cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A unique funding opportunity for public health in Texas.

In addition to the Affordable Care Act, states are more frequently turning to Medicaid waivers to achieve the “Triple Aim” goals of improving the experience of care, improving population health, and reducing per capita costs. These demonstration waivers provide opportunities to test innovative ways to finance and deliver care. Texas is currently implementing a waiver known as the Transformation and Quality Improvement Program. Its inclusion of public health agencies is a unique approach to a system typically limited to traditional providers. San Antonio Metropolitan Health District is one public health agency taking advantage of this new funding opportunity to implement 6 new or expanded programs targeting health issues of highest priority in this south Texas region. This article discusses the use of Medicaid waivers and the advantages and challenges of public health agency participation.
Construction of new scales for the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List

Factor analyses were used to develop new scales for the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List (MAACL) measuring anxiety, depression, hostility, positive, and sensation-seeking affects. Anxiety, depression, and hostility scales were moderately intercorrelated and a combined score called “dysphoria” was formed from their addition. Positive and sensation-seeking affects were also correlated and combined in a summary score (PASS). The dysphoric and PASS scores were not highly correlated. The number of items checked correlated highly with the positive affect scale, moderately with sensation seeking, and relatively low with the negative affect scales. Internal reliabilities were high and retest reliabilities were low, in conformance with the model for state scales. The anxiety score increased and the positive affect score and number of items checked decreased just prior to a classroom examination. Further plans for scale development are discussed.
Assessment of Tensile Residual Stress Mitigation in Alloy 22 Welds Due to Laser Peening

This paper examines the effects of laser peening on Alloy 22 (UNS N06022), which is the proposed material for use as the outer layer on the spent-fuel nuclear waste canisters to be stored at Yucca Mountain. Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is a primary concern in the design of these canisters because tensile residual stresses will be left behind by the closure weld. Alloy 22 is a nickel-based stainless steel that is particularly resistant to corrosion, however, there is a chance that stress corrosion cracking could develop given the right environmental conditions. Laser peening is an emerging surface treatment technology that has been identified as an effective tool for mitigating tensile redisual stresses in the storage canisters. The results of laser-peening experiments on Alloy 22 base material and a sample 33 mm thick double-V groove butt-weld made with gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) are presented. Residual stress profiles were measured in Alloy 22 base material using the slitting method (also known as the crack-compliance method), and a full 2D map of longitudinal residual stress was measured in the sample welds using the contour method. Laser peening was found to produce compressive residual stress to a depth of 3.8 mm in 20 mm thick base material coupons. The depth of compressive residual stress was found to have a significant dependence on the number of peening layers and a slight dependence on the level of irradiance. Additionally, laser peening produced compressive residual stresses to a depth of 4.3 mm in the 33 mm thick weld at the center of the weld bead where high levels of tensile stress were initially present.@DOI: 10.1115/1.1789957#
In vitro inactivation of silver sulphadiazine by the addition of cerium salts

Silver sulphadiazine, with and without cerium salts, was tested in an in vitro topical antimicrobial susceptibility test assay for antimicrobial activity against microorganisms isolated from burn wounds. Compared to silver sulphadiazine alone the addition of cerium to silver sulphadiazine generally reduced the diameter of the antimicrobial inhibitory zones around susceptible organisms. In addition, complete nullification of the activity of silver sulphadiazine occurred in many instances.
A comparison of two randomized response survey methods with consideration for the level of respondent protection

In recent years randomized response methods have been introduced in an attempt to improve the accuracy and honesty in personalized response surveys of very sensitive questions. Two randomized response methods are compared, taking into account the protection afforded the respondent. In addition, we point out that the estimators, which previous authors have claimed to be the maximum likelihood estimators of the population proportion with the sensitive characteristic, are in fact not the maximum likelihood estimators.
Human Resources and Industrial Development in the Upper East Tennessee Valley, 1900–1950

Introduction, 289. — I. Industrial-urban development, 1900–1950, 293. — II. Population developments, 1900–1950, 300. — III. Conclusions, 314. A house without a man in charge Stays neat with pride But the frying pans are all too large And the bed too wide. — Barbara Ann Warren
Fractionation of platelets according to size: functional and biochemical characteristics.

