cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pulse height linearity of CdZnTe

CdZnTe crystals equipped with Frisch collars are studied at the Semiconductor Materials and Radiological Technologies Laboratory (S.M.A.R.T. Lab) at Kansas State University for use as room-temperature, high-resolution, semiconductor gamma-ray detectors. Obtaining plots of Relative Pulse Height vs. Input Photon Energy by testing with monoenergetic radioactive sources yields widely-spaced data points, but a Compton-scattering two-detector system can generate electrons with a range of energies within the crystal being tested, yielding a continuous curve. The linearity of the resulting curve is a limiting factor for the energy resolution of the semiconductor material.
Differential Diagnosis of Chronic Urticaria and Angioedema Based on Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, and Proteomics

Differential diagnosis of urticaria and angioedema has been based on the phenotype as either acute or chronic depending on the duration of more than 6 to 8 weeks, respectively. Additional subdivisions include poorly defined terms such as idiopathic, spontaneous, or autoimmune. In this article, the author suggests that an increased understanding of the acquired and innate immune system and data from novel proteomic technology have blurred the lines between these categories of diagnosis. Specific molecular pathways and response to specific medications should be incorporated in classification and diagnosis schemes.
Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Clinical Characteristics, Disease Associations, Treatments, and Outcomes in a Series of 90 Patients at Mayo Clinic, 1996-2011

Abstract Objective To characterize the clinical presentation, laboratory studies, disease associations, and treatments of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE). Patients and Methods A retrospective review of 90 patients with SCLE at Mayo Clinic from January 1, 1996, through October 28, 2011, was performed. Results The mean patient age at diagnosis was 61 years; 64 patients (71%) were women, and 11 cases (12%) were drug induced (1996-2000, no drug-induced cases; 2001-2005, 2 cases; 2006-2011, 9 cases). Seventeen of 59 patients (29%) with available data were smokers at the time of diagnosis. The SCLE lesions were photodistributed in 75 patients (83%), and 52 (58%) had papulosquamous morphologic findings. Anti-Ro/SS-A positivity was present in 84 of 85 patients tested (99%), whereas 32 of the 85 patients (38%) tested positive for anti-La/SS-B. Associated autoimmune connective tissue diseases included Sjogren syndrome (n=13, 14%) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (n=8, 9%). Eighteen patients (20%) had at least 4 American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE; 1 had lupus nephritis, and none had neurologic or notable hematologic sequelae. The most common therapy was hydroxychloroquine, with a complete response noted in 34 of 46 patients (74%) with available follow-up data. Conclusion Twenty-eight percent of patients with SCLE (n=25) had an associated autoimmune connective tissue disease, although the severe sequelae of SLE, such as nephritis, were rare. The frequency of drug-induced SCLE increased during the study. Most patients responded to treatment with hydroxychloroquine.
Appraising the Performance of the Swedish Constitution

This chapter considers the extent to which the major reforms of the Swedish constitution may be said to have improved or worsened Swedish governance.117 The previous section of the book characterized some broad features of good constitutions based on contractarian normative theory. The contractarian interpretation of popular sovereignty implies that good constitutions assure open and free elections, protect minority interests, and assure that the constitution is uniformly applied. Good constitutions will often restrict the domain in which the parliament can make legislation and will delegate or reserve significant policy-making power to local governments. In many cases, good governments will use various organizational and decision-making methods to assure broader than majoritarian support for public policy. Their constitutions may include direct supermajority requirements for major decisions or implicitly seek broader than majority approval as with bicameralism, federalism, or approval voting rules.
A quilting subcutaneous suture pattern to reduce seroma formation and pain 24 hours after midline celiotomy in dogs: A randomized controlled trial.

Objective To determine the influence of a quilting suture pattern tacking the subcutaneous tissues to the deep fascia on complications after midline celiotomy in dogs. Study design Single-center, randomized, blinded, controlled trial conducted in a veterinary teaching hospital. Animals Four hundred thirty-two dogs undergoing midline celiotomy for ovariohysterectomy (n = 249) or other abdominal procedures (n = 183). Methods Dogs were randomly assigned to (1) a quilting group, subcutaneous tissue with apposition plus tacking to the rectus fascia or (2) a nonquilting group, with apposition of subcutaneous tissue without tacking. Randomization was stratified on hospital admitting service. Primary outcome was the incidence of incisional seroma. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain the day after surgery and surgical site infection (SSI). Outcomes were assessed during the first 30 postoperative days. Results No differences were detected between the quilting group (n = 183) and the nonquilting group (n = 175) in terms of illness severity, surgical procedure performed, surgeon's experience, duration of surgery, intraoperative complications, or methods of surgical closure other than the intervention under study. In an intent-to-treat analysis, the incidence of incisional seroma was lower in the quilting group (odds ratio = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.13-0.67, P = .004). Pain assessed 24 hours postoperatively was lower in the quilting group (P = .03). The incidence of SSI did not differ between groups. Conclusion Tacking the subcutaneous tissues to the deep fascia is indicated to reduce seroma during celiotomy closure.
Mobile Arm Supports: Evidence-Based Benefits and Criteria for Use

