cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Future-oriented tweets predict lower county-level HIV prevalence in the United States.

Objective Future orientation promotes health and well-being at the individual level. Computerized text analysis of a dataset encompassing billions of words used across the United States on Twitter tested whether community-level rates of future-oriented messages correlated with lower human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) rates and moderated the association between behavioral risk indicators and HIV. Method Over 150 million tweets mapped to U.S. counties were analyzed using 2 methods of text analysis. First, county-level HIV rates (cases per 100,000) were regressed on aggregate usage of future-oriented language (e.g., will, gonna). A second data-driven method regressed HIV rates on individual words and phrases. Results Results showed that counties with higher rates of future tense on Twitter had fewer HIV cases, independent of strong structural predictors of HIV such as population density. Future-oriented messages also appeared to buffer health risk: Sexually transmitted infection rates and references to risky behavior on Twitter were associated with higher HIV prevalence in all counties except those with high rates of future orientation. Data-driven analyses likewise showed that words and phrases referencing the future (e.g., tomorrow, would be) correlated with lower HIV prevalence. Conclusion Integrating big data approaches to text analysis and epidemiology with psychological theory may provide an inexpensive, real-time method of anticipating outbreaks of HIV and etiologically similar diseases.
True or False: Prognosis Is Excellent for Sudden Cardiac Death Survivors Due to Variant Angina

Coronary arterial spasm has long been recognized to cause chest pain and myocardial ischemia, with attacks occurring predominantly at rest and during the night. In 1959, Prinzmetal et al. [(1)][1] described a “variant form of angina pectoris” that occurred at rest with ST-segment elevation or
Calling the Shots: How Family Courts Address the Firearms Ban in Protection Orders:

Access to firearms increases the risk of a batterer killing his partner. Moreover, firearms may be more common in homes where intimate partner abuse has occurred. The Violence Against Women Act of 1994 banned possession of firearms by individuals subject to civil protection orders. Yet little research has focused on how this ban is communicated to survivors and batterers. Drawing on systematic observations of protection order hearings, the current study explores factors related to judicial discussion of the ban in court. Implications for improving protection orders and for increasing battered women's safety are discussed.
Linking patients with community resources: use of a free YMCA membership among low-income black women.

Given the increasing interest in expanding obesity prevention efforts to cover community-based programs, we examined whether individuals would access a YMCA for physical activity promotion. We provided a no-cost 12-month YMCA membership to socioeconomically disadvantaged black women who were randomized to the intervention arm of a weight gain prevention trial (n = 91). Analyses examined associations of membership activation and use with baseline psychosocial, contextual, health-related, and sociodemographic factors. Many participants (70.3 %) activated their memberships; however, use was low (42.2 % had no subsequent visits, 46.9 % had one to ten visits). There were no predictors of membership activation, but individuals living below/borderline the federal poverty line were more likely to use the center (1+ visits), as were those who met physical activity guidelines at baseline. More comprehensive and intensive interventions may be necessary to promote use of community resources—even when provided free—among high-risk populations of women with obesity that live in rural areas of the USA.
Acoustic measurement of penetration of liquid sodium into limestone concrete

An acoustic, pulse-echo technique has been used as part of the large-scale, sodium/concrete interaction tests being conducted at Sandia Laboratories to measure the penetration of a large pool (up to 186 kg) of liquid sodium (initial temperature as high as 600/degree/C) into a limestone concrete crucible. This paper reports the acoustic results from four test, sodium/concrete interaction test program being conducted at Sandia Laboratories. 11 refs.
Where Do Seasonal Climate Predictions Belong in the Drought Management Toolbox

On the Ground Seasonal climate predictions, based largely on the status of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation, are one such tool but need to be used with prudence, understanding when and where they perform the best. Advance planning and preparation for drought includes finding the right place for uncertain climate predictions in management decision making, as well as working to reduce overall exposure to drought risks.
Heritability of Hippocampal Formation Sub-region Volumes.