The functional and biochemical heterogeneity of platelets has been studied using graded differential centrifugation to fractionate human platelets according to size while maintaining their morphological and functional integrity as indicated by scanning electron microscopy and content of beta-thromboglobulin. Aggregation kinetics were studied by both optical and quenched-flow methods involving single-particle counting. Large platelets were significantly more sensitive to ADP, but aggregated less rapidly than small platelets. Thrombin exerted a similar influence. Large platelets were also enriched in surface sialic acid and sulfhydryl groups and in internal glycogen, ATP, ADP, calcium, cyclic AMP, malonaldehyde, and succinate cytochrome c reductase when compared to small platelets, even when normalized per unit volume. ADP caused a more rapid breakdown of cyclic AMP in small platelets. Potential aging relationships were tested by isotope studies in rats. /sup 75/Se-selenomethionine was incorporated in vivo at a similar rate into all fractions. Large platelets labeled with /sup 51/Cr disappeared from circulation linearly and had a longer mean lifespan than small platelets, which disappeared exponentially. This behavior supports independent aging of platelet populations of differing size. The data suggest a distinct heterogeneity in platelet function and fate, which could derive from protection of large platelets against excessive activation bymore » Ca2+-regulated events.« less
I think, therefore digo yo: Variable position of the 1sg subject pronoun in New Mexican Spanish-English code-switching

Using the New Mexico Spanish-English Bilingual Corpus, the present paper examines the variable position of the 1sg Spanish subject pronoun yo—pre- versus post-verbal—to consider the effect that cod...
Ground beetle activity in apple orchards under reduced pesticide management regimes

Abstract Analyses of pitfall traps in Washington and Oregon apple orchards revealed that predatory ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) were strongly susceptible to applications of broad-spectrum, neural-active insecticides. When compared with orchard blocks managed without broad-spectrum insecticides, orchard blocks under conventionally managed regimes had significantly lower populations of ground beetles. The carabid species Pterostichus adstrictus Eschscholtz and P. melanarius Illiger constituted 89% of all ground beetles collected over two growing seasons. Laboratory feeding studies with Pterostichus spp. and Harpalus pensylvanicus showed that these ground beetles have the potential to be important predators of overwintering larvae of codling moth [ Cydia pomonella (L.)] and of cutworm larvae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).
The life-history strategy of deepwater sculpin, Myoxocephalus thompsoni (Girard), in Lake Michigan: dispersal and settlement patterns during the first year of life

Deepwater sculpin, Myoxocephalus thompsoni (Girard), were sampled from six stations from the 15–100 m depth contours in Lake Michigan between April 1983 and July 1984. In south-eastern Lake Michigan M. thompsoni lay benthic eggs in offshore waters, which hatch between November and August, with peak hatching in March. Abundance of larvae in pelagic samples was higher offshore than inshore, but larval size was greater and development more advanced at inshore stations, indicating an inshore movement after hatching. Larvae reached metamorphosis at 20 mm and settled to the bottom beginning in July. Pelagic larvae 20–40 mm were found in the lower water column at all stations, but newly settled individuals were only captured with bottom trawls at inshore locations (≤60 m depth). Data from ichthyoplankton and bottom trawl samples in 1983 and 1984 indicated that locations for successful settlement of larvae to the bottom extended only as deep as the shallowest fringe of the adult population (> 50 m in 1983). In 1983, maximum density of larvae reached 0.4 individuals m−3 by June. Survival from the pelagic larval stage to the demersal young-of-year stage in 1983/1984 was c. 0.1–0.4%. The specific mechanism of mortality at the time of transition to a demersal habit has not been determined.
The effects of wall moisture profiles on matched illumination waveforms

Improvements in through-the-wall radar imaging (TWRI) rely on understanding the phenomenology of the interaction between the radar signal and the wall structure. Propagation of the pulse through the wall adversely affects the resulting target return signatures through attenuation and time dispersion. One technique of improving TWRI performance is through optimal waveform design. The matched illumination concept has been shown to improve target detection and discrimination for TWRI by optimally shaping the transmission waveform to maximize the signal-to-interference and noise ratio of the radar's transmitter-receiver pair [H. Estephan et.al, IEEE Trans. on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Vol. 48, No. 7, pp. 2930-2941, 2010].
Modeling Selenite Adsorption Envelopes on Oxides, Clay Minerals, and Soils using the Triple Layer Model

Selenite adsorption behavior was investigated on amorphous Al and Fe oxides, clay minerals: kaolinite, montmorillonite, and illite, and 45 surface and subsurface soil samples from the southwestern and midwestern regions of the United States as a function of solution pH. Selenite adsorption decreased with increasing solution pH. The triple layer model, a chemical surface complexation model, was able to describe selenite adsorption as a function of solution pH by simultaneously optimizing both inner-sphere and outer-sphere selenite surface complexation constants. The fit of the triple layer model to selenite adsorption by soils was much improved over that obtained previously by optimizing solely an inner-sphere selenite surface complexation constant and the protonation constant in the constant capacitance model. In this previous application, the deprotonation constant had been neglected; thereby, preventing the reactive surface hydroxyl group from deprotonating; a chemically unrealistic situation. The selenite surface speciation predicted using the triple layer model was in agreement with that obtained for other strongly adsorbing anions such as molybdate. Direct spectroscopic investigations of selenite surface configuration are needed to corroborate the species predicted by the modeling approach.
Existence of solutions of multi-valued Urysohn integral equations