AbstractBackground/Objective: To collect data from therapists regarding criteria for use and activities that individuals with C4-C5 tetraplegia can perform using a mobile arm support (MAS) that they otherwise could not. Reasons for nonuse, equipment design limitations, and therapist training needs were also studied. Methods: A modified Delphi approach was used to conduct an e-mail survey for which the response to each question was analyzed and used to formulate the subsequent question.Setting: Rehabilitation centers.Participants: Eighteen occupational therapists (most affiliated with 1 of the federally designated Model Spinal Cord Injury Systems) with extensive experience in the treatment of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).Results: The key physical prerequisite for successful use of the MAS was at least minimal strength of the deltoid and biceps muscles; 92% of respondents indicated that they would fit an MAS for motivated patients having very weak (< 2/5) biceps and deltoid muscles. According t...
Prenatal Cocaine Exposure, Child Development, and the Compromising Effects of Cumulative Risk

This article reviews the literature regarding the effects of prenatal exposure to cocaine on children's behavior and development beyond infancy. When confounding variables are statistically controlled and demographically comparable control groups are included, few consistent effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on children's cognitive, motor, play, language, and socioemotional development during early childhood are found. Two consistent findings have been demonstrated: Most study participants are exposed to high levels of medical and environmental risk (cumulative risk), and perhaps consequently, their performance on developmental tests is compromised on average, relative to published age norms. It is concluded that prenatally cocaine-exposed children are part of a much larger group of high-risk children who would benefit from broad-based intervention services.
The Activation and Inhibition of Fibrinolysis

The mechanism of activation of the single chain proenzyme, plasminogen, to the two-chain disulfide linked protease, plasmin, is catalyzed by several activators. Any study of this mechanism must include the fact that at least two peptide bonds are cleaved in the activation process (1–3). Although most activators of plasminogen are proteases; the bacterial activator, streptokinase, possesses no proteolytic activity. Therefore, it becomes pertinent to inquire as to how two inactive proteins, i. e. plasminogen and streptokinase, can supposedly interact and result in the proteolytic cleavages required to convert plasminogen into plasmin. In this regard, it was found that streptokinase could form a 1:1 complex with human plasmin and this complex could directly activate plasminogen; a reaction that neither protein could catalyze independently (4–6). Further, this same activator complex was formed whether human plasmin or human plasminogen was used as one of the starting materials (6).
Modulating Viscoelasticity, Stiffness, and Degradation of Synthetic Cellular Niches via Stoichiometric Tuning of Covalent versus Dynamic Noncovalent Cross-Linking.

Viscoelasticity, stiffness, and degradation of tissue matrices regulate cell behavior, yet predictive synergistic tuning of these properties in synthetic cellular niches remains elusive. We hypothesize that reversible physical cross-linking can be quantitatively introduced to synthetic hydrogels to accelerate stress relaxation and enhance network stiffness, while strategic placement of isolated labile linkages near cross-linking sites can predict hydrogel degradation, both of which are essential for creating adaptive cellular niches. To test these hypotheses, chondrocytes were encapsulated in hydrogels formed by biorthogonal covalent and noncovalent physical cross-linking of a pair of hydrophilic building blocks. The stiffer and more viscoelastic hydrogels with DBCO–DBCO physical cross-links facilitated proliferation and chondrogenic ECM deposition of encapsulated cells by dissipating stress imposed by expanding cell mass/ECM via dynamic disruption/reformation of physical cross-links. Degradation of labil...
Functional Connectivity in Adult Brain Tumor Patients: A Systematic Review

Brain tumor (BT) patients often experience reduced cognitive abilities and disrupted adaptive functioning before and after treatment. An innovative approach to understanding the underlying brain networks associated with these outcomes has been to study the brain's functional connectivity (FC), the spatially distributed and temporally correlated activity throughout the brain, and how it can be affected by a tumor. The present review synthesized the extant BT FC literature that utilizes functional magnetic resonance imaging to study FC strength of commonly observed networks during rest and task. A systematic review of English articles using PubMed was conducted. Search terms included brain tumor OR glioma AND functional connectivity, independent component analysis, ICA, psychophysiological interaction, OR PPI. Studies in which participants were diagnosed with BTs as adults that evaluated specific networks of interest using independent component analysis or seed-based component analysis were included. Twenty-five studies met inclusion criteria. BT patients often presented with decreases in FC strength within well-established networks and increases in atypical FC patterns. Network differences were tumor adjacent and distal, and left hemisphere tumors generally had a greater impact on FC. FC alterations often correlated with behavioral or cognitive outcomes when assessed. Overall, BTs appear to lead to various alterations in FC across different functional networks, and the most common change is a decrease in expected FC strength. More longitudinal studies are needed to determine the time course of network alterations across treatment and recovery, the role of medical treatments in BT survivors' FC, and the potential of FC patterns as biomarkers of cognitive outcomes.
Analyzing complex single-molecule emission patterns with deep learning

