cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of single‐cell analyses in understanding cell lineage commitment

The study of cell lineage commitment is critical for improving our understanding of tissue development and regeneration, and for realizing stem cell-based therapies and engineered tissue replacements. Recently, the discovery of an unanticipated degree of variability in fundamental biological processes, including divergent responses of genetically identical cells to various stimuli, has provided mechanistic insight into cellular decision making and the collective behavior of cell populations. Therefore, the study of lineage commitment with single-cell resolution could provide greater knowledge of cellular differentiation mechanisms and the influence of noise on cellular processes. This will require the adoption of new technologies for single-cell analysis as traditional methods typically measure average values of bulk population behavior. This review discusses the recent developments in methods for analyzing the behavior of individual cells, and how these approaches are leading to a deeper understanding and better control of cellular decision making.
Measurement of surge propagation in induction machines

Winding failures in induction machines have been a major concern in the past several years, and more so recently with the addition of variable speed drives (VSDs). Both the introduction of the vacuum breaker, and the use of pulse width modulation (PWM) drives, utilizing fast switching IGBTs, have resulted in an increase in winding failures in induction machines. Two mechanisms that cause winding failures are steep-fronted surges, like those caused during the opening and closing of vacuum breakers, and transient overvoltages caused by impedance mismatch between the cable and load during VSD operation. There has been a fair amount of work done to date on the propagation of vacuum breaker induced steep-fronted surges in the windings of the induction machine. Work has been progressing on overvoltages at the machine terminals as a result of VSDs operating with long cables connecting drive and machine. However the propagation of these surges down the coils and the interference of these PWM surges with each other in the coils as well as the coupling between turns and coils have not been thoroughly investigated. Such an investigation would allow more benign PWM strategies to be developed, which do not build up in the machine to unacceptably high levels. To this end, this paper presents a measurement technique which can be used to study PWM generated surges and their propagation within the coil, considering each turn at a time. This requires the inclusion of the differences in the surge impedances in each section of the coil. Detailed parameter measurements are made of each turn section (slot vs. overhang), which are then used to determine the surge impedance of each section. Reflection and refraction coefficients are calculated, then used to map, via lattice diagrams, the propagation of surges within the turns of one coil.
Genre Studies in the San Diego City Schools: Accelerating or Tracking?

This article contains an analysis of a component of a large-scale reform effort in an urban school district that entailed placing high school students identified as underperforming in literacy in separate classes aimed at accelerating their learning. The relationship between students’ academic performance and social backgrounds, school characteristics, and placement in these classes was analyzed for two cohorts of ninth graders. Although most students were placed according to their academic needs, there was evidence that race/ethnicity, language, and school socioeconomic status also influenced student placements. The findings suggest that the structural innovations of large-scale reforms must be accompanied by attention to the cultural dimensions of education reform.
Coupon characteristics and redemption intentions: A segment‐level analysis

The authors investigate how different segments of consumers react to different coupon characteristics, such as face value and method of distribution. They utilize a latent segmentation approach to identify the underlying segments. The empirical analysis suggests that different segments of consumers place varying emphasis with regard to economic benefits, psychic benefits, effort costs, and substitution costs. A further examination of the derived segments with respect to consumer correlates such as psychological, attitudinal, behavioral, and demographic characteristics reveals that coupon-related consumer characteristics, rather than demographics, exhibit significant and meaningful differences across these segments. Implications of the segment-level analysis for evaluating coupon drops and managing promotional expenditures are also discussed. ©1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. With 269 billion coupons distributed in 1996 in the United States, and approximately 5.3 billion coupons redeemed, for a total savings of $3.7 billion (Brown, 1997), coupons continue to be among the most important promotional vehicles being used today. To improve the profitability of promotions, an in-depth understanding of the impact of promotions
Triple Twist Theory of Rho Inhibition by the Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor

Although there are some exceptions,1,2 numerous publications support the counterregulatory roles of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2) against the AT1 receptor functions, such as inhibition of vascular contraction and hypertrophy.3–5 However, it is still very uncertain as to how the AT2 receptor signals interfere with those of the AT1 receptor in the cardiovascular system.5,6 Past findings suggest that the signal transduction of AT1 inhibition by the AT2 receptor may involve multiple distinct mechanisms. Some of these mechanisms appear to be indirect, such as production of nitric oxide through bradykinin opposing the vasoconstrictor actions of the AT1 receptor.3 The direct inhibitory crosstalk of the 2 receptors occurs proximal to the receptor heterodimerization, as well as downstream from the receptors between AT1-activated protein kinases epidermal growth factor receptor kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2/p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), etc and AT2-activated protein phosphatases protein phosphatase 2A, SHP-1, and MAPK phosphatase-1.7,8 The activation of the protein phosphatases by the AT2 receptor may or may not require heterotrimeric G proteins (Gi or Gs) and/or the recently identified AT2 receptor C-terminal tail–interacting proteins.4–6 Given that induction …
Counting Hospitalists—Does it Matter?