We prove the existence of a solution of an integral inclusion of Urysohn type with delay. By imposing standard boundedness, convexity, and semicontinuity conditions on the set-valued mapping defining the integral inclusion, we show that the right-hand side of the relation constitutes a mapping defined on a suitable Banach space and satisfying the conditions of Kakutani's theorem for the existence of a fixed point of a set-valued mapping. By introducing the notion of generalized or chattering state solutions, we show how the convexity requirements may be relaxed.
Hydrothermal temperature changes at the southern Juan de Fuca Ridge associated with MW 6.2 Blanco Transform earthquake

The regional impact of transform seismicity on ridge-crest hydrothermal venting and ridge-transform dynamics is investigated using a June 1‐7, 2000, Blanco Transform earthquake sequence. The mainshock (Mw 6.2) and 170 foreshocks and aftershocks were located using T waves recorded on U.S. Navy hydrophones, and indicate that the active transform fault may be farther south than in previous tectonic models. During the earthquake sequence, two temperature probes were deployed in black smoker chimneys at the Vent1 and Plume hydrothermal fields along the southern Juan de Fuca Ridge. These two hydrothermal systems are ;39 km northwest of the mainshock’s acoustic location. Both probes show significant (.5 8C) temperature declines following the mainshock, the Vent1 temperature changes occurring over days to weeks while the Plume changes were coseismic. The Vent1 and Plume fluid temperature decreases are consistent with earthquakeinduced changes to permeability in the upper ocean crust. The evidence suggests that deep-ocean hydrothermal systems can be altered by large earthquakes even at a distance and across tectonic provinces, and ridge-crest seismic and magmatic activity are not the only causes of change to hydrothermal systems.
Mouse ovarian germ cell cysts undergo programmed breakdown to form primordial follicles.

In many organisms, early germline development takes place within cysts of interconnected cells that form by incomplete cytokinesis and later undergo programmed breakdown. We recently identified similar cell clusters within the fetal mouse ovary, but the fate and functional significance of these germ cell cysts remained unclear. Here, we show that mouse cysts undergo programmed breakdown between 20.5-22.5 dpc, during which approximately 33% of the oocytes survive to form primordial follicles. This process accounts for most of the perinatal reduction in germ cell numbers and germ cell apoptosis reported by previous authors, and suggests that perinatal germ cell loss is a developmentally regulated process that is distinct from the follicular atresia that occurs during adult life. Our observations also suggest a novel function for a transient cyst stage of germ cell development. Prior to breakdown, mitochondria and ER reorganize into perinuclear aggregates, and can be seen within the ring canals joining adjacent germ cells. Cysts may ensure that oocytes destined to form primordial follicles acquire populations of functional mitochondria, through an active process that has been evolutionarily conserved.
Scheduling Trees in Parallel/Pipelined Processing Environments

Scheduling task trees to be executed in parallel and/or pipelined processing systems are examined under individual situations. Processor structural requirements at task nodes are also included in the model of consideration. While simple techniques can serve as heuristics, counterexamples are constructed in some crucial cases. Simple optimal algorithms are presented in two important cases: 1) unistructure, multipipe, uniform latency, and flush time; and 2) vector loops. Finally, the complexity of the remaining cases is scrutinized with different structural parameter combinations.
Cytokine regulation of mucin secretion in a human middle ear epithelial model.

Abstract Objectives: Middle ear mucins are associated with otitis media (OM), contribute to hearing loss and are regulated by cytokines. This work investigates the regulation of mucin secretion from human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEEC) by inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and cytokine inhibitors interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) and anti-tumor necrosis factor-α antibody (TNFab). Methods: HMEEC were exposed to IL-1β and TNF-α in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Cytokine stimulated HMEEC were also exposed to IL-1ra and TNFab in a dose-dependent manner. Mucin secretion was characterized by exclusion chromatography and liquid scintillation. Results: HMEEC exposed to IL-1β and TNF-α demonstrated significant upregulation of mucin secretion in a dose-dependent fashion. Cultures exposed to IL-1β at 100 ng/ml and TNF-α at 200 ng/ml showed increased mucin secretion in time-dependent experiments at 16 h (P = 0.00008) for TNF-α and 8 (P = 0.028) and 16 h (P = 0.00001) for IL-1β. IL-1ra and TNFab inhibited the effects of increased mucin secretion by IL-1β and TNF-α. Conclusions: IL-1β and TNF-α upregulate mucin secretion from HMEEC in a dose- and time-dependant manner and these effects can be inhibited by cytokine blockade. Improved understanding of these mechanisms has the potential to alter the approach and management of OM and lead to novel therapeutic interventions.
Normalization of informal text

