cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design considerations for high-frequency continuous-time filters and implementation of an antialiasing filter for digital video

An approach that has made possible the integration of video frequency continuous-time filters with wide dynamic range is discussed. The tuning scheme necessary to maintain the stable and accurate frequency response in the presence of temperature variations, process tolerance, and aging is described. Detailed design techniques specific to high-frequency operation are introduced to implement a 5-V, seventh-order elliptic analog magnitude filter for antialiasing in digital video applications. The filter, based on a G/sub m/-C technique, exhibits a dynamic range of 61 dB and dissipates a power of 75 mW. Ninety-two chips from various wafers and two different process runs were tested. Seventy-five percent of the fabricated chips were functional, and 63% of them met the commercial-grade specifications in spite of an error in the layout which forced the phase control circuitry to perform suboptimally. >
Large tip solution to dynamic Langevin equation for MPI

Here our large-angle physical model of the Langevin equation with magneto-viscous relaxation has been found to agree quite well with the results of a Monte Carlo simulation for dynamic particle behavior in a magnetic field. Furthermore, the magneto-viscous relaxation time constant predicted through this model has been shown to agree with experimental data. Such a model to describe magneto-viscous relaxation effects is important because it allows an optimized selection of magnetic excitation strengths, excitation waveform, and nanoparticle properties. Furthermore, a better understanding of magneto-viscous relaxation may allow the option of deconvolving its effect from the final image to achieve to improve spatial resolution.
P3J-2 Mismatched-Filter Design for Biphase-Coded Pulse for High Frequency Ultrasound Imaging

Design of mismatched filters using phase-coded excitation pulse for high frequency ultrasound imaging is presented in this paper. Biphase-coded pulses were constructed to excite the transducer. Received signals were compressed with mismatched filters optimized by minimizing peak sidelobe level (PSL). Both simulation and experiments were carried out to demonstrate the advantage of this technique. The simulation results demonstrated a possible sidelobe reduction (<-90 dB) with a slight decrease of the signal to noise ratio of less than 1 dB compared with the compression using matched filters alone. The experimental results showed about 14 dB SNR improvement as well as -40 dB sidelobe level when the Barker-13 code excitation with 3-cycle sinusoidal wave carrier was used
Biogenicity of Earth's earliest fossils: A resolution of the controversy

Abstract The abundant and diverse assemblage of filamentous microbial fossils and associated organic matter permineralized in the ~ 3465 Ma Apex chert of northwestern Australia — widely regarded as among the oldest records of life — have been investigated intensively. First reported in 1987 and formally described in 1992 and 1993, the biogenicity of the Apex fossils was questioned in 2002 and in three subsequent reports. However, as is shown here by use of analytical techniques unavailable twenty years ago, the Apex filaments are now established to be bona fide fossil microbes composed of three-dimensionally cylindrical organic- (kerogenous-) walled cells. Backed by a large body of supporting evidence of similar age — other microfossils, stromatolites, and carbon isotopic data — it seems clear that microbial life was present and flourishing on the early Earth ~ 3500 Ma ago.
The repeatability of an intraoral dental colorimeter

Abstract Statement of Problem. Characterizing and reproducing color remain one of the most challenging aspects of dentistry. A relatively new intraoral colorimeter measures the color of natural teeth and metal-ceramic restorations and prints out a color recipe for the Vintage Halo Porcelain System. The reliability of the colorimeter is unknown. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of a contact dental colorimeter and to correlate the shade registered by the colorimeter with the shade selected by experienced clinicians. Material and Methods. In part I of the study, 2 examiners (A and B) took 2 colorimeter measurements from the maxillary right central incisors of 11 subjects. The examiners were blinded to their own data and those of other investigators. The readings were repeated 3 weeks later with the same protocol. The Cronbach α reliability coefficient was used to analyze the collected data. In part II of the study, 2 experienced clinicians (examiners D and E) selected a shade from the classic Vita Lumin Vacuum shade guide for the maxillary right central incisors of the same 11 subjects. The clinicians were blinded to each other's selections and the colorimeter readings. It should be noted that the manufacturer of the colorimeter uses the terms shade, value, and hue to represent chroma, value, and hue, respectively, as defined in the Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms (J Prosthet Dent 1999;81:39-110). Results. The reliability analysis results for each of the combined trials for shade, value, and hue were all >.94. The interexaminer reliability α values were >.9 for shade and value and.64 to.74 for hue. The interexaminer α represented the value range of each of 4 measurements. The intraexaminer reliability α values for shade, value, and hue were.99,.95, and.96 for examiner A and.99,.93, and.97 for examiner B, respectively. In part II of the study, the colorimeter agreed with itself 82% of the time, whereas clinicians agreed with each other on the selected shade 73% of the time. Selections made by the colorimeter and the clinicians matched 55% to 64% of the time. Conclusion. Within the limitations of this study, the colorimeter reliably measured the color of natural teeth. (J Prosthet Dent 2002;88:585-90.)
COMPARISON OF SELECT HEMATOLOGY AND SERUM CHEMISTRY ANALTYES BETWEEN WILD-CAUGHT AND AQUARIUM-HOUSED LAKE STURGEON (ACIPENSER FULVESCENS)