Who is a hospitalist exactly? The study by Freed et al1 in this issue looks at the long-term plans of those who are taking a hospitalist position as their first job. The authors’ rationale for this assessment is that it is “important to workforce projections regarding the magnitude of those who will function in this role.” This claim may be true, but the study itself might incompletely inform workforce projections because residents often choose a position out of residency that may not reflect their long-term career plans. This scenario is certainly true for many who take a hospitalist position, as shown by this study as well as by previous studies. Acknowledging this reality is to recognize that there are at least 2 classes of pediatricians performing hospitalist work: those biding their time and those starting a career. For residents just completing their training, it can be hard to distinguish between those 2 classes, especially when there is no clear description of what defines a hospitalist. Many residents also take temporary positions in NICUs, emergency departments, and urgent care centers, some with the intention of earning money before a fellowship in those fields while others are just waiting …
Nicotinic regulation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II activation in the spinal cord

Recent studies have implicated the involvement of Ca2+-dependent mechanisms, in particular, calcium/calmodulin-protein kinase II in nicotine-induced antinociception using the tail-flick test. The spinal cord was suggested as a possible site of this involvement. The present study was undertaken to investigate the hypothesis that the beta2 nicotinic receptor subunit plays a central role in nicotine-induced spinal antinociception via calcium/calmodulin-dependent calmodulin protein kinase II activation. The antinociceptive effects of i.t. nicotine in the tail-flick test did not significantly differ in wild-type and alpha7 knockout (KO) animals but were lost in beta2 knockout mice. When calcium/calmodulin-dependent calmodulin protein kinase II activity in the lumbar spinal cord after acute i.t. administration of nicotine was investigated in wild-type and beta2 and alpha7 knockout mice, the increase in calcium/calmodulin-dependent calmodulin protein kinase II activity was not significant reduced in alpha7 KO mice but was eliminated in the beta2 KO mice. In addition, L-type calcium channel blockers nimodipine and verapamil but not the N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist MK-801 (dizocilpine maleate) blocked the increase in the kinase activity induced by nicotine. Taken together, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that increases in intracellular calcium result in activation of calcium-mediated second messengers in the spinal cord that play an important role in nicotine-induced antinociception as measured in the tail-flick test. Furthermore, our findings indicate that nicotinic stimulation of beta2-containing acetylcholine nicotinic receptors in the spinal cord can activate calcium/calmodulin-dependent calmodulin protein kinase II and produce nicotinic analgesia, which may require L-type calcium voltage and gated channels but not the intervention of glutamatergic transmission.
Decision support for multi-family aggregate production planning

Abstract Aggregate production planning decisions are inter mediate range decisions that can have a significant impact on both productivity and profitability. In this paper, we examine an interactive computer-based method that provides decision support for the aggregate planner. The proposed approach combines the judgement of the planner with the optimization of subproblems to arrive at an effective solution for multi-family aggregate production planning problems. In the interactive approach, the planner exercises direct control over sensitive workforce levels and production capacities. A network flow sub-problem solver is used to generate optimal production plans and inventory levels given the user-specified production capacities. Decision aids are provided to help the planner achieve a cost-effective solution that is consistent with judgement concerning workforce levels. Computational testing on five test problems indicates that very cost-effective solutions can be obtained. The results of applying the i...
Loss resilient strategy in body sensor networks

Body sensor networks have gained continuous popularity in applications such as monitoring, sports training, and interactive gaming. However, data communication reliability is critical for the success of various applications such as ECG/EKG data analysis. In this paper, we propose a loss resilient strategy where prioritized scheduling and packet concatenation schemes are integrated for high network capacity and acceptable data reliability. The scheme is implemented at the application layer and therefore is compatible with existing standards such as IEEE 802.15.4. Performance evaluation on a real sensor test bed shows that the concatenation scheme significantly improve the performance and the prioritized scheduling ensures good reliability of high importance sensors.
School-to-Work Transition: Alternatives for Educational Reform

Pedagogical alternatives for preparing students to make the transition from school to work are examined and synthesized into six key components needed for successful school-to-work transition programs. These key components include coordinated, nonfragmented services; strong education-business partnerships resulting in paid work experiences; relevance in the learning process through linkage of instruction and work; early and continuing career counseling and guidance; program accountability to students and community; and a wide range of career/employment options available upon completion of transition services. Four desired outcomes for participants of transition programs are also described and include connecting theory with practice, developing personal and career maturity, gaining personal awareness, and attaining professional insight.
Influence of alterations in sinus rate on determination of drug-induced changes in ventricular automaticity

