cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Importance of Spirometry in COPD and Asthma: Effect on Approach to Management

COPD is characterized by airflow limitation. The diagnosis is suggested by history and physical examination and is confirmed by spirometry (ie, a low FEV(1) level that is unresponsive to bronchodilators). Once diagnosed, there is no widely accepted staging or severity scoring system. COPD presently is graded using a single measurement such as FEV(1), which, unlike the case with asthma, has a limited role in disease management. A more comprehensive staging system is required incorporating, for example, age, arterial blood gases, dyspnea, body mass index, and distance walked, in addition to FEV(1). These criteria should allow for more evidence-based recommendations for management of this condition. Asthma is an inflammatory disease also characterized by airflow limitation. But in contrast with COPD, the airflow limitation is highly reversible either spontaneously or with therapy. Repeated lung function measurements using portable peak flowmeters have resulted in improved outcomes. Therefore, frequent flow determination is recommended in the routine management of asthma. Treatment with anti-inflammatory agents and close monitoring of lung function should help decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with asthma.
The effects of performance feedback on group members' perceptions of prestige, task competencies, group belonging, and loafing

This experiment examined the differential effects of positive and negative performance feedback on group members' perceptions of the prestige of their group, the task competencies of other group members, group belonging, and loafing. Additionally, a model indicating causal ordering among these variables was proposed and tested. Participants were placed in groups, completed two tasks, and received either positive, negative, or no feedback. Perceptions of prestige, task competencies, and group belonging were highest in the positive performance feedback conditions, whereas perceived loafing was highest in the negative feedback conditions. The causal order of the variables was consistent with the proposed model.
Formation of Factors IXa and Xa by the Extrinsic Pathway DIFFERENTIAL REGULATION BY TISSUE FACTOR PATHWAY INHIBITOR AND ANTITHROMBIN III

The activation of factor X by VIIa/TF and the Xa-dependent inhibition of the enzyme complex by tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) are considered primary steps in the initiation of coagulation. IX activation by VIIa/TF is considered to contribute catalyst necessary for further Xa production in the ensuing amplification phase. We have investigated Xa and IXaβ production by VIIa-TF in a system reconstituted with both X and IX and the principal physiologic inhibitors of this pathway TFPI and antithrombin III (AT). Kinetic studies without inhibitors established that IX and X functioned as competitive alternate substrates for VIIa/TF with similar kinetic constants. When both IX and X were present, TFPI significantly inhibited the extent of formation of either IXaβ or Xa. In contrast, AT rapidly depleted active Xa with a small effect on IXaβ formation. When both AT and TFPI were present, active IXaβ formation significantly exceeded the formation of active Xa regardless of the VIIa/TF concentration. These findings could be quantitatively accounted for by a model encompassing the kinetics of the individual activation and inhibition steps. Active Xa formation by this pathway is regulated in a principal way by its rapid inactivation by AT. In contrast, the Xa-dependent inhibitory reactions of TFPI play a primary role in limiting zymogen consumption and the formation of active IXaβ. These regulatory phenomena yield active IXaβ as a major rather than secondary product of VIIa/TF. Our findings raise the possibility that IXaβ produced by the extrinsic pathway, and its ability to function within the intrinsic Xase complex to activate X may play a significant role in producing Xa necessary for both the initiation and sustained phases of the procoagulant response following vascular damage.
Illustrating risk difference and number needed to treat from a randomized controlled trial of spinal manipulation for cervicogenic headache

The number needed to treat (NNT) for one participant to benefit is considered a useful, clinically meaningful way of reporting binary outcomes from randomized trials. Analysis of continuous data from our randomized controlled trial has previously demonstrated a significant and clinically important difference favoring spinal manipulation over a light massage control. Eighty participants were randomized to receive spinal manipulation or a light massage control (n = 40/group). Improvements in cervicogenic headache pain (primary outcome), disability, and number in prior four weeks were dichotomized into binary outcomes at two thresholds: 30% representing minimal clinically important change and 50% representing clinical success. Groups were compared at 12 and 24-week follow-up using binomial regression (generalized linear models) to compute the adjusted risk difference (RD) between groups and number needed to treat (NNT) after adjusting for baseline differences between groups. Results were compared to logistic regression results. For headache pain, clinically important improvement (30% or 50%) was more likely for spinal manipulation: adjusted RD = 17% to 27% and NNT = 3.8 to 5.8 (p = .005 to .028). Some statistically significant results favoring manipulation were found for headache disability and number. Spinal manipulation demonstrated a benefit in terms of a clinically important improvement of cervicogenic headache pain. The use of adjusted NNT is recommended; however, adjusted RD may be easier to interpret than NNT. The study demonstrated how results may depend on the threshold for dichotomizing variables into binary outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov NLM identifier NCT00246350.
Acute spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome

An 83-year-old woman with no previous history of malignancy was admitted to our institution with weakness and anemia and subsequently developed acute tumor lysis syndrome secondary to newly diagnosed Burkitt's leukemia/lymphoma. This syndrome has been previously described in patients with hematologic malignancies; however, its development has been related to the administration of chemotherapy, steroids, or radiotherapy. The spontaneous occurrence of tumor lysis syndrome has not been previously reported; however, Cohen et al. [Am J Med 58:486-491, 1980] report 8 of 37 patients with "clinically insignificant pretreatment derangements" of serum potassium, phosphate, and calcium.
Hydraulic/partitioning tracer tomography for characterization of dense nonaqueous phase liquid source zones

[1] A new technology, hydraulic/partitioning tracer tomography (HPTT), is proposed to survey spatial distributions of hydraulic properties and dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) in the subsurface. HPTT is nothing more than a set of multiple hydraulic/ partitioning tracer tests and synthesis of all the tests to map the spatial distributions. It involves injection of water at one borehole in a source zone to create a steady state forced gradient flow field, then release of conservative/partitioning tracers at the same borehole, and monitoring heads and tracer breakthroughs at the others. The same operation is repeated using different boreholes for the water and the tracer injections. To analyze the head and tracer data obtained from the proposed tomographic survey, a joint stochastic estimator was developed. Numerical experiments were then conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of HPTT as well as the stochastic estimator. Results show that prior knowledge of hydraulic heterogeneity is critical for mapping the distribution of DNAPLs. In addition, the results suggest that the proposed HPTT in conjunction with the stochastic estimator is potentially a viable tool for high-resolution characterization of subsurface heterogeneity and contamination.
Faster than a Flash: The Fastest Visual Startle Reflex Response is Found in a Long-Legged Fly, Condylostylus sp. (Dolichopodidae)

An extremely fast escape response time of less than 5 milliseconds was found in a long-legged fly of the genus Condylostylus (Dolichopodidae). This response to a visual startle reflex caused by a photographic flash was recorded repeatedly on camera and the synchronized shutter speed made it possible to measure the reflex time. Habituation was also observed in these trials. This newly recorded reflex is 3 times faster than any other previously reported. On 30 March 2011, an opportunity arose to measure the speed of reaction of another Condylostylus sp. in the same location using the same technique and equipment, and the results were very similar to those reported here.
Performance Evaluation for Three-Dimensional Networks-On-Chip

Three dimensional (3D) integrated circuits (ICs) are capable of achieving better performance, functionality, and packaging density compared to more traditional planar ICs. On the other hand, networks-on-chip (NoCs) are an enabling solution for integrating large numbers of embedded cores in a single die. 3D NoC architectures combine the benefits of these two new domains to offer an unprecedented performance gain. In this paper, the authors develop a consistent and meaningful evaluation methodology to evaluate the performance of a variety of 3D NoC architectures compared to existing 2D counterparts. The authors demonstrate that the 3D NoCs are capable of achieving higher throughput, lower latency, and lower energy dissipation at the cost of small silicon area overhead.
Ethnic/cultural identity salience and conflict styles in four US ethnic groups

This study examined the influence of ethnic background, ethnic identity, and cultural identity on conflict styles among African Americans, Asian Americans, European Americans, and Latino(a) Americans. Panethnic factor analysis yielded four dimensions of ethnic identity: ethnic belonging, fringe, intergroup interaction, and assimilation. A secondorder factor analysis yielded two clear identity dimensions: ethnic identity salience and cultural identity salience. In addition, panethnic factor analysis yielded seven conflict management styles: integrating, compromising, dominating, avoiding, neglecting, emotional expression, and third party. Some of the major findings of the study are: (1) African Americans have a stronger ethnic identity and a weaker cultural identity than the other ethnic groups; (2) European Americans have a weaker ethnic identity than the other groups; (3) Latino(a) Americans and Asian Americans use avoiding and third party conflict styles more than African Americans, and, Asian Americans use avoiding conflict style more than European Americans; (4) Individuals with a strong cultural identity (i.e., identifying with the larger US culture) use integrating, compromising, and emotionally expressive conflict styles more than individuals with a weak cultural identity; (5) Individuals with a strong ethnic identity (i.e., identifying with their ethnic memberships) use integrating
Endothelium-dependent relaxation competes with alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic constriction in the canine epicardial coronary microcirculation.

BACKGROUNDThe purpose of this study was to determine whether endothelium-dependent relaxation competes with alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic coronary microvascular constriction in the beating heart in vivo.METHODS AND RESULTSCoronary microvascular diameters were measured using stroboscopic epi-illumination and intravital microscopy during fluorescein microangiography in open-chested dogs (n = 20). Both alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic receptors were selectively activated by intracoronary infusions of norepinephrine (0.05 and 0.2 microgram.kg-1 x min-1) in the presence of the alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist rauwolscine (0.2 mg/kg) or the alpha 1-adrenergic antagonist prazosin (0.75 mg/kg) during beta-adrenergic blockade (1 mg/kg propranolol). Microvascular diameters during selective alpha-adrenergic receptor activation were measured under baseline conditions and after inhibition of endogenous nitric oxide synthesis by an analogue of L-arginine, either NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA, 30 mg/kg) or NG-nitro-L-arginine...
Transcriptional mapping of two genes encoding baculovirus envelope-associated proteins