Background: Hippocampal formation (HF) volume and episodic memory performance are substantially heritable, but HF sub-region heritability estimates and their possible shared genetic variance with episodic memory performance remain to be determined. Methods and findings: This study provides heritability estimates for hippocampal sub-regions (e.g. Cornu Amonis, Subiculum, Parasubiculum, Molecular and Granule Cell Layers of the Dentate Gryus) and Total HF volumes obtained using FreeSurfer 6.0. In addition, this study assesses the heritability of object sequence and verbal episodic memory performance, and the amount of shared genetic variance between HF sub-regions and Total HF volume and episodic memory performance. HF volumes were obtained from high-resolution brain scans from a sample of 499 siblings (mean age ± SD=30.0 ± 3.1, 203 men), including 51 monozygotic and 46 dizygotic twin pairs and 305 non-twin siblings, collected by the Human Connectome Project (www.humanconnectome.org). Heritability estimates for HF sub-regions ranged from 0.42-0.87 and shared genetic variance of HF sub-regions with hippocampal volume was substantial (mean=0.79, range=0.50-0.98). HF sub-region volumes residualized for Total HF and percent HF sub-region volumes were also found to be substantially heritable (range=0.04-0.86 and 0.07-0.84, respectively). Verbal (h2=0.47) but not object sequence episodic memory was found to be significantly heritable; though the amount of shared genetic variance between HF sub-regions and verbal episodic memory was low (mean=0.10, range=0.01-0.20). Conclusion: These findings suggest that HF sub-region volumes are heritable and can be used as quantitative phenotypes in genetic association studies. The low shared genetic variance between HF sub-regions and verbal episodic memory suggests that quantitative trait analyses may not benefit from including both HF volume and episodic memory as bivariate traits in healthy individuals. The extent to which HF sub-region volumes share genetic variance with neuropsychiatric disorders, and as such add value to our ability to identify genetic risk loci for these disorders, remains to be determined.
Results of the IES Cleanroom Flow Modeling Exercise

Six contributed solutions to the Cleanroom Flow Modeling Exercise sponsored by the IES Computer Applications/ Cleanroom Modeling and Evaluation Working Group are compared with each other and with experimental data obtained in a cleanroom configuration similar to that defined in the exercise. Quantitative comparisons are given for time-averaged airflow velocity magnitude and direction and particle concentration. The good agreement between the measured and computed velocity results shows that numerical models can accurately predict the flow pattern in this configuration. However, the particle concentration agreement is not as good.
The Stat Laboratory Facilitating: Blood Gas and Biochemical Measurements for the Critically III and Injured

The stat laboratory has evolved to fulfill the need for rapidly available laboratory data in support of clinical decision-making af the bedside of the critically ill or injured patient. The operation of a stat laboratory, which was first organized more than 12 years ago, is described. Methods of organization, instrumentation, technics and sequencing of analyses, and costs for a standard panel of stat laboratory measurements on arterial or mixed venous blood are described. In addition to blood gases, measurements include hematocrit, hemoglobin, oxygen saturation, methemoglobin, carboxyhemoglobin, blood lactate, plasma electrolytes, plasma osmolality, plasma colloid osmotic pressure, and estimated plasma protein content. The panel of tests is completed and reported within 11 min after a 5-ml sample of arterial or mixed venous blood is delivered to the laboratory.
Teaching networking and distributed systems with Seattle: tutorial presentation

In this tutorial we describe an educational testbed called Seattle [1] that an instructor can use to enhance a course on networks or distributed systems. We give an overview of the Seattle educational testbed and describe assignments and resources available to educators planning to use Seattle in the classroom. Finally, we discuss the applicability of Seattle to other types of distributed systems paradigms such as cloud computing, peer-to-peer networking, and ubiquitous computing. The purpose of the Seattle testbed is to provide instructors with resources on computers all around the world. This allows students to learn about real world network behavior as well as topics like cloud computing and peer-to-peer computing. Seattle is free and is comprised of resources donated from universities. Today, Seattle consists of resources on about 1000 computers at over 100 universities on 6 continents.
Studies of hearing and hearing loss in the monkey

Detailed information about the sensory function of animals is of concern to sensory physiologist, evolutionary biologist, and comparative psychologist. A basic issue is the procedural one of how information about sensory function in animals can be obtained. Until recently the behavioral evidence has been lacking, probably because reliable experimental techniques have not been available. In keeping with the intent of the book, this chapter will describe in detail a behavioral conditioning procedure and several psychophysical testing procedures which together have enabled us to characterize several aspects of the monkey’s auditory acuity. It is worth noting that the methodology for the study of sensory function in animals is based on discriminative behavioral training procedures developed with lower animals (Terrace, 1966; Blough, 1966) and on the psychophysical testing methods which have been so successful in the study of man’s sensory acuity (Stevens, 1951).
Liberatory Epistemology and the Sharing of Knowledge: Querying the Norms

Feminist epistemology is a form of liberatory epistemology, and as such is focused on the role of knowledge production in the generation and maintenance of oppression and the effects of oppression on the production of and possibilities for knowledge. I argue that as part of this project, feminists need to take up the question: with whom do we share knowledge, and with whom should we share knowledge? To answer this, we must examine how knowledge-sharing norms function, particularly in contexts of oppression. Knowledge-sharing norms capture the expectations within a community or relationship concerning what knowledge ought to be voiced and thus shared across particular parties, and what knowledge either ought not, or need not be shared. I argue that, surprisingly, from the perspective of a liberatory epistemology, we cannot assume that increased knowledge sharing is always a good thing, but rather must assess the function and value of knowledge sharing and particular knowledge-sharing norms within localized contexts. Nevertheless, criteria for such assessments can be outlined, in accordance with the goals of a liberatory epistemology.
28.5 Non-Magnetic 60GHz SOI CMOS Circulator Based on Loss/Dispersion-Engineered Switched Bandpass Filters