The interrelationship between drug-induced changes in heart rate and drug-induced alterations in ventricular automaticity was studied in dogs with intact conduction systems and dogs with surgically-induced complete heart block. The effects of epinephrine (0.5 microgram-kg-1-min-1) and propranolol (1.0 mg-kg-1) on ventricular automaticity were shown to be partially concealed by heart rate changes produced by these agents. Partial concealment of ventricular automaticity changes was shown to result from an alteration in the degree of overdrive suppression secondary to rate changes. Changes in the degree of overdrive suppression have a masking effect on drug-induced alterations in ventricular automaticity and only when the degree of suppression was held constant could the full extent of drug effects on ventricular automaticity be determined. Following vagal stimulation or rapid pacing, the rate of recovery from overdrive suppression as measured by the number of ventricular beats in 30 s was shown to be a dependable index of ventricular automaticity. It was concluded that determinations of drug effects on ventricular automaticity should take into account changes in heart rate produced by the drug. A method for determining ventricular automaticity is described which matches overdrive suppression during the control period to that during drug action in order to cancel out the influence of changes in heart rate on ventricular automaticity.
Modeling the Propagation of Transient Sounds in Very Shallow Water Using Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) Calculations

Many soniferous fishes live in very shallow water (less than 20 m) close to shore and in estuaries, rivers, and lakes. Often these shallow-water fishes produce transient, or pulsed, sounds containing many frequency components (Fish and Mowbray 1970; Mann et al. 1997; Sprague and Luczkovich 2001).
A reliable coordinated decentralized control system design

Decentralized observers are introduced for the design of decentralized control systems. The design is performed in two stages. In the first stage, a centralized design is performed, allowing the coordination of control efforts. In the second stage, the decentralized observer gains are obtained by solving a set of nonlinear algebraic equations. The coordinated design procedure can be readily extended to the design of reliable decentralized control systems that accommodate sensor, actuator, processor and other system component failures. The design methods are based on eigenvalue separation results for control systems using decentralized observers. >
How much do children's body mass indices change over intervals of 6-12 months? Statistics from before and during the obesity epidemic.

Background Researchers need to evaluate changes in children's body mass index (BMI) over periods of 6 or 12 months, yet reference statistics are limited for change in BMI. Objectives We aim to estimate the distribution of changes in children's BMIs over periods of 6 and 12 months. Methods We analyze data on two cohorts of children in the Fels Longitudinal Study: an older cohort born 1946–1970 and a recent cohort born 1971–1995. Between ages 3 and 18 years, we calculate changes in BMI over intervals of 6 and 12 months. For each age, sex and cohort, we estimate the mean, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis and percentiles of change in BMI. Results Median BMI growth peaks around age 12–13 years for girls and 13–15 years for boys. Large BMI gains are common in adolescence, and BMI losses are not uncommon at any age. Percentiles of BMI change are quite dispersed, especially for girls and especially in adolescence. In the recent cohort, the adiposity rebound is earlier and BMI gains are larger, especially at the high percentiles. Conclusions Researchers can use these estimates to evaluate data quality, evaluate effect sizes and calculate the sample size needed to detect an effect.
The First Chinese Democracy: Political Life in the Republic of China on Taiwan By Linda Chao and Ramon H. Myers. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1998. 371p. $47.00. Democratization in China and Taiwan: The Adaptability of Leninist Parties By Bruce J. Dickson. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998. 276p. $69.00

These books address the same issue, the democratization of Taiwan, but use diametrically opposed analytic frameworks. The results are individually unsatisfying but, paradoxically, complementary.
Cost-based decision-making in middleware virtualization environments

Abstract Middleware virtualization refers to the process of running applications on a set of resources (e.g., databases, application servers, other transactional service resources) such that the resource-to-application binding can be changed dynamically on the basis of applications’ resource requirements. Although virtualization is a rapidly growing area, little formal academic or industrial research provides guidelines for cost-optimal allocation strategies. In this work, we study this problem formally. We identify the problem and describe why existing schemes cannot be applied directly. We then formulate a mathematical model describing the business costs of virtualization. We develop runtime models of virtualization decision-making paradigms. We describe the cost implications of various runtime models and consider the cost effects of different managerial decisions and business factors, such as budget changes and changes in demand. Our results yield useful insights for managers in making virtualization decisions.
Poetry on the French Revolution In the Irish Press

(1962). Poetry on the French Revolution in the Irish Press. The Historian: Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 172-191.
Investigations on Machining Induced Microstructural Changes in Inconel 100