Abstract: Hematology and serum chemistry analytes were compared between wild-caught and aquarium-housed lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) to potentially improve understanding of medical issues in lake sturgeon. Blood samples were taken from 30 lake sturgeon exhibited in 11 institutions in the United States and from 23 experimentally stocked lake sturgeon caught in gill nets in the lower Genesee River in Rochester, New York, USA. For hematology, only segmented neutrophil count was significantly different, with wild-caught fish having a higher number of circulating neutrophils. For clinical chemistry analytes, chloride, uric acid, calcium, phosphate, glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, triglycerides, and creatine kinase were significantly different between the two cohorts. These differences are likely not clinically significant and are attributable to handling stress, variability in environmental parameters, or differences in nutritional status. This is the first report of hematology and serum chemistr...
Microtenotomy Using a Radiofrequency Probe to Treat Lateral Epicondylitis

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of microtenotomy using a radiofrequency (RF) probe to treat chronic tendinosis of the common extensor tendon origins of the elbow (lateral epicondyle). Type of Study: Prospective, nonrandomized consecutive case series. Methods: The average age of the 13 patients was 48.3 ± 5.5 years. Before receiving the microtenotomy, all patients had tendinosis symptoms for 6 months or longer and had failed conservative treatment. The RF-based microdebridement was performed on the symptomatic tendon using the TOPAZ Microdebrider device (ArthroCare, Sunnyvale, CA). Patients were followed-up at regular postoperative intervals for 24 months. Pain status was documented using a visual analog scale self-reported measure. Functional outcome was assessed using the upper limb DASH evaluation and grip-strength measures. Quality of life assessment was evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at regular intervals over the follow-up period. Results: Patients reported significantly reduced pain from baseline at the 7- to 10-day postoperative examination ( P ≤ .01). Pain reduction was statistically stable from 7 to 10 days through the 24-month postoperative period ( P ≤ .01). Limb-specific functional outcomes and quality of life scores were improved over baseline values. There were no perioperative or postoperative complications related to the procedure. Conclusions: The RF-based microtenotomy procedure was safe and effective through at least 2 years. This procedure provides a valuable addition for treating patients with lateral epicondylitis associated with tendinosis who have failed conservative therapy. Level of Evidence: Level IV.
Transition from Impact-induced Thermal Runaway to Prompt Mechanochemical Explosion in Nanoscaled Ni/Al Reactive Systems

The effect of microstructure on ignition sensitivity and reaction behavior is investigated for nanoscaled Ni/Al gasless reactive systems. Nanometric homogeneity of the reactive media was achieved through (a) conventional mixing of nanometric powders; (b) short-term high-energy ball milling (HEBM) of micrometer-sized powders. Sensitivity to thermal inputs is investigated by differential thermal analysis and mechanical sensitivity is studied by high-rate shear impacts. The composite Ni/Al particles prepared by HEBM were extremely thermally sensitive, with reaction ini- tiating at 2208C, compared to 5598C for nanometric powder samples and 6408C for un-milled, micrometer-sized Ni + Al powder mixture. In contrast, nanometric powder mixtures were more susceptible to ignition through me- chanical means, exhibiting a high-speed reaction mode that is not observed in HEBM samples. The high-speed mode preferentially appears in high-shear regions and is in- terpreted as a mechanically-induced thermal explosion. Its progression is tied to the passage of a stress wave in the heterogeneous media that heats and mixes the materials, rather than being propagated due to chemical energy re- lease. The microstructures unique to each material are con- sidered responsible for their individually ignition sensitivi- ties. Specifically, the finely interspersed porosity in nano- metric powder mixtures allows direct heating of the reac- tive interface between Ni and Al particles during compres- sion through pore collapse and plastic deformation, which leads to exceptionally high mechanical sensitivity. The HEBM materials have high specific reactant interface area in the bulk of each composite particle that enhances thermal sensitivity, but the relatively low specific interface area be- tween particles is unfavorable to mechanical ignition.
Effectiveness of caching policies for a Web server

We look at a number of policies for managing a file system cache in a Web server. Traces from NCSA World Wide Web (WWW) server are used in this study. We study several caching policies for improving the overall performance of such a server and show that request response time can be improved by some of the replacement policies that take size of the request into account. It is shown that least frequently used (LFU) performs well when cache sizes are small (<16 MB) and SpacexAge replacement policy performs consistently better than LRU. We show that previously proposed cache sharing policies improve performance significantly in clustered Web servers.
An actor—partner interdependence model of relational turbulence: Cognitions and emotions

