cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative evaluation of coronary anastomosis by transit-time ultrasonic flow measurement.

Abstract Background . Intraoperative assessment of the anastomosis is important during coronary bypass on a beating heart. The purpose of this study is to predict the quality of anastomosis using transit-time flow measurement and to find out the most accurate indicator. Methods . Eight swine underwent internal thoracic-anterior descending coronary artery bypass grafting on a beating heart. Flow measurement and angiography were performed at various degrees of stenosis created on the graft. As flow parameters, total flow, systolic flow, diastolic flow, diastolic/total flow ratio, systolic peak flow, diastolic peak flow, systolic/diastolic peak flow index, and pulsatility index were used. Mixed procedure and probability test (negative means successful anastomosis) were used to analyze the diagnostic ability. Results . Diastolic flow, diastolic/total flow ratio, diastolic peak flow, systolic/diastolic peak flow index, and pulsatility index showed significant variance with increased stenosis. Among these measures, diastolic/total flow ratio showed the highest value of area under the curve (0.91) and the highest specificity (82%) at 90% sensitivity with actual value of 42%. Conclusions . Diastolic/total flow ratio was the most reliable indicator to predict critical stenosis in coronary artery bypass grafting.
Social Doctrine of the Trinity and Communion Ecclesiology in Leonardo Boff and Gisbert Greshake

This essay examines the methodological relationship of social doctrines of the Trinity and ecclesiologies of communion. The Theologies of Gisbert Greshake and Leonardo Boff represent theologians arguing that ecclesiology must be based on a doctrine of God which they present from a social (or psychological) perspective. The goal of the essay is to expose some of the methodological assumptions made by ecclesiologists and the value of social approach to the Trinity can have in an ecclesiology of communion.
Iterative Switching Networks Composed of Combinational Cells

The networks considered in this paper consist of n identical combinational logic cells connected in cascade through bi-directional discrete information channels. All switching is done synchronously with unit time delay through each cell. Three classes of networks are formed according to whether or not information flow in one direction along the cascade is dependent upon that in the other. Steady-state behavioral relationships between the three classes are discussed, and the class having mutually dependent information flow is shown to be the only one which can exhibit steady-state memory properties. The main object of the paper is to derive several theorems concerning these memory properties. The last section interprets some previous results of Hennie as a start on the transients and cycling problems.
Visual and Auditory Message Framing Effects on Tobacco Smoking1

Persuasive health messages can be framed to emphasize the benefits of adopting a health behavior (gains) or the risks of not adopting it (losses). This study examined the effects of message framing on beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors relevant to cigarette smoking. In video presentations about tobacco smoking, visual images and auditory voiceover content were framed either as gains or losses, yielding 4 message conditions. Undergraduates (N= 437) attending a public university in New England were assigned randomly to view one of these messages. Gain-framed messages about smoking in visual and auditory modalities shifted smoking-related beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors in the direction of avoidance and cessation. Health-communication experts, when promoting prevention behaviors like smoking avoidance or cessation, may wish to diverge from the tradition of using loss-framed messages and fear appeals in this domain, and instead consider using gain-framed appeals that present the advantages of not smoking.
Improving logic-based testing

Logic-based testers design tests from logical expressions that appear in software artifacts such as source code, design models, and requirements specifications. This paper presents three improvements to logic-based test design. First, in the context of mutation testing, we present fault hierarchies for the six relational operators. Applying the ROR mutation operator causes each relational operator to generate seven mutants per clause. The fault hierarchies show that only three of these seven mutants are needed. Second, we show how to bring the power of the ROR operator to logic-based test criteria such as the widely used Multiple Condition-Decision Coverage (MCDC) test criterion. Third, we present theoretical results supported by empirical data that show that the more recent coverage criterion of minimal-MUMCUT can find significantly more faults than MCDC. The paper has three specific recommendations: (1) Change the way the ROR mutation operator is defined in existing and future mutation systems. (2) Augment logic-based test criteria to incorporate relational operator replacement from mutation. (3) Replace the use of MCDC with minimal-MUMCUT, both in practice and in standards documents like FAA-DO178B.
Pediatric patient safety in emergency departments: unit characteristics and staff perceptions.

Objectives The goals were (1) to describe emergency department (ED) characteristics thought to be related to patient safety within the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network, (2) to measure staff perceptions of the climate of safety in EDs, and (3) to measure associations between ED characteristics and a climate of safety.
A new kind of internship: technical writing for engineers

An important part of the Certificate in Technical Communication Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering is the technical communication internship, which integrates on-the-job experience with classroom experience. The certificate program requirements and the internship are described. Students who plan careers both in technical writing and in engineering report that they have found the internship valuable. >
East Asian Democratization: Impact of Globalization, Culture, and Economy By Robert W. Compton, Jr. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 2000 224p. $68.00.