Inconel-100 (IN-100) which is a nickel-base alloy is used in metal components operate at the hot sections of gas turbines and jet engines due its excellent strength and corrosion resistance at high temperatures. This work presents investigations on the microstructural changes that occur during the machining process and specifically focuses on the effects of cutting parameters on the resultant average grain sizes of γ and γ′ phases and microhardness of the finished surfaces. Furthermore, finite element simulations have been performed to calculate the changes in grain sizes due to dynamic recrystallization by using the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov model.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Cardiorenal Risk: An Important Clinical Intersection

Approximately 6 million Americans have combined chronic cardiovascular and kidney disease. This clinical intersection presents unique risks to the patient and unique challenges to the clinician. Observational studies have provided quantitative methods for estimating the risk of acute renal failure in patients undergoing percutaneous intervention and bypass surgery procedures. Fortunately, for the general cardiovascular population these risks are small. On the other hand, patients with chronic kidney disease have increased risks of accelerated atherosclerosis, nonfatal myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, and cardiac death. Chronic kidney disease presents difficult scenarios in using conventional cardioprotective therapy. However, there are increasing bodies of evidence to suggest the kidney and the heart can be targeted with lines of therapy, specifically with renin-angiotensin system antagonism, that benefit both systems with respect to reduction in the progression of disease, and the prevention of hard kidney and cardiac endpoints. This article will focus on the cardiorenal intersection and highlight innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies concerning this high-risk patient group.
Numerical Modeling of Processing Parameters for Slot and Discrete Port Tapered Configurations in Resin Injection Pultrusion

Pultrusion is a very cost effective method for manufacturing structural components of constant cross-sections for aerospace applications. The quality and mechanical strength of the pultruded part depends on the wetout of the fiber reinforcement by the liquid resin; the strength and thus the quality of the composite are superior when the fiber reinforcement is fully impregnated (complete wetout) with liquid resin. This work explores the wetout characteristics in the injection pultrusion process. Complete wetout of the dry fiber matrix with liquid resin depends significantly on the processing parameters. The process parameters, fiber pull speed, fiber volume fraction, and resin viscosity are explored in this study. The finite volume technique is employed to simulate the flow of polyester resin through the fiber matrix (glass rovings) and the impact of the process parameters on the injection pressure required to achieve complete fiber wetout is investigated. The location of the liquid resin flow front is predicted for the discrete port injection and the slot injection configurations. Results show the impact of the tapering of the injection chamber walls on the minimum injection pressure required to achieve complete fiber wetout and the corresponding resin pressure at the injection chamber exit. A small taper on the walls of the injection chamber was found to have a significant impact on the minimum injection pressure necessary to achieve complete fiber matrix wetout.
Engaged Reading as a Collaborative Transformative Practice

The context of this study is a voluntary modification in teaching focus by four eighth-grade teachers who shifted their instructional focus toward student engagement. They abandoned assigned readin...
Adaptive Optics by Digital Holography

We present new techniques of adaptive optics by digital holography, with potential applications from ophthalmic to astronomical imaging systems. Wavefront sensors and modulators are replaced with digital holographic sensing and compensation processes.
Effect of cranial window type on monitoring neurovasculature using laser speckle contrast imaging

The cranial window preparation provides optical access to the rodent brain for high-resolution in vivo optical imaging. Two types of cranial windows are commonly employed, namely the open-skull window and thinned-skull window. Chronic in vivo laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) through the cranial window permits characterization of neurovascular morphology and blood flow changes over days or weeks. However, the effects of window type and their long-term stability for in vivo LSCI have not been studied. Here we systematically characterize the effect of each cranial window type on in vivo neurovascular monitoring with LSCI over two weeks. Imaging outcomes for each window were assessed in terms of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), microvessel density (MVD) and total vessel length (TVL). We found that the thinned-skull window required a shorter recovery period (~ 4 days), provided a larger field of view and was a good choice for short-term (i.e. < 10 days) in vivo imaging, but not for the long term because of the confounding effects of skull regrowth after ten days. The open-skull window required a longer recovery period, as made evident by the decrease in window quality within the 10-day period. In spite of this, the open-skull window would be preferable for chronic (i.e. < 10 days) in vivo imaging applications. Overall, this study informs about the pros and cons of each cranial window type for LSCI-based neurovascular imaging.
Compressive strength of fly ash-based geopolymer concrete with crumb rubber partially replacing sand