This paper describes a noisy-channel approach for the normalization of informal text, such as that found in emails, chat rooms, and SMS messages. In particular, we introduce two character-level methods for the abbreviation modeling aspect of the noisy channel model: a statistical classifier using language-based features to decide whether a character is likely to be removed from a word, and a character-level machine translation model. A two-phase approach is used; in the first stage the possible candidates are generated using the selected abbreviation model and in the second stage we choose the best candidate by decoding using a language model. Overall we find that this approach works well and is on par with current research in the field.
Decomposition of grasses and forbs in coastal savanna of southern Somalia

SUMMARY Decomposition rates of grass and forb standing-dead and litter was estimated using the litter bag technique. Litter decomposition was rapid (95% disappearance in one year) with no significant difference between grass and forb decomposition rates (significance level = P<0–05). The standing-dead decomposition rate was significantly slower (50% disappearance in one year) with no significant difference between grass and forb decomposition rates. The rate of entry into the little layer was significantly greater for forbs than grasses. Weight loss was not statistically correlated with rainfall received among sampling dates, in part because termites were an active decomposition agent throughout the dry season. The implications of these results for range management are discussed. Resume On a estime le taux de decomposition de l'herbe et des buissons morts en position debout selon la technique du sac a ordure. La decomposition des vegetaux de la litiere etait rapide (95% de disparition en un an) sans difference significative entre les taux de decomposition de l'herbe et des buissons (degre de confiance P< 0–05). Le taux de decomposition des vegetaux morts restes debout etait significativement plus lent (50% avaient disparu en un an) sans que l'on note de difference significative entre les deux types de vegetaux. Le taux d'integration a la couche de litiere etait significativement superieur pour les buissons que pour les herbes. La perte de poids n'etait statistiquement pas reliee aux chutes de pluies entre les dates de prise d'echantillons, notamment parce que les termites etaient un agent de decomposition actif pendant la saison seche. Les implications de ces resultats dans le cadre de la gestion fonciere sont discutees.
Some anthropological issues related to community mental health programs in the United States.

This paper presents some major anthropological issues related to community mental health programs and centers in the United States. The author discusses reasons why a truly community-centered approach has not been fully developed and implemented in many centers. Emphasis is given to the importance of understanding current cultural and social forces affecting the patient's illness and the need to incorporate these sociocultural data into existing mental health programs. The paper is based upon the author's practice and consultant role with several community mental health programs and should be useful to designers and evaluators of future mental health progress.
The Jew accused: Three anti-semitic affairs (Dreyfus, Beilis, Frank) 1894–1914

(1993). The Jew accused: Three anti-semitic affairs (Dreyfus, Beilis, Frank) 1894–1914. History of European Ideas: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 114-116.
Speaking fundamental frequency characteristics of five- and six-year-old children with mongolism.

Spontaneous speech samples of 27 children with trisomy-21 type Down’s syndrome and 66 normal children were tape-recorded and analyzed for mean fundamental frequency, standard deviation, and range. ...
Use of diclofenac in analgesia

The inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with a variety of disorders. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a role, therefore, in the treatment of nonrheumatic conditions as well as in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, an area in which these agents have been used and studied more extensively. In clinical conditions marked by acute or chronic pain and inflammation, such as oral surgery, dysmenorrhea, low back pain, renal colic, and biliary colic, as well as in post-traumatic and postoperative conditions, diclofenac sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with potent prostaglandin synthetase inhibition, has been shown to be an effective analgesic agent. In the current studies, diclofenac was given orally or by intramuscular injection in doses ranging from 50 to 75 mg daily, or up to 150 mg per day for longer-term use. When compared with placebo, diclofenac provided consistently superior relief of symptoms. Comparisons with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or with opioids, such as pentazocine or Spasmofen, demonstrate that symptom relief with diclofenac was either comparable to or better than that obtained with these agents.
Cognitive complexity, the first year of teaching, and mentoring

Abstract Drawing on data from a US study of nine mentors and mentees, including mentee scores on the Reasoning about Current Issues (RCI) Test, which offers a measure of cognitive complexity, the authors explore how differences in cognitive complexity were related to role expectations, conceptions of teaching problems, and the use of evidence for justifying beliefs. Growing out of the Reflective Judgment Model developed by King and Kitchner [(2002). The reflective judgment model: Twenty years of research on epistemic cognition. In B. Hofer, & P. Pintrich (Eds.), Personal epistemology: The psychology of beliefs about knowledge and knowing (pp. 37–61). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates] the RCI defines cognitive complexity in terms of how individuals reason—make judgments and use evidence—about ill-structured, controversial, problems. The authors argue that differences in how individuals reason when problem solving may help explain some aspects of how relationships between mentees and mentors form and suggest that greater attention needs to be given to cognitive complexity when designing induction and mentor programs.
The Medfield Smartphone: Intel Architecture in a Handheld Form Factor

