cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Validation of a treadmill exercise test protocol with improved metabolic plateau formation in patients with chronic congestive heart failure.

1. Karajalainen J, Heikkila J. Acute pericarditis: myocardial enzyme release as evidence for myocarditis. Am Heart J 1986;111:546–552. 2. Perry SV. The regulation of contractile activity in muscle. Biochem Soc Trans 1979;7:593–617. 3. Adams JE, Bodor GS, Davila-Roman VG, Delmez JA, Apple FS, Ladenson JH, Jaffe AS. Cardiac troponin I: a marker with high specificity for cardiac injury. Circulation 1993;88:101–106. 4. Wilkinson JM, Grand RJA. Comparison of amino acid sequence of troponin I from different striated muscles. Nature 1978;271:31–35. 5. Mair J, Genser N, Morandell D, Maier J, Mair P, Lechleitner P, Calzolari C, Larue C, Ambach E, Dienstl F, Pau B, Puschendorf B. Cardiac troponin I in the diagnosis of myocardial injury and infarction. Clin Chim Acta 1996;245:19–38. 6. Missov E, Calzolari C, Pau B. Circulating cardiac troponin I in severe congestive heart failure. Circulation 1997;96:2953–2958. 7. Lauer B, Niederau C, Kuhl U, Schannwell M, Pauschinger M, Strauer BE, Schultheiss HP. Cardiac troponin T in patients with clinically suspected myocarditis. J Am Coll Cardiol 1997;30:1354–1359. 8. Spodick DH. Electrocardiogram in acute pericarditis. Distribution of morphologic and axial changes by stages. Am J Cardiol 1974;33:470–474. 9. Bonnefoy E, Godon P, Kirkorian G, Fatemi M, Chevalier P, Touboul P. Serum cardiac troponin I and ST-segment elevation in patients with acute pericarditis. Eur Heart J 2000;21:832–836. 10. Hamm CW, Goldmann BU, Heeschen C, Kreymann G, Berger J, Meinertz T. Emergency room triage of patients with acute chest pain by means of rapid testing for cardiac troponin T or troponin I. N Engl J Med 1997;337:1648–1653. 11. Van der Veer JB, Norris RF. The electrocardiographic changes in acute pericarditis. A clinical and pathological study. Am Heart J 1937;14:31–50.
Process protocols based on radio frequency energy to control field and storage pests in in-shell walnuts

A practical process protocol was developed to control insect pests in in-shell walnuts using a 27 MHz pilot scale radio frequency (RF) system. Fifth-instars, that had been determined to be the most heat resistant life stage for navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella [Walker]) using a heating block system, were selected as the targeted insect in the protocol development. RF heating to 55 °C and holding in hot air for at least 5 min resulted in 100% mortality of the fifth-instar navel orangeworm. Rancidity, sensory qualities and shell characteristics were not affected by the treatments. The process slightly reduced the moisture content of the walnut kernels, which could prove an additional benefit by providing even nut moisture content and reducing the growth of microorganisms. If this method can be economically integrated into the handling process, it should have excellent potential as a disinfestation method for in-shell walnuts. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Understanding facilitators and barriers to reengineering the clinical research enterprise in community-based practice settings.

Abstract Solutions are employed to support clinical research trial tasks in community-based practice settings. Using the IT Implementation Framework (ITIF), an integrative framework intended to guide the synthesis of theoretical perspectives for planning multi-level interventions to enhance IT use, we sought to understand the barriers and facilitators to clinical research in community-based practice settings preliminary to implementing new informatics solutions for improving clinical research infrastructure. The studies were conducted in practices within the Columbia University Clinical Trials Network. A mixed-method approach, including surveys, interviews, time–motion studies, and observations was used. The data collected, which incorporates predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors in IT use, were analyzed according to each phase of ITIF. Themes identified in the first phase of ITIF were 1) processes and tools to support clinical trial research and 2) clinical research peripheral to patient care processes. Not all of the problems under these themes were found to be amenable to IT solutions. Using the multi-level orientation of the ITIF, we set forth strategies beyond IT solutions that can have an impact on reengineering clinical research tasks in practice-based settings. Developing strategies to target enabling and reinforcing factors, which focus on organizational factors, and the motivation of the practice at large to use IT solutions to integrate clinical research tasks with patient care processes, is most challenging. The ITIF should be used to consider both IT and non-IT solutions concurrently for reengineering of clinical research in community-based practice settings.
Characterization of Prox1 and VEGFR-3 expression and lymphatic phenotype in normal organs of mice lacking p50 subunit of NF-κB