A fluorescent emitter simultaneously transmits its identity, location, and cellular context through its emission pattern. We developed smNet, a deep neural network for multiplexed single-molecule analysis to retrieve such information with high accuracy. We demonstrate that smNet can extract three-dimensional molecule location, orientation, and wavefront distortion with precision approaching the theoretical limit, and therefore will allow multiplexed measurements through the emission pattern of a single molecule.
Incidence of Acute Kidney Injury in Intermittent Versus Continuous Infusion of Polymyxin B in Hospitalized Patients

Background: Studies evaluating the risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI) with different dosing strategies of polymyxin B are limited. Objectives: To compare the incidence of AKI in patients treated with intermittent versus continuous polymyxin B therapy. Secondary objectives included time to onset of AKI, hospital length of stay (LOS), and all-cause hospital mortality. Variables associated with an increased risk of AKI were evaluated. Methods: A retrospective record review was conducted at a single center in Puerto Rico. Adult patients (≥18 years old) treated with polymyxin B (first course) for at least 48 hours from 2013-2015 were evaluated. Patients with a creatinine clearance 25 kg/m2 on polymyxin B via continuous infusion had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of AKI (P = 0.016). Conclusion and Relevance: No difference in the risk of polymyxin B nephrotoxicity was found between intermittent and continuous infusion administration. Administration of polymyxin B via a continuous infusion may result in a higher risk of AKI in patients with a BMI >25 kg/m2.
Stage-Based Electrospray Propulsion System for Deep-Space Exploration with CubeSats

Independent deep-space CubeSat missions require efficient propulsion systems capable of delivering several km/s of ΔV. The ion Electrospray Propulsion System under development at MIT's Space Propulsion Laboratory is a high ΔV propulsion system that is a promising technology for propulsion of independent deep-space CubeSat missions due to its mechanical simplicity and small form factor. However, current electrospray thrusters have demonstrated lifetimes up to an order of magnitude lower than the required firing time for a mission to a near-Earth asteroid starting from geostationary orbit. A stage-based concept is proposed where the propulsion system consists of a series of electrospray thruster arrays. When a set of thrusters reaches its lifetime limit, it is ejected from the spacecraft exposing new thrusters thereby increasing the overall lifetime of the propulsion system. Such a staging strategy is usually not practical for in-space thrusters. However, the compactness of micro-fabricated electrospray thrusters means that their contribution to the overall spacecraft mass and volume is small relative to other subsystems. Mechanisms required for this stage-based approach are proposed and demonstrated in a vacuum environment. In addition, missions to several near-Earth asteroids with orbital elements similar to those of Earth are analyzed with a particular focus on the escape trajectory. With a stage-based approach, independent deep-space CubeSat missions become feasible from a propulsion standpoint.
Classifying the variation in estimates of electricity consumption due to vehicle electrification

Abstract Electrification of light-duty vehicles (LDVs) is one means of reducing transportation-sector CO2 emissions. A broad range of incremental electric consumption requirements is found in prior studies. We propose that there is value in classifying the variance in estimated increases in electricity consumption into two distinct sources: modeling decisions (choices) and forecasts (uncertainties). We show that the addition of probabilistic uncertainty reveals a level of complexity that should inform the design of policy.
Signs of resistance in the Asturian linguistic landscape

Abstract A linguistic landscape analysis, grounded in the ideas of contestation and resistance (Blackwood, Lanza, & Woldemariam, 2016; Rubdy & Ben Said, 2015) and carried out using Scollon and Scollon’s (2003) concept of place semiotics, was conducted in four cities located in the Asturias region of Northern Spain. The primary goals of the study were to investigate and interpret the (in)visibility of Asturian, an endangered language spoken primarily in and around the capital city of Oviedo. Distinct patterns on public signage involving font alterations, layering, and material selections indicate that the linguistic landscape was being used as an asynchronous public forum between Asturian advocates and unseen actors. Drawing on similar studies of deliberately modified linguistic landscapes (Gorter, Aiestaran, & Cenoz, 2012; Tupas, 2015), this paper introduces the concept of the asynchronously layered linguistic landscape in which evidence of contestation and resistance can be found in strategic juxtapositions of sign materiality.
Effect of Shear Stress on Acute Platelet Thrombus Formation in Canine Stenosed Carotid Arteries: An In Vivo Quantitative Study