There has been significant recent research on non-magnetic non-reciprocal components at RF and mm-waves, such as circulators and isolators, based on spatio-temporal modulation [1-3]. Circulators enable simultaneous transmit and receive (STAR) on a shared antenna for applications such as full-duplex wireless communication and FMCW radar. While there has been exciting initial progress, existing architectures do not scale well to mm-waves, whether they are based on switch-based conductivity modulation [1, 2]or varactor-based permittivity modulation [3]. Loss levels increase due to losses in the switches or varactors, isolation is degraded due to reflections produced by parasitics, and power consumption is high due to the relatively high modulation frequencies required. In this work, we present a non-magnetic CMOS 60GHz circulator based on spatiotemporal conductivity modulation (STCM) across a loss/dispersion-engineered bandpass filter. This new architecture improves the insertion loss, isolation, power consumption, and spurious response compared to prior art. The 60GHz circulator achieves 3.6dB/3.1dB insertion loss for TX-to-ANT/ANT-to-RX paths, respectively, TX-to-RX isolation $> 40$dB over 1.3GHz, 3.2dB of ANT-to-RX NF, $> +19.5$dBm TX-to-ANT/ANT-to-RX IP 1dB S and spurious tones lower than -30dBc at both ANT and RX ports at a power consumption of 41mW from 1.2V.
Next Steps in Puberty Research: Broadening the Lens Toward Understudied Populations

Decades of puberty research have yielded key scientific discoveries. Building on the field's rich history, we highlight four understudied populations: youth of color, boys, sexual minority youth, and gender minority youth. We explore why scientific study has been slow to evolve in these groups and propose paths forward for exciting new work. For ethnically racially diverse youth, we discuss the need to incorporate culture and context. For boys, we highlight methodological issues and challenges of mapping existing conceptual models onto boys. For sexual and gender minority youth, we discuss unique challenges during puberty and suggest ways to better capture their experiences. With an eye toward a new era, we make recommendations for next steps and underscore the importance of transdisciplinary research.
Mountain lions on the prairie: habitat selection by recolonizing mountain lions at the edge of their range

Mountain lions (Puma concolor) have historically experienced large‐scale range contractions, but are beginning to recolonize portions of their former range. To reach potential suitable habitats in eastern North America, mountain lions need to move across the grassland and agriculture‐dominated habitats of the Great Plains, which are different from the forested areas associated with mountain lions in western North America. To inform restoration planning in this area, it is important to understand differences in mountain lion habitat selection in this “nontraditional” grassland habitat. We tracked GPS‐collared mountain lions in the Northern Great Plains of Montana and identified movement states (localized or exploratory) using behavioral change point analysis and net‐squared displacement. We compared habitat selection between the different states using step‐selection functions that included several environmental covariates. Similar to elsewhere throughout their range, across both movement states, mountain lions tended to select forested environments that were farther from human development. In contrast to more traditionally occupied mountainous regions, mountain lions in the Great Plains selected areas of lower elevations. They selected areas both near and far from water, but avoided riparian areas and selected more rugged environments when in exploratory movement states. This suggests that mountain lions in the Northern Great Plains are utilizing river corridors, particularly those with rough or broken topography during exploratory phases. To enhance future recolonization and connectivity of mountain lions to the east of our study area, we encourage managers to maintain and restore forest fragments along river corridors in the Great Plains.
Quality Control for Cytology Laboratory in the USA

Quality control in the cytology laboratory comprises many aspects of laboratory practice that are common to all medical laboratories but some that are unique. In the application to cytology, there are further, special considerations. This chapter describes quality control and quality assurance activities specific to cytology which requires continuous monitoring and are mandatory by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA ‘88) regulations. This chapter also describes how to document review activities and monitor their effectiveness in improving performance in gynecological, non-gynecological, and fine needle aspiration cytology techniques.
System-on-a-Chip Design as a Platform for Teaching Design and Design Flow Integration

The design of microelectronic systems requires integration and cooperation across multiple disciplines, but most curriculum is taught in unconnected pieces. This makes the creation of manageable projects that reflect the design experience very difficult. The System-on-a-Chip Extension Technologies (SoCET) group is an undergraduate design group modelled after industry. SoCET is a multi-semester project of primarily undergraduate students in the process of iteratively improving, prototyping, fabricating, and testing an SoC. The group recently taped out its fourth iteration of the SoC and submitted it for fabrication. Students on the SoCET team are divided into smaller groups which focus on specific SoC design tasks. These tasks are connected by a near industry grade design flow forcing students to address system and design flow integration issues. This framework enables students to approach engineering as an integrative process and learn relationships between seemingly separate disciplines.
Deriving Visual Cues from Deep Learning to Achieve Subpixel Cell Segmentation in Adaptive Optics Retinal Images.