Studies of Asian politics tend to follow one of two divergent analytic strategies. Area specialists emphasize the importance of Asian culture in shaping the politics and economics of those nations, whereas comparative theorists apply broader models of political behavior to the Asian context. Robert Compton seeks to integrate these two traditions, which generally speak past one another, by proposing a promising (albeit somewhat limited) model of the dynamics of democratization in East and Southeast Asia. The model explicitly incorporates the distinctive cultures of these nations as the central causal factor explaining the process of democratization and the characteristics of the democratic polities that have emerged in the region. Furthermore, in terms of normative questions, Compton uses this analysis to critique both sides in the current debate between advocates of democracy and critics who claim that democracy is incompatible with “Asian values.'' Thus, East Asian Democratization should be of interest to a wide variety of scholars concerned with Asian politics or with theories of democratization.
Does acute cellular rejection correlate with cardiac allograft vasculopathy

Abstract Background Previous studies of the association between acute cellular rejection and cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) have yielded conflicting conclusions. We explored a possible association between acute cellular rejection and the extent of CAV, and we found a potential confounding variable that may obscure such an association. Methods We investigated 140 patients (mean age, 51 ± 11 years) who underwent serial intravascular ultrasound examinations at baseline and at 1 year after heart transplantation to assess CAV as change in maximal intimal thickness (CMIT). Patients were classified according to the presence or absence of biopsy-proven myocardial fibrosis. We used a standard biopsy-scoring system and a novel biopsy-scoring system, developed in our institution, to assess acute cellular rejection. Using univariate analysis, we found that CMIT was not associated with acute cellular rejection in the overall patient population ( n = 140). However, we observed a correlation between CMIT and acute cellular rejection (standard method, r = 0.30, p = 0.01; novel method, r = 0.51, p n = 57). Step-wise multiple regression showed that the rejection score derived from our novel method was associated more closely with the CMIT than was that derived from the traditional method. Conclusions This data indicate that the presence of myocardial fibrosis masks an actuarial association between acute cellular rejection and the development of de novo allograft vasculopathy. As previously suspected, myocardial fibrosis is a marker for non–immune-mediated graft injury independently associated with an increased incidence of CAV.
Onshore-offshore competition: a stage model

The increased IT offshoring presents many benefits as well as challenges to today's organizations. One major challenge is the competition between onshore employees and offshore employees for job security, challenging projects, status and resources. The onshore-offshore competition is complex and dynamic. Unmanaged or inappropriately managed competition seriously undermines IT offshoring efforts. However, very little research has been conducted in this important area. Organizations and managers are in urgent need for guidance on managing the onshore-offshore competition. This paper investigates into the reasons and affects of onshore-offshore competition and proposes a three-stage model on the evolution of the competition. It is proposed that onshore-offshore competition may evolve in three stages: individual competition, territorial competition and resource competition. At each stage the competition varies in intensity, focus and consequences. This model provides for managers a systematic means to analyze the state of competition in their organization and also guidelines on coping with the competition.
HCO3− secretion in the rat colonic crypt is closely linked to Cl− secretion

Abstract Background & Aims: The mechanism of colonic HCO 3 − secretion has not been established largely because of a lack of experimental methods for its detailed study. The present studies were designed to establish whether the isolated, perfused crypt of the rat distal colon is an excellent model to study HCO 3 − movement and the mechanism of colonic HCO 3 − secretion. Methods: HCO 3 − secretion was determined in isolated, microperfused crypts by measuring [HCO 3 − ] by microcalorimetry on nanoliter samples. Results: Net HCO 3 − absorption was observed during lumen and bath perfusion with an HCO 3 − -Ringer solution. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (60 nmol/L), acetylcholine (100 nmol/L), or dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (DBcAMP, 0.5 mmol/L) induced active HCO 3 − secretion that required bath but not lumen HCO 3 − /CO 2 . DBcAMP-stimulated HCO 3 − secretion was not affected by acetazolamide, an inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase. Removal of lumen Cl − did not alter DBcAMP-stimulated HCO 3 − secretion but reduced fluid secretion. DBcAMP-stimulated HCO 3 − secretion was closely linked to active Cl − secretion because HCO 3 − secretion was substantially reduced by removal of bath Cl − , by addition of bath bumetanide, an inhibitor of Na-K-2Cl cotransport and Cl − secretion, and by addition of lumen NPPB, a Cl − channel inhibitor. Conclusions: These studies establish that colonic crypt HCO 3 − secretion (1) is not a result of an apical membrane Cl − -HCO 3 − exchange, (2) is tightly associated with Cl − secretion, and (3) primarily occurs via an apical membrane Cl − channel. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2000;118:101-107
On the weighted sum-rate capacity of broadcast channels that generate interference

The capacity of a network in which a broadcast channel generates interference to a single-user channel is studied. The capacity region is achieved by fully decoding the interference when it is very strong or slightly strong. When the interference is moderate or weak, the weighted sum-rate capacities are achieved by partially decoding the interference or by treating the interference as noise, respectively.
Revisiting an old therapy for tuberculosis.