We investigated the in vivo effect of percent stenosis, trans-stenotic pressure, and shear stress (SS) on platelet accumulation (PA) in canine mechanically injured and stenosed carotid arteries. In 10 dogs, intimal damage and controlled variations in stenosis were produced on the carotid artery. Blood flow through the stenosis, trans-stenotic pressure, and stenosis geometry were measured. A NaI gamma detector was collimated and placed over the stenosis to detect gamma rays emitted by autologous radiolabeled platelets as they accumulated inside the stenosis. The SS was obtained from the finite difference solution of the Navier-Stokes equations. As the flow declined during thrombus formation, the radioactive count accumulated in an inverse fashion. The rate of flow decline directly correlated with the rate of PA during thrombus formation (r(2) > 0.9). Compared with the undamaged and unstenosed artery, the PA increased by 52 +/- 34% due to mild stenosis (40-60%). PA increased by 94 +/- 66% due to severe stenosis (60-70%) and by 145 +/- 56% due to critical stenosis (70-80%; P > 0.01). The platelet accumulation produced totally occlusive thrombus formation at levels of stenosis higher than 70 +/- 5% (diameter narrowing), and for trans-stenotic pressure gradients higher than 50 +/- 5 mmHg producing SS greater than 100 +/- 10 Pa. The PA was maximum at the stenotic portion of the vessel where the level of SS is the highest (P < 0.001). In vivo platelet-mediated thrombosis increases with SS and occurs at the stenotic portion of the stenosis where the SS is the highest. Severe stenoses produce critical levels of SS that potentiate thrombosis and lead to life-threatening arterial occlusion.
California Cardiovascular Screening Tool: Findings from Initial Implementation

Objective American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently published the California (CA) cardiovascular disease (CVD) screening algorithm for pregnant and postpartum women. We aim to prospectively determine screen-positive and true-positive rates of CVD among women across two populations. Study Design This is a prospective cohort study of obstetrical patients from April 2018 to July 2019 at academic medical centers in CA and New York (NY). We attempted to screen all patients at least once during their pregnancy care (prenatal or postpartum). Women who screened positive (“Red Flags,” >3–4 moderate risk factors, abnormal physical examination, and persistent symptoms) underwent further testing. The primary outcome was the screen-positive rate. Secondary outcomes included the true-positive rate and the strength of each moderate factor in predicting a positive CVD screen. Results We screened 846 women. The overall screen-positive rate was 8% (5% in CA vs. 19% in NY). The sites differed in ethnicity, that is, African American women (2.7% in CA vs. 35% in NY, p Conclusion This is the first data describing the performance of the CVD screening algorithm in a general obstetric population. Factors, such as proportion of African American women affect the likelihood of a positive screen. The screening algorithm highlights patients at higher lifetime risk of CVD and may identify a group that could be targeted for more direct care transitions postpartum. Data may be used to design a larger validation study.
Master-Slave Control for a Pneumatically Actuated Low Pressure Soft Robotic Glove to Facilitate Bilateral Training for Stroke Patients

Strokes are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Most stroke survivors will have some degree of paralysis immediately after a stroke, which in many could be lost hand motor functions. In order to encourage a faster motor function recovery, many researchers have been working on improving existing rehabilitation techniques and assistive hand exoskeleton designs. However, many of the current assistive hand technologies, especially rigid hand exoskeletons, seem to be ineffective due to limitations in their mechanical designs. This paper focuses on designing a low pressure soft robotic glove to facilitate bilateral hand training. In this kind of therapy, a movement in the healthy hand generates a similar movement in the paretic hand. Researchers found that the activation of both cerebral hemispheres in rehabilitation exercises, improves outcomes significantly. To allow for this to happen, a design of soft actuators that can be quickly fabricated, and be operated on low pressures while achieving high flexion forces is proposed. The mechanical performance of the actuator was analyzed based on its blocked tip force capabilities and its capability in supporting full range of motion of the fingers. Then, a master-slave controller is proposed such that a glove (master) with flex sensors is worn on the healthy hand to generate a similar movement on the soft robotic glove that is worn on the paretic hand. The glove was successful in meeting the design requirements and assisting a person without hand motor dysfunction in performing a pinch, tripod pinch, and full grasp movements.
Neuroendocrine carcinomas of the head and neck: A small case series

Abstract Introduction Neuroendocrine tumors of the head and neck are rare and arise either from epithelial or neuronal origin. Debate continues over the classification systems and appropriate management of these pathologies. Objective By investigating a small set of cases of high grade epithelial-derived neuroendocrine tumors of the head and neck (neuroendocrine carcinomas or NEC) from one institution, we compare survival rates of NEC of the head and neck to pulmonary NEC. Methods We identified patients from pathology records with neuroendocrine carcinomas of the head and neck and retrospectively collected clinical data as well as immunohistochemical (IHC) staining data. Results We identified 14 patients with NEC, arising from the parotid (n = 5), nasal cavity (n = 4), larynx (n = 2), and other regions (n = 2). One additional patient had NEC arising in two sites simultaneously (parotid and nasal). Staining patterns using IHC were relatively consistent across specimens, showing reactivity to chromogranin and synaptophysin in 73% and 100% of specimens, respectively. Treatment courses varied across patients and included combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation. The overall survival rate at 1, 2, and 5 years of these patients was 56%, 56%, and 43% with a mean follow-up time of 2.12 years. Conclusion Compared to NEC arising in the lung, this subset of patients had better survival rates, but worse survival rates than the more common squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
High-dimensional profiling clusters asthma severity by lymphoid and non-lymphoid status.