We extend the relational turbulence model by applying an actor—partner interdependence model to people’s experiences of cognitive and emotional turbulence. In the study, 135 dating couples reported on their relationship once per week for six consecutive weeks. People’s appraisals of turmoil and feelings of negative emotion were predicted by (i) their own relational uncertainty, (ii) their partner’s relational uncertainty, and (iii) their own experiences of a partner’s interference. When partners reported more turmoil and negative emotion in one week, actors experienced more relational uncertainty and interference from partners in the following week. The findings illuminate the interdependence between dating partners’ experiences of relational turbulence over time.
Short baseline neutrino oscillations at a neutrino factory

Within the framework of three-neutrino and four-neutrino scenarios that can describe the results of the LSND experiment, we consider the capabilities of short-baseline neutrino oscillation experiments at a neutrino factory. We find that, when short-baseline $(L\ensuremath{\lesssim}100 \mathrm{km})$ neutrino factory measurements are used together with other accelerator-based oscillation results, the complete three-neutrino parameter space can best be determined by measuring the rate of ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{e}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\tau}}$ oscillations, and measuring $\mathrm{CP}$ violation with either ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{e}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}$ or ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\tau}}$ oscillations (including the corresponding antineutrino channels). With measurements of $\mathrm{CP}$ violation in both ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{e}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\tau}}$ it may be possible to distinguish between the three- and four-neutrino cases.
Effects of Ovarian Hormones at the Subcellular Level

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the effects of ovarian hormones at the subcellular level. It also discusses principal biochemical early responses in target tissues to estrogenic and progestational hormones, describes the nature of hormone–receptor interaction, and considers the possible role of the receptor proteins in eliciting a biochemical response. The chapter presents an experiment where it is found that when estrone is administered to the immature rat, a part of it is reduced to estradiol, which accumulates in the uterus in approximately one-tenth the amount that would result from a similar dose of estradiol itself. When excised uterine tissue is exposed to dilute solutions of tritiated estradiol at physiological temperatures in vitro, an association of hormone with receptor takes place that shows all the principal characteristics of the in vivo phenomenon. This interaction in vitro does not require the presence either of oxygen or of added nutrients. Using an in vitro system, a dependence of estrogen binding on sulfhydryl groups can be demonstrated. Treatment of uterine tissue with sulfhydryl-blocking reagents before exposure to estradiol prevents specific hormone uptake, whereas such treatment of uteri previously exposed to estradiol, either in vivo or in vitro, causes rapid release of the bound hormone.
Variables associated with detection probability, detection latency, and behavioral responses of Golden-winged Warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera)

ABSTRACT Detection probability during point counts and its associated variables are important considerations for bird population monitoring and have implications for conservation planning by influencing population estimates. During 2008–2009, we evaluated variables hypothesized to be associated with detection probability, detection latency, and behavioral responses of male Golden-winged Warblers in pastures in the Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia, USA. This is the first study of male Golden-winged Warbler detection probability, detection latency, or behavioral response based on point-count sampling with known territory locations and identities for all males. During 3-min passive point counts, detection probability decreased as distance to a male's territory and time since sunrise increased. During 3-min point counts with playback, detection probability decreased as distance to a male's territory increased, but remained constant as time since sunrise increased. Detection probability was greater w...
Benchmarking energy performance of residential buildings using two-stage multifactor data envelopment analysis with degree-day based simple-normalization approach

Abstract Being able to identify detailed meta factors of energy performance is essential for creating effective residential energy-retrofitting strategies. Compared to other benchmarking methods, nonparametric multifactor DEA (data envelopment analysis) is capable of discriminating scale factors from management factors to reveal more details to better guide retrofitting practices. A two-stage DEA energy benchmarking method is proposed in this paper. This method includes (1) first-stage meta DEA which integrates the common degree day metrics for neutralizing noise energy effects of exogenous climatic variables; and (2) second-stage Tobit regression for further detailed efficiency analysis. A case study involving 3-year longitudinal panel data of 189 residential buildings indicated the proposed method has advantages over existing methods in terms of its efficiency in data processing and results interpretation. The results of the case study also demonstrated high consistency with existing linear regression based DEA.
Lung surfactant kinetics in conscious pigs.