Direct visualization of photoreceptor cells, specialized neurons in the eye that sense light, can be achieved using adaptive optics (AO) retinal imaging. Evaluating photoreceptor cell morphology in retinal diseases is important for monitoring the onset and progression of blindness, but segmentation of these cells is a critical first step. Most segmentation approaches focus on cell region extraction, without directly considering cell boundary localization. This makes it difficult to track cells that have ambiguous boundaries, which result from low image contrast, anisotropic cell regions, or densely-packed cells whose boundaries appear to touch each other. These are all characteristics of the AO images that we consider here. To address these challenges, we develop an AOSegNet method that uses a multi-channel U-Net to predict the spatial probabilities of the cell boundary and obtain cell centroid and region distribution information as a means for facilitating cell segmentation. Five-color theorem guarantees the separation of any touching cells. Finally, a region-based level set algorithm that combines all of these visual cues is used to achieve subpixel cell segmentation. Five-fold cross-validation on 428 high resolution retinal images from 23 human subjects showed that AOSegNet substantially outperformed the only other existing approach with Dice coefficients [%] of 84.7 and 78.4, respectively, and average symmetric contour distances [\(\upmu \)m] of 0.59 and 0.80, respectively.
Hair removal and psychological well-being in transfeminine adults: associations with gender dysphoria and gender euphoria.

Purpose: Hair removal procedures, including electrolysis and laser hair removal, are the most commonly pursued gender-affirmative medical interventions by transfeminine people, but previous empiric...
Comments on “An Ultrawideband Ultrathin Metamaterial Absorber Based on Circular Split Rings”

This letter provides correction comments to an article published in 2015, by Ghosh et al. in which the authors have proposed a circular-split-rings-based ultrawideband ultrathin metamaterial absorber and claimed 90% absorption between 7.85 to 12.25 GHz. It is found that the authors have misinterpreted a cross polarizer as a broadband absorber by neglecting its cross-polarized reflection. It is found that by incorporating the cross-polarized coefficient of the reflected wave, the absorption of the proposed structure gets below 20% over the complete claimed operating band. Additionally, the polarization conversion ratio is above 90%, which proves that the proposed structure is predominantly a cross polarizer rather than an efficient absorber.
A Cyber-Physical Testbed Design for the Electric Power Grid

A primary challenge to studying power system cybersecurity is understanding and validating attacks' cyber-physical causal chains. However, the electrical power grid is a critical infrastructure, and thus experimenting on the actual grid is rarely allowed. Aiming to address this challenge, this paper proposes a cyber-physical testbed design, consisting of three main components: energy management system, communications, and the physical power system simulator. The energy management system features real-time information processing. The communications are capable of emulating network delays and data transmission using industry standard protocols. Finally, the physical power grid is simulated in a cyber-physical synchronized environment. The performance of the testbed design's initial implementations is demonstrated with two attacks, False Data Injection and Denial-of-Service, on the IEEE-14 Bus system.
Efficacy of Instagram in Promoting Psychoeducation in the Chinese-Speaking Population.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of the use of Instagram in disseminating information regarding first-episode psychosis and schizophrenia. Methods: Facebook and Instagram advertisements linked to ...
Highly H2O permeable ionic liquid encapsulated metal–organic framework membranes for energy-efficient air-dehumidification

Isothermal membrane-based air dehumidification (IMAD) is much more energy-efficient and economical than traditional air-dehumidification technologies. There are, however, no practical IMAD process technologies currently available mainly due to limitations of current membranes. Ionic liquids (ILs) are a promising air-dehumidification membrane material. Current supported IL membranes suffer from poor stability, limiting their performances. Herein, we propose new stable IL membranes, encapsulated IL membranes (EILMs) by encapsulating 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([C4MIM][Br]) into ultrathin polycrystalline UiO-66-NH2 metal–organic framework membranes via a ship-in-a-bottle method. The stability of IL membranes is significantly enhanced due to the IL entrapped in the pore cages of UiO-66-NH2. The EILMs show unprecedentedly high H2O permeance (∼2.36 × 10−4 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1), an order of magnitude greater than that of the most permeable air-dehumidification membranes reported so far. Furthermore, the encapsulated [C4MIM][Br] drastically increases the H2O/N2 separation factor to ∼1560, satisfying the minimally required H2O/N2 separation performance for commercially viable air-dehumidification.
Noninvasive Diagnostics for Early Detection of Lung Cancer: Challenges and Potential with a Focus on Changes in DNA Methylation.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and the world. Early detection of this disease can reduce mortality, as demonstrated for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening. However, there remains a need for improvements in lung cancer detection to complement LDCT screening and to increase adoption of screening. Molecular changes in the tumor, and the patient's response to the presence of the tumor, have been examined as potential biomarkers for diagnosing lung cancer. There are significant challenges to developing an effective biomarker with sufficient sensitivity and specificity for the early detection of lung cancer, particularly the detection of circulating tumor DNA, which is present in very small quantities. We will review approaches to develop biomarkers for the early detection of lung cancer, with special consideration to detection of rare tumor events, focus on the use of DNA methylation-based detection in plasma and sputum, and discuss the promise and challenges of lung cancer early detection. Plasma-based detection of lung cancer DNA methylation may provide a simple cost-effective method for the early detection of lung cancer.See all articles in this CEBP Focus section, "NCI Early Detection Research Network: Making Cancer Detection Possible."
Search, Selectivity, and Market Thickness in Two-Sided Markets: Evidence from Online Dating