Abstract This study presents the feasibility of geopolymer concrete to which crumb rubber from recycled tires has been added. Geopolymer concrete utilizes industrial by-products like fly ash. Therefore, the use of rubberized geopolymer as a binder in concrete production not only reduces the emission of carbon dioxide, because of the elimination of cement, but also utilizes an industrial disposal of recycled tires to produce a sustainable construction material. In this research, fly ash, an alkaline liquid mix of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate, and crumb rubber were used as the basic constituents of the geopolymer. Various factors that influence the compressive strength were studied, such as molarity of sodium hydroxide, size of aggregates, amount of rubber, and types of fly ash. An appropriate amount of rubber may be replaced with an equal volume of fine aggregates in rubberized geopolymer concrete. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicates that fine aggregates can be replaced with an equal volume of crumb rubber, up to 5% in three types of fly ash-based geopolymer concrete at the 95% confidence level. The regression model indicates that the correlation between rubber replacement and other parameters are not statistically significant.
A brief look at the methodologies used in the research on online teaching and learning

This chapter looks at the research methods used during the first ten years of research on online teaching and learning. It first reviews overall approaches and research designs, moves on to a brief discussion of the early studies that compared online and face-to-face learning, and then looks at the specific methods used by different researchers, including surveys, interviews, and ethnographic studies, and at the different types of analysis, including content analysis and learning analytics. The discussions of each approach and method are illustrated with examples from studies in the field.
A brushfire in the eye

A 44 year old man with untreated HIV infection was referred to the department of ophthalmology for routine screening of ocular disease. He reported non-compliance with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) consisting of efavirenz, tenofovir, and emtricitabine, and his CD4 count was below 50×106 cells/L. He had no ocular problems at the time of presentation to his general practitioner. His visual acuity was normal. Examination of the anterior structures of both eyes was unremarkable. Examination of the right eye identified a white annular edge of haemorrhagic retinitis in a brushfire pattern (fig 1⇓). The fundus of the left eye looked normal. Fig 1 Fundus photograph of the right eye on presentation showing a white, annular leading edge of retinitis (white arrows) associated with haemorrhage (blue arrow) in a brushfire pattern. 1. What are the differential diagnoses for retinitis? 2. What is the diagnosis? 3. What is the most common cause of blindness in this condition? 4. What are the available treatments and follow-up recommendations? ### 1. What are the differential diagnoses for retinitis? #### Short answer Retinitis can be secondary to viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections; autoimmune conditions; and cancer. #### Discussion The differential diagnoses include infections—viral (eg, herpes simplex virus (HSV), herpes zoster virus (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV)), bacterial (eg, syphilis and tuberculosis), parasitic (eg, toxoplasmosis and Toxocara canis ), and fungal (eg, candida) entities. Autoimmune diseases such as Behcet’s syndrome and cancers such as vitreoretinal lymphoma should also be considered. A complete medical history, as well as serological or intraocular fluid analysis (eg, polymerase chain reaction, fungal smear) can help narrow the diagnosis. ### 2. What is the diagnosis? #### Short answer Cytomegalovirus retinitis. #### Discussion Our case is a striking example of CMV retinitis with a “brushfire” pattern in an immunocompromised host. Although the diagnosis was largely based on clinical examination, polymerase chain reaction of biopsied intraocular fluid confirmed the presence of CMV. Occasionally described as a “pizza pie,” “cheese and ketchup,” or “brushfire” retinitis, …
Improved pocket control in immediate microsurgical breast reconstruction with simultaneous implant placement through the use of mesh

Background Autologous breast reconstruction is associated with long-term patient satisfaction that is superior to implant-based approaches. Occasionally, however, patients who desire autologous reconstruction present with inadequate donor-site volume. A hybrid approach, combining free flap reconstruction with simultaneous implant placement, is a solution. We present our experience with the use of mesh for improved pocket control using this reconstructive modality. Methods A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction was performed. Patients who underwent bilateral immediate breast reconstruction with free microsurgical abdominal tissue transfer with simultaneous implant placement were included for analysis. Results A total of 19 patients (38 breasts) with a mean age of 42.7 years (range, 31–57 years) and mean BMI of 26.3 (range, 23.6–30.8) were included in the study. No flap loss or implant-related complications were encountered during a mean follow-up of 14.2 months. The most common implant volume was 150 cc (N = 15; [78.9%]). No patient requested an implant change due to malposition or insufficient volume. Secondary fat grafting was performed in 5 patients (26.3%), 4 of which had undergone adjuvant radiotherapy. Three cases of red breast syndrome were observed following acellular dermal matrix placement. This prompted a transition to using polyglactin mesh thereafter without any untoward sequelae. Conclusions Abdominal flap transfer with simultaneous implant placement is a safe reconstructive option in select patients. Improved implant pocket control is achieved through the use of mesh, thus, minimizing problems related to implant malposition. Adjuvant radiotherapy does not appear to put the reconstruction at risk with the occasional flap volume loss being easily remedied by secondary fat grafting.
The Making of an Oral Sex Questionnaire