Objective: Inflammation and NF-jB are highly associated with lymphangiogenesis but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We recently established that activated NF-jB p50 subunit increases expression of the main lymphangiogenic mediators, VEGFR-3 and its transcriptional activator, Prox1. To elucidate the role of p50 in lymphatic vasculature, we compared LVD and phenotype in p50 KO and WT mice. Methods: Normal tissues from KO and WT mice were stained for LYVE-1 to calculate LVD. VEGFR-3 and Prox1 expressions were analyzed by immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR. Results: Compared with WT, LVD in the liver and lungs of KO mice was reduced by 39% and 13%, respectively. This corresponded to 25‐44% decreased VEGFR-3 and Prox1 expression. In the MFP, LVD was decreased by 18% but VEGFR-3 and Prox1 expression was 80‐140% higher than in WT. Analysis of p65 and p52 NF-jB subunits and an array of inflammatory mediators showed a significant increase in p50 alternative pathways in the MFP but not in other organs. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the role of NF-jB p50 in regulating the expression of VEGFR-3, Prox1 and LVD in the mammary tissue, liver, and lung.
Health view: a simple and subtle approach to monitoring nutrition

Young adults today often lack the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a nutritious eating pattern. Monitoring nutritional intake can provide the stimulus to change unhealthy patterns. To this end we introduce Health View, a web-based nutrition monitoring system that subtly integrates with the current habits of today's young adults. Health View leverages already-existing grocery store savings card accounts to pull the necessary data into the system automatically. By managing grocery lists and providing a repository for recipes, Health View enables the conditions for monitoring the nutrition of users while they go about their usual tasks. When the current nutrition status is known, Health View can then make simple suggestions for improving the consumption habits of the users.
Relationships Between Tablet Physical Quality Parameters and Granulated Powder Properties: Feasibility Study

This research was carried to study the feasibility of using mechanical properties of granulated powder formulations in low to medium pressure regime ( 0.80; that is, demonstrating the feasibi...
Developmental basis of evolutionary digit loss in the Australian lizard Hemiergis

Loss of limb skeletal elements is a recurring theme in tetrapod evolution, but the developmental mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain largely unknown. The Australian lizard genus Hemiergis offers an excellent model system to study limb reduction among closely related, naturally occurring populations with different numbers of digits. Evolutionary digit loss in Hemiergis does not result from simple truncation of a pentadactyl skeletal developmental program. Rather, the duration of embryonic expression of the patterning molecule Sonic hedgehog (SHH) is shortened in limbs with reduced numbers of digits, and is correlated with decreased cell proliferation in the posterior aspect of the limb. Moreover, this comparative analysis suggests an early role for SHH in specification of digit identity and later importance in maintaining cell proliferation and survival. Subtle changes in spatial or temporal regulation of SHH may alter proliferation and patterning of the developing limb, thereby effecting divergence in adult limb morphology among closely related species. In contrast, expression of MSX and Distal-less proteins were similar among embryos from different populations. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 297B:48-56, 2003. r 2003 Wiley-
Fractures of ribs

Abstract The first and second ribs, although well protected, do sustain fractures by indirect violence, usually muscular. In children, fracture of the ribs is rare, except for severe crushing injury. It may be a serious injury with many complications, and even lead to death. Immobilization by any one of the three means described, is the treatment of choice.
Optimal design of double stator switched reluctance machine (DSSRM)

Aerospace, automotive and other industrial drive systems require low cost, high torque/power density machines. The double stator switched reluctance machine (DSSRM) is a recently invented switched reluctance machine. It has very high torque density due to unique magnetic flux path design and machine structure. A 50 kW version of DSSRM has been designed and manufactured; this paper introduces the optimization process of the new design, based on this optimization special considerations are obtained for general design cases.
ERRORS IN VARIABLES WITH SYSTEMATIC BIASES

A structural regression model is considered in which some of the variables are measured with error. Instead of additive measurement errors, systematic biases are allowed by relating true and observed values via simple linear regressions. Additional data is available, based on standards, which allows for “calibration” of the measuring methods involved. Using only moment assumptions, some simple estimators are proposed and their asymptotic properties are developed. The results parallel and extend those given by Fuller (1987) in which the errors are additive and the error covariance is estimated. Maximum likelihood estimation is also discussed and the problem is illustrated using data from an acid rain study in which the relationship between pH and alkalinity is of interest but neither variable is observed exactly.
A gain-based lower bound algorithm for real and mixed µ problems

A new lower bound algorithm for real and mixed @m problems is presented. The basic idea of this algorithm is to use a related worst-case gain problem to compute the real blocks and, if the block structure is mixed, the standard power iteration to compute the complex blocks. Numerical tests indicate that the algorithm is fast and provides good lower bounds for both real and mixed @m problems of small to moderate size.
Identification of discontinuous nonlinear systems via a multivariate Padé approach