Medfield is the code name for the first Intel smartphone platform that delivers an Intel Architecture (IA) processor into a handheld form factor. Medfield is built around the Intel Atom Z2480 Processor. The platform uses the Intel Hi-K 32 nm process technology to deliver a compelling end-user experience within the low power constraints demanded by the form factor. This article covers platform and system-on-a-chip (SoC) design constraints ranging from board layout to chip packaging, silicon design to software architecture. The authors emphasize the hardware and software power-management techniques that allowed the product to meet smartphone compatible battery life targets.
Systems engineering: Fundamental limits and future prospects

Presently perceived fundamental limits in systems engineering are described along with contemporary and projected future efforts to reach, circumvent, or ameliorate the effects of these limits. To present an overall view of the many frontiers being explored and extended in the realm of systems, man and cybernetics, we first described a set of twenty-five objectives for systems engineering in the 1980's. This is followed by a summary description of systems engineering. The paper continues with a discussion of limits associated with modeling, human and behavioral factors, and utility and value measurement. It concludes with examples of how these limits affect the design of planning and decision support systems, and energy policy analysis using technology forecasting and assessment.
Interactive PERT simulation modeling for resource-constrained project scheduling

Several modeling extensions recently incorporated in an interactive project scheduling system (GITPASE, Graphical Interactive Technique for Project Analysis, Scheduling and Evaluation) provide a basis for corresponding extensions in interactive PERT simulation. We have developed and are experimenting with an interactive PERT simulator using the GITPASE infrastructure. It allows correlated variation of resource consumptions, resource availability levels, timing changes in availabilities, and timing of exogenous events, added to the traditional Monte-Carlo simulation of activity durations and their consequences. Interactive gaming capabilities are also added, so that a user can react in various ways to conflicts that arise during the simulation.
A preliminary study of the effect of slug hardness on dissolution from hard gelatin capsules filled on an automatic capsule-filling machine

Abstract The effect of magnesium stearate on slug hardness and the dissolution of hydrochlorothiazide from hard gelatin capsules filled on an instrumented Zanasi automatic capsule-filling machine at constant compression force is reported. The fillers were microcrystalline cellulose and anhydrous lactose. Slug hardness was assessed by measuring the breaking load of slugs in a three-point bending test. With microcrysallire cellulose, t 60% first decreases to a minimum and then increases with increased lubricant levds, confirming the findings of Stewart et al. (1979). This is accompanied by a dramatic decrease in slug hardness. With lactose, t 60% increases with the lubricant level white slug hardness decreases slightly, although not significantly (5% level) at the levels tested. With microaystalline cellulose, it is proposed that the increased hydrophobtcity of the slug with increasing lubricant levels initially is more than offset by reduced slug hardness which probably enhances deaggregation and wetting of capsule contents.
Improving Breast Cancer Outcomes among Women in China: Practices, Knowledge, and Attitudes Related to Breast Cancer Screening

Background. Breast cancer is a major public health issue and the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women worldwide. Despite lower incidence rates than those living in Western countries, breast cancer incidence among Chinese women has increased dramatically in the past 20 years. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of studies reporting the attitudes toward and practices of breast cancer screening among Chinese women. Methods. This cross-sectional study examined the practices, knowledge, and attitudes toward breast cancer screening (BCS) on a convenience sample of 400 Chinese women. Results. Among study participants, 75% of the women never had a mammogram and the top three barriers reported were low priority, feeling OK, and lack of awareness/knowledge toward breast cancer screening. The results from the logistic regression model showed increased self-efficacy; having performed monthly self-exams, and having had clinical breast exams in the past two years were significant correlates while demographic variables were not correlated with screening behaviors. Conclusion. The findings provide a foundation to better understand beliefs and practices of Chinese women toward BCS and highlight the critical need for general public, health professionals, and the health care system to work collaboratively toward improving the quality of breast cancer care in this population.
Risk factors for recurrent sinus surgery in cystic fibrosis: review of a decade of experience.