This paper investigates search and matching in online marketplaces, emphasizing how user behavior responds to the presence of others on the platform, which I call ``market thickness". Unlike standard settings in which firms typically benefit from increasing their customer base, in two-sided markets, changes in market thickness can induce complex effects in matching due to the endogenous adjustment of search and selectivity. This paper explores how changes in one side of the marketplace can affect the platform as a whole by causally measuring the independent effects of market size and competition size on behavior. I implement a field experiment that varies information sent to platform participants about the number of potential matches (market size) and number of competitors. I use this experimentally-induced variation to estimate the parameters of a microfounded model to measure general equilibrium matching outcomes. Consistent with intuition and observational patterns, individuals generally become more selective when they are told they have more potential matches, and less selective when they are told they have more competition. I find that an increase in market size does not necessarily increase match quality due to heterogeneous effects of market thickness on selectivity. I then show how changing selectivity by adjusting the cost of sending match proposals may mitigate negative effects of changes in market and competition size.
Domination broadcast: A case study on a combination of cycle graph and sunlet graph.

Domination in graphs has long been studied and is applied to signal distribution problem. For example, telecommunication companies want to spread the signal from broadcast stations by transmitting varying signal strength to all receiving stations. This problem can be interpreted in a term of graph theory. Assume that broadcast companies need to spread the signal in graphs by using broadcast stations with varying signal strength so that the signal could be sent to all the vertices. However, broadcast stations with stronger signal are generally more expensive. The distribution of signal was configured to cover all stations with minimum total cost of signal called the $\gamma_b-$dominating broadcast number. This paper shows another proof of the $\gamma_b-$dominating broadcast number of cycle graphs and sunlet graphs as a foundation for the further result. I also consider the $\gamma_b-$dominating broadcast number of a generalized version of sunlet graphs whose vertices on the cycle are equally extended by the path, called the sunlet graph with degree $n$. To obtain the optimal cost of the signal distribution for this extended version, we show that it is sufficient to use only one broadcast station at a vertex on the cycle with the signal cost equal to the radius of the sunlet graph with degree $n$.
Unregulated Corporate Internal Investigations: Achieving Fairness for Corporate Constituents

This Article focuses on the relationship between corporations and their employee constituents in the context of corporate internal investigations, an unregulated multimillion-dollar business. The classic approach provided in the 1981 Supreme Court opinion, Upjohn v. United States, is contrasted with the reality of modern-day internal investigations that may exploit individuals to achieve a corporate benefit with the government. Attorney-client privilege becomes an issue as corporate constituents perceive that corporate counsel is representing their interests, when in fact these internal investigators are obtaining information for the corporation to barter with the government. Legal precedent and ethics rules provide little relief to these corporate employees. This Article suggests that courts need to move beyond the Upjohn decision and recognize this new landscape. It advocates for corporate fair dealing and provides a multifaceted approach to achieve this aim. Ultimately this Article considers how best to level the playing field between corporations and their employees in matters related to the corporate internal investigation.
Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy

Mitral stenosis (MS) is a progressively disabling disease for which until 1984 open surgery was the only cure. Introduction of percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC) by Inoue in 1984 for the treatment of selected MS patients has transformed the treatment of MS. Other names for PTMC include percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy (PBMV) or valvuloplasty. The decision of PTMC is based on the clinical presentation and imaging study results.
Nitrogen salt fertilization vs. substrate availability: Two strategies to improve nitrification during the production of the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the use of inorganic salts of ammonia (NH4Cl) and/or nitrite (NaNO2) and substrate availability (biofilm and biofloc) on the nitrification process before and during shrimp production. Three experiments were carried out individually in systems with clear water, biofilm and bioflocs in two phases: without (phase 1) and with (phase 2) shrimp in 200 L tanks and salinity 25. Each experiment had the following treatments: 1) addition of NH4Cl – final concentration of 1.75 mg TAN L−1; 2) addition of NaNO2 – final concentration of 7.6 mg N-NO2− L−1; and 3) addition of NH4Cl + NaNO2 – final concentrations of 1.75 mg TAN L−1 and 7.6 mg N-NO2‐− L‐−1. Inorganic fertilization was carried out in the first phase. In the second phase, the shrimp were stocked in the previously fertilized experimental units, and a control treatment was added in this phase. In the clear water experiment, the control was water without the addition of nitrogen salt. In the biofilm experiment, the control received a clean artificial substrate, and no salt was added. The control in the biofloc experiment started with the addition of organic carbon in clear water, but no nitrogen salts were added. The biofilm and biofloc experiments resulted in an increase in nitrate at the end of inorganic fertilization (phase 1); this result was in contrast to the clear water experiment, where there was no decrease in nitrite, with concentrations ≥ 6 mg N-NO2− L−1 at the end of the experimental treatments with NaNO2. After the addition of the shrimp L. vannamei in the second experimental phase, the biofilm experiment showed greater nitrification efficiency, with lower concentrations of nitrite. The nitrite peaks in the biofilm experiment were approximately 3 mg N-NO2− L−1, whereas in the biofloc experiment, they were approximately 10 mg N-NO2− L−1. The biofilm experiment showed higher final shrimp biomass in comparison to the biofloc experiment. Thus, this study demonstrated the importance of stimulating nitrifying bacteria with nitrogen salt addition prior to shrimp production. However, experiments with the use of substrates, especially biofilm, were able to maintain ammonia and nitrite concentrations at safe levels during L. vannamei production, probably due to better conditions found by nitrifying bacteria growing on the biofilm.
Angular correlation of gamma rays in the decay of rb super 84.

Spin and parity of 1901 kev gamma ray cascade by measuring angular correlation following beta decay of rubidium isotope
Assessing the Prospects of Competing Agricultural Guest Worker Legislation: The Inherency of Unequal Bargaining Power in a Status Quo of Non-Enforcement

This assessment of the major Congressional proposals by Democrats (HR 1773) and Republicans (S.744) to fashion a new guest worker program critiques the solvency of each proposal through the lens of their effect on illegal immigration. While S.744 may succeed at enticing migrants to apply through the W-Visa program in search of higher wages, portability rights, and the opportunity for a path to citizenship, the proposal may prove untenable to employers who view W-Visa holders as too costly. On the other hand, HR 1773 falls victim to the opposite problem - although growers will appreciate the stability of a workforce with little bargaining power, migrants will have little incentive to sign up for a visa program that affords them piece rate wages equal to what they would earn in an illegal setting.
Tuning ReliefF for genome-wide genetic analysis

An important goal of human genetics is the identification of DNA sequence variations that are predictive of who is at risk for various common diseases. The focus of the present study is on the challenge of detecting and characterizing nonlinear attribute interactions or dependencies in the context of a genome-wide genetic study. The first question we address is whether the ReliefF algorithm is suitable for attribute selection in this domain. The second question we address is whether we can improve ReliefF for selecting important genetic attributes. Using simulated genetic datasets, we show that ReliefF is significantly better than a naive chi-square test of independence for selecting two interacting attributes out of 103 candidates. In addition, we show that ReliefF can be improved in this domain by systematically removing the worst attributes and re-estimating ReliefF weights. Our simulation studies demonstrate that this new Tuned ReliefF (TuRF) algorithm is significantly better than ReliefF.
Propagation characteristics of optical fiber structures with arbitrary shape and index variation

The application of the scalar wave-fast Fourier transform (SW-FFT) technique to the computation of the propagation characteristics of some complex optical fiber structures is presented. The SW-FFT technique is based on the numerical solution of the scalar wave equation by a forward-marching fast Fourier transform method. This solution yields the spatial configuration of the fields as well as its modal characteristics in and around the guiding structure. The following are treated by the SW-FFT method: analysis of coupled optical fibers and computation of their odd and even modes and coupling length; the solution of tapered optical waveguides (transitions) and the study of the effect of the slope of the taper on mode conversion; and the analysis of branching optical fibers and demonstration of their mode-filtering and/or power-dividing properties. >
Neuronal Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Degrades and Inactivates a Neurite-Inhibiting Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are implicated in the regulation of axonal growth. We previously reported that the neurite-promoting activity of laminin is inhibited by association with a Schwann cell-derived CSPG and that endoneurial laminin may be inhibited by this CSPG as well [Zuo J, Hernandez YJ, Muir D (1998) Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan with neurite-inhibiting activity is upregulated after peripheral nerve injury. J Neurobiol 34:41-54]. Mechanisms regulating axonal growth were studied by using an in vitro bioassay in which regenerating embryonic dorsal root ganglionic neurons (DRGn) were grown on sections of normal adult nerve. DRGn achieved slow neuritic growth on sections of normal nerve, which was reduced significantly by treatment with metalloproteinase inhibitors. Similar results were obtained on a synthetic substratum composed of laminin and inhibitory CSPG. DRGn expressed the matrix metalloproteinase, MMP-2, which was transported to the growth cone. Recombinant MMP-2 inactivated the neurite-inhibiting CSPG without hindering the neurite-promoting potential of laminin. Similarly, neuritic growth by DRGn cultured on normal nerve sections was increased markedly by first treating the nerve sections with MMP-2. The proteolytic deinhibition by MMP-2 was equivalent to and nonadditive with that achieved by chondroitinase, suggesting that both enzymes inactivated inhibitory CSPG. Additionally, the increases in neuritic growth resulting from treating nerve sections with MMP-2 or chondroitinase were blocked by anti-laminin antibodies. From these results we conclude that MMP-2 provides a mechanism for the deinhibition of laminin in the endoneurial basal lamina and may play an important role in the regeneration of peripheral nerve.
Evidence for an Androgen-independent Mechanism Regulating the Levels of Receptor in Target Tissue