Genes encoding two representatives of the LD130 family of baculovirus envelope-associated proteins were transcriptionally mapped. These included ld130, which encodes a low pH-induced envelope fusion protein of the Lymantria dispar multinucleocapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus, and op21, which is related to ld130 but is encoded by Orgyia pseudotsugata MNPV and appears to lack an envelope fusion activity. The size and temporal expression of mRNA of both genes were examined by Northern blot analysis of RNA extracted from infected cells at selected timepoints. In addition, 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) in combination with DNA sequence analysis was used to map the start sites of mRNA. Ld130 predominately utilized its early promoter at 24 h post-infection but by 72 h post-infection ld130 expression was almost exclusively from its late promoter. In contrast, op21 was expressed predominantly from its early promoter throughout the timecourse, even though a consensus late promoter sequence was present within 100 bp of the translation start codon. A significant fraction of late transcripts that mapped to op21 were spliced transcripts originating in the op18 gene region. The 3′ termini of the transcripts were also mapped using 3′ RACE.
A strategy to verify the absence of the pgm locus in Yersinia pestis strain candidates for select agent exemption

Yersinia pestis is a Department of Health and Human Services select agent as defined in federal regulations. Certain attenuated strains of Y. pestis, such as the pgm(-) strain, are exempt from these regulations. Herein we describe a strategy to verify the absence of the pgm locus in Y. pestis strains being considered as candidates for select agent exemption by PCR analysis of virulence-associated genes.
Magnetization cross-track correlations and transition noise of longitudinal thin film media

A method for measuring cross-track correlation length s of thin-film media in different DC demagnetized states has been developed. The method utilizes spectrum analysis of reverse DC erase noise and an improved technique for in-situ remanence curve measurements with negligible demagnetizing field effects. It was found that the value of s, with a typical order between 0.01 mu m and 0.1 mu m, is a slow-varying function of the remanent magnetization near the coercive remanent state. It was also found that recording media noise is approximately proportional to s. >
Chemical and Traditional Mutagenesis of Vaccinia DNA Topoisomerase Provides Insights to Cleavage Site Recognition and Transesterification Chemistry

Vaccinia DNA topoisomerase IB (TopIB) relaxes supercoils by forming and resealing a covalent DNA-(3'-phosphotyrosyl)-enzyme intermediate. Here we gained new insights to the TopIB mechanism through "chemical mutagenesis." Meta-substituted analogs of Tyr(274) were introduced by in vitro translation in the presence of a chemically misacylated tRNA. We report that a meta-OH reduced the rate of DNA cleavage 130-fold without affecting the rate of religation. By contrast, meta-OCH(3) and NO(2) groups elicited only a 6-fold decrement in cleavage rate. We propose that the meta-OH uniquely suppresses deprotonation of the para-OH nucleophile during the cleavage step. Assembly of the vaccinia TopIB active site is triggered by protein contacts with a specific DNA sequence 5'-C(+5)C(+4)C(+3)T(+2)T(+1)p downward arrowN (where downward arrow denotes the cleavage site). A signature alpha-helix of the poxvirus TopIB ((132)GKMKYLKENETVG(144)) engages the target site in the major groove and thereby recruits catalytic residue Arg(130) to the active site. The effects of 11 missense mutations at Tyr(136) highlight the importance of van der Waals interactions with the 3'-G(+4)pG(+3)p dinucleotide of the nonscissile strand for DNA cleavage and supercoil relaxation. Asn(140) and Thr(142) donate hydrogen bonds to the pro-(S(p))-oxygen of the G(+3)pA(+2) phosphodiester of the nonscissile strand. Lys(133) and Lys(135) interact with purine nucleobases in the major groove. Whereas none of these side chains is essential per se, an N140A/T142A double mutation reduces the rate of supercoil relaxation and DNA cleavage by 120- and 30-fold, respectively, and a K133A/K135A double mutation slows relaxation and cleavage by 120- and 35-fold, respectively. These results underscore functional redundancy at the TopIB-DNA interface.
Arresting Time, Resisting Arrest: Narrative Time and the African Dictator in Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's Wizard of the Crow

This essay argues that the form of Ngũgĩ wa Thiongo's Wizard of the Crow challenges the Ruler's hegemony. In my analysis, the novel's narrators and Ngũgĩ's inventive use of rumor, prolepsis, and metalepsis work to create pluralistic modes of community that counteract the autocratic, repressive politics of the novel's dictator. This analysis adds a distinctively political dimension to the work of narrative theorists like Gerard Genette, Mark Currie, and Brian Richardson, reading the distinctive feature of multiple narrators or proleptic rumors in the novel as signs of resistance. These formal features of the novel present a discursive challenge to the authority of the Ruler. This discursive challenge to authority is significant because the dictator's power is exercised through the power to speak and shape the world to his own ends. These features of Ngũgĩ's novel mark a development in the transnational genre of the dictator novel. N gũgĩ wa Thiong'o's most recent novel, Wizard of the Crow, begins with a rumor. Or, more accurately, with five of the "most frequent (theories) on people's lips" (3). This inaugural set of rumors conditions the reader to approach the novel in a particular way. This beginning has implications for the novel's form because of the rumors' subject (the Ruler's illness), the mode of narra- tion, and the temporal structure this opening creates. The rumors chronologically belong in the middle of the novel. The five frequent rumors presented at the outset of the novel constitute what Gerard Genette calls repeating prolepses, where the prolepsis "double(s), however slightly, a narrative section to come" (71). Ngũgĩ uses these repeating prolepses in an unusual way. Genette observes that "Repeat- ing prolepses . . . scarcely occur except as brief allusions: they refer in advance
Einstein — Eine Kurzbiographie