We present a nonlinear system identification technique based on multi-dimensional rational polynomials. A multi-dimensional Pade-Legendre approximation is developed to circumvent challenges in dealing with sharp shocks. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the accuracy of such approximations for identification of various nonlinear systems, particularly systems with a non-smooth response surface. This identification approach utilizes the generalized form of a Pade-Legendre approximation for studying multivariable functions. In the studied problems, the nonlinearity is a function of state variables (displacement and velocity), which requires multi-dimensional formulation. Furthermore, a spatial filter is applied to minimize the effects of the singular points in the applicable rational function of the response surface. This study presents different types of nonlinearities including smooth, irregular, and hysteretic functions, in order to demonstrate the performance of the approach under different conditions. In order to study the robustness of the method in comparison to other identification techniques based on plain polynomial representation, a nonlinear system with a sharp discontinuous restoring force surface is considered. The performance of both approaches is investigated for different degrees of "sharpness". In addition, the accuracy of the identified models to represent the nonlinear system is verified by comparing the output of the system (computed on the basis of the identified model) from data sets corresponding to different excitations than those used for identification purposes. It is shown that the proposed approach provides a robust identification technique for a broad class of highly-nonlinear systems, and it is particularly advantageous to use when dealing with systems incorporating discontinuous properties.
Photonics for microwave systems and ultra-wideband signal processing

Abstract The advantages of using the broadband and low-loss distribution attributes of photonics to enhance the signal processing and sensing capabilities of microwave systems are well known. In this paper, we review the progress made in the topical areas of true-time-delay beamsteering, photonic-assisted analog-to-digital conversion, RF-photonic filtering and link performances. We also provide an outlook on the emerging field of integrated microwave photonics (MWP) that promise to reduce the cost of MWP subsystems and components, while providing significantly improved form-factors for system insertion.
Detrital cave sediments record Late Quaternary hydrologic and climatic variability in northwestern Florida, USA

Abstract Detrital sediment in Florida's (USA) submerged cave systems may preserve records of regional climate and hydrologic variability. However, the basic sedimentology, mineralogy, stratigraphic variability, and emplacement history of the successions in Florida's submerged caves remains poorly understood. Here we present stratigraphic, mineralogical, and elemental data on sediment cores from two phreatic cave systems in northwestern Florida (USA), on the Dougherty Karst Plain: Hole in the Wall Cave (HITW) and Twin Cave. Water flowing through these caves is subsurface flow in the Apalachicola River drainage basin, and the caves are located just downstream from Jackson Blue (1st magnitude spring, > 2.8 m3 s− 1 discharge). Sedimentation in these caves is dominated by three primary sedimentary styles: (i) ferromanganese deposits dominate the basal recovered stratigraphy, which pass upsection into (ii) poorly sorted carbonate sediment, and finally into (iii) fine-grained organic matter (gyttja) deposits. Resolving the emplacement history of the lower stratigraphic units was hampered by a lack of suitable material for radiocarbon dating, but the upper organic-rich deposits have a punctuated depositional history beginning in the earliest Holocene. For example, gyttja primarily accumulated in HITW and Twin Caves from ~ 5500 to 3500 cal yr. BP, which coincides with regional evidence for water-table rise of the Upper Floridian Aquifer associated with relative sea-level rise in the Gulf of Mexico, and evidence for invigorated drainage through the Apalachicola River drainage basin. Gyttja sediments were also deposited in one of the caves during the Bolling/Allerod climate oscillation. Biologically, these results indicate that some Floridian aquatic cave (stygobitic) ecosystems presently receive minimal organic matter supply in comparison to prehistoric intervals. The pre-Holocene poorly sorted carbonate sediment contains abundant invertebrate fossils, and likely documents a period of enhanced limestone dissolution and cave formation (speleogenesis) during lower paleo water levels. Further work is still required to (a) determine whether precipitation of the ferromanganese deposits is inorganically or biologically mediated, (b) temporally constrain the emplacement history of the primary sedimentary styles, and (c) determine the full geographic extent of these sedimentary signals. However, these preliminary observations suggest that sedimentation in the inland underwater caves of northwestern Florida is related to Quaternary-scale hydrographic variability in the Apalachicola River drainage basin in response to broader ocean and atmospheric forcing.
Instructional Context and Student Motivation, Learning, and Development: Commentary and Implications for School Psychologists.

From an ecological perspective, learning and development in childhood and throughout the lifespan occur in the context of interactions within complex social networks. Collectively, the articles in this special issue illuminate three important themes related to teacher-student interactions within instructional contexts: relationships, competence, and agency. Through consultation and systems level advocacy, school psychologists can use these themes as starting points for improving the instructional context for both students and teachers.
The Superconducting Energy Gap of Rb3C60 as Measured by IR Transmission in Thin Films.