Summary Clinical definitions of asthma fail to capture the heterogeneity of immune dysfunction in severe, treatment-refractory disease. Applying mass cytometry and machine learning to bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells, we find that corticosteroid-resistant asthma patients cluster largely into two groups: one enriched in interleukin (IL)-4+ innate immune cells and another dominated by interferon (IFN)-γ+ T cells, including tissue-resident memory cells. In contrast, BAL cells of a healthier population are enriched in IL-10+ macrophages. To better understand cellular mediators of severe asthma, we developed the Immune Cell Linkage through Exploratory Matrices (ICLite) algorithm to perform deconvolution of bulk RNA sequencing of mixed-cell populations. Signatures of mitosis and IL-7 signaling in CD206−FceRI+CD127+IL-4+ innate cells in one patient group, contrasting with adaptive immune response in T cells in the other, are preserved across technologies. Transcriptional signatures uncovered by ICLite identify T-cell-high and T-cell-poor severe asthma patients in an independent cohort, suggesting broad applicability of our findings.
Results from a Further Scaled up Prototype of a 1-millimeter Resolution Clinical PET System

We have been developing a 1-millimeter resolution clinical positron emission tomography (PET) system dedicated to loco-regional (e.g. breast, head/neck, etc.) cancer imaging. Due to a dual-panel, patient-adjustable geometry and position-sensitive, pixelated scintillation detector design, the system enables high sensitivity in order to realize 1 mm reconstructed resolution. The basic detector unit comprises two position-sensitive avalanche photodiodes (PSAPD), each coupled to an array of 8 × 8 lutetium-yttrium oxyorthosilicate (LYSO) crystals which we refer to as a dual-LYSO-PSAPD module, and each panel consists of such 512 detector modules. Recently, we scaled up the system to increase a field-of-view (FOV) by 25%, and in this work, we characterize the scaled-up prototype system. Energy spectrum and coincidence time spectra are presented, and the 511 keV positron annihilation photopeak energy resolution and coincidence time resolution were measured to be 11.0 % and 25.6 ns, respectively. Lastly, we imaged an 22Na rod source, with 1.6 mm diameter, and the resulting reconstructed images are shown. Full-width-half-maximum (FWHM) values of line profiles on X-Z, X-Y, and Y-Z plane were 0.86 mm, 0.94 mm, and 1.25 mm, respectively.
The Journey of a Beginning Researcher

As I embarked on the first major research project of my career as a researcher, I sought a clearly written article that would help me through some common obstacles in qualitative research. This article outlines those problems and offers some solutions from one researcher's perspective. Some of the problems described and discussed include how to use theory and integrate it with data, the issues that arise from being a simultaneous researcher and participant, and how to represent participants with integrity and authenticity. This methodological piece offers suggestions for novice researchers as they embark on their own journeys as qualitative scientists. Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License. Acknowledgements I am greatly indebted to the numerous people who have guided me in my research journey: JoBeth Allen and the rest of the LEADS group, who gave me something to talk about; Laurie Hart and my doctoral committee, who guided my dissertation research so expertly; Bettie St. Pierre, who introduced me to the world of qualitative research; Paige Campbell, who helped me think about "resistance" in a new way; my colleagues at Millersville, who have become my new mentors; and Laurel Richardson, whom I have never met, but who has shaped my research journeys in such significant ways. This article is available in The Qualitative Report: http://nsuworks.nova.edu/tqr/vol6/iss2/5 The Journey of a Beginning Researcher by Suzanne Schwarz McCotter The Qualitative Report, Volume 6, Number 2 June, 2001
Attitudes and Attraction

Publisher Summary This chapter describes research on interpersonal attraction in relation to a philosophy of science in terms of the historical antecedents and current developments. The co relational studies of attraction and similarity of attitudes, opinions, beliefs, and values have essentially involved attempts to determine the validity and to extend the generality of this formulation. With minor variations, these studies involved the identification of pairs of individuals who indicate mutual attraction (spouses, fiances, and sociometrically identified friends), an assessment of these individuals on one or more attitudinal measures, and a statistical determination of the pairs' similarity. Often, this similarity is evaluated not only in terms of departure from a theoretical base line of chance pairings but also by comparison with the similarity of random pairs or mutually antagonistic pairs from the same population. The study of attitude similarity between pairs of friends has fed to results parallel to those involving married couples. Misunderstandings and confusions about research goals and research methods in personality and social psychology occur frequently. There are several issues involved when research interest moves from “real-life” studies closely tied to naturalistic observations into laboratory research in which some variables are manipulated and others controlled. A possible research paradigm for the study of attitude similarity–dissimilarity and attraction has been discussed. The chapter also mentions the generality of the similarity–attraction relationship and theory of attraction as reinforcement model.
Teaching object-oriented programming using the Macintosh MPW/MacApp environment