BackgroundPatients with cystic fibrosis (CF) who undergo endoscopic sinus surgery often require multiple revision procedures. Our objective was to identify risk factors for revision sinus surgery i...
Perspectives for Genomic Selection Applications and Research in Plants

ABSTRACT Genomic selection (GS) has created a lot of excitement and expectations in the animal- and plant-breeding research communities. In this review, we briefly describe how genomic pre-diction can be integrated into breeding efforts and point out achievements and areas where more research is needed. Genomic selec-tion provides many opportunities to increase genetic gain in plant breeding per unit time and cost. Early empirical and simulation results are promising, but for GS to deliver genetic gains, careful consideration of the problem of optimal resource allocation is needed. Consideration of the cost-benefit balance of using markers for each trait and stage of the breeding cycle is needed, moving beyond only focusing on recur -rent selection with GS on a few complex traits, using prediction on unphenotyped individuals. With decreasing marker cost, phenotype data is quickly becoming the most valuable asset and marker-assisted selection strategies should focus on making the most of scarce and expen -sive phenotypes. It is important to realize that markers can also improve accuracy of selection for phenotyped individuals. Use of markers as an aid to phenotype analysis suggests a num-ber of new strategies in terms of experimental design and multi-trait models. GS also provides new ways to analyze and deal with genotype by environment interactions. Lastly, we point to some recent results showing that new models are needed to improve predictions particularly with respect to the use of distantly related indi-viduals in the training population.N. Heslot, J.-L. Jannink, and M.E. Sorrells, Cornell Univ., Dep. of Plant Breeding and Genetics, 240 Emerson Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853. J.-L. Jannink, USDA-ARS, R.W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY 14853. N. Heslot, Limagrain Europe, CS3911, Chappes, 63720 France. Received 27 Mar. 2014. *Corresponding author (mes12@cornell.edu).
Ultrasound system to measure esophageal varix pressure: an in vitro validation study

We report our experience with an ultrasound system to measure esophageal varix pressure in an in vitro model. The ultrasound system consists of a 12.5 MHz frequency intraluminal ultrasound probe, a...
The Use of Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs) for the Treatment of Pediatric Aggression and Mood Disorders.

Aggressive symptomatology presents across multiple psychiatric, developmental, neurological and behavioral disorders, complicating the diagnosis and treatment of the underlying pathology. Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs) have become an appealing alternative in the treatment of aggression, mood lability and impulsivity in adult and pediatric populations, although few controlled trials have explored their efficacy in treating pediatric populations. This review of the literature synthesizes the available data on ten AEDs—valproate, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, lamotrigine, topiramate, levetiracetam, zonisamide, gabapentin and tiagabine—in an attempt to assess evidence for the efficacy of AEDs in the treatment of aggression in pediatric populations. Our review revealed modest evidence that some of the AEDs produced improvement in pediatric aggression, but controlled trials in pediatric bipolar disorder have not been promising. Valproate is the best supported AED for aggression and should be considered as a first line of treatment. When monotherapy is insufficient, combining an AED with either lithium or an atypical anti-psychotic can result in better efficacy. Additionally, our review indicates that medications with predominately GABA-ergic mechanisms of action are not effective in treating aggression, and medications which decrease glutaminergic
β-Alanine metabolism in the housefly, Musca domestica: Concentrations in the larvae, pupae, and adults

Abstract Housefly larvae, Musca domestica, were reared on a β-alanine-free aseptic diet. The adults were fed a synthetic diet also lacking β-alanine. At various developmental stages the β-alanine was extracted, purified, derivatized, and quantitatively assayed by GLC. Prior to pupation, wandering larvae synthesized β-alanine so that a peak concentration of 362·2 μg/g wet weight was found in the white puparium state. Another peak of 290·1 μg/g was found in the fourth day of development prior to adult emergence. The adults contained more than 600 μg/g which they maintained for at least the first week after eclosion.
Fathers, fruits and photosynthesis: pollen donor effects on fruit photosynthesis in wild parsnip

Chlorophyll is frequently present in plant reproductive tissues and indicates that photosynthesis is occurring in these parts. Photosynthesis by a reproductive organ can contribute as much as 65% to its own growth. Given the advantages that increased photosynthetic rates might have on development of individual seeds competing for resources, selection can be expected to favour the ability of offspring to influence photosynthetic rates of the tissues surrounding them. We report in this study the first evidence that the pollen genotype can influence the rate of photosynthesis in the fruit tissues surrounding the developing offspring. Using a novel chlorophyll fluorescence imaging instrument to quantify quantum efficiency of photosystem II, we found significant differences in photosynthetic rates among fruits in wild parsnip, Pastinaca sativa L, associated with different pollen genotypes.
Paraeducators: Legal and Practice Considerations

Although paraeducators are increasingly and extensively involved with the education of students with disabilities by providing instructional and related services, they generally enter the school setting without formal training or preparation in working with students with disabilities. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of legal issues associated with the presence of paraeducators in special education, to discuss practice considerations, and to provide future direction concerning paraeducators in the field of special education. With regard to legal considerations, paraeducators must be provided for students with disabilities (including one-on-one services) if such services are necessary in order for a student to receive a free, appropriate public education, and paraeducators must be qualified to perform assigned services as indicated in Individualized Education Programs. Practice considerations include the need for educational agencies, especially at the state level, to take a proactive ...
EPISTEMIC PERSISTENCE: A SIMULATION-BASED APPROACH TO INCREASING PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN ENGINEERING