Artificial, therapeutic pneumothorax was commonly used to treat tuberculosis (TB) prior to the development of antimycobacterial agents. Recent reports1-2 suggested that therapeutic pneumothorax is efficacious. In 1820, James Carson suggested therapeutic pneumothorax for TB,3 and Carlo Forlanini began to apply it in clinical practice in 1888.4 Therapeutic pneumothorax evolved from the idea that collapsing a lung puts it to rest and promotes healing.5-7 Collapsing diseased portions of lung also prevents the spread of tuberculous material to uninvolved areas.5-6 Successful therapeutic pneumothorax results in fibrosis and encapsulation of the diseased lung and containment of the infection.5-6
A Messenger RNA from the Lactose Operon of ESCHERICHIA COLI That Can Not Direct the Production of Functional β-Galactosidase in Absence of Exogenous Adenosine 3',5'-Cyclic Monophosphate

In a temperature-sensitive mutant of Escherichia coli, beta-galactosidase cannot be induced at the nonpermissive temperature (43 degrees C) without the addition of exogenous 3', 5'-cyclic AMP (cAMP), although the intracellular concentration of this nucleotide is normal. This specific effect of cAMP is probably general in this strain for those operons which are controlled by the cAMP receptor protein and cAMP, but not for other parts of the chromosome. The lac mRNA produced at 43 degrees C in absence of cAMP is transcribed from the correct DNA strand and it directs the synthesis of enzymatically inactive material cross-reacting with beta-galactosidase. Experiments separating transcription from translation by using rifampicin, suggest that cAMP exerts its effect during initiation of transcription or translation of lac mRNA, but does not affect the propagation of either the messenger or of the beta-galactosidase polypeptide chain.
Emerging therapies for female sexual dysfunction

Epidemiological studies in the US, the UK and Sweden indicate that approximately 40% of women aged 18 - 59 have significant complaints about their sexual lives. The majority of complaints concern low sexual desire. Other common problems include difficulty reaching orgasm, insufficient lubrication and painful coitus. A vacuum erection device which increases blood flow to the clitoris has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. There are no pharmacological agents with approval for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors and other drugs which cause genital vasocongestion in women appear to have minimal clinical efficacy. Although many of these agents increase the vasocongestive response to sexual stimulation, there is minimal correlation between subjective and objective measures of sexual arousal in women. Trials with androgens have clearly and convincingly demonstrated that supraphysiological doses of testosterone increase libido in postmenopausal women. The long-term safety of such doses is unclear. To date, no studies have shown lower doses of androgens to be beneficial. There have been minimal studies of drugs targeting the central nervous system to date. Bupropion may have a beneficial effect on orgasm attainment in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
Fast Spectrum Allocation in Coordinated Dynamic Spectrum Access Based Cellular Networks

Existing capacity constrained cellular networks that operate in fixed spectrum bands can be enhanced with capacity-on-demand services using the Coordinated Dynamic Spectrum Access (CDSA) model. In this model, a centralized spectrum broker coordinates access to spectrum in a given region and assigns short term spectrum leases to competing wireless service providers and/or end users. In contrast to existing multi-year cellular spectrum licenses that span large regions, a spectrum broker can grant spectrum leases that are for small regions (e.g.: per base station) and valid for short durations (e.g.: tens of minutes). Fast spectrum allocation algorithms are crucial to the design of scalable spectrum brokers that can provide such realtime spectrum access. In this paper, we address this challenge. Specifically, we formulate the spectrum allocation problem as two optimization problems: first with the objective of maximizing the overall demand (Max-Demand) satisfied among the various base stations and the second with the objective of minimizing the overall interference in the network (Min-Interference) when all the demands of the base stations are satisfied. We show that the optimization problems are NP-hard and design efficient algorithms to solve them. Our simulation results on sample network topologies show that our algorithms scale very well for large network sizes.
EPR on MOS Interface States

The detailed structure and physical chemistry of the Si/SiO2 interface assume even greater importance as integrated circuit technology advances into the submicrometer regime. Beyond the continued quest for knowledge of the origins of interface states, atomic features take on added interest because of defect carrier scattering in near-ballistic transport devices. Among common analytical techniques, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) has shown substantial ability to reveal the atomic nature and disposition of defects in the Si/Si02 system [l]. It is also useful in certain cases, such as very thin oxides, where conventional methods may not be applicable.
Unmanned Aerial Systems in Occupational Hygiene—Learning from Allied Disciplines