The superconducting energy gap of RD3C60 has been measured by infrared transmission through a thin film. Resistivity measurements on the same samples in situ indicate a transition to superconductivity at the expected temperature, ~30K, with distinct gap features appearing in the transmission below this temperature. The results are interpreted in terms of the BCS theory.
Temperature Requirements for Development of Autographa californica (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The developmental threshold and thermal unit requirements from oviposition to adult emergence were determined for Autographa californica (Speyer). An average of 62.8 ± 5.0 degree-days above 9.4°C was required for development from oviposition to larval eclosion. Larvae typically developed through five instars; however, at constant temperatures of 14 and 18°C, six instars were observed. Respectively, development of larvae and pupae averaged 189.6 ± 9.3 and 109.2 ± 13.2 degree-days above 11.5°C. In general, 12.1% of the immature life cycle was spent in the egg stage, 55.8% in the larval stage, and 32.1% in the pupal stage.
Desoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Content of Mammary Gland During Pregnancy and Lactation.

SummaryA study of the DNA concentration per nucleus was carried out on kidney and spleen and the developing and lactating mammary glands of rats. The DNA concentrations remained within normal values in the pregnant and non-pregnant stages. On the first day of lactation there was an abrupt drop in this value which returned approximately to normal by 18th day of lactation.
Hürthle Cell Neoplasms of the Thyroid

The approach to Hurthle cell neoplasms of the thyroid gland remains controversial because there is no consensus on the criteria used to establish malignancy. Invasion into the thyroid capsule, blood vessels, and contiguous structures in the neck and lymph nodes, or distant metastases establishes malignancy. Benign Hurthle cell lesions should be treated with total lobectomy and isthmusectomy. Total thyroidectomy is the recommended treatment for malignant Hurthle cell lesions.
Prostaglandin F1α levels during and after neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Infants receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy undergo long-term cardiopulmonary bypass, are systemically heparinized, and frequently receive platelet transfusions. Prostacyclin is a powerful inhibitor of platelet aggregation as well as a potent vasodilator. The levels of its stable metabolite prostaglandin F1 alpha increase significantly in children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass during heart operations but decrease to preoperative levels after bypass. To determine the effect of long-term bypass on prostacyclin levels, multiple plasma samples were analyzed in 10 human neonates both during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy and within 24 hours after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Prostaglandin F1 alpha, the stable metabolite of prostacyclin, was quantitated by radioimmunoassay in picograms per milliliter. Prostaglandin F1 alpha levels were elevated while the patients received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy but decreased with duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. In most infants, prostaglandin F1 alpha levels rose again during weaning from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and remained elevated for 24 hours after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation course influenced circulating prostaglandin F1 alpha levels. Fluctuating prostaglandin F1 alpha levels are of clinical significance in the management of vasomotor tone and platelet function, common problems in the care and the prevention of hemorrhage in these critically ill infants.
Caloric and Nutrient Intakes of Teen-Agers

What nutrients are most likely to be in short supply in teen-age diets? From what food group are teen-agers likely to get the most calories? Are there sub-groups of teen-agers whose diets are particularly poor? Do obese teen-agers snack more often than their non-obese contemporaries? The findings of this survey draw a picture or teen-agers' eating habits and help to answer the above questions.
Hormone replacement therapy after cancers

Purpose of review The role of female hormones in estrogen-dependent cancers has been debated for years. This is particularly true of breast cancer. Retrospective, case, and cohort control studies usually have suggested no influence. The Women's Health Initiative study in 2002, a prospective double-blind study, noted an increased risk of breast cancer if estrogen plus progesterone was given. In the estrogen-only arm of that study, a decreased (not significant) risk of breast cancer was noted. With this controversy, can estrogen be given safely to a woman who has been treated for breast cancer? The relation between endometrial cancer and unopposed estrogen is well established. With clear-cut evidence of this relation, is there evidence to suggest a role for replacement therapy in women who have been treated for endometrial cancer? Recent findings Several case-control and cohort studies have noted either no increased risk or actually less risk of recurrence in women taking estrogen after therapy after breast cancer. Although the general consensus is that such a recommendation is contraindicated, the data do not support this admonition. The current data suggest that replacement therapy can be given to the woman who has been treated for endometrial cancer. Summary There seems to be little if any risk in giving hormone replacement therapy to women who have had breast or endometrial cancer. There are no data to suggest that hormone replacement therapy is contraindicated in women who have been treated for cervical or ovarian cancer.
Stress and Human Reproductive Behavior: Attractiveness, Women's Sexual Development, Postpartum Depression, and Baby's Cry

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the role of stress-related attraction and attractiveness in the three major areas of human social behavior: mating, nepotism, and reciprocity. It addresses the stresses of the home environment during girls' upbringing and how this may functionally mold the development of women's sexuality, particularly the variation among women in sexual arousal. There is considerable evidence that women raised in low-resource settings exhibit different sexual tactics than women raised in settings with more resources. The former women show early maturity and age of copulation, more sex partners, less stable pair-bonds, and less emotional warmth toward mates. The chapter also examines the stresses on human parents surrounding parental investment in babies with focuses on postpartum depression of mothers and on infants' crying. The chapter proposes and tests the hypothesis that postpartum depression is an evolved manifestation of discriminative parental solicitude, which motivates mothers to eliminate newborn babies under ecological situations that are not conducive to infant survival in human evolutionary history. The baby's cry is hypothesized to be an evolved, honest signal of offspring reproductive value. Data bearing on this hypothesis are also reviewed in the chapter.
Place-Based Education in Detroit: A Critical History of The James & Grace Lee Boggs School