Experience with object-oriented systems can be provided using the powerful Macintosh™ environment. Adding to and modifying the MacApp™ application framework using ObjectPascal provides a learning-by-example solution to the difficulty of teaching Object Oriented Programming and Design,
Adaptive sampling for coastal environmental monitoring using a geo-referenced mobile instrument platform and correlative data visualisation

Abstract Coastal observations and monitoring often involve the collection and analyses of disparate data sets. The amount of data collected and the understanding of the information they represent pose a challenge to researchers who study events occurring and how they affect the ecosystem. We developed a geo-referenced mobile instrument and sensing platform for characterising and mapping bays, estuaries and coastal environments. Consisting of a towed array of instruments specifically designed for shallow embayment, it employs correlative visualisation as an interpretative tool. Adaptive sampling can therefore be performed to aid and guide the data acquisition exercise with improved resolution and extended coverage.
Characteristics of Toddlers and Preschoolers Exhibiting Severe Psychiatric Disturbance

The present study reports data collected on 137 toddler and preschool children admitted for acute, psychiatric inpatient hospitalization. Utilizing a comprehensive chart review survey developed by the authors, information was obtained regarding presenting problems, family psychiatric history, family legal problems, child maltreatment in order to examine factors contributing to the need for psychiatric hospitalization. Extremely dangerous behaviors were displayed by these youngsters, placing themselves and others at significant risk of harm. The frequency of occurrence of factors that contributed to these severe adjustment difficulties was alarming. Implications regarding service needs for these young children are discussed.
Formal Specification and Verification of the pGVT Algorithm

The time warp mechanism is a technique for optimistically synchronizing Parallel and distributed Discrete Event-driven Simulators (PDES). Within this synchronization paradigm lie numerous parallel algorithms, chief among them being an estimation of the Global Virtual Time (GVT) value for fossil collection and output commit. Because the optimistic synchronization strategy allows for temporary violations of causal relations in the system being simulated, developing algorithms that correctly estimate GVT can prove extremely difficult. Testing and debugging can also prove difficult as error situations are frequently not repeatable due to varying load conditions and processing orders. Consequently, the application of formal methods to develop and analyze such algorithms are of extreme importance. This paper addresses the application of formal methods for the development of GVT estimation algorithms. More precisely, the paper presents a formal specification for and verification of one specific GVT estimation algorithm, the pGVT algorithm. The specifications are presented in the Larch Shared Language and verification completed using the Larch Proof Assistant. The ultimate goal of this work is to develop a reusable infrastructure for GVT proof development that can be used by developers of new GVT estimation algorithms.
Head-upright tilt-table testing: a useful tool in the evaluation and management of recurrent vertigo of unknown origin associated with near-syncope or syncope.

Recurrent idiopathic vertigo associated with near-syncope and syncope is a common perplexing problem, some cases of which are considered autonomically mediated (vasovagal). Upright-tilt-table testing has emerged as a potential method to test for vasovagal episodes. This study evaluated the use of this technique in the evaluation and management of patients with recurrent idiopathic vertigo associated with near-syncope or syncope. Twenty-one patients with recurrent unexplained vertigo and syncope/near-syncope and 11 control subjects were evaluated by use of an upright-tilt-table test for 30 minutes, with or without a graded isoproterenol infusion (1 to 4 μg/min given intravenously), in an attempt to provoke hypotension, bradycardia, or both, which reproduced the patient's symptoms. The patients included 10 men and 11 women (mean age, 51 ± 16 years). Eleven controls with no history of vertigo were also studied. Transcranial Doppler sonography was used to assess cerebral arteriolar blood flow during tilt. All...
Forecasting sales response for multiple time horizons and temporally aggregated data: A comparison of constant and stochastic coefficient models

Abstract Past research on time-varying sales-response models emphasized the application of different estimation techniques in examining variation in advertising effectiveness over time. This study focuses on comparing sales forecasts using constant and stochastic coefficients sales-response models. Selected constant and stochastic coefficient models are applied to six sets of bimonthly and one set of annual advertising and sales data to assess forecasting accuracy for time horizons of various lengths. Results show improved forecasting accuracy for a first-order autoregressive stochastic coefficient model, particularly in short-run forecasting applications.
Morphology and evolution of waterscorpion male genitalia (Heteroptera: Nepidae)

. Male genitalia were comprehensively surveyed across the aquatic true bug family Nepidae. One hundred and forty-one species in thirteen of fourteen genera and all five nepid tribes were dissected and studied. A family level description of waterscorpion male genitalia is provided that seeks to clarify the divisions of the phallus by comparison with the heteropteran male genitalia groundplan and with the phallus of the sister group of Nepidae, Belostomatidae. A comparative study of genitalia at the genus level revealed sixteen morphological groups that do not correspond precisely to the fourteen genera within the family. For example, there are distinct morphological groups within genera, e.g. two groups in Telmatotrephes and eight in Ranatra. By contrast, six genera, Borborophilus, Borborophyes, Laccotrephes, Montonepa, Nepella and Paranepa, form two groups. These morphological groups are the terminal units in a phylogenetic analysis based on twenty-six male genital characters. The trees resulting from the analysis are distinctly different from Mahner's phylogenetic hypothesis for the family, which was based largely on nonreproductive traits. A hypothesis explaining the discordance of phylogenetic hypotheses generated from reproductive vs nonreproductive characters is presented.
Prediction of microalgae hydrothermal liquefaction products from feedstock biochemical composition