Abstract Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) technologies are rapidly developing, lowering cost, and technology barriers for their use in numerous applications. This review and commentary summarizes relevant literature in allied fields and evaluates potential application and utility of UAS technology in the discipline of occupational hygiene. Disciplines closely related to occupational hygiene are moving to investigate potential uses--and in some cases--already employing this technology for research or commercial purposes. The literature was reviewed to formulate a cross-sectional picture of how UAS technology is being used in these closely allied disciplines which could inform or guide potential use in occupational hygiene. Discussed are UAS applications in environmental monitoring, emergency response, epidemiology, safety, and process optimization. A rapidly developing state of the art indicates that there is potential utility for this technology in occupational hygiene. Benefits may include cost savings, time savings, and averting hazardous environments via remote sensing. The occupational hygiene community can look to allied fields to garner lessons and possible applications to their own practice.
Public Values in Context: A Longitudinal Analysis of the U.S. Civil Service

The focus in this article is on administrative values as articulated by a group of elected officials rather than, as is the case in much of the public values literature, by administrators. An analysis is conducted of the specific values invoked by members of Congress with regard to the federal civil service over the period 1883–2002. The examination of values in this venue allows insights into the extent to which values generally and public values specifically are inherently contextual and why therefore, any definitive definition of the construct will remain elusive. The longitudinal nature of the study further highlights the relevance of historical context to an understanding of “public values.”
High Data-Rate Communication in Near-Field RFID and Wireless Power Using Higher Order Modulation

We present the theory of high-order modulation for near-field RF identification (RFID) and wireless power transfer (WPT) systems. We show that while related, the design of RFID and WPT systems differ. The theory and calculation of load modulated quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and phase shift keying (PSK) is presented. We then present two experimental prototypes. The first demonstrates a 16-QAM RFID link achieving $>\!\! {\hbox{480 kb/s}}$ at a 2.38-MHz carrier ( $>\!\!{\hbox{19.8}}\%$ fractional bandwidth), significantly higher than the $ fractional bandwidth of traditional RFID systems. The second experimental prototype demonstrates 4-PSK for WPT applications achieving a data rate $> {\hbox{256 kb/s}}$ at a 2.38-MHz carrier (a 10.7% fractional bandwidth) with an average efficiency reduction of only 4%.
California Hypogaeous Fungi—Tuberaceae

The hypogaeous fungi of America form a large, important and little known group. Practically nothing is known of the range of species or their distribution, their edibility or their life histories. Their occurrence in most cases has been noted rather by accident than through any careful or systematic search for them. In California there has been some definite attempt at extensive collection and study of the many different species. The work was pioneered by Dr. H. W. Harkness. His work was left incomplete, however, at the time of his death and subsequently much of it was lost. It was successful in demonstrating the great variety and extent of the group. The work was then taken up by Dr. W. A. Setchell and Prof. N. L. Gardner, of the University of California, at Berkeley. The only literature available as a guide to the Californian species is the paper of Dr. Harkness, which is, unfortunately, not easily procured. The work is of little value in many ways, as the descriptions have been abbreviated. Dr. Helen M. Gilkey has made a careful "Revision of the Tuberales of California," which is an excellent account of ascomycetous forms. Drs. Zeller and Dodge have also recently published some accounts of the various Hymenogastrales in which are included numerous Californian species. All of the recent publications will in time have to be revised more or less to include numerous additional species and allow of a modification of the published species. Aside from the paper of Dr. Harkness, there is no literature published which would be of service to the collector in the field. As in the case of the writer, the collectors must go at the work more or less blindly until experience has been gained. With all due allowances for seasonal differences, it is hoped that the following account will be of value to other collectors.
The Guatemalan Affair: A Critique of United States Foreign Policy*

Latin views toward the United States are not merely those of the weak toward the strong. They are, by the Latins' own definition, those of the poor toward the rich, the cultured toward the uncultured, the idealist toward the pragmatist. They are those of a people largely inexperienced and misled in the political arena, and without practical criteria for the Anglo-Saxon notion of “democracy,” either political or cultural. But they are bitterly experienced in the ways of dictatorship, economic exploitation, and grinding poverty. Born in Iberian feudalism and Catholic fervor, the Latin plainly does not understand the largely Protestant, industrialized, politically and culturally democratic, radical (and yet conservative) United States. It is certainly a slight exaggeration to say that the most important thing the two groups have in common is the hemisphere in which, by geographic accident, they live.To them we are Yanquis, past and present exploiters, rich because they are poor, slightly drunk with our new postwar power, and verging toward fanaticism in our anti-communism. But their principal current complaint against us is our overflowing generosity toward Europe and Asia and our niggardliness toward themselves.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERCENTAGE REDUCTION IN LOW-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN CHOLESTEROL LEVELS AND MAJOR ATHEROSCLEROTIC CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AMONG PATIENTS TREATED WITH STATINS +/- ALIROCUMAB OR EZETIMIBE IN THE PHASE 3 ODYSSEY TRIALS