The Oral-Genital Sex Attitude and Behavior (OSAB) questionnaire was developed as an assessment instrument for the investigation of oral-genital sex attitudes and behaviors. The OSAB questionnaire consists of 52 positively and negatively worded statements, presented in a Likert-type format. Statements pertained to receiving and performing oral-genital sex. Data were collected from 274 male and female undergraduate introductory psychology students who participated for partial fulfillment of course credit. Analysis of the OSAB revealed a test-retest reliability of r = .81, p < .001 with an average interitem correlation of .04. It contains seven major factors, accounting for 50.9% of the variance. The OSAB has been determined to possess high face validity.
Internal Igneous Structure

Most of the Earth’s interior is far beyond access by visual observation or direct sampling, and therefore concepts of its nature must be based upon indirect geophysical measurements. The simplest geophysical measurement of the Earth is its surface dimension. At least as long ago as 550 B.C., Pythagoras believed the Earth to be a sphere, because the sun and moon were observed to be so. About 350 B.C. Aristotle, tutor to Alexander III of Macedon, agreed, noting that the Earth casts a circular shadow during eclipses of the moon. Moreover, at the many seaports of the Mediterranean coasts there must have been innumerable observations that only the sails of ships were visible at a distance, their hulls being concealed by the curve of the Earth between the seaports and the ships. This probably was the reason why the Pharos (lighthouse) at Alexandria built in 280 B.C. was so high (135 m). Presumably, on the basis of such information, Aristotle guessed the circumference of the Earth to be 400,000 stadia; at 1 stadium = 185.2 m, this 74,000-km circumference is 85 per cent too large.
Scaffolding Information Literacy in the Nursing Curriculum

Teaching students how to effectively retrieve, evaluate, and use information is a difficult task for all librarians. Expecting students to understand how to apply these skills – inside and outside of academia – in an hour-long instruction session is setting oneself up for failure. This paper describes the process of librarians and nursing faculty using the Lesson Study methodology to address adding information literacy and evidence-based practice (EBP) skills and content within a series of scaffolded classes in the nursing curriculum. Quantitative data showed growth in student learning from sophomore to senior years but retention of knowledge was inconclusive. Qualitative data indicated that students valued the scaffolded curriculum, librarians and nursing faculty working together, and understood the usefulness of EBP and information literacy. The multiple assessment methods used in this study allowed the team to assess student learning and the usefulness of Lesson Study as an instructional development tool.
Algorithm and hardware co-optimized solution for large SpMV problems

Sparse Matrix-Vector multiplication (SpMV) is a fundamental kernel for many scientific and engineering applications. However, SpMV performance and efficiency are poor on commercial of-the-shelf (COTS) architectures, specially when the data size exceeds on-chip memory or last level cache (LLC). In this work we present an algorithm co-optimized hardware accelerator for large SpMV problems. We start with exploring the basic difference in data transfer characteristics for various SpMV algorithms. We propose an algorithm that requires the least amount of data transfer while ensuring main memory streaming for all accesses. However, the proposed algorithm requires an efficient multi-way merge, which is difficult to achieve with COTS architectures. Hence, we propose a hardware accelerator model that includes an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) for the muti-way merge operation. The proposed accelerator incorporates state of the art 3D stacked High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) in order to demonstrate the proposed algorithm's capability coupled with the latest technologies. Simulation results using standard benchmarks show improvements of over 100× against COTS architectures with commercial libraries for both energy efficiency and performance.
Chronification of Pain: Mechanisms, Current Understanding, and Clinical Implications

The development of acute to chronic pain involves distinct pathophysiological changes in the peripheral and central nervous systems. This article reviews the mechanisms, etiologies, and management of chronic pain syndromes with updates from recent findings in the literature. Chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) is not limited to major surgeries and can develop after smaller procedures such as hernia repairs. While nerve injury has traditionally been thought to be the culprit for CPSP, it is evident that nerve-sparing surgical techniques are not completely preventative. Regional analgesia and agents such as ketamine, gabapentinoids, and COX-2 inhibitors have also been found to decrease the risks of developing chronic pain to varying degrees. Yet, given the correlation of central sensitization with the development of chronic pain, it is reasonable to utilize aggressive multimodal analgesia whenever possible. Development of chronic pain is typically a result of peripheral and central sensitization, with CPSP being one of the most common presentations. Using minimally invasive surgical techniques may reduce the risk of CPSP. Regional anesthetic techniques and preemptive analgesia should also be utilized when appropriate to reduce the intensity and duration of acute post-operative pain, which has been correlated with higher incidences of chronic pain.
Protein S-Nitrosylation: Enzymatically Controlled, but Intrinsically Unstable, Post-translational Modification

