, I, CH3, and CF3) and barbital. X-ray powder diffraction indicates that on...
An integrated performance model for orderpicking systems with randomized storage

Abstract A mathematical model is formulated to capture the impact of item, equipment, storage configuration and operating parameters in less than unit load orderpicking systems. Storage area material flow models based on lot size reorder point policies are integrated with orderpicking travel time models to generate aggregate retrieval area space requirements for randomized storage systems. These results are used to develop cycle time models for single and dual command orderpicking transactions and to evaluate the impact of alternative interleaving disciplines on system performance. The combined model is applied to predict the operating performance of a lot size, reorder point stock management system with respect to item retrieval throughput capacity, physical storage space requirements, inventory service level and system responsiveness. A sample problem is used to illustrate the application of the model as a design tool in measuring the impact of alternative design and operating scenarios on expected system performance.
Using functional magnetic resonance imaging to determine if cerebral hemodynamic responses to pain change following thoracic spine thrust manipulation in healthy individuals.

Study Design Case series. Objectives To use blood oxygenation level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to determine if supraspinal activation in response to noxious mechanical stimuli varies pre-and post-thrust manipulation to the thoracic spine. Background Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of thoracic thrust manipulation in reducing pain and improving function in some individuals with neck and shoulder pain. However, the mechanisms by which manipulation exerts such effects remain largely unexplained. The use of fMRI in the animal model has revealed a decrease in cortical activity in response to noxious stimuli following manual joint mobilization. Supraspinal mediation contributing to hypoalgesia in humans may be triggered following spinal manipulation. Methods Ten healthy volunteers (5 women, 5 men) between the ages of 23 and 48 years (mean, 31.2 years) were recruited. Subjects underwent fMRI scanning while receiving noxious stimuli applied to the cuticle of the index...
A MULTIPLE-SIZED TRANSPORT FORMULA FOR NONUNIFORM SEDIMENTS UNDER CURRENT AND WAVES

Nonuniform sediment transport exhibits difference from uniform sediment, even when the mean grain size is the same for both cases. The hiding, exposure, and armoring among different size fractions in the nonuniform bed material may significantly affect sediment transport, morphological change, bed roughness, wave dissipation, etc. It is necessary to develop multiple-sized sediment transport capacity formula to improve the accuracy and reliability of coastal analysis tools. The Wu et al. (2000) formula, which was developed for river sedimentation, is herein extended to calculate multiple-sized sediment transport under current and waves for coastal applications. This formula relates bed-load transport to the grain shear stress and suspended-load transport to the energy of the flow system. It considers the effect of bed material size composition in the hiding and exposure correction factor, which is omitted in many other existing formulas. Methods have been developed in this study to determine the bed shear stress due to waves only and combined current and waves, and in turn to compute the bed-load and suspended-load transport rates using the Wu et al. (2000) formula without changing its original formulation. The enhanced bed-load formula considers the effect of wave asymmetry on sediment transport, calculates the onshore and offshore bed-load transport rates separately and then derives the net transport rate, whereas the enhanced suspended-load formula calculates only the net transport rate due to the limit of available data. The formula has been tested using the single-sized and multiple-sized sediment transport data sets. The formula provides reliable predictions in both fractional and total transport rates. More than half of the test cases are predicted within a factor of 2 of the measured values, and more than 90% of the cases are within a factor of 5. This accuracy is generally reasonable for sediment transport under current and waves, which is very complex and little understood.