ACC/AHA 2013 guidelines for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) recommend use of statins to achieve 30 to ≥50% reduction in LDL-C. We assessed the relationship of additional LDL-C % reduction and ASCVD event rates in patients (most on maximally tolerated statins ± ezetimibe [EZE] at
Regional placental blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) changes with gestational age in normally developing pregnancies using long duration R2* mapping in utero

The aim of this study was to examine the use of R2* mapping in maternal and fetal sub-regions of the placenta with the aim of providing a reference for blood oxygenation levels during normative development. There have been a number of MR relaxation studies of placental tissues in-utero, but none have reported R2* value changes with age, or examined differences in sub-regions of the placenta. Here specialized long-duration Multi-frame R2* imaging was used to create a stable estimate for R2* values in different placental regions in healthy pregnant volunteers not imaged for clinical reasons. 27 subjects were recruited and scanned up to 3 times during their pregnancy. A multi-slice dual echo EPI based BOLD acquisition was employed and repeated between 90 and 150 times over 3 to 5 minutes to provide a high accuracy estimate of the R2* signal level. Acquisitions were also repeated in 13 cases within a visit to evaluate reproducibility of the method in a given subject. Experimental results showed R2* measurements were highly repeatable within a visit with standard deviation of (0.76). Plots of all visits against gestational age indicated clear correlations showing decreases in R2* with age. This increase was consistent was also consistent over time in multiple visits of the same volunteer during their pregnancy. Maternal and fetal regional changes with gestational age followed the same trend with increase in R2* over the gestational age.
Momentary Assessment of Psychosocial Stressors, Context, and Asthma Symptoms in Hispanic Adolescents:

The current study used a novel real-time data capture strategy, ecological momentary assessment (EMA), to examine whether within-day variability in stress and context leads to exacerbations in asth...
A Survey of Models for Allocating Inspection Effort in Multistage Production Systems

This paper describes the elements of the inspection allocation problem and surveys some of the models proposed in the literature. The limitations of the existing work are noted and possible approaches to the solution of more realistic problems are menti..
Baby and Me: Single Mothers by Choice and the Artificial Reproductive Technology Marketplace

This study adopts an interpretive research approach to explore the consumer experiences of a self-identified group, “Single Mothers by Choice” (SMCs). These women are either in the process of becoming mothers, or have attained motherhood, with the help of the assisted reproductive technologies (ART) industry. In the mid-nineties, the fledgling ART industry sought to serve heterosexual couples in (preferably) long-term committed relationships that faced problems in conceiving naturally (Houston, 2004). A decade later, the profit seeking industry’s rapid embrace of “other mothers,” (single and lesbian women) is indicative of an evolving marketplace that is largely unregulated and may be selective of who it serves (Houston, 2004). The potential vulnerabilities of such a marketplace invite further exploration by consumer researchers. Research on motherhood indicates that this life-stage experience involves extensive transitional consumption as women undergo the physical and socio-cultural transformation into becoming mothers. Recent research on new mothers’ consumer experiences (Jennings and O’Malley, 2003; Prothero, 2002; Carrigan and Sczmigin, 2004; Thomsen and Sorensen, 2006; Banister and Hogg, 2006; Voice Group, 2010) challenge dominant theoretical assumptions that consumers are automatically motivated to make informed decisions to consume through transitory life-roles (Voice Group, 2010). In this research we seek to understand the lived experiences of SMCs as they attain motherhood through ART.
Channel Estimation, Equalization, Precoding, and Tracking

Abstract We present an overview/review of various approaches to channel estimation and equalization for wireless mobile systems with a brief discussion of channel precoding techniques. Since approaches to channel estimation depend upon the underlying channel model, we also review various approaches to channel modeling. First we present the relevant channel models including time-invariant and time-variant (doubly-selective) models where emphasis is on basis expansion modeling. Channel modeling is followed by a discussion of various approaches to channel estimation including training-based approaches, blind approaches, semi-blind approaches and hidden pilot (superimposed training) based approaches. Channel estimation approaches were followed by a discussion of channel equalization approaches including turbo-equalization for time-varying channels. A brief discussion of precoding was presented where the channel state information is available at the transmitter. We conclude with a discussion of channel tracking and combined data detection and channel tracking for time-varying channels. Channel tracking can be at block level suitable for block transmissions, or symbol-by-symbol level suitable for serial transmissions. Some of the approaches were illustrated via simulations.
Methylphenidate in Hyperactive Autistic Children

Nine children, eight boys and one girl, ages 4 to 16 yrs, with a diagnosis of autism, were treated with methylphenidate (10-50 mg/day) as outpatients at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, Babies' Hospital Pediatric Psychiatric Clinic, New York.
Optimal Medical Therapy for Known Coronary Artery Disease: A Review.