Educational institutions have historically struggled with retaining women in engineering. A significant drop occurs in the first year of undergraduate studies. In response, some universities have modified firstyear curricula to include more teamwork and collaboration. Using epistemic frame theory, we hypothesize that more women would remain in the field if they had authentic experiences of the engineering profession early in their undergraduate career. To test this hypothesis, we designed and implemented an epistemic game, Nephrotex in which students engage in authentic engineering design in teams. We collected two sources of data from students in Nephrotex (experimental condition): (1) students’ preand post-survey responses about attitudes toward engineering and (2) students’ online discourse. We collected preand post-surveys from the comparison group (control condition), students who participated in a non-designbased introductory engineering course in which they researched global engineering problems and solutions in teams. We conducted a principal components analysis on the survey data and an epistemic network analysis on the discourse data. Our controlled study suggests that (1) women in the experimental condition had a greater increase in confidence in and commitment to engineering than women in the control condition, and (2) students in the experimental condition who focused mostly on engineering design instead of collaboration were more committed to engineering. While the sample sizes are not large for this experiment and the gender distribution is not equal between groups (experimental, 63 female 75 male; control, 35 female 95 male), our results suggest that an authentic engineering simulation can increase women’s motivation to persist in engineering. Interestingly, this was not the finding for men. Of the male and female students who participated in Nephrotex, those who focused on engineering design talk in collaborative discussions reported that they were more committed and confident afterward, suggesting that design is a motivating element in authentic engineering simulations for both men and women.
11.2: “Digital” vacuum microelectronics: Carbon nanotube-based Inverse Majority Gates for high temperature applications

Inverse Majority Gate using carbon nanotube cathodes and silicon micromachined vacuum cavities is developed for high temperature applications. We have achieved switching operation of this unique device at temperatures up to 700° C. The concept, the initial design and operation, the potential performance in an improved design are presented in this paper.
The importance of diverse data types to calibrate a watershed model of the Trout Lake Basin, Northern Wisconsin, USA

As part of the USGS Water, Energy, and Biogeochemical Budgets project and the NSF Long-Term Ecological Research work, a parameter estimation code was used to calibrate a deterministic groundwater flow model of the Trout Lake Basin in northern Wisconsin. Observations included traditional calibration targets (head, lake stage, and baseflow observations) as well as unconventional targets such as groundwater flows to and from lakes, depth of a lake water plume, and time of travel. The unconventional data types were important for parameter estimation convergence and allowed the development of a more detailed parameterization capable of resolving model objectives with well-constrained parameter values. Independent estimates of groundwater inflow to lakes were most important for constraining lakebed leakance and the depth of the lake water plume was important for determining hydraulic conductivity and conceptual aquifer layering. The most important target overall, however, was a conventional regional baseflow target that led to correct distribution of flow between sub-basins and the regional system during model calibration. The use of an automated parameter estimation code: (1) facilitated the calibration process by providing a quantitative assessment of the model’s ability to match disparate observed data types; and (2) allowed assessment of the influence of observed targets on the calibration process. The model calibration required the use of a ‘universal’ parameter estimation code in order to include all types of observations in the objective function. The methods described in this paper help address issues of watershed complexity and non-uniqueness common to deterministic watershed models. q 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
A new description of the Bowen—Margulis measure

The Bowen-Margulis measure on the unit tangent bundle of the universal covering of a compact manifold of negative curvature is determined by its restriction to the leaves of the strong unstable foliation. We describe this restriction to any strong unstable manifold W as a spherical measure with respect to a natural distance on W.
Challenges of PHEV penetration to the residential distribution network

As Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) take a greater share in the personal automobile market, their penetration levels may bring potential challenges to electric utility especially at the distribution level. This paper examines the impact of charging PHEVs on a distribution transformer under different charging scenarios. The simulation results indicate that at the PHEV penetration level of interest, new load peaks will be created, which in some cases may exceed the distribution transformer capacity. In order to keep the PHEVs from causing harmful new peaks, thus making the system more secure and efficient, several PHEV charging profiles are analyzed and some possible demand management solutions, including PHEV stagger charge and household load control, are explored.
Low-power, high-bandwidth optical interconnects for computing systems

Power-efficient, high-performance multicore systems require high-bandwidth and low-power I/O, which can not be realized without optics. This paper will review recent progress in optical interconnects, which include low-power, high-speed optical link and high-density, chip-based, high-density optical packaging on optical PCB.
Specifying initial stress for dynamic heterogeneous earthquake source models