Albert Einstein wurde am 14. Marz 1879 in Ulm geboren. Seine Eltern, Hermann Einstein und Pauline Einstein, geborene Koch, stammten — wie schon viele Generationen ihrer Vorfahren — aus dieser Gegend.
When Boastful Word of Mouth Helps versus Hurts Social Perceptions and Persuasion

Although self-enhancement has recently been established as a central motive for sharing word of mouth information, little is known about the impact of self-enhancing assertions (e.g., boasting) on persuasion. We theorize, and demonstrate in three studies, that although boasting is perceived negatively, such immodest self-presentations can either impede or enhance social perceptions and persuasion. The valence of the persuasion outcome depends heavily on trust cues that change the meaning of boasting to the word of mouth recipient. Boasting in the presence of low trust cues activates heightened vigilance (e.g., valenced thoughts) about the source's motives, leading to decreased persuasion. However, when given reason to trust the source specifically or people generally, boasting is readily accepted as a signal of source expertise, leading to increased persuasion. Implications for consumer decision-making and firms seeking to manage consumer social influence are discussed.
Electrical conductivities of PbXe and PbSF6 films

Abstract The electrical conductivities of pure Pb film and Pb Xe and Pb SF 6 films deposited at 20°K were measured to above 100°K. Pb SF 6 films were poorer conductors than Pb Xe films, thus eliminating the possibility of a SF6− conduction mechanism. Pb2 and higher aggregates of Pb were found to be inert to SF6.
Radiation-Effects Considerations in the Design of Electronic Circuit Packaging for Nuclear-Powered Vehicles

The combination of induced and natural environments presents the designer of airborne electronic packages with an imposing range of conditions to consider in his design. The major induced and natural environments of importance to the electronic-package designer are as follows:
Social-Aware Mobile User Location Prediction Algorithm in Participatory Sensing Systems

Mobile user location predication is critical to efficient data acquisition and message forwarding in participatory sensing systems.This paper proposes a Social-aware Mobile user Location Prediction algorithm(SMLP).The SMLP algorithm models application scenarios based on geographic locations,and extracting social relationships of mobile nodes from nodes' mobility.The SMLP algorithm preliminarily predicts node's mobility based on the Markov model,and then amends the prediction results using location information of other nodes which have strong relationship with the node.Two algorithms,SMLP1 and SMLPN,are proposed based on the Markov model and the weighted Markov model,respectively.Finally,the UCSD WTD data sets are exploited for simulations.Simulation results show that SMLP1 acquires higher prediction accuracy than the Markov model.SMLPNachieves more accuracy on prediction compared with SMLP1,andobtains comparable prediction accuracy with order-2 Markov model while presents extra lower algorithm complexity.Due to the introduction of weighting coefficients,both SMLP1 and SMLPN demonstrate high flexibility.
The WWAMI Targeted Rural Underserved Track (TRUST) Program: An Innovative Response to Rural Physician Workforce Shortages

ProblemToo few physicians practice in rural areas. To address the physician workforce needs of the Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho (WWAMI) region, the University of Washington School of Medicine developed the Targeted Rural Underserved Track (TRUST) program in August 2008. TRUST is a
Pediatricians: More Job Satisfaction Than Other Specialists

Dr Wardrop has disclosed no financial relationship relevant to this commentary. This commentary does not contain a discussion of an unapproved/investigative use of a commercial product/device. Physician burnout in the United States is reaching epidemic proportions. This issue has been well documented in medical and nonmedical literature.1,2 Physician burnout is reported in all medical specialties and includes not only practicing physicians, …
Exploring pedagogical relationships in the context of free play

AbstractEarly childhood advocates agree that positive teacher–child relationships are critical to classroom quality. Much research has emphasized quantifiable teacher characteristics and child outcomes without fully capturing the complexity of these relationships. Drawing on extensive classroom observations, two video-recorded free play sessions and teacher interviews, this study explored some of the ways that preschool teachers create and maintain positive relationships, with emphasis on how they care for the children: their ways of being with and for them. The results of this study provide practical examples for building and sustaining teacher–child relationships, help delineate the complexity of the relationships that exist in preschool classrooms and demonstrate the everyday ways in which those relationships are foundational for children’s learning and development.
Special Section Guest Editorial:Translational biophotonics