Importance This review examines the current state-of-the-art optimal medical therapy (OMT) for patients with known coronary artery disease. This therapy, which is sometimes labeled as secondary prevention , is effective in preventing recurrent events and is recommended by the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association guidelines. Optimal medical therapy is of recognized public health benefit. Observations The available evidence from broad patient populations, contemporary randomized trials, and multiple recent studies with pharmacy records indicates that the delivery of OMT is far from ideal. We suggest approaches for quality improvement, including better patient education, the increased use of interventions that are known to improve compliance, and the use of performance measures focused on long-term OMT in outpatient care. Conclusions and Relevance Improvement in the delivery of OMT to patients with coronary artery disease is one possible step to help the United States reduce the recently reported increase in death rate from heart disease.
Quantum cascade multi-spectral laser with integrated beam combiner on silicon

A multi-spectral quantum cascade laser is demonstrated on SOI, emitting at 4.6-4.7 μm with an integrated multiplexer. Low-loss spectral beam combining to a single-mode waveguide efficiently scales the output power.
Distribution of Fibronectin on Cellular Surface During the Rabbit Spermiogenesis

Spermiogenesis is in itself dramatic structural reorganization keeping with the intimate intercellular communication which occurs through the extracellular matrix. Recently, it has become apparent that a large molecular weight (450,000) glycoprotein, fibronection (7), also known as the large external transformation-sensitive (LETS) protein (3) or cell surface protein (9) is also a major component of such a matrix. The aim of the present work was to investigate in detail at the ultrastructural level the immunocytochemical distribution of the gkycoprotein, fibronectin (FN) during the spermiogenesis of adult rabbit using the peroxidase conjugated IgG fraction goat anti-rabbit FN. Previous reports (4, 5, 10) have suggested that there is a correlation between the presence of cell surface FN and the ability of spermiogenesis. In the present studies, we have examined the expression of intracellular and extracellular FN on rabbit spermatids differing in their metamorphic potentials. Although we have found for the first time differences in the intracellular and extracellular FN during sperniogenesis, our results in this experimental rabbit testis indicate that changes in FN expression are not related to any simlpe way to metamorphic potentials.
Telling Stories of Racism

What role does storytelling—telling our own stories and listening to others tell theirs— play in our understanding of ourselves and our work? To explore this and other questions, the authors have m...
Diphthong productions in speakers with Parkinson's disease across speaking modes

Several vowel acoustics parameters (e.g., second formant frequency (F2) slope, vowel space area) are known to significantly contribute to speech intelligibility in dysarthria (Kim, Kent, Weismer, 2011; Lansford & Liss, 2014). Particularly, F2 slope has been identified as an important predictor of speech intelligibility regardless of underlying neuropathologies of dysarthria (Kim, Weismer, Kent & Duffy, 2009). The current study focuses on intra-speaker modifications of F2 slope in speakers with Parkinson’s disease (PD) voluntarily elicited across three speaking modes, less clear, conversational, and more clear speech, in recognition that prior work has mostly focused on inter-speaker comparisons. Varying speech clarity was our interest, given its wide use as an efficient behavioral therapeutic approach in clinic. Twenty speakers (10 PD, 10 neurologically healthy) were asked to read diphthongs embedded in real words. Diphthongs were chosen because they require a significant change in configuration of vocal tract and, therefore, are sensitive to the presence/severity of dysarthria. In the presentation, distributions of F2 slope 1) between PD and healthy speakers, and 2) across speaking modes within each speaker will be discussed. In addition, articulatory data will be presented for part of the speakers from whom kinematic data were obtained using the electromagnetic articulography (EMA) system.
Magnetohydrodynamic stratified bioconvective flow of micropolar nanofluid due to gyrotactic microorganisms

The forthright purpose of this communication is to inspect the flow of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stratified micropolar bioconvective fluid containing nanoparticles and gyrotactic microorganism. The phenomenon of thermal radiation and Joule heating has also been incorporated. In order to stabilize the suspended nanoparticles, bioconvection which is established by the combined effects of magnetic field and buoyancy force is implemented. A system of PDEs is converted into the ODEs by invoking the appropriate similarity transformation and the transformed equations are then solved by the well known shooting technique. The interesting aspects of sundry parameters on the velocity, the angular velocities, the temperature, concentration and the motile microorganism density are examined and sketched. The skin friction and the couple stress coefficients, the heat and mass transfer rates and the local density number of the motile microorganism have been numerically computed and discussed. Our analysis depicts that the temperature, concentration and motile microorganism density depreciate for the increment in the material parameter. An enhancement in the buoyancy ratio parameter results an enhancement in the energy and the motile microorganism density profile whereas the velocity profile is reduced.
The lower tail of the half-space KPZ equation