Reports by Seth et al. (2018) and Wolhuter et al. (2018) in this issue of Molecular Cell highlight the enzymatic synthesis, functionality, and propagation of S-nitrosylation-based signaling and address its low stability due to the elevated reactivity toward other cellular thiols.
Abstract 18960: Regional Effects of a Hyaluronic Acid Based Hydrogel on Circumferential Strain of the Left Ventricular Wall Post-Myocardial Infarction

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) causes adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling, which can be defined as MI expansion (MI thinning) and LV dilation. One treatment approach that has gained traction is the use of biomaterials, such as hydrogels, injected into the MI. However, region specific changes, such as LV strain patterns following post-MI hydrogel injections, remain to be fully understood. This study utilized cardiac MRI and harmonic phase analysis (HARP) to address this issue. Methods/Results: MI was induced in adult pigs (coronary ligation; n=6) and randomized to MI injections (9 point-100uL injections) of a hydrogel (MI/gel, hyaluronic acid/hydroxyethyl methacrylate) or saline (MI only; same volume and injection pattern). At 14 days post-MI, LV end-diastolic volume increased from control values (n=3) by 26% in the MI only group but by only 12% in the MI/gel group (p Conclusion: The findings demonstrated the complex manner by which localized biomaterial injections impact LV wall mechanics in the post-MI context and suggest that the use of HARP can contribute to modeling/developing optimization strategies for this therapeutic approach. Figure 1: Normalized and aggregated end systolic stain fields (obtained via HARP analysis) for control, MI only, and MI/gel groups (n=3/group).
DOES LEFT VENTRICULAR GLOBAL LONGITUDINAL STRAIN DIFFERENTIATE LOW-FLOW, LOW-GRADIENT SEVERE AORTIC STENOSIS PATIENTS IN ADDITION TO CONVENTIONAL CONTRACTILE RESERVE ASSESSMENT?

Patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, low-flow low-gradient severe aortic stenosis represent a population of high risk, particularly when they do not have LV contractile reserve (CR). CR has been described as an increase in stroke volume index (SVi) ≥20% during dobutamine stress
Sensitivity analysis of measurement of modulation indices in phase modulated signals

The Space Ground Link Subsystem provides the telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) functions compatible with the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN). The ranging signal is made up of a 1 mega-chip-per-second pseudo-random code, directly modulating the carrier signal using binary phase shift keyed (BPSK) modulation. The command signal is made up of three-tone frequency shift keyed signal amplitude modulation (AM). The telemetry signal is on a subcarrier, and all the three signals together phase modulate (PM) the carrier before transmission. Modulation indices in the phase modulator determine the distribution of total power among all the component signals, and it is very important to know the actual measured modulation indices to ensure link closure for the command, telemetry, and ranging signals. There are several methods used in practice but the measurement accuracy depends on the method used to measure them. In this paper, different methods used to determine the modulation indices — more specifically range modulation index (RMI) — in practice are discussed and various methods are compared. Sensitivity analysis of RMI measurement methods is also provided in the paper.
Rebalance Every (15000/V)^(1/3) Years

We give an oversimplified argument that an amateur investor with capital V should rebalance holdings every (15000/V)^(1/3) years.
Fracture Toughness Modeling for Materials with Complex Microstructure

Several physical aspects of the toughness characterization of materials with complex microstructure are discussed. The considered materials are assumed to consist of a homogeneous matrix with multiple implantations (inclusions or microcracks) aimed to enhance the toughening process. Primary attention is given to a case of a quasi-statically growing crack, rather than to a stationary crack, interacting with material microstructural components. The toughness increase due to a shielding mechanism, and the possibility of applying this approach to the case of a growing crack, are specifically discussed. The distribution of the material components is assumed spacious enough that averaging of the elastic properties will not lead to accurate results. The stability approach to the shielding mechanism and its applicability to other toughening mechanisms are discussed. Special attention is given to the role of a crack pattern in the toughening process and to the possibility of controlling the crack path trajectory formation.
Perturbed cracks in two dimensions : An integral-equation approach

A nominally straight crack of finite length is subjected to plane-strain loadings. A perturbation method is developed for calculating the stress-intensity factors, based on an asymptotic analysis of the governing hypersingular boundary integral equation for the crack-opening displacement. Known exact results for a shallow circular-arc crack are recovered, correct to second order in the small geometrical parameter. The method will extend to three-dimensional problems as it does not make essential use of two-dimensional techniques.
Gulf war illness-related chemicals increase CD11b/c + monocyte infiltration into the liver and aggravate hepatic cholestasis in a rodent model

Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic multisymptom disorder affecting veterans of the 1990–91 Gulf war. GWI was linked with exposure to chemicals including the nerve gas prophylactic drug pyridostigmine-bromide (PB) and pesticides (DEET, permethrin). Veterans with GWI exhibit prolonged, low-level systemic inflammation, though whether this impacts the liver is unknown. While no evidence exists that GWI-related chemicals are hepatotoxic, the prolonged inflammation may alter the liver’s response to insults such as cholestatic injury. We assessed the effects of GWI-related chemicals on macrophage infiltration and its subsequent influence on hepatic cholestasis. Sprague Dawley rats were treated daily with PB, DEET and permethrin followed by 15 minutes of restraint stress for 28 days. Ten weeks afterward, GWI rats or naive age-matched controls underwent bile duct ligation (BDL) or sham surgeries. Exposure to GWI-related chemicals alone increased IL-6, and CD11b+F4/80− macrophages in the liver, with no effect on biliary mass or hepatic fibrosis. However, pre-exposure to GWI-related chemicals enhanced biliary hyperplasia and fibrogenesis caused by BDL, compared to naive rats undergoing the same surgery. These data suggest that GWI patients could be predisposed to developing worse liver pathology due to sustained low-level inflammation of the liver when compared to patients without GWI.
Introduction to Microarray Technology

Microarrays make it possible to measure the expression levels of a large number of genes simultaneously within a sample. Microarrays have been broadly employed to screen, profile, and quantify genome-wide gene expression levels and play an important role in the discovery and validation of predictive biomarkers. Gene expression array, comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) array, and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays are the key methods in detecting changes in gene expression, copy number variation, and sequence polymorphisms in cancer diagnostics and biomarker research.
Understanding Gender as a Fundamental Cause of Health: Simultaneous Linear Relationships between Gender, Mental Health, and Physical Health Over Time

Responding to calls to move beyond mental or physical health examinations of gender and health, and to systemically understand the relationships between mental health, physical health, and social i...
Turbulent Flow Between Rotating Cylinders

The turbulent air flow between rotating cylinders was investigated. The distributions of mean speed and of turbulence were measured in the gap between a rotating inner and a stationary outer cylinder. The measurements led to the conclusion that the turbulent flow in the gap cannot be considered two dimensional, but that a particular type of secondary motion takes place. It is shown that the experimentally found velocity distribution can be fully understood under the assumption that this secondary motion consists of three-dimensional ring-shape vortices. The vortices occur only in pairs, and their number and size depend on the speed of the rotating cylinder; the number was found to decrease with increasing speed. The secondary motion has an essential part in the transmission of the moment of momentum. In regions where the secondary motion is negligible, the momentum transfer follows the laws known for homologous turbulence. Ring-shape vortices are known to occur in the laminar flow between rotating cylinders, but it was hitherto unknown that they exist even at speeds that are several hundred times the critical limit.
Number of Segments Within Musculoskeletal Foot Models Influences Ankle Kinematics and Strains of Ligaments and Muscles.

Multi-segment foot models (MFMs) are becoming a common tool in musculoskeletal research on the ankle-foot complex. The purpose of this study was to compare ankle joint kinematics as well as ligament and muscle strains that result from MFM with a different number of segments during vertical hopping. Ten participants were recruited and performed double-limb vertical hops. Marker positions and ground reaction forces were collected. Two-segment (2MFM), three-segment (3MFM), and five-segment MFM (5MFM) were used to calculate ankle kinematics and the strains of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments and of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles. Ranges of motion and peak strains were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and post hoc tests, whereas the time-series of the ankle kinematics and ligament and muscle strains were analyzed with statistical parametric mapping. There were significant main effects for MFM in the talocrural joint range of motion and peak strains of ligaments and muscles. In addition, there were significant main effects for MFM in time-series data of the talocrural joint angle as well as for ligament and muscle strains. In all cases, the post hoc analyses showed that the 2MFM consistently overestimated the range of motion and tissue strains compared to the 3MFM and 5MFM, while 3MFM and 5MFM did not differ from each other in the most variables. This study showed that the number of segments in MFM significantly affects the biomechanical estimates of joint kinematics and tissue strains during hopping. Clinical significance: MFM that combine all foot structures beyond the talus into one segment likely overestimate ankle joint biomechanics. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2231-2240, 2019.
Optimized performance of multi-level pulsed signaling with photon counting

Optical communications systems using pulsed optical modulations and photon-counting receivers have been demonstrated to be capable of very high photon efficiencies. The basic trade is to achieve high photon efficiency by using more bandwidth along with higher ratios of peak-to-average transmitted power. We investigate here the efficiency a photon-counting receiver could achieve in the lower bandwidth regime. It is well known that the best efficiencies at high bandwidths are achieved using two-level pulsed signaling. We will show that it is possible to achieve medium efficiencies at somewhat reduced bandwidth if the pulses are allowed to have more than one level. Equivalently, we show that at fixed slot rates, it is possible to more than double the data rates achievable by a photon-counted, pulsed optical system, although at somewhat decreased photon efficiency.