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) uses water under elevated temperatures and pressures (200–350 °C, 5–20 MPa) to convert biomass into liquid “biocrude” oil. Despite extensive reports on factors influencing microalgae cell composition during cultivation and separate reports on HTL products linked to cell composition, the field still lacks a quantitative model to predict HTL conversion product yield and qualities from feedstock biochemical composition; the tailoring of microalgae feedstock for downstream conversion is a unique and critical aspect of microalgae biofuels that must be leveraged upon for optimization of the whole process. This study developed predictive relationships for HTL biocrude yield and other conversion product characteristics based on HTL of Nannochloropsis oculata batches harvested with a wide range of compositions (23–59% dw lipids, 58–17% dw proteins, 12–22% dw carbohydrates) and a defatted batch (0% dw lipids, 75% dw proteins, 19% dw carbohydrates). HTL biocrude yield (33–68% dw) and carbon distribution (49–83%) increased in proportion to the fatty acid (FA) content. A component additivity model (predicting biocrude yield from lipid, protein, and carbohydrates) was more accurate predicting literature yields for diverse microalgae species than previous additivity models derived from model compounds. FA profiling of the biocrude product showed strong links to the initial feedstock FA profile of the lipid component, demonstrating that HTL acts as a water-based extraction process for FAs; the remainder non-FA structural components could be represented using the defatted batch. These findings were used to introduce a new FA-based model that predicts biocrude oil yields along with other critical parameters, and is capable of adjusting for the wide variations in HTL methodology and microalgae species through the defatted batch. The FA model was linked to an upstream cultivation model (Phototrophic Process Model), providing for the first time an integrated modeling framework to overcome a critical barrier to microalgae-derived HTL biofuels and enable predictive analysis of the overall microalgal-to-biofuel process.
Rottlerin, an inhibitor of protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta), inhibits astrocytic glutamate transport activity and reduces GLAST immunoreactivity by a mechanism that appears to be PKCdelta-independent.

Protein kinase C (PKC) regulates the activity and/or cell surface expression of several different neurotransmitter transporters, including subtypes of glutamate transporters. In the present study, the effects of pharmacological inhibitors of PKC were studied in primary astrocyte cultures that express the glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST) subtype of glutamate transporter. We found that general inhibitors of PKC, bisindolylmaleimide I (Bis I), bisindolylmaleimide II (Bis II), staurosporine and an inhibitor of classical PKCs, Go6976, had no effect on Na+-dependent glutamate transport activity. However, rottlerin, a putative specific inhibitor of PKCdelta, decreased transport activity with an IC50 value (less than 10 micro m) that is comparable to that reported for inhibition of PKCdelta. The effect of rottlerin was very rapid (maximal effect within 5 min) and was due to a decrease in the capacity (Vmax) for transport. Rottlerin also caused a drastic loss of GLAST immunoreactivity within 5 min, suggesting that rottlerin accelerates GLAST degradation/proteolysis. Rottlerin had no effect on cell surface or total expression of the transferrin receptor, providing evidence that the effect on GLAST cannot be attributed to a non-specific internalization/degradation of plasma membrane proteins. Down-regulation of PKCdelta with chronic phorbol ester treatment did not block rottlerin-mediated inhibition of transport activity. These results suggest a novel mechanism for regulation of the GLAST subtype of glutamate transporter and indicate that there is a rottlerin target that is capable of controlling the levels of GLAST by controlling the rate of degradation or limited proteolysis. It appears that the target for rottlerin may not be PKCdelta.
Les milieux d’affaires florentins, le commerce des draps et les marchés ottomans à la fin du XVe et au début du XVIe siècle

Les activites des negociants florentins, grâce a d’importants depots d’archives sur lesquels se sont penchees plusieurs generations d’historiens, sont relativement bien connues, mais il est des lacunes historiographiques persistantes qui necessitent d’etre comblees. Ainsi, si les relations commerciales de Venise, de Genes, d’Ancone ou de Raguse avec l’Empire ottoman ont fait l’objet de nombreux ecrits, Florence et ses marchands sont quasiment absents de l’historiographie. Ce present article a ainsi pour but a la fois de combler ce vide historiographique et de bouleverser l’image classique d’une Mediterranee orientale dominee par Genes et Venise et leurs constantes rivalites. Le corpus reuni, compose de documents issus de la pratique des affaires - registres de comptes et correspondances - offre d’abondantes informations sur le commerce qui etait alors effectue dans l’Empire par les marchands florentins et permet d’analyser leurs mecanismes d’insertion sur les plus importants marches de l’Empire ottoman a la fin du XVe siecle et au debut du XVIe.
Power and Goal Setting in Channel Negotiations