Abstract We establish the first tight bound on the lower tail probability of the half-space KPZ equation with Neumann boundary parameter A = − 1 / 2 and narrow-wedge initial data. The lower bound demonstrates a crossover between two regimes of super-exponential decay with exponents 5 2 and 3; the upper bound demonstrates a crossover between regimes with exponents 3 2 and 3. Given a crude leading-order asymptotic in the Stokes region for the Ablowitz-Segur solution to Painleve II (Definition 1.8), we improve the upper bound to demonstrate the same crossover as the lower bound. We also establish novel bounds on the large deviations of the GOE point process.
Facilitating Disaster Preparedness for Pediatric Practices in an Urban Setting

Background: The inadequacy of national pediatric disaster preparedness has been highlighted during recent large-scale disasters including Hurricane Katrina. Currently, disaster preparedness is one of the seven strategic health priorities identified by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In addition to enhancing hospital preparedness, there must be a focus on improving preparedness in outpatient pediatric clinics that serve as the backbone for pediatric care across the country. Objectives: 1. To evaluate the current status of …
ABSORPTION AND PHOTOINDUCED ABSORPTION STUDIES OF La2CuO4 and YBa2Cu3O6+x: ROLE OF DEFECT STATES

ABSTRACT Linear and photoinduced optical absorption studies of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 6+x are described and compared with those of La 2 CuO 4 . Absorption studies of thin films of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 6+x show a series of optical absorptions at 0.5, 1.6, 3.0, 4.3, and 4.8 eV for x=0. As × increases, the energies of each of the peaks are unchanged except for the highest-energy peak, which shifts considerably with increasing oxygen concetration. Photoinduced optical absorptions studies of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 6+x reveal similar results for x=0 and x=0.3. These spectra differ from those of La 2 CuO 4 in that the crossover from photoinduced absorption to photoinduced bleaching is shifted down in energy from 2.0 eV to 1.5 eV. There remain two photoinduced electronic absorptions, though their energies and character differ substantially from those observed in La 2 CuO 4 . For x=0.0 samples, the high energy photoinduced absorption is very broad, with a weak maximum at ˜ 1.2 eV. The low energy peak is much sharper, with a maximum at ˜0.13 eV. The infrared spectrum of x=0.0 samples is similar to that previously reported. Photoinduced infrared studies demonstrate the important role of electron-phonon coupling. The phonon modes shift as expected with substitution of 18 O for 16 O. A new photoinduced mode at 315 cm −1 is observed for YBa 2 Cu 3 16 O 6.0 . This mode is associated with the breaking of the tetragonal symmetry to orthorhombic or lower symmetry upon photoexcitation of charge carriers. It is likely associated with the formation of O 1− sites upon photoexcited charge transfer.
The Interactive Web – Open Access COVID-19 Resources

Everyone librarians work with, from our newest students to our institutional administration to our longest standing vendor contract, is suddenly focused on the same concern–COVID-19, what it is doi...
Application Prospect of Artificial Intelligence Technology Basted on the Large Call Center

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an important technical support for the development of various industries in today's society. Call center, as an important window to serve customers, has more and more greatly depended on the AI technology, which trend to become the only way for the development of call center. This paper first analyzed the development status of AI. Then it reviewed the development process of call center and analyzed its current challenges. Furtherly, this paper put forward a technical framework based on AI technology to meet these challenges. In the end it analyzed the application scenarios in call center according to the characteristics of AI so as to provide experience for the intelligent development of call industry.
Controversies in Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Timing of First Rib Resection After Thrombolysis

The dominant treatment paradigm for Paget-Schroetter syndrome has evolved to include immediate thrombolysis upon presentation with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), anticoagulation, and subsequent decompression of the thoracic outlet with first rib resection. Popularized by Machleder and Urschel in the 1980’s and 1990’s (Machleder HI. Evaluation of a new treatment strategy for Paget-Schroetter syndrome: spontaneous thrombosis of the axillary-subclavian vein. J Vasc Surg. 1993;17:305–15). They initially advocated an interval of anywhere from six weeks to three months between thrombolysis and surgery. More recently, a trend towards earlier surgical decompression has emerged in the literature, and timing of surgery after thrombolysis remains a debated topic in the management of this rare disease. Proponents of early decompression cite a lower interval reocclusion rate, improved long-term vein patency, shorter treatment duration, and earlier return to function as potential benefits, while delayed operation may reduce post-thrombotic local inflammation during dissection, can turn an emergent operation into an elective one, and may lead to equivalent functional outcomes. A subset of patients likely exists that are adequately treated with indefinite delay of surgery. Regardless of approach, outcomes tend to be good, underscoring the importance of good patient selection, avoiding unnecessary risk, and the need for ongoing standardized scholarship in this area.
Social Change, Agency, and Resistance: The Cultural Double Movement and the Rural Midwest, 1830–1929

Midwestern farm communities preserved an idealized understanding of a social community structured around the shared values of neighborliness and the Old Middle Class understanding by embracing some changes while resisting others. At the turn of the century, the Country Life Movement, an urban, middle-class-based group, made concerted efforts to reform rural life, proclaiming that a farm problem threatened the nation. Their efforts to restructure every element of rural life, including farm business practices, education, churches, and social patterns, provoked a double movement. Rural communities, acclimated to a certain amount of change when it was on their terms, argued that their way of life was acceptable and should not be forced to change to fit the views of urbanites and industrialists.
Factors associated with injury and blood-borne infection risk when providing assisted injection among people who inject drugs.