The primary goal of this study was to determine the contributions of plasma free fatty acids (FFA) and de novo synthesized fatty acids (FA) to lung surfactant phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesis. A ...
Rapid method for the isolation of lipoproteins from human serum by precipitation with polyanions

Procedures are described for the isolation of lipoproteins from human serum by precipitation with polyanions and divalent cations. A mixture of low and very low density lipoproteins can be prepared without ultracentrifugation by precipitation with heparin and either MnCl(2) alone or MgCl(2) plus sucrose. In both cases the precipitation is reversible, selective, and complete. The highly concentrated isolated lipoproteins are free of other plasma proteins as judged by immunological and electrophoretic methods. The low density and very low density lipoproteins can then be separated from each other by ultracentrifugation. The advantage of the method is that large amounts of lipoproteins can be prepared with only a single preparative ultracentrifugation. Polyanions other than heparin may also be used; when the precipitation of the low and very low density lipoproteins is achieved with dextran sulfate and MnCl(2), or sodium phosphotungstate and MgCl(2), the high density lipoproteins can subsequently be precipitated by increasing the concentrations of the reagents. These lipoproteins, containing small amounts of protein contaminants, are further purified by ultracentrifugation at d 1.22. With a single preparative ultracentrifugation, immunologically pure high density lipoproteins can be isolated from large volumes of serum.
Using NSQIP as a research tool: How to answer questions that are not amenable to local data

Abstract The American College of Surgeons׳ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) releases its de-identified dataset to researchers from participating hospitals annually. This data, with the potential for large sample size, have been frequently utilized to address clinical questions relating to short-term outcomes after surgical procedures, and it is highly utilized in colon and rectal surgery publications. Due to its large sample size and methods of data collection, it is often used to answer clinical questions, which cannot be addressed well using single institution databases. This article focuses on the contents of the NSQIP dataset and on its strengths and weaknesses.
Virus-Directed Protein Synthesis

Earlier in this conference (1) we discussed the fact that after infection of host cells by picornaviruses, there is a decrease in the rate of cellular protein synthesis. Whatever the mechanism by which these viruses inhibit cellular synthetic processes, the virus itself is unaffected by it. Within a short time after infection, viral messenger RNA molecules can be detected in polysomes and viral proteins are synthesized.
What Do Editors Do All Day

The duties, responsibilities, and activities of the Editor are discussed in anticipation of the process to find the next editor-in-chief of the Journal.
N-(Aminothio)imide Cure Modifiers

Abstract N-(Aminothio)imides have been found to influence the cure characteristics of diene rubbers accelerated by conventional vulcanization accelerators. In this respect, they generally act both as scorch inhibitors and activators to increase the cure rate and crosslink density. The ability of these compounds to act as scorch inhibitors is believed to be attributable to trapping of MBT with resultant formation of the corresponding free imide and 2-(aminodithio)benzothiazole. The latter is an active vulcanization agent and may lead directly to the formation of pendent accelerator groups and free amine, likely the source of the cure activation. As precursors to crosslink formation, the pendent accelerator groups carry an atom of sulfur derived from the cure modifier and thus lead to higher crosslink density. The relative scorch inhibiting characteristics are influenced by the basicity of the parent amine and thermal stability of the cure modifier. The compounds derived from amines of weaker basicity are b...
Biologically active peptides in Physalia toxin.

Summary and conclusionsThe crude toxin of Physalia nematocysts withstands lyophilization without significant loss of toxicity. Physalia toxin may be separated into component peptides by one-dimensional chromatography in 80% aqueous n-propanol. Each of the resultant peptides retains considerable toxicity for the fiddler crab, Uca pugilator. Crude toxin of Physalia nematocysts has no effect on growth of marine yeasts or marine bacteria. Toxin preparations have been shown to be without significant effect on growth or reproduction of the ciliate protozoans, Paramecium caudatum and Tetrahymena gellii.
α decay of the excited states in 12C at 7.65 and 9.64 MeV

High-resolution triple-$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ coincidence data were used to reconstruct the decay of the excited states in ${}^{12}$C at 7.65 MeV (${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={0}^{+}$) and 9.64 MeV $({J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={3}^{\ensuremath{-}})$. These data are consistent with the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle decay of both levels proceeding exclusively through ${}^{8}$Be${}_{g.s.}$. In the first of these cases, the Hoyle state, an upper limit of 0.45% (at the 99.75% confidence level) is set for a component producing three nearly equal-energy $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particles.
An evaluation of the performance of the Hycel Mark X discretionary multiphasic analyzer.