Author(s): Aguirre, Aaron D; Apiou-Sbirlea, Gabriela; Roblyer, Darren; Tromberg, Bruce J | Abstract: This guest editorial introduces the Special Section on Translational Biophotonics.
Using virtual reality to test the regularity priors used by the human visual system

Virtual reality applications provide an opportunity to test human vision in well-controlled scenarios that would be difficult to generate in real physical spaces. This paper presents a study intended to evaluate the importance of the regularity priors used by the human visual system. Using a CAVE simulation, subjects viewed virtual objects in a variety of experimental manipulations. In the first experiment, the subject was asked to count the objects in a scene that was viewed either right-side-up or upside-down for 4 seconds. The subject counted more accurately in the right-side-up condition regardless of the presence of binocular disparity or color. In the second experiment, the subject was asked to reconstruct the scene from a different viewpoint. Reconstructions were accurate, but the position and orientation error was twice as high when the scene was rotated by 45°, compared to 22.5°. Similarly to the first experiment, there was little difference between monocular and binocular viewing. In the third experiment, the subject was asked to adjust the position of one object to match the depth extent to the frontal extent among three objects. Performance was best with symmetrical objects and became poorer with asymmetrical objects and poorest with only small circular markers on the floor. Finally, in the fourth experiment, we demonstrated reliable performance in monocular and binocular recovery of 3D shapes of objects standing naturally on the simulated horizontal floor. Based on these results, we conclude that gravity, horizontal ground, and symmetry priors play an important role in veridical perception of scenes.
Mapping the secrets of the antibody pool

The progression of antibody-mediated immunity can now be monitored at high-throughput on a single-cell level.
Mitomycin C or interferon as adjuvant therapy to surgery for ocular surface squamous neoplasia: comparative study.

Background:Traditionally, surgical excision has been the treatment of choice for ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). Recurrences after surgery are high. To reduce the risk of recurrence, adju...
The Concurrent Paths of Parental Identity and Child Development

Identity is central to how one perceives the world and how one is perceived. There is no more meaningful life event nor more significant an identity crisis that an individual goes through as a human being than to become a parent. However, unlike other identities that an individual acquires over the course of life, this is an identity that continues to transition a child is growing and developing. Galinsky (1987) created a thought-provoking stage approach to describe parental development. This paper makes use of this model to trace the concurrent paths of parental identity and children’s growth and development with a narrative of my own experience as a parent.
Platelet counts in capillary blood.

Samples of venous and capillary blood were collected simultaneously from healthy adults to assess the accuracy of platelet counts in capillary blood as determined by an automated particle counter. The difference between the mean venous blood platelet count (248,300) and the mean capillary blood count (215,500) was highly significant (P less than .001). For 24% (7/29) of the subjects, the capillary blood platelet count underestimated the venous blood count by greater than or equal to 25%, with three subjects erroneously classified as thrombocytopenic. A heterogeneous group of thrombocytopenic patients showed a similar difference in mean platelet counts (venous blood: 72,500/microliter; capillary blood: 65,400/microliter; P = 0.01). In most clinical situations, capillary blood platelet counts were adequate for patient evaluation; however, when an accurate platelet count is necessary, venous blood should be used.
The Primary Care Obesity Network: Translating Expert Committee Guidelines on Childhood Obesity Into Practice

Childhood obesity remains a serious public health threat. There is an urgent need for innovative, effective, and sustainable interventions for childhood obesity that are multisector, integrated, and pragmatic. Using the 2007 Expert Committee on the Assessment, Prevention, and Treatment of Child and Adolescent Overweight and Obesity as a guide, a tertiary care obesity program at a children's hospital established the Primary Care Obesity Network (PCON). This article describes the structure, implementation, resources, and outcome measures of the PCON, a network of primary care practices and a tertiary care obesity center established to prevent and treat childhood obesity in Central Ohio. This program offers an opportunity to assess how and whether the expert committee guidelines can be translated into practice. As Accountable Care Organizations strive to provide services through the lens of improving population health, the PCON can serve as an example for addressing childhood obesity.
An image-based array trigger for Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescope Arrays

Abstract It is anticipated that forthcoming, next generation, atmospheric Cherenkov telescope arrays will include a number of medium-sized telescopes that are constructed using a dual-mirror Schwarzschild–Couder configuration. These telescopes will sample a wide ( 8 ° ) field of view using a densely pixelated camera comprising over 1 0 4 individual readout channels. A readout frequency congruent with the expected single-telescope trigger rates would result in substantial data rates. To ameliorate these data rates, a novel, hardware-level Distributed Intelligent Array Trigger (DIAT) is envisioned. A copy of the DIAT operates autonomously at each telescope and uses reduced resolution imaging data from a limited subset of nearby telescopes to veto events prior to camera readout and any subsequent network transmission of camera data that is required for centralized storage or aggregation. We present the results of Monte-Carlo simulations that evaluate the efficacy of a “Parallax width” discriminator that can be used by the DIAT to efficiently distinguish between genuine gamma-ray initiated events and unwanted background events that are initiated by hadronic cosmic rays.
A Hybrid, Dynamic Logic for Hybrid-Dynamic Information Flow