This essay is a critical history of the Boggs School in Detroit. In the context of education activism, the significance of the Boggs School is that it centralizes activist schooling as a complement to teacher activism. More specifically, the school adds to our understanding of activist schooling traditions, the work of African American radicals in creating transformative education, and critical notions of schooling that operate both within and outside the public schooling tradition. This essay will describe the Boggs School’s activist history, focusing on the following three areas: the events leading to the formation of the Boggs School; the radical education history informing the school’s theory and practice; and the school’s social, political, and educational interventions in Detroit and the way in which this activism is influencing national conversations.
Current Practices and Variability in Feeding Tube Placement for Inpatients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage in US Hospitals (S16.007)

Objective: We sought to characterize current US hospital practices in feeding tube placement for inpatients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Background: Feeding tube placement in an ICH patient is a common decision shared between an inpatient team and the patient or surrogate, but variability among hospitals and predictors of placement have not been characterized. Methods: We used the National Inpatient Sample to calculate the proportion of patients with primary ICH who received surgical or endoscopic feeding tube placement at individual US hospitals with ≥ 30 ICH admissions annually from 2002-2011. We used a multilevel multivariable regression model, adjusting for relevant patient and hospital covariates as fixed-effect variables and using hospital itself as a random effect, to assess residual variation among hospitals, as measured by the median odds ratio (MOR). Results: Among 690 hospitals with 38,080 ICH hospitalizations, 9.9[percnt] of patients had a feeding tube inserted. Variation in the rate of feeding tube placement among hospitals was large, from 0[percnt] to 34.4[percnt] (IQR 6.3[percnt]-14.0[percnt]). For the regression model, hospital-level predictors included volume of ICH admissions (OR=1.19 highest vs. lowest quartile; 95[percnt] CI 1.06-1.34), intubation rates (1.67 highest vs. lowest quartile; 1.46-1.91), and mean hospital charges (1.26 highest vs. lowest quartile; 1.11-1.43). Patient-level predictors included female sex (0.87; 0.82-0.94), age ≥ 85 years (0.81 vs. 18-54 years; 0.69-0.94), severe comorbidity (2.50 vs. none; 2.30-2.71), Medicaid insurance (1.51 vs. Medicare; 1.34-1.71), and black race (1.59 vs. white; 1.45-1.74). The MOR was 1.36 (95[percnt] CI 1.28-1.44), indicating that if a patient moved from one hospital to another with a higher intrinsic propensity of feeding tube placement, there was a 1.36-fold median increase in the odds of receiving a feeding tube, independent of patient- and hospital factors. Conclusions: Variation in feeding tube insertion rates across hospitals was large and may reflect practice cultures within individual hospitals. Disclosure: Dr. Hwang has received research support from the American Brain Foundation Practice Research Training Fellowship. Dr. George has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kelly has nothing to disclose. Dr. Schneider has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sheth has nothing to disclose. Dr. Holloway has received personal compensation for activities with Milliman Guideline, Inc. as a consultant. Dr. Holloway has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Neurology Today.
A reconfigurable built-in memory self-repair architecture for heterogeneous cores with embedded BIST datapath

Stringent test-time and yield targets together with increased embedded memory content has resulted in increased power and area of memory self-test and repair logic. It is common for high performance IP cores (CPU/DSP/GPU/etc.) to have embedded BIST datapath (DP) that is shared with functional logic to minimize the IP BIST area overhead and ease IP design-closure. However, different IP cores (from same/different vendors) have diverse embedded BIST DP implementations. While having a dedicated memory self-test and repair controller for each IP simplifies design implementation, it is area and power intensive. In this paper, we propose a reconfigurable centralized memory built-in self-repair (BISR) architecture that supports multiple IPs with diverse embedded BIST DP implementations while being area efficient. We also present a power and timing-aware BISR synthesis flow that enables test time reduction while satisfying timing and power constraints. Experimental results on 28nm designs indicate about 2.4X area reduction compared to native EDA solution. The proposed solution also helps achieve 4.9X reduction in test time.
The Properties of Dual Acceptor Delta-Doped ZnO Thin Films