Abstract Objective Prior research has associated assisted injection with risk behaviors, but other risks such as injury, missed veins, and incidental exposures to blood-borne infections during an injection episode have not been assessed. In the following, we present the frequency of these other risks and determine factors associated with missing a vein and incidental blood exposure among people who inject drugs (PWID). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from PWID who were recruited using targeted sampling in Los Angeles and San Francisco, California, during 2016 and 2017. The analytic sample consist of 336 participants who reported providing injection assistance in the last 6 months. Multivariate logistic regression models were developed for reporting the following risks: missing a vein; getting the recipient's blood on the injection provider; and getting blood on clothes or surfaces. Results In the last 6 months, the most common negative consequences were getting blood on clothes or surfaces (40%), getting the recipient's blood on the injection provider (23%), and missing a vein (17%). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, missing the vein was significantly associated with higher odds of assisting a leg injection while getting the injection recipient's blood on the provider or getting blood on clothes or nearby surfaces was associated with higher odds of assisting a groin injection injecting in the groin. Conclusion Providing injection assistance can result in incidental blood exposures and injury, particularly when injecting in sensitive locations on the body. Harm reduction interventions to reduce risks associated with this practice are essential to improving the well-being of PWID.
Strengthening democracy and increasing political participation in Liberia: Does civil society density matter?

One way civil society strengthens democracy is by facilitating political participation. Established literature, for example, demonstrates that individuals with greater associational involvement are...
Factual or Moral Persuasion in the United States? Evidence from the Papal Encyclical on Climate Change

How do elite cues shape public opinion? We assess two ways in which such cues may be influential: by changing citizens’ factual beliefs about the world (the “factual channel”) or by triggering a moral reevaluation (the “moral channel”). We study this issue in the context of the papal encyclical on climate change, in which Pope Francis attempted to persuade Catholics that there is a scientific consensus around climate change and that protecting the environment is a moral and religious obligation. Exploiting panel data from the United States before and after the encyclical, we find that both mechanisms played a role: Catholics who regularly attended church became disproportionately more likely to believe both that global warming was happening and that climate change was a religious issue. The pope's influence on Catholic policy preferences, however, operated only through the factual channel.
Structural, redox, and mechanistic parameters for cysteine-sulfenic acid function in catalysis and regulation.

A primary objective of this review is to facilitate the application of the chemical and structural approaches that are currently being employed in the identification of Cys-SOH, as both transient intermediates and stable redox forms, in biochemical systems where these derivatives are suspected of playing key roles in redox catalysis or regulation. These range from high-resolution crystallographic analyses benefiting from recent technological advances in rapid data collection at cryogenic temperatures to 13C NMR investigations of [3-(13)C]Cys-labeled proteins and chemical modification protocols that can be integrated with both UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopic as well as mass spectrometric (especially ESI, MALDI-TOF, and even FT ion-cyclotron-resonance) analyses. In summarizing the diversity of biological functions currently identified with Cys-SH reversible Cys-SOH redox cycles (Fig. 17), it should also be [figure: see text] emphasized that in at least one protein (nitrile hydratase) stable Cys-SOH and Cys-SO2H derivatives play important structural roles while also modulating the electronic properties of the iron center; in neither case is the Cys-SOH residue itself involved in reduction and oxidation. The somewhat incomplete structural descriptions of the oxidized Cys forms involved in redox regulation of some transcription factors (e.g., BPV-1 E2 protein and activator protein-1) indicate that there is ample room for the application of the types of investigations employed, for example, with NADH peroxidase and the AhpC peroxiredoxin, with a view toward defining the potential roles of Cys-SOH in these very important contexts of intracellular redox signaling. These advances will also build on the recent progress in defining sulfenic acid stabilization and properties in small molecule model systems, as evidenced in the work of Okazaki, Goto, and others. When viewed in the perspective of Allison's 1976 review on the subject of sulfenic acids in proteins, the reader will hopefully come to appreciate the conclusion that the concept of protein-sulfenic acids has now become a very well-defined and established principle of biochemistry, with current efforts in this and other laboratories being directed to bring about still more detailed understanding of Cys-SOH function in both redox and nonredox modes of enzyme catalysis and regulation of protein function.