Information-flow security is important to the safety and privacy of cyber-physical systems (CPSs) across many domains: information leakage can both violate user privacy and reveal vulnerabilities to physical attacks. CPSs face the challenge that information can flow both in discrete cyber channels and in continuous real-valued physical channels ranging from time to motion to electrical currents. We call these hybrid-dynamic information flows (HDIFs) and introduce dHL, the first logic for verifying HDIFs in hybrid-dynamical models of CPSs. Our logic extends differential dynamic logic (dL) for hybrid-dynamical systems with hybrid-logical features for explicit program state representation, supporting relational reasoning used for information flow arguments. By verifying HDIFs, we ensure security even under a strong attacker model wherein an attacker can observe time and physical values continuously. We present a Hilbert-style proof calculus for dHL, prove it sound, and compare the expressive power of dHL with dL. We develop a hybrid system model based on the smart electrical grid FREEDM, with which we showcase dHL. We prove that the naive model has a previously unknown information flow vulnerability, which we verify is resolved in a revised model. This is the first information flow proof both for HDIFs and for a hybrid-dynamical model in general.
Dynamics and Coherent Control of Condensed Phase Vibrational Coherences

The dynamics and control of condensed phase vibrational coherences are studied using electronically resonant transient birefringence and dichroism. The chirp direction and mode of detection yield qualitatively different responses in the birefringence and dichroism signals.
Predators of scorpions: field data and a review

Field observations over a seven-year period at a desert scorpion community near Palm Springs, California and less intensively at other locales provided information on natural predators of scorpions. The predators of scorpions in order of probable importance are: scorpions of the same or other species, many vertebrates and other large invertebrates. Predators of scorpions in the literature are systematically summarized in Table 1 . Some vertebrate predators are scorpion specialists, others rarely prey on scorpions. Scorpions exhibit several anti-predator adaptations and many predators of scorpions have stereotypic behaviors that enable them to handle scorpions successfully as prey.
Answer to Assigned Problems

[Note: Look just below ( 3.42).] \(S_{comp}\) for problems (1)–(10) $$\begin{aligned} \sigma _0\exp (x)+\sigma _1\exp (-3 x)&~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(1) \\ \sigma _0\exp (4 x)+\sigma _1\exp (- x)&~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(2) \\ (\sigma _0+\sigma _1\, x)\exp \left( -\frac{x}{2}\right)&~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(3) \\ (\sigma _0+\sigma _1\, x)\exp \left( \frac{x}{2}\right)&~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(4) \\ (\sigma _0+\sigma _1\, x+\sigma _2\, x^2)\exp \left( -5 x\right)&~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(5) \\ (\sigma _0+\sigma _1\, x+\sigma _2 x^2)\exp \left( 2 x\right)&~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(6) \\ \exp \left( -\frac{x}{2}\right) \left[ \sigma _1\sin \left( \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}x\right) +\sigma _2\cos \left( \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}x\right) \right]&~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(7)\\ \exp \left( \frac{x}{2}\right) \left[ \sigma _1\sin \left( \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}x\right) +\sigma _2\cos \left( \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}x\right) \right]&~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(8) \\ \exp \left( - x\right) \left[ \sigma _1\sin \left( {\sqrt{2}}\,\, x\right) +\sigma _2\cos \left( {\sqrt{2}}\,\, x\right) \right]&~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(9) \\ \exp \left( -\frac{3}{2} x\right) \left[ \sigma _1\sin \left( \frac{\sqrt{7}}{2}x\right) + \sigma _2\cos \left( \frac{\sqrt{7}}{2}x\right) \right]&~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(10)\\ \end{aligned}$$
Effects of Provider Identity and Locus of Supportive Conversation on Coping With an Identity-Threatening Stressor:

Guided by theory that posits outcomes of supportive interactions are shaped by source and message factors, this study examines two relevant features of interactions: the social identity of a suppor...
Reversing the Lens: Assessing the Use of Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey in Public Administration Research:

Despite the proliferation of published work using the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) data, the scholarly community to date lacks a review of th...
Development of a Decision-Making Model for Merging Maneuvers: A Game Theoretical Approach

The development of advanced vehicle technologies will bring about new transportation system paradigms. In mixed traffic situations, where both connected automated vehicles (CAVs) and human drivers are present, it is important to first have a firm understanding of human driving behavior. Human driving behavior is complicated and will affect how CAVs need to operate. To come to this understanding, a realistic decision-making modeling framework for lane-changing behavior in human-driven vehicles is needed. Earlier, Kang and Rakha proposed a decision-making model for merging maneuvers at freeway on-ramps using a game theoretical approach (Kang and Rakha, Transp Res Rec J Transp Res Board 2623, 2017). To consider efficient integration within a microscopic traffic simulation modeling framework, this paper further develops the previously proposed model. The Next Generation SIMulation (NGSIM) dataset was used for model evaluation purpose. Validation results revealed that the developed model shows better predictability compared to the previous model.
Macrophage modulation by polymerized hemoglobins: Potential as a wound-healing therapy