We report the investigation of ZnO thin films delta-doped with lithium and phosphorus introduced simultaneously. The films were deposited from high purity ceramic targets of ZnO and Li3PO4 on c-plane sapphire substrates by RF magnetron sputtering. An undoped ZnO film with a low background electron concentration was used as the buffer layer on the sapphire substrate. The doped films were prepared by carrying simultaneous sputtering from the ZnO and Li3PO4 ceramic targets. For uniform doped films, the simultaneous deposition from the ZnO and Li3PO4 was uninterrupted. For the delta-doped films on the other hand, deposition from the ZnO target was uninterrupted while that from the Li3PO4 was interrupted periodically using a shutter. Post-deposition annealing was carried using a rapid thermal processor in O2 at 900 oC for 3 min. Results obtained from photoluminescence spectroscopy measurements at 12 K revealed acceptor-related luminescence peaks at 3.35 eV, possibly due to the transition from exciton bound to a neutral acceptor. The x-ray diffraction 2θ-scans showed a single peak at about 34.4o. Hall effect measurements revealed p-type conductivities with an average Hall concentrations of 3.8 x 1013 cm-3 in uniform doped samples and 1.5 x 1016 cm-3 in delta doped samples. However, in some cases the Hall coefficients had both positive and negative values, making the determination of the carrier type inconclusive. The fluctuation in the carrier type could be due to the lateral inhomogeneity in the hole concentration caused by signal noise impacting the small Hall voltages in the measurements.
Mathematics Classroom Observation Protocol for Practices (MCOP2): A validation study

ABSTRACTThis article reports the robust validation process of the Mathematics Classroom Observation Protocol for Practices (MCOP2). The development of the instrument took into consideration both direct and dialogic instruction encompassing classroom interactions for the development of conceptual understanding, specifically examining teacher facilitation and student engagement. Instrument validation involved feedback from 164 external experts for content validity, interrater and internal reliability analyses, and structure analyses via scree plot analysis and exploratory factor analysis. Taken collectively, these results indicate that the MCOP2 measures the degree to which actions of teachers and students in mathematics classrooms align with practices recommended by national organizations and initiatives using a two-factor structure of teacher facilitation and student engagement.
On the Limits of Subsampling of Location Traces

Location data collection at a societal scale is increasingly becoming common - examples of this are call and data detail records in telecommunication companies, GPS samples collected by car companies, and GPS samples from mobile devices in mapping companies (e.g., Google, Microsoft). Such large scale mobility datasets have applications in urban planning, network planning, surveillance, and real-time traffic estimations. This paper addresses the problem of subsampling location traces while preserving the amount of information present in such datasets. We present a novel subsampling technique that is based on a hierarchical geographical encoding mechanism (geohash), that allows for efficient spatial cluster sampling. We analyze this subsampling technique through various information theoretic measures to quantify the total "amount" of information in a dataset from a location trace perspective and evaluate these metrics in the context of two large scale mobility datasets from telecommunication companies - one is that of call detail records and the second is that of data detail records. We show that subsampling data in both these cases by as much as 75% does not significantly reduce the total amount of information, i.e. the dataset can be used similar to the original version. This paves way for the creation of better space and CPU efficient models that can support various applications reliant on collective location traces.
Exploring hydroamination-cycloaddition-fragmentation sequences to access polycyclicguanidines and vinyl-2-aminoimidazoles

The intramolecular hydroamination of a guanidine on an eneyne unit affords a guanidine-substituted diene capable of reacting with dienophiles. These substrates undergo [4+2]-cycloaddition reactions to generate a series of complex cyclic- and spirocyclic-guanidines. Select substrates can further undergo a ring opening-elimination cascade that ultimately reveals a vinyl-2-aminoimidazole. As such this cascade reaction may find application in the synthesis of oroidin-type natural products and their analogues.
Assessing the use of binary blends of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and post-consumer high density polyethylene in fused filament fabrication

Several experiments were conducted to assess the suitability of binary blends of recycled high-density polyethylene and virgin acrylonitrile butadiene styrene for use in fused filament fabrication. Binary blends of the two plastics were extruded into feedstock for a 3D printer in varying proportions. Filament extrusion consistency, dimensional accuracy of 3D printed benchmarking objects, and tensile strength were each assessed. When compared against commercial acrylonitrile butadiene styrene filament, binary blends of recycled high-density polyethylene and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene were found to have inferior filament extrusion consistency and tensile strength. They also produced less accurate benchmarking objects. Despite this, binary blends were shown to produce objects with dimensional accuracy and tensile strength that would render them suitable for many applications.
Movement and manual therapy for adults with arthritis: 2012 National Health Interview Survey.

Abstract Background The use of manual therapies (chiropractic manipulation, massage) and movement therapies (yoga, tai chi) by people with arthritis may relate to their personal characteristics, and the reported emotional and physical health outcomes may differ by type of therapy. Objectives To describe personal characteristics and predictors of manual and movement therapy use for people with arthritis, and to compare the use of manual versus movement therapy to improve physical and emotional health outcomes for people with arthritis. Methodology CAM respondents with arthritis were identified from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (n = 8229). Data were analyzed to determine the overall percentages of CAM users, and to examine the associations between use/nonuse using multivariable linear regressions. Results White, well-educated, physically active females were more likely to use both types of therapy. Movement therapy users reported positive emotional health outcomes twice as much as manual therapy users and 10% more reported positive physical health outcomes. Conclusion While both movement and manual therapies can have positive effects on people with arthritis, it appears that active therapies are more beneficial than passive therapies.
Engaging Students with Non-routine Geometry Proof Tasks