Abstract The amount of radioactive dihydrotestosterone (17β-hydroxy-5α-[1,2-3H]androstan-3-one) bound to high molecular weight molecules in the 8 to 10 S fraction of the 100,000 x g supernatant was measured at intervals following castration. As expected, the receptor concentration (and activity per mg of cytosol protein or per µg of DNA) declined steadily to immeasurable levels by the 4th day following castration. However, whereas the size of the prostate and the DNA content per prostate and per mg of tissue continued to fall, the receptor concentration per mg of tissue and per µg of DNA increased to levels similar to those found 1 day following castration. The maximum was reached by the 8th day after castration and was maintained for at least 6 weeks. The results of the sucrose gradient analysis were confirmed by DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The same phenomenon was observed in animals which were either hypophysectomized or adrenalectomized at the time of castration. This finding indicates that restoration of receptor is not mediated by adrenal androgens or pituitary hormones. These observations suggest that there is an androgen-independent mechanism for providing receptor to receive the androgenic stimulus for growth and development as well as for maintenance of the mature prostate.
Long Segment Spinal Cord Involvement as the Initial Clinical Manifestation of Sarcoidosis (P5.164)

OBJECTIVE: To report a patient with long segment involvement of the spinal cord as the initial clinical manifestation of sarcoidosis. BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis may rarely manifest as a transverse myelitis and mimic the presentation of neuromyelitis optica. Clinical features, MRI characteristics, CSF analysis, and serologic testing may be used to help differentiate various causes of long segment spinal cord lesions. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: MRI of the cervical and thoracic spine showed a T2 hyperintense lesion from C2 to T2 with patchy gadolinium enhancement. Brain MRI was unremarkable. CSF analysis showed WBC 2 cells/mm 3 (100% lymphocytes), RBC 2 cells/mm 3 , protein 76 mg/dl, glucose 65 mg/dl, negative bacterial, viral and fungal cultures, and negative cytology, oligoclonal bands and CSF NMO IgG. Serum tests were unremarkable including negative NMO IgG, HIV, RPR, ANA, ACE, ANCA, and SPEP; B12 and ESR were normal. Admission chest roentgenogram showed hilar lymphadenopathy. CT scan of the chest revealed bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Bronchoscopy with biopsy demonstrated noncaseating granuolmas consistent with sarcoidosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our patient had long segment inflammation of the spinal cord as the initial manifestation of neuro-sarcoidosis. Prednisone and azathioprine therapy stabilized this patient’s course with no further neurological events over the next year. Longitudinal myelitis puts patients at high risk for severe neurological sequelae; therefore, prompt evaluation and treatment is essential to avoid unfavorable outcomes. Disclosure: Dr. Adams has nothing to disclose. Dr. Galetta has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec, Questcor, and Teva Neuroscience.
Investigating the Veracity of Self-Perceived Posttraumatic Growth: A Profile Analysis Approach to Corroboration

Research into posttraumatic growth—positive psychological change that people report in their relationships, priorities in life, and self-perception after experiences of adversity—has been severely critiqued. We investigated the degree to which community members’ friends and relatives corroborated targets’ self-perceived positive and negative changes as measured by the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory-42. We found corroboration only for negative changes when we examined overall (averaged) scores. However, using a profile analysis procedure, we found significant participant–informant agreement on the domains of change that had relatively higher scores in the target’s profile and those that had relatively lower scores. Our results demonstrate that informants were able to observe that targets had changed and were sensitive to the idiosyncratic ways in which these changes had manifested in targets’ behavior.
Protein Stability and Folding Kinetics in the Nucleus and Endoplasmic Reticulum of Eucaryotic Cells