Chronic skin wounds are hypoxic and are stalled in a pro-inflammatory state. Hemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carriers have shown potential in increasing oxygen delivery to aid wound healing. Macrophag...
Closed-Loop Range-Based Control of Dual-Stage Nanopositioning Systems

In this article, a closed-loop control framework for dual-stage nanopositioning systems is presented that allows the user to allocate control efforts to the individual actuators based on their range capabilities. Recent work by the authors has focused on range-based control of dual-stage actuators implemented as a prefilter, which assumes that each individual actuator has sensor feedback enabling them to be controlled separately. This article seeks to address the problem of range-based control of dual-stage systems when sensor measurements are only available from the total output of the system, a commonly encountered design. This is a significant departure from previous work since the range-based filter is included in the dual-stage system feedback loop and stability becomes a concern. In this article, the controller is presented, stability conditions are determined, and imaging experiments are performed on an atomic force microscope. Tracking results show that the root-mean-square tracking error for various triangular reference trajectories is improved with the presented range-based control structure by up to 50% compared to frequency-based methods.
Safety of Consecutive Bilateral Decubitus Digital Subtraction Myelography in Patients with Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension and Occult CSF Leak

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Digital subtraction myelography performed with the patient in the lateral decubitus position has the potential for increased sensitivity over prone-position myelography in the detection of spinal CSF-venous fistulas, a well-established cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. We report on the safety of performing routine, consecutive-day right and left lateral decubitus digital subtraction myelography in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective case series, all patients undergoing consecutive-day lateral decubitus digital subtraction myelography for suspected spinal CSF leak between September 2018 and September 2019 were identified. Chart review was performed to identify any immediate or delayed adverse effects associated with the procedures. Procedural parameters were also analyzed due to inherent variations associated with the positive-pressure myelography technique that was used. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients underwent 68 pairs of consecutive-day lateral decubitus digital subtraction myelographic examinations during the study period. No major adverse effects were recorded. Various minor adverse effects were observed, including pain requiring analgesics (27.2%), nausea/vomiting requiring antiemetics (8.1%), and transient neurologic effects such as syncope, vertigo, altered mental status, and autonomic dysfunction (5.1%). Minor transient neurologic effects were correlated with increasing volumes of intrathecal saline injectate used for thecal sac prepressurization. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension and suspected spontaneous spinal CSF leak, consecutive-day lateral decubitus digital subtraction myelography demonstrates an acceptable risk profile without evidence of neurotoxic effects from cumulative intrathecal contrast doses. Higher intrathecal saline injectate volumes may correlate with an increased incidence of minor transient periprocedural neurologic effects.
Potentially Preventable Hospitalizations Among Older Adults: 2010-2014.

PURPOSE We undertook a study to examine national trends in potentially preventable hospitalizations-those for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions that could have been avoided if patients had timely access to primary care-across 3,200 counties and various subpopulations of older adults in the United States. METHODS We used 2010-2014 Medicare claims data to examine trends in potentially preventable hospitalizations among beneficiaries aged 65 years and older and developed heat maps to examine county-level variation. We used a generalized estimating equation and adjusted the model for demographics, comorbidities, dual eligibility (Medicare and Medicaid), ZIP code-level income, and county-level number of primary care physicians and hospitals. RESULTS Across the 3,200 study counties, potentially preventable hospitalizations decreased in 327 counties, increased in 123 counties, and did not change in the rest. At the population level, the adjusted rate of potentially preventable hospitalizations declined by 3.45 percentage points from 19.42% (95% CI, 18.4%-20.5%) in 2010 to 15.97% (95% CI, 15.3%-16.6%) in 2014; it declined by 2.93, 2.87, and 3.33 percentage points among White, Black, and Hispanic patients to 14.96% (95% CI, 14.67%-15.24%), 17.92% (95% CI, 17.27%-18.58%), and 17.10% (95% CI, 16.25%-18.0%), respectively. Similarly, the rate for dually eligible patients fell by 3.71 percentage points from 21.62% (95% CI, 20.5%-22.8%) in 2010 to 17.91% (95% CI, 17.2%-18.7%) in 2014. (P <.001 for all). CONCLUSIONS During 2010-2014, rates of potentially preventable hospitalization did not change in the majority of counties. At the population level, although the rate declined among all subpopulations, dually eligible patients and Black and Hispanic patients continued to have substantially higher rates compared with non-dually eligible and White patients, respectively.
A Rapid, Small-Volume Approach to Evaluate Protein Aggregation at Air-Water Interfaces.