The authors investigate the use of a moderately high externally set profitability constraint as a goal-setting mechanism for controlling channel negotiators. Equal and high power channel members ar...
Thermodynamic Analysis of Transcritical Carbon Dioxide Cycles

Research on natural environmentally friendly refrigerants is very important especially because the world-wide agreement about restriction in the use of ozone depleting refrigerants. Carbon dioxide is a natural refrigerant that has been considered for certain refrigeration and air conditioning applications. The aim of this paper is to present a thermodynamic analysis of carbon dioxide cycles in order to evaluate the potential performance of a refrigeration cycle using carbon dioxide. A thermodynamic model for the cycle is developed which can simulate the operation of a carbon dioxide refrigeration/AC cycle. This model takes into account the practical effects of the thermo-physical properties of carbon dioxide as refrigerant in a trans-critical cycle. A sensitivity analysis has been conducted so that cycle performance is estimated. The cooling load, compressor power, and coefficient of performance (C.O.P.) were evaluated. One and two stages of compression were also considered for comparison purposes. Cycle performance was evaluated based on variation of important parameters such as evaporator, intermediate, and discharge pressures. The effects of cycle components on system capacity and cycle performance are also investigated. Comparison between performances of the CO2 cycle and the standard vapor compression cycle is performed. Thermodynamic calculations showed reasonable agreement with available experimental data based on the general assumptions made.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Prostaglandin dehydrogenase (PGDH) in granulosa cells of primate periovulatory follicles is regulated by the ovulatory gonadotropin surge via multiple G proteins.

Abstract The ovulatory gonadotropin surge increases granulosa cell prostaglandin synthesis as well as prostaglandin dehydrogenase (PGDH), the key enzyme responsible for prostaglandin metabolism. To investigate gonadotropin regulation of PGDH in the primate follicle, monkey granulosa cells were obtained across the 40-h periovulatory interval. PGDH activity was low before the ovulatory hCG stimulus, peaked 12–24 h after hCG, and was low again 36 h after hCG administration. Granulosa cells maintained in vitro with hCG showed a similar temporal pattern of PGDH. The LH/CG receptor can utilize multiple signaling pathways to regulate intracellular events. Gonadotropin-stimulated cAMP appears to act primarily via the Epacs to increase PGDH mRNA, protein, and activity. In contrast, PLC activation of PKC likely decreases PGDH mRNA, protein, and activity late in the periovulatory interval. Increased, then decreased PGDH activity may delay accumulation of prostaglandins in the follicle until late in the periovulatory interval, contributing to timely ovulation in primates.
Salmonella enterocolitis in infants and children

(1) Twenty-one cases of Salmonella enterocolitis in infants and children have been presented. The age of the patients ranged from 11 days to 12 years. Eighteen were less than 2 years, and 10 less than 3 months of age. (2) One of these cases represents an unusual instance of S. thompson enterocolitis. (3) Eleven cases of enterocolitis were due to S. typhi murium. Several of these patients were admitted because of this condition while others developed the diarrheal disorder during hospitalization for unrelated illnesses.
Design for Emerging Bottom of the Pyramid Markets: A Product Service System (PSS) Based Approach

Multi billion people exist at the bottom of the global economic pyramid (BOP). Increased consumer demand and enormous volume has helped turn these BOP into emerging markets with substantial profit potential. Current approaches for designing product and service solutions for BOP markets are ad-hoc in nature. Product Service Systems (PSS), products intertwined with services, can be highly adaptable to these emerging markets and provide an unique framework for designing solutions in the emerging BOP markets. This paper systematically approaches the problem of designing customized PSSs for emerging markets. The approach is based on results of an empirical study of multiple cases of existing successful products and services designed for BOP markets. As part of the study various cases are analyzed and high level principles for designing PSSs are derived from the empirical data. The utility of the approach is demonstrated through the conceptual design of a healthcare PSS for emerging markets.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Component analysis of ECG by computer

The present paper describes a set of interactive computer programs and methods (i.e., cardiac component analysis, CCA) that allow the collection, summation, and averaging of the time durations of the various ECG components. The programs are written in FORTRAN and run on a Texas Instruments minicomputer using an Intecolor 8001 terminal as the display device. The program’s features include analog-to-digital conversion, color display of individual heart-beats, operator interaction, and statistical summation with tabular output. Subroutines are well structured and easily transported to other machines. Although these programs may be used on-line, it has been more efficient to perform the analyses off-line, after a subject has completed the task. Various versions of the program have been used to analyze human, baboon, and dog ECGs in 2- to 30-sec epochs, at sample rates of 258 and 1,000 samples/sec. Preliminary results from an experiment of the effects of meditation and cognitive overload are discussed.