An evaluation of the performance of the Hycel Mark X “discretionary multiphasic analyzer” was undertaken, using as reference methods those routinely employed in the chemistry laboratory of a 400-bed community hospital. Day-to-day reproducibility studies for 20 days at several levels of concentration, patient comparisons, and recovery studies were performed on the following blood constituents: protein-bound iodine, total bilirubin, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, uric acid, cholesterol, total protein, globulin, urea nitrogen, and glucose. With few exceptions, the Mark X demonstrated good day-to-day precision, with satisfactory recovery studies. However, for several constituents the Mark X showed a considerable bias, generally giving significantly lower values than the reference methods. A similar significant bias was seen in the patient comparison studies. It was concluded that the Mark X in its present state has the capacity to perform well in day-to-day reproducibility, but that for several channels the mean values produced were significantly different from those produced by the reference methods.
On repeated screening tests

We point out the connection between quality control and repeated screening tests, and suggest a practical way to design the repeated screening tests so that the composite test achieves the desired level of sensitivity and specificity. We further point out the benefits of using likelihood ratios to measure the performance of a screening test. Then we investigate repeated tests when we have polytomous disease levels and polytomous diagnostic levels.
Development of vascular complications in diabetes

Chronic complications of diabetes are dominated by disorders of the vascular system. They are a much larger burden on both diabetic patients and overall medical costs than diabetes itself. Large vessel problems are far more frequent than microvascular disorders. Loss of arterial elasticity alters arterial flow patterns and increases microcirculatory peak flow rates. Hyperglycemia may directly disrupt elastin formation. Diabetic leg artery disease may be generated by nerve damage, reversing this interactive contribution sequence. The major anatomic feature of microangiopathy in long-term diabetes is an unevenly distributed thickening of the intima of smaller arterioles. The thickening is primarily due to accumulation of type IV (basement membrane) collagen. Arterioles change local vessel diameter to adjust blood distribution to meet current needs. The thickening compromises the maximum local blood flow that may be achieved by this means. Compromise of maximal arteriolar dilatation does not disrupt exercising muscle but in the kidney, retina, and possibly in nerve, local circumstances can generate serious damage. Each of these system's responses has unique features that mediate its vulnerability, but all these organs show arteriolar hyalinization. The increased arteriolar accumulation of type IV collagen appears to be a response to the tangential force generated by flow over local endothelial cells. An increase in peak arteriolar wall force is mediated by a diabetes-specific doubling of erythrocyte membrane curvature change resistance. Red cell aggregation rate determines the rate of damage. The same nonspecific burden may also predispose to heart disease and stroke. Intensive metabolic control improves red cell deformability and protects against arteriolar damage. Therapies that address the rheologic problem more directly may add to the effectiveness of good diabetes control in the future.
The use of thermosets in the building and construction industry

Abstract: Thermosets, or crosslinked plastics, and their fiber-reinforced composites have been progressively replacing, either entirely or partially, traditional construction materials. Among the major reasons for this gradual shift away from traditional material usage are property advantages such as low density, low maintenance cost, low life-cycle cost, excellent thermal, sound and electrical insulation, and reduced degradation and oxidation, as well as potentially long service life. The main applications of thermosets and thermoset-matrix composites in building and construction include adhesives and sealants, thermal insulation, roofing, piping, bridge structures, and repair and rehabilitation of civil structures, and these are addressed in detail in this chapter.
Real-time imaging of meiotic chromosomes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Important information on cellular physiology can be obtained by directly observing living cells. The nucleus and the chromatin within are of particular interest to many researchers. Monitoring the behavior of specific DNA loci in the living cell is now commonly achieved through the insertion of binding sites for fluorescently tagged proteins at the sequence of interest (e.g. reference 1). However, visualizing the behavior of full length chromosomes can only be achieved when they constitute discrete, relatively well individualized units. During meiotic mid-prophase, chromosomes of budding yeast are well-organized structures that present such characteristics, making them remarkably suited for visualization. Here we describe the optimized protocols and techniques that allow monitoring of chromosome behavior during meiotic prophase in budding yeast.
Distributed optimal resource allocation over networked systems and use of an e-exact penalty function*

Abstract We consider an optimal resource allocation problem over networked systems with connected graph communication topologies. The global cost function in this problem is the sum of local convex cost functions of the agents and the constraints are the affine demand equation and local box constraints on the decision variable of each agent. To solve this problem, we propose a novel distributed continuous-time algorithm. Our solution takes advantage of a smooth e-exact penalty function method to handle the local box inequality constrains. In this paper, we also obtain a lower bound on the admissible values of the weight of our penalty function in terms of the size of the gradient of local cost functions. Then, we discuss how agents can use this lower bound to determine the penalty function weight in a distributed manner. Simulations illustrate our results.
Clinical Toxicity: Esophagus

Drug-induced esophagitis has been increasingly recognized in the past few years, with the most severe injuries resulting from the ingestion of caustic alkali, usually accidentally in children. Esophageal injuries from acid occur more commonly in some developing countries. Numerous medications have been implicated in the production of esophageal injury, which occurs via systemic effects or by causing direct esophageal mucosal injury, with elderly patients in particular being at risk. More than 30 medications have now been implicated in causing drug-induced esophagitis.
Immunologic challenges of human reproduction: an evolving story