Students who earned high marks during the proof semester of a geometry course were interviewed to understand what high-achieving students actually took away from the treatment of proof in geometry. The findings suggest that students had turned proving into a rote task, whereby they expected to mark a diagram and prove two triangles congruent.
Negative extinction in one-dimensional scattering

Abstract The energy/sec transmitted and reflected by a flat dielectric slab embedded in an absorbing host medium was calculated for normal plane wave incidence. It was found that the outgoing scattered energy/sec differs from the incoming energy/sec carried by the incident beam. This apparent energy nonconservation is compensated exactly by the energy/sec of the standing wave interference of the incoming plane wave with the outgoing reflected wave evaluated at the surface of the slab. This interference energy/sec, also known as extinction for this one-dimensional scattering situation, oscillates between positive and negative values as a function of slab thickness, in analogy to a similar effect recently predicted for scattering by a dielectric sphere embedded in an absorbing host medium.
Medical Treatment of Constipation

In a community practice, uncomplicated constipation should be approached in a stepwise manner. Although most patients may have their own methods to deal with acute problems, they occasionally need a one-time oral cathartic or large-volume enema in the beginning of treatment, to start with a “clean slate.” In these situations, prior to treatment, confirmation of constipation is usually easily accomplished by reviewing an abdominal x-ray.
Evaluating the Accuracy of SORNA: Testing for Classification Errors and Racial Bias:

Since its enactment in 2006, several researchers have explored whether the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) classification system under the Adam Walsh Act improves outcomes such as increasing public safety and lowering recidivism of sexual offenders. This study adds to the growing body of literature by exploring how accurate this offense-based classification system is in terms of recidivism and if there is any racial bias in tier designation. Specifically, results from contingency analyses suggest that several sex offenders are overclassified, meaning that they were given a classification status that included more supervision and oversight although they did not commit another offense. Furthermore, African Americans were two-and-a-half times more likely to be overclassified than Caucasians which suggests racial bias may exist in this government-sponsored classification system. Implications for communities and the continued use of the SORNA are presented.
INTERPRETATION OF UNEXPECTEDLY HIGH LEVELS OF ENDOCRINE TUMOR MARKERS

ABSTRACT Objective: Endocrine tumor markers (ETMs) are important and indispensable tools in the diagnosis and follow-up of endocrine tumors. Unexpectedly high level of ETM (UHLETM) is often encountered in clinical practice. The objectives of this article are to discuss the approach to UHLETMs and describe the most common UHLETMs. Methods: Literature review and personal experience with UHLETMs. Results: A UHLETM is defined as an ETM level much higher than what an endocrinologist would expect based on the patient's clinical information, other biochemical test results, and imaging findings. Most UHLETMs are false positive, in that they do not indicate the existence or growth of an endocrine tumor. The key issue, however, is how to convincingly prove that a UHLETM is false positive. The most important question to help resolve UHLETMs is whether the UHLETMs are due to false or true results. Some UHLETMs are due to interpretation errors, laboratory errors, or spurious test results, while the true levels of the ...
Emphysematous gastritis in a cat.

OBJECTIVE To describe the presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of a case of emphysematous gastritis (EG) in a cat. CASE SERIES SUMMARY A 15-year-old female neutered domestic short-hair cat presented for a 4-month history of weight loss and intermittent vomiting. Clinicopathologic and imaging findings suggested an underlying primary gastrointestinal (GI) disease, as well as possible hepatobiliary disease. Two days following exploratory laparotomy to obtain GI and liver biopsies, the patient became septic and intracellular bacteria were present on cytology of peritoneal effusion. On radiographs, the stomach was markedly distended with fluid and contained a thin gas opacity surrounding the stomach wall. The patient was taken back to surgery to identify a source of sepsis. At surgery, the patient's stomach was firm and emphysematous on palpation but grossly appeared normal. There were no signs of dehiscence of the previous biopsy sites. Stomach biopsy confirmed the presence of intralesional Gram-positive rods, consistent with microbial EG, and a light growth of a Clostridium sp. was cultured from abdominal fluid, consistent with clostridial peritonitis. During a third surgery for suspected septic peritonitis, a jejunostomy tube was placed for postgastric enteral feeding. The patient ultimately survived to discharge and is clinically stable 10 months later. NEW/UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED EG is a rare but potentially fatal clinical entity in the human and veterinary literature with only 1 other case reported in cats. Though clostridial organisms have been reported in EG in people, this is the first implication of EG secondary to a Clostridium sp. in the cat. This is also the first report to document the use of a jejunostomy tube for postgastric enteral nutrition to treat EG in the veterinary literature.
Association of electroretinography with visual outcomes after ophthalmic artery chemosurgery for retinoblastoma in ICRb D and E eyes.