Abstract Dynamic rupture calculations using heterogeneous stress drop that is random and self-similar with a power-law spatial spectrum have great promise of producing realistic ground-motion predictions. We present procedures to specify initial stress for random events with a target rupture length and target magnitude. The stress function is modified in the depth dimension to account for the brittle-ductile transition at the base of the seismogenic zone. Self-similar fluctuations in stress drop are tied in this work to the long-wavelength stress variation that determines rupture length. Heterogeneous stress is related to friction levels in order to relate the model to physical concepts. In a variant of the model, there are high-stress asperities with low background stress. This procedure has a number of advantages: (1) rupture stops naturally, not at artificial barriers; (2) the amplitude of short-wavelength fluctuations of stress drop is not arbitrary: the spectrum is fixed to the long-wavelength fluctuation that determines rupture length; and (3) large stress drop can be confined to asperities occupying a small fraction of the total rupture area, producing slip distributions with enhanced peaks.
Learning control of failure avoidance problems with known analytical form of cost function

We study adaptive critic designs for a class of failure avoidance control problems. We categorize such problems by the choice of local cost function as zero throughout a trial except at the last time step when a failure occurs. We derive an analytical form of its overall cost function defined as the infinite summation of the local cost function over time. We demonstrate that the outputs of the critic network after learning resemble well the analytically derived cost function.
Multimedia fax-MIME interworking

We present the architecture of an application level fax-Internet gateway, and show how such a gateway could be utilised to facilitate multimedia messaging and to extend Internet services to the home or office. We propose the application of the latest developments in the facsimile and Internet worlds, notably MIME and BFT support for Group3 protocols, for the exchange of multimedia messages (documents) between both environments as well as providing Internet e-mail, file transfer and Internet news services to fax users. Such services would be of most benefit to Internet novices and those users who do not have access to Internet via dialup/SLIP or freenet facilities. Various aspects of the gateway are discussed in detail. The implementation of such a gateway would make multimedia at home a very practical reality. >
Negotiating for goods and services

Can a negotiation protocol be both fair and "envy-free" when more than two agents are involved? The authors consider how envy-free apportioning is more difficult than fair apportioning, but both can help to manage critical resources. They discuss an envy-free protocol and agent-based Web auctions.
Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles in saliva of HIV-positive smokers with oropharyngeal candidiasis.

Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is a common opportunistic infection among HIV-positive individuals and often correlates with a CD4 cell number or =200 CD4 cells/microl. In HIV-positive persons with > or =200 CD4 cells/microl, OPC+ smokers had lower gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) concentrations and a trend toward higher interleukin (IL)-4 concentrations in whole saliva compared to OPC- persons with > or =200 CD4 cells/microl, a cytokine profile consistent with that observed in HIV+OPC+ persons with < 200 CD4 cells/microl. These results suggest that premature OPC in HIV-positive smokers is associated with altered oral host defence mechanisms that cannot be overcome by levels of systemic CD4 cells that are otherwise sufficient to protect against OPC.
Dynamics and contribution of mechanisms mediating renal blood flow autoregulation

We investigated dynamic characteristics of renal blood flow (RBF) autoregulation and relative contribution of underlying mechanisms within the autoregulatory pressure range in rats. Renal arterial pressure (RAP) was reduced by suprarenal aortic constriction for 60 s and then rapidly released. Changes in renal vascular resistance (RVR) were assessed following rapid step reduction and RAP rise. In response to rise, RVR initially fell 5-10% and subsequently increased ∼20%, reflecting 93% autoregulatory efficiency (AE). Within the initial 7-9 s, RVR rose to 55% of total response providing 37% AE, reaching maximum speed at 2.2 s. A secondary RVR increase began at 7-9 s and reached maximum speed at 10-15 s. Response times suggest that the initial RVR reflects the myogenic response and the secondary tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF). During TGF inhibition by furosemide, AE was 64%. The initial RVR rise was accelerated and enhanced, providing 49% AE, but it represented only 88% of total. The remaining 12% indicates a third regulatory component. The latter contributed up to 50% when the RAP increase began below the autoregulatory range. TGF augmentation by acetazolamide affected neither AE nor relative myogenic contribution. Diltiazem infusion markedly inhibited AE and the primary and secondary RVR increases but left a slow component. In response to RAP reduction, initial vasodilation constituted 73% of total response but was not affected by furosemide. The third component's contribution was 9%. Therefore, RBF autoregulation is primarily due to myogenic response and TGF, contributing 55% and 33-45% in response to RAP rise and 73% and 18-27% to RAP reduction. The data imply interaction between TGF and myogenic response affecting strength and speed of myogenic response during RAP rises. The data suggest a third regulatory system contributing <12% normally but up to 50% at low RAP; its nature awaits further investigation.