Characterization of the implanting human fetus as an allograft prompted a field of research in reproductive immunology that continues to fascinate and perplex scientists. Paternal- or partner-derived alloantigens are present in the maternal host at multiple times during the reproductive process. They begin with exposure to semen, continue through implantation and placentation, and may persist for decades in the form of fetal microchimerism. Changes in maternal immune responses that allow allogenic fertilization and survival of semiallogenic concepti to delivery must be balanced with a continued need to respond appropriately to pathogenic invaders, commensals, cell or tissue damage, and any tendency toward malignant transformation. This complex and sophisticated balancing act is essential for survival of mother, fetus, and the species itself. We will discuss concepts of alloimmune recognition, tolerance, and ignorance as they pertain to mammalian reproduction with a focus on human reproduction, maternal immune modulation, and the very earliest events in the reproductive process, fertilization and implantation.
Implementing Evidence-Based Practices in Early Childhood Classroom Settings

The accountability movement in educational policy and practice has ushered in the era of evidence-based practice. However, educators’ adoption, use, and sustained implementation of evidence-based practices in classroom settings have proven elusive at best. The field of implementation science is contributing to our collective understanding of how to support evidence-based practice implementation in authentic settings, including classrooms. This chapter then explores three fundamental questions related to evidence-based practice implementation in early childhood special education classrooms: (1) What makes evidence-based practice implementation difficult; (2) what facilitates evidence-based practice implementation; and (3) how does a provider make an informed decision about which evidence-based practice(s) to use with an individual child? Finally, we conclude with a brief discussion of other fields of study that could contribute to the knowledge base on evidence-based practice use in classroom settings.
Human-Computer Interfaces for Sensor/Actuator Networks

In this paper we study the features needed for a generic but robust user interface for monitoring and controlling sensor/actuator networks. The need for such a generic interface will increase as the Internet of Things develops and reaches not only major industries but small enterprises that do not have the resources to develop such systems on their own. We propose a general mark-up language that can be used as the basis for a generic interface for sensor/actuator networks. We present an initial list of features that such an interface should have and then describe a set of tentative mark-ups which, with the use of XSLT and other XML-based technology, could lead to a generic interface that could be used for any sensor/actuator network. Because many sensor/actuator nodes and related devices may not have XML capability, we also address the technical issue of where in the pipeline the appropriate marked-up text should be inserted.
Evidence of a Novel Gene from Aeromonas hydrophila Encoding a Putative Siderophore Receptor Involved in Bacterial Growth and Survival

The pathogenic bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila has been shown to exclusively utilize a ligand exchange mechanism for siderophore-mediated iron uptake, with a single nonspecifi c siderophore receptor facilitating iron exchange. However, the genes involved in this process, including the gene encoding the nonspecifi c receptor, are unknown. Here we identify and characterize a novel gene, nsr1, from A. hydrophila that encodes a putative protein with high homology and signifi cant predicted structural similarities to the FhuA protein and other known ferric-siderophore receptors. This protein appears to localize on the cell membrane and is likely to be the receptor involved in the ligand exchange siderophore-mediated iron uptake mechanism of A. hydrophila. It is expected that this information may lead to the development of new antibiotics targeting either nsr1 or its gene product for use in controlling A. hydrophila infection.
Optimization through simulation for the triple layer phoswich simultaneous beta gamma detector upgrade

A simulation tool has been developed using the Geant4 toolkit to simulate a phoswich single channel beta gamma coincidence detection system consisting of three layers of different scintillation materials: BC400, CsI and BGO. Monte Carlo simulation techniques are powerful tools for investigating the performance of radiation detectors. Geant4 is a simulation toolkit that can realistically model optical photon transport for scintillation detectors. This paper describes a Monte Carlo program based on the Geant4 toolkit that has been developed to optimize the geometry of the new version of the simultaneous beta gamma triple layer phoswich scintillation detector. In particular, the optimal length of two layers composing a triple layer phoswich detector is investigated in the work presented. The program presented in this paper implements the modeling of radiation transport and light collection when the detector is exposed to four isotopes of xenon: 133Xe, 133mXe, 131mXe and 135Xe. The organization of the program is outlined and the result obtained is the performance comparison of several detector layer geometries. This article shows how the different detector layer geometry options correlate to the performance of the simultaneous beta gamma detector. The detection efficiency and spectrometric performance for each one of the four radio xenon isotopes of the derived optimal detector geometry are analyzed. The results are presented and compared with state of the art simultaneous beta gamma detectors.
From success to persistence: Identifying an evolutionary regime shift in the diverse Paleozoic aquatic arthropod group Eurypterida, driven by the Devonian biotic crisis.