Importance Predictions of visual outcomes are useful in clinical and family decisions regarding treatment for retinoblastoma. Very little has been published on the association of post-treatment visual acuity with pre-treatment electroretinography (ERG), which can be performed on infants too young to reliably quantify visual acuity. Objective To report associations of pre-treatment ERG with post-treatment visual acuity in eyes with advanced retinoblastoma treated with ophthalmic artery chemosurgery (OAC). Design Retrospective case-control study of eyes treated from 2006 through 2017, with mean follow-up of 51 months (range 2.3–150 months). Setting Single large academic center. Participants Group D and E eyes treated with OAC at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center with recorded visual acuity and ERG (30Hz flicker). Main outcome and measure Snellen visual acuity (uncorrected) compared to initial 30Hz flicker ERG. Results This study included 157 Group D and E eyes. Results of the Jonckheere-Terpstra test for trend were statistically significant and indicated that eyes with lower pre-treatment ERG readings tended to have more visual impairment post-treatment. Among eyes with initial ERG 75+ μV, 11 of 32 eyes (34%) had visual acuity 20/40 or better. Among eyes with ERG 0 μV, 44 of 46 (96%) had visual acuity of 20/200 or worse. Conclusions and relevance Eyes with advanced intraocular retinoblastoma treated with OAC can achieve excellent visual acuity, but poor ERG at initial visit is associated with poor visual acuity after treatment in the majority of eyes. Expectations regarding visual potential may influence decisions about treatment.
Annual survey of organometallic metal cluster chemistry for the year 2002

The synthetic, mechanistic, and structural chemistry of organometallic metal cluster compounds is reviewed for the year 2002.
An essential contractile ring protein controls cell division in Plasmodium falciparum

During the blood stage of human malaria, Plasmodium falciparum parasites divide by schizogony-a process wherein components for several daughter cells are produced within a common cytoplasm and then segmentation, a synchronized cytokinesis, produces individual invasive daughters. The basal complex is hypothesized to be required for segmentation, acting as a contractile ring to establish daughter cell boundaries. Here we identify an essential component of the basal complex which we name PfCINCH. Using three-dimensional reconstructions of parasites at electron microscopy resolution, we show that while parasite organelles form and divide normally, PfCINCH-deficient parasites develop inviable conjoined daughters that contain components for multiple cells. Through biochemical evaluation of the PfCINCH-containing complex, we discover multiple previously undescribed basal complex proteins. Therefore, this work provides genetic evidence that the basal complex is required for precise segmentation and lays the groundwork for a mechanistic understanding of how the parasite contractile ring drives cell division.
Autopilot: Automating behavioral experiments with lots of Raspberry Pis

Neuroscience needs behavior, and behavioral experiments require the coordination of large numbers of heterogeneous hardware components and data streams. Currently available tools strongly limit the complexity and reproducibility of experiments. Here we introduce Autopilot, a complete, open-source Python framework for behavioral neuroscience that distributes experiments over networked swarms of Raspberry Pis. Autopilot enables qualitatively greater experimental flexibility by allowing arbitrary numbers of hardware components to be combined in arbitrary experimental designs. Research is made reproducible by documenting all data and task design parameters in a human-readable and publishable format at the time of collection. Autopilot provides an order-of-magnitude performance improvement over existing tools while also being an order of magnitude less costly to implement. Autopilot’s flexible, scalable architecture allows neuroscientists to design the next generation of experiments to investigate the behaving brain.
Dissolved Organic Matter Affects Arsenic Mobility and Iron(III) (hydr)oxide Formation: Implications for Managed Aquifer Recharge

During managed aquifer recharge (MAR), injected water significantly alters water chemistry in an aquifer, affecting arsenic mobility. To elucidate the effects of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on arsenic mobilization during MAR, this bench-scale study examined arsenic mobilization from arsenopyrite (FeAsS, an arsenic-containing sulfide) in the presence of Suwannee River natural organic matter, humic acid, and fulvic acid (SRNOM, SRHA, and SRFA), alginate (Alg), polyaspartate (PA), and glutamate (Glu). Suwannee River DOM (SRDOM) decreased arsenic mobility in the short term (<6 h) via inhibiting arsenopyrite oxidative dissolution, but increased arsenic mobility over a longer experimental time (∼7 days) via inhibiting secondary iron(III) (hydr)oxide precipitation and decreasing arsenic adsorption onto iron(III) (hydr)oxide. In situ grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering measurements indicated that SRDOM decreased iron(III) (hydr)oxide nucleus sizes and growth rates. A combined analysis of SRDOM and other proteinaceous or labile DOM (Alg, PA, and Glu) revealed that DOM with higher molecular weights would cause more increased arsenic mobility. These new observations advance our understanding of the impacts of DOM in injected water on arsenic mobility and secondary precipitate formation during MAR, and in other systems where interactions between DOM, arsenic, and iron(III) (hydr)oxides take place.