We measure the stability and folding relaxation rate of phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) constructs localized in the nucleus or in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of eukaryotic cells. PGK has a more compact native state in the cellular compartments than in aqueous solution. Its native FRET signature is similar to that previously observed in a carbohydrate-crowding matrix, consistent with crowding being responsible for the compact native state of PGK in the cell. PGK folds through multiple states in vitro, but its folding kinetics is more two-state-like in the ER, so the folding mechanism can be modified by intracellular compartments. The nucleus increases PGK stability and folding rate over the cytoplasm and ER, even though the density of crowders in the nucleus is no greater than in the ER or cytoplasm. Nuclear folding kinetics (and to a lesser extent, thermodynamics) vary less from cell to cell than in the cytoplasm or ER, indicating a more homogeneous crowding and chemical environment in the nucleus.
Entropy-induced dispersion of bulk liquids

Abstract The possibility that two-phase fluid systems will emulsify spontaneously, due to entropy effects, is investigated theoretically. It is discovered that for interfacial tensions below about 2 dynes/cm, such spontaneous dispersions can occur, although with large tensions the dispersed particles are not macroscopic. However, for interfacial tensions below 5 × 10 −4 dynes/cm, macroscopic particles are formed. Spontaneous dispersion due to entropy effects is to be distinguished from the formation of micellar solutions that form because of energetic considerations.
Electron spin resonance measure of brain antioxidant activity during ischemia/reperfusion

An electron spin resonance technique was used to measure cerebral antioxidant activity during asphyxial cardiac arrest and reperfusion. There were significant decreases in ascorbate (48%), glutathione (44%), total thiols (42%), protein thiols (38%) and alpha-tocopherol (26%) in the hippocampus 10 min after reperfusion (p < 0.05 vs respective baselines) but not during asphyxial cardiac arrest. The levels of antioxidants returned to baseline values by 120 min after reperfusion. The results support the hypothesis that reperfusion from asphyxial cardiac arrest, but not arrest alone, produced a significant oxidative stress as reflected by a depletion of both water and lipid soluble antioxidants. Furthermore, antioxidant depletion was transient, with normal antioxidant levels observed 120 min, 24 h and 72 h after reperfusion.
Contexts and Context-Based Access Control

The increasing diffusion of portable devices and the widespread availability of wireless networks where users live, work and travel, together create opportunities for users to access resources anywhere, any time and from various access devices. Ubiquitous systems in charge of providing and controlling access to these resources require a precise conceptual model to define the user context and the resources she can reach in each context. We propose a UML model for contexts, unifying previous models which could become the core for a context-based access control framework representing security constraints in the form of classes and associations. A generic model such as this one can be used to develop new systems and evaluate existing systems. The model for the context part has value on its own and can be used independently.
Landmine detection using feedback NQR

Nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) is well suited for detecting land mines with non-metallic cases. It provides both spatial localization and chemical identification of explosives. A search coil produces a train of radio frequency (RF) magnetic pulses that perturb the orientation of nitrogen nuclei contained within the explosive material. Following each RF pulse, the nuclei rotate back to orientations of lower energy. As the nitrogen nuclei possess a magnetic moment, their motion following an RF pulse induces a detectable voltage in the search coil. The NQR signal strength depends on the amplitude, frequency, duration and repetition rate of the applied RF pulses. The optimal selection of RF parameters requires knowledge that is not available in practice, such as the location of the explosive with respect to the search coil. Existing NQR detection systems sacrifice signal intensity by using field pulse parameters. We demonstrate that feedback control provides a means for automatically adjusting multiple pulse parameters so that the maximum NQR signal strength is obtained. The advantages afforded to landmine detection using feedback NQR are summarized.
Synthesis of 5′-(2H3)-(−)-11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol methyl ester methyl ether

Abstract A synthesis of 5′-( 2 H 3 )-(−)-11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol methyl ester methyl ether ( 4 ) has been accomplished from α-bromoenone 10 . The key steps are the stereocontrolled cyclobutane ring opening of the cuprate adduct 18 and the cyclization of the cyclohexenyl triflate 21 with excess iodotrimethylsilane to produce Δ 9 -cyclohexenyl triflate 22 . An efficient, stereospecific synthesis of optically active (−)-d11-nor-9-keto-hexahydrocannabinol ( 8 ) has also been accomplished.
Trait factors and ratings of controllability as predictors of worrying about significant life stressors

Abstract The present study investigated some of the factors that predict the frequency and perceived outcomes of worrying about significant life stressors. The findings were that (i) the extent to which worrying is perceived as a constructive, problem-solving process is predicted by both the objectively and subjectively defined controllability of the stressor, and (ii) the frequency of worrying about life stressors and the degree of perceived anxiety that this worrying causes are predicted by trait factors measuring trait anxiety and trait worrying, but are not predicted by ratings of the controllability of the stressor. These findings suggest that the uncontrollability of the stressor may be significantly less important than trait factors in generating worrying about a life stressor.