Abstract Non-native protein aggregation is a common concern for biopharmaceuticals. A given protein may aggregate through a variety of mechanisms that depend on solution and physico-chemical stress conditions. A thorough evaluation of aggregation behavior for a protein under all conditions of interest is necessary to ensure drug safety and efficacy. This work introduces a rapid, small-volume approach to evaluate protein aggregation propensity upon exposure to air-water interfaces (AWI). A microtensiometer apparatus is used to aerate a small volume of a protein solution with microbubbles for short periods of time (≤10 s). Sub-visible particles that form are captured and analyzed using backgrounded membrane imaging. This allows one to capture all particles in the solution while being sample sparing. The surface-mediated aggregation of two model monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and a globular protein (aCgn) was tested as a function of pH and temperature. Temperature had a negligible effect under the rapid interface turnover time scales with this technique. Electrostatic protein-protein interactions, mediated by pH changes, were more influential for particle formation via AWI. Nonionic surfactants substantially reduced particle formation for all MAb solutions, but not aCgn. The results are contrasted with expectations when exposing samples to much larger air-water interfacial stress.
A qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis of evangelical Christian sex trafficking narratives

The purpose of the present qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis (QIMS) is to explore, categorize, and confront one of the powerful narratives present within the counter-trafficking movement—that...
An atomistic study of defect energetics and diffusion with respect to composition and temperature in γU and γU-Mo alloys

Abstract Uranium-molybdenum (U-Mo) alloys are promising candidates for high-performance research and test reactors, as well as fast reactors. The metastable γ phase, which shows acceptable irradiation performance, is retained by alloying U with Mo with specific quenching conditions. Point defects contribute to the atomic diffusion process, defect clustering, creep, irradiation hardening, and swelling of nuclear fuels, all of which play a role in fuel performance. In this work, properties of point defects in γ U and γ U-xMo (x = 7, 10, 12 wt. % ) were investigated. Vacancy and self-interstitial formation energies in γ U and γ U-xMo were calculated with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using an embedded atom method interatomic potential for the U-Mo system. Formation energies of point defects were calculated in the temperature range between 400 K and 1200 K. The vacancy formation energy was higher than the self-interstitial formation energy in both γ U and γ U-xMo in the evaluated temperature range, which supports the previous results obtained via first-principles calculations and MD simulations. In γ U-xMo, the vacancy formation energy decreased with increasing Mo content, whereas the self-interstitial formation energy increased with increasing Mo content in the temperature range of 400 K to 1200 K. The self-diffusion and interdiffusion coefficients were also determined in γ U-xMo as a function of temperature. Diffusion of U and Mo atoms in γ U-xMo were negligible below 800 K. The self-diffusion and interdiffusion coefficients decreased with increasing Mo concentration, which qualitatively agreed with the previous experimental observations. Point defect formation energies, self-diffusion coefficients, and interdiffusion coefficients in γ U-xMo calculated in the present work can be used as input parameters in mesoscale and engineering scale fuel performance modeling.
Climbing, and Falling Off, Plato’s Ladder of Love: The Emotions of Love and of Love’s Undoing

Love is a state of mind, a social relationship, and a potent emotion. Love is examined as the emotion of two cross-cultural problems of life, temporality and social identity, the bases of communally-shared and equality-matched social-relations. It is proposed that there exist a set of primary emotions which combine in pairs to form secondary emotions. Love is defined as a mixture of joy–happiness and acceptance, the prototypical positively-valenced adaptive reactions to temporality and identity. As an individual loses a love relationship, the primary emotional foundations of love, joy–happiness and acceptance, can turn into their opposites, disgust–rejection and sadness, respectively. Potentially emerging from these four primary emotions are five secondary emotions that contain disgust and/or sadness. These secondary-level emotions are defined as ambivalence (acceptance & disgust–rejection), bittersweetness (joy–happiness & sadness), derisiveness (joy–happiness & disgust–rejection), resignation (acceptance & sadness/loss), and loneliness (sadness & disgust–rejection). These are hypothesized to be the key emotions of troubled intimacy, and are described as they occur during the process of the breakdown and dissolution of love-based social relationships.
Development of an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system for the cold-adapted fungi Pseudogymnoascus destructans and P. pannorum

The mechanisms of cold adaptation by fungi remain unknown. This topic is of high interest due to the emergence of white-nose syndrome (WNS), a skin infection of hibernating bats caused by Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd). Recent studies indicated that apart from Pd, there is an abundance of other Pseudogymnoascus species in the hibernacula soil. We developed an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) system for Pd and a related fungus Pseudogymnoascus pannorum (Pp) to advance experimental studies. URE1 gene encoding the enzyme urease was used as an easy to screen marker to facilitate molecular genetic analyses. A Uracil-Specific Excision Reagent (USER) Friendly pRF-HU2 vector containing Pd or Pp ure1::hygromycin (HYG) disruption cassette was introduced into A. tumefaciens AGL-1 cells by electroporation and the resulting strains were co-cultivated with conidia of Pd or Pp for various durations and temperatures to optimize the ATMT system. Overall, 680 Pd (0.006%) and 1800 Pp (0.018%) transformants were obtained from plating of 10(7) conidia; their recoveries were strongly correlated with the length of the incubation period (96h for Pd; 72h for Pp) and with temperature (15-18°C for Pd; 25°C for Pp). The homologous recombination in transformants was 3.1% for Pd and 16.7% for Pp. The availability of a standardized ATMT system would allow future molecular genetic analyses of Pd and related cold-adapted fungi.