Mass extinctions have altered the trajectory of evolution a number of times over the Phanerozoic. During these periods of biotic upheaval a different selective regime appears to operate, although it is still unclear whether consistent survivorship rules apply across different extinction events. We compare variations in diversity and disparity across the evolutionary history of a major Paleozoic arthropod group, the Eurypterida. Using these data, we explore the group's transition from a successful, dynamic clade to a stagnant persistent lineage, pinpointing the Devonian as the period during which this evolutionary regime shift occurred. The late Devonian biotic crisis is potentially unique among the ‘Big Five’ mass extinctions in exhibiting a drop in speciation rates rather than an increase in extinction. Our study reveals eurypterids show depressed speciation rates throughout the Devonian but no abnormal peaks in extinction. Loss of morphospace occupation is random across all Paleozoic extinction events; however, differential origination during the Devonian results in a migration and subsequent stagnation of occupied morphospace. This shift appears linked to an ecological transition from euryhaline taxa to freshwater species with low morphological diversity alongside a decrease in endemism. These results demonstrate the importance of the Devonian biotic crisis in reshaping Paleozoic ecosystems. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Convoy protection by self-organized teams of UAVs

A major characteristic of combat is the need to quickly adapt to new situations. Providing support and protection for a convoy is challenging since it requires coordination between the different participants to efficiently allocate the protecting resources. In a combat situation, such as when the convoy is under attack, forces have no spare time to spend. Every second is extremely valuable, and context switching between different tasks is not desirable. Moreover, decision making in a stressful situation, such as combat, tends to be far from efficient. Another aspect that is central to distributed combat is the requirement to keep communication usage as low as possible so that the adversary cannot apply electronic warfare technologies to intercept messages and introduce interference that would disallow distributed collaboration. Another reason is that by reducing the amount of unmanned air vehicle (UAV) communication we provide more reliable communication bandwidth for urgent needs.
Role of Bone Marrow Aspirate in Orthopedic Trauma

Bone marrow aspirate grafting entails mesenchymal stem cell-containing bone marrow harvesting and injection into a fracture site to promote bone formation. Although the use of bone marrow aspirate in orthopedic trauma is not widespread, an increasing number of studies are reporting clinical success. Advantages of using bone marrow aspirate are that it is readily obtainable, has low harvest morbidity, and can be easily and quickly injected. However, no universally accepted role for its use exists. Future studies directly comparing bone marrow aspirate with conventional techniques are needed to define its role in the treatment of orthopedic trauma patients.
Sex-Based Disparities in Venous Thromboembolism Sociodemographics and Outcomes: A National Inpatient Sample (NIS)-Based Analysis

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) contributes to significant morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic burden. Though male sex is a known risk factor for recurrent VTE, there is a paucity of literature regarding sex-based sociodemographic differences as well as differences in VTE outcomes including hospital length of stay and mortality rates. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2012-2013. Inclusion criteria were age 18 years and older and primary discharge diagnosis of VTE Sociodemographic features and medical comorbidities were analyzed, as were hospital length of stay and in-hospital mortality rates. Results: 107,896 patients in the NIS, representing a national estimate of 539,480 patients hospitalized for VTE between 2012 and 2013, met inclusion criteria. 53% were female and 47% were male. Mean age was 63 years and on average women were older than men (65 years versus 62 years, p Conclusion: We used data from the NIS to study a large number of patients hospitalized for VTE, and identified several sex-based disparities in sociodemographic factors and location of VTE. However, in a multivariable analysis correcting for these factors, sex was not associated with significant differences in hospital LOS or inpatient mortality rates. Disclosures Kapoor: Celgene: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding.
Shape dependent resonant modes of skyrmions in magnetic nanodisks

Abstract Resonant modes of a single Neel type skyrmion in confined nanodisks with varying aspect ratios (AR) are investigated using micromagnetic simulations. The AR of the skyrmion has a non-linear dependence on that of the nanodisk. The power spectra of skyrmions in nanodisks with AR ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 are calculated. With the increase of disk AR, multiple new modes emerge in the power spectrum, which originate from the broken rotational symmetry of both the nanodisk and the skyrmion. All of the spin wave modes are resolved by spatial maps of the real time magnetization fluctuations. New mixed modes such as rotation modes and oscillation modes with different azimuthal and radial components are identified in the elliptical nanodisk with AR = 1.8. The new emergent modes may provide new approaches to skyrmion-based oscillators and spin wave sources in confined structures.
Thermal inactivation of Salmonella spp. in commercial tree nut and peanut butters in finished packaging

Peanut and tree nut butters have been implicated in Salmonella outbreaks in recent years. Previous studies investigated efficacy of thermal treatments to reduce Salmonella in multiple peanut butter formulations; however, evidence is lacking to support thermal treatment of tree nut butters. This study evaluated thermal treatments to reduce Salmonella in commercial nut butter formulations in final package. Formulations (n = 6) were inoculated with a Salmonella cocktail and packaged in glass jars before thermal treatment (boiling waterbath, holding times: 0–90 min, >90 °C). Salmonella survivors were enumerated using standard dilution and plating on Hektoen Enteric Agar (37 °C, 24–48 hr). Low levels of survivors ( 90 °C with a 30-min hold time effectively reduced >5 log CFU/g of Salmonella in tree nut formulations; however, holding times >60 min were required to achieve similar reductions in peanut butter. Practical applications This study was designed to provide evidence to support a reconditioning proposal for the processing of tree nut butters that were linked to an outbreak of Salmonella Paratyphi L(+)tartrate(+). There were no previous reports in the scientific literature to demonstrate the efficacy of thermal treatment to inactivate Salmonella spp. in tree nut butters, including nut butters with more complex formulations. Ideally, reconditioning of contaminated product would not require repackaging of the products; therefore, this study was designed to determine treatment parameters that could be easily achieved with the product remaining in its original packaging. This report supports thermal treatment as an option for reconditioning contaminated tree nut butter products using a thermal process that is less intense than what would be necessary to reduce Salmonella spp. in peanut butter products.
NASA space technology research fellowship award [Society News]

The NASA Space Technology Research Fellowship (NSTRF) is an award provided to graduate students who show potential to contribute greatly to space technology research and create innovative solutions that will allow America to remain competitive in terms of space exploration. While pursuing research and a graduate degree, this fellowship provides the recipient with tuition support, a student stipend, a NASA research collaborator, and the opportunity to conduct research at a NASA facility, all allowing the student to partake in broader space technology research opportunities and advance his/her academic and career goals.
Simple method for RF pulse measurement using gradient reversal.

Purpose To develop and evaluate a simple method for measuring the envelope of small-tip radiofrequency (RF) excitation waveforms in MRI, without extra hardware or synchronization. Theory and methods Gradient reversal approach to evaluate RF (GRATER) involves RF excitation with a constant gradient and reversal of that gradient during signal reception to acquire the time-reversed version of an RF envelope. An outer-volume suppression prepulse is used optionally to preselect a uniform volume. GRATER was evaluated in phantom and in vivo experiments. It was compared with the programmed waveform and the traditional pick-up coil method. Results In uniform phantom experiments, pick-up coil, GRATER, and outer-volume suppression + GRATER matched the programmed waveforms to less than 2.1%, less than 6.1%, and less than 2.4% normalized root mean square error, respectively, for real RF pulses with flip angle less than or equal to 30°, time-bandwidth product 2 to 8, and two to five excitation bands. For flip angles greater than 30°, GRATER measurement error increased as predicted by Bloch simulation. Fat-water phantom and in vivo experiments with outer-volume suppression + GRATER demonstrated less than 6.4% normalized root mean square error. Conclusions The GRATER sequence measures small-tip RF envelopes without extra hardware or synchronization in just over two times the RF duration. The sequence may be useful in prescan calibration and for measurement and precompensation of RF amplifier nonlinearity. Magn Reson Med 79:2642-2651, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Pulmonary Mycobacterium Avium-Intracellulare Complex Infection in an Infant: A Silent and Coincidental Finding

An 11-month-old healthy infant girl was noted to have left lower lobe (LLL) opacities on chest X-ray (CXR) after developing desaturations during an elective cochlear implant surgery. Repeat CXR 10 days later revealed hyperexpansion of the left lung and persistent LLL opacity. Chest computerized tomography revealed enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes, left mainstem bronchial obstruction, and nodular opacities. Bronchoscopic biopsy of the endobronchial tissue revealed multiple necrotizing granulomas and grew Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare, Streptococcus viridans, and Actinomyces odontolyticus. This case illustrates the potential for significant mediastinal lymphadenopathy, and endobronchial and parenchymal lesions caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria, which can present insidiously and without respiratory symptoms in otherwise healthy infants, despite advanced pulmonary disease.
Precopulatory Sexual Cannibalism and Other Accidents: Evolution, Material Trans Theory, and Natural Law

ABSTRACTNatural law perspectives take existing formations of life-matter and translate them into normative templates. From an evolutionary perspective, the normative aspect of natural law is always under suspicion. Because life-forms have histories and futures that are shaped by a dynamic of accidents, they are not susceptible to normative assertions about what they “should” be or do. This is particularly the case with sex. Sexual reproduction is a minoritarian strategy within the full spectrum of life. Like all aspects of life, sex is a product of a fluctuating backdrop of phylogenetic (species-forming) and ontogenetic (individual-forming) accidents. And like all aspects of life, it continues to vary within this field of material processes. My argument in this essay is that, rather than a fully integrated feature of a lawlike apparatus, sex is a mess. From the evolutionary perspective—and especially, I show, in the light of the new “extended evolutionary synthesis”—sex always has been and always will be ...